UMASS/AMHERST .312066 0333 3063 6 .^ ^^ » * ''l^ii' LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE souRCE_,C_QUe5^_e;....|:u.rigs. [The Gabdkn Dec. 30, 1S09.] The Garden ] [Dec. 30, 1899. A SPANISH CHESTNUT IN GEEENWICH PAKK. -^ ■sfjiit. ILLUSTRATED WEEKLY JOURNAL HORTICULTURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. FOUNDED BY W. Holnnson, Author of the "English Flower Garden.''- " You see, sweet maiJ, we irarry A gentler scion to the wildest stock ; Auil make conceive a bark of baser kind By bud of nobler race : This is an art Which does mend Nature, — change it rather : but The art itself is nature." Shal-espeare. VOL. LVI. -CHRISTMAS, 1899. LONDON : OFFICE: 37, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, COVEKT GAEDEN, W.C. The Gareex ] (.^ ^^SM ^ijg *''=3K:''-r;--^U^f^ [Dec. 30, 18GS. vTo the HUinori) of M. HENRY DE VIL/VIORIN THE FIFTY-SIXTH VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN" ills ticb'uatfb. »'. B., Deeemher, 189ft Deo. 30, 1899.J THE GARDEN INDEX. INDEX TO VOLUME LVL (Up to week ending December 23.) Illustrations in Italics. Abelia uniflora, 510 Abies at Ochtertyre, near Crieff, 483 ; Douglasi pumila, S9 Abutilon Golden Fleece, 191, 366, 460 ; vexil- larium, 465 Abutilons planted out, 279 Acacia cordata, 139 ; part of a plant of, 139 ; de- currens in California, 335 Acacias in California, 335 Academy, Royal, flowers at, 69 Acalypha Godseffiana, 48 ; hispida, 211, 382 ; Sanderiana, 20 Acantholimon glumaceum, 17 ; in Meisrs. Vcitch's nursery at Exeter, 17 ; venustum, 71 Acanthus mollis latifolius, 149 Acer californicum aureum, 89, 151 ; circinatum, 342 : heterophyllnm, 342 ; palmatum, 342 Achimenes, 182 Ada aurantiaca, 499 Adenocalymna nitidum, 48 Adenophora liliifolia, 131 Adiantum :\>thiopicum alatum, 282 ; Burni, 347 ; cardiochh-enum, 282; elegans, 283: formosum, 186 ; formosum, 186 ; glaucophyllutn, 100 : in a porous Jar, 106 ; tetraphyllum acuminatum, 282 ; trapeziforme, 282 ; Wilesianum, 106 Adiantums for the cool fernery, 24, 60 ; on a wall, 246 Aerides crassifolium, 22 ; multiflorum, 201 ; Warneri, 21 Agapanthus umbellatug, 286 Agave Woodrowi, 509 Agrilus sinuatus, 35 Alders, the, 503 AUamanda grandiflora, 140 ; Hendersoni, 335 AUamandas, 26.'> Alnua alnobetula, 505 ; angularis, 505 ; autumn- alis, 505 ; barbata, 504 ; cordifolia, 504 ; glauca, 505; glutinosa, 504; (/., 504; g. aurea, 504 ; g. imperialis, 504 ; g. laciniata, 504 ; y. laciniata, 504 ; g. macrocarpa, 504 ; g. oxy- acanthifolia, 504 ; s. rubro-nervia, 504 ; in- cana, 504 ; incana, 504 ; japonica, 505 ; lacini- ata, 505 : latifolia, 505 ; nervosa, 504 ; ob- longata, 504 ; orientalis, 505 ; pinnatifida, 505 ; rugosa, 505 ; serrulata, 505 ; sub-cordata, 504 ; sub-laciniata, 505 ; undulata, 505 ; viridis, 504 Alonzoa Warscewiczi, 86 Alpinia mutica, 141 Althfea frutex, 159 Alyasum maritimum, 348, 366 ; compactum, 388 Amasonia punicea, 325 Anemia coUina, 506 ; Dregeana, 506 ; phyllitidis, 506 ; rotundifolia, 506 ; villosa, 506 Anemias, 506 Amianthium muscajtoxicum, 72 Ampelopsis Hoggi, 366 Anffictochili, 148 Anchusa italica, 110 Androeace lanuginosa, 348 Anemone alpina, 237, 270, 299 : alpina, 237 ; blanda, 329 ; and varieties, 280 ; scythinica, 366 ; japonica, a curious form of, 447 ; elegans, 329 ; Pulsatilla, 387 ; from seed, 364 Anguloa eburnea, 240 ; Ruckeri sanguinea, 53 Annuals, hardy, in S.W. Scotland, 111 Anomatheca cruenta, 171, 387 Antholyza lethiopica, 427 ; vittigera, 385, 408 ; paniculata, 192 Aphis, the woolly, 200 Apple Adams' Pearmain, 369 ; Armorel, 394 ; Barsaleg Pippin, 426 ; Beauty of Bath, 133, 300 ; Ben's Red, 231 ; Bismarck, 312, 357, 462 ; Bramley's', 474 ; Cellini, 166 ; Cellini, 166 : Cornish GilliBower, 427, 472 ; Court of Wick, .398 ; Court pendu Plat, 493 ; Cox's Orange, 343 ; a fruiting branch of, 462 : Pippin, 462, 472; crop, variableness of the, 351 ; Devonshire Quarrenden, 272, 370 ; Duke of Devonshire, 398, 493 ; Early Victoria, 151 ; Emperor Alex- ander, 34, 272, 395 ; exhibitions, 410 ; Flanders Pippin, 492 ; Gascoigne's Seedling, 462 ; Golden Harvey, 398 ; Nonpareil, 398 ; Reinette, 396; Russet, 398; Hawthornden, 313, 352; King of the Pippins, 303 ; Lady Kinloch, 272 ; Mabbot's Pearmain, 390 ; Margil, 473 ; Manks Codlin, .356 ; Manks Godlin, 226 ; Miss Philh- more, 386; Mr. Gladstone, 102: Newton Wonder, 474 ; Parroquet, 347 ; Pearmain, 472 ; Peasgood's Nonsuch, 259, 352, 427 ; Rambour Franc, 352; Red Beitingheimer, 354 ; School- master, 394 ; Stirling Castle for small gardens, 353 ; Stanway Pippm, 508 ; Sturmer Pippin, 398 ; T. A. Knight, 231 ; tree unhealthy, .52 ; trees, planting, 397 ; Tyler's Kernel, 302, 311 ; Venn's Pippin, 231: Washington, 260, 396; White .Juneating, 164 ; Wormsley Grange Pip- pin, 394 Apples and Pears, pruning, 354 ; at Ottawa, 410 ; Australian stocks for, 343 ; burnt refuse for, 260 ; dessert, 398 ; dessert, at the Crystal Palace, 313 ; gathering, 258 ; in Hereford, 07 ; late, 355 ; failing, 234 ; keeping, 357 : on walls, 493 ; reliable early, 226 ; shapely, 313 ; three good, 272 ; well kept, 3 Apricot trees, lifting and replanting, 271 Apricots, 74 ; notes on, 166 Aralia Sieboldi variegata in flower, 447, 469 Arbutus Unedo Croomei, 447 Arcade, Cliallis' fruit tree, 353 Ardisia primul:vfolia, 498 Arenaria and Cypripedium, 217 ; A. montana and Gyijripedium motitanum at Kew, 217 Ariscolochia elegans, 460 ; gigas, 264 ; Sipho, 152 Arpophyllum giganteum, 179 Arrowhead, the great, 108 Artichokes, Globe, 105 Arums, summer treatment of, 19 Arundina bambusiefolia, 422 Arundinaria aneeps, 438 ; angustifolia, 435 ; aristata, 434 ; auricoma, 434 ; chrysantha, 434 : falcata, 433 ; Falconeri, 433 ; Fortunei, 434; F. fol. var., 434; Hindsi, 434; H. var. graminea, 434 ; humilis, 434 : japonica, 434 ; _;'. at CastleweUan, 439 : Laydekeri, 436 ; macro- sperma, 434 ; marmorea, 436 ; Maximowiczi, 434 ; metallica. 435 ; Nagashima, 436 : nitida, 435 ; nobilis, 438 ; n. at Menabilly, 444 ; pygm;ea, 436 ; racemosa, 434 : Simoni, 435 ; S. var. striata, 435 ; spathiflora, 434 ; Veitchi, 435 Arundo conspicua, 211 ; donax macrophylla, 89 Ash, the Mountain, 266 ; Weeping, 178 Asparagus, 451; cutting, 56; feeding, 196; market bunch of, 157 ; Purple Argenteuil, 26 ; raising, growing, and forcing, 156 Aster acris at Whittingham, 251 ; Amellus, 273 ; A. and others, 3.32 ; Distinction, 308 ; Coombe- fishacre, 364 ; F. W. Burbidge, 273 ; grandi- florus, 427 ; John Wood, 367 ; Mrs. W. Peters, 231 ; N.-B. densus, 328 ; hvvigatus, 328 ; Robert Parker nanus, 294, 367 ; Novi-Belgii nanus, 232 ; Shorti, 232 ; Slracheyi, 38 ; Stracheyi, 38 ; Thomsoni, 270 Asters, single, 251 : some sorts which have failed, 232 ; Victoria, 283 Atriplex hortensis purpureus, 251 Angra-cum bilohum, 372 ; Eichlerianum, 423 ; Scottianum, 179 : sesquipedale, 431 Angriiicums, wmterine small, 361 August in S. Devon, 220 Auriculas, border, 456 Azalea Mrs. Turntr, 306; Vaseyi, 119; Vaseyi flowers cf, 1 19 Azaleas, 6, 306 Baden-Baden, notes from, 63. 212 Bamboos (Dorset coast), 442 ; in, a seashore Cornish i/ardni, 399 ; the, 433 Batnbusa disticha, 438 ; palmata, 435 -.p. at Casl'e- irdlan, 435 ; pumila, 434 ; quadrangularis, 436 ; senanensis, 435 : tessellata, 435 Banana, the, in cultivation and commerce, 141 Barkeria elegans, 280 Bean, French, Covent Garden Early Negro, 91 ; Ne plus Ultra, 91 ; Perfection, 91 : Progress, 90 ; stringless, 91 : fruiting of the Indian, 269 Beans, as garden breaks, 27 : Broad, 26, 158 ; climbing, 263 ; butter, 320 ; dwarf kidney, 195 : early Broad, 25 ; French, 25 ; runner, 196 Bed, a pretty mixed, 384 Beeches in New Zealand, 271 Bees and wasps, 176 Beet, 451 ; early, 26 : Globe-shaped, 476 ; Sutton's Blood Red, 76 ; Turnip p. long-rooted, 451 Beetroot, a good keeping, 8 Beets, 263 Begonia Adonis, 497 ; Aigrette, 418 ; Caledonia, 3S5, 432 : carminata, 279, 391 : Credneri, 366 Uregei, 391. 432; Ensign, 497 ; Gloire de Lor raine, 264. 335, 387 ; G. de L., varieties of, 383 heradeifolia, 248 ; John Heal, 497 ; M. Wannot, 39 ; Mr. John Caulfield, 89 ; Mrs. Heal, 498 Mrs. L. de Rothschild, 229, 279, 392; Myra 497 ; semperflorens gigantea, 470 : s. g. rosea 497 ; socotrana, 489 ; s., hybrids of, 497 : Sylvia. 425, 498 ; Winter Cheer, 498 ; Winter Gem, 497 Begonias and dry weather, 218 ; at Kirkconnel N.B., 232 ; basket, 469 ; where they grow, 153 winter-flowering, 248 Belladonna Lily and Peruvian Swamp Lily, 223 and Zephyranlhes at Kew, 223 Berks, November flowers in, 391 Biennials, raising, 334 Bignonia radicans, 401 Birds and fruit growing, 446 ; and the Apple and Pear crops, 259 ; in gardens, usefulness of, 403, Blight, American, treatment of, 396 ; woolly aphis, &c., 473 Books — " A Text-Book of Plant Diseases," 75 "Album desOrchidSes," 47 ^^ "Calendar of Flowering Trees and Shrubs, 305 ^ , "Catalogue of Plants in Abbotsbury Gardens, 470 " More Pot Pourri," 327 " Murray's Handbook of Somerset," 48 ^^ " Murray's Handbook to Wilts and Dorset, 293 " The Birds of Berwickshire," 292 " The Flora of Cheshire," 75 " The Solitary Summer, 169 "The Strawberry Manual," 340 " The Teaching Botanist," 340 " "\regetables for Exhibition and House Sup- plies," 32S Borders, flat i: sloping, 409, 476 Bougainvillea glabra in Hyde Park, 256 Bouillie Bordelaise, .305 Bouvardia Humboldti corymbiflora, 140 : grandi- flora, 191 ; odorata alba, 509 ; President Gar- field, 383 Bouvardias, 279 VI THE GAEDEN INDEX: [Dec. 30, 1899. Bramble, the Parsley-leaved, 232 Brassavola glauca, 423 Brassia Keiliana, 21 Brier, Sweet, Anne of Geierstein, 14, 54 : Meg Merrilies, 317 Briers, Lord Penzance's hybrid, 69 Brightness in the winter, 490 Broccoli crop, the autumn, 195 ; heeling in, 411 : late, 478 ; planting, 44 : self-protecting, 25 Brodiaja coccinea, 4 Broom, the Spanish, 120 Brussels Sprouts, 293, 47S ; quality in, 450 Buckthorn, the Sea, 427 Budding and grafting, some results from, 175 Buddleia Colvillei in Surrey, 4 ; variabilis, 139 Bulbs, Californian, for forcing, 299 ; planting small and choice, 390 Buphthalmum salicifolium, 501 Cabbage, early spring, 196 ; old Essex, 478 ; pest, a peculiar, 76 ; picliling, 412 ; spring sowing of, 158 ; St. Martin's, 386 Cabbages in November, 26 ; Savoy, 320 Caesalpinia Gilliesi, 294 Caladium A. Siebert, 50 ; Mme. Jean Dabowski, 89 ; Mitjana, 50 Calanthe Veitchi, feeding, 314 ; veratrifolia, 241 ; vestita luteo-oculata, 430 California, notes from, 49, 503 ; some recent flower creations in, 197 Callistephus hortensis, 348, 367, 457, 501 ; sinensis, 362, 3S5, 427 Calochorti at Wisley, 58 Campanula balchinensis, 392 ; betulsefolia, 131 ; Burghalti, 31 ; carpatica pelviformis, 131, 152; c. (Riverslea var.), 51 ; cenisia, 71 ; excisa, 151 ; G. F. Wilson, 71 ; grandis alba, 72 -, Hendersoni, 171; isophylla, 129; ilariesi alba, 110; Mayi, 89, 151 ; mirabilis. 111 ; persicifolia, 71 ; p. alba grandiflora, 32 ; Profusion, 171 ; puUa, 108 ; p. atRaimes Lodge, 32 ; pyramidalis, 211 ; p. alba, 447; soldanelheflora fl.-pl., Ill : Vidali, 1.32, 140 ; Waldsteiniana, 92 ; Warleyi, 89, 92 Campanulas, Peach-leaved, 19 Canarina campanulata, 489 Canker fungus, the, 440; is potash a cure for' 341' Canna Alemannia, 240; Beaute Poitevine, 190 Cannas in tubs, 252 Canterbury Bells, 41 Canterbury, hailstorm at, 51 Caragana arborescens, 177 ; nana, 177 : pendula, 177 ; Kedowski, 177 ; Ridowski in Ihe Royal Gardens, Kew, 177 ; aurantiaca, 177 ; Chamlagu, 177 ; frutescens, 177 ; angustifolia, 178 ; jubata, 178 ; microphylla, 178 ; pygmsea, 178 ; spinosa, 178 Cardiospermum Halicacabum, 382 ; Halicacabum, 382 Cardoon Blanc d'lvoire, 293 Cardoons, 27 Carduncellus pinnatus, 273 Carica Papaya, 470 Carnation Heather Bell, 50 ; Isinglass, 91 ; Lady Gerard, 9; Leopold de Rothschild, 155; Miss Audrey Campbell, 418 ; Mrs. G. Foster, 330 ; Mrs. L. de Rothschild, 483; Reginald Godfrey, 324; Rosalind, 50; The Baron, .50 ; Trojan, 9 Carnations, 20 ; and Picotees at the Crystal Palace, 107 ; autumn planting, 240 ; border at Chelsea, 87 ; failing, 40 ; in winter, 480 : old and new Tree, 383 ; rust on, 324 ; Tree, housing, 335 ; yellow ground and fancy, 131 ; 1899, 153 Carrot Early Gem, 411 ; Matchless Scarlet, 320; Short Horn, 8 Carrots, 222; early stump.rooted, 496; French, 320 ; long v. short, 496 : winter and spring, 25 Carsethorn, a note from, 448 Caryopteris mastacanthus, 268, 269, 294, 326, 329, 427, 447 ; m. albus, 465 Cassia corymbosa, 140, 329 Castor-oil plants, 315 Catalpa hybrida, 79 ; syringaefolia fruiting, 252 Catalpas fruiting, 401 Catasetum callosum, 371 ; Christyanum, 423 Caterpillars and Gooseberries, 355 ; the plague of, 68 . . P g Cattleya Aclandife, 20 ; aurea, 202 ; bicolor, 314 Brymeriana, 479 ; citrina, 46.") ; Dowiana aurea (Little's var.), 307 ; elatior, .jOS ; Eldorado, 53 ; Gaskelliana formosa, 9 ; gigas, 47 ; gut tata Leopoldi, 181; Hardyana, 360, 479; Har risoni;i.', 202, 479; H. alba, 49; Imperator, 479 ; intricata, 479 ; Kienastiana Aurora, 229 Krameriana, 479 ; labiata, 385 ; 1. at Fir Grange, 431 ; 1. autumnalis, 314 ; 1. Gilmouri^ 385 : 1. Princess of Wales, 385 : luteola, 360 Luddemanniana alba, 229 ; Maggie Raphael 466 ; Massaiana, 479 ; Measuresi, 479 ; Men deli, 202 ; Mossiie var. Lawrencete, 9 ; Mrs .J. W. Whiteley, 425 ; Patrocini, 479 ; Prin cess, 346 ; resplendens, 479 ; Schotieldiana; 94 ; venosa, 479 ; vestalis, 425 ; Victoria Re gina, 479 ; vreedonensis, 267 ; Whitei, 149 181, 479 Cattleyas, watering, 147 Cauliflower grub, the, 44, 56 ; Veitch's Autumn Giant, 357 Cauliflowers, early, 44 Ceanothus americanus, 137; a., group of, in the Royal Gardens, Kew, 137 ; azureus, 137 ; Car- men, 1.38 ; Ceres, 1.38 ; cuneatus, 138 ; den- tatus, 138 ; divaricatus, 138 ; Gloire de Ver- sailles, 137 ; integerrimus, 138 ; papillosus, 138 ; rigidus, 138 ; Sceptre d'Azur, 138 ; thyrsiflorus, 138 ; Veitchianus, 138 ; velutinus, 138 ; virginalis, 137 Ceanothuses, 1.37 Celery fly, the, 270 ; grubs in, 348 ; late, 338 ; Major Clarke's Solid Red, 478 ; transplanting, 26, 159 ; trouble with the, 105 ; watering, 158 Celosia pyramidalis, 427 Celosias, 383 Centaurea americana alba, 150 ; moschata alba, 71 Cc.reus coluhrinus x PhyUocacius Ackermanni, 196 ; triangularis, 366 Ceropegia Woodi, 279 Cestrum aurantiacum, 489 Cham;erop3 Fortunei in fruit, o'iS Chambers Court, Tcn-l-eshury, 501 Chancery Lane, oasis in, 408 Chelone obliqua, 211 Cherries on walls and in the open, 75 : the, 233 Cherry Late Duke, 67, 312 ; Slorello, bush trees of, 168 ; Noble, 90 ; Rivers' Early Black, 35 ; the Koslov Morello, 271 ; the Sand, as a stock, 176 Chestnut, pruning the Horse, 310 : the Horse, 23 ; the Horse, 23 Chimonanthus fragrans, 122 ; fruijrans, 123 ; nitens, 123 Chironia ixifera, 265 Choisya ternata, 402 Chrysanthemum, a plea for a hardier, 429 : Ad- miral Symonds, 447 ; Ambroise Thomas, .346 ; Australian Gold, 380 ; Au3tralle, 382 ; Chats- worth, 469 ; Chrysanthemiste Bruant, 417 ; Clinton Chalfont, 417 : Comte de Germiny, 458 ; CuUingfordi, 380 ; cuttings, 487 ; C. W. Richardson, 494 ; decline of the incurved, 380 ; Edith, 469 ; Edith Pilkington, 368 : Emily Silsbury, 291 ; Etoile de Feu, 391 ; Firefly, 417 ; Fleur de Marie, 488 ; Florence Molyneux, 346, 368 ; Francois Villermot, 292 ; General Symons, 407, 430 ; George Towers, 407 ; Gloire de Rocher, 381 ; Golden Sheaf, 415 ; growing round Norwich, 291 ; H. .1. Jones, 417; Hairy Wonder, 415, 488 ; Hanwell Glory, 417 ; Harvest Home, 292 ; Hooper Pearson, 347 ; J. R. Upton, 469 ; Jeanne Dfilaux, 429 : Jules Mary, 294 ; Kathleen Rogers, 345 ; Klondike, ■350 ; Lady Fitzwvgram, 236 ; yellow var., 269; Lady Temple, 36S ; Le Grand Dragon, 347, 382 : Lemon Queen, 346 ; Little Pet, 407 ; M. Louis Remy, 346, 430 ; Marie Calvat, 380 ; maximum Triumph, 2.32 ; Miss Alice Byron, 346, 348, 368 ; Miss Edith Pilkington, .347 ; Miss Godmark, ,368 ; Miss Rose, 427, 494 ; Mme. Carnot, 292 ; Mme. C. Desgranges, 509 ; Mme. E. Roger, 458 ; Mme. R. Cadbury, 467 ; Mme. Liger Ligneau, 269, 291 ; Mr. A. H. Hall, 292, 368 : Mrs. Alfred Tate, 425 ; Mrs. Burrell, 294 ; Mrs. F. B. Garrard, 407 : Mrs. Filkins, 430 ; Mrs. Grogan, 407 ; Mrs. Hawkins, 323 ; Mrs. Langtry, 494 ; Mrs. Mease, 417 ; Mrs. White-Popham, 346, 430 ; Mrs. Wingfield, .350; Mychett White, 292 : notes, 115; Oscar, 467 ; Peter the Great, 382 ; Piercy's Seedling, 232; Princess Victoria (yellow var.), 509; Queen of the Earlies, 292 : R. Hooper Pearson, 350, 470, 494 ; Ralph Hatton, 407 ; rust, 380, 489 ; shows, berried plants at, 418; shows, foreign, 345 ; shows, prizes at, 457 ; sports, 494 ; Soeur Doroth(?e Souille, ,382 ; Swur Melanie, 417 ; Soleil d'Octobre, 323 ; Val d'Andorre, 427 ; Vicar of Leatherhead, 407 : Wattle Blossom, 345 ; Western King, 469 ; Winter White, 509 Chrysanthemums at Chelsea, 416; at Earlswood, 350 ; at Framfield, 414 : at Lewisham, 416 ; at Swanley, 381 ; at the Aquarium, 41-i ; at the Drill Hall, 351 ; Australian seedlings, 291 ; bush, 487 : Calvat's novelties. 487 ; coddling, 457, 494 : border, at the R.H.S., Chiswick, 430 ; disbudding, 45S ; discarding old varieties, 350, 416 ; early flowering, 272, 322 ; exhibiting large blooms in vases, 487 ; exhibiting single, 488 ; fed r. unfed, .323, 350 ; good old, 487 ; grown in Moss, 430 ; hairy, 416 ; hardy, 488 ; how to use large exhibition blooms of, 345 ; in open air in December, 458 ; in Peach houses, 323 ; in the parks, 310 ; in the west of England, 489 ; late, 488 ; M. Nonin's seedling, 414 ; naturally grown, 382 ; new, at Heywood, 381 ; new French seed- ling, 414 ; notes on varieties of, 415 ; October, 381 ; pompon, 417 ; prospects ot the season, 349 ; rust on, 350 ; seasonable notes, 236 ; single, 416, 429 ; Snowdrop and Primrose League, 469 ; some new, 488 : standing the pots on grass, 212 ; undisbudded, 4,58 ; unhealthy, 132 ; varieties of, 458 ; yellow, of recent origin, 381 Chysis l^vis, 179 Cibotium Schiedei, 283 Cimicifuga racemosa, 110 Clarkia elegans Salmon (^)ueen, 71 Clematis cirrhosa, 457, 490 ; integrifolia, 194 ; La France, 257; Viticella alba, 171 Clematises, 38 ; a remedy for the disease in, 163 Clerodendron fallax, 139 ; trichotomum, 172, .367, 387, 506 Clethra alnifolia for market, 88 Climber, a beautiful, 169 Clivia miniata citrina, 338 Clove, the old Crimson, 154, 191 Coal ashes for Potatoes, 320, 357 Cochlioda Noezliana, 465 ; rosea, 465 ; sanguinea, 465 ; vulcanica, 465 Cochliodas, 465 Cn'Iogyne cristata in winter, 431 ; pandurata, 22; speciosa, 465 Calogynes, winter treatment of, 371 Colchicum autumnale album plenum, 294 ; Sib- thorpi, 391, 427, 469, 510 Coleus Beckwith Gem, 48 ; thyrsoideua, 82 Columbines, hybrid, 31 Commons and footpaths, public, 510 Conference mania, the, 490, 510 Convolvulus Cneorum, 428 ; mauritanicus, 269 Cordyline australis, 203 ; in flower, 203 Cordylines at Penjerrick, 424 Coreopsis grandiflora, 58 Coris monspeliensis, 110 Cornus macrophylla, 89 Coronilla iberica, 32 Corsham Court, trees at, 505 Cortaderia Lamttleyi foliis varieijatis, 333 Cosmos, neic seedlim/, at Ventura, California, 197 Costus igneus from seed, 141 Cottage gardens, lock and ferry, 212 (Jowslip, the double, 457 Crabs, some ornamental, 400 Crassula lactea, 489 Crinum Powelli, 237, 457 ; roseum, 264 Crocus asturicus, 392 ; autumn, in grass, 328 ; cancellatus, .329 ; hyemalis, 489 ; lasvigatus, 3S8 ; longiflorus, 388 ; ochroleucus, 447 ; spe- ciosus Aitchisoni, 385 Crops, fruit and veeetable, 247 ; green, the winter and spring, 76 Croton Eugenie Chantrier, 496 Crowea latifolia, 191 Crown Imperial, dark -flowered, 390 ; Imperials, 358 Dec. 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN INDEX. Vll Ciyatal Palace fruit show, notes on the, 356 Cucumber Beckett's Achievement, 231 ; Royal Osborne, 27 Cucumbers, market, 293 ; winter, in pots, 136 Cupressus Lawsoniana Wisaeli, 150 Curculigos, 418 Curcuma Roscoeana, 324 Currant, a profitable Black, 4',t3 Currants, Black, a moist root-run for, 167 ; Black, pruning, 3 ; on north walls, 312 Cyclamen, double, 447 : hedentfolium, 269 ; re- potting, 265 ; seed, sowing, 249 Cyclamens, 431 ; repotting, 497 Cycnoches maculatum, 360 Cymbidium eburneum, 179 ; longifolium, 466 ; Traceyanum, 42, 465 Cyperus fertilis, 48 Cypripedium amandum, 280 ; Arthurianum, 423 ; Calceolus, naturalisins, 502 ; Captain Holford, 189 : Charlesworthi, 314 : conco-callosum, 508 ; Exul, 179 ; Fred Hardy, 360 ; grande, 240 ; Hera Euryades, 466 : Hera Euryades var. splendens, 508 ; insigno at Syon, 488 ; i. gi- ganteum, 404 ; Leeanum, 479 ; Lord Roberts, 508 ; Milo (Westonbirt var.), 425 ; Parishi, 213: Sanderianum, 118; Schillianum, 49; Se- deni, 280 ; S. candidulum, 93 ; Spicerianum ni- grescens, 423 ; Stonei candidum, 49 ; super- biens, 93 Cyrtanthi in flower, 139 Cytisus nigricans, 341 : pr.-Ecox, 37 ; pru'co.v, 37 Dacrydium Frankllni at Pi njcrrick, 413 Daffodil seeds, sowing, 87 Daffodils, 315 ; two Dutch, 222 Dahlia Augustus Hare, 268 ; Ajax, 150 ; Antler, 150 ; Britannia, 131 ; Cheerfulness, 230 ; Daisy, 230; Eddie Olbein, 230; Eileen Palliser, 3o6 ; Emperor, 230; Empress, 230; Ethel, 317; Fantasy, 195 ; Flame, 230 ; Green's White, 230, 251 ; Innovation, 230 ; Island Queen, 272 : Loadstone, 230 ; Magnificent, 131, 250, 299 ; Mary Service, 256 : Mayor Tuppeny, 230 ; Mayor Weston, 230 ; Maurica T. Walsh, 230 ; Mme. Medora Henson, 268 ; Mrs. J. H. Lus- combe. 190 ; Mrs. J. J. Crowe, 229, 231 ; Mrs. John Goddard, 131 ; Mrs. Sanders, 269 ; Mrs. Stepheneon Clarke, 19:t, 218; National Society's second exhibition, 2S3 ; Nellie Nicholson, 230 ; Red Rover, 229, 231 ; show, the Aquarium, 269 ; Sylph, 150 ; Uncle Tom, 2.30 ; Veronica, 230 Dahlias, a feast of, 255 ; and Marigolds in the open, 427 ; at the Westminster Aquarium, 317 ; awarding certificates to new, 238 ; Cactus, 215, 256 ; at the Crystal Palace, 217, 256 : caterpillars on, 152 ; for garden decoration, 194 ; in Novem- ber, 457 ; new, at the Crystal Palace, 250 ; new Cactus. 316 ; pompon, 316 ; pompon, at Chis- wick, 284 ; selecting, 3l.)0 Daisies, Michaelmas, 390 Damsons and Bullaces, 312 Daphne indica, 483 Datura Stramonium, .362 Davallia epiphylla, 282 ; illustris, 9 ; solida, 282 Delphinium Jose Marie deHeredia, 89 ; Michael Lando, 50 ; Sir W. Scott, 9 ; sulphureum, 91 Delphiniums, seedling, 41 Dendrobium Aphrodite, 148 ; aqueum, 431 ; aureum, .371: bigibbum, 332, .500; chrysan- thum, 213; Culogyne, 385; cucullatum, 119 ; d'Albertisi, 180 ; Dalhousianum, 240 ; Dearei, 94 ; formosum, ISO ; giganteum, 331, 371 : fim- briatumoculatum, 72 ; infundibulum, 404 ; nobile, 314 ; n. Cooksonianum, 179 ; n., curious sporD on, 118 : sanguinolentum, 480 : spectabile, 507 ; superbiens, 241 ; superbum, 21, 361 ; Waidi- anum, 53 Dendrobiums, notes on, 94 Dendrochilum Lobbianum, 371 ; filiforme, 181 Deutzia discolor purpurascens, 38 ; Lsmoinei, 4, 32 ; in S.W. of Scotland, 71 Devon, flowering climbers in, 216 ; November flowers in, 388 ; September climbers in, 300 ; South, October climbers in, 384 ; trees and shrubs in bloom in, 37 Dianthus alpinus, 214 ; arenarius, 214 : barbatus Elizabeth, 50 ; ciesius, 214 ; callizonus, 215 ; deltoides, 214 ; Fettes Mount, 4 ; fragrans, 215; gallicus, 214 : glacialis, 214 ; Heddewigi for buttonholes, 300 : Knappi, 215 ; masmena>as, 215; neglectus, 214; petr.TUS, 215 ; superbus, 215 : sylvestris, 215 Dicksonia antarctica, 283 ; in the c/ien air at Pcn- Jerrict, 418 Didymochlaena truncatula, 282 Digitalis lanata, 62 Dipladenia Sanderi, 191 DisaClio superba, 89 ; grandiflora Barrelli, 179 Dracwna indivisa Schneideri, 9 ; Sanderiana viridis, 366 : The Queen, 425 Drosera dichotoma, 382 Drought, break up of the, 249 Dublin, a blizzard in, 388 : a note from, 484 Dutchman's Pipe, the, 152 Echinacea purpurea, 1.52 Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, 333 Elms, the two, .38 Eucomis punctata, 2.52, 329 ; in the open, 299 Epidendrum arachnoglossum, 21 ; aurantiacum, 181 ; Brassavolje, 118 : cuspidatum, 202 ; evec- tum, .371 ; falcatum, 213 ; purum, 360; radia- tum, 46 ; vitellinum, 95 : Wallisi, 314 Epi L;tlia Charlesworthi, 49 Epiphyllum Russellianum, 202 ; truncatum, 202 ; t., a fine, 427 Epiphyllums, 202, 502 Episode, an, 312 Eranthemum pulcbellum, 388 Eremuriit ElireM in Mr. Hindmanh's garden, at Alnhanh, Aliiirick: 188; in the north, 188; Elwesianus in Westmoreland, 132; himalaicus, 42 Erigeron glaucus, 17 ; speciosus superbus, 71, 489 Eriogonum sub-umbellitum, 4 Escallonia langleyensis, 38 Eschscholtzia crocea, 427 Eschscholtzias, late-sown, 366 Eucharis amazonica, 264, 391, 432, 483 : bur- fordensis, 2'29 Euphorbia coroUata, 195 ; fulgens, 509 ; splen- dens, 122 Euphorbias planted out, 279 Exacum macranthum, 388 Fabiana imbricata, 4 Fallacy, the, as to " matters of taste," 453 Fatsia japonica ripening seed, 31 Fern spores, 247, 283, 424 ; sowing, 186 ; the Royal, 91 Ferns, basket, 449 ; flowering, 506 ; for decorat- ing rooms, 450 ; Gold and Silver, 13 ; hardy, 424 ; non-British, 52 ; in Yorkshire, 13 ; notes on hardy, 450 ; on cork, 122 ; on tree stumps, 13 ; specimen, 282 ; sunlight for, 424, 449 ; Trre, and Japan Muaa in an old quarry, Corn- wall, 393 Ferula tingitana, 51 Figs casting their fruit, .397 ; late, 3.36, 402 ; open-air, 176, 257 ; in Wales, 312 Filbert, the Purple, 227 Filberts and Cobnuts, 474 Fir, the Douglas, 271 Fittonias, 279 Flower garden, a plea for simplicity in the, 107 ; notes, 85, 155, 188, 216, 285, 456 ; gardening, grotesque, 330 Flowers, December, 469 ; hardy, at Summerville, Dumfries, 154 ; new soil tor, 88 ; Japanese ways of arranging, 97 ; outdoor, for cutting, 18 ; thrips on, 191 Forestry question, the, 24 Fraxinus excelsior var. pendula, 178 Free.«ias, 279 ; failing, 335, 383 Fritillaria pluriflora, 92 Frost in cold frames, 496 Fruit and vegetable crops, 115, 144, 160, 184, 204, 224, 277, 296 : " appropriation," 290 ; at Norwich show, 463 ; borders, seaweed for, 311 ; borders, sloping, 493 ; exhibiting, 235, 271, 313 ; flavour in, 65 ; growers, puzzled amateur, 343 ; growing on overhanging trees, ownership of, 172 ; housep, cleaning, 356 ; rabbits, protect- ing from, 492 ; rooms, 493 ; spraying, 100 ; tree arcades, Ghallis's, 353 ; tree arcades xhoiriv;/ mode of jirotirtimj fruit, 355 ; tree borders, loose, 227 ; trees, cropping under, 166 ; trees, cor: rugated iron fence for, 235 ; trees on north walls, 73; trees, summer pinching of, 200; young wood on old, 3 ; rottenness in, and mummi- fication in Peaches, 99 : worn-out, 101 Fruiting of the Indian Bean, 269 Fruits, hardy, work amontr, 24, 83, 123, 163, 204, 243, 321, 359, 399, 439. 482; under glass, work among, 7, 45, 64, 103, 143, 183, 224, 261, 339, 379, 420, 461, 502 Fuchsia fulgens planted out, 384 Fuchsias in S.W. Scotland, 273 ; in the flower garden, 215 ; greenhouse, 71 Fuukia subcordata grandiflora, .390 Gaillardia Langport, 19 Gaillardias, 72 Galanthus Rachel*, 469 Galeandra Baueri, 241 ; nivalis, 21 Galega officinalis, 149 Galtonia candicans, 211 Garden, a lawn, in <;louce3ter, 501 : claim to produce of, 252 ; in a Cornish, 393 ; in a Cornish, 404; notes from a Cornish, 52, 111, 191, 3S8 ; planting a, 408 Gardens, Cornish cottage, 267 ; window, prizes for, 372 Garrya elliptica in East Lothian, 251 Genista cicerea, 38 Gentiana asclepiadea, 287, 294 ; alba, 152 ; linearis, 152; tibetica, 151 Geranium cinereum album, 91, 131 ; Crystal Palace Gem, 195 : Henry .lacoby, 131 ; Mageuts^ Queen, 256 ; Phitum, 4 Geraniums for winter flowering, 88 Gerbera Jamesoni, 272, 385 Geum Heldreichi, 71 Gillenia trifoliata, 17, 88 Gladiolus bulbs, keeping, 456 ; Burne .Tones, 1.50; early, Ackermani, 40; F. Pavnter, 150; Henri Vaudrier, l.'iO : .James H. Veitch, 190 ; Jane Dieulafoy, 1.50: Lady Montagu, 150, 171 Glasshouse, a useful, 337 Gleichenia circinata, 106 Glen, The, Innerleithen, 57 ; a vieir at, 57 Gloriosa virescens, 391 Godetias, self-sown, 71 Gongoras, 371 Gooseberries and caterpillars, 355 ; late, 257 ; on trellises, 74 : ripe, 199 Gooseberry caterpillar, the, 28 ; (rreen Champagne, 199 ; Keepsake, 65 ; Leveller, 33 ; Pitmaston Greengage, 167 ; Rough Yellow, 102, .500 ; Telegraph, 65 Gooseberry trees, caterpillars on, 34 ; White- smith, 257 Graft, a curious, 272 Grape Buckland Sweetwater. 344, 369 ; Foster's Seedling, 200, 258 ; Golden Champion, 235 ; Gros Colman, 199 ; G. C. on Foster's Seedling, 353; Gros Guillaume, 67, 168 ; Lady Downe's, 133 ; Lady Hastings, 90, 167 ; Lady Hutt, 35 ; Madresfield Court, 1 13 ; Mrs. Pearson, 351 ; Reine Olga, 347 Grapes colouring, 69, 167 ; decorating exhibition, 394 ; early and late, 227 ; exhibiting, 397 ; exhibition, 2.35 : Gros Maroc and Gros Colman, 354. 474 ; late, keeping in winter, 463 : outdoor, in East Anglia, 227 ; white, staging at shows, 463 ; winter, 397 Grapjienhall, view in the conservatory at, 497 Grasses, silver variegated Pampas, 3.32 Greens and caterpillars, 478 : winter, 378, 476 Greenway, South Devon, 6 Gunnera scabra, 283, 363 (^annersbury House, 275 ; the lake at, 275 Guiterezzia Euthamia', 132 Gymnogramma .'chizophylla, 247 Gypsophila paniculata, 108 ; a double, 187 VIU THE GARDEN INDEX. [Dec. 30, 1899. Halesia diptera, 5 Halimodendron argenteum, 32 " Harper's Magazine " v. artistic gardening, 372 Hatfield, hardy flowers at. 111 Hedychium coronarium, 140, 418 Helenium autumnale superbum, 216 ; nudiflorum, 317 ; striatum, 211 Helianthemum amabile fl.-pl., 298, .329 Helianthus decapetalus, 192 : H. G. Moon, 385 ; orgyalis, 272 : rigidus semiplenus, 211 Heliconia aureo-at'riata, ss ; illustris, 88 ; metal- lica, 88 ; Sanderi, 88 ; Sanderi, 88 ; spectabilis, 88 Heliophila scandens, 459, 488 Heliopsis patula, 31 ; Pitcheriana, 2.")1 Heliotropes in the flower garden, 30iJ ; new, 279 Helleborus altifolius, 509 Hemerooallis aurantiaca major, 17, 251, 299 ; Pioneer, 71 Hesperis matronalis lilacina plena, 4 Heuchera brizoides, 151 : hrizoides, 86 Heucheras, the, 86 Hibiscus Archeri, 488 ; californicus, 231 ; cicles- tis, 326, 401 ; Manihot, 2.32, 324 Hippophaj rhamnoides, 427 Hollyhock Black Knight Improved, 150 ; the, in Regent's Park, 315 Hollyhocks, aroup of single, in Rei/ent's Park, 315 ; single, 129, 1.54 Honeysuckles, the bush, .341 Horminum pyrenaicura album, 366 Houstonia cerulea, 72 Humeas, finely-grown, .32 Hyacinths, early Roman, 383 : in pots, 182 Hyacinthus candicans, 109, 171 Hydrangea Hortensia, 140 : it a pot, 19 ; petio- laris, 5 Hiidramjeaii in a wood in Cornwall, 398 ; in pots, 19 Hypericum Moserianum, 159 IncarvilleaDelavayi, 32 ; D. in shadp, 52: grandi- flora, 22, .59. Ill Incarvilleas, 154 : in Cornwall, 251 Insecticide, a good, 262 Insecticides, 67 Insects and Strawberries, 6S, 164 Ipom.ea Leari, 20 Ireland, M. ii. Marliac's Water Lilies in, 298 Iris albo-piirpurea, 500 ; assyriaca, 149 ; fJerrann Beauty, 8S; gitrantea, 4 ; K;t-mpferi, 71, 100; Robinsoniana, 71 ; sofarana, 486 ; sofarana, 486; Straussi, 149: stylo™, 489; fSusiana at Tynninghame, 270; the Wedding, 71; tingi- tana, 42, 91 Irises, a Japanese arrangement of, 102 ; in a Japanese howl, 103 ; Spanish, 16 ; S. and English, 456 Isle of Wight, plants in bloom in, 390 Isoloma Vicomoe A. de la Combe, 483 Ixia viridiflora, 32, 92 Ixias in open bods, 362 Ixora macrothyrsa, 391 Jacobinia chrysostephana, 432 Jasminum nudiflorum, 500 Jasmine, the night-flowering, 417 July in South Devon, 120; in 1899, 84 June in S. Devon, 79 Justicia calycotricha, 432 Kales, the vagaries of, 262 Kew, flowers in the rock garden at, 18 Kirkconnel, a note from, .58 Kitchen garden, room in the, 105 Kitchen garden, work in the, 7, 24. 45, 64, 83, 103, 124, 144, 163, 18.3, 203, 223, 243. 261, 282, 302, .321, 339, 359, .380, 400, 419, 440, 460, 481, 5113 Kitchen gardens, cropping small, 374 Kniphofia hybrida Lachefis, 171 ; multiflora, 348 ; Nelsoni, 211, 272; R. C. Atfourtit, 251; Triumph, 269 ; Tucki, 458, 489 Kniphofias, 458 ; at Bill, E. Lothian, 251 Ii. Lfelia amanda, 423 ; anceps, 213 ; Crawshayana, 479 ; crispa, 94 ; Dominiana Fire King, 9 ; Dormaniana, 360 ;elegan3Mastersi, 181 ; e. Stelz- neriana, 332 ; Eyermaniana, 479 ; Finckeniana, 479 ; Gouldiana, 479 : Jongheana, 93 ; leucop- tera, 479 : lilacina, 479 ; Mrs. M. Gratrix, 316 ; pumila, 240, 431 ; purpurati Mrs. R I. Mea- sures, 46 ; Mrs. R I. Measures, 46 ; p. Williamsi, 54 ; rubescens, 331 ; tenebrosa gigantea, 49 ; t. var. Victor Warburton, 9 ; venusta, 479 ; Wyattiana, 479 L;ielio-Cattleya Adolphus, 49 ; albanensis, 478 : amanda, 478 ; Aphrodite, 46 ; Arnoldiana (Pickering Lodge var.), 54 ; Bertha Fournier, 149 ; callistoglosaa (Leon's var.), 229 ; Domini- ana langleyensis, 142 ; Dominiana lanijleyensis, 143 : var. Frances Mary, 47 ; Duchess of York, 346 ; Duvaliana, 49 ; elegans, 478 ; Eudora var. eximia, 9; (ottoiana, 479; Martineti, 49; Owenite, 479 : Pittiana, 479 ; porphyrites, 479 ; Statteriana, 479 ; Wellsiana ignescens, 508 ; Wigan^e, 149 Lantanas in the flower garden, 187 Lapageria rosea and L. alba, 310 Larkspurs for cutting. 58 LathriEa squamaria, 51 Lathyrus Drummondi, 194 ; latifolius albus, 192 Lavatera assurgentiflora, 470 Law — May V. Thyne, 70 Lawn-mowers and sweepers, 117 Lairn trith trees in. natural form {Cassiohnry), 295 Leaf down a cause of hay lever and cold, 292 Leaves prematurely falling, 183 Leeks, 263 ; in June, 8 Leptotes bicolor, 21 Lettuce Alexandra White Cos, 242 ; Cabbage, 56 ; Continuity, 25, 44, 159; in hot, dry summers, 55 ; White Chavigny, 2(.2 Lettuces hearting, 196 ; in trenches, 56 Leucojum autumnale, 188 ; roseum, 256, 270 I^iatris pycnostachya, 315 Light, all, lis Lilies and Irises at the Temple, 3S ; Burmese, 187 ; July, 130 Lilium auratum, imported, 418; a. vittatum va- riety, 129 ; Bitomania;, 155 ; Burbanki, 71 ; candidum, lifting, 1.55, 218; chalcedonicum, 92, 132, 155; colchicum under trees, 107: giganteum, 128 ; group of, at Haddon Hall, Bonrnemouth, 128 ; Humboldti, 237 ; longi- florum from Japan, 432 ; Martagon album, 71 ; monadelphum, 72 : neilgherrense, 286 ; parda- linum, 85 ; rubellum, 16, 255, 311) ; sutchuense, 363; speciosum,23S ;s. album novum, 232; s. Mel- pomene, 211 : Szovitzianum, 85 ; testaceum, 59, 92 ; Thunbergianum Orange Queen, 4 ; Wallichianum, 239 Lily disease, the white, 155 ; of the Valley, 3,35 ; in flower, 496 ; in Norfolk, 16 ; the double- flowered Martagon, 107 ; the Madonna, 2.55 ; the M. ill a Sussex garden, 255 ; the Panther, 85 ; the Scarborough, .325 Lime and Cherries, 474 Limnocharis Humboldti not flowering, 300 Lindenia rivalis. 324 ; rivatis, 324 Linum flavum, 366 Litobrochia vespertilionis, 283 Lobelia Carmine (Jem, 251, 300; for stock, 334 ; Queen Victoria, 191 ; Tupa, 252 Lobelias for stock, 254, 3S4 ; from seed, 384 ; tall growing herbaceous, 182 Loch Kishorn, Boss, N.B., 117 Locust tree, value of the, 57 Logan Berry, the, 354 ; for preserving, 313 Lonicera Alberti, 341 ; bella, 341 ; ciliata, 341 ; cfnrulea, 341 ; c. var. grandiflora, 341 : fragran- tissima, 341 ; gracilipes, 341 : Ledebouri, 341 ; iberica. 341 ; Maximowiczi, 341 ; minutfeflora, 341 ; Morrowi, 341 : notha, 341 ; oblongifolia, 341 ; orientalis, 341 ; quinquelocularis, 341 ; Ruprechtiana, 341 ; salicifolia, 341 ; Standishi, 341 ; tatarica, 341 ; xylosteum, 341 Luculia gratissima, 498 Lupines, herbaceous, at Edinburgh, 4 ; Tree, 16 Lupinus polyphyllus Somerset, 19 Lycaste Barringtoniae, 372 ; Deppei, 22; lanipes, 147 M. Machine, a labour-saving, 393 Magnolia Lenne, 68 ; at Enys, Cornwall, 68 Majorca, old Olive trees in, 326 ; old Olive trees at, 326 Malus angustifolia, 401 ; baccata, 400 ; coronaria, 401 : cratsegifolia, 402; floribunda, 401 ; Halle- ana, 401 ; Niedzwetzykana, 401 ; prunifolia, 401 ; Ringo, 401 ; rivularis, 402 ; Scheidekeri, 401 ; spectabilis, 401 ; Toringo, 401 Manettia bicolor, 6, 383 ; cordifolia, 6 ; micans, 7 Manettias, 6 Maple, hardiness of the Japanese, 388 Maples, the, 342 Marigold Silver King, 218 Market gardens, 152 Marrows, Vegetable, 196 ; without manure, 478 Masdevalliaamabilis, 499 ; Barlaeana, 21 ; calura, 423 ; Carderi, 179 ; Chimajra and M. Back- housiana, 213 ; Davisi, 314 ; infracta, 181 ; leontoglossa, 181 ; muscosa, 93 ; nycterina, 22 ; octhodes, 53 : radiosa, 147 ; Buahtoni, 9 ; tovarensis, 371, 447 MaxiUaria grandiflora, 371 Mazus Pumilio, 71, 91 Meconopsis heterophylla, 480 Medinilla magnifica, 205 Melianthus major and M. pectinatus, 455 ; M. pectinatus, 455 Melon award. 172 ; Best of All, 233 ; Gunton Scarlet, 115, 26lt ; unnamed var., 151 ; Royal Favourite, 34 ; Scarlet Premier, 257 ; William TiUery, 28 Melons, canker in, 167, 253 Menabilly, 475 ; Artkrot.axis laxifolia at, 477 ; Draciiiia in frtiit at, 475 ; Hydrangeas at. 484 ; Royal Fern and Ounnera at, 480 ; the Mexican Pine at, 480 Michaelmas Daisies, 334, 455, 457 Michauxia campanuloides, llu ; Tchihatchewi, 110 Microlepia hirta crisiata, 2S2 ; platyphvUa, 282 Mignonette, open-air, in November, 501 Miltonia Clowesi, 314 ; Regnelli, 53 Mimulus Burneti, 41 Momordica Charantia, 382 Monarda didyma, 1.55 Montbretia crocosmife9ora, 269 ; Rayon d'Or, 231 Montbretias, hybrid, 389 Mormodes pardinum, 371 Mortlake, seed trials at, 112 Moss litter, 438 Munches, Dalbeattie, a note from, 181 Mushroom winter culture in the Ojien air, 495 Mushrooms all the year round. 495 Myosotidium nobile, 228 ; nohile, 228 Myosotis, propagating, 40 Myriearia germanica, 465 Miirtle, the Box leaved, in a tub at Ounnershury House, 373 N. Nanodes Medusit, 119 Narcissi, new, 162 Narcissus Bishop Mann, 59 ; a group of, 59 ; cyclamineus major, 217 Nectarine Cardinal. 28 ; Spenser, 396 Nectarines, new, 28 Nepenthes at Kew, 329 ; at the Drill Hall, 191 ; Balfouriana, 149 Nerine Fothergilli major, 459 ; Foihergilli major, 459 ; japonica, 384, 392 ; Manselli, 378 ; Miss Willmott, 386 ; Mrs. Berkeley, 386 ; Mrs. God- man, 386 ; roseo-crispa, 392 Nerines, seedling, 392 Newry, notes from, 40 Newstead, Wimbledon, hardy plants at, 129 Nicotianaaffinis, 384 ; sylvestris, 51, 89, 237, 321, 363 Dec. 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN INDEX. IX Notes, some Shropshire, 4 November in S. Devon, 48.5 Nursery, Swiss, notes from a, '28.5 NymphiL-a flower, a proliferous, l(j ; Froeheli, 01, 2o0 ; odorata sulphurea, 4; stellata, ."il ; s. at Gunnerhnry House, 277 ; s. in the open air, 1.">1, 193, 2.j4 Nymphajas tender in the open air, 2!1!) Ourisia coccinea. 32 Oxalis crenata, .320 OniTtARV — Anderson, Jas., 12 Bergman, F., 172 Budd, Dr. S. P., 232 Girdlestone, T. W., 12 Johnson, Alfred. 212 Martin, .lames, 2!ll) Mason, Major, 72 Outram, Alfred, 490 Parker, Mrs. Richard, 112 Protheroe, W. H. , 470 Rivers, T. F, 172 Shrimpton, J., 408 Vilmorin, Henry, 172, 192 Wallace, Dr. Alexander, 290 Wood, .J., 310 October in S. Devon, 420 ; ornamental shrubs of, 4112 Odontoglossum, a distinct natural hybrid, .301 ; Adriana;, 499 ; Andersonianum, 490 ; aspersum, 499 ; blandum, 404 ; Cevvantesi punctatissimum, 480; Cookeanum, 499; Coradinei, 499; corda- tum, 213 ; crispum Bassano, 267 ; c. Daphne, 307 ; c. Franz Maitend, 146 ; c. purpurascens, 9; c. Seraphim, 9 ; c. var. Lily. 46; cristatel- lum, 422 ; Denisoniae, 499 ; Edwardi, 431 ; elegans, 500 ; excellens, 500 ; Galleotianum, 500 ; grande Pitteanum, .307 ; Halli xantho- glossum, 94 ; Harryanum, 201 ; Harryano- crispum, 9, 47; hastilabium, IS! ; Horsmani, 500 ; Humeanum, 500 ; Londesboroughianum, 241 ; loochristyense Ladybird, 425 ; odoratum, 404 ; polyxanthum, 22 ; Rossi, 423 ; Sander- ianum, .5011; Schlieperianum, 40; Schlieper- ianum citrinum, 422 ; Uro-Skinneri, 361 ; vexa- tivum, 500; Wallisi, 2111; Wilckeanum, 500; Williamsianum, 500 Odontoglossums, autumn-flowering, 180 ; natviral hybrid, 499 ; some recent, 146 • Enothera, a double, 71 ; Fraseri, 107 ; fruticosa Youngi, 32; missouriensis. 111 ; tetraptera rosea, 91 ; Youngi fl.-pl., 92 Offington, notes from, 6 Olearia Haasti, 206 ; Haasli, 206 Olive trees, old, in Majorca, 325 ; at Majurca, 326 Omphalodes Lucilife, 188 Oncidium carthaginense, 22 ; Cavendishianum, 499; cheirophorum, 480 : crispum, 301 ; cuculla- tum, 21 ; dasystyle, 179 ; Forbesi moortbeeki- ense, 466; Gardneri, 500; hfematochilum, .5(10; Harrisonitf, 28ll ; incurvum, 46, .361 ; lamelli- gerum, 118; Lanceanum, 46, 332; luridum, 240 ; macranthum, 202 ; maculatum, 181 ; peo- torale, 500 ; praetextum, 147 ; pubes, 280 ; pulvinatum, 118 ; sarcodes, 466 ; serratum, 371; undulatum, 180, 280: varicosum, 404; v. Lindeni, 466 ; Wheatleyanum, 500 Oncidiums, natural hybrid, ,500 Onion Cranston's Excelsior, 320 Onions, 476 ; autumn, 293 ; feeding, 27 ; large, 241, 451 ; storing, 222; thinning autumn-sown, 222 ; winter, plots, 27 Orchardton, Castle Douglas, N.B., a note from, 87 Orchid roots, 21 Orchids and fine - foliaged plants, 360 : back breaks in, -431; basket, 499; cool, lis, 423; natural hybrid, 478 ; natural hybrid (Eastern section), 2(11 ; rare v. beautiful, 53 ; watering, 2.80 ; wild, 95 Ornithocephalus grandiflorus, 465 Origanum Tourneforti, 251 Osmanthus ilicifolius purpurascens, 5 Ostrowskya magnifica. 111 ; m. in Kent, 132 Osmunda regalis, 01 " Our Gardens," an additional page for, 124 Pajony Lemon Queen, 4 ; the single white, .362 ; the xinijle white, 362 Pivonies, 72 ; and Roses, 17 ; herbaceous, 41 ; planting, 41 Pansy, Tufted, A. J. Rowberry, 19 ; Archie Grant, 71 ; Blanche, llll ; Duchess of Fife and its sports. 111 ; Eodymion, 231 ; Florizel, 2.32, 294 ; Howard H. Crane, 151 ; King of the Blues, 151 ; Magie, 71 ; Miss Gertie Waterer, 19; Mrs. A. H. Beadles, lid, 286; Ophelia, 19 ; Walter B. Child, 71 ; White Beauty, 231 ; White Duchess, 71 Pansies, some of the newer Tufted, 41 ; Tufted, 238; Tufted, for stock, 110; well-grown, 117 Paphinia grandis, 423 Paphinias, 54 Parlour Palm, a growth oj the, in. a Japanese raae, 97 Parsnip fly, the, 56 Parsnips, 496 Passiflora Constance Eliott in S.W. Scotland, 131 Pea, a dwarf Ne plus Ultra, 136 ; Alderman, 51 ; Autocrat, 222 ; awards at Chiswick, 105 ; Bountiful, 76 ; Dalby Prolific, 51 ; Dickson's Fertility, 44 ; Duke of Cornwall, 51 ; dwarf Ne plus Ultra, 195; (ilory of Devon, 51; insecti- cide, a, 196 ; 3[ichai:lmas, 42 ; Nobleman, 51 ; Prodigy, 44, 76 ; Sharpe'a (i>ueen, 76, 1.36 ; sticks, 107 ; sticks and dwart Ne plus Ultra, 1.58 ; Syon Houxe, 43 ; Winifred, 51 Pea, Everlasting, Mr. J. Wood's Scarlet, 92, 110, 131 Pea, Sweet, Butterfly, .58 ; Emily Eokford, 71 Peas, Sweet, 151 ; exhibiting, 143; failing, 110; for table decoration. 111 ; in America, 218 : in hot weather, 58 Peas, Everlasting, 31 Peas, 158 ; and drought, 76, 263, 320 : constitu- tion in, 158 ; Earliest Marrow and Chelsea Gem, 27 ; early, 26, 44 : failure of, 7() ; for market, 293 ; late, 43, 196 ; notes on, 75 ; on early borders, 44 ; thrips on, 44 ; vegetable refuse for, 337, 375, 451 Peach Alexander, 73 ; Amsden June on open walls, 167 ; and Nectarine trees, young and old, 395 ; and Nectarine trees, old, 134 ; Crim- son Galande, 133 ; Digmar, 35 ; Desse Tar- dive, .3-57 ; Hale's Early, 113 ; Prince of Wales, 492 ; Princess of Wales, .306 ; Salway, 67 ; Sea Eagle, 200, 312 ; Thomas Rivers, 34 ; trees, current work among, 34 ; trees, red spider on, 199 ; trees, summer pruning of, 175 ; trees, treatment of, after fruiting, 113; trees, unnail- ing outdoor, 492 ; trees, yellows in, .352 ; Vio- lette Hitive, 313, 352 Peaches and Nectarines budding, 164, 2.58 ; and Nectarines in the south and north, 99 ; and Nectarines, stone-splitting in, 102 ; and Plums, late, 370 ; early, on open walls, 74 ; in Russia, 100, 175 ; in Sussex, 356, 4II9 ; on back walls, 235, 271, 369 ; outdoor and aphis, 74 ; red spider on, 114; stonesplitting in, 35; the out- door, 73 ; three good early, 236 ; two good late, 396 Pear Alexandre Lambre, 409 ; Althorp Crassane, 474 ; Aston Town, 398, 462, 473 ; Beurri- Bosc, 357, 462 : Beurre d'Anjou, 474 ; Beurri de .Jonghe, 493 ; Beurre Dial decaying, 471 ; Beurre Giffard, 174 ; Beurre Hardy, 493 ; Beurr.; Superfin, 473 ; Beurri Supertin, variation in colour of, 410 ; Bonne de Malines, 427 ; Clapp's Favourite, 259, 312, .357 ; Double de Guerre, 426 ; Doyenn^ d'Alen5on, 200 ; Doyenne du Comice, 492 ; Doyenne d'Ete, 168 ; Durondeau, 474 ; Emile d'Heyst, 386, 4119, 472 ; Fertihty, 33, 74 ; Flemish Beauty, 397, 473 ; Forelle, or Trout, 474 ; Glou Morceau, 492 ; Hacon's In- comparable, 462 ; Marfichal de la Cour, 474 ; Marguerite Marillat, .308 ; Marie Louise, 312, 474, 493 ; Pas^e Colmar, 474 ; Jargonelle in Herefordshire, 344 ; Jargomlh in bloom, 344 ; Seckle, 409; the Pitmaston, 257, 351 ; Ihn Pit- maitoii at Freejiclds Oardeni, Irisch, 257 ; Olivier des Serres, 474 : tree destroyer, a, 33 ; Triomphe de Vienne, 268, 313, .3.54 ; Van Mons Leon Leclerc, 352 ; Winter Nelis, 493 Pears adopted by the CongrJis Pomologitiue of France, 66, 101, 114, 134, 165, 174, 234, .303 ; birds and wasps attacking, 492 ; capricious, 463 ; late, 461 ; stewing, 473 Peat-moss litter, 261, 325, 365 Pelargonium Beauty, 257 : Cassiope, 50 ; Coun- tess of Derby, 50; Fire Dragon, 9; Ian Mac- laren, 447 ; Ivy-leaved, Mme. Crousse, 141 ; Lady Newton, 469 ; Lilian, 425 ; Mr. W. Bealby, 20 Pelargoniums, Ivy-leaved, for cutting, 139 ; pro- pagating, 140 ;" regal, shading, 20 ; tricolor, 131, 194, 238 ; zonal, 4.59 Penjerrick, 413 ; in the ijardm at, 415 Pentstemons, 59, 315 ; at Kirkconnel, N.B., 232 ; seedling, 86 Perfumes from plants, 59 Periploca gnuca, 68 Peristeria elata, 240 Pescatgrea cerina^ 178 Petunias, 194' Phaius grandifolius, 465 Phahenopsis Esmeralda, 423 ; Stuartiana, 500 Philadelphus grandiflorus, 37 ; microphyllus, 32, 51 Thilodendron in fruit, 496 Phlox Berenice, 273 ; coccinea, 294 ; Fiancee, 89 ; Le Mahdi, 149, 270 Phloxes, herbaceous, 151 Phygelius capensis, 269 Phyllostachys aurea, 436 ; bambusoides, 436 ; Boryana, 437 ; Castilloniti, 437 ; fastuosa, 436 ; flexuosa, 437 ; fulva, 437 ; Henonis, 437 ; hetero- cycla, 430 ; Marliacea, 436 ; mitis, 437 ; nigra, 437 ; ni(jra at Gmmerxbury House, 433 ; nigro- punctata, 437 ; nii.ira at Penjerrick, 422 ; rusci- folia, 43S : sulphurea, 437 ; Quilioi, 437 ; violescens, 437 ; viridi-glaucescens, 437 ; v -j. at Keir. 438 Physalis Franchetti, 273, 328 ; F. and P. Alke- kengi, 237 Pilumna fragrans, 4.30 Pine, the Corsioan, 95 ; the Mountain, 189 Pinguicula caudata, 447, 4.59 Pinks, alpine, 214 ; propagating, 17 Pinus Laricio, 95 ; montana, 189 Plants, bulbous, thin carpets over, 470 ; by selection, improving, 319 ; choice room, 324, 391 ; finefoliaged, in the flower garden, 194 ; hardy, notes on, 17, 38, 85, 109, 130 ; Japanese, grouping, 232 ; ordinary bedding, and the drought, 171 ; potting, in winter, 431 ; showy rockwork and edging, 16 ; small, tor decora- tion, 445 : terrace, 373 ; winter-flowering, 265 Platycodon Mariesi, 151 Pleione pr:«cox, 332 Pleurothallis Roezli, 240 Plumbago capensis, 264, 509 ; Larpentse, 294 Plum and Pear trees, neglected, 474 ; Balle de Louvain, 35 ; Coe's Golden Drop, 473 ; Den- niston's Superb, 174, 2S0 ; Dymond, 168; Early Violet, 176; K.irke's Black, 272; Per- shore, 198, 211, 462; Pond's Seedling, 312; Reine Claude de Bavay, 3.52 ; The Czar, 16() ; the Early Violet, 2.57 ; the Kentish Bush, 354 ; the Myrobalan, 133 ; the Sand, 410 ; Webster's Gage, 344 ; Winesour, 357 Plums, scarcity of, 258 Poinsettias, 498 Polygonum baldschuanicum, 42, 190, 191, 251 ; b., propagating, 17 Pomegranate, the, in a tub at (,'iiuiiersbury, 375 Poppy, a garden hybrid, 320 ; Mr. Moon's hy- brid, 303, 390 ; white Bush, 239 Poppies, the oriental, 32 Portlandia grandiflora, 264, 490 ; grandiflora, 264 Potato British Queen, 320; Caradoc Seedling, 90 ; Carter's First Crop, 130 ; Carter's Snow- ball, 452, 496 ; crop, the, 451 ; crop, the early, 104 ; Devonian, 242 ; early, culture, 477 ; Early Peter, 90 ; Ellington, 268 ; Famous, 43; Hib- berd's Seedling, 90 ; Ninety-fold, 76, 130 : Norbury Park, 90 ; Prolific, 90 ; Renown, 190, 242 ; Sutton's Seedling, 158 ; Syon House Pro- THE GAEDEN INDEX. [D£C. 30, 1899. lifio, 2-12 ; The Sirdar, 26S ; Veitch's Main- crop, '242 Potatoes', 25 ; bad growth on, 20 ; coal ashes for, .320, .'i.lT ; tield, ."1!) ; forced, 27 ; in the south, 20.3 ; lifting, 293 ; notes on early, 8 ; quality in, 374 ; soil for, 202 Potentlllaformosa, 149; opaca, 4 Potpouni or Rose jar, 70 Pots, ornamental, 440 Pratia angulata. 111, 107 Primroses, double, 4."i0 ; the blue, 428 Primula capitata, S148 ; iioribunda, 387 ; f, Isabel- lina, 232 ; oboonica fimbriata, 306 ; sikkimensis at Edinburgh, 4 Provinces, tofjiary work in the, 118 Prunella grandiflora alba, 91 ; g. Webbiana, 362 : Webbiana, 'Jl Pruiiiis Ceranus Jl.-pl., a spray of, 8 ; pseudo- Cerasus (single var.), 300 ; p.-C. ti.-pl., 5 ; p.-C. fl.-pl., o Poeris nemoralja, variegata, .54 ; scaberula, 54 ; tricolor, 54,^T06J Victoria, 54 Pterises, choice, .54 "~^»s^ "Z^ -k^^,^ .Jt^. PuiiLic Gakdkns— fm IJK*^\nf\ Battersea Park, Chrysanthemums in, 408 Brighton, a new park for, 490 Brockwell Park, proposed extension of, 12, 348, 448 Coldfall Wood, closing of, 308 Dalston, public garden for, 52 Dollis Hill estate, 12 Finchley, recreation ground for, 92 Hammersmith, open space for, 152 Hampstead Green, 112, 2.52 Ilford, opening of new park at, 252 Metropolitan Public Girdens Association, 330 Open spaces, 52, 72, 490 Park de la Tete d'Or, Lyons, 42S Paragon open space, the, 12 Rochester pleasure ground, 490 Southwark Park, Chrysanthemums at, 367 Tudor House, Bromley, 491) Victoria Park, Chrysanthemums at, 307 Waterlow Park, Chrysanthemums in, 448 Worsley, recreation ground at, 428 Pulmonaria saccharata picta, 3D2 Punica Granatum, 251 Pyrethrum uliginosum, 367, 390, 4,50, 501 Pyrethruma, planting, 15 ; top dressing, 18 Pyrus coronaria fl.-pl., 32 Q- Quercuscoccinea, 366 Quick hedge, a, 368 Quince, the, 473 Ragged Robin, the double, in pots, 20 Rainfall, a heavy, 387 Ramondia pyrenaica, 228 ; pyrenaica, 228 Ranunculus Lyalli, 153, 240, 269 ; at home, 273 Raspberry Baumforth's Seedling, 164 ; Blackberry hybrid, 151 ; Golden Queen, 51 Raspberries, autumn fruiting, 395 ; cuttiilg back, 236, 271, 396, 472; dosbert, 175; for dessert, packingr, 114 ; late, in Eist Anglia, 354 ; profit- able, 98 ; summer pruning of, in dry weather, 176 Renanthera Imschootiana, 89 ; Storiei, 94 Retinospora obtusa aurea Crippsi, 229, 232 Restrepia Lansbergi, 372 Rhododendron Falconeri, 140 ; Little Beauty, 242 ; multicolor Curtisi, 62 : m. Mrs. Heale, 03 ; myrtifolium, 159 ; myrtifolmm, 159 ; Princess Royal, 509 ; retusum, 325 Rhododendrons flowering in the open, 489 ; in flower,'432 ; Malayan, and their hybrids, 62 Rhus Cotinus, 200 ; Toxicodendron radicans, .329 Richardias, two new, 121 Rivina humilis, 418 Robin Hood Jlouie, Gnat Berkhamstfi,, 453 Robinia inermis albo-variegata, 189 ; neo-mexi- cana, 38 Rodgersia padophylla, 108, 132 ; podophylla, 108 Rodriguezia planifolia, 423 Romneya Coulteri, 110, 239 ; CouUeri, 239; C. in N. Wales, 251 ; C. in Scotland, 269 Rondeletia speciosa, 391 Root pruning, 404 ; good effects of, 369, 411 Roots through the winter, preservins. 476 Rosa Anderaoni, 96 ; anemonasflora, 136 ; Brunonii, 317 ; Bnmonii, 317 : corallina, 229 ; hispida, 398 ; lutescens, .398 ; moschata, 317 ; moschata, 317 : Pissardi, 317 ; sericea, 317 ; Wichuriana, 136 Rose, a fine old, 364 ; a fine pillar, 15 ; a pretty Polyantha, 254 ; Alfred Colomb, 318 ; Augus- tine Guinoisseau, 318 ; Bennett's Peroetual, 15 ; Beryl, 15 ; Carohne Testout, 135 ; Celine Forestier, 95, 1.35 ; Cheshunt Hybrid, 15 ; climbing Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, 209 ; Comtesse Festetics Hamilton, 454 ; Coquette Bordelaise, 55 ; Crested Provence, 2 ; Daisy, 318; Daniel Lacombe, 2; Dr. Rouges, 2; Duchesse d'Auerstadt, 136 ; Duchess of Al- bany, 254 ; Duke of York, 55 ; Earl of Pem- broke, 254 ; Empress. 370 ; Felicitfi Parmen tier, 2; Fellenberg, .52; Francois Michelon, 96 ; General Jacqueminot planted out under glass, 318 ; Germaine Trochon, 253 ; Gloire des Rosomanes, 318 : Gruss au Toplitz, 149, 171 : Gustavo Regis, 31 ; Hon. Edith Gifford, 370 ; J. B. M. Camm, S9 ; Killarney, 15, 96 ; Kron- prinzessin Victoria, 2 ; La France on a wall, 370 ; Laurette Messimy, 447 : Maman Cochet, 253 ; JSfme. Abel Chatenay, 15 ; Mme. Alfred de Rougemont, 96 ; Mme. C. P. Strassheim, 2.34; Mme. Cadeau Ramey, 5o ; Mme. de Watteville, 168; j\lme. Emjene Reml, 219; Mme. Lambard, 318 ; Mme. Laurette Messimy, 54 ; Mme. Rene Gerard, 15 ; Mme. Wagram, 15; Mme. Willermoz, 2: Marchioness of Londonderry, 96 ; Marie d'Orleans, 168; Mrs. F. W. Landford, 95 : Mrs. Frank Cant, 15 ; Mrs. R. G. Sharn\anCrawford, 254 ; Mrs. W. J. Grant, 15 ; Myrianthes renoncule, 15 ; ocer piriah room at trlenoivtn, Detijaiiy, 364; Pink Rover, 2 ; Princess Theodore Galitzine, .370 ; Reine Blanche, 2 ; Robert Duncan, 136 : Rosette de la Legion d'Honneur as a standard, 95 : Safrano, 304 : Sir Rowland Hill, 130 ; Souvenir de la Malmaison, 220, 306 ; Souvenir de Mme. Joseph Metral, 168 ; Souvenir de Therese Lavet, 169 : Tennyson, 136 ; the Indian, at Delgany, 446 ; Ulrich Briinnur pegged (loiim, 208 ; Violoniste P^mile Leveque, 209 ; white Maman Cochet, .50, 51 ; Wm. Allen Richardson in bush form, 254 ; Xavier Ohbo, 209 Roses at the Temple show, 14 ; at Woking, 55 ; Ayrshire and evergreen, for massing, 55 ; climbing, 192, 446 ; c. and pillar, thinning out, 318 ; divested of their buds, exhibiting, 82 ; exquisite tints of some recent novelties in, 96 ; for the shrubbery, 4.54 : growing too freely, 304; in August, 1.35; in July, 169; in New Zealand, 168; in September, 253; in Decem- ber, 489 ; malformed, 2.54 ; Monthly, 2.53 ; Moss, common and gracilis, 14 ; most popular, at the Crystal Palace show, 209 ; new or little- known, at the Crystal Palace, 14 ; on pillars and arches, .55, 96, 169 ; on own roots, 318 ; pegging down, 208 ; pillar, 109, 209 ; planting, 318 ; pruning in autumn, 370 ; red, for Christ- mas, 136; some good China, 219; some good Polyantha, 370 ; some interesting, at Kew, 1 ; Tea, some beautiful, 81 ; the dearth of dark, 82 ; town, 454 ; two brilliant bedding, 14 ; two fine button-hole, 82 ; two miniature Moss, 15 ; under glass, 169 Ross-shire, N.B. , a view in, 117 Rowan tree, the, 69 Rubus delicinsus in fruit, 51 ; phconicolasius, 206 Rudbeckia Golden Glow, 148, 172 ; Golden Oloic, 148 ; laciniata fl.-pl. , 148 Ruellia macrantha, 418 Russia, Peaches in, 175 Rust on Carnations, 324 S. Saccolabium ampuUaceum, 21 ; giganteum, 280 ; Hendersonianum, 21 Saccolabiums, 147 Sad Aziola, 365 Sagittaria variabilis, 108 Saintpaulia ionantha, 447 Salads, scarcity of, 195 ; winter and spring, 195 Salvia carduacea, 52 : Pitcheri, 387 ; splendens and its varieties, 382 ; s. grandiflora, 252, 460, 509 ; Tenoreana, 58 Saxifraga apiculata, 409 ; cochlearis, 4 ; Cymba- laria, 366, 409 ; Fortunei, 383 ; Hirculus major, 51 ; mutata, 32, 111 ; peltata, ,348 ; the double Meadow, 86 Soabiosa caucasica alba, 110 Scale, stock-seed, on Orchids, 480 Schomburgkia Lyonsi, 149 ; tibicini.o, 179 Schools, industrial, teaching horticulture in, 92 Scotland, fruit-farming in, 244 Sehubertia grandiflora, 205, 307 Scilly Isles, flower growing in the, 441 Sea Lavenders, 316 Seaweed for fruit borders, 311 Sedum amplexicaule, 402 ; brevifolium, 489 ; b. var. Pottsi, 510 Selaginellas for market, 449 Sempervivum Hookeri, 1.52 Sempervivums at Rockville, Edinburgh. 42 Senecio macroglossus, 509 ; pulcher, 209 September in S. Devon, 330 Shallots, lifting, 27 Shipley Hall, notes from, 212 Shrubs, flowering, in S. Devon, 342, 484 Sidalcea Listeri, 131 Silene alpestris, 31 Smilax, hardy species of, 505 ; aspera, 505 ; a. Buchananiana, 505 ; a. maculata, 505 ; a. mauritanica, .505 ; Bona-nox, 505 ; Cantab, 505 ; Cantab in the Cambridge Rotanic Gardens, .506 ; China, .505 ; excelsa, 506 ; glauca, .506 ; herbacea, 506 ; hispida, 506 ; laurifolia, 506 ; pseudo-China, 506 ; rotundifolia, .506 ; tam- noides, 506 ; Walteri, 506 Societies — French Chrysanthemum, 386 National Auricula, .509 National Carnation and Picotee, 1(19, 509 National Chrvsanthemnm, 191, 269, 309, 348, 368, 405, 448, 4(i7, 509 National Dahlia. 210, 249, 290, 490 National Rose, 29 National Viola, 31 " One and All " Flower Show, 170 Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. 31, 70, .368 Roval Horticultural, 9. 31, 49, 89, 149, 151, 171, 189, 211, 229, 251, 267, 287, 307, 330, 340, 308, 385, 425, 448, 400, 490, 507 United Horticultural and Benefit Provident, 310 Sobralia Lindeni, 423 Sobralias, 431 Soils, heavy, deep stirring of, 411 Solannm, Ja.'Oni ne floaered, 395 ; Melongena, 328 Solomon's Seal for forcing, 483 Solution, caustic alkali, 493 Soi)hro - Cattleya Chamberlainiana, 406 ; Queen Empress, 89 Sophronitis grandiflora, 431 ; violacea, 371 Spade, the garden, 117 Sparrow, the, how to deal with him, 69 Spartium junceum, 120 Spigelia marilandica, 132 Spinach, 26 ; autumn and winter, 105 Spiriva Anthony Waterer, 266 ; Aruncu?, 4 ; brac- teata, 38 Stachys tuberifera, 496 Stanhopea graveolens, 179 ; oculata, 179 ; ocidata, 179 ; tigrina, 94 Statice Bondwelli, 273; Butcheri, .392 ; latifolia, 131 ; minuta, 273 ; penduliflora, 270 ; profusa, 265 Stenoglottis longifolia, 329 Sternbergia lutea, 330, 364, 387, 392, 428, 447, 456 Stock, effects of the, on graft, 68 Stocks, blight-proof, 133 Stocks, East Lothian, 42 Stokesia cyanea, 447, 480 Stove and greenhouse plants, arrangement of, 400 Strawberry beds, 409 ; crop, the, 31 ; Duke of Edinburgh, 492 ; Elton Pine, 352 ; Empress of Dec. 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN INDEX. xr India, 3, 09 ; FiUbasket, 312 : Lady Suffield, 3, 90; Latest of All, 313, 34,j, 397: Leader in frames, iT'i ; Lord Kitchener, 51 ; M. MacMahon, 11.5, 167; plants, potting young, 9S ; plants, young, 303 ; President, 3, 28, 60 ; Royal Sovereign, 28 ; St. Joseph, 260, 313 ; season, the, 97, 166 ; Stevens' Wonder, 272 ; V. H. de Thury, 98 ; Waterloo, 98, 113 Strawberries, 394 ; and bush fruit, mulching, 3 ; and infects, 66 ; and the drought, .'53 ; at Gunners- bury, .344 ; at Norwich show, 7.5 ;at Syon, 370 ; boxing, 272 ; Dr. Hogg and British Queen, 167 ; failure of, 1 15, 226 ; flavour in, 68. 99, 173, 260 ; in the open ground, 65, 98 ; late, 19S, 2.58, 302 ; late, for profit, 351 ; late, on north border.", 2.59, .396 ; new and old, 471 ; notes on, 225 ; President and Keens' Seedling, 98, 134, 174 ; scarcity of, 34 ; the early, 3, 73 Streptosolen .Jamesoni, 139 Sultan, the Sweet, 16 ; Sweet, the yellow, 109 Sultans, Sweet, for market, 299 Sun Rose, the Carton, 212 Sunflowers, 191 Sweet William, Murray's double dark, 86 Symphyandra Hofmanni, 413 Synthyris reniformis, 91 Syringa Emodi, 38 Syon Gardens, notes from, 378 Taberramontanas and Euphorbias planted out, 218 Table decoration, a simple, 117 Tacsonia Van Volxemi fruiting, 294, 366, 383 Tumarisk, the, at Ket'\ 464 Tamarisks, 464 Tamarix chinensis, 464 ; gallica, 464 ; hispida, 4(55 ; tetrandra, 465 Tanacetum argenteum, 469 Tecoma radicans, 266 Temple, border flowers at the, 40 ; rock and dwarf plants at the, 38 ; show, bulbous plants at the, 38 Terrace ijarden with trees in true form, Sandside, TInirxo, X.B., .301 Theft, a mean, 348 Things, some, better omitted, 242, 320 Thorn Apple, the, 362 ; the, growing wild in 'r'reenirirh Park, 362 Thrips on flowers, 191 Thunbergia fragrans, .383 Thunderstorm, efi'ects of, 4 Thunias, repotting, 431 ; resting, 314 Tibouchina macrantba, 387, 432 Toad, the, 318 Tobacco, the night-scented, 384 ; the nightscnUed, 384 Torch Lilies, 458 Tomato Albert Victor, 242 ; Eclipse, 293 ; Ham Green, 476 ; houses, early, constructing and heating, 25 ; Laxton's Open-air, 158 ; Royal Chester, 496 ; Stirling Castle, 452, 496 ; the Chiswick Peach, 151; Up-to-date, 357; vege- table or fruit ? 9, 496 Tomatoes, corrugated c. smooth, 476 ; early, 222 ; feeding, 26 ; finishing off late, 374 ; for market, 1.36; forwarding open air, 195; French, 411 ; not setting, 45; notes on, 338, 3.58, 375, 412, 451 ; spiral trained, 76 ; winter, 76 Torenia Fournieri, 20 Trade commissions, 448 Trees and shrubs, artistic planting of, 484 ; flowering in August, 214 ; forest, wiltuldisfigure- ment of, 295 ; fruit, planting in heavy soils, 492,: in bloom in July, 138 ; in forests, pre- servation of, remarkable, 365 ; Peach and Nec- tarine, old, 473 Trichocentrum albo-purpureum, 280 Trichopilia lepida, 9.3 ; tortilis, 22 Trichosma suavis, 332 Trillium declinatum, 71 Tritoma citrina, 85 ; grandiflora, 149 ; Uvaria, 191 Tritonia imperialis in S.W. Scotland, 232; rosea, 192 Tropieolum Leichtlini, 31 ; speciosum, 107, 191, 255, 273 ; s. in Oxfordshire, 294 ; tuberosum, 294, 389, 428, 486, 502 Tulipa Lownei, 155 ; Sprengeri, 438, 469 Tulips, May-flowering, 316 ; notes on, 102 Turnip beetle, the, 1.59 i Turnip Green Ring, 411 Turnips, 26, 1.59; long-rooted, 293; shortness of winter, 478 ; winter, 195 Tyda;as, 20 Vallota purpurea, 215, 325 Vanda curulea, 361 ; Sanderiana, 95 ; suavis and V. tricolor, 214 ; teres (Gunnersbury Park var. ), 89 Vandas at Weybridge, 431 Verbascum Hookeri and V. Lychnitis, 52 ; Lych- nitis, 71 Vegetable Marrows, 264, 320 Vegetable refute for Peas, 337 Vegetables and drought, oo, 104 ; new, 357 Veratrum nigrum, 132, 152, 171 Verbena Ellen Willmott, 211 ; the sweet-scented, in a tub al (tunnershary House, 379 Verbenas, 4.50 ; seedling, 418 Veronica La Seduisante, 459 ; paniculata, .52 ; salicifolia, 72 ; sibirica, 52 Viburnum acerifolium, 77 ; Awafuki, 78 ; bure- j:tticum, 78 ; cassinoides, 77 ; coriaceum, 79 ; cotinifolium, 78 ; dentatum, 78 ; dil.atatum, 78 ; erosum, 78 ; forcing our native, 325 ; furcatum, 78 ; Keteleeri, 78 ; Lantana, 78 ; Lentago, 78 ; macrocephalum, 78 ; marroiepha'.nm, 82 : moUe, • 78 ; nudum, 78 : odoratissimum, 78 ; Opulus, 78 ; O. fructuluteo, 78 ; O. var. nanum, 78 ; 0. var. sterile, 83 ; plicatum, 402 : plicatum in New Jersey, 4 ; prunifolium, 78 ; pubescens, 78 ; re- ticulatum, 78; Sieboldi, 78; stellulatum, 78; Tinus, 78 ; Tinus, 83 ; T. hirtum, 79 ; T. luci- dum, 79 ; T. purpureum, 79 : tomentosum pli- catum, 79; t. p. at Kew, 77; t. p., spray nf, from . iS99. M, HENRY DE VILMORIN. M. Henry DE ViLMORix was one of a family for several generations devoted to horticulture, and to whom we are much indebted for their publications as well as excellent cultures in their always interesting gardens at Verrieres and elsewhere. His father having died young, he took his place at the head of the firm at a very early age, and well he acquitted himself of that task ; and not only of the affairs of his own house, but became a trusted authority on rural economy throughout Europe and America as well as in France. Charles Henry Philippe Leveque de Vilmorin, the eldest of the four children of M. Louis Leveque de Vilmorin, was born at Paris oq February 26, 1843. The great-grandfather of Henry de Vilmorin. Philippe Victor de Vilmorin, who died in 1804, was a distinguished agriculturist, a correspondent of the Institut, and in 1791 was one of the first members of the association known at the present day as the Socidte Nationale d' Agriculture de France. He was succeeded by his son Pierre Philippe Andre, to whose reputation as an authority on fodder and garden plants was added that of a distinguished forester. He established at Barres (Loiret) an • arboretum, since become a State property, where he pursued with ardour the study of forest trees. He succeeded his father as correspondent of the Institut, was elected a member of the society above named in 1804, and died in 1802 at the age of eighty-si.x. CandoUe, the botanist, named a plant from St. Domingo, Vilmorinia, after him. "The father of Henry M. Louis de Vilmorin, who died in 1860 at the age of forty-four, was also an observer of the first order. In 1842 he commenced to make researches in connection with Wheat, and from 184.5 to 18.57 he made some remarkable discoveries in connection with the Potato disease. He also effected improvements in Carrots and Beetroots, and was an acknowledged authority on most problems concerning cultivation on a large scale. Like his father and grandfather, he was a member of the Societe Nationale d Agriculture. He was assisted in his labours by his wife, Mme. Elisa de Vilmorin, a woman of rare intelligence, and who Avas employed by M. Decaisne to write a monograph on Strawberries for his great work, " Le Jardin Fruitier du Museum." In 1878, a commission, presided over by M. Bouley, of the Institut, was directed by the Prefecture of the Seine to study methods of cultivation with sewage, and Henry de Vilmorin was appointed reporter. His communications to the Soci^tt? Botanique de France in 1879 and 1880 on the cross-breeding of Wheats of different species, and his studies on the sowing, selection and cultivation of Wheats led to the publication of a fine volume entitled " Les Meilleurs Ble^s." The bulletins of the Societe Nationale dAgriculture between 188.5 and 1896 are filled with his communications on these subjects. His latest observations were, in fact, an argument in favour of imity of species in the various cultivated grains. In 1866 he published a second edition of the "Catalogue Methodique et Synomique des Principales Variet^s de Pommes de Terre" commenced by his father, to which he added on his own account more than 200 varieties, classifying them into twelve divisions and thirty sections, which included all known forms. The collection has been maintained at Verrieres since 181.5. His researches in Beetroot continued uninterruptedly from 1875 to 1889, and it is well known that his labours contributed largely towards developing the saccharine properties of this precious plant. In 1893 M. Henry de Vilmorin visited the United States as delegate of the Societe des Agriculteurs de France in order to study the methods of cultivation there which he had heard much extolled, and which he made the subject of a lecture imder the title of " L' Agriculture et I'Horticulture aux Etats-Unis." ]n concert with his brother Maurice de Vilmorin, he thoroughly revised the illustrated work known as " Les Fleurs de Pleine Terre." His tastes as a hybridiser led him to institute experiments at Verrieres on the Salpiglossis, Poppies, Carnations, etc., his aim being perfection of form and colour'. His investigations were not, however, confined to the region around Paris. The south of France had always its attractions for him. He spent with his family several winters at Antibes, where he was on friendly terms with M. Charles Naudin, director of the Villa Thuret. The delightful climate of Golfe-Juan decided iiim to form the Jaixlin de Satil, which contains amongst other rare things a Eucalyptus brought from Australia by M. Ed. Andr^, and called after him E. Vilmoi'iniana. The Societe Nationale et Centrale d'Horticulture was not long before it attracted him to itself, and he became successively its secretary, vice-president and first vice-president. In the various posts which he filled in tlie committee and on the council he won the affection and esteem of his colleagues. His perfect urbanity might .seem obscured by a certain coldness at first, but to those to whom he took a liking to he was full of cordiality, ui)right, obliging and generous, and he made a noble use of a fortune honourably acquired by the labours of his ancestors and himself. He made numerous voyages to the different countries of Eirrope, to North America, to Algeria, Tunis and Egypt, and in the last-named country he commenced some experiments in cultivation. At Mont Dore, in the Pyrenees, whrch he sometimes visited for iris health, he delighted to botanise, and his knowledge of the alpine fiora of Auveigne was profound. In I'Herault he made a particular study of Pirius Salzmanni, rrpon which he was able to speak as an authority. Eminent though he was and one to whom distinctions came quite naturally, he was simple in his private life, and whilst indulgent for others, exacting as regards himself .^?f^ No. 1441.— Vol. LVI] [JULY 1, 1899. Roses :— R )se Crested Provence .. .. 2 Rose Daniel Lacombe . . . . 2 Rose Dr Rimges 2 Rose Felicite fjirmentier 2 Rose KronpriDZ3>sin Victoria 2 Rose Mme. Willermoz .. _ 2 Rose, Moss, Reine Blanche — 2 Rose Pink Rover 2 Roses, some interesting, at Kew ^ 1 Orohavd and Fvalt i— Apple?, late-kept 3 Currants, Bliict, pruning .. 3 Fruit tree.", young wood on old .. 3 Stmwberry Empress of India 3 Strawberry Lady Suffield .. 3 Strawberry President -. _ 3 Strawberries and bush fruits, mulching S Strawberries the early . . ., 3 Vines, manure for 2 NotfiB of tba Weak t— Broiirt^i ciccinei . . 4 Buddleia Culvillei ia Surrey.. 4 Dianthus Fettes M >unt . 4 Eriogonum sub-umliuUitum.. 4 F.ibiana imbric ita 4 Geranium Phseum 4 Hesperis matronalis Ulacina plena .. — .. - .. 4 Iris gigantea 4 L i 1 i u m Thunbergianum Orange Queen . 4 Lupinus, herbaceous, at E iin- bxirgh .. .. — 4 Notes, some Shropsbira ... 4 (Illustrations iii Italics.) Nymphfea cdorat^ sulphurea, 4 PiBonia Lemon Queen .. .. 4 Potentilla opaca 4 Primula sikkimensis at E lia- burgh 4 Saxiffaga cochlearis .. ,, 4 Spirtea Aruncus 4 Tnuaderstorm on Wednesday eveniag, effects of . . . . 4 Viburnum plicatum in New Jeney 4 Trees and Shcnbs i— AzUeas ^ .. .. 6 Halesia diptera 5 Hydrangea petiolaris .. .. 5 OttiQgton, notes from .. .. 6 U^^mauthus ilicifolius pur- purascens 5 Prunus pseudo-Cerasua fi.-pl. 5 Prunus pscudo-C'erasiiS d.-pl. at Palmer's Green Prunus pscuilo-Cevasus _;! 'pL, jlowtri)i(i ■■ihoot of .. .. ^ Weigela Eva Rathke .. .. Oavden Flora i— Manettias, the - Week*! ^ork t— Fruits under glass, work among .. -^ Kitchen garden, work in the Kltohen :— Beetroot, a good keeping Carrot, Short Horn Leeks in June Potatoes, notes on early Tamato — Vegetable or fruit? . Societies;— I Gardeners' Royal Benevo- I lent 11 Royal Horticultural .. ^ W I Obituary:— Anderson, James 12 Girdlestone, Mr. T. W 12 I PubllG Gardens :— ' Brockwell Park, proposed ex- tension of 12 DjUis HUl Estate 12 Paragon open space . — .. 12 UlsceUaneous :— America, Water Lilies in ..12 j Greenway, South Devon ^ <> 1 Viola show, National .. .. 12 I Wall edgings .. ^ .. -■ "' I Weather, the, in W. Herts . . U Rose Garden. SOME INTERESTING ROSES AT KEW. A VISIT to Kew is at all times pleasing, but to the Rjse lover no period of the year cm be compared to June. It is not that he will find the latest exhibition novelties, although the leading kinds are well represented, but the charming garden Roses that are here found make a visit very interesting. It will be worth a long journey to see the splendid mass of Crimson Rambler in the deli by the pagoda when the plants are in full bloom, which will probably be early in July. Anyone who has failed with this Rose (and they are not a few) will see here the ideal method of growing it. Judging from the enormous growths made last year, and which are now bearing such a pro- fusion of buds, the soil must be of the best possible description. It would appear that many loads of good loam were carted into the dell to form what I should call a rootery. Standing upon the grass walk, one can see up above upon this bank innumerable arch-like shoots of Crimson Rambler waving and borne down with the weight of the large corymbs of buds. On some of the growths I counted as many as forty sprays of buds, each spray having on an average twenty-seven buds, thus making a total of over a thousand upon one growth. This is nothing very remarkable in itself, but the accumulation of growths so elegantly dis- persed and elevated as they are upon this bank in the manner described, with Foxgloves dart- ing out here and thers, was to me a veritable treat, and no one able to do so should miss an opportunity of seeing this mass in bloom. In close conjunction is to be seen another bank covered after the same manner with the sempervirens Rose Flora and Blairi No. 2. The same treatment is afforded the plants as in the case of Crimson Rambler. It will be observed that the marvellous growths that are flowering are mostly one year old. Other strong young shoots were breaking up from the base of the plants (accelerated by the natural style which the one-year-old growths were alio wed to assume) that will doubtless ripen sufficiently so that they can be used next year to replace the majority of those now flowering. Of all the free-growing reliable climbers. Flora is one of the best. Having the appearance in colour of a miniature Captain Christy, its growths flower so profusely as to produce veritable wreaths of Roses. I saw it here used to fine effect upon tall pillars and chains. These pillars consisted of stout iron rods about 5 inches in circumference, each rod having three smaller ones to support it. The rods were about 8 feet high and placed about 18 feet feet apart, chains being festooned between. The variety Flora upon two of these pillars was a marvel of floral beauty. Having reached to the top of the pillar, the growths had been trained upon the chains and were flowering in the greatest profusion. I measured 12 feet of growth on one of these chains. The only fault I could find in the arrangement was that several pillars were badly furnished. To do this work well, only such kinds should be used as will grow well and fljwer simultaneously. Flora and Ruga go well together, and Felicitc- Perpetue and Crimson Rimbler would be good companions, and doubtless the newer Poly- antha climbers, Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and Thalia, will be useful. Along this same walk alter- nate pillars of Ivies and Roses were a good fea- ture. One pillar of the golden English Ivy would be difficult to surpass for colour and effectiveness. Here again one could see in- stances of the unsuitability of certain Roses for pillars, Gustave Regis being one. There were some very happy blendings of Roses and Tutted Pansies noticed by the Palm house, such as Mme. E. Resal and Viola Bullion, Viscoun- tess Folkestone and V. Montgomeryana, Cle- ment Nabonnand, a Rose not often seen, but a good grower, and V. Councillor Waters, Au- gustine Guinoisseau and V. J. Shires, and a grand bed of Hon. Edith Gifl'ord carpeted with V. Montgomeryana. A few notes appeared in these columns on June 2.5 of last year relative to some good early- flowering Roses, and it will not be necessary to reiterate" or name the varieties mentioned therein. But I saw a few specially interesting kinds that must become of great value to our gardens when they are disseminated. The most remarkable of these was a cross between R. Wichuraiana and R. rugosa from the Arnold arboretum. The plant had the recumbent habit of Wichuraiani, and the foliage was shiny, but it was also thick and leathery with spiny growths like R. rugosa. The colour of the flowers was a soft satin rose, most pleasing in its freshness, and they were about as large as a Penzance Brier. This hybrid must become of great value by reason of its undoubted hardi- ness and creeping habit. To show the won- drous divergence of hybrids, a cross between R. Wichuraiana and General Jacqueminot pro- duced flowers of an exquisite carmine colour, but the growths resembled neither parent, being more like those of a Noisette. One of the brightest-coloured rugosa Roses I have seen is the single variety from the^ same source— a cross between R. rugosa and General Jacqueminot. It is quite a rich crimson, just the colour required, and must be a valuable Rose for planting in large masses as cover or for hedges, and will probably supersede the type if it" fruits well, because this latter kind is not a very taking shade of colour. A lovely Rose is Hargita, a" hybrid, I should imagine, between Blairi No. 2 and R. rugosa. The semi-double flower had just the same style as Blairi No. 2, only the colour was a much deeper pink, merg- ing almost to carmine. The growths were also inclined to red, although very spiny, as in R. rugosa. A grand Boursault variety named Calypso will be in great demand when it is put into commerce. As seen here, the flowers are immense ; one bloom measured 5 inches in diameter. The colour is a soft pink and the blooms semi-double. As a rule the Boursault Roses are not very attractive, but this one entirely supersedes all previous kinds of this THE GARDEN. [Jdly 1, 1899. tribe. On the rockery was seen a very pretty Rose named Malyi. The colour of the flowers was a rich deep rose, merging ahnost to crim- son. An immense bush quite 12 feet through of Rosa sericea attracted attention, it being at the time of my visit a perfect mass of white, faintly lemon - tinted blossom. This variety resembles R. spinosissima altaica in bloom, although it is not so large. Some very dwarf forms of Rosa gallica, such as nana and pumila, would be useful on rockwork, the latter only growing about 1 foot high. A pretty little gem I came across was named R. spinosissima var. picta. The flowers were each not more than halt an inch across, of a rosy crimson colour edged with white and the cantre lemon-white. Rosa rugosa crossed with macrantha had growths resembling the former and flowers like the latter in shape, but not (juite so large. The colour was a beautiful clear pink. Rosa ferox from Canon Ellacombe, though not in flower, was interesting. It has tiny foliage, smaller than in Wichuraiana, but in appearance much resembles the hedge Briers. Not the least interesting were some hybrids of R. ferruginea or rubrifolia. The foliage was not quite so red as in the type, but very glaucous and the flowers were of a good size. Here at Kew one can see the true value of Rosa multiflora. Huge bushes smothered with blossom were a perfect picture. The blooms were very small, but the quantity contained in each corymb makes the sho%v. A splendid form of this Rose is R. m. Thunbergi, a variety that has already received a notice in these columns. The double form of R. multiflora was also very pretty, and was growing most freely in the dell. It is to be hoped the various hybrids noticed will be distributed, also some forms of rugosa noted last season. The tribe is so very valu- able by reason of its hardiness, that we may well desire to see the numbers increased if the colours can be improved. This would not refer to varieties like Blanc double de Courbet and Mme. G. Bruant. We are quite content with the snowy purity of these two, and would not desire any alteration in them, but I allude more especially to the washy rose colours that never appeal to one's idea of beauty. Philomel. Rose IMCme. Willermoz (Tea scented).— This is one of the hardiest of the Tea-scented Roses, of somewhat cupped form when expanded. The delicate fawn and creamy shading upon a white ground gives a fine appearance to the flower. It has been sent out now over fifty years, and was introduced by the late M. Lacharme, a raiser who has given us so many grand Roses. It pro- duced a pink sport named Letty Coles, which created a slight stir when sent out, but it has long since gone out of cultivation. — P. Rose Daniel Lacombe (hybrid multiflora). — This is a delightful rambling Rose. One thing is certain, that this will blossom on young plants ; whereas some of the newer introductions appear to be very shy in blooming. The chamois-yellow buds, if very tiny, are nevertheless extremely pretty, and the open flowers, which are about the size of those of Crimson Rambler, are at first flushed with clear rose, then change to white. I can conceive of nothing more lovely than a fine plant of this Rose covered with the pretty trusses of blossom. It has a musk-like odour, which points to the probability that it is a hybrid between R. multiflora and R. raoschata. — P. Rose Kronprinzessin Victoria (Bourbon). — This sport from Souvenir de la Malmaison is very beautiful. Its flowers are milk - white, suffused with a faint lemon tint, and are most attractive upon the plant and when cut. Like its parent, it is lovely in the autumn as \7ell as dur- ing the summer. It does not appear to be quite 80 free in growth ai .Souvenir, but it is not a bad ' grower. I should not recommend it as a stan- dard, but as a bush it is first-rate. I can see little or no difference between this kind and one introduced eight years later named Marie Tht5r^se de la Davaasaye. Certainly they are not both wanted. — E. Rose Dr. Rouges (Tea-scented). — A further acquaintance with this Rose has confirmed my first impression, that it would prove a most useful variety. The colour seems to come midway between that of Marie d'Orleans and General Schablikine, but the outer petals are of a far richer rose colour than in either of these kinds and there is also an orange shading. Apart from the delightful tint of colour the flowers are also very prettily formed, the petals not only being pointed similar to a Cactus Dahlia, but they are also curled at the edges. The plant, although of climbing habit, flowers very freely grown in bush form if the growths are left about 2feet long when pruned. — P. L. Moss Rose Reine Blanche. — Apart from the beauty of its flowers, this Rose has the most tender green foliage of any variety in cultivation. The leaves are of such a pale green shade as to amount to almost golden green. It is a very old kind, but I believe it is not much known. lb has been considered by some to be too much like Comtesse de Murinais. A great difference, how- ever, is manifest when they are placed together. In the case of the variety under notice the blos- soms are very pure white, not quite so paper- white as in White Bath or Blanche Moreau, but certainly purer white than in Comtesso de Murinais. As a garden Rose it is excellent, for it grows and blossoms freely and it can be pro- pigated easily by layers. These beautiful white Moss Roses are always interesting ; the pretty buds, peeping out amid a mossy and in some cases Fern like encasement, appeal to all lovers of old-fashioned flowers. Rose Pink Rover (Hybrid Tea). — Fragrant Roses find a warm welcome even if there are slight blemishes in the variety. Bjt in this case we have a Rose that not only grows well and flowers well, but its blossoms are in the halt open state of a fine globular shape. There is not the finish in the outer petals one would like to see, but this is a small matter, and when we sum up its good points this defect is not noticed. The exquisite pink tint of the inner petals, resembling that of Souvenir d'un Ami, verges to silvery white near the outside. I prefer this Rose to Clioabing Captain Christy, for in Pink Rover we have per- fume, vigour and good colour, whereas in the latter, although the two last-mentioned qualities are there, the fragrance is wanting. Pink Rover is not exactly a rambling kind like Gloire de Dijon or Reve d'O." ; it, however, grows extremely well and quickly covers a wall. I like to see it in pillar form or growing as a standard. I would advise anyone wanting a good light pink or free- growing kind to plant this Rose, and I feel sure he will be satisfied. Many of these vigorous- growing kinds would be in greater demand it planters only knew their value as bushes, espe- cially to grow in the vicinity of large towns. I have this Rose, Gloire de Dijon, Alme. Berard, Reine Marie Henriette, Bouquet d'Or, &c., flowering most profusely upon two-year-old plants. The growths of these plants when pruned were left about a yard long and the laterals shortened to 0 inches or 9 inches. They have now from two to three dozen buds and blos- soms upon each bush of really good quality, free from that stunted, crippled condition too often found upon wall plants. — P. 11 111 edges nearly white make it a great favourit'?. It must uot be confounded with Felicite-Perpetue, a tot illy differeot Rose. — P. Rose Crested Provence. — Tbe fragrant old Cabbage Rose will always remain a favourite, and the above lovely variety, which is possibly a sport from it, in like manner is much esteemed. This, too, is very sweet. The peculiar crested Pern-like formation of the calyx gives the flower a most unique appearance. I think nothing is more beautiful than a spray of this Rose with the centre flower full blown and surrounded by several of the quaintly created buds. It is a good grower, suitable alike for standard or bush. — P. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— SOSES. Rose relieite Parmentier.— The old Roses of which the above is one of the loveliest can never be entirely expunged from our gardens. It is not from sentiment that this one should be retained, bat simply for its own intrinsic value. Though not a large Rose by any means, it flowers in good clusters, so that the plant is very showy when in full bloom. The exquisite warm flesh-pink colour of the ou\er petals Orchard AND Fruit Garden. MANURE FOR VINES. The old idea that to grow good Grapes it is necessary to feed them upon all the garbage and filth of shambles and stock yard dies hard. Recently a visitor here on seeing large, well- finished bunches of Grapes in the early vinery asked me what I had fed them on. On men- tioning a well known manure ho made a note of it and departed, evidently under the im- pression that the whole thing depended upon getting this and no other. But it is hardly necessary to point out that no amount of actual manuring can of itself be depended upon to grow fruit of good (juality. That manure is necessary goes without saying, but it is a mis- take frequently made to think that feeding liberally will make up for errors of culture. This it can never do, and applying a lot of strong manures, whether natural or artificial, to Vnies, the roots of which are out of order or running iu an unsuitable medium, is so much waste of time. It would be useless to feed a starving child on heavy, substantial food that only a strong man could digest, and it is the same in plant life. Before the Vine can assi- milate and use a large amount of manurial con- stituents, there must be vigour and health in the plant itself, built up gradually and even slowly in some cises it may be, but none the less they must be there. This is very often the rook that many founder on when making up borders or composts for Vines. Instead of giving a make up that roots can enter freely and ramify in, over-rich ma- nures are used that only the strongest roots can enter, and these, as is well known, are not the best fruit producers. It is not enough that plant food shall be present ; it should be in a form immediately available by the roots and to ensure a constant supply of plant food borders should be constructed of such material that air filters readily through it. To this end the addition of such materials as lime rubble, burnt garden refuse and well made charcoal un- doubtedly tends. Cold, sloppy manure could never have the same effect, while that of arti- ficials in many cases is but fleeting. Bones are one of the most useful aids to Vine culture, act- ing in the dual capacity of a mechanical agent to keep the soil porous and containing some of the most essential of plant foods which are given off slowly but surely over a very long period. These, of course, may be overdone, the exact quantity required largely depending upon the class of loam used, whether this is rich or the reverse. The large amount of lime in bones makes them a useful addition to soils deficient of this, but of course this constituent may be applied much more cheaply than by the aid of bones. Quick or newly-slaked lime should not be too freely used, as it has the ett'ect of fining down the soil considerably, and this is why I always prefer the old mortar rubble to the more genuine article There is not so much active lime in it, but it has a July ), 1899.] THE GARDEN. better and more lasting effect upon the com- post. In barders made up of this class of material the roots are soon running all through them, and being trodden and rammed very firmly when putting together, they will be of the best class for fruit production and the formation of sturdy, short-jointed wood. Then when a sudden call is made upon the resources of the "Vine there will be hundreds of fibrous roots, their points hungrily seeking the neces- sary food constituents which may be provided by quickly acting chemical manures, aided by frequent doses of tepid liquid manure. The results of these will soon be manifest. _ _ H. R. Strawberry Lady Suflleld.— This is a very distinct Strawberry, and, as I think, one of the highest flavoured in existence, combining as it does distinctly the Hautbois tUvour with that of British Queen. Those who saw the exhibit of this Strawberry at the recent Temple show will hardly doubt its high tUvour even if they had not the privilege of tasting it, for the aroma was most powerful, and one could not come within a dozen yards of the few plants shown without catching the delicious perfume the fruit exhaled. As shown, it appears to be a free cropper and a healthy grower ; the fruits were nob over-large, but quite large enough for all but those who care most for monstrosities. The high quality pos- sessed by these pot-grown fruits shows this kind to be of the highest class, and one that is bound to become a standard variety with all who appre- ciate quality of the best. One can only hope that it will prove to be a variety suitable for all gar- dens.— J. C. Tallack. Strawberry President This Strawberry has been so long in cultivation and it is so well known that it is quite needless to describe it. I consider it an excellent kind in every way and used to grow it regularly. The plants always did well and ripened up a good crop of fruit, yet at the present day it is very seldom seen in good condition under glass. Ask nine out of ten expe- rienced gardeners their opinion of it for forcing, and it will not be a good one. In conversation with a very capable gardener to-day he tells me that President has been the only failure this jeir among the forced plants. Why is it so is a ques- tion I have frequently asked, and never yet found a satisfactory reply. President is a good distinct Strawberry even now, despite the shoals of new kinds we get annually, too good to lose from our collections. It frequently fruits well and con- stantly in light sandy soil, where many of the newer kinds would fail, while it not in exactly the first flight for flavour, there are many no better that receive a great deal more attention, and cer- tainly it is far before the large showy kinds that are now so popular. I cannot help thinking that there must be something wrong in the treatment that fails so utterly with President. — H. R. Young wood on old fruit trees— Though agreeing with the main points of "J. G.'s" note on p. 41.3, I mast take exception to what he says about Vines. It is not the close pruning which accounts for the laterals not showing bunches, but the general weakness or ill-health of the canes ; and it is to bo hoped that the art of growing old Vines which will continue to produce good bunches from closely pruned spurs will not eventually be lost. I do not for a moment doubt that there are many old and sparsely spurred Vines which would be all the better if they were cut out in favour of vigorous young canes from the base, but to attribute the cause to the short- spur system of pruning is obviously a mistake. That the short-spur system is good when other conditions are favourable is illustrated in in- stances frequently to be met with of old Vines which in spite of age continue to produce as good Grapes as ever, and in face of the fact that at no pruning have there been more than one or two eyes left. The tendency at the present day .seems to be that of trusting too much to young Vines and fresh canes, whereas a thoroughly established and well treated Vine will go one bearing for an almost indefinite period. It is not the close pruning, but wrong treatment and neglect that are the prime causes of failure in old Vines, this necessitating their being cut out and young canes brought up to take their places. — H. H. MULCHING STRAWBERRIES AND BUSH FRUIT. Mulching fruit trees is often carried out in a half-hearted manner, unsuitable material being used, and the time and way in which it is applied not calculated either to keep the fruit perfectly clean or to retain the moisture in the ground. The time at which Strawberry plants are mulched should be regulated entirely by the nature of the soil in which the plants are grow- ing. In strong, retentive soils the work may sately be deferred until the bloom-trusses are well advanced or about to open, but in sandy meliums such delay would in the majority of seasons prove injurious to both plants and crop, as what moisture is in the ground soon disperses at this season unless retained by liberal mulch- ing. From neglect of this I have seen what otherwise was a promising quarter of plants give way just when the fruit was commencing to soften. For a numbar of years I had to deal with a light, porous soil. Strawberries did very well, but only when the ground was mulched at the latest in January. I always got it on if possible in Dicember, using short strawy material well saturated with urine from the piggery. Two birds were thus killed by one stone, the roots being nourished and the litter washed clean by winter rains, keeping the ground moist and the fruit clean. In my opinion this is how Straw- berries should always li3 dealt with on light soils. On strong soils where mulching is performed in May or June nothing equals Bracken. If this can be cut, dried, and stacked in autumn it can be cut out in trusses, and nothing is so sweet and clean. A little lime should be sprinkled round the bise of the plants previous to ward off slugs. The next best material is short strawy litter. Grass mowings should never be tolerated. Where practicable, I would also mulch Gooseberry and Currant bushes with Bracken. It keeps the fruit on the lower parts of the trees clean, which would otherwise be splashed with dirt by heavy rains and thunderstorms. In this case also the mulch should be applied in good time. All this may seem a laborious task, but if done syste- matically it is not really so. J. Crawford. THE E.\RLY STRAWBERRIES. Seasons and soils vary so much that dates differ greatly as regards the ripening of fruit. This season my earliest Strawberry is Royal Sovereign, which was gathered on June 12 from a south border. I am aware the date given is not par- ticularly early, as a few years ago I gathered Noble and No. 1 on May 29. It is only fair to add the fruits could not compare with those just ripe, which are very large and of good colour all through. Even for West Middlesex .June 12 is early, as the season has bsen one of the most unfavourable for Strawberries I ever knew, as from 4° to 7' of frost the third and fourth weeks in May, then a wave of heat, and since then cold east winds have told sadly upon tender fruits. The frost killed a loi of the Strawberry blooms. Fortunately, the fruit set and of a fair size escaped injur}-. I still use long litter as a pro- tector, and this may bo made good use of in a cold season. It is not made firm round or under the plants, but is left loose, and in case of frost placed thus it answers well, as it covers the spikes of bloom. Though it does not look very tidy, it is an easy matter to place it in position under the plants when the flowers have set. I am aware there is an objection to litter, but it is not much soiled, and if placed on the quarters early in May it is thoroughly bleached by the weather and sweetened by exposure. I prefer it to long, clean straw, which in wet seasons lies too close and harbours slugs badly. Grass is bad in any form. To many the date of gathering and the earliness of the variety will be of most concern. So far I find Royal Sovereign the mo5t reliable for early supplies. It is all the more valuable on account of its size, and size in early Straw- berries finds favour with many, and, as growers well know, siza influences prices greatly. For earliest supplies I rely entirely upon last year's runners, and there is no loss of space, as the plants need not be so far apart. This season my . plants are smaller than usual, as owing to the hea' and drought last summer they made poor progress after planting till the autumn rains favoured growth. I find I am earlier this year than last, bub with a much lighter crop. Of course this only refers to the early varieties. Last year during the swelling period we expsrienced very dull cold weather. The earliest crops are always the best after a sharp winter, as, having a very light soil with plenty of sunshine in the spring, the soil sojn gets warm and growth is rapid. Such soils, however, need much attention in the way of food and moisture to build up a heavy crop. Without moisture the fruit fails to swell away freely, red spider gains a footing and the crop suffers. By growing different varieties and with north and east borders I endeavour to eke out the season as long as possible. From four to six weeks is usually the time, the latter if the nights are cool and we get enough rainfall. This season I hope it may be longer, as I am giving the new St. Joseph and Louis Giuthier a trial and they promise well for late supplies. I am surprised to see what effect the cold weather had upon the flowers of what may be termed choice varieties, as fully half of the bloom is ruined. This applies to the l,)aeeii and Pine varieties mostly. In some cis3s the loss of a few flowers is not a serious matter, as the plants often bloom so freely, that they are unable to perfect the fruits. La Grosse Sucree, a favourite early kind here and one that follows the Royal S ivereign closely, is much cut by the late frost. This is unfortunate, as it is a splendid variety. The useful Vicomtesse H. de Thury is much better. It appears to do well in any soil or position. I grow ib largely for pre- serving on account of its flavour and firmness, as the fruits may be cooked whole. There are many other early kinds, but of late years I have reduced the varieties, as those noted are the best croppers and the flivour is good also. King of the Earlies was too small and John Buskin does not thrive. 6. Wythes. Strawb3rry Empress of India.— I wish I could grow this excellent variety more strongly, for I have no better flavoured or finer coloured variety. But on this stubborn, heavy soil the plant does not seem to get the mastery, and should the winter prove very wet, a number of the plants turn yellow and collapse. When they do get through a season they are very free, and I have a couple of rows in passable order this year. The berries are nob large, but a baautiful deep scarlet in colour, quit) dUtinct from any other. Where ib succeeds ib is one of the very finest Strawberries in cultivation. — H. R. Pruning Black Currants.— If, instead of leaving the old wood year after year, the wood with the fruit on was cub right out and taken away to a shed to be gathered, the produce of these useful bushes would be much finer and more plentiful. A little judgment would bo necessary in some cases, of course, as there aro bearing parts that cannot bo cut out without damaging the bush, but in most cases the greater part may be removed, and the sucker like growths springing from the base reserved for fruiting. In the case of old bushes, some of these also may be removed, and a thin, open bush results. The air and light reaching every part of it will be a great help to the crop. Late-kept Apples.— A " Looker Oi" do 33 not seem very enthusiastic over Apples, however THE GARDEN. [July 1, 1899. fine, exhibited at the end of May. He is, I take it for granted, not a nurseryman, and has no trees to sell. Were he such he would know the value of an advertisement. But the presentation of a fine lot of Apples at the end of May re- dounds, I think, more to the credit of the keeper than to the fruits themselves, because it is so obvious that, let the fruits be ever so handsome in appearance, they have comparatively little intrinsic merit for eating or cooking after having been gathered some eight months. After all, except to show as an advertisement, are these fruits then worth keeping ? Is the game for a private gardener worth the candle ? Unless the fruits are as good in May as they may be ex- pected to be in midwinter they are not worth keeping. Do what we may in growing and stor- ing we cannot have such quality in fruits at that late period as we find in proper seasons and under ordinary conditions. — A. D. Notes of the Week. Hesperis matronalis lilacina plena. — This is a very distinct lilac-coloured form of the well- known double Rocket, and as sucli affords additional variety to these old-fashioned things. It is one of many useful things flowering with Mr. Perry at Winchniore Hiil. Pseonia Lemon Queen.— Though somewhat smaller than is usual, the one here named possesses the charm of a combined colouring of lemon-yellow and white. In the cupped apnearanee of the flowers, i.e., when about half expanded, these things are espe- cially useful for cutting, and are then most effective. Spirsea AruncuB. — I enclose a photograph of a clump of Spira-a Aruncns which has been taken by a friend of mine. It (irew in the gardens here on the hanks of the Wye. The clump is 18 feet in circum- ference and has produced sixty heads of hloom, many of which were f^ feet in height.— P. MacCaee, The Qarden!<, Rotherwas, Hereford, Fabiana imbricata. —Although Fahiana im- bricata is fairly hardy iu the west of .Scotland, I hardly expected to see it in hloom on a low wall at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens this week. This Heath-like shrub is one which those who like to grow plants with which some have a difficulty ought to try. it is remarkably pretty and distinct. — A. Lilium Thunberglanum Orange Queen. — This is an exceptionally good form, the chief differ- ences being the decided tone of colour and the rather thicker and more decidedly obovate segments. In all thesetho varietyis a distinct advance on any member of this dwarf section of the genus. Messrs. Wallace had nice blooms at the Drill Hall this week. Saxifrnga coehlearis.— Tliough the beauty of flowering in this plant is occasionally noted, it is rarely, if at all, that one hears anything concerning its fragrance, yet it is probably the most powerfully scented member of its race, and the strong Hawthorn perfume may frequently he detected at some distance. This is quite true of a large pitch now in hloom. Potentilla opaca.— We have a considerable number of dwarf Potentillas with yellow flowers, and several of these are grown in the Rjyal Botanic Gir- dens at Edinburgh. P. opaca this week lookei rather well by reason of the manner iu which the flower- stalks had arranged themselves. The centre of the plant showed a mound of green, while this was en- circled by a line of the clear yellow flowers.— S. A. Iris gigintea.— This showy Iris is doing well this year, and in spite of heat and drought a year ago when many things were parched up. At the time it was somewhat naturally thought this would affect the flowering of to-day, but it has not done so, for the plant is as fine and as free as ever. Another very bold and weU-coloured Iris now in bloom is I. Monnieri, the rich golden flowers surpassing in size and effect the majority of its kind. In one or two instances in the Drill Hall groups this week it was very fine. Deutzia Lemoinei.— Though living at no great distance from Mr. Arnott, and with similar conditions in climate and position, my experience as to this Deutzia is so far much more favourable than his. D. Lemoinei came well through the severe March frost, and is now flourishing and just going to bloom. I think Mr. Arnott's plant must have been rather pre. cocious. D. discolor purpurascens seemed a httle more tender, but both are very young plants, so it is not safe to pronounce decidedly yet. — W. D. R. D., Caifle Douglas, N. B. Viburum plicatum in Nevy Jersey.- With this I mail photographs of Viburnum plicatum, young plant and branch. As you probably know, this is one of the best of shrubs, iu good soil growing thriftily and rapidly and flowering freely. The dirk green attractive leaves are eeldom injured by insects. Some of the flowers had been stripped from this plant before I took a photo of it. We had a long, cold winter and spring, but just now it is hot ani dry as the desert. — J. X. Gerard. Eriogonum sub-umbellatum. — This rather useful and distinct plant does not appear t9 be a very free bloomer in many places. I am reminded of this by seeing a large mass of it at Edinburgh growing very freely and covering a considerable extent in the rock garden, but with very few flowers upon the mass. I believe it flowers batter in a crevice of the rock garden where it is not too dry than in a place where its roots receive but little moisture. The few Eriogonums we have are pretty in their own way. — S. Arn'otf. Buddleia Colvillei in Surrey.— In your issue of last Saturday the Rav. T. M. Bulkeley- Owen, of Tedsmore Hall, asks if Buddleia Col- villei has ever flowered in England. It has bloomed with me for the past three if not four years, and is now in full flower. I imagine this Buddleia is hardier than is generally supposed (it endured 21'' of frost on three successive nights in February, 1S95, with very slight damage), and thedifficulty of cultivation arises more from atmo- spheric conditions, such as smoke, than from any great susceptibility to cold. It is a very hand- some shrub. — B. E. C. Chambers, Haihine.re, Surrey. Some Shropshire notes. — Ourisia coccinea, about which there has been some correspondence in The Garden, flowers here very well. There are now over 20 spikes of flowers on the plant. It grows in a shady position on a rockery amongst blocks of sandstone ; the soil is very light and sandy. It flowered well last year. Deutzia dis- color purpurascens is a beautiful shrub, and though as yet but small, it has flowered well both this year and last. Polygonum baldsohuanicum is in the trade. I gotitfrom M. Lemoine in 181(7. It seems quite hardy, but it has not flowered here yet. — T. M. Bulkeley-Owen, Tedsmore Hall, Shropshire. Brodisea coccinea. — It is quite true that a single bulb or even a dozen can give but little idea of the value of this fine plant when grown on a large scale. It is evidently grown in this way by Mr. M. Prichard, Christchurch, who brought whole sheaves of the crimson flowers to the Drill Hall this week. Not only were the spikes un- usually strong and vigorous, but the flowers also were fine and much bolder in outline than is usual with the plant. We never remember before seeing the plant so good, so strong, or in such numbers. It is clearly quite at home on the south coast and near the sea, and as such worth growing for its fine colour. Herbaceous Lupines at Edinburgh. — A small collection of Lupines in the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens is at present worthy of some observation. It appears as if we must mainly look to hybridisers and seedling raisers for variety among these. The species at Edinburgh do not differ in flower from each other in any marked degree. Lupinus macrophyllus is rather good with its spikes of purplish blue. L. luridus has that shade of lurid colouring which makes the name fairly applicable. L. micranthus and L. hirsutus are not particularly distinct as re- gards the flowers. L. nootkaensis is taller than it grows with me, while L. bicolor looks, per- haps, the best of the lot. — S. Arnott. Primula sikkimensis at Edinburgh. — There is at present a capital mass of the Sikkim Primrose at the side of the pond in the Edin- burgh Botanic Gardens. A good many plants are flowering extremely well, showing how much they appreciate the moisture drawn up from the adjacent pond into the bank on which they grow. P. sikkimensis is not generally a long-liver, but not only is its life usually prolonged, but its beauty is largely increased when it is given a mois!) position in rather light soil — at least this has been my experience. Plenty of water in spring and summer is its main requirement. It is worth a good deal of trouble to secure healthy plants with tall stalks laden with the fragrant yellow flowers. — S. Arnott. Geranium Phaeum (Dusky Crane's-bill). — May I draw the attention of those of your readers who are interested in bees to the value of this plant, whose insignificant flowers possess such a remarkable attraction for bees. I have watched it closely for some time, and find while the blos- som lasts it is covered with bees hard at work all day, and these the ordinary hive bees. From time to time I have grown various plants recom- mended for bees, and have found them more fre- quented by wild or humble-bees than their garden relatives. When allowed to grow undisturbed for some years, the Dusky Crane's-bill attains a good size and deserves a place in front of a shrubbery or in th? wild garden. — S. 0. White, CharUviUe, Bo-^crea. Dianthus Fettes Hount. — This is one of the best and most effective plants at present in flower in the rock garden of the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Gardens. A ma?3 of its grey foliage freely covered with its double flowers of bright pink looks both showy and pleasing, while the fragrance of the blooms gives an added quality. This hybrid Pink, raised some years ago in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, deserves to be brought to the notice of those who like Pinks with their delicious odours. Not the least of its good qualities is its perennial character. Unlike some of the mule Pinks, it gives little trouble in this respect and soon grows into large plants. On the top of a rockery and hanging over the stones the Fettes Mount Pink is one of the best of our June flowers. — S. Arsott. Eflfects of the thunderstorm onWednesday evening last. — This neighbourhood was visited by an exceptionally severe thunderstorm on Wednes- day evening, accompanied by hailstones of large size. The effect of such a visitation has left its mark upon many plants in the garden. Splendid breadths of Mignonette have almost been spoiled, the foliage in many cases and lateral growths also having been completely broken off. Michaelmas Daisies in several cases have been more or less denuded of their foliage, and Tufted I'ansies have suffered severely. The kitchen garden appears to have sufferel quite as much as the flower garden, capital batches of Lettuces being completely riddled. This also applies to Cauliflowers, Cab- bages, &c. Eirly breadths of Brussels Sprouts have their leaves completely broken — in fact, the effects are most disastrous. For some time the more sheltered positions were white with hail- stones.— D. B. Crane, Jliyhyrjte, N. Nymphaea odorata sulphurea. — Growers of Nymphasis in tanks which admit of the water becoming warmed by the sun or otherwise should make a note of this lovely variety, especially the form called grandiflora by M. Marliac. The flower is of large size, nearly (i inches in diameter, and of the peculiar starry shape of the odorata section, very full and of a rich clear yellow. With me it is the earliest of its section to flower and far the largest. The foliage is marbled with choco- late like that of most other Nyraph;eas whose flowers are yellow. It also seems vigorous in habit and contrasts in shape of bloom very markedly with the well-known, but exquisitely lovely N. Mirliacea Chromatella, another very vigorous form and now well known in many gar- dens. N. Marliacea carnea (blush) and N. M. albida or Candida (pure white) are two other grand sorts Even confined, as my plants are, in boxes, I have had several blooms over (1 inches in diameter, and many more fine buds are coming out. The first Nymphita to flower with me is always N. Laydekeri rosea, and it keeps on bloom- ing all the summer, as does the dainty little N. pygm;ei helvola, and for weeks aftor the native N. alba has ceased till the weather of autumn becomes too dark and chill.— Greenwodd Pim, Aloiitstowa, Dublin. Jdlt 1, 1899.] THE GARDEN. Trees and Shrubs. PRUNUS PSEUDO-CERASUS FL.-PL. (JAPANESE CHEKUY.) All the forms of this species are valuable in the garden, and during the season when they Jire in bloom, which is the end of Blai-ch and iluring April, there are no trees to equal them in beauty. The nearest rival among Cherries is the double-riowered Gean (P. Avium H.-pl.), and this flowers a fortnight or so later. In an interesting notice of this tree in his "Forest Flora of Japan," Professor .Sargent says that in the forests of Yezo Prunus pseudo- Cerasus occasionally attains a stature of SO feet. In this country it is rarely more than one- There is, in fact, no tree that is better worth planting in quantity. The illustration shows its beauty in what are apparently not particu- larly congenial surroundings. To see it at its best, a grove of about a dozen trees should be planted against a background of Holly or Ever- green Oaiv. In Waterer's variety the flowers are of a delicate rose, and they are of e.xcep- tional size — frequently over 2 inches across. In the catalogue of the Yokohama Nur-sery Co. it is stated that there are more than twenty of these double varieties. One of them called Ckon is rather curious and striking. The flower.s are of the ordinary size and shape, but the petals ai'e sutt'used with a yellowish green tinge that might have suited the wearers of the green Carnation who developed a small craze a Prunus pseiido-Cerasus fi..pl. in Mr. C. Beckinqham' s garden at Palmer's Oreen, Limdon, N irom a photograph iy Mr. F. Connell, 3, Blenheim Place, St. John's Wood. fourth that height. By the Japanese it is cul- tivated for flowers more than any other tree. How much they value it may be gathered from the following extract :^ For centuries they have planted these Cherry trees in all gardens and temple grounds and often by the borders of highways, as at Mukojima, near Tokio, where there is an avenue of them more than a mile in length, and at Koganei, where a century and a half ago lO.UOO Cherries were planted in an avenue several miles long. The flowering of the Cherry tree is an excuse for a hohday, and thousands of men, women and children pass the d.iy under these long avenues in more or less hilarious contemplation of the sheets of bloom. In England it is a perfectly hardy tree, and the flowers are rarely injured by bad weather. few years ago. This variety was introduced some six or eight years ago by Messrs. A'eitch. Another very tine form was given a first-class certificate at a meeting in May of the floral committee. It was brought from Japan by Mr. J. H. Veitch and bears his name. The flowers are of a charming shade of pink. Cerasus Sieboldi rubra is another good form of this tree ; still, as I have said before, all of them are worth growing. — W. J. B. Mr. C. Beckingham, it, The Villas, Palmer's Green, N., in whose garden the tree figured is grooving, sends us the following particulars con- cerning it : — The tree represented is estimated to be about eighteen years old, is 25 feet to .3U feet high, and is grafted. At the ground-level it measures 26 inches in circumference. It usually flowers in May, and is sheltered by the house from north and east winds. The soil is clay, topped with marl. As the ground slopes down towards the spot occupied by the tree, the roots are always kept moist, and they extend principally under the gravel paths. It is neither manured nor pruned. Osmanthus ilicifolius purpurascens. — Thi^ is decidedly the best of the numerous forms of Osmanthus that we have in our gardens. The varietal name is derived from the purplish tinge of the young leaves, especially on the under-sides. As the foliage matures the purplish tinge partially disappears, but not enough to prevent its being readily distinguished from the ordinary form. It is in every way a most desirable evergreen shrub, and the hardiest of the different kinds of Osman- thus. This variety does not appear to be so well known as it should, but as its merits are more generally recognised we shall doubtless meet with it more frequently, for its propagation is not attended with any difficulty. Cuttings taken at this time of the year, put into pots of sandy soil in an ordinary garden frame, and kept close and shaded till rooted will strike before the autumn. Among other features possessed by the Osmanthus is the pleasing fragrance of the tiny blossoms. — T. Hydrangea petiolaris. — A large plant of this Hydrangea on the north side of the her- baceous ground wall at Kew is flowering freely, and it is both an interesting and attractive shrub for such a position. In habit it is widely re- moved from the commonly known Hydrangeas, being quite a climber, attaching itself to the wall by means of its aerial roots exactly as the Ivy does. The large flattened corymbs of blossoms consist for the most part of the small fertile ones, the large sterile flowers which constitute the .■ihowiest portion of the inflorescence in the case of most of the Hydrangeas being limited to a scattered few around the outside of the cluster. Still, for all that they are sufficiently numerous to make a goodly show. In colour they are whitish. Besides its value as a wall shrub this Hydrangea is just the thing for rockwork, as it will clothe even large boulders with quite a net- work of its long, flexible stems, held in position by innumerable roots, which attach themselves to nearly everything within reach. At the same time it is not of a particularly aggressive nature, and may be readily kept within bounds, while it is perfectly hardy. This cbmbing Hydrangea boasts a plurality of names, as besides that at the head of this note it is also known as H. volubilis and H. scandens, as well as Schizophragma hy- drangeoides. This last is a distinct plant, but the name is often applied to this Hydrangea, which it much resembles. — H. P. Halesia diptera. — Among the May-blooming shrubs none surpass the Hale^ias, with us so pro- fusely do they bloom, the branches being literally wreathed in snowy blossoms. Halesia tetraptera (the Snowdrop Tree) is pretty well known in English gardens, but the subject of this note I do not remember to have seen there, nor indeed is it offered in the lists of some of the best nur- serymen on this side. At first I thought the distinction was a mere botanical one, the name denoting its two-winged fruits as compared with the conspicuously four-winged fruits of H. tetraptera, but after three yearn' observation of its behaviour here I note it has one distinct attribute that commends it to favourable notice. It is decidedly later in flowering, as proved by a number of trees we have in widely separated parts of the park, but more especially can this be seen in one particular group where are half a dozen specimens of each species. At the time of writing (May 29) every flower has fallen from the branches of H. tetraptera, whilst H. diptera is in full bloom. If there is any difference at all in the flowers individually, I should say that those of H. diptera are rather the larger, bein;^- longer, with more acute petals. This is but a minor feature, however, its great value being in its later season of flowering. Nicholson mentions THE GARDEK [July 1, 1899. H. diptera in his "Dictionary of Gardening," but I do nob find it mentioned at all in Gray's "Manual of Botany of the Northern United States," although H. tetraptera is given, with its distribution as "from Western Virginia to Illinois and southward." Both species seed freely here each year. -A. Hkbrington, Madison, N.J. NOTES FROJSI OFFINGTON. It is not often one meets with Clianthus puniceus in good condition. Being generally grown under glass and much subject to red-spider, it is often the reverse of satisfactory. Where, however, it is seen in good condition it is most attractive. I lately saw a fine plant in the gardens of Capt. Gaisford, Offiogton, near Worthing. The plant was growing against a wall and was covered with its bright red blossoms. It is, parhaps, only in favoured positions that it can be grown out of doors, but where sufficient shelter can be given it is certainly one of the most desirable plants for covering a wall. It was about the middle of May when I saw it, and it then appeared to have been flowering for some time and likely to continue. In the same garden I saw several other semi- hardy planes flowering freely out of doors. In the north of London I found the first frost of any severity would kill Clematis indivisa, yet in the above garden I found it had stood out of doors for years, and at the time of my visit was in full flower, growing beside Edwardsia grandiSora, which was carrying large trusses of bright yellow flowers. Ceanothus Veitchi was a mass of deep blue. Rhynchospermum jasminoides and R. palchellum also have withstood several winters. I was sur- prised to see Habrothamnus elegans outside. A large plant of this against a wall was ju%t show- ing bloom. Some fine bushes of Xanthoceras sorbifolia were just opening their flowers. Daphne Mazeli (variegated foliage and flowers somewhat like those of indica) and D. fioniana, the latter a mxss of deep mauve Sowers giving off a rich perfume, were also in bloom. Several Magnolias were in flower. A large bush of Cytisus scoparius Andreanus showed how well suited this beautiful Broom is for the garden, being a mass of richly coloured blooms. Cytisus purpureus and Cytisus elongatus were flowering freely. Many other beiutiful things might be enumerated all of which seem to be at home in this old English g^den. A. Hemsley. Azaleas.— The various sections of Azaleas, in considerable numbers and forming groups of varying sizes and shapes, have been splendid this year. For size of bloom, the palm must be given to the Boskoop seedlings of mollis and sinensis, and if anything is lacking in the masses they compose, it is the want of a few more deep yellows, something after the style of Anthony Koster, sprinkled amongst them. Taken alto- gether, the variety, depth of colour, and the immense size of the blooms are remarkable and quite a revelation. Owing to the intense heat and drought the blooming season proved shorter than when cooler weather prevails. I should be pleased to see more of these beautiful free-bloom- ing hardy shrubs planted in thousands up and down the country. Their chaste and subdued colours and exquisite perfume would add beauty to many a hill and glen now occupied with far less worthy subjects, and, excepting on the lime- stone, they need no special preparation, merely fairly good light soil free of tree roots and coarse herbage and a modicum of light and air.— J. R. cultivated. Tlie flowers are of a rich crimson tint, and larger than in some of the older varieties of the same colour. A bed of this kind is particularly attrac- tive jast now at Kew. — T. NOTES & Q UESTIOXS.— TREES d: 8HR UBS. Weigela Eva Rathka.— Wliile Weisela or iJierv.Ua pr:u3.)x is on p. 422 referred to from The fact that It flowers in advance of any other variety, this is of equal value in that it serves to prolong the flower- ing season of tliis beautiful class of shrubs, being in full bloom when they are nearly, if not quite, over while a succession is kept up till summer is well advanced; m fact, sometimes till autumn sets GREENWAY, SOUTH DEVON. On the lower Dart, opposite the picturesque village of Dittisham, embowered in Damson trees that in the spring-tide of the year shroud the low-eaved cottages in a wealth of snowy blossom, and hard by, where the storied " Anchor Stone," midway between the rock-margined, tree-clad shores, divides into two channels the lovely river, here at its narrowest, and sends the circling eddies to dimple the placid surface amid the sun- flecked shadows that lie beneath the overhanging boughs now verdant with unnumbered leaves, is situated Greenway, one of the South Devon seats of Mr. T. B. Bolitho, M.P. From the Reed- thatched boat-house on the river's verge the grounds slope steeply upward, thickly clothed with trees, until they reach a higher level, whence to the southward a charming view is gained of the river Dart, flowing seaward between densely wooded banks, its waters blue beneath the un- clouded sky. Many rare and beautiful plants and trees flourish on the walls and in sheltered nooks of the interesting gardens. Several large specimens of Clianthus puniceus were at the time of my visit covered with a profusion of their great crimson-scarlet blossoms, whose formation has led to the name Lobster-claw being applied to the plant. A fine bush of Acacia armata some •5 feet in diameter was yellow with flower, and the single white Rosa hevigata, that succeeds so admirably at Kingswear, at the mouth of the Dart, was also in bloom. Other plants at home on the sunny walls were the scarlet-flowered Mexican Inga pulcherrima, Bignonia capreolata, and B. (Tecoma) radicans, Callicirpa rubella, a native of China, the handsome white-flowered Swainsonia albiflora, and the pale blue Plum- bago capensis, which was growing strongly on a sheltered exposure. In places where this plant will exist through the winter in the open, as it has proved its capability of doing in not a few favoured spots in South Devon, it creates a lovely elTact when plentifully set with its silvery blue fljwer-clusters in the late summer or early autumn, its colour being quite unique in the garden. The sweetly-scented Rhynchospermum jisminoides was represented by a vigorous speci- men some 10 feet in height, and the Chilian Ber- beridopsis corallina, Chorozemas, Pomegranates, Hydrangea scandens and the yellow- blossomed Piptanthus nepalensis : also evidenced by their health an appreciation of their surroundings. Banksian and China Roses rambled up high old walls and were approaching the zenith of their beauty. Choice Rhododendrons were doing well on a slope the soil of which had been removed and replaced by peat, and many fine forms were in bloom, amongst which were noted R, Aucklandi, R. Falconeri, R. Dalhousianum, R. fragrantissi- mum, and R George Hardy. Of shrubs and trees, many fine Dracienas were already com- mencing to throw out their scented flower-spires a specimen of the Fire Bash (Erabothrium coc- cineum) had expanded its vermilion flower - clusters, but is far inferior in size to one in Mr. Bolitho's garden at Trewidden, Penzance, which is held to be one of the finest, if not absolutely the largest, in Great Britain. Eucryphia pinnati- folia from Chili was present. Metrosideros ro- bu3ta, 10 feet in height, was in vigorous health and flowers well in its sheltered site ; Correa bicolor had made good growth ; and Camellias, Choisya ternata, Garrya elliptica, and the com- moner Rhododendrons had maae enormous bushes, one of the latter having attained a height of close upon ."ill feet. A fine specimen of the rare Chilian tree Guevina Avellana had formed a well- furnished specimen 20 feet in height ; the Straw- berry Tree (Benthamia fragifera) was showing its pale yellow flower-buds ; Photinia jiponici had supposed to be rarely exceeded by this subject ; while fine specimens of Japanese Maples, Ekcagni, and other handsome shrubs were conspicuous amid the wealth of foliage, and the great New Zealand Flaxes (Phormium) flower well year after year. The hardy Palm (Chamierops Fortune!) was well represented, and Bamboos had formed graceful clumps on the sward. In an isolated position on the lawn is a splendid specimen of the Tulip Tree 50 feet or more in height and of great girth, while a towering Wellingtonia has attained a stature of 91) feet, and its trunk at ■2 feet from the ground measures '21 feet in cir- cumference. On the eastern side of the house a small rock garden was formed some years ago. It is constructed of limestone, and occupies a position on a steep slope facing south-west. The arrangement is at the same time natural and artistic, and in it many alpines are flourishing, such as Androsaces, Saxifrages, Campanulas, Sedums, Gentians, Dianthuses, with Mesembry- anthemums, Aubrietias, and Alyssums. S. W. F. Wall edgings.— When in one of the most remarkable of Surrey gardens recently 1 noted how singularly effective as covers or surface- edgings on low stone walls bordering the carriage- drive were such things as Sedum acre aureum, a mass of golden colour then some 15 inches broad and 10 feet to 12 feet long. Then would come an equal length of Veronica prostrata, a mass of blue, followed by a singularly effective length of Thymus Serpyllum coccineus, literally a mass of blood-red colour and beautiful beyond descrip- tion. A little further would be seen a huge mass of the beautiful blue Lithospermum prostratum ; next, perhaps. Golden Stonecrop again, then Aubrietia Leichtlini, and so on, ringing the changes on these and other creeping plants with marvellous effect. How very possible is it by the employment of simple hardy creeping plants in this way to produce effects of great beauty. What a charm attaches to gardening of this de- scription when it presents some break away from the common rut. — A. D. Garden Flora. PLATE 1229. THE MANETTIAS. (with a coloured plate of m. bicolor.*) The species of Manettia figured is the best of the thirty known, so far as can be j udged by the few that have been introduced into gardens and by herbarium specimens. It has been in cultivation about fifty years, but until recently it was practically lost and its place and name taken by a much inferior species, the correct name of which is M. luteo-rubra. I believe we are indebted to Mr. Godsefi" for the recovery of the true plant, he having found it in cultiva- tion in the United States a few years ago. It is one of the most useful of stove twiners, rapidly covering a trellis or small pillar with its twining stems, and bearing a profusion of bright scarlet and yellow flowers almost the whole year round. It is easily propagated from cut- tings. This and all the other species are natives of Tropical America. The best of the others are : — M.coRDiFOLiA, which has shining green glabrous heart-shaped leaves, the largest 2 inches long, and slender-stalked, drooping, tubular, quadrangular flowers each over an inch long, with small re- curved lobes and coloured bright rose-red. " This truly beautiful plant, raised from seed sent by Mr. Tweedie from Buenos Ayres .... is just now opening its first blossoms, and being covered with a profusion of buds in every stage, it pro- This Weigela is now pretty well ti^^n anrg^u^alJ^ | Si^^dT ^^1;;;^ 20 '^^^^'^^t^ ^t^\^^^!^l^. Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in Messrs. San ler's nursery at St. Albans. Lithographed JUL i !890 July 1, 1899. THE GARDEN. raises to be exceedingly ornamentiil during many ■weeks."— (liolanioi' Mwjazinc.) It is grown in the Palm house at Kew. M. MiCANs was introduced from Peru by Peiroe, collector for Messrs. Veitch, about thirty years ago. It dilTors from the other two in that it pro- duces its bright orange-red flowers in leafy panicles, whilst its leaves are each .'5 inches or 4 inches long and are ovate, not cordite at the base. It used to be grown at Kew, but is not there now. I shall be glad to learn if it is still in cultivation anywhere. There is a figure of it in the Botaniral Magazine, t. .^)-t05 (1865), where Sir Joseph Hooker said it was by far the most beauti- ful species known to him. The genus is closely related to Bouvardia. ^^ ■ ^- The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. Leeks, main crop. — It is now quite time the main batch of Leeks was transplanted. The best Leeks are grown in trenches, although on extra strong, retentive soil excellent results are obtained from planting on the level. If the manure has now to V be dug in, see that it is in a well-decomposed state. Where ground is limited, three, or even four, rows of plants may be grown in one trench, extra care, however, being necessary in earthing up to prevent the soil entering the centres. The bed should be well soaked with water a day or two before planting and the seed-bed also, the young plants being carefully hfted with a small hand-fork. I cut a small portion of the top off with a sharp knife and drop each into holes made with a dibber, so that the foliage is just below the surface, watering afterwards wilha fine rose. Of course, where ground is no object the one-row trench is the best, especially if exhibition produce is desired. Any small plants left in the saed-bed may be planted rather thickly on any convenient piece of ground, these coaling in very useful for drawing for flavouring. The Lyon and Musselburgh are still very hard to beat, Uobbie's Champion being a grand variety for exhibition. Peas. — In many districts, especially on warm, shallow soils, second early Peas have had a some- what hard time of it owing to the absence of rain. The value of early mulching will now be seen, as it not only enables the first formed pods to swell to a normal size, but also the secondary batch to come in. Where no other material is at hand, grass mowings may be used for mulching the rows. A good soaking of liquid minure or even clear water over this will often keep Peas growing until rain falls. On moist ground where any tall-growing varieties have overtopped the stakes, pinching out the terminal growths may be practised, this preventing the haulm falling about and hastening the filling of the pods. Where growth has fallen through between the stakes, stout string or tar-twine may be stretched along to keep it in its place, this being easily secured here and there to a stout stake. May -sown crops sufficiently advanced should be staked at once, as if allowed to fall about they never do so well after. Where another sowing is to be made for extra late gatherings, Chehea Gem or William Hurst will be found as remunerative as any, allowing a space of 3 feet between the rows. Rows now in bearing should be closely picked, as this aids successional pods to fill properly, espe- cially during hot, trying weather. All first and second early lots of haulm should bo cleared off the ground as soon as possible, if only f r neat- ness sake. These plots will often prove isjful for late greens or for the earliest plantings of Rosette Coleworts. Earliest Tom.\toes. — Many batches will by now have reached the limit i f trellis room, and fruit will have set up to that pjint. Where plants set fruit ba^ly towards the lower parts, a ftw shoots may be laid in over the old stems, removing a portion of the foliasa to avoid crowd- ing. These may be pinched ^when they reach that portion of the plant bearing green or half- ripened fruit. For many years I grew my earliest crop in a lean-to house, the pots standing on a shelf close to the front lights, growth being trained up a trellis on the single-rod system. Beneath the shelf in question, and at some 2 feet distant, there was a second, which accommodated an additional row of plants brought on at a later date. As the crop ripened and was cut from the lower parts of the first batch of plants the growths of the successional lot were trained up immediately by their sides, the leaves of the former being removed by degrees. By adopting this double batch system, even in a moderately sized house, it is surprising what a weight of fruit can be obtained. Marrows in frames. — Where these were planted out as soon as the earliest frame Potatoes were lifted, they will now be in a bearing state, and of such a sizs as to require much mora root moisture and nourishment than before any fruit formed. If the plants have reached the sides of the frames, the best thing will be to remove the lights entirely and allow the Marrows to ramble over the sides and ends. Go over the plants and remove any weakly growths, these baing of no use, but rather hindering the ingress of sun and air from the most fruitful growths. It is a good plan at this stage to mulch over the surface for some distance round the stems with decayed m-anure, as Marrows require much moisture. An occasional good soaking with farmyard liquid one half its strength will be of great benefit to Marrows. Remove all fruits as soon as full size is reached, as leaving them has an impoverishing effect, and Marrows will keep in a usable condition for some time if placed in a cool, even tempera- ture. Any plants that have been grown in pots, for supplying a few eaily Marrows may now be thrown away, the frame ones keeping up the supply. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Vineries — When many varieties of Grapes are grown together in one house it is almost im- possible to deal in the best way with all, and one of the most troublesome things with which the grower has to cope is the tendency shown by some, of which Madresfield Court may be taken as a type, to splitting just before the fruit ripens. Whatever may be the actual cause of this split- ting, it may be accepted that any great fluctua- tions ^etween drought and moisture either in the atmosphere of the house or in the soil of which the border is composed are certain to bring on an attack ; consequently it is such fluctuations that we ought to avoid by keeping the atmosphere fairly charged with moisture, and by so regulating the watering that the border is never entirely dry on the one hand, or given a big soaking on the other. It is sometimes recommended that the Vines bearing these splitting Grapes be allowed more latitude in the matter of lateral growth than others, but I have not found that this makes any difference provided care is taken to keep the laterals in hand in such a manner that no great amount of growth is removed at any one time. In a word, I pin my faith more to regularity of treatment in all things than to any one supposed preventive in particular, and have no reason to regret doing so. Where some of the big bunched varieties, eucIi as Barbarossa or Gros Guillaume, are grown in the late house, these should now require shouldering up, and this should be done with the greatest care to preserve or to produce a handsome form of bunch tied out to the fullest extent possible consistent with the desirable com- pactness which is one of the good points of well- finished bunches. As rubbing the berries spoils their appearance, deftness in handling the bunches is necessary to preserve them from being marked. Most late Grapes require some amount of fire-heat to keep them going and to bring out their best qualities : consequently this should not be overlooked, and whenever the nights are inclined to be at all cold, it is wise to give them the benefit of sufficient fire-heat to keep the water circulating in the pipes, Mrsr-ATS. — These will in most cases be now advanced beyond the stoning period, and from this time onward a night temperature approach- ing 70'^ may be given with advantage, this not only giving greater size of berry, but, what is still a greater advantage, it brings the Grapes forward enough to ripen up while the san has still a great deal of power, and this gives them the clear amber colour so desirable in the Muscat — a colour it never attains when ripened late in the season, however much fire-heat may be used. Feed the Vines with alternate doses of ordinary manure water and some concentrated manure, as the roots like a change of provender, but in both cases the manure should be well diluted, and I prefer to err rather on the side of weakness than on that of strength. Should the border be at all S3ur or badly drained, care must be taken not to give water in too great quantities, as Muscat Vines especially resent this, and their foliage will turn yellow under its influence. Peaches. — Early Peach trees which have been cleared of their fruits should be at once gone over with the knife and all surplus wood removed, so that what remains for next year's fruiting may have the advantage of ample room. Time should also be spared to cleanse the trees of any insect pests which may have gained a footing earlier in the season, and if me.aly bug is present the only way of dealing with it is to look well over the stems of the trees and apply to all nests found a solution of insecticide strong enough to kill the brood. By attention to this at a time of the year when these pests are active, much future trouble may be saved. It is early yet to talk about ripening of the wood, and I only allude to it now to say that early ripening, and the consequent shedding of the leaf, are a mis- take, and whenever I see any sign of this I am careful to apply a light shade to the glass, so that the leaves may be preserved as long as possible. Trees that are leifless during late summer are prone to cast their buds the following season. See that the roots have plenty of water and syringe overhead daily. This, together with plenty of ventilation night and day, will enable the trees to finish properly. Midsaason houses with fruit swelling on the trees should be kept moderately cool, and fire heat may be entirely dis- pensed with or reduced to a minimum, for the trees do not like it, and with proper management in the matter of ventilating carefully and shut- ting up early, swelling goes on, or should go on, at this time of the year as quickly without as with artificial heat, and thefiuit will certainly be better flavoured and coloured. Tie in the growths as they extend, but not in such a way as to cover and shade the fruits. Bring up to the light and support in that position all fruits which have a tendency to grow in an obscured position, and fix them so that the apex of each points towards the glass. Use the syringe freely up to the time when they show signs of ripening, and be careful only to use soft and very clean water, as the Peach in its later stages is easily disfigured by hard or dirty water. Above all things see that the borders are not allowed to become dry, and that the roots are well fed during the time still left in which to perfect the fruits. Pines. — Continue to pot up into fruiting pots the stock of Queens as soon as the plants seem in a fit condition for the move, so that they may get well established and able to bear the cooler treat- ment which may be given in winter, for well- rooted stock can safely be kept in a lower tem- perature than those which are not so forward, and this lessens the need for hard firing at a time of the year when excitement or forcing is bad for the plants. Where there are the necessary con- veniences for growing the main batches on the planting-out system, no time should be lost in establishing the plants in their beds. For such plants a good command of bottom-heat, that may be regulated as occasion requires, is a necessity, and unless this can be afforded it is best to stick to the pot system, a most convenient one where dependence has to be placed on fermenting mate- rial for the requisite heat, Cqrnubian. THE GARDEN. [Jdlt 1, 1899. Kitchen Garden. NOTES ON EARLY POTATOES. The value of observation as to the ijuality and earliness of various kinds of vegetables, Pota- toes included, is often negatived by the absence of any particulars as to soil and locality, and as doubtless many correspondents will be relating their experience of varied kinds it would be a great help in forming correct conclusions as to suitability or otherwise for various soils if these particulars were given. In the garden from which I write the soil is heavy and unless plenty of opening material is used, practically unworkable unless caught just at the right time, while the situation is the highest part of Suffolk and very exposed. A good part is sheltered from north and east winds by a belt of trees and high Box hedges, and the border on which the Potatoes named are grown has been well worked and manured. As showing how some excellent kinds vary from year to year, I may mention that popular variety Ringleader. With respect to quality it is by far the best variety here this season. I have before recom- mended it as an excellent forcing kind owing partly to its short top and also the fact that the tubers are usually fairly regular, that is, there is not a number of small worthless ones when the earlier ones are fit for taking up. Last season the crop was good, but the quality was not first-rate by any! means. Still, I think, taken all round, it will be hard to beat. Ninety-fold I am growing for the first time this season, and I must say that I am very agreeably surprised with it. It is a strong, but not too vigorous grower, and is fit to take up very early. Planted on March 3 it was fit to dig on June 10, and the fine crop of beauti- fully-formed tubers was i|uite a revelation to me. And what is more important than appear- ance, the cooking quality of Ninety-fold is excellent. It is true that the newer kinds do not in after years always keep up their reputa- tion, but, judging by its present form, this Potato should become a very popular kind in the not far distant future. Among the Ashleaf section I can find nothing to beat Hammer- smith Kidney. The good quality of all these varieties is well known, but the fact of their being somewhat later than many of the newer kinds has led in many cases to the substitution of the latter for the first crops. But no collec- tion of Potatoes will be complete without at least one or two of the Ashleaf kinds, and as far as my observations go on various soils I should select at least three in the order named. Hammersmith, Veitch's Ashleaf, and Myatt's. Sharpe's Victor I am still growing, and I see no reason for altering my previous opinion of it, though I still think there are spurious stocks of it in the market. But if, as noted above, Ninetyfold proves as good in the future as it has done with me this year there will be no need of growing Victor. Neither in my opinion comes up to the Ashleaf kidneys for flavour, thgugh Ninety-fold runs it very hard, but both of them are distinctly earlier. There are several of the second early kinds that incases where a large demand exists may with advantage be grown for filling the breach that sometimes exists after the stored tubers have passed their best and before the usual second early lots are ready for digging. Those I have found useful are Early Rose, Reliance, and Satisfaction. The first of these is too well known to need description. Reliance is a good kind, but does not keep to the true kidney shape on this soil. This is, I believe, contrary to the experience of others, but I speak of it as I have found it. Satisfaction has, I think, been more grown by farmers than gardeners, and a friend of mine who grows somewhat largely advised me last year to plant it among the early varieties. I did so, and got passable tubers to look at, but worthless to eat. As a Spray of Japanese Cherry {Prinms pseu,do-Cer photograph by G. Champion. (Si second early or main-crop it is useful, as it is an immense cropper, seldom taking disease, the tubers large and of good quality later in the season. H. R. Carrot Short Horn.— There are, I think, few vegetables in which there has been so little im- provement in recent years as in Carrots. Culture has so much to do with the good quality or other- wise of these useful and delicately flavoured roots that selections of the old forma have been well grown and sent out as new over and over again under different names. I have for the last ten days been drawing ex- cellent roots of Short Horn, and these are not a whit behind several new kinds planted next to it. I sow the Carrots in drills 9 inches apart, and between these sow a drill of Radishes, the latter coming away before the Car- rots require all the room. To do them well. Carrots like a deep, but not over-rich tilth, and more fre- quent sowings than most other vegetables. An old and fully grown Carrot has never the same flavour as small, quickly grown roots, lew roots being so sweet and tender aa the latter. Large Car- rots are, of course, use- ful for flavouring. — H. Leeks in June. — The Leek ie very use- ful from October to the early part of May. After the latter date the plants show their seed - spikes and the flavour is lost. I think the good-keeping pro- perties of the Leek may in some cases cause those who pur- chase roots at the sea- son named to dislike this vegetable, as, though the lower por- tion of the plant looks well, being thick and well blanched, the in- side is mostly com- posed of a hard seed- ttem and is useless. The plants other than for seed are useless, and should not be used aa a vegetable, but when the public see such fine roots at ehowa they think them excel- lent. It is impossible to prevent large roots seeding. Frequently these plants have been raised in heat some fifteen to eighteen months previous. From a quality point of view they are use- less, and should nob be recognised at shows, however large they may be. — S. H. B. A good keeping Beetroot. — For many years I have grown Dell's Crimson, not on account of its splendid colour, but for its keeping properties, as given CDol storage from December to June there is no difficulty in having good roots at mid-sum- mer, ■ I am aware many growers object to this variety on account of its small size, bub this in my opinion is an advantage, as coarse Beets I ■asusJl-pL). Iroin a ee p. 6.) Jdlt 1, 1899.] THE GARDEN. neither keep well nor cook well. I notice at winter exhibitions a much larger root under the name of Dell's, the foliage being much lighter and coarser. Soils and plenty of food may be the cause of increased size and colour. Too early sowing may also cause roots to be large, bub I fear in some cases the stock is not the true Dell's. This variety is very distinct, owing to its intense bronzy foliage, deep crimson colour and small smooth root. For keeping I have not found its equal, sown in May or June in an open quarter and lifted as late as possible in the autumn. — G. WVTHES. Tomato : Vegetable or fruit ? — As we are generally agreed as to the Tomato being a fruit, there is but little in "A. D.'s" criticism (p. 402) which calls for a reply from me, but I should like to point out that the exhibits at the Temple show are in no way a test in the matter, for no restrictions as to the number or kind of exhibits are placed on exhibitors there ; neither are the exhibits competitive in the ordinary sense, nor shown for money prizes. Can "A. D." induce any competitor in the fruit classes at the Royal Horticultural Society's Crystal Palace show to put up a dish of Tomatoes in the collections of fruit for competition? If so, and a full number of points are allowed for them, I shall be satisfied, and many exhibitors who are sometimes at a loss for a dish to complete their exhibits will be grati- 6ed at the opening given them. I am aware that the Royal Horticuloural Society have in a half- hearted way adcnitted that Tomatoes may be sometimes shown as fruit'^, bub these mast be either small or shown in clusters, and the admis- sion has been of no practical banefib to the exhibitor u j to the present time. Why should a dessert Tomato be small, and what is smallness? We do not ask for small Peaches or small Grape*. Some miderately large Tomatoes are preferred to the small ones for eating raw. I still hold that up to the present the Tomato is nob given its proper status as a fruit from an exhibitor's point of view. — J. C. Tallage. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 27. It has become quite usual now for the Drill Hall to be filled with flowers at the fortnightly meet- ings, and on Tuesday last another large and beau- tiful display was to be seen. There were Orchids, indoor and hardy flowers, with a charming show of Riies, which were remarkably fresh and true in colour. It was in every way a delightful ex- hibition. Orchid Committee. F.rsb-cliss certificates were awarded to the following : — Odo.stoclossum Harkyano crispct.m. — This is the reverse cross of the variety exhibited at the Temple last year. It differs both in the colour and also in the shape of the segments, the lip especially being nearly twice the size. The sepals are creamy-white, slightly tinted rosy-violet, the whole surface mottled and marbled with light brown : the petals creamy white tipped with violet at the apex, mottled and blotched with light brown in the centre. The lip, upwards of an inch across, is pure white in front, spotted with deep purple around the sides. In front of the deep yellow disc there are numerous rich brown spots. The plant carried two racemes of three and four flowers respectively. From Sir F. Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen. L-ILLA DOMINIANA VAR. FiRE KlXl!. — This is a beautiful form, the sepals and petals deep rose- purple, the lip rich crimson-purple veined with a darker shade and margined with rich rose-purple. The side lobes are rose purple shading to yellow at the base, longitudinally lined with rich crimson through the throat. It is the result of crossing L. purpurata and Cabbleya Dowiana. From Mrs. Briggs-Bury, Bank House, Accrington. L.ELio Cattleva Eudora var. ExnuA (Cab- tleya Mendeli x Lajlia purpurata). — In this the sepals and petals are pale rose, the lip intensely rich crimson-parple, with a brjad margin of light rose, the side lobes rich crimson, shading to yel- low, with numerous brown lines through the base of the throat. This is by far the finest form of this hybrid we have seen. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Odon'toiilossum cRiSPtJM Ser.\phiji. — This is one of the finest white varieties we have seen. The sepals and petals are white, except a faint colour in some of the lower flowers on the spike on the bottom sepals. The lip is pure white, except the bright yellow disc. The plant carried a ten-flowered raceme. From Mr. de B. Crawshay, Rosefield, Sevenoaks. Awards of merit were adjudged to the follow- ing:— Masdevalll\ RtJSHTONi (M. ignea Eicharti x M. raoemosa). — The habit of growth and shape of the flowers resemble those of the parent spacies. Toe flowers are orange-scarlet, veined with a darker shade of colour. It is a fine addition to the Masdevallia hybrids. From Captain Hincks, Terrace House, Richmond, Yorks. L.ICLIA TE.VEBROSA VAR. ViCTOR WaRECTRTON. — This is a distinct form, diS'ering in the cilour of the sjpals and petals and also in the lip from the Walton Grange variety. The sepals and petals in Mr. Warburton's plant are rich bronzy yellow, the lip white, slightly tinted with rose. The side lobes in front have a broad band of reddish purple. The plant carried a twofljwered ra- ceme. From Mr. A. Warburton, Vine House, Haslington. Cattleya Mossi.e var. Lawre.nce.e. — The sepah and petals are pure white, the lip white in front, suffused with a faint shade of lilac in front of the bright orange-yellow disc. The side lobes are white, shading to yellow towards the base. From Sir T. Liwrence. Cattleya G.\SKELLLiNA FORMOSA. — The sepals and petals are pale lilac-tinted, the lip almost white, with some veinings of rose purple in the centre ; the side lobes white, shading to light yellow through the base of the throat. The plant carried a three flowered raceme. Froai M ssrs J. Veitch and Sons. Odontoglosscm crisppm purpurascexs — This is a beautiful form of the O. c. Starlight sec- tion, the sepals white, heavily tinged with rose, the whole of the centre area covered with rich brown-purple spots. The petals are white, tinted with light rose and sparingly spotted with small brown spots ; the lip white, shading to yellow on the disc and having so.ne rich brown spots in the centre. The plant carried a ten- flowered raceme. From Sir T. Lawrence. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons sent a pretty group, consisting principally of fine varieties of Cat- tleyas and L;i'lias, both hybrids and species. In the back row were several gold forms of L ulia purpurata, a finely-flowered planb and varietv of Cattleya Warneri, several good forms of C. War- scewiczi, good varieties of C. Mossia>, C. M. Reineckiana, and C. il. Arnoldiana. The most prominent among the hybrids were several forms of Liplio-Cattleya Canhamiana. L -C. C. albida had almost white sepals and petals and a broad white fringed margin. L.-C. Aphrodite Ejdora was well represented. The cinnabar - yellow - petalled L.-C. Hippolyta was most effective. Several finely-flowered plants of Disa Veitchi and D. kewensis were also included. Cattleya Juliet (C. Mossia- X C. labiata), with deep rose sepals and petals, the broad open lip deep rose, veined and suffused with crimson-purple, was most attractive. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. sent a large group, consisting principally of finely-flowered Cattleyas and Lielias. Lajlia Digbyana and L. purpurata were most attractive. Uendrobiums, Odontoglos- sums, Cypripediums, Oncidiums, and Jlasdeval- lias were very prominent and well represented. Under a glass shade was a good planb with one flower of the rare Cypripediumcallosum Sandera?. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son sent a nice group. la the back row were sone finely-flowered Oacidium serratum and O. macranthum, a good plant of Vanda tricolor, and two finely-flowered plants of Thunia alba. Lslia purpurata and L. tenebrosa were also included. Cattleya Mendeli and C. MossiiB were well represented. Aerides Lobbl and A. affiae were also noticeable. A good plant of Utricularia montana, several finely-flowered Cypripediums, Epidendrums, andOdonboglossums were well represenbed (bronze Banksian medal). Messrs. Stanley, Mobbs and Ashton sent a large group, consisting of finely-flowered Cattleyas, Lffilias, Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, and Cypri- podiums. A bronze Baaksian medal was awarded. Messrs. .1. Charlesworth and Co. sent a Cattleya VVagneri with seventeen flowers, a pale form of C. Mendeli, and L»lia cinnabrosa. Mr. J. Bradshaw, The Grange, Southgate, was awarded a silver Banksian medal for a nice group, consisting principally of good forms of Oionto- glosiutn crispum andaprebty formof 0. excellens. Among the mmy fine Cattleyas was a plant of the now scarce L«Uo Cattleya exoniensis with two spikes of flower. L.-C. Thorntoni has the inter- mediate character of the parents, the sepals and petals delicate lilac, the lip bright rose on the fringe, creamy white in the centre and yellow through the throat. Anguloa Clowesi and other interesting species were also included. Lb. -Col. Shipway, C.aiswick, sent a small group. The most prom nent among these were a dark form of Lajlia purpurata and a good var e^y of Cattleya Men- deli. C. Moss'a-, Odonbogloss'jms and Cypripe- diums were also repiejent;d Lord Burton sent fine forms of Cattleya Mendeli and C Warneri. Mr. W. P. Burkenshaw showed a spotted Odon- toglossuai crispum Mrs. Briggs-Bury sent Lajlia tenebrosa (Walton Grange variety), and Mr. W. A. Bilney an exceptionally dark form of Cattleya Gaskelliana and L. - C. Canhamiana alba. Mrs. Temple, Leyswood, Groombridge, had a dark form of Cce'.ogyne Dayana. Baron Schrceder tent a three flowered raceme of the lovely Cypripedium S:onei platyt.a>nium, and Sir F. Wigan a dark form of Caibleya Mossiie and a good variety of Lielio-Cattleya eximia with two flowers. Sir T. Lawrence had a dark form of Lajlia purpurata, and Mr. de B. Craw.^hay a good shaped 0. crispum with an eleven - flowered raceme. Mr. R. I. Measures sent .Masdevallia angulata, a distinct variety of the M. Mooreana section, and Mr. W. C. Walker showed a finely- flowered plant of Burlingbonia fragrans. Floral Committee. First-class certificates ware awarded to — Davallia illustrls — This plant seems to bear a relationship bo D. Mooreana, though both in colour and hoight it is distinct from this. The plant is 2.1 feeb h'gh, of sp:eiding habit. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons, King's Road, Chelsea. DRAC.E>f A i.-JDi visa Schn'eiderl — A wcll-marked form of this plant, being compact and free in its leafage. The leaves are each nearly 2 feet long, slightly channelled on the upper surface, and heavily saturated with reddish crimson at the base. From Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Awards of merit were given to — Pelarcoxid.m Fire DR.iao.v. — A curious novelty in which the petals, which are brilliant scarlet, have a distinctly reflexed appearance and quite blunt at the tips. From Mr. E. S. Towell, Hampton Hill. Carn.vtiox Lady Gerard (Malmaison). — A distinct primrose and white, the flowers full and of the same form as is usual in this type. From Mr. H. Walters, Eastwell Gardens, Ashford, Kent. Delphinium Sir Walter Sooti. — A fine kind with m-vssive spikes of intense violet-purple flowers. From Messrs. Kelway and Sons, Lang- port. CARNATio.>r Trojan. — A finely-formed pure white flower, very full and freely produced, though, unfortunately, without perfume. From Mr. James Douglas, Edenside, Great Bookham. _/ 10 THE GARDEK [July 1, 1899. Messrs. Paul and Son, Walthara Cross, Herbs, set up a fine bank of Rases, in which some three dozan Moss varieties figurad, Zenobia, Blanche Moreau, Crested, Comtes^e da Marin lis (Sne blush-white), and the old common Moss being the best. Cluster Roses of tha Polyantha section were likewise numerous, and very showy were the rugosa forms, Mme. G Biuintand Blanc douWe de Courbet being very good. The Hybrid Tea Belle Siebrecht was in fine form. Among pot kinds, Triomphe de Cien and Chas. Lgfebvre, both excellent dark sorts, were noticeible, and equally so the now well-kno^n Enohintres* (silver Flora medal). Our reporter had not moved from this group when from unforeseen causes, though presumibly inadequate staging, the stage carrying the above collapsed with all thai was apin ib. Messrs. J. Peel and Sons, Roupell Park Nur.sery, West Norwood, hid set up a lovely bank of single and doable Bgoaias, but, owing to the above accident, the enure staging collapsed jast aj oar reporter was commencing his notes. Ib was, however, obvious that the plants and strain were of the bast description, well grown and freely flowered, and but for the accident referred to would have made a notable feature in the day's exhibioion. A very fine bank of Malmaison Cirnations wiDh a bifikground of tall Bamboos cime from Messrs. Wm. Cutbush and Sons, Hig'agate. The plants were models of good culture. S ome of the best were Sou venir de Chas. Freemantle, red ; Jaae Seymour, pnk ; Albion, salmon-pink; Soult, red-s:;arlet ; Prin cess of Wales, Calypso, deep blush and pink ; Margob, red ; and the clear scarlet Suadridge, the latter of the border class. A capital lot of the Goldeo Calla (Richardia Elliottiana) occurred at intervals in the group, whic'i wai bordered with Ferns (silver Bank-ian midal). Mr. Jjhn Ru.ssell, Richmond Nurseries, Rich- mond, had a fine group of orniment.al trees and shrubs in pots, in which Acers, C)boneisbers, Ivies, C-ibalpi sjringifolii aurei, Citalpi pur- purea, a very distinct planb ; Golden Oik, and such things largjly predominated. A few good things were Rhus glabra laciniita, Aralia Mixi- mowiczi, a handsome plant with digitate leaves, Andromeda spaciosa, full of its snowy blossoms, Andromeda pulverulenta, and Rhus japonica Osbecki. Robinia hispida was also freely employed. Eaonymus and small things formed the margin (bronze Banksian modal). Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son, Holloway, set up a small group of border Carnations, in which wera yellow, scarlet, rose and pink shades. The plants were all in small pots, thus demonstrating whib cm be done in an ordinary greenhouse. TaeMiSsrs. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, had a fine display of their pink Canterbury Bells (Cimpanula Meadia calycanbhema rosea plem), the plants models of good culture, excellent in hibitand freely flowered. Some of the (lowers were of great size and very rich in colour. Tha samj firm also had an enormous group of cat herba^aous P«jny blooms in which it was difiicult bo find a weak flower. Of the semi-doubles, Abotis, whibe with numerous whibe ligament! in centre, and Lachesis, pink guard petals, whibe twis'oi petals in centre, were very charming. Among the doubles, Zaphyrus, blush-pink; Leonie, pale pink, very full ; Aurora, pink and rose ; General McMahon, rich purple ; Vesta, full pink : Duchesse de Nemours, pure whibe, and Rubens, crimson-lake, were the best At one end a prebby group was made of the early-flowering Gladioli and English Irises (the former in some dozen or more kinds), Delicatus, Rjsy Gam, and General Scott being very fine. The well-marked G. insignis was also shown. Ixias in variety bedded in Maiden-hair Fern completed this imposing array of flowers (silver Flora medal). Messrs. Wabkins and Simpson, Exeber Street, Strand, staged a group of their strain of dwarf badding Lantanas. Mr. F. G. Foster, Brockhampton Nurseries, Havant, set up a wonderful array of Sweat Peas. Of the whites, Eiiily Henderson, Snowdrifb an 1 Blanche Burpee ; of blues and kindred shades, Em'Iy Eckford, Lady Hamilton, Countess of Radnor ; of pink and red. Gorgeous, Orienbal, Lady Mary Currie ; of primrose, Mrs. Eckford and Cream of Brockhampton, were the most important. Navy Blue is s-ery tine, while Pink Friar is whiba, splashed pink. There were soma eighty varieties set up in this group (bronze Flora madal). Hardy fiawers from Mr. Miurica Prichard, Christchurch, Hints, though not so numerous as on a former ocaasion, contained some choice things, such as Orchis foliosa, Philadelphus Lamoinei erecbus, Kniphofia caulescens. Clematis integrifolia Darandi, Ldium umballatum Cloth of Gold, Lilium Martagon album, a dozen spikes, very Hoe; Brodia'i coccinea, a grand lot, and Calochortus venustus citrinus, the two latter showing how well such things do in the south. Mr. Prichard also had a series of M. Marliac's hybrid Water Lilies arranged in large bowls, the flowers very fine and fresh (silver Banksian medal) Messrs. Wallace and Co., C jlchester, had a large and varied group of the best hirdy flowers. These for the most part were set up in large blocks that at once created a good etfect and likewise gave a good idea of their worth. In this way we saw a great variety of Lilium Thuobargianum, or ele- gans as the group is somatimas called, two of the finest being Alice Wilson, with delightful yellow flowers, and Orange Queen, a kind with clear rich orange flowers, remarkable not only for colour, bub equally for its subsbanbial pebals and their well-rounded form. Other kinds of this set also wera numerous. Then cam a L. Browni, L. Washingtonianum, L. Szovitzianum, L. Henryi, and L. Hansoni. Tha charming hybrids L. Dal hansoni and L. Marhan were also noted. Not hast of the many kinds here was L. platyphyllum with towering spikes of its massive flowers away in the background. Other notable things in this group included a choica array of Ixias. Calo- ciorci were naturally plentiful, though largely of b*ia Eldorado group and the ever-walcome C citrinus among others. Soma of the loveliest of summjr Irises, such as I. jancea, I. Monnieri, I. gigantea, and I. spuria, were also here, and many ditferenb forms of Brodi;i'a, among which B, coccinea is ever a CO aspicuous flower. Spikes of IncarviUea Dalavayi nearly '2 feet long gave evidence of being quite happy. Tree Paonies were also largely represented. The Messrs. Barr and Sans, Covent Garden, also brought a fine group of things, though here the herbaceous P;eony was largely in evidence. Of these, how- ever, there was a large display, embracing tha finest of the section, soma of the lighter shades being very pleasing and fragrant also A few flowers of Iris K.vmpferi, probably the earliest of this sat to bloom this year, were also noted, basides which such bhings as Inulas, Coreopsis, Polemonium cieruleum album, Poten- tiUas in variety, Lupinus arboreu-", Cypripedium spacbabile, and such things were also shown. Some three distinct Heucheras gave a very prebby resulb in near proximiby, the richly-coloured H. splendens being a very striking lot (silver Bank- sian madal). Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Rothesay, N.B,,had an imposing array of Sweeb Peas set up in huge bunches and to the numbar of about nil). The cream of this beautiful family was in- cluded in this comprehensive group. The varie- bies, however, are well known, and we therefore refrain from giving them in detail (bronze Flora medal). Mr. Joseph Lamb, Burton Joyce, Nobbs, exhibited a basket of blooms of the Carnation- flowered Pink Albino, perhaps the nearest ap- proa:;h to a Carnation of all the Pink family. It is a pure white flower and delicioualy fragrant. Mr. .James Douglas, Edenside, Great Bookham, sat up a few good Carnations, mostly of the border sorts. Lady Grimsbon of bhe Malmaison seb is distinct, with rose-soarlet spots on a pink and whibe ground. Obher good border kinds included Cardinal Wolsey, Francos Wellesley, carmine-rose self, quibe a novel shade among red Carnations ; Mrs. Colby Sharpin, Trojan, pure whibe; Cecilia, fine yellow; and Mrs. Sydney H. Divers, scarleb. A cipibal lo", of mixed hardy flowers from Messrs. Gco. Jackman and Sons, Woking, contained some good things. such as Geum miniatum, Delphinium Balladonna, Inula glandulosa, Campanula grandis, (Enothera speciosa, together with a variety of Pinks, such as Anne Boleyn, Emerald, white, dark centre, Mrs. Petbifer, and obhers. Lupinus arboreus was also good, while the hybrid coccinea Clematis and hybrid Sweet Briers proved most inbsrasting. Some good Rosas were also shown, Fisher Holmes and bhe lovely Tea Sunset, Kaiserin Augusta Vic- boria, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Margaret Dickson, and Mrs. Grant being notable flowers (bronze Flora medal). The Stocks and hybrid Colum- bines from Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons, Swanley, were very pretty in the mass. It was an unusual bank of blossom, both families being represented by much variety and good colour. The Stocks were of an excellent strain and the colours well defined (bronze Flora medal). A large bank of herbaceous Pieonies with Dalphiniums was set up by Messrs. Paul and Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt (bronze Bank- sian medal). P.eonies and Dalphiniums, too, Wire quite a feature in the large display from Langporb by the Messrs. Kelway and Son. Here, however, soma n)velby presented itself, more particularly among the Larkspurs, though even these appear ta have reiched the very acme of perfecti on so far as size aad colours are concerned. The most notic;able of these, however, are Miss Gladys Wilson, a fine doable blue ; Beauty of Langport, white ; Primrose, a rather good spike ; Lady Battersea and Norah Green, fine blue with pure white eye. Some good Pieonies are Queen Victoria, pink and whibe ; Olivia, whibe ; Breeda, whibe and blush. T.ie new Lupinus polyphyllus Somerset with soft and pale yellow flowers showed this to ba a distinct addibion bo the hardy plant class. Gaillardias, too, were very fine (silver Banksian madal). A collection of Salagi- nellas, containing soaae fifty species and varieties, from Mr. H. B. il ly, Elmonboa, was bhoroughly representative of this pretty and useful group of plants, the fresh green tints from thase forming a refreshing group (silver Banksian medal). A grand lot of flowering and decorative plants was arranged on the floor by Mr. E. Backett, gardener to Lord Aldenham, Elstree, and was greatly admired. The group was apparently arranged from diverging centres of Palms, Kentias aad Areca lutescans being employed for this pur- pose. These primary plants were splendid exam- ples of their kind, well grown and finely furnished. Around thase a considerable variety of Liliuus, such as longifiorum, tigrinum, Kr;etzeri and others, was used, while Dracasnas, Crotooi splendidly coloured pieces and finely grown. Begonias of the Rax or allied set), Aralias, Tuba- roses, Ericas, Crassula coccinea, Saxifraga pyra- midalis, a few Orchids, Rise Crimson Rambler and such things filled up tha intarvening spaces. This group wall deserved the silver -gilt Flora medal awarded ib. A most charming group, pro- bably one of the finest ever seen at bhe Drill Hall, was composed simply of Crobons and Humeas, which alone conveys but libble to those removed by distance from the place of exhibition. The Humeas were giants of their kind, fine plants towering away to 12 feat and 15 feet high, parfect examples of cultural skill, to say nothing of the care and judgment in bringing such fine planbs a long disbance by road. The lovely and fragrant plumes consbibuted a screen of indescribable elegance, and contrasted finely with the rich colour of the well-grown Croton's below. The group was margined with Caladium argyribes and extended to some 30 feeb in length. These lovely plants came from the gardens of Sir C. Pigotb, Wrexham Park, Slough (Mr. ,T. Fleming, gar- dener), and worbhily gained a silver-gilt Banksian medal. Fruit Committee. The premier exhibit cima from Messrs Rivers and Son, Sawbridgeworbh. The Peach trees in pots were remaikable spacimens of culture, carry- ing from fifteen bo eighbeen fruibs of enormous size and splendid colour. The variebies were Sea Eagle and the less known Thomas Rivers, a July 1, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 11 splendid fruit and much admired for shape, size, and colour. There were also gathered fruits of this variety. It is evidently a splendid variety for fjrcinij. The treas of Sea Eigle had been forced yearly for eight years. Princess of Wales Peach, Virosse Mignonne, and Gladstone were also very fine. Victoria and Byron Nectarines were very fine fruits, as were the Cherries Frogmore BigarreAu, Elton, and Eirly Rivers, and The Czir Plum (silver gilt Knightian medal). A very fine collection of Q leen Pines was sent by Mr. Thos. Cjomber, The Hendrj Gardens, near Mon- mouth. The fruits were large and well grown, with small crowns and lar^e, well ripened pips, beautifully coloured, and well meriting the silver Knightian medil awarded. A small collection of fruit %va3 sent by Mr. \V. J. Prewett, The Gar- dens, Frensham Place, Farnham, Surrey, includ- ing very good Foster's Seedling and Black Ham burgh Grapes, Peach Hale's Early, Early Rivers Nectarine, Royal .Jubilee Melon, a nice fruit, and excellent Royal Sovereign Strawberries (silver Bmkfeiin medal). Messrs. Laxton Bros , Bedford, sent some fine fruits of Monarch and Mentmore Strawberries, the formsr remarkable for size and colour. Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, sert Vti:cVi's Prolific Strawbarry, a new variety, given a certificits last year. Fruiting plants laden with fruit were also sent. This evidently is a reliable setter, as Strawberries this year in the London districts are none too plentiful, owing to late spring frosts Melons came from various sources, the bast baing Gunton Scarlet, from Mr. W. Allan, Guntou Park Gardens, Norwich. To this the committee unanimously gave an award of merit, but after the committee had left it was discovered the same Melon received a similar award last jeir. This was not stated. Of course the award was not in order, as a first-class certificate was the only award available. Doubtless this would have been given had it been discovered in time. Mr. W. R. Pettigrew, Hewell Grange Gardens, near Broms- grove, sent two Melons of good quality. One, the result of crossing Read's Scarlet and Blenheim Orange, was a good fruit, but not ripa, and the committee asked to see it again in better con- dition. The other was the result of crossing Golden Perfection with High Cross Hybrid, but inferior in quality to the first-named. A new Cucumber was shown by Mr. T. Haynes, Carlton Gardens, R.S.O., Yorks, but too large and old for the committee to test quality. A new Tomato named Klondyke came from M". M. Taylor, The Gardens, Penbedw, Nannerch, N. Wales, the result of crossing Ham Green and Eirly Ruby. In appearance the fruits were not unlike Ham Green, evidently not superior. The committee decided to give it a trial at Chiswick to test its cropping qualities. Other vegetables were sen*", but of no value whatever either as regards quality or appearance. Rose Show. In the open class for twenty-four single trusses, distinct, Mr. B. B. Cant, Colchester, came fiist with good blooms throughout, his Princo Arthur, Maman Cochet, Marchioness of Djwnsh're, Helen Keller, Mrs. .John Laing, Sultan of Z mzibar and Catherine Merraet being excellent. The second prize was awarded to Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, also of Colchester, some of the best blooms here being Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Mrs. Grant, The Bride, Caroline Testout a^d Prince Arthur, Messrs. F. Cant, Colchester, securing third prize in a good competition. For eighteen single trusses (amateurs), Mr. O. G. Orpen, West Bergholt, Colchester, was first, Maraan Cochet, Rainbow, Souv. d'Eliso VardoT, and Mrs Grant being some of the best. Mr. T B Haywood, Reigate, who was second, had Mrs. Grant, Abel Carriere, Marchionness of Downshire, A. K. Williams and Grand Mogul, the two latter being in fine colour, Mr. E. M. Bethuno, Danne Park, Horsham, taking third place. For eighteen single trusses, distinct (open), Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, took the loading place, having some of the best blooms in the show. His Francois Michelon was grand. Good also were Her Majesty, Carolina Testout, Mrs. J. hiing, Prince Arthur and Xavier Olibo. Messrs. J. Burroll and Co., Cambridge, were second, having very fine Marquise Litta, Duke of Teck, Bridesmaid, and Prince Camille de Rohan, Messrs. G. Cooling and Sons, Bath, taking third place. For twelve single trusses (amateurs), Mr. G. W. Cook, The Briars, North Finchley, was first, his best) baing Medea, Ciptain Havward, Mrs. Grant, and Louis van Houtte. Jlr. W. Kingston, Grey Street, Bedford, had Catherine Mermet and Princess of Wales very good, Mr. R. W. Bowyer, Haileybury College, Heiti, being third. Six single trusse* (amateurs) brought Mr. B. H. Langton, Raymead, Hendon, to the front, and here we noted Captain Hayward, Charlotte Guillemot, Mrs. Grant, and Gustavo Piganeau, all good and superbly finished flowers — indeeJ, among the freshest and cleanestof tlie entire exhibition — Mr. .J. Biteman, Archway R 'ad, N., being second. For nine single trusses of any one variety of H.P., H.T., or H.B. (amateurs), the first priza was taken by Mr. Percy Burmand, Hill Rmge, Rei- gate, Mrs. Grant being the variety. The second place was occupied by Mr. T. B Haywood, who hid Mrs. J. Laing very good, Rsv. R F. Page Rjberts, Roctory, Scole, coming third with Mmo. Gibriel Laizet. For si-x trusses in the three sections named above, Mr. G. W. Cook, North Finchley, took the lead with Mrs Grant, Mr. E. M. Bathune being second with Kaisorin Augusta Victoria. For eightaen trusses in not less than twelve kinds, Rev. R, F. Page Roberts cj,rae first. M.Cusin,Mar6chalNiel, Maman Cochet, Niphetos, and Golden Gate were the best, Mr.O.G. Orpen, who had very fine Amazon, deep golden yellow, and Anna Olivier in his lot, being second. For eighteen single trusses (open), Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, Colchester, took first, Mme. de Watteville, Souvenir d'Elise, Rubens and Maman Cjchet bemg good flowers. In this class there appaared to be only one prize awarded, yet there were some four competitors. For twelve single trusses, not less than nine varieties (amateurs), Mr. Conway .Jones, Blenheim House, Hugglescote, was first, Mme. de Watteville, Niphetos, Ethel Brownlow, The Bride and Golden (Ute being bast. Rev. A. Foster-Malliar had good Citherine Mermet, Maman Cochet and Claopatra. For six sinsle trusses, not less than foar varieties, Rav. F. R. Burnside, St. Margaret's Bay, Dover, took leading place, having Mme. Hoste, Medea and Mma. de Watteville, Mr. H. P. Langdon being second with good Maman Cochet and Souvenir d'un Ami. For nine single trusses of any one variety, Mr. 0. G. Orpen secured first place with finely-coloured Mar^chal Niel, the following class being for six single trusses, and here Mr. H P. Langdon, Shenfield, was first with charming blooms of Anna Olivier, Miss B H. Langtoo, Ray- mead, Hendon, coming second with good flowers of Hon. Edith GifTord. For thirty-six distinct varieties of garden Roses, Messrs. re, tho single white Himalayan, Cooling's single Crimson Redder, Dr. Rouges, deep red and orange, &c., &o. Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were second, their best being Royal Scarlet, I'ldeal, I'olyantha grandi- flira, white ; Carmine Pillar, W. A. Richardson, Una, a charming white ; Blanche Moreau, and rugosa in variety. A similar class for eighteen varieties for amateurs followed, Mr. Alfred Tate, Downside, Leatherhead, being first with Hebe's Lip, Rosa Mundi, Marquis of Salisbury, Crimson Ranibler, Safrano, Revo d'Of, &3. ; Mr. F. W. (^trap, CoUey Manor, Reigate, and tha Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering, Essex, taking second arid I bird prizes respectively. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. TnK Earl of Darby presided over the sixtieth anniversary festival dinner of the Gardeners' Royal Banevolent Institution, at the Hotel Metropole, on Wednesday evening. A large company assembled, and among those present were Sir J. Whittaker Ellis, Messrs. Harry J. Veitch, James H. Veitch, Arthur Turner, Harry Turner, .J. Hudson, J. James, G. Wythes, Rudolph Barr. H. Cu'.bush, J. H. Laing, W. Baker, J. G. Veitch, B. Wynne, G Munro, and W. Poupartand IJeut.-Col. Pdkington, MP. The chairman, in proposing the toast of " Con- tinued Sucnesi to tha Gardeners' Royal Bane- volent Institution," disclaimed practical know- ledge of gardening, but gave soma amusing instances of attempts made by him when in the army to establish gardens at different stations. These attempts were not regarded favourably by the authorities, and led to tha despatch of huge folio sheets ot inquiry as to the authority by which such attempts had been made. It was rather lata in life that he was brought into contact with practical gardening, and he could tell them that although Lancashire did not enjoy a climate favourable to vegetation, he knew no people who had more genuine love for flowers than the Lanca- shire people. But even those who had no practical acquaintance with the art shared the feeling of sympathy with those who, from mis- fortune, or illness or other causes, had fallen back in the race of life, and to whom this institution stepped in as a ministering angel, making life easy, and in many cases prolonging it. At the present time there were 17-1 racipients of annui- ties. Of these, 4 were over ninaty years of age, 36 over eighty, and S7 were over seventy, and these persons who had passed the allotted spaa of man were helped by the institution and relieved from that anxiety which wore more man to their tomb than did illness. The annual amount ot the annuity was £20 for men and £10 for women, and the institution further inculcated the prin- ciple of self-help, giving what was practically a bonus or credit in votes to those who had for a certain period subscribed to its funds. Those who subscribed to the institution could be sure that the funds were devoted to deserving re- cipients of the bounty, while the othae expenses were on almost an exiguous scale, the able secre- tary, Mr. G. Ingram, having a staff of only one. He appealed for subscriptions even from those who could give but small sums, and spoke also of tha claims of the fund commemorating the Jubi- lee, which was used to aid candidates who had not yet succeeded in obtaining pansions. A sympa- thetic letter from tha Daan of Roc'iester, who quoted an instance within his own knowl dge of tne great good done by the institution, was read by Mr. Ingram, and tha chairman then formally proposed the toist, coupling with it the naiae of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, treasurar. Mr. Veitch, in his reply, slid that the work was progressing satisfactorily ; more good work had been dona in the past year than in any previous year, and the warmast thanks of the committee and of the friends of the institution were due to Mr. Ingram. He mentioned that of tha 174 pensioners one was a woman whose husband was elected as far back as 1863 and died in LSSl ; his widow succeeded him, and thus the two had been on the pension list for thirty-six j'ears. Tho husband had subscribed a guinea for eighteen years, and together up to the present the two pansionershad received tSGS. The amount required for paying pensions alone was t;:i-20fJ par annum, and in addi tion they had to meet the expanses of manage- ment, which amounted to between teOOand £7U0. The income from investments was about £901), so that apart from the subscriptions about £2000 was required from donations. In addition, they wished .assistance in the formation of a Samaritan fund, which was to be invested, and the interest devoted to helping candi- dates who were known to be deserving, hut 12 THE GAPvDEK [JuLT 1, 1899. had nob from various causes been subscribers. The sum of £2000 would enable them to do what was required. Sir J. Whittaker Ellis proposed " Horticulture in all its Branches," and Mr. Wm. Atkinson, of Sheffield, responded. Mr. W. A. Bilney proposed "Our Country Friends," and Mr. R. Piper, whose name was associated with the toast, in replying insisted that the subscrip- tions of those who joined the institution simply with a view to future benefits were nob wanted. Let those able to subscribe cast their bread upon the waters, and if in after years they were in need they would find it return to them. Mr. Ingram, in announcing the subscriptions pro- mised, stated that the Victoria fund was now complete. Inclusive of 200 guineas from the chairman, the contributions as the result of the festival amounted to £2500. Mr. N. N. Sher- wood proposed " The Chairman," and Lord Derby, in responding, accepted the position of vice-pre- sident of the institution. An admirable programme of music was per- formed under the direction of Mr. Herbert Schartau. The tables were profusely decorated with choice flowers and the whole of the arrange- ments were admirably carried out by Mr. Ingram. Obituary. MK. T. W. GIRDLESTONE. On Sunday last, after a brief illness, there passed away in the prime of life one of the keenest amateur horticulturists this generation has known. I need scarcely say I refer to the late Mr. T. W. Girdlestone. Notwithstanding the many arduous and anxious duties involved in the management of a large school and a naturally rather frail constitution, his interest in floricul- ture never flagged ; indeed, it was while super- intending the planting of his unrivalled collection of single Dahlias only a few weeks ago that he was seized with an attack of illness which ulti- mately proved fatal. At one period of his life the Rose almost ex- clusively engaged his attention, and at that time it may truly be said that no other amateur rosarian possessed such an extensive knowledge of Roses generally, especially of the decorative and single varieties, as was clearly evidenced by the admirable articles which in those days appeared week by week in the pages of The Garden. For several years in succession he came in third in the amateur champion class at the National Rose Society's Crystal Palace exhibition, and had circumstances allowed, must sooner or later have risen to the premier position, although greatly handicapped by tha light character of the soil in his garden, so skilfully were his Roses grown and staged. As is now well known, but for its re introduction by Mr. Girdlestone, one of our finest exhibition Roses, Suzanne Marie Rodo- canachi, would have been altogether overlooked and lost to cultivation. He next turned his thoughts to Dahlias, as coming into flower at a period when he had a little more spare time, and especially to the single Dahlia, of which at his death he certainly possessed the finest strain in the world. Not only were his flowers in this section unapproachable at an exhibition, but his method of staging them was also the envy of all competitors. For many years past Mr. Girdle- stone has undoubtedly been the mainstay of the National Dahlia Society, first as secretary and treasurer, and more recently as its president. His far-seeing judgment proved on several occa- sions of inestimable service to the society as well as to the Dahlia itself. Never more was this the case than when, some years ago, he so firmly im- C rested upon the committee, when wavering etween the Cacbu3 and so called decorative varieties, to decide once for all in favour of the former, and to issue each year lists of the best Cactus kinds until they had reached such a degree of perfection, that this section might be left to stand alone upon its own distinctive merits. Anyone who has seen Mr. Girdlestone's lovely garden at Sunningdale and the admirable taste displayed in its arrangement will know that it was not only as a rosarian and Dahlia specialist that he might have shone in horticulture. To say nothing of landscape gardening, his know- ledge of alpine and herbaceous plants was almost as extensive. I feel that I have not written in any way ex- travagantly of one with whom it has been my privilege to be intimately acquainted for nearly twenty years both as a friend and brother horti- culturist, for I cannot but think, considering all that Mr. Girdlestone managed to accomplish in such a comparatively short space of time, and when thronged with so many other pressing duties, how much greater things he would have been able to do had only his life been spared and more leisure fallen to his lot. His chief charac- teristics outside his many social and winninc gifts were, I should say, his singular independence and originality of thought and action combined with an exquisitely refined sense both of form and colour. Few men, I should imagine, with such slender opportunities of meeting his fellow horti- culturists have ever made themselves so generally respected and beloved as the subject of this brief and imperfect tribute to his memory. Berkhainsted. E. M. James Anderson. — It is with regret that we have to record the death of Mr. James Anderson, who passed away at Glasgow on June 10, in his sixty-eighth year, after a protracted illness. The deceased was for many years gardener to Mr. T. Dawson, Meadowbank, Uddingstone, N. B. Mr. Anderson was for some time editor of the Northern Gardener. Public Gardens. Proposed extension of Brockwell Park. — At the meeting of the Lambeth Vesbry on Thursday evening, Mr. J. A. J. Woodward in the chair, it was unanimously resolved, on the motion of Alderman Hubbard, seconded by Mr. Harris, to urge the London County Council to acquire a piece of land adjoining Brockwell Park, Heme Hill, for the purpose of enlarging the park. Mr. Hubbard said he understood that the strip of land in question, which is beautifully wooded, was about to be developed for building purposes, and reminded the vestry that at the opening of the park Lord Rosebery said it would be a thousand pities if this land should ever be covered with houses. The Paragon open space.— The open space known as the Paragon, in the New Kent Road, which has been acquired by the Vestry of the parish of St. George the Martyr, Southwark, from Lord Llangattock, as well as a smaller space on the opposite side of the way, leased from St. Bartholomew's Hospital, was formally opened yesterday by Lady Llangattock in the presence of a large gathering. The space has been ac- quired at a cost of £.3400, towards which Lord Llangattock has given £1000, the L C.C. £1700, the Vestry of St. George £600, and St. Mary's Vestry £100. Part of the expanses of preparing the ground and laying it out has been borne by the vestry and the remainder by the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association. The siz3 of the larger space is -1000 square yards, and of the smaller 525 square yards, and the larger includes a bandstand and several flower beds. DoUis Hill Estate — Lord Hobhouse pre sided over a meeting held in the Guildhall, Westminster, on Friday evening last, to consider the purchase of the Dollis Hill Estate as a public recreation ground to be dedicated to the memory of Mr. Gladstone. Mr. Basil Holmes, secretary to the estate, stated that the London County Council had baen approached by a deputation, and had promised to contribute £3000 towards the purchase of the estate on condition that the Willesden Urban District Council undertook to keep it open to the public for ever as a recreation ground. The Gladstone National Memorial Com- mittee regretted that it could not contribute to the purchase, as its funds were pledged for other objects. The total sum required by the trustees for the estate was £50,000. The Willesden Urban District Council contributed £30,000, the Middlesex County Council £12,.500, Hampstead Vestry £1000, and Hendon District Council £500 ; and these contributions, with the London County Council contribution of £3000 and voluntary subscriptions of £494 I8s., brought the total to £47,500, leaving £2500 still to be raised. It was resolved to approach owners of land abutting on the estate, asking them to contribute to the purchase in view of the fact that their property would ba greatly increased in value. The Pad- dington Vestry is also to bs asked to contribute. The Earl of Aberdeen wrote suggesting that if the owners of adjoining land saw fib to contri- bute, obhers would be more willing bo co-oparabe in the scheme. National Viola show. — The report of the V^iola Society's show at Winchester House is un- avoidab'y held over until our next issue. The weather in West Herts. — A warm week. On ona day, the 26th, the shade tempera- ture rose to 82°, and during the preceding night the exposed thermometer did not fall lower than 55°, making this the warmest nighb as yet this year. At 1 foot de?p the ground is but little warmer than is seisonable, but at 2 feet deep it is about 2" warmer than the average. A little rain fell on the 22Qd and again on the 27th, but the amounts were altogether insignificant. In fact, no measurable quantity of rain-water has come through either of my percolation gauges for over three weeks. — E. M., Berkhamiled, Water Lilies in America. — Nymphaea odorata Lueiaua and N. Kichardsoni are now in bloom with us. N. Ricbardsoni is very fine for a white, and, although we have plenty of white kinds, N. Glad- stnniana is iadispensable. It is a larger flower than N. Marliacea albida. and without, a shade of pink in the sepals, as in the latter variety. We wish very much you could see our Lilies in bloom. Marliac's varieties are fine with us, especially N. 11 )binsoni. We have most of his varieties except thoje of receit introdaction. They ard fiae io colour, but they do not come up t) our standard in size, bat that wiltsoou be met, as we have some very promising saedlings, amongst them being one that we have named after Mr. Wm. Falconer. This variety is much larger thia Marliac's N. ignea, deepsr and richer iu colour, and as large as N. alba. Another variety is of a rich deep carmine, changing to wine-red, the arraagemeat of the stamens boing also peculiar. — Hensy Dreer, Philadelphia. Names of plants.— iJ. W. TF.— Tellima parvi- flora. Reginald Eoijer. — Epidendrum falcatum. Walter Warton, jun. — Dendrobium moschatum var. Calceolaria, differing from the type in its smiUer and more highly coloured flowers. .7. Meade. — Briza minor. 9. T. S.— Cyrtanthus MoKeni. W. Hat- field.— Quite impossible to name from such a speci- men. P. N. Oanistf. — Polygonum amphibium. We should think that c instant cutting would get rid of it. F. F. F. — 1, Geranium armeuum ; 2, Geranium striatum; 3, BreiUouia macnintha ; 4, Thalictrum anemonoides ; 5, Dianthus superbus, form of ; 6, Lilium croce'tm. Gardener. — Styrax japonica. . J. D. — 1, send fresh specimen; 2, Sidaloea cmdida ; 3, Centranthuj ruber ; 4, Crepis aurea; 5, Veronici rupestria; 6, Thalictrnm sp. H. 0. 0. — Sisyrin- chium striatum var. Mn.Johnes. — Common Sanicle (Sanioula europaei) ; native plait. -W. D. R. D. — Neither of the plants you send to name U cultivated, and therefore should be sent for names to some herbarium, such as Kew. The Hieraoium is nearest to H. prenanthoides, and the V"eronici is nearest to V. austriaca pinuatifolia. The Iris is I. ochroleuca. ' The English Flower Garden." — Tho- roughly revised, with fall descriptions of all the best plants, their cidtare and arrangement, heaatifiUly illustrated. Medium8vo,15s. Special edition {2 vils.) bound in sage-green morocco, suitable for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers. THE GARDEN Ko. 1442.— Vol. LVI ] [JULY 8, 1899. Ferns :— Ferns, exotic, for the open air 14 Ft'rns. Gold and Silver -. 13 Ferns, hardy nun-British, in Yorkshire .. .. .,13 Ferns on tree stutrps „ ^ 13 Roses:— Brier, Sweet, Anne of Geier- stein « 14 Rose, a fine pillar 15 Rose Bennett's Perpetual ., 15 Rose Beryl 15 Rose Cheshunt Hybrid . . .. 15 Rose Killarney 15 Rose Mme Abel Chatenay „ 15 Rose Mme. Rene Gerard .. 15 Rose Mme. Wagram .. .. 15 Rose Mrs. Frank Cant .. .. 15 Rose Mrs W. J. Grant .. .. 15 Rose Myrianthos renonculo.. 15 Roses at the Temple show . . 14 Roses, Moas, common and graciUa .. .. „ .. .. 14 Roses, new or little-known, at the Crystal Palace . . 14 Roses, two brilliant bedding 14 Roses, two miniature Moss — 15 Flower:— Acantholimon glumaceum ,. 17 Acanth'iUmoa glumaceum .. 17 Campanula, Peach-leaved ,, 19 Erigeron glauciia .. .. ^ 17 Flowers in the rock garden, Kew 18 Flowers, outdoor, for cutting 18 Gaillardia Langjiort ^ . . 19 Gillenia trifoliata 17 HemerocalUfi aurantiaca major 17 Irises, Spanish , 16 Lilium rubellum 16 Lily of the Valley in Norfolk 16 Lupines, Tree 16 Lupinus polyphyllus Somer- set 19 Nymphffia flower, a proliferous li5 Pjeonies and Roses 17 Pansy, Tufted, A. J. Row- berry . . 19 Pansy, Tufted, Miss Gertie Waterer 19 Pansy, Tufted, Ophelia . „ 19 Pink3, propagating 17 Plants, hardy, notes on . . - 17 Plants, showy rockwork and edging 16 Polygonum baldschuanicum, propagating 17 Pyrethrums, planting .. .. 15 Pyrethrums, top dressing .. 18 Sultan, the Sweet 16 Water Lilies 18 Stove and Greenhouse:— Acalypha Sanderiana .. .. 20 Arums, summer treatment of 19 Carnations 20 Hydrangea Hortauia in a pot 19 Hydrangeas in pots _ ,,19 Ipomtea Leari 20 Pelargonium Mr. W. Bealby 20 Pelargoniums, regal, ehadiug 20 Ragged Robin, the double, in pots .. .. „ 20 (Illustrations in Italics.) Torenia Fournieri . . >. . . 20 i Tydajas .. .. — .. —20 1 Orchids:— Aerides crassifolium . . «, 22 i Aerides Warneri „ . . . . 21 Brassia Keiliana . . ^ . . 21 Cattleya Aclandiaj ^ . . . . 20 Cvelogyne pandurata „ .. 22 1 Dendrobium superbum.. .. 21 ' Epidendrum arachnoglossum 21 Galeandra nivalis .. .. _ 21 Leptotes bicolor 21 Lycaste Deppei. 22 Ma^devallia Barlseana . . . . 21 Masdevallia nycterina . - . . 22 Odontofj^lossum polyxanthum 22 Oncidium carthaginense „ 22 Oncidiuin cucuUatum .. .. 21 Orchid roots . .... 21 Saccolablum ampullaceum . . 21 Saccolabium Hendersouianum 21 Trichopilia tortilis 22 Garden Flora :- Incarvillea grandiflora ^ . . 22 Park and IBroodland : - Firs, the Corsican and Aus* trian .. .. 23 Forestry question, the . , . . 2 1 Horse Chestnut, the . . . . 23 Horsi Chestnut, tin 23 Week's Work :— Fruits, hardy, work amon^.. 24 Kitchen garden, work in the 21 Kitchen : - Asparagus Purple Argenteuil 26 Beans, IBroad . . . , ^ . . 26 Beans, early Broad * .. ^ 25 Beans, early French .. .. 25 Beans, runner, as garden breaks .. «. S7 Beet, early 26 Broccoli Self -protecting .. 25 Cabbages in November .. .. 26 Cardoons „ 27 Carrots, winter and spring . . 25 Celery, transplanting ..26 Cucumber Royal Osborne . . 27 Lettuce Continuity . „ . . 25 Onion, winter, plots .. ., 27 Onions, feeding 27 Peas, e irly 26 Pels Earliest Marrow and Chelsea Gem 27 Potatoes 25 Potatoes, bad growth on . . 26 Potatoes, forced 27 Shallots, lifting .. .. _ 27 Spinach 2t3 Tomato houses, early, con- structing and heating ., 2> Tomatoes, feeding _ . . . . 26 Turnips „ .. 26 Orchard and Fruit :— Gooseberry caterj^illar, the ., 28 Melon WilUam Tillery .. .. 28 Nectarim: Cardinal 28 Nectarines, new . . „ . . 28 Strawberry President . . . . 28 Strawberry Royal Sovereign 28 Societies:— National Rose show . . . . National Viola Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund Eoyal Horticultural Society . . Notes of the Week : Campanula Burghalti Campanula persicifolia alba grandiflora «• Campanula puUa at Kaimes Lodge Columbines, hybrid ^ .. Coronilla itjjrica Deutzia Lemoinei .. Fatiia japonica ripening seed Halimodendron argenteum . . Heliopsis patula Humeas. finely -grown .. .. Incar%-illea Delavayi .. .. Ixia vLridiflora -. (Eaothera fruticosa Youngi .. Ourisia cocclnea Peas, Everlisting .. -. — Philadelphus microphyllus « Poppies, the Orientil . . P3'rus coronaria fl.-pl Rose Gustave Regis » . . Silene alpestris Strawberry crop, the Tropaiolum Leichtlini .. .. Yorkshire, notes from . . Miscellaneous :— Bouquets, making Weather in W. Herts . . . . _ 31 32 31 32 8! 31 32 31 32 32 32 32 3! SI 31 31 31 31 32 Ferns. FERNS ON TREE STUMPS. This method has much to recommend it. It is, however, necessary to select only Ferns with spreading rhizomes, most of which never root deeply into the soil. Young free - growing plants should be selected for the purpose. Where large quantities are grown or where the space is not limited, each stem may be confined to one species or variety, but this is not always con- venient, in which case several varieties may be grown on the same stem, care being taken to select those most suitable for growing together, and to so dispose them that the larger-growing sorts have the most roomy positions and also that they do not overrun the smaller kinds. Taking the Davallias, at least six sorts could be grown on the same stem, the sorts most suit- able being D. dissecta, D. dissecta elegans, D. Tyermanni, D. Mariesi, D. Griffithiana, and D. decora. Those of the fijiensis type may also be used, but the rhizomes do not spread so freely. Of the Platyceriums, which are the most suitable of all Ferns for the purpose, the three best are alcicorne, sethiopicum (Stemaria), and Willincki. As the fronds of the last hang down a considerable length, it should have the most elevated position. I might add Hilli to the list. This has almost circular basal fronds (or sheaths) and the fertile fronds grow erect, forming a nice contrast to the erect shell-like basal and long drooping fertile fronds of Willincki. All of these Platyceriums pro- duce young plants on the roots, and after the plants are well established on the tree-stems young ones will soon appear, but where they are produced too thickly they should be thinned out. P. Stemaria, for instance, requires plenty of room for its large fronds, and being very prolific in young ones, they soon get over- crowded and choke each other. I may here add that although the Platyceriums may be grown without any soil, or even without the Sphagnum, they do better if some fibrous peat is bound on with the Moss. It is not neces- sary to cover the whole surface, but if used where most convenient to bind it on, the roots will soon find it. With the Adiantums it is best to confine each sort to a separate stem and use comparatively small stems. A. assimile is one of the best for the purpose. A. setulosum may also be recommended, and most of the varieties of Capillus- Veneris, imbricatum being the most beautiful and particularly adapted for the purpose. It has sometimes been called the hardy Farleyense, and when seen at its best it certainly has some claim to the distinc- tion, for, though of dwarf habit, the individual pinnules are almost as large and beautifully cut. The Nephrolepises most suitable are pectinata and philippinensis, the larger-growing sorts re- quiring more root-room than can well be given. The two referred to should have as much soil bound in with the Sphagnum as possible. If a plant is put at the top of each branch of the stem they will soon make long rhizomes and cover the lower portion with young plants. The rhizomes may require regulating a little or binding to the stem. As the rhizomes of Blechnum occidentale spread slowly, more plants may be used, and as seedlings are usually plentiful they may be had at a small cost. There being few with spreading rhizomes which have the brightly-tinted fronds, this should always be included. Hypolepis distans and H. repens both spread freely and soon cover a large space. All the smaller-growing Polypodiums that have spreading rhizomes do well under this treatment, and many others not referred to above. I should hardly recom- mend the beautiful Pteris scaberula for the purpose, for, though the rhizomes spread freely, it delights in a moist, cool atmosphere and re- quires a good loamy compost. The Gleichenias also love the atmosphere of a damp, cool pit, where they get the light without being exposed to the sun. G. dichotoma is an exception, and though this likes more warmth and spreads freely, it does best in a moist, shady nook. In selecting stems for the purpose almost any trees of suitable shape nwy be used. The first I saw used were cut from Cherry trees. Oak stems are perhaps the best where they can be had. I believe those used at the Temple show were Plum, and used green as they were cut down. In preparing them for use I prefer to fix them on to a good block of wood. They may be fixed in pots, but in moving about they are liable to get broken. A block of wood is more in character, and a few erect-growing Ferns may be grown and form a nice base. In fixing the Ferns, wire should be used for those which do not take hold of the stems readily, and until well established they require careful attention in regard to watering. If new Sphag- num is used it will soon grow, and then will retain a great amount of moisture, moist Sphag- num always keeping fresh and sweet when it is growing. -A-. Hemsley. Hardy non-British Ferns in Yorkshire.— Adiantum pedatum grows luxuriantly here and resists spring frosts, which turn brown the fronds of Pteris aquilina, Lastrea Filix-mas and Athy- rium Filix-famina. Polystichum crinitum is also luxuriant, but not so hardy as Adiantum pedatum. Polystichum acrostichoides is some- times very slightly touched by frost. Oiioclea sensibilis is never damaged. Struthiopteris ger- manica is luxuriant and very hardy. Struthio- pteris penusylvanica is weaker in growth and liable to be touched, but not seriously hurt, by spring frosts. Struthiopteris orientalis is hardy, producing, as do the others of this genus, its fertile fronds each year. Osmunda cinnamomea and 0. Claytoniana are quite hardy. Oimunda gracilis, brought me from the Organ Mountains, Brazil, where it grows on dry grassy banks with Zygopetalum Mackayi, is earUer in growth, its pinkish fronds resisting the spring frosts batter than 0. regalis. To these we must add the neat and fragrant Lastrea fragrans.— R. Milnb-Reu- HEAD, Holdendongh, Clithf.roe, Yorks. Gold and Silver Ferns.— These belong to the tropical fernerv, and must have a tempsrature of (i5'' at night, they will do with .5° more, but it always seems to me to be a waste of heat to run up the thermometer higher than is necessary 14 THE GARDEK [July 8, 1899 for keeping the plants in health. Many of the Gymnogrammas make very handsome specimens, and as they are easily raised from spores it is a mistake to keep the plants when they begin to decline, or to attempt propagation by division. The plant is never so handsome as when it is grown vigorously, and seedlings are more vigorous than plants raised in any other way. These should be grown in a lighter, sandier soil than Adiantums. A third of very turfy loam, and the remainder fibrous peat, leaf-mould, crushed char- coal and sand, will suit them well. Drain the pots well, and place a handful of rough, fibrous bits of soil on the drainage. Pot firmly, and guard against over-watering till the roots are running freely in the new soil. — H. Exotic Ferns for the open air.— The American Maiden -hair, sometimes called the Bird's-foot Maiden-hair, from the formation of its fronds bearing a fancied resemblance to the spread foot of a bird, is one of the most beautiful of the Adiantums. It succeeds admirably in the open garden in the south-west, where, if planted in a sheltered nook in deep, moist soil of a peaty nature, its elegantly-arched fronds will attain a height of 2 feet. It is a deciduous species, and on this account is often passed over for conserva- tory decoration in favour of less ornamental kinds that retain their foliage through the winter. Its deciduous habit, however, renders it practically hardy, as a little leaf-mould scattered over the dormant crowns makes it secure from effects of frost, even as far north as Yorkshire. Though many of our native Ferns leave little to be desired in the way of beauty, the charm of the open-air fernery is considerably enhanced by the introduc- tion of such exotics as A. pedatum and other graceful strangers, whose presence lends an addi- tional charm to the picture. Of these the Ostrich Fern (Struthiopteris germanica), that, in spite of its name, is as uncommon in Germany as it is common in North America, is a noble subject bearing tall, arching fronds, which, although they do not in this country attain the length of 10 feet, as they are said to do in Pennsylvania, are strik- ingly effective. The Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), also a native of North America, is another charming plant for naturalisation in the outdoor fernery. This, although not such a vigorous grower as the preceding, is equally decorative, producing deeply-cut, polished fronds about 2 feet in height. The Japanese Davallia Mariesi, a dwarf evergreen Hare's-foot, will also live in the open in sheltered spots in warm locali- ties, as will the fine Woodwardia radicans. — F. Rose Garden. NEW OR LITTLE-KNOWN ROSES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. It seems to me that raisers are introducing too many of the unattractive magentarose-coloured varieties that have such a lamentable tendency to fade when cut. Conway Jones, Daisy, and Robert Duncan belong to this type. They may have good form, but that is useless if the colour is not bright. Mrs. Cocker is evidently a Rose come to stay. It is of a beautiful clear pale pink, and the high globular centre of the flower seems to make this Rose a formidable rival to Baroness Roth- schild, a variety but sparsely represented at the Crystal Palace. Mrs. Edward Mawley was jvvell shown by Mr. Mawley and also the raisers. Other promising kinds not in commerce were Mildred Grant, something in the way of Catherine Mermet, but lighter. This may be a good variety, but I did not think there was sufficient difference between it and Muriel Grahame. Alice Grahame is more distinct ; it has lovely pointed petals, and of a shade of colour in the way of Souv. du President Carnot. Killarney is of a pretty colour, but very thin. It reminded me of a re- fined Mme Mario fjavallee. Agnes Henderson re- sembled vary closely a little-known variety named Rosomane Alix Hugier. Janet Scott appeared to he veiry distinct. In style of flower it resembled Caroline Testout, bat in colour it was of the Victor Verdier type. Ulster is rather disappoint- ing this season, although when it obtained the gold msdal I was very pleased with it. Bessie Brown was shown very good. It has a well-formed centre, deep and pointed, but in competition White Lady surpassed it. This latter Rose was shown in magnificent condition. Another kind having a close resemblance to the two last-named was Mme. Jules Finger. I have always liked this Rose, but I have never seen it shown so well as at the Crystal Palace this year. Beautt? Lyonnaise is evidently a good exhibitor's Rose. The colour is lemon-white, clear and beautiful, and the massive globular - formed flowers are nearly 3 inches deep. Perhaps one of the loveliest new Roses shown was Ferdinand Bitel. The flower, somewhat resembling Antoine Rivoire, was of a lovely apricot and orange tint, a CDlour at all times most attractive. Antoine Rivoire was also well exhibited. Its somewhat flat, bat very regular flowers were rich in colour. Another of these Hybrid Teas to gain admiration was Mme. Cadeau Ramey. It is such a grand high-centred flower, that one will expect to see it in every stand in a year or two. Mme. Engine Boullet was very good, reminding one of Clara Watson, but with more orange colour in it. Jubilee appeared to me to be too much like Prince Camille de Rohan. It is an attractive dark Rose, and if ib turns out only a shade or two darker than the old kind mentioned it will be a great gain. It is here we want more advances made. Empress Alexandra of Russia was most attractive in the first-prize box of Teas. It is of a lovely colour and will doubtless be more frequently seen when it can be had from cut-back plants. Tom Wood was well shown. It is a good light red Rose and very reliable. Mrs. F. Cant and Edith Turner are both very pale pink Roses of good form. I cannot see that so many of these H.P. and H. Tea Roses are wanted. It is true both these kinds have a silvery whiteness about them rather different from other Roses of their colour. I was very pleased to see a very beautiful Rose steadily coming to the front. I allude to Golden Gate. It was one of the very few Roses other than sports that we have received from the United States. Mrs. Pierpont-Morgan was well shown, and by the side of the variety from which it sported, Mme. Cusin, it had quite a deeper shade of colour. Doubtless under glass this colour would be much increased ; if so, it would be a very valuable forc- ing kind on account of its great freedom of flower- ing. Medea was noticed in excellent form. It seems to be a great favourite with exhibitors. Mr. Gray from his immense stock had selected it as one variety among eight trebles in his first- prize box. The lovely Tea Rose raised by Mr. Bennett and named Princess Beatrice was seen in good condition, and one flower received the medal as the best Tea bloom in the amateurs' class. Generally speaking, it is a bad outdoor Rose, bub under glass or in a good sheltered spot its splendid flowers, something like Comtesse de Nadaillac, are very charming. Mr. Haywood had the white Maman Cochet, very pretty. At pre- sent the season has not suited Mamin Cochet, but when this Rose is good the white variety must be superb. I cannot say I care much for the white Marechal Niel. It has a soiled appearance, and it is neither white nor yellow. Marquise Litta was much in evidence, which proves it of great value both to the exhibitor and in the garden. The colour of Countess of Caledon seemed to be brighter on this occasion than I have ever seen it before. Its form is very good. The Rev. Alan Cheales is a good garden Rose, with something of the colour of John Hopper, but a much larger and less regular flower. It might possibly be a seed- ling from Paul Neyron. Of the Roses put up for the gold medal. Sun- rise was well to the front by reason of its very distinct colour. If it grows as well outdoors as it does under glass it will become very valuable for cutting. Duchess of Portland was promising, and Alexander Hill Gray, if not too hard to open, will perhaps even yet secure this coveted award. It is a flower something in the way of Comtesse de Nadaillac ; indeed, it might even be from the same seed - pod as Princess Beatrice already alluded to, for I believe it is one of the late Mr. Bennett's raising. Of novelties in garden Roses, which were well to the front, Aglaia was most interesting. It is not so yellow as I expected, but certainly it will be a valuable compinion to Crimson Rambler. I should take it to be of a very hardy nature, and in growth it is most rampant. Dawn is of a very beautiful tint of colour, and the semi-double flowers are attractive in the mass. Psyche ia almost like a climbing Cecile Brunner. Royal Scarlet will possibly be the forerunner of some good bright show Roses. Mr. Turner's seedling Damask was pretty. The flowers are crimson, and fashioned after the manner of single Cactus Dahlias. The single Teas from Ireland are very beautiful in their way. Irish B3auty, a lovely white with flowers 4 in. across, will b3 a valuable addition to our single Roses. Philomel. Moss Roses, common and gracilis. — If I were restricted to the cultivation of only one Moss Rose, gracilis would be my selection. It is the most beautiful of all the Mosses, the deep pink buds being well surrounded by Moss. When seen together, a great difference is manifest between the common pink and gracilis, or, as it is sometimes named. Prolific. In the first place the colour is a deeper pink and the growth is much more dense. As regards the mossy charac- teristic, there is little difference in the two kinds. For cutting, gracilis is the better of the two. ■ These Moss Roses are freely increased by layers ; indeed, there can be no question that this method of propagation is best for all old-fashioned summer Rosej where they are planted as permanent features in borders or shrubberies. Two brilliant bedding Koses.— There is a difference of opinion a.s to which is the more brilliant Rose in the mass, Marquise de Salisbury or Princesse de Sagan ? Personally, I prefer the latter, although it is not such a good grower as the former. Marquise de Salisbury, brilliant enough in the half-open state, has a tendency towards a purplish shading when fully developjd. Not so with Princesse de Sagan ; its scarlet-crim- son opening flowers shade olT to a lovely velvety maroon, which only serves to enhance its beauty. The habit of theplant isnobso rigidasin Marqui-e de Salisbury. In a measure this is to be regretted, for in a garden Rose one requires every flower to be seen, but with this variety this detect some- what disappears with age. But there is room for both varieties, and if a third be wanted, then I would select Cramoisi Superieur, one of the most brilliant of the Monthly Roses.— P. Roses at the Temple show. — The display of Roses at the Temple show was a wonderfully attractive one for the end of May, but Crimson Rambler was needlessly abundant and was easily surpassed for beauty by Carmine Pillar, good pot plants of which were shown well set with their bright crimson single blooms. Sunrise, with its deep bronze foliage and blossoms, in which tints of saffron, apricot, fawn, and chestnut blended in delightful harmony, was an exquisite Rose, and Corinna, creamy pink ; Clio, silvery rose ; Beaut§ Inconstante, shaded scarlet and orange ; Empress Alexandra, coppery pink ; Mme. Abel Chatenay, with deep vermilion-crimson centre, paling in the outer petals to faint rose and shell-pink, and Perle d'Or, yellow and orange, were charming in their suave colouring. The pretty little Rosa altaioa, with its single white blossoms, was also shown in more than one collection. — S. W. F. Sweet Brier Anne of Geierstein. — This, to my mind, is the second best of the whole sixteen varieties raised by Lord Penzance. The first place must always be accorded to Lady Penzance, for it is perfecbly unique in colour, but for brilliancy the above variety is decidedly the brighter. Its shade of colour is identical with that of Gloire de Margottin or Gloire des Rosomanes. I can con- ceive of nothing more beautiful or showy than a Jolt 8, I899.J THE GAEDEN. 15 large group of this excellent kind wherj l-ie bashes are allowed to grow naturally. It is a wonderfully vigorous variety, so much so that upon fouryear-old plants I have growths as thick as the stem of an ordinary standard Rose. I saw this variety and one or two others effectively employed as a low hedge at Kew. If taken in hand when young, the growths can be bent down quite low, and in time a hedge 2 feet to .'! feet thick may be secured, which will not only give a bril- liant effect for two or three weeks in June, but will also remain a sweet-scented and substantial dividing line in the garden. — P. A fine pillar Bose. — One could almost imagine that the splendid free growing Rosa robusta was a descendant from Louis van Houtte, so very rich are its crimson blossoms. It is reputed to be of Bourbon parentage. Why this is so I cannot say, for we usually look to the Bourbons for some autumnal bloom, but this kind does not flower late. However, even though it be summer-flowering only, it must become very popular, not merely for its glowing colour, but also for the sturdy 7-feet to S-feet growths it will annually produce. The effect of its brilliancy is somewhat marred by the dying off purplish colour of the old flowers. Many brilliant Roses have the same propensity, and it is (juickly remedied by hand-picking. A dozen or so of this Rose planted in a large bed and trained as pillars with bushes of the sweetly fragrant blush-pink Stanwell Perpetual intermingled would produce an excellent combination, and the latter Rose would continue to blossom till frost came to prevent its buds expanding. — P. L. Rose Mme. Wagram. — Very few people know this excellent Rose. It is true it has not been in commerce more than four years, but it certainly merits more extended cultivation It will quickly grow into a large shrub, and yet its blossoms have all the refinement of a Tea Rose. We usually take Grace Darling as a typical variety for vigorous growth among the Teas and Hybrid Teas, but the Rose under notice surpasses this well-known kind, and yet it blooms freely, although some might be disposed to place it among the climbers. I have an idea that Mme. Wagram is a seedling from Grace Darling, for both in wood and bloom il resembles this kind very much. Its flowers are even larger than those of Grace Darling ; indeed, they almost equal those of Her Majesty, but there is not quite the solidity about them as in the last-named variety. This Rose is destined to become very popular, for it is just the kind to plant in posi- tions where Roses do not generally thrive well, and it has been noticed by many dwellers near large towns that tha Teas and Hybrid Teas flourish best provided they are good growers. I know of no Rose that has the same glistening sheen upon its young foliage as this one. — P. Rose Mrs. W. J. Grant. — In a somewhat CDol seiso.i this glorious Rose is at its best. It stands unrivalled as a rich pink variety, and how freely it blooms. I like to look upon this variety in the early morning or during a showery day. Market growers should cultivate this variety by the thousand, for its buds are far prettier than those of La France, although the expanded blooms may not be useful and lasting, they being less substantial. There is always a large demand for coat flowers, and it would be difficult to name a more beautiful kind of its colour than Mrs. W. J. Grant. I have had enormous blooms of it this year upon pot-grown plants. lb pays well for a little extra feeding. If I wanted a quantity of Roses ji-ist before the outside plants began to flower I should pot up a quantity of this kind and grow the plants in cold pits. Pruned early in February, such plants could be had in (lower by the second week of May. In a late season the growth may be accelerated by putting on the lights about half-past three in the afternoon. This will make a considerable difference to the period of flowering. I generally find tluit about twelve weeks are required from the time of prun- ing to the blossoming for pot-grown plants, such plants having been potted the autumn previously. Established plants would come along rather faster than this. If brick pits are not available, a good substitute would be found in turf for the sides and ends. — P. Two miniature Moss Roses.— Many of the Moss Roses introduced in the past have certainly had traces of the Moss-like formation, but it has in many instances been of a very meagre descrip- tion. This cannot ba said of two charming Roses, Little Gem and Moss de Meaux. They are both delightful little Roses, the former perhaps the more interesting by reason of its rich rosy crimson colour. It has been very happily named Little Gem. The small buds completely enveloped in Moss are no larger than robins' eggs, and even the expanded flowers so regularly formed are barely •2 inches across. Moss de M^aux has a re- semblance in flower to that pretty old Rose de Meaux. Perhaps it is a little paler in colour, but it certainly is beautifully mossed similar to Little Gam. The expanded flowers in this case are even smaller than those of the latter variety. Grouped together they would make a delightful feature in the garden. Both kinds form themselves into compact round bushes. Little Gem, being the stronger grower of the two, should be placed in the centre. I like to see Little Gam upon dwarf standard Briers about 18 inches high. Most of the Moss tribe are very suitable for growing in this manner. number, but it must take rank as one of our best Teas for the garden. It is a good grower, much superior to Ma Capuciue. — P. Rose Myrianthes renoneule.— The varieties of Rosa sempervireaa furnish us with some of the most rapid climbsrs. The peculiar beauty of the abjve kmd is found ia th-j deep rosy or msou budi aod the pinkish white expaulel flowers, the combination producing a very beautiful effect especially when a plant is covered with a mass of its graceful sprays of blossom. Another uncommon feature of this Rose is that the ceatre petals have a button-like appearance produced by saveral of them curling over as if to protect the stmens. I consider this variety, with Pelicite-Perpetue and Flora, the three prettiest Roses of the gruup. — P. Flower Garden. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ROSES. Rose Mme. Abel Chatenay, raised by Pernet- Ducher, will be found of considerable value. It is not a very full Rose, but charming in colour and very free- flowering. The flowers are pale fawu-piuk, shaded salmon, especially at the base of the petals. — D. Rose Killarnay seems a? if it would be a vain- able addition to our garden Roses, its substance is so good and the colour so bright— a soft clear pink— that ft will probably b3 often found oa our exhibition stands. The habit is good, branching, and it con- tinues in flower throughout the season. Rose Mrs. Frank Cant. — This is a very attractive Rose of a peculiarly clear shade of pink, the reverse of the petals silvery white, the shape good and the flowers sweet-scented. The plant is vigorous and the growths upright, each stem producing a flower. It will be found a valuable acquisition for exhibition. I am told that it is a valuable pot Rose. — D. Tea Ross Beryl. — Thi) is a very pleasing addi- tion to what are now known as button-hole Roses ; the bud is long anl pointed and the colour a bright orange-yellow, approaching that of William Allan Richardson. It is a strong grower and flowers con- tinuously throughout the season. I think it might be aptly described as a deep yellow Gustave Regis. How is it that this latter Rose is described as a Hvbrld Tea, while Beryl is described by its raisers as a Tea ? — D. Rose Cheshunt Hybrid.— This I find satis- factory in all soils and situitioas where a Rose will grow. In this garden it does well ia a cold^ Peach house, as also oa a north wall outside. In this posi- tion I get some grand blooms, and from early in June they are most abundant. Last year I saw this grown in a garden near Sherborne as a standard oa the turf, the shoots, a mass of bloom, sweeping the ground. Reine Marie Henriette is a glorious Rose when grow- ing on a warm wall in the opan. — J. Crook. Rose Bennett's Perpetual.— I cannot under- stand why this was named Perpetual, except that the large heads of bloom continued to onen over a long period. This is a Rose that ought to be more known. This bind is a grand companion for Crimson Rambler. The habit is much the same and it b'ooms at the same time, and being pure white, blends well with Crimson Rambler. Growing against a high wall it makes a fine show when not cut in too close. I have several old trees growing about the abbey. — J. Crook. Rose Mme. Rene Gerard.- Thiswillassuredly be as much soughtafter as its assumed sister, Souvenir de Catherine Guillot. Whilst embodying in its colouring much of the coppery tints that are so characteristic of Ma Capucine, we l.ave in this Rose not only a lirge bloom, but also other tints such as saffron-yellow and delicate mauve upon the edges and outer petals that make it one of the most attractive varieties in point of colour that 1 know. It will never be a show Rose, the petals being loo few in PLANTING PYRETHRUMS. If I could do so, I would always transplant in August. As regards autumn and spring plant- ing^the Pyrethrum grower is in a measure on the horns of a dilemma. If he moves them in autumn they have to face the winter without active fibres, for, so far as I have observed, they make no new roots at that time of year. If, on the other hand, they are disturbed in spring, they do not get sutticiently established to resist a dry, hot time when coming into bloom, and unless occasionally well watered the flowers are small and they quickly fade. The flowers of the double varieties re(iuire a lot of moisture and nourishment to sustain them, and are poor in colour it these essentials are want- ing. It transp'anted early in August they are bound to make new roots, and this in good ground will have the effect of stimulating the formation of new leaves from the crown, so that, no matter what the weather may be in winter, they are in a condition to resist it. The objection to August planting is that where Pyrethrums are used in private gardens in the usual way it would not do to be disturbing bor- ders at that time of year. Where they are grown simply for cutting in beds by themselves it is quite practicable to move them when necessary in late summer. In a dry time they should be well watered in, and with a couple ot waterings afterwards their safety would be assured. Autumn transplanting will never again be practised by me. Some years ago I bought in 100 good stools tor propagating, and, not knowing so much about Pyrethrums as I do now, I planted them at once. Although tiie winter was mild I lost 20 per cent., and many of those that came through started badly. I lifted several and found that they had not made any new fibres. Had the winter been severe with hard frosts succeeding heavy rains or melting fuow, I should have lost many more. If this happened in my light soil, how would it be in heavy laud ! Proticing by this experience, I plant and divide now in early spring, choos- ing a fine dry time as early in March as pos- sible. The ground is laid up in rough lumps durinc the winter, some manure being worked in witl the fork, and a thorough stirring given before planting. Early in Jlay a top dressing of manure is given, and in this way watering is not much needed, although a good soaking in May it that month is dry, is very serviceable. In this manner very few losses are experienced and the plants make a good growth.— .1. CoRN- HII.L. _ At page 4:U of The Garpks gives his experience in the cultivation useful and beautiful garden flowers, and asks for mv opinion on the relative merits of spring and autumn planting. A very great deal depends on cucumaances-as much, indeed, those surround- ing the plants as any that pertain to soil and J. C." of these 16 THE GARDEN". [JoLY 8, 1899. locality. I have planted within five weeks of Christmas in just the soil " J. C." describes, viz., rather light and well drained, with the most per- fect success, the plants yielding splendid flowers the following spring, though, of course, not the wholesale sheaves of blossoms that older plants produce. It is well to add, however, that a neighbour who had 100 of these self-same plants fully a month before mine were planted and had quite the pick of a batch of some .3000 plants came to me in the early spring ensuing to com- plain that all, or nearly all, his plants were dead. And he added, by way of emphasising the care he had taken of that hundred, " I put them into 4J-inch pots and framed them all the winter," " which is exactly what I would not have done," I responded. Being a well-known grower and prize-winner of hard-wooded plants, the thought had not occurred to him that his kindness was a mistake, if not a fatal error. But as he was fully aware that I had not put out a plant when he made his purchase, I took him to a batch of beds twenty or thirty in number and .J feet wide and 40 feet long wherein a dead or failing plant was scarcely to be found. On the contrary, each plant was represented by a tuft of young shoots that in themselves foretold what was to follow. The complete success in my case was due to the fact that the plants were young, freshly established pot plants, and, put out into a light, warm soil in mid-autumn, began to root afresh at ones. I would not put out any sort of plant at the same time as those now referred to, and par- ticularly would I name those divided roughly with a spade, or such as have been starved a whole season, if not more, in small pots. These Pyrethrums are perfectly hardy. I have never known frost harm them in the slightest degree, but I have known the plants rot and parish through deep burying of the crowns ; so much so, in fact, that instead of the foliage lying prostrate on the earth, it stood erect in the air. I pointed out that the plants were 4 inches too deep in the soil, and suggested immediate lifting as a remedy, seeing they were newly planted. Many are lost by this and similar means, and just as many are lost by spring planting from various causes ; so much so, that unless a system is followed in every detail, great losses may occur from either. I give two instances to illustrate my meaning, both having come under my notice within the past nine months. In the first the plants were roughly divided by the spade and planted in open beds after flowering a year ago, the planting and dividing being done before fresh growth had started. The fault was in the work being done too soon after flowering, and lack of attention in water- ing, &c., afterwards. In the result some hundreds of plants were lost. In the second case so-called spring division was adopted too early, and the divisions, being put forthwith into a heated pit, were unable to endure the experiment. In short, in every 4-feet light of the frame there were pro- bably not more than a dozen plants that would grow at all. If well grown and properly treated there are few plants more showy than these, but they are not destined to be handled by anyone. Many fail to grow Pyrethrums because the pot- ting-up after dividing is too much trouble, yet it is the only way that anything like a high per- centage of the plants can be made secure. I have planted Pyrethrums at almost all seasons, even when I.j inches of growth have been made, without losing a plant, but then I never failed in the water supply, for, as "J. C." aptly remarks, they are very thirsty subjects. In those gardens where the soil is light and well drained, and pro- vided the plants were only recently established in the pots, I would not hesitate to plant at any time. Taking the plants from the open and dividing roughly with a spade should only be done in early spring, say the first two weeks of April, or rather earlier if growth is early in the season. It is a fatal mistake to shorten the roots of such as these quite close with a knife. On cold soils, and indeed any heavy or wet or low- lying land, autumn planting is best avoided. In these the Pyrethrum generally requires more care than on lighter soils. The best all-round success may be had from the following treatment : Select the plants when 4 inches or 6 inches of fresh growth have been made in early spring, lift them, wash away all soil in water, and with the point of a strong knife wrench rather than cut the plants asunder. This wrenching applies rather to plants that are yearlings and divided as such, and not to two-year-old plants or upwards, for these will provide as many good rooted plants as there have been flower-stems to the plant, and are much more readily divided with certainty than are the younger plants of a year old. These latter I have propagated by tens of thousands, not merely from divisions, but also from cuttings, i.e., shoots that could not be secured with roots attached. This, however, is frequent in year-old plants, and it is here that the washing of the roots is a great gain. This not only enables the operator to see how to work, but he is able to secure cuttings of the right stamp, namely, those with a heel attached. In short, no others of these Pyrethrums will root. Thus care- fully divided and potted at once, shortening neither top nor bottom beyond what is absolutely needed, the plants must be put into a cold frame for a month or six weeks. Heated frames are a great mistake. Thoroughly water after placing in frame and ventilate each morning, watering being done when needed when the frame is first opened. Years ago, and indeed still, with new or choice kinds these plants are always divided up to a single crown or growth, and if small at the start these make far better plants than large tufts divided and replanted in any crude fashion. For many years it was my custom to divide up in early April and have the plants ready for plant- ing by the third week in May, the plants fre- quently flowering well in the ensuing autumn. Another way of increasing is after the summer flowering is over and when young growth once more is in evidence. At this time even greater care is necessary because of the usually dry state of the earth, and potting is just as necessary then as in spring. I would, however, sanction dividing and planting in the ground at once, provided the plants had been thoroughly saturated a day or so previous, that not more than six or eight divisions were made of any two-year old stools, that the roots were left intact to be planted in deep trenches, and that at least one thorough soaking be given after planting. If this cannot be done the plants will be best potted as before, and when established plunge in the open air in ashes or the like. Pyrethrums are such voracious subjects that they require dividing and replanting every two years. — E. Jenkins. The Sweet Sultan. — Among the host of popular annuals there are few more useful for cutting than this, and it is a great pity it is not more grown. Here on this heavy soil strongly impregnated with lime it does well, growing very strongly and flowering with great freedom. Both the mauve and the white forms should be grown, as they are both pretty either arranged together or separately. The easiest plan is to sow very thinly in drills in March and thin out the plants when large enough, as they are impatient of root disturbance. — Suffolk. Spanish Irises. — Presumably these are the very cheapest of the Irises, but they are none the less beautiful on this account, and should be seen in every garden. Some people object to them owing to the dry-looking foliage standing so long after the flowers are over, but they are no worse in this respect than many other bulbous plants, and in any part of the garden where tidiness is particularly essential the plants may be drawn up and thrown away or planted about the shrub- beries, so cheap are they. But cheapness ought not to be made a reason for ill-treating a lovely plant, and that the Spanish Iris undoubtedly is. Lilium rubellum. — I have just bloomed this very charming addition to our dwarfer-growing Lilies. My bulb produced two blooms. The habit of the growth is slender and from 18 inches to 2 feet in height. The colour is very soft and chaste ; it varies, I believe, a good deal from light pink to rose. It somewhat resembles Lilium Krameri, though evidently of a more robust habit than that spaoies. There is no doubt that it will be found a charming addition for the front places in borders and also for pots. It flowers in June and seems to do best in light sandy loam, not in peat and leaf -mould, as many Lilies do. In addition to all this, the price of the bulbs is not high, so that Lily lovers may procure them in quantity if they like. — D. Lily of the Valley in Norfolk.— I think Lily of the Valley in a wild state is much more common in Norfolk than in most counties ; at least, I know of three estates where it grows in great profusion, large quantities being picked. This season large consignments have found their way to Norwich Market, where they have found a ready sale. The improved strains so much grown for the London markets, the bells of which are very numerous and large, are all very well in their way, but to my mind not to be compared for fragrance to the wild flowers from the woods. I do not consider that retarding the crowns, so as to have them in bloom during the summer and early autumn months, answers any good purpose, a^, floHering at that date, the/ seam equally as much out of place as Violets would be. — J. C. Tree Lupines. — The awarding of a certificate of merit recently at the Drill Hall to a new white- flowered tree Lupine may well help to draw atten- tian to the merits of these hardy plants, of which there are several other varieties. I saw recently growing;- against a south wall a wonderfully fine plant ot luteus that spread from 10 feet to 1'2 feet wide and several feet in height, and was a mass of j'ellow flowers. The plant gets fairly hard cutting in each spring, and that form of treat- ment all the section seems to appreciate. Else- where, a fine plant of L. polyphyllus was very effective. Whilst making huge shrubs when in somewhat sheltered positions, plants have a ten- dency to become loose unless occasionally cut back. No one need be afraid to use the knife upon them if the pruning be done about March. —A. D. Showy rockwork and edging plants. — Ueference was recently made in TiiK Garden to the value of Aubrietias for the rock garden and for use as edging to other beds. The finest dis- play of Aubrietia violacea I have ever seen was in a villa garden in this neighbourhood during Ust April and May. Not only was it used for draping rocky banks which formed the boundary to the garden, but whole beds on the well-kept lawn were filled with it. The garden being com- paratively new, the soil in the beds and borders was in good heart, which the various spring- flowering subjects seemed to appreciate. The dense mass of violet-coloured flowers contrasted finely with the pure white trusses of Arabis. These two subjects of themselves make a fine dis- play, and they last in full beauty a long time pro- vided the weather is at all favourable. — Norwich. A proliferous Nymphsea flower. — In the current number of the Paris Fectie Horticole, M. H. Dauthenay gives on the authority of the well- known French horticulturist, the Comte de Bouchaud, an account of a most curious instance of reproduction which occurred in his garden during the latter part of last and early part of this year. He noticed that a flower of the beautiful yellow-flowered Water Lily named by its raiser (M. Marliac) sulphurea grandiflora did not die away with the others produced during the season, but remained with its stem still plump and green all through the winter after all the others had quite disappeared. On examining this flower and stem in March of this year, he was astonished to find an entirely new young plant had developed out of the old flower with a set of new roots, measuring a foot in length, issuing from its base, which had not yet, however, reached the soil. It will be curious to see what flowers this new plant produces when it blooms. — W. E. GOMBLETON. July S, 1899.] THE GAEDEK 17 ACANTHOLIMON GLUMACEUM. There are few plants which for general useful- ness can rival this charming prickly Thrift, known also by the name of Statice Ararati. Its native home is in the mountains of Armenia and adjacent countries, where it may often be seen covering the hillsides in great profusion. For rock garden or border we have few plants to equal it. The extremely narrow grass-like leaves end in sharp, still' points, and form an evergreen carpet somewhat glaucous in colour, from" which spring in early summer a profusion of tiower-spikes each about 4 inches high, and bearing from five to eight flowers of a pleasing rose-pink colour. The plant here illustrated I photographed in Messrs. Yeitch's nurseries at Exeter, where it does excellently on a small rockwork. Here it is planted among pieces of volcanic rock known as "trup," but I have often planted it in soil mixed with broken sandstone or limestone witli equally good results. Acantholiraon gluraaceum is also an excellent plant for massing, and large colonies of it on sloping ground, either on rockwork or in an ordinary border, look exceed- ingly well and last for a great number of years if the position is sunny and well drained. I have seen in a previous number of The Garden the statement that Acantholimon glumaceuni cannot be propagated by division. This is cer- tainly not my experience, as I have here in Exeter seen plants divided year after year with the best results. F. W. Meyer. Mmside, Exeter. Hemerocallis aurantiaca major. — This has been a most disappointing plant with me. I have had it three seasons, and although planted in a bed where the older kinds H. fulva, H. flava and H. graminea make immense clumps and flower freely, this has never done much. The growth on most of the plants is very poor, and one only is throwing up what looks to be a very puny flower-spike. It may improve in time, but so far I am afraid I shall not get such flowers as I have seen exhibited at the Drill Hall and other places. — SrKFOLK. Gillenia trifoliata. — It is not everywhere that a suitable soil exists for growing this, one of the most charming of hardy plants ; but where it does, or where the soil may be altered to suit it, it ought to be grown. The stems are peculiarly elegant and are terminated by loose panicles of variously coloured flowers, the red form being the prettiest. It does best in a moist, light soil, and the roots have a great affinity for peat and leaf- mould. The margins of ornamental streams or low-lying parts of the garden suit it, and it is easily propagated by division of the roots any time when at rest, preferably, perhaps, just before starting to grow. Paeonies and Roses. — It was an open question at the recent Drill Hall meeting whether the P;eony or the Rose predominated, for cer- tainly both were represented in great force and splendid quality. Not that all were alike first- rate, for there were inferior kinds in both families, and perhaps the weak point is that the reds are too much alike in each group. The fact that some of the best Roses are devoid of fragrance is just as much marked in the Pasony family, the very showioess of the flowers compelling one to put the matter to the test, only to feel disappointment at its absence. In the garden, however, these things are the finest of midsummer flowers, and just now the Pajonies are superb. Erigeron glaucus.— Some few plants, not- withstanding their decidedly showy character, appear slow to come to the front, and this, I think, is one of them. For a plant so compara- tively dwarf, free-flowering, and so good a peren- nial for the most part it is by no means an every- day subject. The large flower-heads are fully I 2 inches across, the ray florets of a blue-Ulao ' tone, which with the yellow disc render the plant attractive for some time. Some nice plants of it in a position sheltered from the sun from 1 p.m. daily, have been a long time in flower ; indeed, with such burning heat and general dry weather as have been experienced recently the plants appear rather to relish tliis place. In the border, however, in deep soil the plant is not at all ditticult to please or establish, and fully appre- ciates a good all-round treatment. For the rock garden it is perhaps less suited. It is from North America and of sub-shrubby character. — J. PROPAGATING PINKS. The propagation of the Pink is effected by a variety of means, each and all having their advocates. Perhaps the most common way is by taking cuttings, or what are more generally known as pipings, striking these in pots of fine sandy soil. Others adopt the more rough- and-ready, though I do not think so satisfactory, plan of dividing old clumps into tiny tufts and planting these out in well-prepared beds where they are to flower. These separated portions root fairly quickly from the base and produce a good many blooms the following season. The best plants, however, I ever had were rooted by simply layering in the same way as Carnations. A little extra time and care are needed, as the old Acatitholimon glumaceum in Messrs. Veitch's nursery at Exeter. Engraved for The Garden from a photogravh by Mr. F. W. Meyer. clumps are somewhat dense and need thinning out, so as to allow of the fine leafy, sandy soil being worked in and the knife used. Some who require onlj' a few plants place soil round the old clumps and layer only from the edges. Stems having several healthy growths on are selected, and thus fine stocky plants are secured for early autumn transplanting. Layering is best done when the plants are two years old, before the growths become crowded, and the sooner after flowering the better. For cuttings, a frame or handlight behind a north wall is the best, and it is imperative that plenty of coarse sand or road grit be mixed with the compost. The pots should be frequently examined, as sometimes slugs and snails attack the cuttings. Pinks do very well and have a very pretty effect in the front rows of mixed hardy borders, but both plants and bloom are often seen in an indifl'erent state owing to an impoverished condition of the soil. When planting fresh stock in such positions, I like to take out a good spit of the old soil and replace with some new loamy compost. Old ! gardeners used to bestow much time and labour i on Pinks. I knew one who grew all his plants on a west border in beds. He used a rather light compost, and always mixed abundance of good leaf-mould and grit with it, in which the plants i did splendidly. He attributed great importance to early propagation. I remember the grand beds he had of the old white Pink. The improved sorts Mrs. Sinkins and Her Majesty are fine solid flowers and soon fill the basket, but the old white is charming when well grown. J. C. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Erythrsea diffusa. — Treating this just as you would the softer and procumbent kinds of Gen- tians will not prove far wrong, i.e., giving a porous soil of peat and turfy loam and moist posi- tion, and besides, the seeds .as they ripen falling on such a surface will readily grow and afford a patch as big as desired. This pretty species may be termed for all practical purposes a creeping Gentian with bright rosy flowers, and as they come in succession the plant is one of great value. Both flowers and the evergreen foliage have a glossy effect, so that it is a good wet weather plant. Bubus deliciosus. — There have been discus- sions as to where the feature or property " deli- cious" came in with this shrub. Fruit or seed we have never seen, so that we sought for the sweetness in the odour of the flowers. Oddly enough, some of us could never find it — ^practi- cally no smell at all. Still more strange this spring, my big bush, now like a hillock of snow, is most powerfully fragrant. There is another fact that I might as well give. The flowers are less imbricate, are not much more than half the size they have been for the past twelve or fifteen years, and there are signs that fruit may form. Potentilla flagellaris (Willd.) and P. villosa (Pall.). — So far as the two plants grown here under these names are concerned, if not identical, they are the same for garden purposes, and in point of fact they are both Siberian plants. The more important matter is they are early for their family and strikingly beautiful. The flowers are large, deep yellow, with orange eye, and so borne up by the stolon like stems as to be seen to the best advan- tage. The dense habit and silvery grey foliage, thickly villose, go far to render them characteristic plants. Naturally these plants do not like our wet winters, but a bit of glass kept over them makes them quite safe. Scilla verna. — Though this is the heyday of Scillas, and even if one chances to live in a Bluebell district, there is something about this pigmy species, with its sheeny dark blue bells topping the stout "iinch-high scapes, that one cannot fail to at once recognise. If grown in groups of a foot or more in diameter, such groups are distinctly telling among other dwarf things. The way in which the grass sets ott' at right angles with the flower-scapes helps to make the most of the flowers, bringing them into the boldest possible relief. Morisia hypogsea. — This is at once one of the humblest yet gayest of all our spring bloomers. It has been in flower quite two months. A plant more indifferent to conditions of soil, wet and every kind of weather it would be hard to name. Only those who have seen it can form an idea either of its peculiar habit or beauty. Woodvillc, Kirkstall. J. Wood. Propagating Polygonum baldschuani- cum. — In the article concerning this Polygonum on page 4o4 its propagation is spoken of as rather difficult, which is indeed the general experience. . A correspondent of the French journal Le Jardiu in the number for May 20 of the present year points out a method of increasing it which is at least well worth trying. After a few general remarks concerning the plant and the different means of increase that have been tried, the writer 18 THE GARDEK [JuLY 8, 1899. goes on to say: "After trying various methods with but little success, we resolved some weeks ago to take the woody shoots of the preceding year and treat them in the same way as is done in the case of the Vine when propagated from eyes. The branches were cut up into lengths and laid fiat in well-drained pans of soil with a layer of silver sand on the top, the whole being placed on a moderate hotbed. Slightly burying them in the sand by simply pressing them with the fingers and kept sufficiently moist, these cuttings gave very food results, especially those that had been made rather long^that is, from 8 to 10 centi- metres in length." — H. P. Top-dressing Pyretlirums. — Owing to the severe drought experienced last summer, and which was in this locality prolonged through the month of September, my Pyrebhrums were much defoliated and had a very miserable appearance. Early in October I gave them a liberal top-dress- ing of manure, and with the advent of cool, moist weather new leaves pushed from the crowns, so that by the close of that month the plants looked as fresh and green as is usually the casein spring. The efi'ect of the top-dressing, which was in a great measure worked into the ground by worms and rain during the winter, is very striking, and shows that to have Pyrethrums in their best form they must have an abundance of ricVi food, which in the case of established plants should be applied early enough to ensure the manurial properties being absorbed by the soil by the time the plants come into growth. A bed of two-year-old plants is very effective and will furnish a quantity of good blooms for cutting for several weeks to come. Pyrethrums are, I think, at their best in the second and third years after planting. In most soils they are better for being occasionally divided and replanted in fresh well-manured ground. In forming a collection of these showy flowers, it is well to secure as lengthened a blooming time as possible by means of the early and later-flowering kinds. Some varieties come into flower quite a week or ten days later than others. — J. C. B. OUTDOOR FLOWERS FOR CUTTING. The spell of exceptionally hot weather experi- enced since the beginning of the month has brought the flowers out very fast, and at the present time (June 13) material for cutting, both in the way of rough and choice things, is abun- dant. Roses on walls, including Gloire de Difon, Safrano, Hom^re, W. A. Richardson, and Wal- tham Seedling, are a mass of bloom. Consider- able difficulty is, however, experienced in keeping them clean, aphis being very troublesome. How strange it is that those who ought to know better and who have repeatedly heard the true reason will persist in calling the deposit on the leaf that comes from the aphis " blight," and imagine that it is in some direct way attributable to an easterly wind. That this is in a measure answerable for the same when a sudden fall in the temperature occurs and growth is thereby arrested is doubtless the case, but the actual cause of the disfigurement is a different matter altogether. It seems a trivial matter to note, but it certainly is extraordinary that after all the information furnished in gardening papers one is continually asked for a remedy for blight on Roses. The maggot is very troublesome in places, and where not carefully picked will, I fear, be answerable for much disfigurement of buds. Next to Roses, perhaps the flower most in favour at the present time is the Spanish Iris. AH are beauti- ful, but clearly defined pure shades in white, blue, and yellow seem most acceptable in a cut state. They flower freely on dry sunny borders, but the foliage goes quickly in such a posi- tion, even, in fact, before the flower is at its best. They are more satisfactory with me in partial shade, that is, on a west or north-west border. Naturally the expansion of the flower is delayed here, which considerably prolongs the season. Aquilegias are just now at their best. The pale yellow A. chrysantha is much in request, and a large flower with (to borrow a description from the Daffodils) a white expanding trumpet, if the inner petals can be sa termed, and a lavender perianth is a very refined and beautiful bloom. Good forms of Pyrethrum and East Lothian Stock, just now at their best, also furnish an abundance of flower and are very acceptable. If flowers of gorgeous hue are in request, two of the best things at present avail- able are Antirrhinums and Gaillardias. Those who have only tried the dwarf bedding Snap- dragons in shades of white, yellow, and crimson have a treat yet in store in the tall branching varieties of very vigorous habit with very large spikes and individual blooms. From seed sown last .July I have plants now 3 feet high with the first spike just at its best, the shades in sells varying from white and yellow to deep crimson and maroon, besides very striking mixtures, as dark scarlet with a golden lip, and crimson and carmine striped on a yellow ground. The selec- tion is from a firm who are specialists in hardy flowers, and who catalogue twelve distinct named varieties in this strain. To obtain plants for next season it is advisable to start soon. Prepare boxes by filling with a rather light com- post, and give a good soaking before sowing ; cover the seed lightly, place in cold frame, and shade from hot sun. Transplant into nursery beds as soon as the seedlings are of suffi- cient size and plant out in autumn or early spring as may be most convenient. Planted in clumps in different shades with an undergrowth of Tufted Pansies, they make very fine summer beds. The first spike should be removed as soon as it shows signs of seeding to allow of the development of side growth. It is almost need- less to add that the Antirrhinum is a capital dry weather plant and stands drought well. The same cultural remarks so far as time and manner of seed-sowing, pricking off and after-planting are also applicable to Gaillardias, which are just now very showy. A special bed might well be devoted to these, for they are of very vigorous habit, and if planted on a border with other things are apt to monopolise much more space than has been assigned to them. Of things that last but a short time in water now either in bloom orcoming out, as, for instance, P.-eoniesand Poppies, both single and double, I use very few, time not admitting of the consant attention in the way of replenishment that they require. They are, however, employed on special occasions, such as dinner-table work, where they are only wanted for a few hours. Among the choicest outdoor white flowers at present available besides Roses are Spanish Iris British Queen, Princess Alice Stock, Albino Pink (far and way the best white) and Pyrethrum Aphrodite. The tiny flowered annual Gypsophila, although insignificant in the indi- vidual blooms, is very useful when the panicle is fully expanded. E. Bdrrell. Cfaremont, Water Ijiliea. — The prevailing tropical heat seems to suit the Water Lilies, for their growth is now very rapid and the blossoming is profuse. I fancy so much bright sunshine causes some of the deeper coloured varieties to be a little paler than is the case in duller weather. As yet all the varieties grown here are not in bloom. The following are some of the most prominent at present, and commenced blooming in the order placed : Nyraph;ea caroliniana perfecta, a com- paratively old-established plant, opened its first blooms at the end of May, followed quickly by N. Laydekeri rosea and lilacea, N. gloriosa, N. Marliacea albida, N. Chromatella, N. lucida, N. fulva, N. Ellisiana, N. odorata sulphurea grandi- flora, N. odorata exquisita, and I expect more to expand during the week. In planting one (the chief) pond I planted strong clumps of Richardia aithiopica thinly, and now they form pleasing objects in full bloom, producing very fine spathes in quantity, and effectually breaking the flatness of the surface. I think the beauty of the pond is enhanced thereby. Another experiment was tried at the same time, viz., introducmg fish (golden of sorts), with a view to their agitating the sur- face water and thus preventing the growth of conferv:e. Of course it is yet too soon to say positively that it is a success, and that the fish will permanently prevent the growth of confervie in stagnant water; still, they have justified ex- pectations in this respect so far, that more fish have been introduced to other smaller ponds with the same end in view. Certain it is that the water stood twelve months before the pond was emptied and refilled with no sign of confervie disfiguring its surface. I should be glad to learn the experience of others on this point. — J. R. I FLOWERS IN THE ROCK GARDEN, KEW. Havin(1 but an hour bo spare in Kew Gardens after visiting the Temple show, I had but little time to even glance at its diverse attractions, but bent my way at once to the rock garden, which I found interesting as ever. Achillea umbellata was a mass of white flower-heads, and Arenaria balearica clothed the rocks with its tracery of creeping foliage thickly starred with diminutive white bloomlets, while A. montana was also flowering profusely. Achillea rupestris was also a breadth of white, and the pretty lemon -coloured Alyssum saxatile citrinum still showed its soft tint. Anthemis carpatica was bearing its white stars, and Anthyllis vulneraria var. alpestris its yellow flowers. Of Anemones, A. baicalensis and A. multifida were in bloom, as were Aster alpinus and A. peregrinus, the flowers of the latter being slightly larger and of a rather deeper shade of blue, while Aubrietias in variety were also blos- soming. Chrysogonum virginianum disclosed its yellow flower-heads, and a colony of Cypripedium montanum in full bloom afforded a pleasing sight. C. spectabile, in a moist rock-surrounded nook ooked the picture of health and was throwing up vigorous leafage. Daphne alpina was carry- ing its white flowers on its spreading branchlets, and Delphinium troUiifolium was in bloom. A hybrid between Dianthus cassius and D. deltoides was bearing blossoms of a very bright cerise-pink, and the handsome D. superbus displayed its deeply laciniated petals. Dicentra eximia was thickly set with its flower-scapes of reddish purple, and Dryas octopetala was studded with its white golden-centred blooms, while on the bank above some fine specimens of Eremurus himalaicus, with lofty bloom-spikes but partially expanded, towered to a height of 7 feet. The beautiful Gazania nivea var. latifolia was bearing its chaste white blossoms, and Geranium cinereum album showed its snowy flowers, and a number of corms of Gladiolus anatolicus were also blooming. Hippocrepis comosa was a cloud of yellow, and the Violet Cress (lonopsidium acaule) bore its countless minute blooms of pale amethyst, while Lathyrus hirsutus was set with its mauve and white blossoms, and Linum arboreum made a spot of bright gold. Lonicera pyrenaica was in flower, and Maianthemumbifolium, perhaps better known under the title of Convallaria bifolia, was blooming well in a large mass, the small white flower-scapes exquisitely set off by the broad Lily of the Valley-like foliage. Onosma tauricum held its flower-heads of pendent yellow bells, and Ornithogalum arcuatum reared fine spikes of white bloom to a height of well-nigh 3 feet, while Paradisea liliastrum, more widely recognised under the title of Anthericum liliastrum, was carrying spires of drooping white ilowers. Pent- stemon confertus bore its little fiower-heads of light blue, P. Scouleri crowned a rocky ledge with its mauve blossoms, and Potentilla splendens had its spreading growth starred with white flowers. Ramondia pyrenaica was in the best of health on the perpendicular face of a moist and shaded mass of rock facing the bed of Cypripe- dium spectabile. Both the mauve-blue and white varieties were represented, there being about fifty plants in all, .some of them being of large size and bearing as many as thirty blooms. The fine leaves of Rodgersia podophylla bordered the path at one spot, and two lovely single Roses were objects of great beauty on the slope above the rockwork. These were large bushes spangled July S, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 19 with expanded blooms and buds, one being the Himalajan Rosa sericea, with white blossoms, and the other R. cinnamomea, bearing pale pink (lowers. Of Saxifrages, a number were in bloom, amongst which may be mentioned S. Aizoon and its yellow variety, S. cartilaginea, S. cochlearis, S. Cotyledon, a hybrid between S. Cotyledon and S. pyramidalis, S. crustata, S. cuneifolia, S. Hosti, S. lantoscana, S. hngulata, S. luteo-pur- purea, S. montavoniensis, S. pyramidalis, S. stenoglossa, and S. Vandelli. Vancouveria hexandra was bearing its gracile white flower- scapes well above its light green foliage, Veroni- cas in variety were in bloom, Viola pedata and V. pedata alba were in flower, and Wahlenbergia Kitaibeli was covered with its mauve-blue blos- soms. S. W. F. Peach-leaved Campanulas. — These are now very showy in the border, and in their varying forms are valuable when in groups and the like. Of the white forms the best are C. persicifolia alba coronata and C. p. alba grandiflora. In some soils these plants are quite at home, and in others require some care to prevent the stock becoming greatly diminishtd. In some measure this may be due to the free-flowering character of the subjects, which naturally assists in lessening the vitality of the plant. The old double white is still a good plant, particularly where the soil is not too sandy or hot. Where a too light soil exists, and where the plants become a prey to thrips in summer, greater attention should be given them. Shade when not accompanied by hungry tree roots is excellent for these Peach- leaved kinds, and in such position the plants suffer less from insect pests. At a recent meet- ing of the Royal Horticultural Society a new variety of this group was shown in which the flowers are much larger than in any of the older forms, more widely expanded than the fuller double kind, and less confused generally by the petals being fewer in number. Hardy plant growers were surprised so good a plant received no recognition. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Gaillardia Langport.— This is the name of one of the largest Gaillardias yet seen, probably a selected fomi from the well-known G. grandiflora maxima, which it strongly resembles. Provided it is as fret- and as good as the old kind, it should prove a showy subject for the border. Tufted Pansy Ophelia.— This has been in splendid form lately, and during the last few days its large rayless blossoms have developed almost phe- nomenal proportions. The flowers are circular and of good substance, and the colour may be described as a deep heliotrnpe-blue, the deeper colour being more pronounced on the upper petals. Although the growth is strong and vigorous, it is not in the least un- ruly.—C. Lupinus polyphylluB Somerset.— Till the advent of this kind the herbaceous Lupines were in colour confined to blue, purple, and white, but this kind provides the totally distinct shade of soft and pale yellow. Judging from the soft, glistening and downy character of its leaves, one may surmise that the yellow Tree Lupine had played a part in its production. In any case so good and distinct a plant deserves attention from hardy plant growers generally. Tufted Pansy Miss Gertie Waterer.— This is one of the latest acquisitions. It is a flower of medium size, absolutely rayless and pure white, with a neat yellow eye. During the prevalence of cold or very cool weather the blossoms become slightly blush- tinted, but as seen during the present week it is one of the most delightful kinds imaginable. It is won- derfully free-flowering on stems of medium length, these standing up erect on a beautiful tufted habit of growth.— D. B. C. Tufted Pansy A. J. Rowberry. — This variety for the two or three seasons following its in- troduction was often condemned because of its weak constitution and also because of the unsatisfactory character of its growth. I ventured to suggest at the time thatthis defect was probably owing to the stock plants being worked too hard, and this opinion seems now to be veritied, if one may judge by the plants at the present time. There arc few kinds in my col- lection which look better, and the variety under notice is just now in the pink of condition. For some weeks these plants have blossomed most pro- fusely, the lich deep yellow of the blossoms being very effective. Several raisers are using this variety for crossing purposes, and we may yet get the same colour with an ideal habit. — C. Stove and Greenhouse. HYDRANGEAS IN POTS. In the south and south-western counties Hy- drangeas are perfectly hardy, and when in bloom during the later summer months they are very beautiful, isolated specimens or groups having a fine ett'ect. To ensure freedom of blooming, the growths must be thoroughly ripened, consequently there must be free ex- posure to the sun from all sides, the soil being a warm and well-drained one. On some soils the heads of bloom will come of a beautiful blue colour, reminding one of the colour of the blooms of Vanda C(erulea. Soil with a deal of iron in it is said to favour this, but I think a dry season also appears to favour this change from the normal pink colour. At Witley last season ihe heads of bloom were of this blue colour. This I have not noticed before. A head of Hydrangea Horfensia in a pot. Engraved for The GrAKDEN frnyn a photograph sent by Mr. A. Young, Witley Court Gardens, Stourport. bloom was also brought me from a cottage garden, so I take it that the extreme heat and drought have been the cause of certain chemical changes in the soil which have led to this de- velopment. One need not, however, fear the want of a particular soil in which to produce this change of colour, as it can be had quite artificially by watering with a solution of alum water. I have seen most beautiful plants pro- duced by this means in the late Mr. Lea's gar- den, Parkfield, near Worcester. The plants, however, were growing in pots. As soon as fresh growth started in the spring the plants were watered with this alum solution. From the effect produced by this change of colour the experiment is well worth the little extra trouble involved. What a fine effect large old plants have when grown in pots or tubs for standing in prominent positions about the garden. The plant, one of several, shown in the illustration was grown by Dr. Horace Swete, The Lodge, Lower Wyke, Worcester. It has been growing in the same pot for some time. In this case the plants have winter protection from severe frost, also to prevent injury to the pots from split- ting. As soon as growth starts in the spring the plants are stood in the open air in a sunny position, where they grow away freely. The well-ripened, plump growths of the previous autumn will produce flower-heads, other shoots being formed simultaneously for next season's supply. Water must be freely applied, weak manure water being added occasionally to strengthen the flower-heads and to give tone to the whole plant. Single heads of bloom of Hydrangea Hor- tensia in 5-inch or C-inch pots are well-known objects during the early summer months, many thousands being produced annually by the growers who supply Covent Garden Market. I have grown them for this purpose with heads of bloom 1.5 inches in diameter. Strong cut- tings were inserted singly in small pots in May, and as soon as rooted these are potted firmly into 5-inch pots. When established tlie plants are stood in the open air with full exposure to the sun. Being well supplied with water, the plants remain in the open air till the early part of November, when they are stored in light, cold frames. From Christmas onwards batches are introduced into an intermediate tempera- ture when they come into bloom. As soon as the fiower-heads show, manure water must be freely applied, so as to encourage large heads of flower. The white - flowered H. Thomas Hogg is a very free-flowering variety, whereas H. Hor- tensia flowers from the plump buds at the apex only of the well-ripened shoots. The variety in question will form flower-heads from all prominent-looking buds along the whole length of the growths. I once produced a plant in three years from the cutting which had 100 heads of flower and grew to be 0 feet in diameter. Many more flower-heads would have formed, but quite one-half of the young shoots was pulled off as growth was starting so as to give the remainder strength. Hydrangea paniculata is quite a distinct look- ing variety both in its growth and flower-heads, requiring different treatment. The best results are obtained in what is termed a moist holding loam. After flowering and when the leaves have fallen, at any time previous to growth starting again, these long growths must be pruned back to three or four eyes. Each long shoot is surmounted with a panicle of flower, the blooming season being the later summer months. This variety is readily increased from cuttings, these being formed from the portions of growth that are pruned oft" during the early winter. These should be cut into G-inch lengths and inserted firmly in sandy soil in the open air. This, like the preceding, may be utilised for forcing. A. Young. Witley Court, Stourport. Summer treatment of Arums. — I quite agree with all that " G. H. H." advances with regard to the summer treatment of Arums, viz., keeping them in pots in preference to planting out. After flowering, Arums require rest and an opportunity to ripen their tubers. This is given in the case of planting out by about a month's rest before being put in the open ground — in reality no rest at all. On the other hand, by being kept in pots and not over-watered, they are thoroughly ripened. By potting a few at a time through June, July, and even as late as August, a succession of flowers is obtained throughout the winter months. The tubers should be shaken out and potted up singly into as small pots as possible without crowding the roots, the lack of pot-room being com- pensated for by liberal doses of manure-water when growing freely. A batch of Arum Lilies in pots outdoors during the summer months is not a 20 THE GARDEN. [July 8, 1899. very pleasing sight, as the leaves turn yellow and die off, but the tubers are ripening well. — C. Carnations. — Malmaison Carnations are now in full beauty, and I saw a few days ago a splendid collection in the west country that was the picture of health and blooming freely. Many varieties of the Malmaison were represented, but the dark-coloured kinds lack much of the beauty of the old flesh-coloured and newer shell-pink varieties. Horace Hutchinson, which was lately shown at the Temple, gives promise of being an acquisition to the dark-coloured Malmaisons, being very broad of petal. The large yellow Oecilia, exhibited at the same show, was perhaps the most remarkable Carnation shown, being particularly fine and of good colour. Duchess Consuelo, a handsome bloom of the same tint, is also a splendid yellow, while Baldwin, soft rose. Daybreak, flesh-pink, Calypso, blush, and Mme. Therese Franco are all attractive varieties. — S. W. F. Torenia Fournieri. — Where a greenhouse has to be kept gay with flowering plants through- out the season this Torenia affords a pleasing variety. It is a low-growing, much-branched plant, whose curiously-shaped blossoms are of various shades of lilac and violet. There is a second species, T. Bailloni or flava, whose flowers are yellow, thus furnishing a good companion to the first-named. Both succeed best treated as annuals — that is, sown in a gentle heat in the spring and pricked off as soon as they are large enough to handle. They may be either potted singly or three in a pot 5 inches in diameter, under which conditions they attain an effective size in less time than when potted singly. For an edging or such purposes 4-inch pota are sometimes the most useful, and in this one plant will attain to flowering size. A fairly open compost such as is suitable for Fuchsias and similar subjects will suit these Torenias well. By varying the time of seed-sowing they may be had in flower at dif- ferent periods, but for late autumn blooming more heat than an ordinary greenhouse gives is necessary. Another species, T. asiatica, is a stronger grower than either of the preceding and more woody in texture. It is best struck from cuttings and is very effective when grown in a suspended basket. — T. Ipomaea Leari. — Though the blooms of many Ipomasas are very fugacious, such a succession is maintained that a display of blossoms is kept up for a considerable time. Blue flowers being so generally admired, those which are of some of the various shades of that tint are perhaps the most attractive. To this class I. Leari belongs, the large Convolvulus-like flowers being of a pleasing shade of lightest blue. It succeeds best in the temperature of an intermediate house, and is just now flowering in the Begonia house at Kew. The foliage, like that of several of its allies, is thin in texture and somewhat liable to the attacks of red spider, to prevent which a liberal use of the syringe must be resorted to. It passes the winter in a comparatively dormant state, starts into growth in the spring, flowers throughout the summer months, and then goes to rest. A very beautiful species which forms a succession to I. Leari is I. rubro-carulea, which is of annual duration. The seeds should be sown in the spring, and, grown on freely in a greenhouse or rather warmer structure, they will commence to flower early in the autumn and continue for a couple of months or so. The cool part of the stove is, how- ever, necessary during the flowering period. The flowers of I. rubro-ccerulea are of a beautiful clear light blue, becoming with age suii'used with purplish red. — H. P. Tydasas. — The quaintly-marked blossoms of these gesneraceous plants are more generally met with during the autumn and early winter months than at the present time, yet they may with little trouble be had now, and I recently saw several flowering examples that were very attractive, particularly at this season of the year. They had been ripened off somewiiat earlier than usual last autumn, and were shaken clear of the soil and repotted early in February. Grown on in an intermediate temperature they are now flowering freely, and will continue for a long time to come. The whole of these Tyda-as, or Isolomas as they are often called, will succeed with very ordinary treatment, all they need being in the autumn or winter, when the flowering season is over, that the soil be kept pretty dry, but not parched up, and then when intended to start them into growth the curious caterpillar like rhizomes may be shaken clear of the old soil and re- potted into fresh compost. These rhiz.omes should he about half an inch below the surface of the soil, which may consist of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Where the plants are intended for late blooming they need not be potted till March, and may be grown during the summer in a cold frame. Propagation is effected by seeds, which ripen freely, by division, or by taking off the tops when about 3 inches long and putting them in as cut- tings. Some varieties produce new rhizomes more freely than others, but in a general way this is the readiest mode of increasing any particular form.— T. Acalypha Sanderiana. — Having given this plant a good trial, I am convinced of its useful- ness. Although, like many other introductions, it has not found universal favour, where grown well it will always find many admirers. One great recommendation is that it will keep up a display throughout the year, being equally bright at Christmas as at midsummer. Another recom- mendation is that it can be easily propagated and attains to a useful size in a very short time. I now have plants which are not three months old about a foot high, with long crimson racemes from the base of every leaf. The chief points in the culture of this useful plant are first to secure strong cuttings. If the stock plants are weak, they should be potted on and treated liberally till they have made strong growths. Weak cuttings run up tall, but strong ones will flower from the surface of the pots. I like to put the cuttings in singly into small pots, using a fairly rich open compost. They require to be kept close and shaded until they are rooted, which will not take many days. As soon as rooted round the pots they may be potted on into 5-inch pots and stood up as close to the glass as possible. This plant will make more rapid progress in a high tempera- ture, but I find it can be grown well in an inter- mediate house and will make shorter jointed plants. A liberal supply of manure may be given as soon as the pots are filled with roots. Red spider is its greatest enemy. Plants get too tall in a comparatively short time, but as there is little risk in taking the tops off to propagate, young plants may always be had for succession. — A. Hemsley. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— STOVE. Shading regal Pelargoniums. — Aa men- tioned ou p. 443, the blosaoms of these remain fresh and in good condition much longer when shaded from bright sunshine than they do it" fully exposed, yet the plants are greatly weakened if it is carried to excess. The dark-coloured flowers are much more affected by the sun than those of a lighter tint, the intense purple (almost black) of Beauty of Oxton turning in a short time to quite a rusty hue. In the case of those with dark blotches on a white or light ground, it will be often found that the blotched portion is quite dis- figured, while the light coloured part is uninjured. Not only doe? this apply to regal Pelargoniums, but to all the ditferent sections, such as show, decorative, French, and fancy. — H. P. The double Ragged Robin in pots. — At Hardwicke House, Bury St. Edmunds, I recently noticed a nice lot of plants of Lychnis Flos-cuculi, the double pink variety, grown in pots for con- servatory decoration. For this purpose it is admirably adapted. I have grown it since it was sent out as a border plant, but, though it is very pretty and useful for cutting, it seems to lack something of boldness and is not altogether satis- factory. The Hardwicke plants are in 6-inch pots, and the pretty feathery spikes rise to the height of about 18 inches. They are covered with flowers which last well, and the plant is certainly worth making a note of for the purpose indicated. Pelargonium Mr. W. Bealby.— Although now some years since this was sent out — if my memory is not at fault it was among Messrs. Pearson's 1887 set — it is still one of the finest habited and brightest of zonal Pelargoniums, and I was recently reminded of it on seeing a large batch of it being used for bedding in a neigb- bouring garden. It must not be thought on this account that the flowers are not of a good stan- dard, for there are few of the very newest that can beat it for size or shape, while as noted its habit is all that could be desired.— A Urowbr. Orchids. CATTLEYA ACLANDI^. It is surprising how seldom one comes across good healthy specimens of this pretty Cattleya, and this is the more unfortunate when one con- siders how very distinct it is from all other kinds. Nor is it particularly difficult to grow provided a little thought is brought to bear upon it. The habit of the plant itself is in a manner a guide as to the kind of receptacle it will thrive in, its short bulb and roots pointing to quite a different mode of treatment from that followed for the labiata forms. In many cases growers have tried baskets for it and failed, but this is not the fault of the baskets. They are not sufficiently drained as a rule, and in consequence a lot of peat and Moss comes into contact with the roots, and this they are not able to push through. Had the baskets been filled to within an inch of the top rods with crocks and the remainder filled with compost, all would have been well, provided other conditions were favourable. Perhaps the best way to treat this plant is to place it on flat rafts or trellised blocks of teak. Sometimes it is inclined to ramble, and the blocks allow for this. Again, new compost can be given about the leads with- out disturbing the back part of the plants, and this is a great advantage, as the roots of C. Ac- landiie greatly dislike being pulled about. This system of adding to the compost piece- meal is a good one, and far preferable to over- loading the roots, as described above, or of placing them upon bare blocks. I have seen healthy plants under the latter system where they had been very carefully looked after both as regards rest and atmospheric moisture, but in no case had they the same vigour and size of pseudo-bulbs or flowers as are produced when the roots are running in a little compost. Again, when the blocks decay, as they do rapidly in the moist heat of the Orchid house, it is very diflicult to transplant the Orchid to a fresh piece without either leaving a lot of decayed wood in or damaging the roots badly. That the latter is injurious goes with- out saying, while decayed wood is the surest producer of fungoid growth known, and the latter is very destructive to Orchid roots. The most important point then in its culture is to secure a healthy lot of roots clinging to some- thing of a suitable nature for their ramification and health. The question as to atmospheric treatment is more difficult to solve. While C. Aclandiit; undoubtedly delights in warm, moist conditions, especially when growth is most active, there must be a kind of hardening or ripening of the growth going on at the same time, or else if the growth is soft and sappy, without due attention to this the flowers will be few and poor in substance and the plants very liable to be checked by any slight mistake in culture, such as a cold draught of air in winter or a little too much sun in summer. July 8, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 21 The plant is peculiar in its seasons of growth and rest, and not ac all to be depended upon. I have often known it to flower, say, in June and then grow away again and produce another lot of bloom in autumn, but I have never seen this class of plant keep so healthy as others that tlower regularly and annually. The more light and air they are exposed to in autumn and winter the better, and with regard to root- moisture, this will depend entirely upon the state of growth, giving a full supply to healthy, well-rooted plants when growing freely, but less to those that are weak and when resting. The flowers of C. Aclandiie are very distinct from those of any other Cattleya, the sepals and petals being greenish yellow, spotted with deep purple, the lip, which does not enfold the column as is usual in Cattleyas, being bright rosy purple with deeper lines. Aerides Warneri. — This is really a good form of A. crispum, the plant and flowers being almost identical, but the colour is quite distinct. It is not by any means common in collections, nor has it ever been since it was first imported by the late Mr. Warner. The flowers appear on racemes, each IS inches or more in length, and are among the largest in the genus. The sepals and petals are almost pure white, having lost the rosy suffusion common to the type, while the lip is of a pretty bright rose-purple margined with white. It does well with other species in the East India house. Oncidiuta cucullatum. — One of the prettiest varieties of this species I have seen is now in bloom. The sepals and petals are of a pretty soft purple-rose with quite a distinct narrow white border or margin. The lip is entirely white with the exception of rosy-violet spots at the base. Thus it comes nearest the O. c. nubigenum forms, but is superior to any of these I have seen. O. cucullatum is well known to be one of the most variable kinds in existence, and, being a native of high mountains in equatorial regions, is not easy to keep in health over a number of years. Very cool and moist conditions suit it best. — H. Masdevallia Barlaeana. — Though not very large, the flowers of this species are pretty and bright, and it is certainly worthy a place in every amateur's collection. It is cheap and easily cul- tivated ; the scapes are single flowered, of a very pretty bright red, and they are abundantly pro- duced. The plants should be grown in medium- sized pots only, and these must be well drained, the upper inch or so being all that is needed for compost. Add plenty of rough broken crocks and charcoal to the peat and Moss, and place it firmly in the pots. Grow in a light, cool house, with ample light in winter, shading somewhat freely in summer. Saccolabium ampuUaceum. — The erect spikes of rosy carmine blossoms borne by this species are now very bright and effective, and though fairl}' common in collections, one does not see so much of it as of many other less beautiful kinds. Like others of the dwarf ^aocolabiums, it requires careful culture, but there is nothing particularly difficult about it, and in a nice light position in a warm house where the growth gets well consolidated in autumn, the leaves will usually stand the winter all right. Weak plants kept in a very moist and shady house without due regard being paid to hardening their tissues in late summer and autumn often lose many of the lower leaves after a cold, dull winter. It should be grown in baskets of Sphagnum Moss and crocks only. Dendrobium superbum The flowers of this species are not so bright as are those of many others in the genus, while the peculiar fracrrance, though liked by some people, is distasteful to others. But a well-flowered plant is decidedly handsome, the blossoms occurring very freely along the upper part of the long vigorous stems, their colour a deep purplish magenta. Owing to the length of these stems and the fact that the plants blojm somewhat later than most Den- drobes, the most favourable position in the East India house should be given it, or the growths will not be finished in time. A frequent cause of its not flowering freely is found in this backward tendency, for there is not time to get the stems really well ripened after they are grown. Other- wise the plane is of the easiest culture and thrives with the usual treatment given to the deciduous group. Brassia Keiliana This species is noted for its variations from the typical form, very few being exactly alike in every particular, and I recently saw a very nice lot of varieties flowering at Mr. Bull's. One especially had deep sepia- brown sepals, the ends of which were contracted into bright golden yellow tails, a fine contrast against the deep brown being formed. B. Keiliana is one of the best of the Brassias and easily cultivated in a house kept at a medium temperature and nicely moist. The plants should be grown in pots of medium size, and the com- post may consist of equal parts of peat fibre and Sphagnum. A very free moisture supply is necessary while growth is active, and even while at rest the plants must not be too much dried at the root. Galeandra nivalis. — This is not a very com- mon species in cultivation, but an extremely pretty one in which the white funnel-shaped lip shows up strongly against the olive-brown sepals and petals, the flowers occurring in terminal racemes from the erect stems. The bane of Galeandras, as of many other South American Orchids, is insects, of which thrips and red spider are doubtless the most troublesome, but if by careful fumigation and syringing these in- sects can be kept in check, little other difficulty will be found in their culture. Like the Thunias, they enjoy a constantly hot and very moist tem- perature all the time they are growing and until the tops of the flower-spikes are seen, but in order to preserve the blossoms, a cooler and drier atmosphere is necessary then and afterwards to induce rest. The usual compost of peat fibre and Moss suits them, with a little good fibrous loam for the strongest plants, but the pot must not be unduly large. Epidendrum arachnoglossum. — The Spider's-tongue Orchid, as this species is called, is not particularly showy, but it is very interest- ing, and also remarkable for the time it remains in flower. Where a fair number of plants is grown the display goes on for months owing to the spikes following each other, these elon- gating individually and producing flowers to- wards the ends long after those lower down are decayed. There are good and bad forms of it, some having flowers of a bright crimson with yellow lip markings, others having blooms of a cloudy white with many intermediate shades. The best position for the plant is a light and well- ventilated part of the Cattleya house, where in fairly large pots it grows freely and flowers annually when strong enough. In a hot and very moist house with insufficient ventilation, though it may grow freely for a time, it is never really happy and often fails to flower. It is a native of the southern part of New Grenada, where it was found growing on a volcanic mountain by M. Ed. Andr6 in 187(3. Leptotes bicolor. — Few Orchids have re- ceived more names from our botanists than this, but the name so long in use in our gardens and nurseries is the best known and as good as any. The plant is flowering freely now in many collec- tions, and its distinctness as well as its quiet beauty ought to ensure it more attention from cultivators than it receives. The plant has cylin- drical leaves and stems only a few inches high altogether, and from the base of the former springs the flower-spike, containing one to four flowers, according to the strength of the plant or the individual growth producing it. The sepals and petals are white, the lip purple, with a white border. L. bicolor thrives best in an intermediate house, and though not by any means difficult of cultivation, it is important that the roots are not surfeited with compost. The safest way to grow it is in shallow baskets suspended from the roof, these being well drained and rather small in comparison with the size of the plant. Equal parts of peat and Moss suit it well, and abund- ance of water is necessary during the growing season. In winter it should be kept well up to the light, as the young leads are apt to damp off. It was introduced in 1831 from Brazil, and first flowered in the Uuke of Bedford's csUection. Saccolabium Hendersonianum. — The pretty rose-coloured flowers of this species are freely produced upon the short, erect racemes, making a very bright and beautiful little plant, worthy of being included in every collection. Its culture is not always attended with success, but some failures may, 1 think, be traced to keep- ing the plant in too moist and shady an atmo- sphere. Moisture it delights in, but all available light should reach the plant if it is to be healthy and flower freely. The plants like the buoyant brisk heat set up by closing early in the afternoon and raising the bhnds after thoroughly damping down. The rising moisture keeps a film on the glass and prevents scorching, while the full sun- light reaches the plant from all sides. Thus growth is not only rapid, but it is hard and free- flowering, while if the roots are confined to small receptacles, these cling firmly and send up ample supplies of moisture which must be freely apphed. It will thrive in clean Sphagnum Moss and charcoal or crocks without any other addition, and though not needing a long season of dry rest, may well have a limited moisture supply after the plants have finished growth for the season. The atmospheric moisture must also be reduced in dull or cold weather, a good minimum tempera- ture being 60° in winter. — H. ORCHID ROOTS. The various kinds of Orchids grown under glass in this country are remarkable not only for the great variety of their flowers, but also for the difference in the life and likings of the roots. I was rather forcibly reminded of this recently when repotting a lot of Odontoglossum citros- mum. The roots of this species are much longer-lived than are those of many others in the same genus, though in outward appearance they differ but little. Plants that were im- ported about five years ago and placed in small pans had not only rooted well from the bulbs first formed in this country, but in almost every case these roots were alive and healthy. Doubtless had the plants been disturbed in the meantime they would have died, and this leads to the reflection that in many cases this species and others are disturbed a good deal oftener than there is any need of. Everyone with a little experience must have noticed that the roots of an epiphytal Orchid when once dis- turbed seldom obtain a fresh hold, though in a few cases they keep alive and produce new- feeding points about their lower extremity. This Orchid in particular, if it has not grown out of its receptacle and has the drainage in good order, may with advantage be left for quite a number of years without disturbance. The plants will certainly flower more freely, and this, of course, is the end in view. On the other hand, such free-rooting and healthy feeding Orchids as Cypripediums show by their improved appearance that fresh food in the form of new compost is ijuite to their taste, and though it is not always necessary to shake the old material entirely from the roots, the more new compost that can be got about them the better. Again, we have a class of Orchid roots that, though disliking disturbance as much as any, yet, owing to their sensitive THE GAEDEK [July 8, 1899. nature, they abhor anything in the least close or sour about them, and in consequence they have to be frecjuently repotted or else grown on bare blocks, which is too poor treatment for them. Instances that occur to mind are the Promenajas as a whole and many of the smaller growing Zygopetalums and kindred plants. They diifer from such true epiphytes as Phalienopsids and the small Angnecums, for instance, whose roots, could they be assured of moisture in plenty-, show their great affinity for bare wood by clinging to it firmly. The singular wiry roots of Cielogyne cristata and some of the •jtongoras again seem cipable of taking care of themselves in a remarkable manner, and if they cannot find exactly what they want, make the best of what is nearest. They will run about on a moist pot surface quite exposed or burrow into several inches of compressible material, whether this is peat, loam, leaf-mould. Moss or what not. They may not be long-lived in some of these substances, but they are among the most able to take care of themselves in the whole Orchid family, and in the event of their disturbance the plant feels the check badly. I recently gave my ideas upon the subject of the failing of Orchid roots, especially those of Gattleyas and Lselias, in answer to a cor- respondent, so it is not again necessary to allude to this. The study of Orchid roots as a whole and their variety and adaptability or otherwise to various circumstances are ex- tremely interesting and instructive. Any Orchid - growing readers who have noted peculiarities in the plants under their charge may mention them with advantage. H. R. Lycaste Deppei.— This old species varies a good deal, and some of the forms are much prettier than others. At Hardwicke I noted some very well -flowered plants of a nice form, the sepals broader than usual, light emerald- green with the usual purplish spottings, the petals pure white, and the lip entirely golden yellow spotted with bright red. It is singular that this plant has been let go out of cultiva- tion, or nearly so, for it is well worth growing for cutting. A cool house and a compost of. light loam, peat fibre, and chopped Sphagnum suit it well. — H. Odontoglossum polyxanthum. — This is one of the Odontoglots that are often very disappointing to buy except in flower, as the forms vary so, and anyone seeing a good form of it at a show or elsewhere may on ordering it get an entirely different flower. Many are in the habit of purchasing either newly -imported plants on the chance of getting good forms or else selecting from a collection in ifower, and unless one has full confidence in his nurseryman, either of these methods is preferable to buying promis- cuously. A good form of O. polyxanthum bears long arching and branched spikes, the individual flowers upwards of 3 inches in width, yellow, variously blotched with brownish red and other tints of the same colour. Others there are with narrow- petalled flowers less than 2 inches across, very dull in colour and unattractive. Its culture does not differ much from that of 0. Halli and other Bpecies from Ecuador, the plants delighting in a cool, moist, and shady house in summer with abundant loot moisture as long as growth is active. Masdevallia nycterina.— In habit and some other characteristics this plant is a good deal like M. Chim^ura, and, like it, thrives well in wood baskets with an open bottom and large pieces of charcoal placed on the rods, so that the spikes can find their way down easily. Although when growing in pots most of the spikes may push up and find the light, yet the plants have a much more natural and pretty appearance when these are hanging about the basket as indicated. Like all of this section, M. nycterina is easily in- commoded by stale or decayed compost, and it shows a decided liking for clean Sphagnum Moss and charcoal, so when making up the compost let this be freely added, and never allow the roots to get into a bad state before renewing it. The plants can hardly be kept too cool during the summer months, and where the Odontoglossum house is always kept as high as 50° during the winter nights, this is the best place to grow it. But where the Odontogloasums are kept cooler than this — as they unfortunately are in many places — the Masdevallia should be removed to a slightly warmer house in November. The flowers are produced on single-flowered scapes and are of the usual singular shape, principally tawny- yellow in colour. Aerides crassifolium.— Although one of the commonest, there is no doubt this is one of the finest Aerides, and the large semi-drooping spikes of rosy purple flowers are very beautiful. On the front lobe of the lip in good varieties the purple- crimson tint is as fine as in some Gattleyas, the graceful habit of well-grown and well-leaved specimens being also very much in its favour. Although of the easiest possible culture, the true beauty of these plants is soon ruined by careless- ness to their wants atmospherically, and quite recently I saw what must have been fine spe- cimens quite ruined by having been kept in a dry Flowers of the Horse Chestnut. From a photograph seiit by Mr. T. 0. B. Norman, Holly Hill, Ditchingham, and draughty house. The plants like plenty of head and elbow room and large pots or square baskets filled with Sphagnum Moss and crocks or charcoal. In these they may remain undisturbed for many years by simply top-dressing once a year. Fine specimens are assured if the offsets at the bottom of the plants are allowed to remain and extend at will, and these have a much nicer appearance than single-stemmed plants, besides flowering more freely. The plants should be always m the East India house, and during the time the roots are active abundance of water is required. While at rest give less, but avoid drying them ofi'. Ccelogyne pandurata. — The singular con- trast of colour in this fine species makes it a very distinct and beautiful Orchid, and when it is well grown, with large spikes containing a dozen or more of its remarkable flowers, it is a very showy one as well. The latter issue horizontally, and the sepals and petals are a deep emerald-green, the fiddle-shaped lip, from which the species takes its name, being marked with several black raised ridges, which show up remarkably well against the green of the outer segments. C. pandurata likes a very brisk, moist temperature, and though doubtless it may be easily overdone with sunlight, too much shade is not conducive to freedom of flowering. The pseudo - bulbs occur on rambling rhizomes, and this necessitates a rather large receptacle for its roots, such as large trellised blocks or baskets, over which the rhizomes can extend at will, and a rough and very open description of compost. It is rather a thirsty subject, and delights in ample supplies of moisture nearly all the year round. This may in part be gathered from the fact that the locality in which the plant grows naturally is under water during some parts of the year, the plants growing on the tree trunks in the most swampy part of Borneo. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ORCHIDS. Trichopilia tortilis. — There are several forms of this pretty old species all more or less distinct, in- cluding the rare white form T. t. alba and many fine colour varieties. T. t. virginalis is a very chaste and beautiful form I noticed recently flowering with Mr. W. Bull, of Chelsea. In this the usual twisted petals were prettily shown up by a quite pure white lip, a novel and pretty effect being produced. Oncidium carthaginenae. — In this we have one of the finest of the (Jucidiums, bearing long spikes of small flowers. I have had spikes several yards in length. The little side branches may with a little skiU be very efifeetively employed in almost any kind of decoration. In its strongest state O. carthiginenso produces immense leaves, these being deep green, spotted with dark purple. It likes ample warmth and light, thriving well in the warmest part of the Cat- tleya house if given a rather thin layer of peat and Sphagnum Moss. — II. Garden Flora. PLATE 1230. INCARVILLEA GRANDIFLORA. (with a coloured plate. *) This plant flowered for the first time in a greenhouse at Kew m June last year, as was recorded in The Gariien, vol. liv. , p. i'M, where a plate of I. Delavayi, with an account of the genus, was published. A comparison of the two species shows a close relationship between them, the differences being in the shorter leaves, rounded leaflets and shorter flower-scape of I. grandiflora. There are also differences in the flower characters, but in a general way the two species are alike, and tiiere- fore of probable ecjual value as garden plants. Of the value of I. Delavayi it is now scarcely necessary to speak ; it has proved a useful pot plant for the greenhouse, good plants of it being in flower in a greenhouse at Kew now. It is also an excellent border plant for a cool conservatory, as is proved by its behaviour in the Himalayan house at Kew, where a number of plants are in vigorous growth. As a plant for the herbaceous border in the open air in summer it has been again and again shown to be a worthy addition. So far as I can make out, I. grandiflora will be equally serviceable. The Kew plant of it has not been tried in the open air, but it has grown well and flowered freely both in a pot and in a border in a sunny, cool greenhouse. For the discovery and introduc- tion of this new addition we are indebted to the expedition to Thibet and Western Ghina by Prince Henry of Orleans in 1890, and to Messrs. Vilniorin and Go., Paris. It was pointed out last year that I. grandiflora may be only a form of I. compacta, discovered some years previously in Kansuh. Dried specimens of this species show it to be very free flowering, as many as a dozen flower-scapes springing from a single tuft of leaves. Should these two prove to be identical, then in I. grandiflora we * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in the KoyaJ Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Groffart. July 8, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 23 have a plant of quite exceptional beauty for the garden. The yellow-tlowered species, similar in all characters except colour to that here figured, and which was found at the same time, has not yet found its way into English collections. It is, however, said to be in cultivation in France. W. W. Park and Woodland. THE HORSE CHESTNUT. Without doubt one of our most beautiful flowering trees, the Horse Chestnut is, how- ever, an almost perfectly worthless timber tree. The soft wood may be used for a few common carpentry purposes for which several other kinds of timber are better adapted, but it is certainly not worth growing for timber, and it is one of the worst trees that can be intro- Horse Chestnut in the plantation and filling the spaces up with Beech as an under-plant. The Beech itself is a bad neighbour in a mixed wood for the same reasons as those given against the Horse Chestnut, but when planted in an established wood (after the other trees have attained height) on the " uneven aged " principle adopted on the Continent, it is not so much to be feared, and it will grow in the shade as a straight pole, as few other species will do. If anyone will examine a Horse Chestnut growing in a plantation at this leafy season of the year they will be struck by the density of its foliage and shade, and tlie persistent way it pushes out horizontally and crushes other trees near it. I have often wondered how the prejudice in this country against the seeds of the Horse Chestnut has originated. The schoolboy who hunts sedulously for wild fruits of all kinds I prizes the nuts of the Spanish Chestnut, but The Horse Chestnut, duced into a mixed plantation. Owing to its power of enduring shade and the stiff horizontal spread of its branches, it destroys all other trees near it, and no vegetation of any kind can exist under its branches. This is my ex- perience of the tree wherever I have seen it in woods. As for timber merchants, they will not look at it. For windfalls an odd tree or two may be smuggled in among other kinds, but no one thinks of mentioning it in lots for sale except among the "mixed." I had once to look over a young plantation about thirty years of age that was in an unsatisfactory state owing to the indiscriminate nature of the mix- ture of species of which it was composed — one of the faults of our home forestry— and found that the chief offender was the Horse Chestnut, which had been used in the same proportion as the others and had usurped far more space than it was entitled to. Even gamekeepers complained of the wood because of the naked- ness of the ground under the Chestnuts. The remedy adopted was the removal of every will not touch the Horse Chestnut, and cattle- feeders shun it as a food for stock. Yet cattle, deer, and sheep eat the nuts when they can get to them, and deer bark the tree and eat the leaves. On the Continent Horse Chestnuts are used extensively as food for cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. They are said to improve both the yield and flavour of milk in cows, and are given to sheep crushed in the same way as artificial foods are given to cattle in this country. Rooks are no mean judges of good food, and, according to Mr. R. Ellison in " The Berwickshire Naturalist," they carry off the Horse Chestnut seeds as soon as they are ripe. For ornamental planting there is no finer variety than the common Horse Chestnut with its creamy white flowers and luxuriant habit of growth, and the red variety is also fine, but if anything it is a worse neighbour in a planta- tion than the other, being of a very stiff, aggressive habit. There is also a semi-double variety, but the single varieties are the freest flowerers. J. S. CORSICAN AND AUSTRIAN FIRS. Even Dr. Schlich, in his carefully selected list of timber trees, omits the Corsican, giving the Austrian only a place as the Pinus Laricio of Poir. As forest trees no greater mistake could be made than that of confounding the two as the same or even similar. At one time the Austrian used to be commonly substituted for the Corsican for general planting, causing much disappointment in many cases, and such mis- takes are committed yet. Botanically, I sup- pose the two varieties are identical, but as forest trees they are thoroughly distinct, and in all respectable nurseries the two have been carefully separated and may now be had quite true. The Corsican can be told from the Austrian at a glance, either as a single tree or in the nursery quarter. The Corsican is a truer and more fixed form than the Austrian, everywhere distinguished by its more rapid height, growth, longer nodes, thin, cylindrical habit, spar.se branches, comparatively glaucms twisted leaves and general uniformity of habit. Lastly, it has a fault that the Austri in has not got : it is a bad transplanter unless moved eirly in autumn or late in spring; whereas young and old Austrians up to 10 feet in height may be moved with impunity, and I have trans- jjlanted many such. The Corsican Fir may be regarded as an ideal timber tree, because it grows very fast in almost any soil and situation up to a high altitude ; increases in bulk of timber much faster than the Scotch Fir, which it equals in quality of tim- ber, and, owing to its thin habit, will bear crowding well, producing probably the cleanest trunk among all the Firs except the Larch. Last, but not least, rabbits will eat it, but they do not like it, and in a mixed plantation they will clear ofl" any Scotch and Austrian Fir first before beginning on the Corsican. These qualities constitute a difference that botanists ought to take notice of. As to the Austrian, trees of the true type grow nearly as broad as high, but they vary prodigiously, hardly any two trees being quite alike. Indeed, the Austrian is the most variable Fir I know of. Its most valuable quality is its dense bushy habit, which renders it valuable as a shelter tree ; there are in- deed none better, only it grows rather slowly. As a timber tree it is rough and knotty. Its stifl' horizontal habit makes it also a bad neighbour in a mixed wood, so much so that I have long ceased planting it except at the margins. Wherever an Austrian is planted in a mixture of Scotch and Corsican Firs, there you will find a depression in the jjlantation owing to the slower growth of the tree, which also occupies more than its share of space. It is not apt to be smothered because it pushes its neighbours back laterally and occupies far more space itself than it is worth. Planted by itself as a timber tree it behaves better, but it is very long in shedding its lower branches, which are thick and stiff', and I know where many ugly examples of this kind could be found. Some years ago a gentleman engaged a nurseryman to plant a large tract of Corsicans for him, and some years after asked me to see them. As far as I could see, there was not one Corsican in the lot, the Austrian having been substituted, and the crush among the trees was such as I have never seen in any pure plantation. J. Simpson. Wortley. 24 THE GARDEK [Jdly 8, 1899. THE FORESTRY QUESTION. The following extracts from a letter from M. David Cannon, of Les Vaux, Loir et Cher, France, will, we think, prove interesting to our readers at a time when forestry is engaging so much attention : — The " natural regeneration " system, imported all of a piece from Germany some seventy years ago, applied by means of successive cuttings at an age fixed arbitrarily beforehand, is very much contested now-a-days. In mountain Fir forests the superiority of Jardinage as modified by Gur- naud — frecjuenb and prudent thinnings, always leaving trees of all ages on the soil — is, I think, fully proved. On the other hand, in Oak forests in the plains of Normandy, a State forester, M. Prouve, observes that it is better and cheaper when trees are mature to cut down the whole crop slap and plant. The reason in both cases is that years of abundant seeding are irregular ; that three to six years may elapse before a good one ; that during that time, in fertile soils especially, the soil gets occupied by grass. Thorns, Heaths, Ac, which choke the seed and it becometh un- fruitful, or smother the plants as they come up. Then the trees left as porte-graines, suddenly isolated, get blown over. Of course, there are parts and times where natural seeding does very well, but the defect of government regulations is to impose uniform treatment everywhere, so I very much doubt whether so called scientific forestry is of much use to us poor private woodmen. Brown, with all his faults, has the great merit of inculcating careful thinning. Would you believe that the scientific continental authorities are much behindhand on that question ; that they are only beginning now to acknowledge it in a very half- and-half sort of way ? They used to talk a deal of rubbish about struggle for life between the young trees and natural selection, the result being that they all grew up lanky and weakly and lost a long time before they could get stout again. With early and rational thinning it is admitted now that a valuable crop of trees can be got in two-thirds of the time imposed by regulations till now. I have just been through Southern Ger- many, and the woods I saw from the railway — mostly Pine — struck me as much too thick and suffering from their close state. I have certainly much better growth here on my poor soil. They seemed to be private property, but I am told State forests are no better. In Austria, especially in the Tyrol, where the woods are mostly Larch and Spruce, they are, as far as I can see, kept thinner and better managed. The WEEK'S Work. HARDY FRUITS. SoMMER PRUNiNi!. — Shortening the growth of all trees which are trained in the various forms of wall trees, pyramids, espaliers, and the like is a necessary part of the season's work, and the time has now come for extensive operations in this way, for there will now be no fear of the shortened shoots breaking into growth from the back buds and throwing the trees out of gear. If my former advice has been carried out, all that will have been done in the way of restricting growth will have been the removal of some of the crowded shoots while in a very young state and the stop- ping of any very strong shoots that promised to destroy the balance of the tree, the only excep- tions in which an earlier application of more wholesale stopping was advised having been in the case of cordon Apples and Pears on dwarf stocks. The danger of these breaking too freely into second growth is eliminated by the action of the stocks ; therefore it is safe to deal with them earlier, and less wasted growth is made. No hard and fast lines can be laid down as to the proper number of leaves which shall be left on each shoot at the summer pruning, as this will vary with the individuality of the trees, but as a general rule for guidance it may ba said that not less than five leaves should be left on a shoot, and if the tree is naturally a strong grower, more still should be left, so that there shall be plenty of good leaves to carry out their own particular functions in bringing the fruit to perfection and plumping up the buds for next year's crop. Trees that have reached their limits of space may have the leading shoots of each branch shortened in the same way as the side shoots are treated, but where further extension is desired, I prefer for the present to let these shoots grow to their full extent and fasten them to the walls or to some support. The foregoing remarks apply equally to Apples, Pears, and Plums, except that per- haps it may be advisable to lay in to full length a few shoots of the latter where room can be found for them, it being found advisable to pro- vide these trees with new wood from time to time. Cherries. — As soon as the fruits are picked I like to do to the sweet Cherries whatever prun- ing may be necessary for the year and to let it be as little as possible in every case, for Cherries abhor the knife and are still more liable to be injured by its use in winter than in summer, gum- ming being much more prevalent after pruning in winter from the action of cold on the newly-cut) surfaces. Excepting those trees grown in bush form, which should have the points of the shoots pinched out now, summer pruning is not applic- able to the Morello Cherry, which bears its finest and best fruits on the young wood. It may be advisable to thin out the wood, removing a few of the surplus and weakest growths altogether, but more than this should not be done, and it may also be borne in mind that the Morello as a wall tree will bear to have its wood laid in more thickly than almost any other fruit tree without injuring it in the least, so it is wise not to overdo the thinning at present. The growths ought to be secured to the wall either by thin twigs stuck at each end behind the branches and holding back some few shoots, or by tying back with raffia. The former is an old-fashioned method, which has the advantage of being efficient and quickly done, and it is applicable also to other wall trees, such as Peaches and Nectarines, which are not shortened back during summer. Apricots. — Old established trees should be looked over, and the growths being made from gross shoots stopped earlier in the season may now be pinched hard, as no harm will accrue by so doing ; the fruits will get more light and a better balance be maintained. Lay in here and there a few shoots of full length to fill up any gaps as advised in the case of Plums. \Vhere field mice are plentiful, these little pests will be sure to find out the Apricots ; therefore, trapping, as I advised some weeks back, must be persisted in, not only in the neighbourhood of the trees, but in all likely haunts around the garden. Young Apricot trees should be allowed more freedom of growth than thoseolder trees above mentioned, and well placed shoots should be encouraged. See that the trees get plenty of water almost up to the time of the fruit ripening, as it will be better to withhold anything like heavy soakings while ripe fruits are on the trees. General work. — Undoubtedly one great point to be always striving for in dealing with hardy fruits is cleanliness of the trees, and to this end it is necessary to be ever on the alert with the syringe or garden engine and frequently with insecticides ; at any rate, the latter must be at hand to deal with the sudden appearance of some members of the aphides. Trees may be appa- rently clean to-day, while to-morrow sees them with perhaps what one thinks lightly of as "a touch of fly." A day or two more of letting them alone and the trees are filthy, smothered with insects insignificant individually, but collectively an abomination. I have found the present season one of the worst I have known for aphides, black and green, but they must be fought vigorously and often if the trees are to do well. Perhaps one result of the constant deluging will be to keep red spider at bay, and that will be something to be thankful for. Cornubian. KITCHEN GARDEN. Latest Celekv. — Where rain has fallen it will be well to plant out late-raised Celery. If the plants were pricked out in sheltered nooks or corners as advised and kept well moistened, growth will by this time be strong and robust and not liable to run to seed. Provided the autumn is fine, this extra late batch will often grow to a respectable size quite fit for table use and the salad bowl. At any rate, it will be use- ful for soups and flavouring, the main lot being reserved for ordinary table use. The trenches need not be quite so deep as usual and the plants may be placed a little closer together. Planting completed, lay a good mulch of spent Mushroom manure down each side of the rows and give a thorough soaking with water. If ordinary weather follows, it will then take care of itself until the sticks are freed from suckers and the first earth- ing-up is given. If, as advised, Leicester Red and Standard-bearer were sown, very few of the heads will be likely to rot if the winter is wet, as, brought on under such exposed conditions, their constitution is so hardy. CoLEwoRTS. — The present is a good date to make the first sowing of the useful London Cole- wort. Get the seed from a good firm, as I have met with some very inferior strains of this vege- table which run into a coarse, flavourless growth. A south-east or east border answers, except in particularly dry, hot soils, when a north aspect is preferable. Here, if kept comfortably moist, the plants will come on gradually but surely. I simply mark out the beds, sow the seed broad- cast, scuffle it in beneath the surface with a small- toothed rake, and finally tread and rake level. I find it safest to net my Coleworts over as soon as sown, as if this is postponed the seed sometimes comes through without being noticed, and the chaffinches take all the plants. I sow on July 7 and again on July 15 or 20, the latter sowing some- times proving the more serviceable if the autumn is warm and moist and the first batch grows away too freely. Many gardeners do not yrow Cole- worts, but all should do so, as nothing equals them for hardiness or surpasses them for flavour. Cucumber house. — Plants which have been yielding fruit since March will in many instances show signs of partial exhaustion, and should be treated accordingly. Provided others either in houses or pits are yielding freely, the first-named batch should have a partial rest, that is, if they are to be retained throughout the season. Thin out the growth freely, leaving only that which is more robust and free from spider. Give a good rich top dressing and assist root-action by occa- sional doses of liquid manure the colour of pale ale. Syringe regularly and copiously, close early, allowing no fruit to form for a fortnight or so. If a little freedom of growth is allowed instead of close tying in, it will assist the plants to grow out of their weak state, and tying in can again be resumed when fresh fruits are allowed to swell. Perpetual is a first-rate Cucumber either for house or frame work, having a grand constitiition, the fruits, which are borne in great numbers, being of good quality. In surface-dressing use plenty of opening material, such as old mortar rubble, so as to allow of superfluous water passing quickly away. Cucumber plants are often exhausted by the fruits remaining on them too long, thus rob- bing them of their vitality. The fruit should be cut as soon as ready and placed in cool quarters, the stem end being laid in damp Moss. Old Cucumbers should not be used in the salad bowl, as they impart a bitter flavour and are unwhole- some. Blanks in winter stuff. — In consequence of the drought experienced in some gardens, a good many blanks will have occurred in quarters of winter greens, especially Brussels Sprouts, these often suf- fering from the disease known as finger-and-toe. The foliage then quickly assumes a sickly bluish colour and the top becomes infested with insects. These gaps should now be made good from the seed-bed, and if the young plants are at all over- grown, take out a good-sized hole and make the soil about the roots firm, also well soak the plants the July 8, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 25 day prior to lifting them. They will then stand a chance of making headway. It is next to useless pulling up those extra large plants from a dry bed and planting with a dibble, as thus treated all the principal fibrous roots are snapped olf. Of course, where any extra late sowings of such things were made, the plants from those beds may be used, as with a line autumn they will yet make good-sized stems and prove of extra value by reason of forming their sprouts later. If any healthy plants of Broccoli, such as Methven's June or Late Queen, are still in the seed-beds, they may be planted on a north border, if such is at hberty, from which some other non-im- poverishing crop has been taken, no turning up of the ground being advisable. In such positions Broccoh sometimes stands the winter better than in more open ones, the hard root-run favouring a firm, frost-proof growth. J. C. Kitchen Garden. CONSTRUCTING AND HEATING EARLY TOMATO HOUSES. It is useless attempting to produce early Toma- toes in insufficiently heated, badly-ventilated, leaky houses. As well might one attempt to grow early Cucumbers in such. I maintain that no indoor crop pays better for any outlay in the erection of a suitable house than Toma- toes, this holding good either from a private or market grower's point of view. Houses in which it is possible to husband every possible ray of sunshine through January, February and March, furnished with abundance of hot-water pipes, with ventilation on the most approved principles are absolutely indispensable if even fair results are to be achieved. I consider front air advantageous, as when the plants are in flower, evpn in the early months of the year, a chink on the front ventilators aids in producing a buoyant atmosphere, so essential for setting the fruit. The roof should have a rather sharp pitch, and sliding ventilators should be fixed in the brickwork. The bed for the recep- tion of the plants should be within a short distance of the roof-glass, as stocky a growth as possible being desirable from the very first. The need for the existence of plenty of hot-water pipes lies, not in the great amount of heat needed by the Tomato, but in the fact that the night temperature needed fur setting the fruit, or say (50°, must be main- tained without unduly heating the pipes. A genial, somewhat arid atmo.sphere is what is wanted. I do not approve of open water tanks in early Tomato houses, the object being to secure a moisture-free atmosphere. Watering the plants will supply quite sufficient atmo- spheric moisture to support growth and fruit. Of course, every possible convenience will not secure success unless cultural details are attended to. Very narrow, shallow ridges of soil, or, if grown in pots, those 9 inches in diameter, will hold sufficient compost for the support of extra early plants, provided judi- cious feeding be practised when the crop tells upon their energies. This should consist of loam pure and simple, kept open with old mortar rubble, firm ramming being practised. Then a good deal depends on varieties. A market grower recently informed me that the varieties which set their fruit freely in wet weather were few in number, and the same may be said of the early comparatively sunless part of the year, February and March. My choice would be Ladybird and Up-to-date for principal batches, with a less number of Early Ruby and Earliest of All. Were the fruit re- quired for cooking only and I could guarantee a true stock, I would grow largely the old dwarf Orangetield. Norwich. Early French Beans.— My first gathering in the open was made on June 24, quite a fortnight later than usual. This has necessitated growing a much later supply in frames or houses than usual. To have French Beans, say, from Feb- ruary to midsummer under glass entails a lot of labour, and the outside crop is a relief, so that I always endeavour to get an early supply from plants raised under glass and planted out. Plants raised with as little heat as possible do so much better than those raised otherwise. Few plants suffer more from cold and too much moisture at the start. My earliest dwarf French Bean is Early Favourite, a fine forcing variety with a good-sized pod. — G. W. S. Lettuce Continuity. — I find this the most reliable of all in dry, hoS seasons and in a light soil. I note at p. 402 "J. R." says Continuity is much overpraised. I have failed to find it as poor in (juality as "J. R." describes, and I think m some cases the quality may be influenced by the soil, which if at all poor will afl'ect the quality. I have tried most of the Lettuces cata- logued. Having a very light soil on gravel, and needing very large quantities of Lettuce daily and for use in June and well into August, the above variety has proved the most valuable. Another variety named Marvel, a red-edged kind, is my next best. This hearts well, and is valuable on account of its standing so long before running to seed. I need Lettuces at the rate of several hundreds weekly, and these must have good hearts in the hottest weather. The Cos varieties find little favour in my case. The most reUable are the dark coloured Cabbage varieties. The colour maybe objectionable to some, but as the hearts are well formed, the colour is very slight. I find no difficulty in providing a succession when such kinds as Marvel and Continuity are grown for summer use. — G. W. S.| Self-protecting Broccoli. — For late use to succeed the Autumn Giant and Walcheren Cauli- flowers, none that I am acquainted with can equal Veitch's Self-protecting. The sooner now the first batch of seedlings is put out the better, and if a second sowing has not been made, the smallest plants may well be pricked out in a nursery bed and finally transplanted three weeks hence for succession. Plenty of room must be given as the variety is a very strong grower, and the soil must be rich. There need be no fear of overdoing it in this respect, as those plants which have not furnished heads when frost comes, will have to be lifted and laid in in shelter. Some gardeners grow this Broccoli in trenches and doubtless such treatment ensures large succulent heads, as when once the roots get thoroughly well moistened it is a comparatively easy matter to keep them so by occasional doses of liquid manure. See that the seed bed is well moistened the day previous to planting, or many of the best plants will snap otf in drawing them. Examine the plants as sometimes there is a percentage of blind ones, and shade if but with evergreen boughs.— N. N. Early Broad Beans. — The seed sown in the open in November or early December was badly cut by the severe frost and cold winds late in the spring, when most growers hoped their troubles as far as the frost was concerned were at an end. Even with these drawbacks I am a strong advo- cate for autumn sowing of the above, as, provided a strong plint is secured, it is surprising how soon the plants pull through as the stem-growth is uninjured. Plants raised under glass were this season quite ten days later than those sown in the autumn, as planting-out was later than usual. My autumn-sown plants gave dishes the first week in .June, the variety being Early Long- pod, whereas the same variety was not ready till the 17th sown under glass. I am aware such kinds as Dwarf Gem and Early Mazagan are recommended for first supplies, but I have found Longpod equally early. These give larger pods and a heavier crop. By growing a fair-sized podded variety in preference to the ilazagan a few days in earliness are gained, as the larger-pod- ding varieties may be gathered earlier. A white- seeded variety of the Longpod is excellent, as, while giving a good-sized pod, it is remarkably early and of excellent flavour. Given frame pro- tection, I find there is a great gain in sowing in 4Vinch or (J inch pots, three seeds in the former and five in the latter. I prefer sowing sutKciently early so that it is not necessary to use much heat : indeed, none at all is best, as, given cold- frame culture, the plants do better when planted out. The plants, after the flowers have set and been topped, may with advantage be given a little quick-acting fertiliser in showery weather. I find pots preferable to boxes, as with the latter the roots are broken in planting out. — G. Wytues. Potatoes. — The weather during the past spring has told very unfavourably on Potatoes, it would seem, in market as well as private gardens, both in the size of the tubers and extent of crop. The Cornish Potatoes were, so far as I could see, very much under their usual size, which is pro- bably attributable to the frost, which, in some districts at any rate, was said to have blackened many acres. Not only have they been small, but late, and the quality very poor. Many even small tubers when cooked had a bad taste. It is only within the past few days, or since the middle of June, that Potatoes have been really good, and even now their size falls short of the average. There are, of course, two reasons which easily explain this, namely, the extremes of heat and cold, which will make the season a memor- able one. Since the rain which occurred on the ISth and 19th ult. Potatoes have shown much improvement in growth, though many of the early section growing in light soil are fast ripen- ing, and had almost passed the stage for obtain- ing benefit from the rain. Another remarkable feature connected with early Potatoes is the early date at which disease has appeared in the tubers. In the haulm no trace has been noticed, but many tubers when lifted have been found to be affected. This early disease must be attributed, I think, to the cold and variable weather. Many complaints have been made of the broken and uneven rows of Potatoes. Plenty of sets never developed a leaf, but tubered slightly under ground ; others came very weak and late. In my principal breadth of Snowdrop and Beauty of Hebron there were so many failures that I had to fill the exten- sive gaps. What the ultimate results may be cannot yet be estimated, but certain it is that in my case I have never before had such uneven growth in midsummer as this year. — W. S., IVilS'i. WINTER AND SPRING CARROTS. I HAVE no admiration for the large, long, huge roots often displayed in shop windows and at times often too frequently at shows and given first prize. It is not possible to buy at all times sweet, freshly drawn small Carrots. It may be asked, why divide the two into winter and spring supplies, because to do this means two distinct sowings. In a private garden I fail to see what need there is for large, coarse roots. In these days, when good vegetables are appreciated, I do not think Carrots of the Altringham and Long Red Surrey types are so useful as the Intermediate and the Short Horn section. From .lune to September, or say October, there should be no lack of excellent young roots drawn from the soil. My method is to continue the supply. To do this scoring will not be needed. So far I have found the Carrol quite hardy. I am aware it is very much subject to attacks of wireworm, slugs and snails, but to grow winter and spring roots the land must, if at all infested with the above, of which wireworm is the worst, have a thorough dressing. I use gaslime freely and escape injury. There are other aids, such as soot, fresh lime and salt. The seed of roots that are grown for winter use in the ordinary way is usually sown in April or even earlier to get a long season's growth. 26 THE GARDEK [July 8, 1899. These are lifted in October, and this supply is , plants on a convenient plot where their wants can !"PP°A'i'* *° '*^' 'T""" ^^^.*'° ^?^e°. months, but | be attended to. When a fair amount of leafage the roots are poor in quality when kept so long. Carrots are much better left in the soil, as after being lifted they grow out badly and lose flavour. A great deal depends upon the store and size of root as regards keeping and quality. I advise sowing for the early winter supply early in June, say from the 10th to 20th, or even earlier in cold soils, sowing such kinds as the Intermediate or Model. The Nantes and Short Horn in poor or heavy land are good, and these will give good material from September to December. In a light soil I find it well to sow at the date named, and again a month or six weeks later for the spring supply. It is important that the ground be well prepared. I advise an open border in no way shaded by trees. By all means avoid thick sowing, especially for the latest lot. For the early winter supply a well-manured quarter is advised, as growth must be quick, and if the season is dry, the manure will retain the moisture. Should there be any difficulty with fly, I water in the evening and dust with fresh soot. Ample space should be allowed between the rows— 15 inches at least. This allows of using the hoe freely, and thinning as soon as the plants can be handled is necessary. Carrots grown thus need less thinning than larger kinds, as it is an easy matter to thin out for use as needed. The early winter roots last well into the new year, and these may be drawn at all times. Of course, in hard weather, with the ground frozen, this would be out of the question, but it is an easy matter to lift a row or two, place close together, and cover with long litter. For the spring supply I do not manure other than with a fertiliser just to give a start, as size is not needed. In a very dry season sowing may be deferred a short time. I find wood ashes or burnt refuse a splendid fertiliser, as it keeps the land sweet. For this purpose an open quarter and sowing in July or early August are advised. These roots will not be large, and they will be good from the early part of the year till the end of May. ^ G. Wythes. Asparagus Purple Argenteuil.— I have a very high opinion of this variety, it being of spe- cial value where a prolonged supply of this delicious vegetable is needed. It fully merits the title late, not because it is later tlian such sorts as Battersea, Conover's Colossal and Reading Giant in starting into growth, but by reason of its continuing to throw up good usable grass over a longer period. Under good culture it produces large heads of a delicate purple colour. Those who purpose increasing their stock of Asparagus next season will do well to procure this variety, taking care to order it from a reliable firm.— B. S. N. Early Beet.— It sometimes happens that the stock of Beet stored away in autumn runs out sooner than one has bargained for, and when this is the case it is advisable to get roots along from the spring sowing as early as possible. I think Early Red Globe about the best variety for the purpose. It is after the style of the Turnip- rooted Egyptian, but the folioge is stronger and the root is formed rather more quickly. From seed sown April " I was pulling this year by the middle of June roots a little over 3 inches in diameter and as much in depth. It is also very good in quality. The Turnip-rooted Egyptian comes close behind it and is also an excellent Beet for early work.— C. E. S. Cabbages in November.— In some gardens Cabbages, either in ordinary hearting-or sprouting form, are expected all the year round, and the present is a good time to sow seed of some small quick-maturing variety for use during November. These come in just before the Rosette Coleworts, which are not at their best until they have had a few frosts on them. A cool site and rich ground should be chosen for the seed-bed, as unless a quick growth is secured from the first good hearts cannot be expected. Thin out the seedlings as soon as practicable and prick out the permanent has been made, lift the plants carefully with a trowel, making sure that the roots are in quite a moist condition. Plant out on good land, and when established, give one or two waterings with liquid manure. Two useful sorts for the purpose are Wheeler's Imperial and Cocoa-nut.— C. N. Spinach. — In the occasional correspondence that has appeared against size in vegetables I have not seen any disparaging note as to the improved form of Spinach, whose leaves in com- parison to the old type are about in the propor- tion of a Rhubarb to a Cabliage leaf, so that this probably is a case in which size does not mean inferior quality. Of these newer forms, which are undoubtedly a marvellous improvement on the old kind, whether for size and substance of leaf or long-standing properties (lam writing of the round-seeded summer Spinach), there are, so far as I have seen, only two distinct types, although there are many different names. The one has a leaf nearly as broad as long, is dark green in colour, and very thick and fleshy. In the other the proportion of length to breadth would be as three to two, the colour is a pale instead of a deep green, and the leaf is lacking in substance when compared with the broader leaved form. I should prefer the last-named.— E. BUKRELL. Turnips.— I tried a large number of varieties of Turnips, both early and late, last season with the view to determine if possible the most reliable kinds, and to confine myself this year to as few sorts as possible. The best kinds respectively for first early, second early, main-crop, and late (for winter work) were Early Purple-top Munich, Snowball, and Red Globe. The first mentioned is valuable for its earliness, as, sown with several other sorts, it was ready nearly a week earlier. Snowball is an excellent Turnip, doing its work quiclsly and standing well ; it is of first-rate quality. Red Globe is far and away the best winter Turnip, not that it stands the weather any better than sorts like Orange Jelly or Chirk Castle, but it is equally hardy, and, what is a chief consideration, of superior quality. Yellow- fleshed Turnips, in fact, are always objected to, and so Orange Jelly is shelved, whilst Chirk Castle goes very hard long before the season is over, and also retires in favour of Red Globe.— E. BURRELL. Early Peas.— Pickings from William Hurst Pea sown on a south border the last week of November, 1S98, were made this season just ten days before any could be gathered from the earliest taller sorts sown on the open quarter late in January. Daisy sown on the latter date is close on the heels of the tall Peas. For small gardens where there is a daily demand for Peas in their seasons and the space at disposal does not admit of growing many tall sorts, I should recommend a second sowing of William Hurst with Daisy in January. Equally good Peas of dwarf habit as early and second early are Dwarf Defiance, Favourite, and Dwarf Mammoth, all of dwarf, compact habit, splendid croppers, and of excellent quality. It is fortunate that the several firms who have turned their attention to the im- provement in Peas have made a special point of working on fairly dwarf strains, as anything up to, say, 4 feet in height is much better for the average garden than varieties of the Ne Plus Ultra type. Not that I wish to disparage the last named, for, given plenty of room and tall stakes, it is still one of the best. — C. E. Feeding Tomatoes.— In most cases a good lot of fruit will have eet upon Tomatoes by this time, and if the most is to be made out of the space at command, feeding must now begin in earnest. As I have before now pointed out, I use a very much thinner bed of soil on the benches than is usually given, and in my case I begin to top-dress and feed as soon as the first bunch of flowers has set well. These are usually within a few inches of the soil, and before ripening have to be tied up, or the weight would bring them on tlie top-dressing, when they would be spoilt. The top-dressing this year consisted of a little loam with one-third of burnt refuse, and another of manure prepared as for Mushroom growing. The bed was first well soaked and equal parts of superphosphate and kainit sprinkled on at the rate of about an ounce to the yard surface. This the roots have already pushed through, and a little more must be added shortly. The way the plants respond to this treatment is very satisfac- tory, the fruit swelling very rapidly and leaf growth being very strong. As a matter of fact. Tomatoes may be fed very strongly with almost any kind of manure not too rich in nitrogen directly they have fruit upon them, but not before. — H. Transplanting Celery.— It matters little how stocky and healthy the young plants of Celery may be, satisfactory results cannot be- expected unless due care is taken at the time of removal into the trenches. A very common mis- take is lifting the plants while the roots are in a semi-dry state. Many of the roots then snap off and are left in the frame. Moreover, the plants soon flag if exposed only for a short time to sun. and wind, also losing their lower leaves. Then, again, the trench is often insufficiently moist, and watering after planting performed in a half- hearted manner. Under these conditions one cannot wonder at Celery bolting. The chief things to be observed are thorough moistening of the bed in which the plants are growing, this being best done the day previous, the trenches also being served similarly. Planting completed, a thorough watering with rosed water pots should be given, and if in a very exposed situa- tion, a few evergreen branches should be fixed in the soil on one side of the trench in a slanting position. These will afford a grateful shade till the plants become established. In watering avoid mere driblets, these leaving the bottom roots untouched. Occasional thorough drench- ings are what are needed, the plants then standing some time without being distressed. Celery if healthy and moist at the roots will stand any amount of sunshine, and growth in tropical sea- sons is more firm and less liable to decay should the winter turn out wet.— N. N. Bad growth on Potatoes.— Whatever may be the aspect of Potato breadths a few weeks hence, certainly seldom have they borne a mor& ragged appearance than now or just recently. Seldom have Potato plants come up so badly as they have during the past spring. Not only has there been great irregularity, but there are also many blanks and generally weak growth. It seems so very certain that the primary cause of this unevenness as well as comparative weak- ness was due to the long spell of cold nights en- dured some time since. I have no recollection of Potatoes remaining so long in the ground before the tops came through as this season, due no doubt to the coldness of the soil and frosty nights. That even tops just beneath the soil did get nipped with frost there could be no doubt, whilst those above ground, even where they apparently were not hurt, yet were so far as to greatly check growth and cause the foliage to present a browned or unhealthy appearance. It is not possible that generally we can have a good Potato season, but if the breadths somewhat escape disease something will be gained. No doubt a contribution to this growth defect was the comparative mildness of the winter, which rendered it so difficult to keep the seed tubers restful. There were times in the winter when temperature ranged very high and growth or sprouting could not be checked except where the stores were exceptionally cool. It is, however, very difficult to keep any stores cool when the- atmospheric temperature ranges from 50° to 60°. Naturally tubers prematurely sprouted and dis- budded suffered, whilst those planted in cold soil with even stout sprouts attached also suffered from the check furnished. — A. D. Broad Beans.— Possibly it is due to the excel- lence of garden Peas, of which we have now such a wonderful variety and of first earlies so superior July S, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 27 to the old hard rounds that formerly were chiefly grown, that Broad Beans seem every year to be- come less in request. A very hardy and early product, and when gathered fresh a very nice one, these Beans should be much more widely consumed than they are. But possibly they are now generally regarded as of low caste amongst vegetables. In any case they do nob now enjoy the popularity that was once existent. It is possibly the case that the introduction of the long-podded Seville type has not increased our liking for Broad Beans. One of the nicest of all no doubt is the Early Longpod. as the Beans are small and of nice flavour. The green form is probably the best. I learned last v/inter that in some parts of Surrey the old and generally dis- carded Early Mazagan was greatly esteemed. The beans being produced in great abundance, are smaller than those of the Early Longpod, and in flavour bear closer resemblance to that of Peas. I had some seed given me, but, unfortunately, forgot to sow until too late. However, no one dreams of growing the Mazagan Bean in large gardens now, and the Seville type has become almost the only one grown. The Broad Windsor, whether of the old stock or the green, produces beans too large for ordinary use, although the flesh is nice when the shucks are removed after cooking and thus served to table. Those who still like these Broad Beans will find that the old Johnson's Wonderful, also sometimes known as Mackie's Monarch, is on the whole the most prolific and best. Exhibiting Longpod Beans has given the Seville a prominence it hardly de- serves.— A. D. FEEDING ONIONS. "A. D." could not have read my notes carefully, or he would have seen that they had reference to autumn and not to spring-sown batches. The latter make their earliest growth at the most favourable, the former at the most unfavourable time of the year, which makes all the diH'erence as to what kind of larder is most suitable. "A. D." compares the soil of an Onion bed to which liquid manure is applied to that of a sewage farm. The comparison, however, is very wide of the mark— the one, as used by practical kitchen gardeners, being clear, sweet, and highly nutritious, the other thick and sour. Besides, gardeners do not pour liquid manure — which is by far the best stimulant for Vines and Peach trees — on to their Vine and Peach borders until it becomes a soddened mass, and why do so with Onion beds? I grew autumn-sown Onions for many years, and have shown bulbs 5 inches or 6 inches in diameter by the middle of June. I used to incorporate a moderate quantity of manure only when digging the ground, and mulch with spent Mushroom manure and feed with farm liquid in spring. The mulch was necessary to keep the surface comfortably moist. I am not a believer in so much extra deep trench- ing as some, its merits being, I think, more imaginary than real ; besides, when manure is buried 3 feet deep the Onion roots do not reach it before the bulbs are three parts grown, and by the roots rushing into a thick layer of rich manure so late in the season, the very thing com- plained of by "A. D.,' viz., soft, bad-keeping Onions, is produced. It is just this excessive underground manuring that is the cause of so many Onions going bad or growing out at the crowns during winter. Years ago when a more rational method of cultivation was adopted we heard very little of Onions failing to keep. It is quite certain that large quantities even of the Tripoli class are kept sound through the winter, or how could so much seed be offered for sale. I think the Giant Rocca and the straw-coloured variety. Golden Rocca, the best for autumn sow- ing. I have seen large breadths of these grown on moderately rich land and one or two water- ings with liquid manure given, the bulbs swell- ing to a large size and keeping splendidly. In regard to the practice of sowing Onions under glass it is advantageous in low-lying, cold, late gardens or where the Onion maggot is trouble- some, but I do nob think it is ever likely to be- come general. N. Cucumber Royal Osborne. — In reading the note on the above (p. .SST) I was unable to see whab Mr. Burrell intended. I am aware there are certain growers who see no good in anything new, but there is any number of good Cucumbers. I question if a good type of Telegraph can be beaten, and if the new variety is any improve- ment on that, it is certainly a decided acquisition. I nobe that this variety is certainly new to many, as it did nob pass bhe ordeal of the Royal Horti- cultural Society's committee. By this I do not infer it is any the worse. There is always room for new things if good. I fail to see why one new Cucumber which few have grown should be so highly commended by Mr. Burrell when he saj's it is difficult to see the necessity for sending out new things at all. I have this season grown Royal Osborne, but prefer to give it another trial as a winter fruiter before praising or con- demning it. — Grower, Lifting Shallots. — These are often lifted much too early, and the old adage, to plant on the shortest and lift on the longest day, though good advice in some seasons, will certainly not be so this year — in this locality at any rate. Pulled too early, the bulbs, though they may look ripe, are not really finished. They will lose more weight bhan bhey ought bo in bhe ripening, and as a rule will starb to grow earlier bhan obhers properly developed. Early thinning of bhe clumps and allowing bhe remainder bo develop properly will ensure large and heavy roots for keeping, while bhe half-grown bhinnings are very useful for salad or cooking. The disbinct flavour of bhe Shallob is very much liked by many people who dislike or are indifferenb bo bhe Onion. As wibh many obher vegebables, bhe largest or giant kinds are not the nicest ; indeed, many of these resemble the underground Onion more than bhe Shallot. Shallots like a firm and nob too rich root-run ; they are better planted with a trowel or dibber than merely pushed into the soil with the fingers. Leave the upper half inch of the bulb out of the soil. When they are harvested bhey should lie in bhe sun unbil bhoroughly dry, and the cotbager's plan of hanging bhem on a sunny wall is a very good one. Peas Earliest Marrow and Chelsea Gem. — These are bhe variebies which I usually choose for sowing in boxes to be planted out in March to supply the firsb dishes in early summer. This season Earliesb Marrow was earlier in its podding bhan Chelsea Gem, the reverse of what has happened in other years. They, however, were separated only by a few days. Both are good early sorts, the latter a dwarf, or l,5inch Pea, the other 3 feet. Some rows sown in February on a narrow border in front of some forcing houses are as early as the box-sown plants, and being in soil quite fresh to Peas they have grown almost, or quite, 2 feeb in heighb, producing an abundanb crop. Peas are later than usual this season through the extreme cold that has pre- vailed, general pickings not commencing until .June 13. Small dishes were obtained a libtle earlier. The exbreme heab and drought tell un- fa\ ourably on Peas in soil not well manured and deeply dug, the haulm having quite a yellow cast about it, although freely mulched wibh half- decayed manure. Early Morn, sown wibh bhese and planbed on a portion of the same border, is several days later. — W. S. Runner Beans as garden breaks. — Lately I observed an orchard on grass shut off from the betterkepb garden by a row of Scarleb Runner Beans 3.')0 feeb long. This was one of the longesb staked rows of Beans I have seen. It backed a broad herbaceous border that contained a fine representation of hardy plants. Now useful as this line of Beans will be and doubtless enor- mously productive, yet will it lack some variety, as the blooms will all be scarlet in colour. Cer- tainly had some white coloured ones been mixed wibh the reds there would have been pleasing variety added. So far we seem to have in runner bloom no other colours, but we have some varie- ties that produce pleasingly coloured pods — purple, carmine striped, and golden, and a few of these sown here and there would have lenb some charm bo the line. Then very pretty would have been a planb here and bhere of Canary Creeper or of Convolvulus major. We seem in our kibchen gardening so ubilibarian, that we forget what pretby effecbs can be obtained from even a row of Runner Beans at trifling sacrifice. Sweet Peas, where a good trench has been prepared for them and the seed is thinly sown, also make beautiful breaks or hedges for kitchen gardens, and so grown they produce flowers of great beauty and exceeding usefulness. But whilst a well-staked row of Runner Beans is whilst in bloom a prebby object, ib is so easy bo add to its beauty very much when other varieties are employed. Even some of the ornamental Gourds trained over rough wood supports make a pretty background. We may well seek to carry into our vegetable gardens all the beauty we can. — A. D. Cardoons. — Those who grow this vegetable will by this time have the main batch sufficiently hardened off for planting out in trenches. I like to give them a rather wider brenoh than that usually accorded Celery and a rich root-run. It the best results are expected, plenty of room must be allowed between each plant, 2J feeb being none too much. Dryness at the roots must at all bimes be guarded against, a fortnightly soaking of liquid manure when the plants get established being none too much if the season is dry. No less a distance than 5 feet should be given between the trenches ; plenty of soil will then be available for earthing up, and in the interval such quick-maturing subjects as Lettuce may be grown on the ridges. Earthing up should nob be proceeded wibh until the plants are fully grown, when hay-bands should be wound round to prevent the soil getting in amongsb the leaves. Being bender, lifting musb be practised as soon as sharp weabher sebs in. Cool pits or even sheds, where Bracken or short litter can be laid over them, answer well for storage during winter. Cardoons are useful in helping out other vege- tables, and at some tables are much appreciated. — B. S. N. Winter Onion plots. — This note may seem premature, but Onion growers know that the lirmer the rooting medium, the better chance there is of a sabisfacbory crop ; therefore, timely preparation is certainly advisable. Plobs from which early hand-lighb Cauliflowers have been cleared are often utilised for Tripoli Onions, and as bhese have been subjecbed to a conbinuous bread- ing since lasbaubumn,at least between the lights, air has to some extent been excluded. Turning up and exposure are therefore necessary before another crop is planted. Cauliflower roots are often infested wibh biny grubs, some of which are unavoidably lefb in bhe ground when bhe old sbumps are pulled up. These in bhe necessary preparabion for the Onion crop are effecbually desbroyed. First of all wheel on bo the plot a moderate quantity of manure, a little soot, gas- lime, and if at hand some burnt refuse or wood ashes. Let this be worked well in to a depbh of 18 inches, so thab bhe voung roots geb the benefit of ib from bhe sbart. Trenching completed, give a thorough breading, repeabing ib in a monbh and again when bhe seed is sown. — .J. C. Forced Potatoes. — The best dish of Potatoes in the wonderful collection of vegebables exhi- bited recenbly ab the Drill Hall by Mr. Becketb was bhab labelled Mona's Pride. This varieby, if true, is of the Walnut-leaf order, and not an Ash- leaf. The true Walnut-leaf variety throws green sprouts, and is a bad one to break fresh shoots should the first or primary ones get broken off. But whilst having this feature, yet the variety produces tubers of the greatest excellence. In- deed, it is doubtful whether there are in commerce any of superior quality. Mona's Pride used to be a popular varietj- in the Isle of Man, and was largely grown there for supplying the Lancashire 28 THE GARDEK [JuLT 8, 1899. markets. The late Mr. W. Dean was largely the agent for introducing it into this country under this name, but there seems reason to believe that it was l»ut a good stock of the old Walnut-leaf variety after all. Whatever its deficiencies in some directions, at least, it seems to have been productive in Mona's Isle. Of the Ashleafs there is more diversity in names than in distinctions. Any selected short-topped stock is good, and where the sets are well preserved during the winter and are planted in rich, deep, sandy soil they still produce wonderful crops. Laxton's Early, Sutton's Ringleader and Ninetyfold, Sharpe's Victor and some others of similar character are all good for forcing or very earliest border work. Somehow we do not seem in first early varieties to have by any means reached perfection. The ideal early one with short top, abundant cropping and of the best table quality still seems lacking. — A. D. Orchard AND Fruit Garden. NEW NECTARINES. It is yet full early to write on the merits of Nectarine Cardinal (here illustrated) as regards its general cropping, but thei e can be no ques- tion as to its value for forcing. The raisers, Messrs. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, who during the past few years have given us some splendid additions to our stone fruits, sent out Cardinal in the autumn of 1896. I believe it is a most profitable fruit for the market, as the high prices obtained for Cardinal some days be- fore any other variety made its appearance well repaid the outlay, and as the trees attain size it will become more valuable. When I first saw this variety at the Temple show in May, three years ago, I was pleased with its quality. I am aware size is almost of equal importance in these days, as small fruits find less favour and are not so valuable. In Car- dinal Nectarine we have size, flavour, and crop, and I must not omit appearance also, as the illustration will show. Few, if any, Nectarines have a nicer appearance. With this note I send a fruit from a maiden tree planted only last November to show that trees in a small state fruit freely. This variety I first planted two years ago, and I am so well pleased with it, I intend having more trees this autumn. In pots this, with Early Rivers, is a great favourite with Mr. Hudson at Gunnersbury House. Those who have seen Messrs. Rivers' trees will have noted their free-bearing under pot culture. In a great many gardens there is no convenience for pot trees, and not the labour to give them the necessary attention, as, unless the test culture is given, pot trees are not profitable. VA'ith pot trees, forcing may be begun earlier, and this is important where large quantities of fruit are needed. There is a great gain with Cardinal even over Early Rivers, as this ripens from a week to ten days earlier, and growers who supply the market well know what a few days' earliness makes in the prices of fruit in the London season. For home supplies Nectarines are a welcome addition to the dessert in May and early June. This variety may be had then without severe forcing. The Cardinal is not suited for open- wall culture, and the Messrs. Rivers did well in giving us these facts, as we have plenty of Nectarines that do well, and the new Early Rivers in my opinion is even superior to the well - known Lord Napier in this respect. Cardinal is a grand variety for the cool house. I have some small trees at the back of a low pit that promise well. Grown in pots it is very prolific, the growth is not so spreading as in some kinds, and the fruits colour well. Early Rivers is a larger fruit than Cardinal and different in colour, being of a darker hue. It is certainly one of the best of the Messrs. Rivers' introductions. It does well in most soils, and being so good on open walls will make it more valuable. For many years my favourite Nectarine was Lord Napier, and I was slow to believe that it could be superseded. I have grown the two together, and Early Rivers when forced is quite a fortnight earlier. The same remarks apply to trees on open walls. Last season on a south-west aspect I gathered Early Rivers eighteen days before Lord Napier. Early Rivers is a much stronger grower than the newer Cardinal. On walls it makes a splendid growth in a light soil. This year, I regret to say, this variety sufl'ered badly, as did all others, from the severe weather we had when the trees were in bloom. Early Rivers is equally valuable, as being a few days later it forms a good succession. I note in very light, porous soils Early Rivers has a tendency to stone-splitting. This can be remedied by the Nectarine Cardinal. From a photograph of a jruit sent hy Miss Solomon, Centre Avenue, Covent Garden. addition of more suitable soil at planting, and I notice the fruits are freer from this as the trees increase in size. I am a strong advocate for free extension with young trees, and given this. Early Rivers on walls in the open will, I am sure, prove a most profitable variety. — G. Wythe.s. Cardinal is the earliest Nectarine with me, being from ten to twelve days earlier than Early Rivers. It is of the highest flavour, highly coloured, sets well and swells away very quickly. This is where the gain in time comes in. It is clingstone to a certain extent, but scarcely enough to be noticed when well matured. It hangs well on the tree. The growth is not gross under pot culture. If planted out, I think a limited border would be the best. — J. Hudson. Melon ■William Tillery.— Only green-fleslied Melons are tolerated here for the table, and flavour is the crucial point, size and appearance being a secondary considerati'n. I have tried many varie- ties, new and old, and have grown the above annually since its introduction, and I am conservative enough to believe even now, after so mmy years, that William Tillery is the best all-round Melon I have tried. Knowsley Favourite and Dicksons' Exquisite follow, both being delicious. — J. B. Strawberry Royal Sovereign.— Experience with this variety in the present season confirms the opinion already formed of it, viz., that it certainly is not one of the best for outdoor work -^ not, at least, on this light dry soil. Even during a dry time like the present the fruit keeps badly, spotting in many cases before it is quite ripe, and that despite precautions in the way of wide planting and early mulching with nice dry litter. It is of large size and good quality, but as a cropper far below Noble, Vicomtesse H. de Thury, and Sir J. Paxton. I have tried it under annual treatment, but the amount of fruit ob- tained was very small. Vicomtesse and Paxton are still two of the most reliable. The former throws a fair proportion of large fruit at the first ripening, which serves very well for dessert until Paxton comes in, when the bulk of the small berries is reserved for preserving. With those who like a very deep rich-coloured fruit either for stewing cr as a preserve Black Prince is still a favourite. — E. Burrell. Strawberry Presi- dent, — I do not think "H. R.," who notes the value of this variety at page 3, will have cause to fear its disappearance, as in this locality there are many acres of it grown, while in Kent there are much larger breadths un- der cultivation. 1 quite agree with all " H. R." says regarding- its value for the open air, but I do not think he is quite right in stating that it is in such little favour with growers under glass. In this lo- cality it is still grown for market in quantity by growers who know its value, as it travels well, and, what is better, it sells well. I have for a quarter of a century grown this variety for forcing, and should cer- tainly hesitate before re- moving it from my list. I admit some years ago I did grow too many kinds. The advent of some new varieties weaned me from the old kinds, but I never put President on one side. Instead of 1000 plants for forcing I now grow 2000. For latest supplies it is a grand Strawberry and not liable to mildew. — West Middlesex. The Gooseberry caterpillar. — This terrible pest is too familiar to most gardeners, being most troublesome in dry seasons. If allowed to go unchecked, the present year's crop is much affected, and the wood and buds for next season rendered puny. There are many so-called reme- dies, some of them being positively dangerous, as they are of a poisonous character. The old- fashioned plan is, I consider, hard to beat. I mean dusting the lowermost parts of the bushes with lime and soot the moment the pest appears. It invariably shows itself first towards the base of the tree, and if the mixture is dusted in an up- ward direction the caterpillars will fall whole- sale, when another dusting on the ground will settle them. The soot and lime should be used in equal proportions. I have always found this an effectual remedy provided it is applied in time and in earnest. The few fruits which unavoid- ably get covered with the mixture can easily be washed before being used. I certainly do not July 8, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 29 believe in the poisonous mixtures one often sees recommended. — J. Societies and Exhibitions. NATIONAL ROSE SHOW. July 1. The show of 1S9S was indeed a memorable one, and this in spite of the remarkably dry time that preceded it. This year also we have had heat, and some cold also. Cjld nights, cold winds, and biting frosts as Roses were starting into growth may possibly have had something to do with the general slight falling olf noted in some classes. The show just held was a good average one, for in not a few classes the blooms were superb, colour, form, and fulness being well-nigh perfec- tion. Really new Ro-es were not numerous, the only one selected for gold medal honours being the lovely H.T. Sunrise, which is destined to be in every garden bafore long. In most classes the competition wa? keen ; so much so, that the judges must have had some difficulty in making the awards. Happily, the sun was not so over- powering as on a similar occasion a year ago ; consequently the blooms in a large number of instances remained in perfect condition till the closing of the show. Nurserymen. There were some seven compatitors in the first class for the champion trophy, which is for s3venty-two blooms, distinct, the first prize being secured by Mr. B. R. Cint, Colchester, who had many admirable specimens— indeed, a strong lot throughout. His flDwers of The Bride and Comtesse de Nadaillac were superb, the colour of the latter particularly so, while Souv. d'Elise Vardon and Muriel Grahame were exquisite, a similar remark applying to Mrs. Grant, which, it rather small for this kind, was parfect in form and grandly coloured. Other good things were Souvenir d'un Ami, Mrs. J. Laing and Helen Keller. Mrs. Cocker, a fine pink, was also noted, while Abel Carrifere and Xivier Olibo were espe- cially good among the darker kindj. Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, also of Colchester, took the second prize, having excellent blooms of Dr. Sewell, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Victor Hugo, Reynolds-Hole, Com- tasse de Nadaillac, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, while Maman Cochet and Mrs. J. Liing were really of high order. The third prize was secured by Messrs. Harkness and Sin, Bedale, Yorks, Her Majesty, Jean Ducher, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Souvenir d'Elise, Captain Hiyward, all very fine, Mme. de Watteville in this group being of excep- tional colour. For forty distinct varieties, threa of each, Messrs. D. Pi-ior and Sins took the lead- ing place, having really magnificent trebles throughout. Their finest, however, were Mrs. W. J. Grant, Maman Cochet, both faultless in colour and form. Prince Camille de Rohan, Mme. de Watteville, Ulrich Brunner, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Margaret Dickson, Her Majesty, Mme. Suzanne Rodocanachi, Prince Arthur, &c. Messrs. B. R. Cant and Cj., Cjlchester, were second, having good Mme. G. Luizet, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Fran(;ois Michelon, Her Majesty, Mme. Cusin, Mrs. Paul, Mrs. W. .J. Grant and Mrs. Sharman Crawford. Messrs. F. Cant and Co., Colchester, were third. For forty-eight distinct, Messrs. Townsend and Son, Worcester, were first, having Gustave Piganeau, Mrs. J. Laing, Mme. Suzanne Rodocanachi, Mrs. Sharman Crawford and Horace Vernet particularly good, the second prize going to Messrs. G. and \V. Burch, Peter- Doro', whose best were Helen Keller, Laurence Allen (a delicate pink, resembling somewhat Mrs. W. J. Grant), Her Majesty and Mrs. Sharman Craw- ford. For twenty-four blooms, distinct, Mr. Geo. Prince, Oxford, secured the leading prize, having The Bride, Reynolds Hole, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Beaute Lyonnaise, Catherine Mermet, Innocente Pirola among the best, Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, being second with Prince Arthur, Maman Cochet, Her Majesty, Muriel Grahame, Mrs. Laing, and Kaiserin Augusta Victor! i as the best. Mr. .John Mattock, Oxford, for third place showed Com- tesse de Nadaillac, Her Majesty, Souv. d'Elise, and Mme. de Watteville. There were seven competitors in this group, the flowers being good throughout. For twenty • four distinct, three blooms of each, Mr. John Mattock took the premier place, being spacially strong in Teas, Mme. Cusin, Souv. d'Elise, Mme. de Watteville, Catherine Mermet baing excellent; Mrs. J. Laing, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, and Her Majesty being also good. Messrs. G. & W. Burch, Peter- borough, were second with flowers of larger size and superb qua'ity ; indeed, in a cUss for H P.'s alone these would have taken a good deal of beat- ing. Her Majesty, Gustave Piganeau, Mrs. J. Laing, Margaret Dickson, Mrs. Sharman Craw- ford, and Captain Hayward were superb. Messrs. Townsend and Sons, Worcester, were third. For twelve blooms, distinct, sent out by Messrs. A. Dickson and Son, Messrs. F. Cant and Co., Colchester, came first, Ethel Brjwnlow, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Marchioness of Dutferin, and Mrs. Sharman Crawford baing best i Messrs. Dickson, Newtownards, seaond with Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Ed. Mawley (very fine), and an exquisite bloom of Muriel Grahame. Mr. B. R. Cant was third, with the lovely shell-pink Killarney, Mrs. Grant, and Marchioness of Dufferin among his better flowers. For twelve distinct varieties, Teas and Noisettes included, space not to excaed 6 feet by 4 feet, Mr. Gao. Prince, Oxford, secured leading place, staging his blooms in vases on a velveteen cloth. These were very attractive. Capt. Hayward, Catherine Mermet,aadComtessede Nadaillac were among the best of this pretty group. Mr. John Mattock came second, having Marie van Houtte, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Mme. Hoste, and exquisite flowers of Hon. E. GiS'ord and Anna Olivier. Messrs. Paul and Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were third. Teas and Noisettes. For twenty-four blooms, distinct, Messrs. Frank Cant and Co., Colchester, were first with good all-round blooms of Edith Gifltord, Niphetos, a superb flower; Mme. de Watteville, Medea, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Ethel Brownlow, Maman Cochet, Rubens, &a. These were a really superb lot, faultless throughout. Mr. B R. Cmt, who set up excellent Amazone, a rich full yellow ; Cleopatra, Bridesmaid, Hon. Edith Gilford, Catherine Mermat, Ernett Metz, and the rather white-looking flower called Golden Gate, was second. Mr. Gao. Prince, Oxford, was third. For twelve blooms, as abave, Mr. J. Mattock was first, having some capital blooms of Amazoue, Elise Vardon, Comtesse de Nadaillac. Maman Cochet, and Mme. da Watteville. Messrs. J. Burrell and Co, Cimbridge. had a suparbly coloured Luciole in their lot. For eighteen kinds, three of each, Mr. Gao. Prince obtained the lead- ing position, his finest being Mari^chal Niel, Soliv. de S. A. Prince, Jliman Cochet, Comtesse de Nadaillac, the lovely tinted Princess of Wales, and Innocente Pirola. Mr. B. R. Cant, Col- chester, had Muriel Grahame, Cleopatra, Ernest Metz, The B.ide, and Golden Gate in his second-prize lot, Messrs. Frank Cint and Co. being third. For thirty-six distinct varieties of garden or decorative Roses, premier honours were secured by Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, with a lot of handsomely arranged bunches, Gustave Regis, W. A. Richardson, L'Ideal, Mme. Pernet-Ducher being fine. Many of the single kinds were here also^in equal profusion and delightfully fresh. Messrs. Geo. Cooling and Son, Bath, with one of their fine collections, among which Etoile de Mai is a fine white, were second. For eighteen similar kinds, Messrs. Frank Cant and Co., Colchester, were first, having some charming masses of Ma Capucine, Rambour, Gustave Regis, Mme. Falcot, W. A. Richard- son, Mme. C. Guinoisseau, and Souv. deC. Guillot. Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, was second, having Bardou Job, Hebe's Lip, Rosa Mundi, W. A. Richardson, Princess Marie, white, and Gustave Regis in capital form. For eighteen garden kinds, open to all nurserymen, Mr. Chas. Turner was first, Messrs. F. Cant and Co. second, and Mr. Geo. Prince third, many similar varieties being employed as previously. For twelve Hybrid Teas, opan to nurserymen and amateurs, Messrs. F. Cant and Co. were first with Clara Watson, Viscountess Folkestone, Souv. du President Carnot as best, Mr. B. R. Cant being second, his best being Marquise Litta, Killarney and Antoine Rivoire. For twelve blooms of any yellow Rose, Mr. Geo. Prince was first with Comtesse de Nadaillac, followed by Mr. J. Mat- tock and Mr. B. R. Cant, who put up Marie van Houtte and Madame Hoste respectively. For twelve blooms of any white Rose, Mr. B. R. Cant had White Lady, Bessie Brown and The Bride, following in the next two places being Messrs. A. Dickson and Prior and Sons. For twelve blooms of any dark or light crimson, Messrs. Prior and Sons showed General Jacque- minot, Mr. C. Turner and Mr. J. Townsend having Ulrich Brunner and Gustave Piganeau. In class IS Mr. Chas. Turner set up a superb lot of Mrs. J. Laing, Mr. B. R. Cant an exquisite set of Mrs. Grant, while Messrs. Prior and Sons staged Mrs. J. Laing, the prizes going in the ordlr given, with splendid flowers and a strong body of competitors. In class 19 Mr. Geo. Prince had a splendid dozen of Comtesse de Nadaillac, Mr. J. M ittock, also of Oxford, having Catherine Mermat, and Messrs. F. Cant and Co. Mme. de Wattaville. In the next class Messrs. Dickson, Ireland, had Bessie Brown, and Messrs. Prior Mam in Cjihe", very nice flowers. For twelve distinct Rases, offered since spring, 1896, Messrs. Dickson, Newtownards, were first, Mr. B. R. Cant and F. Cint and Co. taking the other places. For decorative Roses in a space of 4 feet by 3 feet, Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, were first with Royal Scarlet (very fine), Mr. C. Turner was second, having Moschata alba in capital form, also Polyantha grandiflora, Mr. J. Mattock being third. For nine varieties of button-hole Roses, Mr. J. Mattock was first with a decidedly pretty lot, Mr. G. Prince and Messrs. Townsend taking second and third places. For three sprays of Roses suitable for ladies' wear, an exquisite triple arrangement from Mrs. O. G. Orpen, Colchester, who employed Polyantha Cecile Brunner, Ma Capucine, and Perle d'Or in long spray-like out- line, was first. Miss B. H. Langton and Mrs. G. W. Cook being second and third. Amateors. For thirty-six distinct kinds, Mr. E. B. Lind- sell, Hitchin, was first, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mme. G. Luizet, Innocente Pirola, Mrs. J. Laing, Francois Michelon, and Kaiserin Augusta Vic- toria being among his best. Mr. T. B. Haywood, Keigate, had excellent Gustave Piganeau, Eu- genie Verdier, Comtesse de Nadaillac, and Her Majesty, Rev. J. H Pembertoa being third with a splendid lot of slightly early flowers. For twenty-four, distinct, the Rav. A. Foster- Melliar, Ipswich, took leading place. Dr. Sewell, fine crimson ; Caroline Testout, Ulrich Brunner, Mrs. W. J. Grant, and Her Majesty were all fine, Mr. Alfred Tate, Lealherhead, being second, having a magnificent bloom of Princess Beatrice, which wa" also selected for the silver medal bloom : Maman Cochet, and Xavier Olibo, the latter grandly coloured : Mr. F. W. Campion, Reigate, taking third. For twelve triplets, Mr. E. B. Lindsell was first, having excellent Marie Bau- mann. Her Majesty. Caroline Testout, and Mrs. Lainf. Mr. T. B. Haywood, Reigate, was second, having finely coloured blooms of Mrs. Sharman Crawford and Mrs. J. Laing. Colonel J. H. Pitt, Maidstone, who was third, staged in good form Mme. G. Luizet and Marquise de Castellane. For twelve blooms of any Rose except Tea or Noisette, Mr. T. B. Haywood was first with Her Mijesty, very even and full coloured ; Mr. C. J. Grahame, second, with Mme. Gabriel Luizet, Mr. O. G. Orpen having Kaiserin Augusta Victoria in the third place. For twenty four distinct, Mr. E. M. Bethune, Horsham, showed Caroline Tes- tout, Marie van Houtte, Captain Hayward, Su- zmne Marie Rodocanachi in good style ; second, Mr. W. C. Romaine, Windsor, Prince Camille de 30 THE GARDEN. Rohan and Princeas of Wales being his best. For eighteen distinct, Mr. Conway .Jones, Gloucester, was first, having Maman Coehet and Mrs. J. Laing, Mr. Edward Mawley taking second, havinj; Mrs. W. J. Grant, Caroline Testout, Dr. Andry, and Mrs. Sharmin Crawford in good form. For eight distinct kinds, three of each, Mr. Ed. Mawley, Berkhamstcd, took leading place, hav- ing beautiful sets of Mirie Finger, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Etienne Leveb, Caroline Testout, and Mrs. E. Mawley, a good .=econd being Mr. P. G. C. Burnand, Reigate, with Francois Michelon, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, &c. This gentleman took the lead for nine blooms of any Rose except Tea or Noisette with superb Mrs. S. Crawford, Rsv. Hugh A. Berners second, and R. E. West third, showing Margaret Dickson and Mrs. Laing respectively. For twelve distinct. Miss B. H. Langton, Hendon, was first. Captain Hayward, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Her Majesty, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Xavier Olibo, and Marquise Litta being excellent, the last being also selected as the best and awarded the silver medal. Rev. F. Page Roberts, Scole, had Maman Coehet very good. For six blooms, Mr. G. W. Cook, North Finchley. was first with Mrs. J. Laing ; second, Mr. J. Bateman ; third, Mr. R. FoleyHobb, Worcester, all having the same variety. For nine distinct varieties, Mr. L. E. Times, Hitchin, was first, Gustave Piganeau and Mrs. Laing being good ; second, Mr. E. R. Smith. For six blooms, distinct, Mr. J. Thompson, Rounds Green, was first, Captain Hayward and Prince Arthur being best, the two following places being taken ijy Mr. Freshfield and Mr. J. Hurst. Six blooms, excepting Tea or Noisette, brought good forms of Mrs. J. Laing from Mr. F. Wellesley Woking, and Mr. R. W. Bnvyer, Mr. .J. A. Hammond, Burgess Hill, being third with Caro- line Testout. For twelve blooms, distinct, Mr. G. Monies, Hitchin, had nice llooms of Souv. d'EliseVardonandNiphttos; ,-econd, Mr, R A.C. Johnson, Capel St. Mary, Saffjlk, Cleopatra, Madame Verdier, and .Madame G. Luizet being good. For four distinct varieties, three of each. Rev. F. Page Roberts was first, having Comtesse de Nadaillac, Mrs. J. Liing and Cleopatra, very fine ; second, Mr. H. P. Lingdon, with good Ulrich Brunner and Mrs. W. J. Grant. Mr. G. W. Cook bad good triplets of Mrs. .J. Laing and Mrs. W. J. Grant. For twelve blooms, open to all amateurs, the prizg was the Ramsay cup, and here the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering, was first with Her Majesty, Mrs. Laing, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Victor Hugo and Marchioness of Dufi'erin ; second, Mr. C. J. Grahame, who had Innocente Pirola and Madame Gabriel Luizet. Mr. Pemberton was also first for nine varieties, of five trufses each. These were disposed in vases, Clara Watson, Caroline Kuster, Mrs. Grant and Caroline Testout being good, Mr. O. G. Orpen being a good second. For six blooms from amateurs who have never won a prize at a NationalRoseshow, Mr. J. T. Thompson, Rounds Green, was first, Maman Coehet, Mrs. Laing and Caroline Testout being his best ; Mr. F. Wellesley, Woking, second, and Mr. G. h! Baxter, Brentwood, third. For amateurs who have never won a first prize as above, Mr. H. Adamson, Bedale, was first, with good Ciptain Hayward in his lot, CjI. Pitt having La France and Caroline Testout. For six blooms, confined to amateurs who have joined the society since the lastCrjstal Palace show, Mr. E. Maltby, Feltham, was first with Maman Coehet and Niphetos. For the Langton Memorial cup for six blooms grown within eight miles of Charing Cross, Mr. G. W. Cook, North Finchley, was first, having a really splendid lot that included Caroline Testout, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mar(|uise Litta, Mrs. ,L Laing and Capt. Hayward, all very finely shown, Mr. .J. Bateman and Mr. E. Smith following second and third. For six blooms of new Roses, Rev. J. H. Pemberton was first, having Eugenie BouUet. Te.\s an 11 Noisettes. In the Tea and Noisette trophy class for eighteen blooms, Mr. O. O. Orpen, Colchester, was first, having in capital form Cleopatra, Anna Olivier, [July 8, 1899. Bridesmaid, Corinna and Souvenir de S. A. Prince : second, Mr. Alex. Hill Gray, Bath, with CaroUne Testout, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Catherine Mermet and Maman Cjchet ; and third, Rev. A. Foster-Melliar, who had nice flowers of Mme. Cusin and Maman Coehet. For twelve bhoms shown by amateurs regardless of the number of plants grown, Mr. Alex. Hill Gray, Bath, was first, Ernest Matz, Cleopatra and Comtesse de Nadaillac being his best, Mr. A. Tate, Leither- head, being second, and Rev. Hugh A. Berners, Harkstead Rectory, third. In class 50, Mr. A. Hill Gray again took the lead. The Bride, Cathe- rine Mermet, Comtesse de Nadaillac, very fine, and Maman Coehet bein? all excellent. Mr. O. G. Orpen second, having Sylph, Ernest Metz and Anna Olivier; and third, Mr. E. M. Bethune, Horsham. For nine blooms of any one variety, Mr. Hill Gray took premier place, having The Bride, very fine, the same v,ariety securing second for Mr. E. M. Bethune. For nine blooms, dis tinct varieties, Miss B. H. Langton, Hendon, came first, the Rev. R. Powley, Warminster, being second. For six blooms of any one variety Mr. Conway Jones, Gloucester, was first, having splendidly coloured blooms of Mar^chal Niel ; second, Rev. R. Powley, Warminster, who had Mme. Cusin. For nine blooms, open to growers of less than 20O plants, Mr. A. Munt, Slough, was first, having Comtesse de Nadaillac and Mme. de Watteville good in his lot, Mr. G. Moules coming second with Souv. d'Elise, Niphetos, &c. For six blooms as above. Rev. F. R. Burnside, St. Mar- garet's Bay, Dover, was first, having exceptional flowers of The Bride, Marie van Houtte, and Medea ; second, Mr. R W. Bowyer. For six blooms of any one kind, Rev A. C. Johnson, Suf- folk, was first with Hon. E. Gitford, Rev. F. R. Burnside being second. For four distinct Teas or Noisettes, three blooms of each, Mr. Conway Jonts, Glouces'er, came first with The Bride, Niphetos, Maman Coehet, and Mme. Cusin ; Mr. H. P. Langdon second, having a very fine triplet of Hon. E. Gitford and Cleopatra. For six dis- tinct varieties, seven trusses of each, Mr. O. G. Orpen, Colchester, took the leading place, his bunches of Caroline Kuster, Medea, Anna Olivier, Homfere, and Souv. de S. A. Prince being all good. Miss B. H. Langton, Hendon, being second with mostly similar kinds. For six blooms of not less than three varieties, for amateurs who have never won a prize at the National Rose Society's show, Mr. E. Bewley, Rathmines, Dub- lin, was first, having as his best Muriel Grahame and Mme. Hoste, Mr. A. C. Turner being second, having good Mme. Watteville. For garden Roses, twelve distinct varieties, Mr. A. Tate, Leather- head, was first, having a pretty lot that included good Bardou Job, I'erle d'Or, (Justave Regis, the pretty Polyantha Anna Marie Montravel, Etoile d'Or, and Marquis of Salisbury : Mr. O.G. Orpen, Colchester, second, Macrantha, Ma Capucine and Gustave Regis being very good, and I'Ideal, a lovely bunch. For nine varieties of a similar character, Mr. A. F. Perkins, Holmwood. Surrey, was first with capital bunches of C.imoens, Celestial, semi-double and deep pink ; Baaute Inconstante, Mme. C. Guinoisseau, Carmine Pillar, and Marquis of Salisbury, Miss D. A. Nesfield, Spedhurst, near Tunbridge Wells, being second with several of the above sorts. For nine distinct varieties of garden Roses, Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering, was first, his set of W. A. Richardson being very fine in colour, and Albi rosea very attractive. For nine vases of Sweet Brier Roses in not less than six varieties, Mr. F. W. Campion, Reigate, was first, Meg Merrilies, red ; Lucy Ashton, pink ; Flora Mclvor, deep rosy pink, being all charming and pretty kinds. For a vase of cut Roses arranged with any cut foliage. Ferns, or gra.sses (open to lady amateurs onlyK Miss E, Turner, Hendon, was first with La France blooms and foliage, Mrs. O. G. Orpen, Colchester, being second with Tea Roses and grasses, &c. The gold medal for any new seedling Rose was this year awarded to Mr. G. W. Piper, Uckfield, Sussex, for his lovely new Tea Sunrise, which has already been described in these columns. Upon this occasion Mr. Piper made a fine display both of pot plants, that demonstrated the free flower- ing of the variety from an early stage, and also of blooms set up in company with the coppery tinted foliage in large Princess flower-holders. | Miscellaneous. ' Hardy plants were in strong force on this occa- sion, Messrs. .John Laing and Sons setting up an enormous exhibit. A splendid lot of Carinas in flower and an additional group of hardy trees, Accra, and the most attractive shrubs and such things were also included. Messrs. Wallace and Co., Colchester, had one of their interesting dis- plays of Lilies. The very fine new kind L. Thun- bergianum Orange Queen was conspicuous. The Caloehorti were very fine both in quality and in numbers, and exhibit a vigour of growth and freedom of flowering that are most encouraging. Some pretty Paonies included the lovely Lemon C^i-aeen, the incomparable Margaret Attwood with its double row of snowy whioe petals, and the richly coloured Mikado. Iris g'gantea and I. spuria were among the species of this group. Mr. M. Prichard, Christchurch, also had many good hardy things, among which we noted Cepha- larii tatarici, the white Everlasting Pea, Cim- panula Burghalti, Orchis foliosi, Heliopsis patula, &c. Mr. F. G. Foster, Brockhampton Nurseries, Havant, had a fine array of Sweet Peas, something like one hundred named kinds. Another fine display was that of Messrs. Jackman and Son?, Woking, who had good hardy peren- nials set up in sensible bunches, with a display of Rises of nearly all sections, a very strong fea- ture, however, being made of W. A. Richardson in large bunches in the centre of the group at front. Mr. Wm. Spooner, Woking, also had a large display of Rose blooms in boxes. Messrs. Cutbush and Sons, Highgate, had an irregular ■ group of Maliniison and border Carnations. I Messrs Joseph Cheal and Sons, Crawley, staged hardy flowers, such as Delphiniums, Pentstemons, P;E3nies, Alstiii-merias and the like, together with a collection of Tufted Pansies and cut examples of hardy decorative trees and shrubs. Messrs. Banyard and Co., Maidstone, had a large and varied display of Roses that included many first class blooms, and Mr. Rumsey, Joyninc's Nursery, Wa'tham Cross, had a large group of tTie new Pink Mrs. Rumsey. Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, were the exhibitors of the pretty new climbing cluster Rose Psyche, the fine rods shown being wreathed with clusters of blooms for many feet in length. The Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, sent large flat baskets of several new Strawberries. Among the kinds shown were Mentmore, said to be an enormous cropper, and Thos. Laxton (new), which may be said to be an improved Royal Sovereign and an excellent market kind. L'Amiral is another new kind, and, with Monarch, said to have firm flesh and be good for packing. The French kind Louis Gauthier was also well shown, and for those who appreciate light coloured fruits should prove ac- ceptable. Mr. J. Williams, Oxford Rd., Ealing, had a table arranged for the most part with Roses of varying colours amid Asparagus and other foli- age in profusion. A full prize list will ba found in our advertise- ment columns. NATIONAL VIOLA SOCIETY. Jd.ve 2-2. The display made by the members of the above society did not come up to expectations, although it was thought that by bringing the exhibition into the precincts of the City of London, where the majority of amateur exhibitors are daily engaged, a larger number would exhibit, and, at the same time. City men lie brought into contact with a hardy flower whieh it was thought so many were interested in. Although the' show was brought to the people, advantage was not taken of its nearness, but this may have been owing to the fact that payment for admission could not be made at the doors, the only means of entrance being by tickets obtained beforehand. July 8, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 31 The display was held in the Great Hall, Win- chester House, Old Broad Street, E.G., and although but of limited extent, was interesting. The trade was ably represented by two splendid displays not for competition, but the open classes were very poorly filled. The chief interest was centred in the amateur exhibits, and these were of a varied character. There were very few fancy Pansies staged, the Tufted Pansies again pre- dominating. Decorative exhibits, which were catered for on this occasion, found only one re- presentative, so that, taken as a whole, the show must be considered altogether unsatisfactory. Open Classes. The leading classes for forty-eight sprays Violas and forty-eight sprays cr bunches of Pansies re- spectively found no entrants. The class for twenty-four fancy Pansie^^, di-.tinct, found Mr. .1. Smellie, Busby, near fiUsgow, leading with a tray of very nice blooms, some of which were of exceptional beauty. His best blooms were J. P. Tait, Colonel M. R. G. Buchanan, Amy Barr, Mrs. W. Steele, Geo. Stuarf, R. C. Allen, Mar- mion, W. H. Clarke, Susan Stuart, Mis? Niel, Mr. Mandrill, Maggie Watson, and others. The only other exhibitor, who was placed second, was Mr. A. Ollar, Kilkerran, Campbeltown, N.B., who had a nice lot of blooms. Colonel Buchanan, John McGee, W. H. Clarke, and Miss Niel being his best sorts. In the class for twelve fancy Pan- sies, distinct, Mr. Smellie was again first with a neat and even lot of flowers. Lord Dunraven, John McGee, Julia (fine), Colin Pye, Colonel M. R. (;. Buchanan, Maggie Watson, and Susan Stuart being above the others in point of merit. Mr. Ollar was aUo second with a good lot of blooms, Col. Buchanan and J. P. Tait standing out above the rest. There was only one competi- tor in the class for twenty-four sprays Violas, distinct, six blooms in each, this being Mr. Smellie, who was awarded first prize. This was a very handsome lot, each individual spray being represented by large, clean, fresh and nicely coloured flosvera. The most noteworthy among them were White Empress, A. J. Rntv- berry, I.«mon Queen, Cissy Mellowes (syn., Mrs. C. F. Gordon), Soobhill Gem, Princess Ena, Nellir, Lizzie Paul, Dorothy, Lark, Goldfinch, Duchess ot Fife, Liz. Barron and Dachess of York. First prize wasawarded in this instance, as it was agiin to the same exhibitor in the next class for twelve sprays raj less Violas, distinct, this being the only stand. The flowers were very fine. &. special class for six vases of Violas, distinct, found only one competitor, Mr. J. Smellie being awarded second prize for a nice lot of blooms arranged in suitable vases with Maidenhair Fern. Amateur Classes. It was in this division where the best competi- tion took place, but even here there were several Instances in which there was only one exhibitor, although the stands of blooms were of a high order of merit. For twelve Pansies in not less than six varieties, Mr. A. Ollar was the only exhibitor, and was awarded first prize, B. Doulton, Marmion, W. H. Clarke, CjI. Buchanan, Susan Stuart and Miss Niel being his best flowers. There was a better competition for six sprays Violas, distinct, six blooms in each spray. Dr. A. H. Beadles, Sydenham, S E., was placed first with a neatly arranged and clean lot of blooms of good quality. The varieties staged were William Tell, Katie Bell, Primrose Dame, Devonshire Cream, Lark and Pembroke. Second prize fell to the lot of Mr. W. E. Reeve, Woking, Surrey, Goldfinch, Primrose Dame and Blanche being distinctly good. Mr. D. B. Crane, 4, Woodview Terrace, Archway Road, Highgate, N., was the only exhibitor in the respective classes for six sprays rayless Violas and six sprays rayed Violas, SIX blooms in each. The former were veiy pretty, and included a splendid rayless yellow flower in the way of Pembroke, but larger, Florize), Ophelia, and other seedling sorts. In both classes Mr. Crane was awarded first prize. For three sprays, distinct, three blooms in each spray, Mr. L. Brown, Seven Arches, Brentwood, Essex, was first with a. very fine lot of lljwers, Mrs. C. F. Gordon being grand. Mr. D. B. Crane was second. For three sprays Violas, rayed, dis- tinct, Mr. Crane was first, hiving Lord Salisbury and two seedlings. Jlr. J. M. Read, Winchmore Hill, N , was second with smaller flowers. Gold- finch being his best. Dr. A H. Beadles was first for three sprays rayless Violas, having Primrose Dame, Blanche and Dsvonshire Cream in good form. Mr. Crane followed closely. The last- named exhibitor led for three sprays miniature- flowered Violas, distinct, having these little flowers beautifully represented. King of the Blues, Walter B. Child and a yellow seedling being the sorts staged. Mr. B. G. Sinclair, High- gate Road, N.W., was second with a less even lot. For three sprays yellow, the contest) was keen, Mr. Reeve winning first priz^ with a fine lot of fljwers. Lizzie Paul, A. J. H iwberry and Pembroke were the varieties shown. Mr. Leonard Brown was a good second, the blooms being somewhat rough. The last named exhibitor was first for three sprays white, distinct, these being some of the best flowers in the exhibition. Blanche, Nellie Cru placed before them as at the usual meetings in the Drill Hall, but with the exception of plants, &c., for certificata and hybrids and their parents, no other plants, &c. , may be exhibited on this day. The weather in "West Herts.— During the past week the day temperatures have been as a rule below the average, while the nights, on the other hand, have been mostly warm. Both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep the ground is at the present time of about seasonable warmth. Rain fell on five days of the week, and to the total depth of 2 inches. More than half of this fall was deposited on the 30tih ult., whan the miaiurouadot fjr tha twenty-four hours ending 9 a.m. on the Ist inst. amounted to nearly H inches, or more than in any day since July 18, 1895. The heaviest d>wn- pour occurred at 2 a.m., whea in a quarter of an hour four-tenths of an inch fell, or ab the mean rate of over l.V inches an hour. June proved remarkably changeable as regards temperature, but taken as a whole it was a warm month. Riin fell on bub six days, all after the 17th, the aggregate fall amounting to nearly 2 inches, which is about a quarter of an inch short of the June mean. The sun shone brightly on an average for about TJ hours a day — making this the brightest June for twelve years. It was also very calm ; in fact, calmer than the same month in any of the previous thirteen yeats. The Rosa Marie Baumann came first into blossom in my garden on the 27th ult., or one day later than it) average date of first flowering in the previous eleven years, but a week earlier than last year. — E. M., Berkhamited. Notes of the Week. Everlasting Peas.— The peraniral or Everlast- ing Peas in one or two varieties are now among th j finest of old-fashioned gardea flo-verj, the pure white kind being of especial value, not merely ia the gardea where it blooms long and coutmuously, but also for catting. 8ilene alpsstris. — Spreading cushions of this plant have of late been quite a si^ht _wi'-h the pare white flowers, which, if small, appear ia great pro- fusion. The plant, fortunately, is of the easiest cul- ture, though at all times preferring a deep soil. Seeds usually germioate quite freely. Heliopsis patula. — Among the early-flowering composites this is a good and attractive subject, the rich golden orange hue being very fine. It is, how- ever, not a large-headed flower, though belonging to a group lending itself freely to improvamant. The habit is by no means coarse, which is m its favour. Hybrid Columbines. — One point that is at least forced upon the observar is quite noticeable ia these plants. It is the apparent standstill thit at present exists in so far as the raising of new shades is concerned. A dozen years ago many pretty shades were appearing, but now these to all appearance have raacbed their highest point. Campanula Burghalti.— This showy Bell- flower is now in bloom, and of the section to which it belongs is certainly one of the linest. It is perhaps scarcely so pale in colour ai C. van Houtbei, to which it woolJ appear nearly allied, and is also somewhat stronger. Where it succeeds the latter Is the more fre- quently favoured for the border, and it is certainly a deserving plant. Rose Gustave Regis. — Among so-called garden or decorative Roses this would a jpear to be an especial favourite, if one may take the fraquency with which it is included in almost every exhibit of these kinds. That it is a p ipularas well as a free-growing kind there is no doubt, and for the garden j ust the kind that pleases both by its freedom and its colour. Its long buJs tapering almost to a ne;dle point render it of value also as a button-hole flower. Tropseolum Leiehtlini.— In your issue of June 2i, p. 457, I see a note on Tropaeolum Leieht- lini. I quite agree with the praise bestowed by the writer on this fine plant, but I think he is mistaken in sneaking of it as a distinct specios. It is a hybrid between T. polyphyllum and T. edule, obtained five or six years ago by M. Leichtlin, of Baden-Baden. It was figured in the Revue Horlioole, 1897, p. 400, from plants that flowered in my garden. — M. Micheli, Geneva. The Strawberry crop.— The South Hints Strawberry s^rjwers have a very light crop this season, and althougli prices koap high Id wid by no means repay them so well as a good crop at lower rates, for the average yield is not more than one-tliirJ. It is dittioult to account for such a failure, but my impres- sion is that last season's drought so weakened the plants that they had not time after the rains came to mat are their crowns ; consequently the bloom was weak and failed to set. — J. G., Qosport. PatBia japonici ripening seed.— In conse- quence of the very mild winter this shrub was in full flower in January, and numerous large flies bazzing" 32 THE GARDEN [JcLY 8, 1899. among them reminded one more of June than mid- winter. The plants ripened a full crop of Feed, from which I have raised many young plants. I shall be glad to hear from any of your readers who have been successful in ripening seeds of this Japanese shrub in the open air. Single specimens or clumps of this should be planted ia all favourable localities, as its large digitate leaves give a warm appearance to the landscape in mid-winter.— W. O., Fota. Ourisia coccinea.— Since writing the recent note on this brilliant flower I have seen it doing well in the rock garden of Mr. P. Neill-Fraser, of Rockville, Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It is grown there in the pocket of a sheltered rockery but a few yards above the level of a pond. One meets now and again with exceptional gardens in which O. coccinea does well, but in the majority of instances it refuses to bloom. — S. Arnott. Campanula pulla at Kaimes Lodge.— One sees so many places where, from various causes, this beautiful little Bellflower, or Harebell, grows 80 indifferently that it is always a pleasure when one sees it growing into a mass. It is then that its beauty can be properly appreciated. At Kaimes Lodge it is delightful to see how quickly it has become established in the rock garden in such a comparatively short time. Some sheets of its deep blue drooping flowers looked very fine recently. — A. Coronilla iberica.— This is ever a favourite when seen in bloom with its clustered yellow flowers hanging over a ledge in the rock garden. Like many other plants, it resents being over- shadowed by other flowers or shrubs, and may be lost if overgrown by its neighbours. One of the easiest ways of raising a stock is by means of seeds. Small seedlings planted out have often a much better chance of doing well than older plants unless the latter are in pots and can be turned out without disturbing the roots.— S. A. Campanula persicifolia alba grandiflora. —This is decidedly the finest of the Peach-leaved Campanulas in so far as its flowering is concerned. In some soils, however, and those more particu- larly of a very light character, the plant does not increase with the freedom of its kind, and in one or two instances the stock has perished and had to be renewed. It would appear there is more than one form of this handsome plant, one greatly inferior to the other. The finest form is usually known as Backhouse's variety. This is a grand garden plant, the stems being literally hidden with snow-white flowers. The Oriental Poppies.— I recently saw several of the newer Oriental Poppies sent from Newry. Of these I thought Cherry Ripe among the prettiest. It was brightly coloured. I also liked in its way one called Darkness, the deepest maroon of any I have seen. Carminum was also good. Pictum, with salmon-pink flowers, is also pleasing, and so is Lilacinum. The flowers were comparatively small, a point of value for some purposes. For purely decorative effect the large- flowered bright forms are of most value in the garden. Papaver orientale bracteatum remains almost unequalled for this purpose. — S. A. Incarvillea Delavayi.— Those who a year cr two back had fears concerning this plant may be glad to know that in Messrs. Wallace's nursery at Colchester the flowering stems are fully a yard high, and the richly coloured flowers most pro- fuse. Cut spikes from Colchester have been set up at the Drill Hall on each occasion during the past few weeks with stems quite IS inches long. Stronger plants that have been left alone are even more vigorous, and still flower continuously. The plant is so distinct, that the news of its great vigour is welcome. The plant seeds freely, too, so that it is likely soon to be quite plentiful in gardens generally. Deutzia Lemoindi.— I am pleased to observe that "W.D. R. D." has been more successful with this Deutzia than some of us have been. I hope to see his plant before long, when I may be able to receive some guidance which may lead to my being more successful than hitherto. Al- though "W. D. R. D.'s" garden is only a few miles from here, and also close to the sea, there IS, 1 believe, some difference in the temperature. Here it is only in exceptionally mild winters that I have been able to grow Cotyledon (Eoheveria) glauca in the open, but in his garden it forms a fine group quite hardy at the foot of a rock, at the base of which is a pool.— S. Arnott, C'arse- thorn, hy Dumfries, N.B. Ixia viridiflora — The shade of colour in this IS quite remarkable in the tone of green, and as rare as it is remarkable. It is difficult to give expression to the colour, which is a pale or very delicate peacock-green, or perhaps sea-green is a nearer approach, and shaded with grey. Then, as rendering the flower all the more conspicuous, is the intense blackish violet-purple base internally. The soft silken touch of the slightly pendent blos- soms is also a feature. When cut, the Ixias are even more valuable than in the garden per- haps, though the brighter shades of colour play a rather important part in such decoration. The frail stems render the plant especially useful in the cut state. Finely-grown Humeas.— Possibly no finer or better cultivated plants have ever appeared in any exhibition than was the case at the Drill Hall last week. Plants of 1 '2 feet or more high, with the fine bronze-tinted plumes so freely deve- loped, are indeed of rare occurrence. The notion of exhibiting Humeas and Crotong mixed is certainly not a common one, and the effect was unique, for it was one of the most attractive groups that has ever graced the Drill Hall. Such plants tend to show what may be accomplished by timely potting and liberal culture from the first, as no Humea, once it gets into a hide-bound condition of the stem, can ever make such a per- fect example as were the plants referred to. CEnothera fruticosa Youngi.— Compara- tively common as are the varieties of ( E. fruticosa, they are indispensable in the flower border at this season. Unlike the true Evening Primroses, they are at their finest when their bright yellow blooms are lightened up by the sun. They do not require full sun to give them brilliancy, but it seems to give them that glowing appearance which makes them so summer-like. (E. Youngi does not difi'er much from Fraseri, and is a capital border plant for a soil which is not too heavy, but where it is not allowed to flag and droop in dry weather. In a border here it grows about 3| feet high, which is quite as tall as I care to have it.— S. Arnott, Carsdhoni, hii Dumfries, Notes from Yorkshire.— For the last twenty years the Red Chestnuts (Pavia rubra) have not flowered here so luxuriantly as this year. They remind me of the beautiful avenues at Baden- Baden. The Rhododendrons also have been very fine. Against the house walls I have now in bloom Solanum crispum, S. jasminoides, Olearia Gunni, Loasa lateritia, and Calampelis scaber. Carpenteria californica and Tropieolum speciosum are beautiful. Eremurus raised from seed sent to me by Mr. W. E. Gumbleton is just going over. Linntea borealis is covered with its pretty bells, and Trientalis has had several of its white stars. The above plants cover a wide geographical range, yet all are thriving here.— R. Milne-Redhead, Holdenclowih, Boltnn-hy-Bou-land, near Clilheroe. Pyrus coronaria flore-pleno. — Pyrus coronaria is one of the Malus (or Apple) section of the genus, and is a native of the eastern side of North America. From the other species of the same section it is distinguished by the frequent lobing of the leaves, the charming fragrance of its flowers, and the late date at which they appear— (.e. , the latter part of May. This double- flovvered variety has all these attributes, but it is, besides, far superior to the type in the size of its blooms. Some I measured recently were well over 2 inches in diameter, and having two or three rows of petals, they formed very striking and beautiful clusters. This is, indeed, probably the finest Pyrus in existence as far as the individual flower is concerned. The colour is rose, tinted white, and the trees are in full leaf at the time of flowering. It is decidedly a tree to be noted by planters. — W. J. B. Saxifraga mutata. — One does not frequently meet with this Rockfoil, which I saw at Kaimes Lodge, Murrayfield, the other day. With me in the west of Scotland it seems to be more difficult to keep in winter than in the east, where the climate is drier. Mr. Lindsay had a nice tuft in his rock garden the other day, when its orange- yellow flowers, with crimson anthers and pistils, made a pleasing sight. There is a good, if rather highly coloured, plate of this Rockfoil in the second series of Wooster's "Alpine Plants" (plate xxxix.). As stated in that work, the flowers, which open saffron or orange colour, pass off to pile yellow. One cannot but regret that S. mutata is rather a difficult subject for wet districts. It belongs to the section Euaizoonia, and was introduced about 1779. — S. A. Philadelphus microphyllus. — Like many other plants from which hybrids have been raised, this species is better known in gardens by its progeny than it is itself. It is from this spe- cies that the beautiful Lemoinei race of Philadel- phus has been partly derived. The species itself is the most distinct in the genus. Many of the Philadelphuses in gardens run so much one into the other that it is difficult to say where one ends and another begins. But it is different with this ; a great gap separates it from any other. It is the dwarfest Philadelphus and has the smallest leaves. It forms a round bush, '2 feet to 3 feet high, of very dense leafy habit, the leaves being of a grey green colour and about the size of Box leaves. The flowers are each a little over 1 inch across, pure white, and possess a fragrance that is sweeter than that of any other Philadelphus. It needs a sunny position and a soil that is not more than moderately rich. Halimodendron argenteum. — Having been introduced to Britain from Siberia 120 years ago, this shrub may now be considered an old garden plant, yet it is by no means a common one. Of its value, greater proof is being afforded this year than ever I have seen before. It is flowering with the greatest freedom, and its charming pink blossoms hang in profusion on the graceful pendent branches. The leaves are of a grey colour and consist of four leaflets arranged pinnately, the leaf-stalk ending in a spine. Belonging to the Leguminoste (and nearly related to the Caraganas), this has pea like flowers borne not more than three together on slender stalks. Their pink, or purplish-pink, colour accords well with the grey foliage. It is not often that a good word can be said for grafting as adapted to hardy trees and shrubs, but it is useful in the case of this Halimodendron. It is not an easy plant to raise from seed, being so apt to damp ofl' during the first or second winter before it has had time to become woody. The best plan with it, there- fore, is to work it on Caragana or Laburnum stocks. These should be 3 feet or 4 feet high, so as to show off its exceedingly graceful mode of growth. — B. Making bouquets (W.).— We know of no book on the subject you mention. The articles you want can be supplied by any horticultural sundriesman. Names of plants. — Suffolkian. Should like to see better specimens ; too shrivelled to identify. • A. Bowie:'. — Clematis montana probably. Alice Wilson. — Sweet Che3tnut. J. R. Jefferies. — 1, Pancratium sp. ; 2, Orchis maculata. J. L. — Rosa alpina. A. Kinijamill. — Olearia macrodonta, New ZeaLind (also called (). dentata). M. M. — 1, Cistus hirsatus var. (white) ; 2, Campanula Rapunculus ; 3, Cistus villosus (red) ; 4, C hirsatus ; 5, Usalis vesper- tilionis; 6, Saxifragi Aizooa (white); 7, Dianthus cruentus ; 8, Saxifraga aizoides (yellow). "The English Flower Garden." — Tfto- roughly revised, with full descriptions of all the best plants, their culture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, ^c. THE GARDE No. 1113.— Vol. LVL] Orchard and Fruit :— Apple Emi'eror A'exander .. 31 Clierry Ru t-ra" Etrly Black . Si Go )8ebBrry Leveller ., 33 Gooseberry Kough Yellow , 35 Gooseberry tree;", caterpillars on .._.... 3 1 Grape Lady Hutt 33 Melon R'-yal Favourite .. .. 'il Peach Uagmar . .... 35 Peach Thomas Rivers .. .- 31 Peach trees, current work among ... ..34 Peaches, f-tone-splitting in .. 35 Pear Fertility .. .... 33 Plum Belle de Louvain . . . . 35 StrawberriL'S and the drought 33 Strawberries, scarcity of ..34 Vine borders, air for . , . . 33 Destroyers :— Pear tree destroyer, a . . . . 35 Treas and Starabs t— Cytisus praecox 37 Ci/tsiis pr-ico.r SI Deutzia discolor purpurascens 38 Devon, trees and shrubs in bloom in „ „ 37 Elms, the two „ 33 Escallonia langleyensia .. .. 38 Genista cinerea.. ^ .. ., 38 Philadelphus grandiflorus .. 37 Robiuia neomexicaua .. ,. 38 Spir:iea bmcteatd 88 S ringa Emodi ., „ ,, .. 38 Flowr^r: — Aster Stracheyi 39 A.'^fa- Strarhr'/i 39 Canterbury Bells 41 Carnations failing .. ,, — 40 Clematises .... - - .. 39 Delphiniums, seedling _ .. 41 Eremurus himalaicus .. 42 Flowers, border, at the Temple 40 Gladiolus Early Ackermam . 40 Iris tingitana .. - 42 Lilies and Irises at tin Temple 39 Mimulus Burneti . . . . 41 Myosotis, propagating .. ,. 40 Newry, notes from 40 Pteonies, herbaceous .. .. 41 Pieonies, planting 41 Pansies, Tufted, some of the newer ... .41 Plants, rock and dwarf, at the Temple 39 Plants, hardy, notes on.. .- 39 Polygonum baldeehuanicum. 42 Sempervivums at Rockville, Edinburgh 42 Stocks, Eist Lothian .. .. 42 nUustratioas ia Italics.) Garden Flora:— Cymbidium Tracoyanum .. 42 Kitchen: • Broccoli, pi mtiog .. -. .. 44 Cauliflower grub, the .. .. 41 Cauliflower*', early ^ .. .. 41 Lettuce Continuity. . .. *. 44 Pea Dickson's FertiUty . .. 44 p. ft Mich at I mas 42 Pea Prodigy 41 Pels, early « .. 44 Peas, late 43 Peas on early borders .. .. 41 Peas, thrips on 41 Potato Famous . . . . w . . 43 Tomatoes not setting « .- 45 llVeek's Work:— Fruits under glass, work among .. .. 45 Kitchen garden, work in the 45 Orchids: — Cattleya gigas , . - 47 Epidendrum radiatum .. .. 45 Lajlia purpurata var. Mrs. R. 1. Measures _ ... .. 45 L'l^lia purpurata rar. Mrs. R. I. Measures 45 Lajlio-Cattleya Aphrodite - Laelio - Cattleya Dominuma var. Frances Mary .- - Odontoglossum crlspum var. Lily Odontoglossum Harryano - crispum Odontoglossum Schleiperi- annni .. _ _ Oncidium ircirvum 0::cidium Lanceanum .. Boolis:— " ilbum des Orchidees" Murray 's ' ' Hand ■ book of Soaiersetihire" 45 Stove and Greenhouse'— Acalvpba God?efliana .. ,. < Acahipka Go'IS':_rfiana .. .. '. Adeuocalymia nitidum . .. < Coleus B'ckwith Gem .. « ■ Cyperus fertilis . . . . „ . , ■ Societies: — Royal Horticultural „ ... Notes of the W^eek : - Campanula earpatica (R.vcrs- lea variety) Canterbury, hailstorm at 49 [JULY 15, 1899. Pijrula tiDgitana 51 Garden, notes from a Cjrnisli 62 Incarvillea Delavayi in shade 52 Lathraii tqnamaria . _ .. 51 Nicotiana sylvestris .. .. 51 Nymphjeistellata 51 PhUadelphus microphyllus .. 51 Rose Fellenberg . . . « 52 Rose White Maman Coch« t . . 51 Rubus deUciosu? in fruit .. 51 Salvia earduacea 52 Saxifraga Hirculus major . 51 VerhasGum Hookeri and V. Lychnitis 5 ! Veronica paniculata 62 Veronica ailnriea 52 Pabllo Gardens :— Dilston, public garden f jr . . 5 2 Open spaces .. .. — •• 52 Ulsoellaneous :— Apple tree UDh*ial.hy . .. 52 Ferns, hardy non- British .. 52 Notes, Califoruian 49 Plants, bulbous, at the Tem- ple t-how 3S Vines, red spider on . . . , 52 Water Liliea, insects on . . . 52 Weather in W. Herta .. .. 52 Orchard and Fruit Garden. AIR FOR VINE BORDERS. In our anxiety to secure a fertile .soil and enrich it with the constituents essential for the ^'ine, I fear we omit considering some of the con- ditions necessary to preserving the mass sweet and enabling it to yield all the plant food it is capable of under favourable circumstances. Thirty or forty years ago some provision was made whereby every Vine border could be well aired. This important item in Vine culture does not now seem to receive the attention it did then, for it is nothing new to find a solid brick and lime wall forming the boundary of the borders. The borders, too, instead of being raised, are frequently kept low and level. Borders of this kind can only be aired from above — by the water supplied to moisten them driving out the air between the particles and taking its place, fresh air getting in as the water percolates through to the drainage. With dry seasons and a porous soil well drained, the air in the borders will thus be fre- quently changed, but the question still remains, is this enough '! Even were it so, what about wet localities and borders consisting chiefly of heavy loam or loam approaching clay ? Borders of this impervious nature hold moisture longer than more porous ones, and consequently will seldom need watering, whether rains can reach them or not. In the absence of sufficient air among the particles of soil, &e., the border is cold, sluggish in giving up plant food, has a tendency to acid properties, and becomes un- suited to the healthy growth of the roots of the Vine. Change these unsatisfactory conditions by providing a means for the atmospheric air playing through the soil, and the gases of which the air consists will break up quantities of the insoluble compounds and enrich them with their own manurial constituents. Be.sides this, the solubility of valuable substances is secured, heat imparted to the earth by the chemical actions which take place, and anything approaching sourness avoided. Knowing this, the airing of Vine borders should receive as much attention as the draining of them does. In low-lying situations, especially in wet localities, perhaps the best plan to adopt in the formation of Vine borders would be to keep them wholly above the level of the surrounding ground. Those outside the houses could be finished off with a grass slope kept well cut during the summer months, and which would look much nicer than brick and mortar walls. Drain pipes surrounded by a few stones could intersect the borders from back to front, and be placed at different levels to admit air. The wall at the back of the border and inside the house could be honeycombed and built a few inches from the wall against which the house was placed. By this means a current of air could be got to play right through the whole of the border. In drier situations and with sandy soils the borders might be kept lower, but a similar arrangement to the foregoing for securing air passages should always be obtained. In renew- ing any existing borders which are bricked round, it would be wise to form marginal walls to the border of turves a foot or so within the brick and lime one. Some borders I have seen were all above the ground-level outside, and were limited in extent by turves receding from the ground to the surface of the border. This was an excellent plan, only there was a con- spicuous absence of tidiness about it. Every case requires to be dealt with on the spot, as new difficulties arise at diflerent places, awaken- ing fresh channels of thought in devising means to overcome them. The suggestions in the pre- ceding remarks may, however, serve as a base to work upon, and when well-aired borders have been assured, all other things being satis- factory, it will be found that vigorous, healthy, fruitful growth will follow. J. Riddell. Pear Fertility. — I note the remarks of " .J. (;.'■ on this Pear at page 442. "J. G." saj-s it does well a3 an espalier. It may in some soils and situations, but with me in a light, gorous soil with the roots well mulched it was a com- plete failure. I had no fault to 6nd with the crop, as it never failed to yield abundantly, bub just before the fruit was fib for gathering decay set in all of a sudden, and that not at the core only, but right through the fruit. Where the fruit remains firm till ripe, there can be no doubt of its usefulness, as it is such a persistent cropper, of useful size and fair flavour ; just the Pear, in fact, for amateurs and those with only limited space. — J. C. Gooseberry Leveller.— This is a remarkably fine yellow Gooseberry, and, unlike some of the large Lancashire varieties, is excellent in point of flavour as well as size and appearance. Leveller is a capital p3or man's Gooseberry, and has suc- ceeded admirably with me year after year on a hght soil. I had the roots well mulched in spring and watered several times during summer, for there can be no doubt that were Gooseberry roots kept more moist there would be fewer complaints of insect attacks and blight. The fruit of Level- ler is delicious for dessert about the end of July. It hangs on the tree better than the majority of sorts and is less liable to split in changeable weather. If the berries are thinned out when young and one or two good waterings with liquid manure given, it will prove one of the best exhi- bition sorts in cultivation. — N. N. Strawberries and the drought.— From many quarters complaints come about Strawberry plants giving way and the fruit becoming hard and brown when little more than half grown. This is especially the case where the soil is light and shallow. In a few favoured localities copious rains fell recently, but in others the soil is scarcely more miist than it was last autumn owing to a comparatively rainless winter and spring. No wonder then that Strawberries under ordinary treatment show signs of distress. I do not say that where, say, acres of this fruit are grown this premature collapse can be avoided, but in private gardens and market gardens of limited extent the evil might be met by timely mulching. I say timely, as I find that the majority of growers postpone the operation till the plants are coming into bloom. In average seasons and in fairly strong, retentive soils no harm occurs from the delay, bub in seasons like the present, light, porous soils lose what moisture 34 THE GARDEN. [July 15, 1899. they had before the mulch is applied, inferior crops being the inevitable result. I contend that it is nob wise to postpone mulching later than the beginning of February, as that month is fre- quently dry and windy, and speedy evaporation leaves the roots of Strawberry plants insufficiently moist for the formation of stout, vigorous bloom- trusses, but when timely mulching is practised, what moisture there is is preserved and the roots get the benefit .of it. If an early and liberal mulch is given, it is rarely necessary to water the plants except in exceptionally dry seasons. — B. S. N. CATERPILLARS ON GOOSEBERRY TREES. Can you tell me why caterpillars attack some Gooseberry trees and not others ? I have recently taken charge of a garden, and some of the trees have hardly a leaf on them, all being eaten away by caterpillars. My employer tells me the trees were the same last year. I have picked the Gooseberries, so I have a chance to syringe them with anything jou advise. — W. F. %* The reason for some bushes being attacked by caterpillars and others escaping must be a purely local one, my experience being that none are safe. Possibly those most infested are the nearest to frequented walks, and friendly birds may be scared by passers-by from coming to the bushes and clearing the grubs away. Unless the number of bushes is too great, the very best remedy is to look them over daily and hand-pick the caterpillars from the time the first attack is noticed until no more are to be found ; but these pests are so voracious, that the value of this method lies in the immediate application, and a watchful eye is needed. It really takes very little time for a boy to clear a plot, for though the pests are to some extent concealed by their colour and the positions they take up, the eye soon gets accustomed to detecting them readily. Dusting with soot and lime in a dry state while the bushes are web with dew has some deterrent effect ; dry road grit frequently applied acts in the same way. As " W. F." has cleared off the fruits, an application of hellebore powder will prove very destructive to the caterpillars and can do no harm, but this remedy, though a very effective one, I never like to recommend for fruit trees or bushes, as the powder is so poisonous. If the bushes are too thick to be really cleared by hand- picking, shake them vigorously now and then and kill the caterpillars which fall with the back of a spade. I have never found any solution of insecticides very effective when syringed on, though a fairly strong solution of soft soap, into which some flowers of sulphur has been stirred, applied early enough appears to check the deposit of eggs. It is too late for this now, however. I should advise that a clearance of the top .3 inches of soil be made in the winter, replacing this with some fresh soil ; then in early spring cover the surface with '2 inches of fresh tan. Tan has been proved over and over again to be the most effec- tive application, and its effect appears to last for several years. The same effect has been claimed on behalf of a heavy dressing of soot to the soil, but I have not found its effects so lasting. — C. Apple Emperor Alexander. — No doubt many after seeing this handsome-looking Apple at exhibitions have been induced to plant it in their own gardens, only to be disappointed with its behaviour. It requires very careful cultiva- tion and pruning with judgment, it being one of those Apples which fruit largely on the points of the shoots. The best way for standard trees is to carefully thin out the wood annually and shorten back any growths that may have taken the lead. Even standards are unsatisfactory from a cropping point of view in many gardens, cordons and espaliers even with judicious root- pruning sometimes remaining almost barren for years. When fine fruits are obtained, few varie- ties surpass it for showing in November, but when kept for a lon^gr period they quickly lose weight and quality too. As a market fruit it is too tender in the skin unless disposed of near home. — C. N. Peach Thomas Rivers — This new Peach was shown in quantity by the Messrs. Rivers at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society at the Drill Hall on June 27, and was much admired. There were several trees of this variety in pots, and the quantity of fruit each tree carried and the size of the fruits were sufficient evidence that this new Peach is a grand cropper when forced in pots. Some may say that we do not need such large Peaches which invariably lack flavour. I have always found large Peaches with the colour of Thomas Rivera much admired on the dessert table, and growers for market know which pays best. I had an opportunity of tasting this variety last June twelvemonth, when it was given a first- class certificate, and it was very good indeed. I think this is a good addition to our Peaches. If it proves suitable for the open wall it will be most valuable. — G. Wythes. Melon Royal Favourite. — One of the most reliable all-round Melons I have grown of late years is Royal Favourite. It has a good con- stitution, sets freely in pits or houses, swells its fruit up' to a good size, is of handsome shape, and well netted. Surely these are the attributes of a good Melon. I may be told that these count for nothing if the flavour is not satisfactory. Flavour in Melons is beginning to be regarded as a most uncertain quality. Fruits have been grown in hundreds of cases and placed before judges, both at the Royal Horticultural Society's shows and committees and in the provinces, that when tasted were very poor as regards flavour. It is quite true that Melons need to be treated with some amount of judgment before deciding on cutting them. A day too soon or too late makes a deal of difference, and to this may be attributed many disappointments. Some kinds ripen up more quickly than others. Royal Favourite needs a good time to soften throughout from core to skin, and a cool fruit room develops flavour better than hurrying the fruit on the shelves of warm houses, as some do. Royal Favourite is a good keeper, though it is not one of the tough-skinned varieties. The flesh is white or a greenish white. It is too late for sowing Melons, except in a few cases, but those who are on the look out for a good all-round Melon and have not given this one a trial, should note it for future growth. To my mind it possesses every good quality, in- cluding flavour, provided it is well grown and is given time to mature perfectly. — W. S. Scarcity of Strawberries. — I have never seen such a poor crop of Strawberries. This is anything but local, as I note growers in various parts of Kent and Middlesex have lost a good portion of their crop. In later districts the crop is better, as it was the early bloom that suffered, and no one can wonder at this with the low tem- perature that prevailed for quite ten days during the setting period. A quarter of plants that should have produced 4 cwt. to .5 cwt. of fruit this year gave me 60 lbs. Unfortunately, the best fruit was destroyed. One grower told me that instead of clearing a ton of fruit, about '2 cvft. would be the crop, and this only seconds. There is no scarcity in some places, as I note the market is well supplied from the southern parts of the country, but in this — the West Middlesex district— the crop is much lighter. It would be interesting to know how general this failing is. In the north there was less frost, and of course with later bloom there are no losses. In light soils the plants made less growth than usual, owing to the protracted drought last season, and fewer crowns were formed, this affecting the crop. It is surprising how some varieties succumb to frost and drought. For instance. Royal Sovereign, having a long leaf-stalk and the flowers being much exposed, suffers badly from late frosts Kinds with ample leafage, like Vicomtesse H. de Thury, are much less affected. This points out the value of growing more than one variety, also of having the plants in diverse positions, as often One tilUy esbape when others are injured. There will be no lack of runners, as the loss of the crop will cause runner growth to form freely, and with a genial season next year there should be splendid crops, as the plants will make much growth. Such seasons show us the value of late kinds, which will eke out the scanty supply obtained from the early plants. — G. W. S. CURRENT WORK AMONG PEACH TREES. Under the influence of warmer weather outdoor Peach trees are now making much progress, and will require a great deal of attention for some time to come. Fortunately, aphis, which at one time threatened to prove troublesome, yielded to a thrice-repaated application of an insecticide. Red spider, which has been very much more trouble- some, has also been subdued. Blistar, which has, I believe, been very prevalent in some parts of the country, has affected but two trees here, and that only to a trifling extent. The most pressing work, therefore, at the present time is the tacking in or fastening back of the young shoots, togething with the thinning of fruits on all heavily laden trees. Before proceeding with the first-mentioned operation give the trees a look over and remove all surplus shoots, as it often happens that a good few more are left than are actually required at the final disbudding, especially by those unaccustomed to the work. Overcrowding of the wood should always be avoided, and in no case should more be laid in than is needed for furnishing the tree with fruit- ing wood for next season. The observance of this rule is equally as essential to the well-being of the trees as is that of the avoidance of over- cropping. The reduction of the young shoots to due proportions having been accomplished, the next thing is to fasten them back to the wall. If the walls are wired, tying with raffia will suffice ; if not, shreds and nails or young twigs of Privet are needed to hold them in place. Thinning of the fruits should be done simul- taneously with the tacking in. In some places I fear there will not be much thinning to do, but in all cases where the trees are heavily laden, a reduction of their numbers to safe limits should most certainly be effected. That fine early sort, Alexander, has again set a splendid crop of fruit. Alexandra Noblesse and several others are equally as good. Thinning must nob of course be too liberally done, as a margin must be left for any eventualities in the shape of dropping through failure to stone properly. On the other hand, if the trees are healthy and the roots in good condition, thinning may be done with a pretty free hand, but it is only those possessing an intimate knowledge of their trees and the condition of the borders in which they are growing who can thus boldly deal with them in this way. As with indoor trees, one fruit to each square foot of wall space covered by each tree is an ample number to leave at the final thinning, and this will serve as a guide to those who are in a dilemma as to what to do in the matter. If they act on this advice and leave that number, with a few to spare, they cannot go far wrong, and the surplus can be pulled off after the stoning period is safely passed. If not already done, the alley should be loosened and a dressing of some artificial manure applied. For this pur- pose a mixture of bone-meal, superphosphate of lime and muriate of potash is excellent if mixed at the rate of 3 lbs. of the former to 1 lb. each of the latter, and strewn on the surface at the rate of 2 ozs. per square yard. This may be washed in should the condition of the border warrant the application of water. In any case it should be incorporated with the surface soil either by rak- ing or forking it in. Hot weather having set in dry, the alleys will be best covered with strawy litter both to conserve moisture and to prevent too rapid evaporation. A weekly examination of the borders from now and on through the sum- mer months should be made and water applied as often as necessity arises. This is a most impor- tant matter, for if all conditions are right Piauch trees require a great deal of water, and without July 15, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 3=) adequate supplies of moisture the fruits will not attain to full size. The f;aiden engine, it is almost needless to say, should be kept at work as often as time and labour will admit, and if this is on every tine day so much the better. If this can only be done frequently the use of insecticides will not be necessary, as the fact of washing the trees frequently or daily will suffice to keep them clear both of aphides and rod spider, while the usual haunts of earwigs will be rendered unten- able by the oft-repeated applications of water. A. Ward. Peach Dagfmar.— I was pleased to see men- tion of this Peach as exhibited by Messrs. Rivers at the Temple show. How is it that this variety is grown in so few places ': I never forced it in the first early house, but found it one of the most reliable free-setting and highly-coloured sorts in cultivation. If anything it colours better than Stirling Cast'e and I consider the quality is aver- age. That Dagmar is adapted for early forcing in pots is evidenced by the exhibit of Messrs. Rivers, and I would advise those who grow pot Peaches to include it in their list. There are car- tain of the most useful all round Peaches which, nevertheless, seem to be almost discarded, while other capricious kinds are universally grown. Dagmar is, I think, one of them. — J. C. Gooseberry Rough. Yellow. — This is always one of the first to ripsn and the fruit is already taking on a bright yellow tint, so in about a fortnight, or say the middle of July, the fruit will be ripe. Although by no means one of the largest varieties, its bright colour and delicious flavour make it much more useful than some of the larger kinds. Here the Gooseberry bushes are covered with fine fruit this year, and on espaliers, where the best flavoured kinds are grown for dessert, they have had to be thinned somewhat heavily, the thinnings of course having been used for cooking in a green state. The trees here are mulched with short manure every spring, and, should the weather prove very dry, are given one or two thorough soakings of water through the season. It is surprising what an amount of fruit can be gathered from a few well-fed trees, but in too many cases this useful fruit is left to take care of itself on poor soil. Pluta Belle de Louvain.— This Plum, I think, is likely to become a great favourite with market growers on account of its free-bearing habit. When looking through t'le famous Plum orchards belonging to Mr. .J. Riley, of Putley Court, Ledbury, in conjunction with the other members of the Herefordshire Association of Fruit Growers, on Monday last, trees of this variety were noticed as being heavily cropped. Mr. Riley holds the opinion that it is one of the best Plums for market, and has accordingly a great number of trees of it. Intending planters of Plums would do well to make a note of this, as, in addition to its succeeding well as a stan- dard, it also makes a fine and healthy pyramid. My trees are, I am sorry to say, barren this sea- son, which fact is owing to sparrows having not only picked out many of the buds, but also to their having pulled the blossoms to pieces after they had opened. The fruit is large, long, oval- shaped, and reddish purple in colour, the flesh yellow. It is an excellent Plum both for pre- serving and cooking. — A. W. Grape Lady Hutt. — Last season I noticed that the foliage of this Vine was rather given to scalding, and the same thing has occurred again this season, only to a much greater extent. The evil, no doubt, has been aggravated this season by the brilliant weather of the past ten days having been preceded by a long spell of dull, cloudy weather, with the wind blowing from the east and north-east nearly the whole of the time. Although such was the case, other Vines in the same house, which consist of such varieties as Lady Downe's, Black Alicante, and one or two other sorts, were but little or totally unaffected by the sudden transition, so to speak, from a dull, cloudy atmosphere to one of almost un- clouded sunshine. This has therefore led me to think that the foliage of this variety is tender and susceptible to sun-scalding while in a yet unde- veloped state, and I should be glad to hear if any other reader of The Garden who grows this Vine has experienced the same difficulty. Since shad- ing the roof no further scalding has taken place. Itlaeing a strong grower, I have given this Vine more room this season, and am glad I did so, as it is carrying a fair crop of good sized bunches. As a late white (irape it has, I think, no equal, and I am hoping to hear that the complaint i have to make respecting it may be but a passing one and confined to my own case, and not found to be of common occurrence. — A. W. Cherry Rivers' Early Black.— This Cherry was ripe and ready for gathering on an east wall outdoors by June 15, and when the backwardness of the season is taken into consideration this further emphasises all that has hitherto been said and written as to this variety being one of the best early Cherries we have for outdoor culture. In addition to ripening at any early date, the fact that it is a vigorous grower and a free cropper must nob be lost sight of. The fruits, which are purplish black in colour when fully ripe, are also large, juicy and luscious. This season the fruits have been very large. This was produced by a form of potash used in conjunction with two other manures and applied as soon as the fruit had set. Many neglect to feed Cherry trees, thinking that it is unnecessary, but I find it pays to do so, and trees of both sweet and cooking va- rieties are as regularly fed here as are Peaches and other choice fruits, with the result that both trees and their crops are greatly benefited thereby. —A. W. STONE-SPLITTING IN PEACHES. Cak you explain why the Peach I send you does not ripen satisfactorily ? Several have dropped this season, each being hollow in the middle. — M.J. B. *,* Some kinds of Peaches are more addicted to stone-splitting than others, though it happens sometimes in a variety not commonly given to that failing. There is no particular reason for splitting of the stone, or it would be a more easy matter to advise so as to prevent a recurrence. To imperfect fertilisation of the flowers may be traced the origin of some such cases, and where this is so, there is no remedy that cm be applied benefiting the present crop. The health or vigour of the tree itself affords no solution of the difficulty, because stone-splitting is not an out- come of indifferent health : indeed, the reverse is more likely to be the case. When Peaches are flowerinf , it is never safe or advisable to trust to chance in the setting, for without being fertilised with their own pollen or from other flowers by the aid of a camel's-hair pencil, rabbit's tail or something of a similar character, the fruit may swell away for a while, even to ripening, and then drop from premature softening acce- lerated by the unsound stone. In this condition the fruit sometimes falls and appears ripe, but an examination shows that it is soft only on one side, the other being congested and hard, quite unfit for dessert. It is among the early sorts that these troubles occur most frequently. Alexandra Noblesse, mentioned by ''M. J. B," does not usually have split stones, although, as previously intimated, any variety may develop this failing in a few fruits if the cultural conditions favour it In over-rich borders I have known some Peaches to drop when nearing the ripening period, and if they remain until they can be gathered, they in- variably ripen some time before the remainder of the crop is ready, which the expert grower at once recognises as a symptom of stone-splitting Freshly slaked lime applied in quantity sufficient to whiten the surface is a good remedy in such cases, giving it once or twice during the growing season. With trees that are over-luxuriant, root- pruning or lifting and placing the roots nearer the surface correct more than the one evil, bringing with it the lessened tendencies to split ting of the stone. Overhead sha io from other trees hinders proper ripening of the wood, and without this neither perfect setting nor stoning can be assured. Extremes of roDt moisture or drought are both inimical to the progress of the tree's growth in summer, and should be as far as possible avoided, as also should strong doses of animal or artificial manure, because they stimu- late an excess of vigour which is most undesir- able. With a comparatively new border and healthy trees clear water is all-sufficient ; it is for older trees with borders fully occupied with roots and carrying heavy loads that stimulat- ing liqu'd food is necessary. Lime, how- ever, may be given in small quantity with advantage to Peaches, as this assists the forma- tion of the seed-shell or stone. Although I have gathered many hundreds of Peaches and Nec- tarines this season, I have not recognised one among them having a split stone, and this immunity I owe to the regular courses of water- ing with clear or diluted li(iuid manureas the case requires, thinly disposing the growihs in training and tying, moderated temperatures, applications of lime occasionally, and daily fertilising of the flowers with a dry rabbit's tail. As " M. J. B." says Alexandra Noblesse has only a small crop and other trees are doing well, there must be some local condition to account for it, or perhaps some of the causes enumerated above may be in evidence. Unripenei wood caused from over- head shade, imperfect fertilisation of the flowers, or an absence of lime in sufficient quantity may, however, give the clue for the failure complained of, and for two of them, at any rate, steps may be immediately taken to correct it for another year. Carefully lifting the trees and replanting will correct grossness, the autumn, when the leaves begin to fall, being the most suitable time. A mistake that is often made is neglecting the watering of the borders and syringing of the trees after the crop is cleared.— W. S. Destroyers. A PEAR TREE DESTROYER. (agrilus sinuatus.) In 1889 I noticed for the first time the attacks of this insect. The young shoots of a branch of an espalier Pear tree were withering. On examining the lower part of the branch I saw that the bark was slightly scaling off and was brown and dry for about a foot in length, and presented every appearance of the beginning of a canker. Thinking I had to deal with a fun- dus, and in order to try and heal the injured branch, I cut away the bark from the wood and plastered the wound with vegetable mould moistened with Bordeaux mixture. The branch soon healed and is still alive. Some months afterwards I found other branches presenting the same appearance. Being surprised to find so many branches attacked by canker, I ex- amined them more closely, and on carefully raising the bark I noticed a windmg gallery formed by a larva, and on continuing my examination I found a larva which had all the characters of a larva of one of the Buprestidse. After this first discovery I noticed that the larva before undergoing its metamorphosis nude its way diagonally into the wood of the branch, where it excavated an oblong cell flush with the under-side of the bark. The latter was not pierced until the perfect insect made its way through it to gain access to the outer world. lentil the end of May, 18!Hi, I was only able to find the larvie under the bark or underaoing their transformations in the cells. In May, f890, seeing that the branches were very badly attacked, in trying to destroy the larv;u I found in one of the cells a perfect insect, which I recognised at once as an Agrilus. Afterwards I found some ten of the perfect 36 THE GARDEN. [JcLY 15, 1899. insects, but never, either before or afterwards, could I discover the insect on the leaves. Description of the Insect. Agrilus sinuatus is a small beetle from four- tenths of an inch to six-tenths of an inch in length, and from one-tenth of an inch to one- eightli of an inch in width. The head, thorax, and wing cases are finely rugose. All the upper surface of the insect is of a brilliant cop- pery violet colour. Tlie under-side is of a violet-green, tinted witli coppery reflections. The segments of the body are finely punctured, whilst the under-sides of the head and thoras are closely wrinkled. The eyes are large and prominent. The head is nearly as wide as the thorax. The larvie are legless, and measure from six-tenths of an inch to nearly nine-tenths of an inch in length when full grown, and are of a pearly white colour. The head is partly sunk into the first joint of the body, which is nearly round and much larger than the other joints. The latter, which are ten in number, are rather flattened and are slightly winged on their edges. The last joint is terminated by two horn-like appendages curved in the arc of a circle, forming a kind of fork. Persons who are interested in this subject will find a fuller and historical description of this insect in a communication made to the Societe National d'Agriculture de France by Dr. Laboulbene on May 19, 1897. The Life Historv. In the course of June or July when the bark is stQl smooth the female lays an egg on the branches of Pear trees, which soon hatches. The larva makes its way into the thickness of the bark, generally taking a downward direc- tion, making the gallery more winding as it goes on. One then generally finds that the bark splits above the passage formed by the larva. After having thus followed the bark in its approach to the wood the larva reaches the growing layers ; there the larva feeds on the young woody and other tissues, making its gallery deeper, which becomes more and more winding in zigzags. Often the gallery describes a complete turn round the branch. One often finds that the bark on either side of the gallery dries up and dies, with a characteristic appear- ance that at once reveals the presence of the larva. When towards the month of September in the second year the larva has attained its full growth, and after having made a gallery not less than from .'51 inches to .'55 inches in length, it penetrates obliquely into the wood, excavating a little oblong cell, opening under the bark. This cell being finished, the larva closes the mouth with a little sawdust, its extremity projecting under the bark for about one-twentieth of an inch ; then it is transformed into a chrysalis, and into a perfect insect about the end of May. It then opens out the end of the cell with its mandibles, pierces the bark and flies away, and soon, at its convenience, lays its eggs on the bark. This Agrilus, like all the Buprestidiis is very agile, and flies off as soon as it is the least alarmed. I had made the foregoing observations without being sure if this insect was known. The researches that I rnade to find out if this insect had been pre- viously noticed were without eft'ect. No treati.se on arboriculture mentioned the insect. The principal works on agricultural entomology to which one could turn — Maurice Girard, Brehm, Boisduval — do not allude to the insect. Kalten- bach in his important work on the enemies of the Pear does not mention it. The determina- tion of the species of Agrilus is very difticult, and as I could not find in any of the works jusc mentioned anything relating to an Agrilus at- tacking Pear trees, I thought it would be best to consult Dr. Laboulbene, the president of the Entomological Society of France, who kindly interested himself in this subject. He sent the perfect insects that I had brought him to Dr. Fairmaire to determine the species. Dr. Fairmaire recognised this insect as Agrilus sinuatus (Olivier). Just at this time, and even before I knew Dr. Fairmaire's opinion, there appeared in the Rvnie Hurticule of March 16, 1897, an article by Prof. Gitton, of Orleans, describing this insect and giving its life-history. An editorial note stated that the insect in ([ues- tion had been noticed and studied by Dr. Puton. I then made Dr. Laboulbene aware of this fresh information. Dr. Laboulbene put himself into communication with Dr. Puton, and on my part I wrote to M. Gitton. The observations of M. Gitton agreed on nearly all points with mine. He had always noticed that galleries were from G3 inches to 71 inches or more in length and very winding, particularly at the end, and he had only observed the insect on the Pear. The observations of Dr. Puton difl'er considerably from mine. Firstly, Dr. Puton has only found galleries from 10 inches to 12 inches in length and nearly straight. The galleries that I noticed were always much longer and they were always very winding. .Secondly, according to Dr. Puton, the insect only attacks trees in the open. I have met with them equally on trees in the open and on trees against walls, and it is on the latter that I have most frequently detected the attack. This may be that these trees are more easily watched, but, unfortunately, these espaliers sufler only too often. Thirdly, Dr. Puton points out that this insect attacks Pears and Apples inditt'erently. I have never seen an Apple attacked, though this tree with me is often side by side with a Pear, and sometimes the branches even cross one another. M. Gitton has told me that he has never seen this insect on Apple trees. Fourthly, Dr. Puton shows that the Mountain Ash also serves as a habitation for the larv;B of this insect. The investigations that I have been able to make are too limited for me to form an opinion on this subject. It is not, how- ever, surpri.sing that this insect should attack both the Pear and the Mountain Ash, a tree very nearly allied to the former. Mountain Ashes are common in the neighbouring woods, so that if the insect is common on these trees it could easily reach Pear orchards and propa- gate itself, finding in this tree a desirable home and a better host. There is still the question of the direction and length tif the galleries. I have always noticed the arrangement referred to above. The number of observations that I have made on this subject, and which amount to several hundreds, enables me to assert that at least in the places where I have observed the insect it always behaves in the same manner, and forms a winding gallery 20 inches to 'X) inches in length. Variety of Trees Attacked. ( >n my part, as I have already said, I have only noticed this insect on Pear trees, but, con- trary to the statement of Dr. Puton, on trees on walls as well as on those in the open, all the varieties that I have grown have been attacked, and I cannot point out one that is more subject to the attacks of this insect than another. I have found this insect in the winter on Doyenne du Cornice, and in the summer on Duchesse, William's, Cure, Passe Crassane, Olivier de Serres, Bonne d'Ezee, Beurre Diel, Beurre Hardy, ito. I have observed this insect also at the .School of Horticulture of Versailles, at the school at Grignon and at Louveciennes, but without being able to make any very careful observations. The injuries caused by this in- sect are often very considerable. On my trees I have counted the branches that have been attacked by hundreds. The branch often dies as the result of the attack by this larva (even though the gallery it forms is so small), or at least it droops for several years. Sometimes the insect even attacks the stem ; the whole tree then dies or continues in a weak, unhealthy con- dition for several years after the insect has left it. Are there, then, any means of protection against the ravages caused by Agrilus sinuatus ? Indeed, I have not seen any that are really efficacious. The stems of standard trees one can protect with a coating of tar, or perhaps with a thick layer of lime, or one may wind bands of straw round the stem, as Dr. Puton has suggested. Tar is mischievous ; it will prevent the insect from laying its eggs, but it injures the bark, making it unyielding, and so prevents the proper growth of the tree. The straw would be preferable, but it is trouble- some, as it will not last for more than two years. Lime would be only a poor remedy, I .should think ; it would come ofl' very quickly, in certain parts at any rate, which the insect would search for to lay its eggs on. However, liming has other advantages (above all, in being able to add to the lime a certain quantity of sulphate of copper) and it can be used all the year. As to the branches, it is impossible to try and protect them. It is necessary, then, to try and destroy the insect. The perfect insect is very difficult to capture ; it is, therefore, against the larva that one must contend. When it is noticed that a branch is attacked, either by the buds not opening or by the death of part of the bark, the injured part of the bark .should be removed with a grafting or pruning knife, and the gallery should be fol- lowed until the larva is found. It this opera- tion is carried out in time the branch will re- cover and the bark will grow again ; if, on the contrary, the larva continues its course, the branch often droops more or less. The wound caused by searching for the larva is, however, much more extensive than that made by the larva, but in spite of that it heals more rapidly. It seems without doubt that the larva produces a substance that is poisonous to the tree, a kind of toxine, which impedes the healing. One sees, indeed, the bark wither quickly on both sides of the gallery for a considerable width, and even beyond ; the wood also dies rapidly to a considerable depth. Even if the branch is very vigorous, and the decay only exists a little on either side of the gallery, the cicatrisal swellings of the growing tissues do not seem able to grow over the gallery, which may still be found after many years. A wound of the same size made by a cutting instrument on a healthy branch would be covered in the first year. The branch seems to sufler most as soon as the larva penetrates into the wood. If the branch is not of great importance, or if it has been already badly attacked, it is often best to cut it away altogether below the part attacked, near a bud which will eventually form a new and healthy branch. The parts of the branch that have been attacked should be burnt, so as to kill any larv;e that they may contain. As I was communicating this paper to the society I received a letter from M. Gitton saying that he had sent me some specimens of an Agrilus, and he told me that he had found this insect in the branches of the Azarole Thorn. The Agrilus sent by M. Gitton were identical with those that I had found on my trees. The question then arises, are they the same species ? M. Pierre Passy. July 15, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 37 Trees and Shrubs. CYTISUS PB^ECOX. It is now more than thirty years since this beau- tiful shrub was first noticed by the late Mr. G. Wheeler, of the Warminster Nurseries. He found it growing in a bed of seedlings of Cytisus purgans, and it was, as was afterwards proved, a hybrid between that species and the white Portugal Broom (C. albus). From Mr. Wheeler's plant the thousands now scattered over the gardens of this and other countries have, I suppose, all descended. The cross had no doubt been efl'ected by a bee or other insect ; indeed, there does not appear to have ever been a hybrid raised artificially between any two members of the hardy shrubby Leguminosie. I cannot, at any rate, call one to mind. Cytisus kewensis, in its way as distinct and beautiful a shrub as the one now figured, appeared also as a chance seedling among a sowing of C. Ardoini, one of its parents, j Cytisus prtecox is, as a rule, in flower by the middle of April and continues from that time neglecting the plants when young ; at any rate, it may be deferred by proper attention at that time. The plants simply require to be topped with a knife occasionally from the time they are a few inches high till they are 18 inches or so high. By this means a thick crop of branches near the ground is obtained, as seen in the illustration. I have not seen this shrub more than about 8 feet high, but no doubt it will grow taller. It seems in stature to follow the pollen parent (C. albus) closer than C. purgans, which makes a sturdy, compact shrub with little or no pruning. The best way to propagate Cytisus prsecox is by means of cuttings. These may be taken in August and dibbled firmly into sandy soil in some shady, sheltered corner under a bell-glass or handlight. It ripens seed in any quantity, but only a small proportion comes true. Some of the seedlings revert to the yellow-flowered C. purgans ; others produce various forms in- termediate between that species and the pure white C. albus. It is, I believe, sometimes the practice to propagate it by grafting on roots of common Laburnum, but longer-lived, better Cytisus prcecox. From a photograph sent hy Mrs, Tatton, Wythenshawe, Northenden. well into May. There are many beautiful shrubs in bloom then, but it would be difficult to find among them one to surpass this Broom in the beauty and wealth of its blossom. It is essentially a shrub for every garden. In habit it is free and graceful, making each year when in vigorous health shoots 1 foot or IJ feet long. These are clothed almost from end to end with a profusion of soft sulphur-yellow blooms — so abundant, indeed, are they, that there is little else but flowers to be seen when they are in full bloom. But even out of flower this shrub has its uses and attractions. It produces a thick mass of shoots, which, although almost destitute of foliage even in summer, are them- selves of a lively green and give the shrub quite the character and value of an evergreen. The odour of the flowers, whilst not exactly offensive, is too heavy and powerful to be pleas- ing, especially when the plants are grown in a large group. For this reason it should not be planted close to dwelling-room windows and such like places. Like several others of the taller Brooms, this is liable in time to become bare and leggy at the base. This condition, however, is often in a great measure duo to plants are got with less trouble by means of cuttings. A word may be here appropriately introduced in favour of C. purgans. Considering the beauty of its golden-yellow flowers, which appear as early as those of C. pnecox, it is curious that it is now so neglected. It has not the vigour of its hybrid progeny, and, accord- ing to my experience, is healthier and better when raised from seed than when propagated by any other means, even by cuttings. It is grown in some nurseries under the erroneous name of Genista anxantica. W. J. Bean. Philadelphus grandiflorus. — Under this name I have a small tree of the so-called Mock Orange that eclipses every sort I have seen in the size of the individual flowers. In a small state it is very striking. This would seem to be a mid- season variety, as many are over, but there re- main a few still to come into bloom. For cut- ting the Mock Oranges are by moat people avoided because of their sickly and powerful scent. A spray or two arranged in small vases would be admissible in cases where highly-scented flowers are not objected to, the pure white of the blooms and enormous size making up a most dis- tinct and desirable flower. Nature seems to have endowed P. grandiflorus with a habit to suit the flower, for I notice the blooms are thinly disposed instead of clustered on the branching growths. — W. S. TREES AND SHRUBS IN BLOOM IN DEVON. Abctilon vexillabium is again in full flower, its long curving shoots studded with crimson, gold- centred pendent blossoms. This is one of the most persistent bloomers that we have, carrying its flowers into November and December in mild winters, and often commencing to bloom again after an interval of about four months. Both the white and mauve varieties of Abutilon vitifolium have been flowering well in sheltered situations, but in exposed positions they sufl'ered consider- ably from the late March frosts and have blos- somed but sparingly. Large pyramid specimens of this Abutilon S feet or 9 feet high covered with blossom are particularly ornamental when seen standing in an open space amid surrounding foliage. This is also the case with the Strawberry Tree (Benthamia fragifera), whose pale yellow blossoms are thrown up to the best advantage by a background of verdant leafage. Carpenteria cilifornica has been blooming in not a few gar- dens, and at the close of the month I saw a floe specimen some 0 feet in height and s feet through liberally set with its white scented flowers. Many of the Ceanothus family have also been in flower, their blue tints being especially etfective when contrasted with the white blossoms of the Mexi- can Orange Flower (Choisya ternata). In the early days of the month the Ghent Azaleas formed a brilliant display with their suavely harmonising hues of fiery scarlet, orange, safl^ron, sulphur, and cream, while towards its close the Cistuses bore their fragile blossoms, the yellow, maroon-blotched C. formosus, the white C. florentinus, and the large white C. ladaniferus maculatus, with claret- coloured spots at the base of each petal, being especially noticeable. The pure white C. ladani- ferus is apparently uncommon in the south-west. In Spain it grows in quantity upon the stpop hill- sides, the large white flowers being about Scinches in diameter. Many varieties of Crataegus have been in flower throughout the month, some being in full blossom up to the concluding days. Cytisus An- dreanus swathed its shoots in gold and chestnut,- and the yellow Broom brightened the shrubberies with its gleaming yellow. The former appears to come true from seed, as I saw a bush which had been raised from seed and which bore flowers the exact counterpart of those of its parent. Deut- zias, double and single, have been white with flower, and many specimens of Dracana australis have perfected their odorous flower-spikes, one plant about 8 feet in height bearing two large spires of bloom, each nearly 3 feet in length. The Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum) bore its ver- milion (lower-clusters well into the month of .June, and Escallonia macrantha and E. Phillipi ana have been in bloom. The Habrothamnusand Hedysarum coronarium are also flowering, as is the yellow Jasminum revolutum, which in some gardens is grown in bush form. The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) carries its clusters of cupped blossoms, white, with the faintest tinge of pink, and the old Portugal Laurels have been smothered in the profusion of their ivory-white bloom-spikes, whose heavy odour is somewhat oppressive on breathless days. The Tulip Trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) have borne their daintily- tinted blossoms of fawn, yellow and green, but no white chalice has as yet expanded on the great standard Magnolia grandiflora. Last year the first blossom opened on May 10, and the two preceding years on .June 21 and June lo respectively, though in 1S9.3, after the severe frost, the early buds were all killed back, and it was September 21 before the first flower opened its petals. Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius has bloomed most lavishly, every branchlet being hidden beneath a layer of minute tightly-packed flowers that are exceedingly fra- grant. The blossoms last a long while on the 38 THE GAEDEK [JuLi 15, 1899. shrub, and sprays if cut and dried retain the flowers throughout the winter. Of the Daisy bushes, Olearia stellulata and O. Gunni are thickly set with their white star flowers, while the Syringas have commenced their odorous blossoming, and on moonlit nights stand wraith- like in their shimmering apparel by the side of winding garden ways. Philadelphus spe- ciosus, which bears a flower of snowy whiteness over 2 inches in diameter, is the most effective of all the Syringas, but the charming P. mexicanus with its small, cupped blossoms is a particularly choice shrub. P. grandiflorus, P. hirsutus, P. Gordonianus, and P. microphyllus have been in bloom amongst other varieties. The New Zea- land Flaxes (Phormium), both the type and the variegated form, have sent up their towering dark red flower-stems, and great bushes of the Jerusalem Safe (Phlomis fruticosa) are bearing their yellow flowers on the cliff-edges. Many specimens of the hardy Palms, Cham;i'rops For- tunei and C. humilis, are producing their large bloom-clusters, now bright yellow in colour. In the opening week of June Paulownia imperialis still retained its lilac-blue flower-spikes, and the Fuchsia-flowered Currant (Ribes speciosum) and the Golden Currant (R. auraum) were bright with their blooms of vivid crimson and yellow, while many Rhododendrons made gorgeous pictures. The False Acacias (Robinia) bore their drooping bloom-tassels of white or pink, and appeared to the best advantage when backed by Copper Beeches. Rubus palnoatus, the so-called Straw- berry-Raspberry, can scarcely be termed a shruli since it is practically herbaceous, but, though dwarf, it is distinctly decorative, its deeply pin- nate leafage and large white, Blackberry-like flowers rendering it decidedly ornamental. I ireat bushes of Solanum crispum bore clusters of mauve, yellow-centred blooms. Styrax japonica has flowered, and many of the shrubby Spir:i-'is perfected their inflorescence, amongst the most noteworthy being S. flagelliformis, S. boUa, and S. BumaHa. Guelder Roses were white with nodding flower-heads, the .Japanese Guelder Rose (Viburnum plicatum) being of remarkable beauty and purity, and the bush Honeysuckles (Weigela) in their many varieties have also added much to the interest of the garden, the pure white form and the dark maroon Eva Rathke being particu- larly noteworthy. S. W. F. Torquay. THE TWO ELMS. There are more than two species of Elm, but the two species generallv recognised as timber trees in this country are Ulmus campestris, or common English Elm, and Ulmus montana, Wych or Scotch Elm, and some confusion apnears to exist about these. Professor Marshall Ward says that U. montana " is diflicult to distinguish '' from U. campestris : whereas it is certain that the two varieties generally grown as timber trees and dis- tributed by nurserymen are so thoroughly distinct in habit, foliage and general appearance, that they can be distinguished at a glance near or at a distance. Ulmus montana is described by the writer on trees in the "Encyclopaedia Britan- nica " — where one expects correctness of descrip- tion— as a tree usually attaining a height of 50 feet, but reaching I'iO feet when drawn up among tall trees, a fact that speaks volumes for density, but both statements are off' the mark, as the tree when full grown considerably exceeds 50 feet anywhere, and does not often attain 120 feet under the most favourable circumstances. The descrip- tion of the general habit of U. campestris in the Encyclopadia applies to U. montana more than to U. campestris. Brown asserts that U. montana is not much cultivated in England, U. campestris being preferred ; whereas it is grown far more extensively in woods and parks in Eng- land than the other, its timber being preferred, being tougher and more useful for many purposes than that of the English Elm. In these respects the qualities of the two treps are very marked. The timber of the English Elm is hard and close grained, and is u;eful where these qualities are needed, but at all ages it is brittle compared to the Scotch Elm. If even the one or two-year-old twigs of the two are bent by the fingers, this dif- ference of texture will be seen. From growth to old age the English Elm has a stiff and rather stumpy appearance, and it sheds its leaves a fort- night later than the other. In some old avenues that I am acquainted with the two varieties are mixed, and the difference between the two is seen. The Scotch Elm grows as tall as the English Elm, but has longer, wide-spreading limbs, cleaner furrowed bark, and a partly weeping habit at the extremities of its branches, qualitioa which render it one of the finest of park trees. Some of the tallest and finest examples to be seen grow in the New Forest in the parks near Beau- lieu. The Dutch or Sand Elm is a large growing tree, said to be like the Scotch Elm, but the Elm one sees growing commonly in Dutch pastures is the English Elm, U. campest-ris. In Yorkshire the English Elm is called the Dutch Elm by timber merchants, and the Scotch Elm is re- garded as the English Elm. Buyers are very particular in distinguishing between the two, as the one cannot be substituted for the other for many purposes, and the Scotch Elm is generally preferred. In plantation culture this variety produces a tall, clean stem, which in fifty or sixty years reaches a useful size, fetching about Is. per cubic foot ; very large butts fetch more. The Elm grows in a great variety of soils, poor and rich, its rapid growth depending more upon shelter than upon the quality of the soil ; hence the tallest and cleanest trees are usually found in the densest part of the wood. Near here the Elm and a variety of forest trees are thriving on the " pit hills," which were planted about forty years ago, these hills, as they are called, being the huge mounds of blue shale from the coal pits, and got out in working the coal. Cattle are very fond of the young shoots and leaves of the Elm, and park trees are regularly cropped by cattle and horses as high up as they can reach. I noticed in some parts of the forest regions of Germany, where the cows are fed in the bouse more than in the field, that the women field hands who passed my window in the evenings often carried back- loads of leaves and twigs of the Elm and other trees for their cows to eat, and which, 1 was told, formed a considerable part of their food. In (ierman forestry works, trees the foliage of which provide good fodder for cattle are noted ; hence probably the reason why the value of trees in that respect is better understood on the Continent than in this country. The Elm not being one of the most extensively grown timber trees, diseases that attack it do not attract notice so much, yet it is one of the trees that suffers severely from the attacks of two beetles — Seolytus destructor and Hylesinus vittatus— one of which attacks the top branches of the tree and works downwards. In setting out a fall of timber in a mixed wood last year, hardly an Elm was free from signs of this pest, while numbers were dead, or so far gone that they had to come down. The district was, h iwever, smoky and unsuitable for trees, which perhaps promoted the ravages of the pest. —J. S., in Field. the standard petal being nearly 1 inch across. The whole raceme is very like a small one of R. hispida, but this is a shrub only, whilst R. neo- mexicana is a tree. The species is a decided acquisition, and although it comes from such Stiites as Colorado and Arizona, besides New Mexico (from which it takes its name), it is per- fectly hardy. It is the only species of Robinia found on the western side of North America. First discovered by Dr. Thurber in 1S51, it did not reach cultivation on the eastern side of the United States till 1.SS2, and five years later was sent to Kew. — W. J. B. XOTES & Q UESTIONS.— TREES & SHR UBS. Syringa Emodi.— It is a pity this Lilac is not , more frequently se?ii. It has many good points to recommead it, not the least beiag its large heads of white flowers standing erect and its late flowering. It is blooming grandly, and makiuj a fine show now (at the end of June) with me. Whei this and the late-blooming Laburnum are placed somewhat clo?e together they harmonise and give a piece of tine colour, — J. Crook. Ganlsta cinerea. — This is a decidedly attrac- tive member of the Broom family that produces its rich yellow blossoms about the end of June. It is of upright growth, reaches a height of 4 feet to 5 feet, and does not flower till many of the Brooms are over. This Genista is a native of South-western Europe, but is not much known in this country. Like most of its immediate allies, it is less affected by drought than many other shrubs. — T, Spiraea braeteati. — This Japanese species of Spinea merits a place among the more desirable of the shrubby kinds, as it is free in growth, flowers pro- fusely, and as a rule seems to be proof ag.iinst spring fr.>st3, which, at least in tlie case of some, play havoc with the future display of bloom. It forms a bold- growing bush 5 feet to fi feet high, that during the flowering period is thickly studded with rounded clusters of white blossoms. Like the o^her members of the genus, a fairly moist soil is es-ential to its well- doing.— T. Deutzia discolor purpurascens. — I was greatly interested in the n ite by W. J. Bein (p. 422, June 17) on the above Deutzia, and was delighted to find he could b?stow such praise upon it as growing at Kew. I had formed a very favourable opinion or it from small plants growing here, for they bloom freely, the colour is charming, and it is apparently a good grower. The specimens are too small to enable me to form a definite opinion upon its merits as an all-round hardy shrub, but I am pleased Mr. Bean is in a posi- tion to do so. — J. RoisERTS, The Gj,rdens, Tan-v- bidch, N. Wales. Eaeallonia langleyensis.— This pretty and interesting Escallonia was recently shown in good condition at the Di'ill Hall. It is of hybrid origin, the parents being E. macrantha with pink blossoms, and K. Philippiana, whose tiny white flowers are borne in the greatest profusion. In tliia hybrid the flowers more nearly resemble those of E. Pnilippiana, but they are of a pleasing shade of pink. It is a decided acquisition to this pretty class of flowering shrubs, and one that will doubtless in time become popular. This is the second Escallonia of hybrid origin that we have had within recent years, E. exoniensis being the other.— H. P. Robinia neo-mexicana. — The Robinias (or Acacias, as they are commonly called) are flower- ing better this year than they h.ave done for some time, this being due no doubt to the prolonged hot, dry weather of the autumn of last year. This New Mexican species, which is a plant of comparatively recent introduction, is certainly flowering better than it has done hitherto in this country. A small tree about 15 feet high in the collection of Leguminosiu at Kew is bearing a large number of racemes, and is distinct enough to be recognised among all the other Robinias at a considerable dista- ce. The flowers are cf a pretty rose colour, deeper in shade than those of any rorm of the common species (R. Pseudacacia) ; in- deed, of almost as fine a rose colour as that of the flowers of R. hispida (the Rose Acacia). They appear in pendent racemes about G inches long The single flower is larger than in R. Pseudacacia, Bulbous plants at the Temple show. — In addition to the Lilies, Irises and Tulips, various other bulbous plants were represented. Many of the Mariposa Lilies (Galochorti) were shown in bloom, amongst which were C. Purdyi, C. roseus, 0. Benthami, C. pulchellus, C. amcunus, C. citrinus, and C. venustus oculatus, this last being the only one of the larger- flowered section in bloom the date being a full three weeks too early for the handsomest of the Galochorti to be at their best. A good collection of spikes of Ixias was shown, the most charming of which was the sea green and purple I. viridiflora. Of Sparaxis, Fire King was particularly brilliantly coloured. BrodiiCiS and Tritonias were also exhibited, and of the early Gladioli, the exquisitely tinted Blushing Bride and delicatissima were very charming, as was Salmon Queen, while the brightly coloured insignis was particularly July 15, 1899.] THE GARDEN 39 attractive. It is a pity that these beautiful flowers are not more generally grown in gardens where (iladiolus The Bride flourishes and increases year by year, and there are not a few such gardens in the south-west, since there seems to be no reason why, under similar conditions, these other early forms should not succeed equally well. The Quamash was represented by Camassia esculenta, C Cusicki and C. Leichblini alba. These hand- some bulbous plants are too rarely seen in gardens. Ornithogalum arabicum was shown in tine bloom, and Fritillaria pyrenaicaand Trillium stylosum were also to be seen in flower. — S. W. F. Flower Garden. ASTER STRACHEYI. This, it may be said, is one of the dwarfest of this great genus. It i.s, however, a good distinct early-flowering species from the Western Himalayas, and by reason of its earliness alone may be of some service to the hybridist if associated with the other early- flowering alpine kinds. The plant usually flowers in ISIay or early June, and is therefore in touch with A. alpinus and its varieties, as also the Xorth American A. pelegrinus that blooms at much the same period. A. Stracheyi is a comparatively recent introduction, having been known in cultivation a dozen years or so. The plant, little more than 6 inches or 8 inches high, bears flower-headsof a pale lilac-blue shade, each about 1^ inches across. In habit of growth the species is less vigorous than A. alpinus vars., with obovate leaves from the radical portion, those on the creeping stems or stolons, so clearly shown in the accompanying illustration, being much smaller. This pretty species is wortliy of good cultivation in the rock garden ; indeed, if at all neglected would soon present a poor appearance by reason of its small size. In rich and gritty lotun this little .species spreads out more ijuickly than when grown in pots where but a limited supply of soil exists, and smallness of stature should not be taken to mean a small amount of soil to grow in particu- larly with these high mountain plants. The flower-heads in the illustration are apparently of larger size than I have seen in this species, but which I accept as the outcome of good culture and suitable environment. Indeed, good culture often brings out characters in size and colour in such things that by ordinai-y methods are too frequently kept in abeyance. E.J. Clematises. — Many a garden archway and pergola are now beautified by the large pale stars of the earlier-flowering Clematises. Of these, Lawsoniana, pale mauve : Gloire de St. Julien, white, shaded mauve ; Anderson-Henryi, white, with dark stamens, and Excelsior, deep mauve, are amongst the handsomest, some of them under liberal cultivation producing flowers almost a foot in diameter. The hybrids of Clematis coccinea, ranging in colour from pale flesh to deep rose, are also pretty with their bell-shaped contour, Duchess of York, Grace Darling and Ciuntess of Onslow being especially attractive. The alpine Clematis (Atragene alpina), with its gracefully fashioned blue and white half-opened stars, has a charming effect when seen festooning an old trunk or clambering over rockwork. There is also a totally white form of this latter plant. — S. W. F. Lilies and Irises at the Temple.— A fair number of Lilies was exhibited in bloom at the Temple show, amongst these being the beautiful L. Szovitzianum. L. Hansoni and its two hy- brids, L. Dalhansoni and L. ilarhan, were pre- sent, as were the bull' L. excelsum or testaceum, the yellow evil-smelling L. pyrenaicum, numerous varieties of L. umbellatumand L. Thunbergianum of various shades of orange-red, L. Martagon album and L. longiflorum giganteum, but of L. rubellum only one or two puny plants were shown, specimens in no way comparable to those exhibited in 1898. It is to be honed that this does not mean that this beautiful Lily does not possess the hardy constitution attributed to it when it was first distributed, but I have known cases where it has failed to appear above the ground this year. Another plant that in 1898 was exhibited at the same stand where the fine specimens of Lilium rubellum referred to were shown was conspicuous by its absence ; this was Watsonia iridiflora, whose tall white flower-spikes were so effective last year. Of Irises there were good collections of the German Flags and the Spanish sections, while I. Korolkowi, I. K. vio- lacea, I. K. Lsichtlini, I. susiana, I. lupina, I. Leichtlini, I. missouriensis, I. Tolmieiana, I. vir- ginica and forms of I. sibirica were shown. — S. W. F. ROCK AND DWARF PLANTS AT THE TEMPLE. Amongst the collections of plants for the rock garden the following were noticeable : Achillea argentea, A. mongolica with its tall scapes of white flowers, Adonis vernalis with its yellow blooms and Fennel-like foliage, and Antennaria dioica rosea with its bright pink corymbs of flower. Anthericum liliastrum maximum bore its white blooms. Antirrhinum asarinum and An- thyllis atrorubens were flowering, and Arenaria Aster Stracheyi. montana and A. grandiflora, as well as A. verna, were to be seen bearing their white flowers, and the rare little Asperula hirta was present, as was Aster alpinus. Delphinium nudicaule was con- spicuous with its scarlet blooms, and Dianthus alpinus and Dieljtra formosa were among the collections. The American Cowslips were repre- sented by Dodecatheon elegans, D. Jeffreyanum, D. Meadia, and D. M. album, Edraianthus serpyllt- folius and the white-flowered Epimedium niveum, the orange- bloomed Erigeron aurantiacus, the purple E. Roylei and E. salsuginosus were on view, while of the Gentians, G. verna and G. acaulis displayed their deep blue, and Geum Heldreichi and G. montanum were effectively shown. The Himalayan Gypsophila cerastoides was bearing its white flower-heads, and Haberlea rhodopensis its pale lilac blooms. The white- flowered Helianthemum umbellatum was in evi- dence, and Heuchera sanguinea bore its coral-red bloom-spires, while Hippocrepis comosa revealed its yellow Vetch-like flowers, and the little Hutchinsia alpina was also in bloom. Candy- tufts were represented by Iberis gibraltarica, I. linifolia, I. Little Gem, 1. sempervirens, and I. superba. lonopsidium acaule showed its count- less minute flowers of palest mauve, Linaria hepatic;i;folia and L. origanifolia were in blossom, and of the Flaxes, Linum alpinum wag bearing its blue flowers and L. arboreum its bright yellow blooms. Leiophyllum buxifolium prostratum was shown, as were Lychnis alpina and L. dioica rubra plena, Menziesia polifolia alba, and the yellow-flowered Morisia hypogrea. Onosma tau- ricum was bearing the drooping bells that earned its name of Golden Drop, and Ononis rotundifolia its rose-coloured blooms, while the somewhat in- tractable Ourisia coccinea displayed its vermilion flower-spikes. The delicate little Papaver al- pinum was exhibited. Potentilla rupestris and the yellow P. verna were also present, as well as many of the dwarf Phloxes, of which Vivid was the most striking, while Primula luteola was also shown. Ramondia pyrenaica carried its mauve-blue flowers. Ranunculus monspeliensis showed its blooms of polished gold, and R. pla- tanifolius was also represented. A large pan of Saponaria ocymoides alba covered with white blossoms was a pleasing object. Many Saxifrages were shown, Smilacina (Maianthemum) bifolia was bearing its delicate little white flower-spikes, and Trientalis europtea its white Omphalodes-like blossoms, while Veronica gentianoides taurica and Viola pedata were to be seen in flower. S. W. F. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Veronica Fairfleldi. — This is one of the very dwarf evergreen species from New Zealand, most, if not exclusively, fitted for the rock garden or the company of alpines ; hence its classification with plants as above. There are two specially commendable features about this plant, and they have induced me to make this note. They are (1) early flowers, and (2) plenty of them. Of course, these features are spoken of only in rela- tion to other of the new kinds of the dwarf Veronicas, many of which give a paucity of flowers and some practically none at all, and generally those that do flower are rather late. The present kind has been in bloom with me in Yorkshire since the middle of May, and the flowers are in spikelets from all the axils of the upper leaves, which are small, thick, and glossy. The effect of the little bushes, only 6 inches or 8 inches high, is both pretty and uncommon, and they at once suggest themselves as suitable material for rocky fissures in sunny aspects. Silene pusilla is the name of a plant I wish everybody could see at its best about June, though it begins in April and lasts with a fair show until September. I believe it is a variety or near relative of quadrifida, from which, by those who know that excellent creeper, its habit and masses of starry pure white flowers will in some measure be realised. It is a gem amongst alpines, its herbage scarcely more than Moss-like, and the dainty flowers only 2 inches to 4 inches high. Moreover, it is a reliable plant. Y'ou hardly ever see a gap when it has once been planted carefully. It not only runs slightly, but in spring it breaks back to the centre of the plant again. It also comes from self-sown seed, and it is, I think, by such development more than any- thing else that you may be sure you have it under the right cultural conditions, and that you will not be likely to lose it. I mention this because I know some expert growers of alpine plants have lost it more than once. Give it a moist, flat posi- tion on the rockery, a bit of chalk in the soil, and so much fibrous loam or sand that the surface of the soil can never cake with hot sunshine, and with here and there a boulder on the top to check evaporation, and I cannot think this all-summer bloomer will fail you ; indeed, conditions like these would suit almost all the other alpine Caryo- phyllacea', always supposing that capillary attrac- tion had not been cut off' by faulty building. Gaultheria trichophylla.— I think it is some nine years ago that I introduced this to com- merce, and still, though so very beautiful, one rarely meets with it except in the collections of the most advanced class. Just now the plant, which is but 2 inches or .3 inches high, is covered with its bell-shaped flowers, big for the size of the plants, and which will so soon be succeeded by the big sky-blue berries, which look like small blue eggs resting on the ground among the minute twigs. In the same conditions as G. pro- 40 THE GARDEK [July 15, 1899. cumbens it does fairly well, or with a little more peat it does splendidly. It, however, needs a fairly pure atmosphere, being very hairy in the foliage. I learn this from seeing the plant do so much better in other gardens than my own where they are noD reached by smoke, or at least not Leeds smoke. Besides, we may usefully keep in mind that this Himalayan species has an alpine habitat of UUO feet. Campanula tridentata is lovely when seen in flower, as it is on this first morning of June. The flowers remind one of those of the Platy- codons, and the whole plant of a dwarfed and perennial Campanula Wanneri. Most of the leaves are radical and have long stems. Viola pedata. — No one can see this and its varieties without feeling that its beauty is of the most pronounced kind, but it does not flourish in every garden. I heard it asked the other day by a gentleman who has grown most things in his time in the way of hardy flowers, " Has anyone ever succeeded in making V. pedata flourish and increase in this country ? " Whilst the question fairly indicates the difficulty about the culture, I certainly could answer from experience that the plant could be grown well. It is a bog plant practically ; treat it as such, and get good fresh specimens for a start, not such as have the knobby crowns pulled asunder and then remain some time unplanted, but entire plants with long roots un- torn. The same roots just before planting may be cut off to "2 inches long. The best plants are those established in pots, which may be set out in early summer, when they start freely into growth. Be sure they are clear of greenfly. Gentiana bavarica. — Certainly this is not one of the most difficult of all alpines to grow, nor even the more so of the plants of its own genus. It is all-important, however, to transfer the plants at the right time, which, according to my experience, is late September or early Octo- ber. You need to get the benefltof the autumnal issue of roots. Of course, it is totally difl'erent and much easier if you secure established pot plants ; then a soil made up of humus and sand in a moist and sunny place is all that is needed. The plant is smaller than verna in all its parts except the flowers, which are larger (much longer in the tube) and darker blue, and without the distinct white eye of the flowers of G. verna. It is true that imbricata is commonly met with in collected plants ; it is but a variety of bavarica of L., and often passes under the typical name in commerce. Still, it is a well-marked form in the way that its name indicates. J. Wood. WoodviUe, Kirkstoll. Early Gladiolus Ackermani. — This early- flowering Gladiolus merits more than ordinary praise. The colour may be described as a warm orange-salmon. The main attraction is centred in the blotches upon the three lower petals. Each blotch is composed of pure orange on the outside and the inside commencing with rich lilac shading off to pale pink, a lovely combina- tion of tints. These Gladioli succeed well in warm borders under greenhouses in a mixture of peat and loam, afoerwards mulching them with peat moss litter. By affording frequent waterings in very hot weather a lovely display is assured. The bulbs are best lifted in autumn and replanted in spring, but they will stand an ordinary winter if the beds are well covered with leaf soil. Carnations failing. — Many of my Carnations this spring have been very unhealthy ; the points of the leaves first become yellow, then the whole shoot withers and soon the plant perishes. This has been going on since February. They are grown in a border at the bottom of a hill, which IS rather damp in winter, although well drained, as there is a sunk road immediately below the border. 1 enclose a whole plant and also shoots of others for your inspection, and should be glad if you would inform me of the cause of the un- healthiness, also what I could do to remedy it. We had a cold and wet spring followed in June by a long drought. Up till now Carnations have done very well in this garden, and the border is changed about every two years. — Annie F. Davie. %* Your Carnation shoots duly to hand. In one of the shoots that you send we found symp- toms of wireworm, and we have no doubt this is the cause of your plants failing. The only way to get rid of the enemy is to grow your Carnations in another part of the garden. Into the piece of ground now affected with wireworm it will be well to fork, after the Carnations have been re- moved, a good dressing of gaslime, letting the ground lie fallow for a year, frequently stirring it with a fork or hoeing deeply. You can in the meantime pat thick slices of Carrot on the ends of pointed sticks, burying these 2 inches or .3 inches in the ground and examining them daily. The wireworm will be found feeding on the Carrot slices and can be destroyed. It is not ad- visable to grow Carnations in the same soil for two years in succession. — Ed. NOTES FKOM NEWRY. Several uncommon shrubs and plants have flowered here this season, amongst them Sorbus (Pyrus) thiansbanicus, a most distinct dwarf growing tree. Although my largest specimen is only about 8 feet high, it has ten main stems besides many secondary ones, all of which are ascending. The flowers are borne in terminal, corymbose panicles, and, unlike any other Moun- tain Ash, are bell like and pendulous, so that they a good deal resemble those of Andromeda formosa : it sets its fruits very sparingly. Onosma tauricum album has been very beautiful; the habit, foliage, and flowers are exactly those of 0. tauricum, but the flowers are waxy white. Eriogonum compressum is very distinct. The habit of the plant is very compact, leaves in rosette-like tufts, the creamy white flowers being borne in close capitate heads each '2 inches to ■1\ inches across on stems a foot high. Fendlera rupicola is a near relative of the Philadelphus, with slender, erect shoots, small dark green leaves and handsome white star-like flowers very freely produced. Seedling plants of Iris tenax are growing very well in rather elevated ground and in a relatively dry situation. The peculiarity of this is that imported plants refuse to thrive in such a situation, and usually dwindle away unless they are planted in a swamp. These are flowering freely at two years old, and there is a good deal of variation amongst them, the reddish tinge being in some cases much deeper than in others. Rosa rugosa x R. polyantha, a chance seedling obtained here, is of vigorous habit, my big bush being 10 feet or so across and about 8 feet high ; the pure white flowers are borne in the freest possible way, and the petals, unlike those of any other Rose known to me, have serrated margins. Rosa rugosa x rubiginosa, also a Newry seedling, is of vigorous habit with arching branches, the flowers each about 3 inches across, deep rose in colour and produced in the freest possible way, so as to form close racemes half a yard long. It is also one of the handsomest of fruiting Roses, the fruits being slightly pendulous and of a bright red sealing-wax colour. In Iris ocraurea, a seed- ling from I. aurea, the falls are broad and much shorter than in either of its assumed parents, butter yellow in colour, with a very narrow margin of creamy-white, the standards short and broad and similar in colour to the falls. The scape is 5 feet high. It is a very handsome plant. Enkianthus cernuus ruber is unlike any other member of the genus known to me ; the branches are more or less horizontal, the flowers dull red in colour, pendulous and looking much like bunclies of Red Currants. Enkianthus japonicus has also Howered freely this season ; the blooms are of the purest white, solitary and distributed all over the bush apparently without any order whatever. Delphinium troUiifolium deserves a word of praise apart from its being the first of the species to flower. The habit is distinctly pyra- midal and the colour a very good shade of blue. Amongst many combinations worked out this season, a corner of Lastrea dilataoa filled in with Hedysarum multijugum is now very pretty; indeed, the pinnate loaves of the latter harmonise perfectly whh the Ferns, while the whole topped with the brightly coloured flowers is most satisfying. T. Smith. BORDER FLOWERS AT THE TEMPLE. WiNDFLOWERS Were represented by Anemone alpina and its variety sulphurea, A. palmata alba, A. sylvestris, and A. s. flore-pleno, while the Pasque Flower (A. Pulsatilla) was displayed, bear- ing Its pretty downy seed-heads. Of Aquilegias there was a charming bank of hybrids, with their long-spurred flowers, the very embodiment of grace, as well as the scarlet A. canadensis, A. C'LTulea, and A. Stuarti, perhaps the handsomest of all the Columbines ; but in many gardens, un- fortunately, these three latter refuse to become established. The old double white Rocket (Hesperis matronalis alba plena) was represented by a sheaf of odorous bloom-spikes. This plant is one of the most valuable for the herbaceous border, as its blooming period is a prolonged one and it yields the palm to no flower in the sweet- ness of its perfume. Annual division and trans- plantation into fresh soil are, however, a desidera- tum if its vigour is to be maintained. The pink- flowered Lathyrus Sibthorpi, one of the earliest flowering Peas, was shown, as were spikes of Libertia grandiflora. This is a fine subject in porous soil and a warm locality, where it will grow to a height of 4 feet and increase rapidly, being a most decorative subject when white with blossom. Double varieties of the Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule) were shown, but these are less graceful than their single sisters. Tufted Pansies were largely shown, some of the shades being especially charming. No lovelier surfacing for beds of Tea Roses can be imagined than these Pansies, their soft colouring setting off the fair blossoms of the Roses to the best advantage. Of the Globe Flowers (TroUius), Orange Globe is a splendid variety, being far larger than the type and of particularly deep colour. Verbascus phce- niceum album is also a pleasing border plant. Some towering bloom-spires of Eremurusrobustus Elwesianus and E. himalaicus were staged, as were a few flower-heads of the New Zealand Forget-me-not (Myoaotidium nobile). This plant succeeds best if grown almost entirely in sea sand. Incarvillea Delavayi was shown in a few instances. This beautiful plant has bloomed well in certain gardens in South Devon this sea- son, notwithstanding the cold of the late spring. Fortin's giant Lily of the Valley was on view, as was a fine form named Victoria. Terrestrial Orchids formed an interesting collection and were represented by Cypripedium spectabile, C. parviflorum, C. pubescens, C. Calceolus, C. ma- cranthum, C. acaule, and C. occidentale. A good collection of Bamboos and Japanese Maples was arranged in the open, near which examples of topiary work in the live Yew formed a useful object-lesson of the futility of such in- artistic methods. S. W. F. Propagating Myosotis. — It is surprising the difference there is in the quality of the growth of Forget-me-nots year by year. In some seasons one has no trouble to get as many as one wants of the right sort for propagating, i.e., nice, fresh, young and vigorous shoots that come away freely when planted out. In this case older material has to be used, in consequence of which the growth is late even when they are propagated early, and mildew sets in quite early in the season. In some cases growers have given up the dividing up of plants and rely on seedlings, as these are less likely to be attacked, but I have never found much trouble when the young plants have rooted and taken a good hold early. When they are taken from the beds to make room for summer bedding and allowed to lie about until this is finished, they are bound to be weakened and sure to take mildew badly. Here I choose as open a position as July Lj, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 41 possible for the Mvo^otis, but where a little shade at ^ome time during the day is secured. The plants are put into a piece of ground that has not been newly dug and well watered home at once. There are plenty of plants this season, but I do not like the look ot them so well as last year. when the}' made a very vigorous summer and autumn growth, and were, if anything, too large at planting time. — H. Mimulus Burneti. — Mr. Bobert Lindsay has in hi'i new garden at Kaimes Lodge, Edinburgh, g.athered tjgether a most interesting collection of plants, among which are many rarities. A Mimulus which pleased me much has been named Burneti, in honour of the raiser, I believe. It is a hybrid between M. cupreus and M. luteus. and has a good deil of the colouring and habit of the former with the hardiness of the latter. A truly hardy Mimulus of this nature is a valuable acquisition. At Kaimes Lodge a large pocket in the rockwork was filled with a mass of the deep orange flowers only a few inches above the toil. The garden is at present a good deal exposed, and will be until the sheltering belt of trees and shrubs planted by Mr. Lindsay grows up, but this Mimulus promises to be quite hardy there. The use of M. luteus as one of the parents may be noted as being valuable to some who may think of working upon these plants. — S. Arxott. SOME OF THE NEWER TUFTED PANSIES. By those who have closely followed the develop- ment of this plant during recent years a great change has been noted. If we are to interpret the ideas expressed by many, we ought to be absolutely satisfied with, say, about half a dozen sorts in about as many colours, these generally being represented by white, yellow, blue, purple, and perhaps two others with fancy markings. It is very easy to appreciate a few good self-coloured sorts, but to confine the selection to a limited number would be to lose the charm of a goodly number of those of an intermediate shade of colour. The beauty of a large number of the newer introductions is their soft and pleasing shades. Unfortunately, in the minds of preju- diced individuals these newer and refined shades of colour cannot be appreciated. The colours often are designated as washy and unworthy of a place in the hardy flower garden. Take the dif- ferent shades of blue ; it would be most unwise to confine the selection to one or two sorts repre- sented by such as True Blue and the richer indigo-blue Archie Grant. The pretty blue- tinted mauve of Blue Gown, a perfect bedding plant ; Magnificent, also a paler shade of blue, and Ophelia, a splendid heliotropsblue, used in conjunction with these older kinds would each set off the beauty of the other. Again, take those of a lavender shade, and among these are some extremely beautiful sorts. The habit in almost every instance is what a Tufted Pansy should be— dwarf and spreading. Florizsl may be de- scribed as a pretty lilac-livender, very free on erect stems, and also a continuous flowering sort ; and Kitty Bell, a new sort, makes a capital plant for massing with blossoms of pale lavender. The rose-coloured blossoms are worthy of notice, and as these are a limited quantity, additions of this colour should be highly prized. William Niel has been in cultivation for some time, but to this may now be added an excellent sort by name Magie, of a pretty shade of rose. The flowers are large and freely produced, and the constitution is robust. .John Quarton, a deep mauve self, is a very effective bedding sort. Of yellows, many exceedingly fine sorts have been added to the list ■within the last two or three years. Prior to this there was quite a dearth of really first-clas3 yellow varieties, but now, thanks to persistent work on the part of the hybridiser, the most fastidious taste can easily be satisfied. The finest introduc- tion of the present year among the rich yellow sorts is undoubtedly a variety named Melampus. The flowers are of good size on stout footstalks, and produced on a plant with a perfect habit. It ij a most persistent bloomer, and plants subjected to constant division soon attain a good size and are literally covered with lovely rayless blossoms. There should be a good future for this variety. Early in the season — say until the middle of July — Pembroke is invaluable, and this is the parent of a promising progeny. Stephen is an- other rich yellow flower, useful for an early dis- play. In this instance the flowers are neatly rayed. Of the paler shades we have a beautiful primrose in Primrose Dame, and with its neat orange e3'e this flower is very effective. The blossoms are large, almost circular, and produced on a rather strong-growing plant. Bouncer is a cross between the well knjwn Ardwell Gem and Mary Scott, the flower retaining the sulphur colour of the former. Princess Louipe, the bright yellow raylesa flower, still retains its value as a good tufted sort, and may be noted as specially useful for late displays. Cream-coloured flowers may be had in Devonshire Cream, a remarkably free-flowering plant, having neat, rayless blos- soms of a telling kind, and William Tell, a very large creamy white self with a rich yellow centre. Of white flowers, the prettiest and neatest of this season's introductions is White Beauty. I know of no other plant that has such a pretty creeping- like style of growth. The flowers are produced on fairly long foot-stalks well above the foliage, and the blossoms are of medium size and pure white. The constitution is splendid. Blanche and White Empress, which appear to be synony- mous, are the best of the large cream-white flowers, and are very fine at all times. Master- piece has medium-sized pure white blossoms and rayless. Anne is another rayless pure white. Councillor W. Waters is still a striking crimson- purple, free, robust, and with an excellent habit. I). B. Crane. HERBACEOUS P.EONIES. Great strides are being made in this section of Chinese Pieonies, not only in France, where they have longer been popular than with us, but also in England, where they grow and thrive perhaps equally well on deep, rich, and mode- rately warm soils. Their flowers are .so varied in form and colour and so bold and beautiful as seen growing or as cut in the early opening stage for the house, that the wonder is they are not more grown for cut bloom and for market than is already the case. It would be a good thing if our flower show committees would make a special class for these noble and eflec- tive summer flowers. Cut with fairly long stalks and arranged either singly or three blooms in a vase, very effective groups would result. The following are notes on a few very fine blooms of good, and in some cases new, varie- ties recently sent to me by Messrs. Clibran and Son, of the Oldfield Nurseries, Altrincham, Cheshire, who evidently grow these flowers to perfection and think a good deal of them at this season of the year. Amongst those I specially noted as above the average in beauty, so far as one can judge from cut flowers, were the following : Duke ot York, Albert Crousse, Agnes Mary Kelway, Festiva maxima. Queen's Perfection, and Leonie. The present season has been a most favourable one for these flowers, and 1 never saw them bloom so well or last fresh and fair so long as they have and are now doing. As a rule their buds are apt to suffer from late spring frosts, and the blooms do not open so well during cold, wet seasons, but they are so noble that no eft'orts should be spared in growing them to perfection. Cri.mson Bloo.ms. Duke of York. — Dark crimson, semi-double, central mass of petaloid stamens of a pale orange- yellow colour behind and incurved ; very fine dis- tinct flower. M. Gallaud.— Crimson -purple, double, very rich and full. Crimson Kinc. — Rich dark crimson, fuU- petalled with median ring of golden stamens. Adgfstin' d'Hour. — Very full double, crimson- purple. Rosy Blooms. Emilie Lemoine. — Full half-double, bright deep rose. Dr. Bretonneau. — Duplex or Anemone-like flower, guard petals rich bright rose-cerise, sta- mens petaloid, soft pale rose ; very distinct. DccnscLi.v. — Anemone - like flower, guard petals soft rose, stamens petaloid, pale rose, fading to white, with central tuft of pale rose petals ; distinct. Beadte de Villicante. — Semi-double, soft salmon-pink or rose, with yellow stamens ; deli- cate and distinct flower. Albert Crousse. — Full double, cupped flower, petals soft rose or peach and serrated at the tips ; exquisite bloom. Ai^NES Mary- Kelway". — Anemone, with cen- tral tuft of rosy petals, guard petals lilac-rose with inner whorl of white, petaloid stamens like the florets of a Japanese Chrysanthemum : very distinct and efi'ective flower. Faust.— Similar to the last in form, but paler ; guard petals very pale flesh, petaloid stamens white, tuft of petals in centre rose ; very delicate and effective bloom. Leonie. — This is one of the most superb blooms I have seen ; full double, the broid and rose- like petals gently undulated and rarely slightly fringed. The colour is exquisitely pure, flesh, shading to soft salmon-rose in the centre of the flower, the guard petals shading off nearly to pure white. This variety has also a very delicious Rose perfume. White Blooms. Festiv.a maxima. — Very fine full double, pink in bud, fading to white ; one of the best of its class and very free bloomer, bearing se\eral flowers at top of each stalk. Snowdrift. — A beautiful Anemone-like flower, guard petals white, petaloid stamens white, ovaries dark crimson or chocolate ; very neat and effective flower. Queen's Perfection. — A splendid semi-double bloom, guard petals white, flushed rose, cupped and fringed, petaloid stamens pale primrose or sulphur, with central tuft of white crumpled petals ; fine distinct bloom. F. W. Bureidce. Canterbury Bells. — These are among the most charming hardy plants just now, and from a good strain of seed some exceedingly beautiful forms may be raised. I hive a large number in the centre walk in the kitchen garden, a very fine effect being produced by the immense spikes of variously-coloured blossoms. One is a very beau- tiful shade of pink with fine graceful bells, while some of the whites are exquisite. I destroy all that show any tendency to doubling or the cup- and-saucer style, for in my opinion these are monstrosities not worth perpetuating. — H. Seedling Delphiniums. — It is surprising what an amount of pleasure may be got out of the raising of seedling Delphiniums. I bought a dozen named varieties some four years ago and planted these among seedlings of my own raising, and the result has been very pleasing, many beau- tiful shades of colour appearing among seedlings since raised. I have noticed among the named kinds that the very deep blue kinds are often of weak growth, the paler ones being stronger, but I have one very richly coloured form that is only flowering for the first time, yet produces immense spikes for its size and the habit is very vigorous. — H. R. Planting Pseonies. — Though doubtless the herbaceous Pa-onies dislike being disturbed as much as most things, they would not have the bad name they have if the work of transplanting were carried out carefully and at the proper time. To leave Paonies until February or March, then lift them and expect them to take a fresh hold and flower freely in ilay and June, is asking rather too 42 THE GARDEN. [July 15, 1899. much ; but taken up soon after the flowers are past and before the fohage has entirely died down, they will obtain a good hold and flower well. Nothing is much finer on the herbaceous border than large clumps of these very showy perennials, but it must not be lost sight of that they are strong-feeding plants, and if allowed to remain many years in the same position without thorough manurings in the form of top-dressings annually, they soon impoverish the soil in their locality. Then, of course, division becomes neces- sary, as such large clumps are seldom transplanted whole. This is simple enough, but more care than is usual should be taken not to break or damage the crowns and roots. Plants carefully divided and replanted here early last autumn have flowered well in the new positions. — H. Eremurus himalaicus. — During the last twenty years or more several species of this tall and stately family have been introduced, and the two which have been most prominently brought forward have been E. robustus and E. himalaicus. The former reaches a height of from 8 feet to 10 feet, and the flowers, of a peach colour, are borne in a close spike about 24 feet or 3 feet long. In a lar<;e garden it forms a con- spicuous object, but the foliage is liable to be broken by high winds. E. himalaicus commends itself, I think, to most growers of hardy herba- ceous thintjs. I have had a good spike of it this year, and the flowers are very closely placed to- gether, forming a dense spike; the colour is pure white and the spike about IJ feet in len<_ith. Where a number of plants could be grown toffether they would form a very conspicuous object in the herbaceous jjirden in the month of .June. It seeds freely, and many have been successful in raising plants from seed. — D. Polygonum baldschuanicum. — Judging from the illustration which appeared in The Gar- den of June 24 of the above new introduction and the interesting note accompanying it by " E. J.," it must be a splendid acquisition to our hardy herbaceous climbers and worthy of being exten- sively planted. I am plea«ed to inform "E.J." that it is in commerce, for I had a plant of it from M. Lemoine, and look forward to its proving dis- tinct and eS'ective as it gains in age and strength. It is very commendable of the numerous corre- spondents of The Gardes who have oppor- tunities of seeing new and valuable introductions at Kew and elsewhere to bring them conspicuously to the front for the benefit of those who are less fortunate in that respect, but who, nevertheless, are as keen to possess and grow the good things as they are. I beg to tender my hearty thanks to all for their kindness and great assistance rendered in this way. — J. R. East Lothian Stocks. — These beautiful Stocks are often seen in a very indiS'erent con- dition. Amateurs frequently fail in securing a healthy growth and fine bloom-spikes by giving too poor a root-run. Of course, too much manure is not advisable, this encouraging a rank growth. What the plants like is an open, loamy compost and about a fifth part well-decomposed manure dug in several months previous to planting. I have grown them in the same position year after year, but in that case the old soil should be removed and replaced with new to the depth of a foot or 15 inches. Mulching and watering are often neglected, and the plants when showing flower freely are much benefited by frequent applications of diluted liquid manure. Exhausted blooms should be removed, as if allowed to remain they quickly impoverish the plants and the flowering season is thereby shortened. — N. Iris tingitana. — Observing a note on this Iris by "J. H. P." on page 4.")S, I send a few lines which tend to confirm that note. I have had the plants in my garden for about twenty years, my first bulbs having been collected in Morocco by Mr. G. Maw. It is a most tantalising plant, flourishing and multiplying quickly, with bulbs as large as those of Iris xiphioides, but I have never had a flower on it either in a frame or under a south wall. I have seen it blooming in April in Mr. Ewbank's garden at Ryde, and Professor Michael Foster has told me that it will flower at Shelford potted in a frame. A few years ago I sent a parcel of fine bulbs of it to be grown in the garden of my cousin near Bayonne, which is on a hillside facing due south and is a regular Dutch oven. There it thrives under a sunny wall even more than in my garden, but not more than one bulb in twenty flowers, so I must confess my- self quite at a loss to know what its requirements are. It may perhaps like confinement at the root. I know that to be the case with Iris fili- folia, another of the Xiphium section, which grows in the sunny crevices of the rock at Gibraltar, and which I have persuaded to flower with me once or twice by giving it as far as I can its natural conditions. 1 think perhaps the crevices of a sunny rockery or potting in a small pot and burying the pot under a south wall might Pea Michaelmas. From a plwtograph sent by Mr. Wythes, Syon House, Brentford. be successful in warm situations, but this is only conjecture, as I have never proved it. — C. WoLLEY-DoD, Ed(je Ha'l, Mnlpns. Sempervivums at Rockville, Edinburgh. — Those who have a few Sempervivums and have taken an interest in the plants cannot fail to have observed how uncertain is the nomenclature of the genus. Even if it could be reduced by an expert, or a body of such authorities, into some thing like order, it would only remain settled for a short time even if generally accepted, whicli is hardly likely. We must thus, I imagine, just rub along with the names as they are. Yet it is useful to see a large, carefully named collection. Such shows us little differences, perhaps un- observable unless the plants are near each other. yet noticeable when grown together. At Rock- ville, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, Mr. Neill-Fraser has a large and most interesting collection of these Houseleeks. Apart from the flowers, which give a considerable range of colour or shade, the rosettes of foliage are exceedingly attractive in their own way. There are various shades of green, from pale yellowish green to a deep glaucous green, with brown and purple-coloured leaves. Then there are distinctions arising from the absence or presence of tomentum, such as is so plainly seen in the Cobweb Houseleeks. Some are hairy, while others, much alike to look at, are on examination found to be quite pubescent. There are, in fact, many little distinctions which add to the interest of a large collection. Apart altogether from small differences in appearance, dear to collectors, these Houseleeks are beautiful, and are not enough made use of to decorate our walls, roofs, rock gardens, and borders. — S. Arn'ott. Garden Flora. PLATE 1231. CYMBIDIUM TRACEYANUM. (with a coloured plate.*) This remarkable Cymbidium first flowered in the nursery of Mr. H. A. Tracey, of Twicken- ham, quite unexpectedly in December, 1890, and when exhibited at a meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society received a first-class cer- tificate. A few days later the plant was put up for sale, when it was purchased on behalf of Baron Schrceder for 7.5 guineas. The plant remained the only known specimen until the end of 1894, when a second plant was ofl'ered for sale, this plant having flowered in Mr. Prewett's nursery at Hammersmith. 8ince that time it has appeared in several collections throughout the country. The flowers of none of the later introductions, however, can be compared in point of size with those of the original plant in The Dell collection . The habitat of the plant has always remained mysterious, and no definite particulars, except that the later-flowered plants came from Upper Burmah, have as yet been recorded. The original plant was purchased at a sale of C. Lowianum by Mr. Tracey. All the other plants purchased at the same time proved to be C. Lowianum. The plants, which afterwards flowered in Mr. Prewett's nursery, were pur- chased from an importation, and were supposed , to be G. giganteum ; several turned out to be C. Lowianum, and there were also several C. Traceyanum. This would lead one to suppose that there is a possibility of these varieties growing close to each other. The plants that have recently flowered in continental collections were imported for and grown as C. grandi- florum (Hookerianum), but on flowering proved their identity with C. Traceyanum. The characteristics of the last-named are so inter- mediate between C. grandiflorum and C. gigan- teum, that there would be good grounds for thinking it possible to be a natural hybrid between these species were it known J^ey grew together. The number of plants that now exist indicates pretty clearly that it must b^fairly plentiful in its native habitat. One of the most distinguishing features of G. Traceyanum is its peculiar root action ; tdfe whole surface of the pot quickly beoonitfs covered with erect rootlets, which project above the soil some 3 inches. Although it is some- times seen in C. giganteum, I have never met with it to anything like the same extent as in * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in Messrs. Sander's nursery at St. Allans. Litho- graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. Ut: 15 ;L;99 July 15, 1899.] THE GARDEN J" 43 C. Traceyanum. The habit of growth can scarcely be distinguished from that of C. giganteura. The tiowers are produced on racemes 3 feet to 5 feet in length, each Hower from 4 inches to (! inches across. There is no need to describe the flowers, the colours of the typical form being well shown in the plate to- day. It is a most distinct and desirable variety and worthy of a place in every collection. Its cultural requirements are easily supplied, as it possesses a robust and vigorous constitu- tion. I find it does well in a light position in the cool intermediate house, where the tempe- rature at night during the winter months is maintained at 5.j°. Miltonia vexillaria is grown in the same house. It requires a liberal amount of water at the roots during the growing season and until the tiower-spikes have been removed, when drier conditions are maintained, only sufficient moisture being given to prevent shrivelling of the bulbs and foliage during the resting period. The potting is done when root- action is commencing, the material used con- sisting of good fibrous peat, a little loam, and Sphagnum Moss, to which is added a liberal sprinkling of finely broken crocks or rough sand. The pots should be filled to one-half their depth with clean broken crocks, and every precaution should be taken to ensure free drainage. It may be increased by division of the bulbs. The back bulbs, especially of fresh imported plants, break freely, and they make good progress with careful treatment. The pots used for the potting up of back bulbs should not be too large, and they should also be carefully drained. I noted the variety C. T. grandiflorum when exhibited at one of the Drill Hall meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. I could not then discern sufficient distinction to merit such a, descriptive name, for there are varieties much superior in colour and larger in flower than the one then exhibited or that represented in the coloured plate under the above name. H. J. C. Kitchen Garden. LATE PEAS. In such seasons as we have just passed through late Peas will be specially welcome. At one time the tall varieties of the British Queen and Ne Plus Ultra type were principally grown for August and September supplies. We now have a much better selection of varie- ties, and the dwarfer kinds I find more reliable. Most growers will admit it is a difficult matter to beat the well-known Ne Plus Ultra. Some attention has been paid to this variety by raisers in the way of getting a l^-feet variety with equal quality and no loss of pods. Few vegetables have been given so much attention of late years as Peas, with the result that we now have an unlimited selection and some ex- cellent kinds. The varieties illustrated— the Michaelmas and Syon House— are very late kinds. Syon House was raised by crossing Ne Plus Ultra with the well-known Stratagem. We have by so doing a 3i-feet high variety with the free podding and good qualities of both parents. In the Michaelmas Pea we have somewhat similar colour, quality, and crop, but this is even dwarfer than Syon House, being a 2^-feet variety and having a much thicker growth than the older Ne Pius Ultra. This is well named, as in a good holding soil there is no difficulty whatever in having it in quantity at the end of September ; indeed, much later if the weather is open. I place much import- ance on a free grower with ample strength in the haulm, as such kinds, I find, are better able to resist drought and are less subject to the attacks of mildew than the weaker grower.s. The nearest approach as regards (juality to Ne Plus Ultra is Late (^lueen. I do not know the parentage of this variety, but it is of vigorous ! growth and noted for its specially good flavour. | This very much resembles Syon House in height, growth and crop and is equally late. , Last year I saw this Pea in the north good well into October. Late Queen is more valuable on account of its freedom from mildew, which is so fatal to many of the late Peas. In a measure much depends upon the soil and climatic in- fluences. When I lived in a midland county Pea Syo7i House. Irom a photograph sent by Mr. a. Wythes. my best all-round summer and early autumn Pea was Veitch's Perfection. Here in a hot, shallow soil resting on gravel it is not at all good. I find those kinds with a sturdy habit and strong haulm are the best. A month ago I covered the soil between the rows of succes- sion Peas with several inches of rotten cow manure, this being done to retain moisture. For September or August supplies so far I have never failed with Autocrat. I am aware there are later kinds, but few superior as regards quality and cropping. This, like those noted above, stands drought well, and, what is so important to the grower, it gives a sucoes- sional crop, as whilst one lot of pods is per- fecting its growth, others are forming. For some years I grew Sturdy as my latest variety. It has the true Ne Plus Ultra flavour, but lacks the robust growth of the kinds noted above. In a heavy or cool soil it is very good, but in a lighter one it is less reliable. For very late crops many growers depend upon the first earlies sown in June or the early part of July, but I find it best to grow the kinds that are less subject to mildew. Even then success is not always assured, as germination is faulty unless special culture is given. In some localities a great deal depends upon the time of sowing, a few days too late making a great difi'erence in the growth. INIuch more room can be given these late crops, not so much between the rows as in the row, as if thick sowings are necessary it will be well to thin afterwards to get a strong plant. The soil must be taken into account, as if at all heavy it is well to give more space to allow the sun to reach the plant at the time the pods are tilling. Those who have poor, thin soils have a great difficulty in growing late Peas, and to do so entails much labour and the returns are not always reliable, no matter what variety is grown, as should a wet autumn follow a dry, hot summer, mildew is rampant, more so with some of the tall well-known kinds so often advised for late supplies ; indeed, mildew is such a plague to growers, I would strongly advise using a mildew specific or a sulphur solu- tion as soon as the pest is noticed, as this will arrest its course and save the crop. I find the dwarf growers more reliable and worth special culture, as often if the plants are tided over August there is no further trouble and growth continues till late in the autumn. There are failures. Even this July I have ex- perienced much difficulty in getting the seed to germinate freely. New seed germinates much better than old, and there must be no lack of moisture during growth to get the best results. — G. Wythes. By late crops I do not mean those of the Ne Plus Ultra and British Queen type, which are sown say from the second to the last week in June, according to locality, for a supply through September, but those of the dwarf type which are sown in July for a chance crop during October and until frost cuts them down. This batch requires good management, or fair results cannot be expected. A south or south-west border suits best and the soil should be in good heart, though it is a mistake to dig in very rich manure imme- diately previous to sowing. If the border was well enriched early in the year and has since been cropped with Lettuce or other non-impoverishing subjects, all that will be needed is to turn it up a spit deep, give a sprinkling of some approved fertiliser, tread firmly, and draw out the drills, or where ground is limited, take out the soil the width of the spade and 4 inches or 5 inches deep, sowing the seed thinly and evenly. This will allow of abundance of haulm without overcrowd- ing. As to varieties, I think Chelsea Gem and William Hurst two good ones, .3 feet between the rows being a suitable space. If the ground is in the least dry, the best way is to water well with rosed pots a couple of days before sowing ; no more attention will then be needed till growth is sufficiently advanced for staking. At this time a good mulch on each side of the rows must be given, anything in the shape of short manure or old Mushroom manure sufficing to conserve root moisture. If the autumn is dry, fortnightly soakings with liquid manure will be needed, especially on light, well-drained borders. Spar- rows also must be watched for, as autumn Peas sometimes fall victims to their ravages. It is always wise to sow two, or even three, varieties where space permits, as if one fails, another may succeed. — Norfolk. Potato Famous. — Last year this Potato out- distanced all others grown here in point of earli- ness, and the same thing has happened again 44 THE GARDEN. [July 15, 1899. this season. As it proved to be such an extra early kind, I had a good quantity of tubers saved for planting, and accordingly bad a long length of border planted with it the first week in February. Where it will succeed there is no question as to its being a valuable kind for supplying very early tubers, and I am glad I bought it in when I did, as 1 have not seen it offered for sale since. So long as it continues to give such satisfactory results this Potato will be planted for affording the earliest supply here. — A. W., Stoke Edith. Pea Prodigy. — Having grown this Pea for the first time this season, I am now in a position to speak of its merits as I find it here. The seed was sown on March 20 and the pods are now ready for gathering (.July -1). It is a vigorous and rather tall-growing Pea, the haulm being from 5 feet to 6 feet in height, pale or light green in colour and plentifully clothed with long straight pods, which are well filled with from nine to ten Peas in each. In general appearance Prodigy much resembles that fine Pea Boston Unrivalled, only the pods are of a slightly darker colour and perhaps more blunt at the points. A sowing of the latter was made on the same date as Prodigy, but the latter was ready quite five days earlier. It is a remarkably fine green wrinkled Marrow and worthy of extended cultivation where sticks can be had. — A. W. Pea Dickson's Fertility. — This I have tried this year, with the result that it will be grown again another season. It has not turned out quite so early as I expected, for although sown on March S, the same time that the first sowing of Boston Unrivalled was made, the latter was ready for gathering quite ton days in advance. In spite of this apparent drawback it is a splendid Pea of the green Marrow type, and is very pro- lific. The pods, which are deep green in colour, are long and well tilled, the Peas of excellent flavour when cooked. The haulm is dwarf and distinct in appearance. The pods, which are produced in pairs and very plentifully, too, con- tain from nine to ten Peas each. Altogether it is a decided actiuisition and well merits the award given by the committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society at the Chiswick trials. — A. W. Early Peas. — In consequence of the wave of very hot weather that set in about the middle of last month, early Peas came in with a rush, and afforded but little or no opportunity for forming an opinion regarding the dates as to when each kind arrived at maturity. Among the five fol- lowing kinds. Selected Early, First and Best, Harbinger, Earliest Marrow, and May Queen, the last had the advantage by about two days, but whether the result would have been the same had normal weather prevailed it is hard to say. Under the circumstances the present season's results cannot be taken as a fair criterion for the reasons already stated, and I hope next season to again put the matter to the test, and make the trial a more extended one by growing several other reputedly early sorts in addition to those already named. I find May t^>ueen a medium grower, a good cropper, and altogether an excel- lent kind for first sowing. — S. E. P. Thrips on Peas For some years past the Peas sown in my gardens have been greatly troubled by a small black parasite, the proper name of which I believe is thrips. I have two gardens a quarter of a mile apart, and this pe^t appears in both. From other gardens close by it is absent. Can you help me in the matter by telling me— 1, the best remedy for it when it apoears ; 2, how to prevent it ? — T. Neighboor. *^" In some gardens the Pea crop seems pecu- liarly liable to the attacks of thrips as described by Mr. Neighbour, and the attack is generally worse when there are a few weeks of dry weather about the time when the flowers are opening. Some years ago I was for two or three seasons greatly troubled in the same way, and though I cannot claim to have found any sovereign remedy, the experience of those seasons enabled me to batfle the insects to a certain extent and to obtain good crops. Mr. Neighbour asks for a remedy and a preventive. The first I found in very fre- quent dustings of soot and wood ashes all over the foliage and flowers. These dustings were applied from the time the first blooms showed until flowering was quite over. The soot was the active portion of the mixture, the wood ashes being added to cool its burning nature, and would not be necessary if soot over two years old could be obtained. The above is both a remedy and a preventive if applied early enough, as the insects which haunt most of all the tiowers and the young pods just as they are forming appear to dislike the soot immensely and would not attack any plants so dressed. Other means which appeared to have a strong bearing on the freedom from insects were, first, heavily mulching the rows with rotten manure, so that the haulm was kept growing quickly and did not suffer from drought, and secondly, choosing for the main-crop those varieties which run tall, for the worst attack of thrips was always found on dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties that were short-jointed and large-leaved naturally. — T. PLANTING BROCCOLI. Those who have a light, thin soil will find it ditficult to get out the Broccoli plants where double cropping is practised, and I fear there are but few who have ample ground at command to get out their crops at the right moment. Last season many growers were in a difficult position Offing to the heat, drought and condition of the soil at planting time, and I fear many suffered by the poorness of the crop in the spring in conse- quence. When in the midlands I always planted my midseason and late Broccoli in an open field, the soil being very heavy and of good depth. I have never had such fine crops since. There can be no t[uestion whatever but that Broccoli does far best in heavy land. I am aware the growth, say from August to October, is not so strong, but that is of little consequence, as a sturdy plant will tide over our variable winters much better than a gross one, and the latter in many cases I have found does not always produce heads in propor- tion to the plants. By having a short-leaved sturdy plant there is a much better head, and I advise those who can give this plant the position named to do so. Good Broccoli no doubt can be grown on light land, but much better results follow planting on a holding soil. I admit growth in a light soil is more rapid, but this in the case of vegetables for many months on the land is not advantageous, as a soft, rank growth does not mean quality. I have referred to field culture, and am aware that many growers cannot adopt this plan, but it is patent to everyone that if the fine breadths of Broccoli that supply the large markets daring April and May depended upon garden culture alone, the supply would be small indeed. I find the quality of these hardy grown Broccoli is often superior to that of those in rich or light garden soils, the curd being closer, whiter, and much firmer. There is no need to dig previous to planting. I get the worst results from land that has been recently turned up, as the plants fail to make that sturdy growth that enables them to stand the winter. It is an excellent plan where land is available to reserve several quarters for this crop, as it will be found that those on the most exposed portion will often give a crop whilst others fail. My only Broccoli saved out of a great number during the severe frost a few winters ago was some plants on a north border. Plants in a more favourable position were killed. I advise plenty of manure for the previous crop, and if the latter is not long on the land it will be in condition for the Broccoli. In my case the late Broccoli follows the early Strawberries. Drills are drawn and the Broccoli plants got in as early in July as possible. The ground being very hard, drills are useful to hold moisture. The seedlings suffer badly in a crowded seed-bed, and it is far better even at this late period to prick out into rows till the quarters are at liberty. This will prevent the seedlings drawing and give a much better plant, as if lifted with a fork there is plenty of roots. A dwarf, sturdy plant is a great gain, especially in a light soil. Plants treated thus will not need the heeling over in winter to protect the stems, as they will be much dwarfer, stronger, and less susceptible to injury, and well moulding up the stems will be sutficient. G. Wythbs. Lettuce Continuity. — In spite of the bad character given to this Lettuce by "J. R." it is still a favourite with me, and I have not yet found any one of the Cabbage section more useful. The season of 1898 was in the south a disastrous one for Lettuce, and yet I was never without a good supply ; and when I say that I relied almost entirely on Continuity, I think it will be acreed that this is sutiicient reason for saying a good word for it. By commencing early and planting in succession I was never short of Lettuce in spite of the drought ; not a single plant ran to seed and only a few rotted, and this I attribute to being left too long before cutting. Instead of being soft and spongy, I found them hard and crisp, with excellent hearts ; whereas most of the Cos section were a failure and other Cabbage varieties bolted wholesale. — H. H. Peas on early borders. — The note by " H." (p. 387) on the above subject is to the point. I know the ditficulty of having to grow the earliest batches of Peas on the same borders year after year, and that, too, in a warm, shallow soil. Often the haulm will look well enough until the bloom appears and a spell of hot weather sets in. This soon tells a tale unless good mulchings and waterings are resorted to. I have found, how- ever, that occasionally — say every three years— the border is better for replenishing by the addi- tion of fresh compost. Any spare loamy soil of a mixed character, also burnt garden refuse, answers the purpose. The best way to mix it evenly is to take out an opening at one end of the border and throw the soil forward, working in the new material as the work proceeds. Mulchings and manurial waterings may then be given as well. I have sometimes taken out trenches a spit deep on early Pea borders, filling them in with fresh material. In this the dwarf Peas did well.— B. S. N. Tbe Cauliflower grub. — How often is this vegetable infested by a small white grub which clusters round the base of the stems and roots. I have had batches, especially at midsummer, which until three parts grown and about to form hearts looked all that could be desired, then suddenly a collapse came, and they had to be thrown to the rubbish heap. I have thought that in addition to incorporating the usual complement of such ingredients as soot, gas-lime and burnt refuse when the ground is turned up, a mixture of the first and last placed round the ball of roots at planting time would be beneficial, as grubs and insect pests generally are opposed to them. Some people, especially amateurs, are apt to plant such infested plots with some other crop immediately the Cauliflowers are cleared off. Better by far well dress it and let it remain vacant for say six weeks, although this is a difficult matter where space is limited. — C. Early Cauliflowers. — Mr. Wythes (p. 402) beat me by a few days with the early Cauliflower, as my first heads were not cut until June, but there was practically no break this season between these and the Broccoli, late varieties of the latter being very plentiful and holding out well. The variety of Cauliflower is Early Snowball, and was sown in boxes the first week in February, suffi- cient for a good batch being potted as soon as the seedlings could be handled. I experienced considerable difficulty for several seasons in get- ting good early Cauliflowers, as before potting them up the plants invariably clubbed, and that despite trying them in different parts of the garden and measures such as puddling the holes with a thick mixture of soot, lime, and soil, par- tially fining in with coal ashes and other things. Planted out from pots, however, they come away Jdlt 15, 1899.] THE GAEDEK. 45 without a check and never club. Early Snowball is a splendid little Cauliflower, the small, dense heads being ot a snowy whiteness. — E. Btrrell. Tomatoes not setting'. — I have often thought the corrugated varieties of Tomatoes set their fruit more freely than the smooth ones. This may be more imaginary than real, but I am not alone in the opinion. More reliable wet or dull weather varieties appear to be needed. A Scotch grower recently told me that that was the greatest need, as variety was now endless, and the flavour and appearance of many as good as could be expected. I have previously expressed the opinion that were it not for its rugged shape, there would not be a more profitable Tomato than the old Dwarf Orangefield. I well remember the enormous crops produced year after year on a south Peach wall in an Essex garden, when our summers were longer and more even. Its flavour also is grand, though the fruit contained many seeds. I do not think with some that the fewer seeds the better the quality of the fruit. I pre- sume, however, that it would now be difficult to obtain OrangeKeld true to name. — C. The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. Gherkins. — These are still grown in some gar- dens, and prove very useful in autumn. Some appreciate them for mixing with other vegetaljles for pickling. Provided the plants have been favoured with a sheltered position, growth will now be vigorous. Do not on any account allow many fruits to remain on the plants for the pre- sent, as there is yet a good long season for fruit- ing in front of them before the foliage is cut down by frost. Before any more growth is made mulch the plants liberally for some distance round the main atems with short manure and give a good soaking of farmyard liquid once in three weeks. See that all weak and deformed laterals in the inside of the plants are removed as soon as visible. I have known red spider trouble- some when the situation is very hot and dry, and this pest if not destroyed at once soon cripples the plants. In order to check it, apply the hose or garden engine, plying it forcibly on the under side of the leaves. Spring P.\rslev.— There is frequently a scar- city of this during the early spring months and until the spring-sown plants are fio for picking. There is usually such a demand for it for garnish- ing during the winter months, that all full-grown plants, even if favoured with frame or pit protec- tion, get sorely crippled, new growth coming away but slowly in spring. In order, therefore, to meet this emergency, I have always sowed seed on well-worked pieces of ground in good heart about July 20 or 25. The beginning of August would be soon enough for the warmeso of counties. If this is well treated as regards mois- ture and duly thinned out, it will make capital strong stuff for standing the winter if a frame, or frames, are placed over it. If the autumn is fine, the forwardest fronds will sometimes grow suffi- ciently to allow of their being picked for use during winter, but all except the very strongest of them should be left. In February the plants will rush into new growth and furnish a plentiful supply of fine Parsley when it is often at a premium. I like to prepare the plot for this sowing tolerably early in the season, and if there is any wireworm in the soil, a fair quantity of gas-lime and burnt earth should be worked in, further precaution being taken at sowing time by strewing some wood ashes in the drills. Thin out the young plants freely as soon as fit for handling, that is to say, if they are healthy and strong, this being very important at this season. Late Vegetable Marrows.— Seed of this much- esteemed %'egetable sown now will produce plants which, grown on with care, will yield fruit at a time when the bulk of the Pea and Bean crops is exhausted. Place the seed pots in a close, warm frame or greenhouse, and after germination bring the plants on as hardy as possible. This will induce a hardy constitution and one that will stand a few moderate frosts, should they occur extra early in autumn. As soon as the roots are well round the sides of 4^-inch pots, remove them to their final quarters, letting these be as sheltered as possible, and where rough protec- tion can be given as soon as the cooler nights of October set in. A good reliable variety for this sowing is Pen-y-byd, this being a short-jointed moderate grower, and more easily covered with stakes and mats or strong canvas than the more rampant growers. Leave a small basin round each plant, so that the balls may be kept well moistened, until the plants become thoroughly established and are better able to take care of themselves. Mulching will be advisable even with these late plantea lots, as, provided there is ample drainage. Marrows can hardly be kept too moist. Endive, main-crop. — I have usually sown my main crop of Endive from July 15 to 211, choosing a rather cool, moist border formerly occupied by Peas or Potatoes. Sow broadcast in preference to drills, using only a moderate quantity of seed, and netting the beds over at once, as chaffinches are very partial to Endive. Eraser's Improved Broad-leaved I find as good as any for winter and spring supplies, not being so liable to bolt as some sorts. Sow also the Moss Curled for earliest use, this being very liable to decay when the fogs of November and December set in. I like to make a second sowing of the Broad-leaved at the end of the month. One of the principal points to be observed with this salad is early and liberal thinning out of the seedlings, finally trans- planting into good rich soil, and keeping the roots in a moist condition should the weather prove dry. I have generally left a portion of the young plants at equal distances on the seed-bed. These receiving no check will grow away rapidly and be fit for use early in November, being blanched by placing either pots or slates over them. Endive always pays for extra good cul- ture, as if grown on poor, hungry soil it is tough and bitter, spoiling the salad bowl. Old Seakale beds. — Where these have been forced from year to year with pots and leaves the plants will, on account of early growth, now be covered with flower-stems. These should all be cut olf, aad if more side growths have sprung from the old stools since the thinning out ad- vised some time ago, all these must also be cut away. Now is the time to apply stimulants either in the form of liquid manure of fair strength or artificial manure sown broadcast and watered in. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Melons. — Seeds for the latest batch of Melons should now be sown, for the fruits of any raised later than this cannot be expected to attain good flavour. Where space is limited and close plant- ingand training on the cordon system are adopted, it IS far better to depend on old and tried favourites than to waste much space on new varieties, no matter how well recommended. A case in point has occurred with me this year, as among others I tried in one house four plants each of two new Melons that gained certificates last year, and which have been sent out with the usual character of being free setters and good doers. In one case I have a grand set on the laterals, each fruit at present being about the size of a cricket ball ; in the other case no fruits have shown on the laterals, and not sufficient for a crop on the first set of sub- laterals, so that if ever I do manage to get a crop on the plants it will not be until that part of the house is a perfect thicket of leaves, entirely out of keeping with the system under which they were intended to be grown. It is impossible that this failure to show fruits c.in have arisen from any defect in management, as the two varieties in question are, and have been from the time of sowing, growing side by side, and two other varieties growing in the same house are all one could wish. There is plenty of good free-setting Melons that one could name, sa that it is needless to swell the quick-growing list of certificated varieties by adding to it those which need to be grown on the extension system and which must require at least a month longer to bring the fruits up. In the house which is to be devoted to the late Melons there should be an easily regu- lated supply of bottom-heat, preferably from hot- water pipes running underneath the beds. Keep a sharp look-out among the earlier batches for spider and for canker, as neither of these must be allowed to spread. Where the fruits are too far advanced to admit of syringing freely and spider appears to be gaining ground, the leaves should be sponged ; this requires great care to pre- vent damage to the leaf, and should only be neces- sary in extreme cases of neglect, for the syringe well used will generally do all that is needful up to the time of netting, and if the fruits enter on this stage fairly clean, the spider which develops later will not matter much. With canker there should be no deliy in applying the usual remedies of air-slaked lime and flowers of sulphur ; watering near the stems should be avoided and all possible means taken to keep the affiscted parts dry. If the lime or anything else which is applied becomes damp, it should be scraped away and replaced by some fresh. When Melons require water, take care to give the soil (except for that portion next the stems) a good soaking and wait until fairly dry again before giving more : this suits them better than adopting the little-and-often method. Of course it will noD do to give a heavy soaking just as the fruits are ripening ; indeed, they are best then without any, but if the plants are looked after with judgment the soil will at that time be in just that moist condition that will carry the plants through safely. Continue to pinch off the sub-laterals from plants that have set a sufficient crop, as these are neither necessary nor convenient to have on the plants ; the fruits come up better without them, as they then get more light and the main leaves if well preserved are all that is necessary. Orchard house. — In the orchard house the pots will now be full of roots, and these require ample supplies of liquid manure water to enable them to bear the great strain put upon them. As the fruits on the various occupants get towards ripening, overhead syringing, which up to this time has been such an important factor in sup- porting the trees, must be withheld to prevent the fruits, such as those of the Green Gage and other Plums, from splitting, and Apricots from being blemished. Pears and Apples, if these are grown inside, may be syringed freely for some time to come. These and other trees should have their growth stopped close, except in the case of leading shoots, the latter being simply shortened back to six or eight leaves. It depends on the style of structure whether any shading should ba used, but in case of doubt it is always safe to apply a very light shade, movable preferably, but a thin brush over of summer cloud or white- ning, the latter mixed thinly with milk, does no harm and prevents the trees from becoming too much distressed on hot, windy days which now and then occur. Damping down, too, in the heat of the day is refreshing. Ventilation must be ample both night and day, and this necessitates netting over the ventilators of houses containing fruit sufficiently forward to attract birds and vermin. Rats frequently do damage to stone and other fruits and should be rigorously kept down in the neighbourhood of houses. "Fills. — The second crop on early trees should be swelling freely and needs all the aid it can get from sunshine and from feeding at the roots. Heavy waterings may be given now with impunity, and the house should be shut up early enoufh in the afternoon to run the temperature up well above SKI' ; this with a moisture-laden atmosphere will be perfectly safe and the trees will gain by the forcing treatment. Syringe heavily twice a day while the fruits are green, but withhold directly they begin to soften, as drops of water hanging on to the points of such fruits are apt to cause blemishes. Take advantage of every close picking to ply the 46 THE GARDEK [Jdly 15, 1899. syringe freely again, if only once now and then ■while the crop is ripening off, as the damaging of a few fruits is nothing to be compared to the loss which will occur through spider if syringing is neglected. If room can be founds tie in all shoots to full length. It is only when trees are grown in small houses that stopping is excusable, and in such houses plantedout Figs cannot be made an entire success, though stopped trees sometimes do passably well, but never give a heavy crop. CORNUEIAN. Orchids. L.ELTA PURPURATA VAR. MRS. R. I. MEASURES. This, here figured, is one of the most charming varieties of Lselia purpurata in cultivation. It was obtained by Mr. R. I. Measures, Cambridge Lodge, Flodden Road, Caraberwell, as a special variety from Mr. E. Kromer, who imported it direct from Brazil. The plant was first exhi- bited at the Drill Hall on October 26, 1897, when the Orchid committee gave it an award of merit. The flowers, though good in colour, were small, no doubt partly owing to its having been just imported, and partly to the dull sur- roundings of the London atmo.sphere at the time they were expanding. The sepals are are deep rose-lilac, the petals fine in substance and form, deep rose-lilac, suffused with a darker shade on the apex, where it is also veined and feathered with a dark crimson-purple as seen in the lip. These veinings are clearly distin- guishable in the illustration. The whole of the centre area of the lip is rich crimson-purple, margined with rose-purple, the surface beini; thickly covered with deeper coloured veinings The side lobes are crimson, shading to yellow, which is thickly covered through the throai with longitudinal crimson-purple lines. Thi- plant at the time the photogiaph was taken car- ried three racemes, two with five and one witli three flowers. When this plant was fir.st shown, a cuf- flowered raceme was exhibited by Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield, which was considered similar iu many respects to Mr. Measures's plant, unde) the name of L. p. Annie Louise, but it hail passed its best and no notice was taken of it bv the committee. At the recent Temple show '.^ finely grown plant with a two-flowered racenu' was again exhibited by Mr. Law-Schofield and a first-class certificate was awarded. Alongside of this Mr. Statter exhibited a plant which was only just expanding its flowers under the name of L. p. Statteriana. This variety was con- sidered altogether inferior to Mr. Schofield's and no award was made. Cut flowers of L. d. Mrs. R. I. Measures, though past their best, were also brought for comparison. Notwith- standing the great similarity of the three plants before them, Mr. Measures's plant having been previously dealt with and the name registered in the society's list of awards, the committee decided to adopt the name of L. p. Annie Louise and give it the higher award. It afterwards transpired that the plant Mr. Statter exhibited was part of the plant for which Mr. Schofield got his certificate. True, Mr. Schofield's flowers were larger than those from Mr. Measures, but the raceme brought for comparison carried five flowers, whereas L. p. Annie Louise only had two. Surely such a plurality of names is un- necessary, especially now the Orchid com- mittee have the coloured drawings to fall back on. There are surely blunders enough in the nomenclature of hybrids in the past, where distinctive names have been recognised over and over again of plants from the same parentage. Continuation of this system can only cause still greater confusion. S. Epidendrum radiatum. — The flowers of this species are very pretty and very sweetly scented, the sepals and petals of a delicate creamy-white tint, the shell-like lip having radiating lines of bluish purple. The pseudo-bulbs are short, but the tall leaves give the plant the appearance of being stronger than it really is. Its culture is not difficult, the plant thriving well in the Cat- tleya house if potted in equal parts of peat and Sphagnum. It is very free-flowering, and should be rested in a cooler temperature after the flowers are past. It is a native of Mexico, and was in- troduced by Messrs. Loddiges in 1841. Oncidium incurvum.— This is one of the prettiest and most easily grown and one of the most distinct of small-flowering Oncidiums, its blossoms opening now and lasting a very long time in perfect condition. Large plants of it thrive well here in a cool fernery, and the flower- LceLia purpurata Mrs. B. I. Meaaures. by Oeo. Gha/mpiov, ing season is the same as that of the bulbs finish- ing, so that the plants may be placed in drier quarters for a time to conserve the flowers and ripen the growth. The compost and treatment are the same as for the cool house Oncidiums generally, and ample moisture supplies are neces- sary. Odontoglossum Schlieperianum. — There aro few more useful Odontoglossums than this, for it flowers at a time when many of the choicer kinds are getting over and is a showy and beauti- ful Orchid. The spikes are erect, the flowers petals yellow, with spots and bars of chocolate, pale yellow and covered with blotches and spots the lip varying in colour, but usually some tint of renew the compost is when the leads are starting" in early spring. Besides the type there is a very pretty variety called 0. S. flavidum, which has paler yellow flowers than the type, greenish suf- fusions taking the place of the brown blotches. Both this and the type like rather more heat thaa the species with which I have compared it, and thrive in company with O. grande. It is a native of Costa Rica, and first appeared among an importation of Orchids from that region iu ISoC, but has been collected many times since. Odontoglossum crispum var. Lily.— This is one of the most distinct and beautiful forms yet seen. It belongs to the O. c. Starlight section, but the spottings in the sepals are- different. The sepals are white, suffused witb rose, the centre having some large brown spots and some smaller spottings at the base. The ground colour of the petals is white, tinted with rose towards the centre, the whole of the centre area and towards the base thickly covered with a suffusion of small rose-purple spots and a few small brown spots to- wards the base. The lip is white, shading to yellow at the disc. There are several irregu- lar prominent brown spots in the centre and on the margin of the yellow disc. It has re- cently flowered in the collection of Mr. W. Thompson, Stone, Staffs. Oncidium Lancea- num. — This is rather widely distributed natu- rally, and possibly to this fact may be referred its great variety and also the fact that some plants of it live and do well' for quite a number of years, while others, do what one will with them, are not a success even the first season, and rapidly dwindle away. It is very queer in its likes and dislikes this way, and though hking a very hot and moist atmosphere while grow- ing this must not be carried too far, and I believe, if it could be anyhow managed, the leaves would be finer and the plant healthier in every way if the house M herein it was grow- ing could be well dried for an hour or two daily, ample moisture being again supplied in the evening. But to carry out this plan would in all probability lead to an attick of insects, and would therefore be productive of more harm than good. The next best plan is to give as much light as possible, so that the leaf growth is hard and welt ripened by autumn. It does best in the East India house, and for compost should be given more Moss than peat, with plenty of large, rough lumps of charcoal and crocks mixed with it. The flowers occur at the base of the last- formed leaf on tall, erect spikes, the sepals and From a fhotojroph of deeper j-ellow or brown. The plant is not difficult to grow in any cool, moist hcU3 3, such as a greenhouse, fernery, or cool Orcb d house, but it requires different treatment from th3 usual run such as O. crispum and similar kinds. The roots rose. Iiaelio-Cattleya Aphrodite. — A very lovely form of this grand hybrid comes from Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield's collection. It is almost identical with L.C. Aphrodite var. Ruth that are much stronger than those of these well known was certificated at the recent Temple show. The kinds, and like a much rougher, more open make- ; sepals and petals are pure white, of fine form and up of material, with plenty of crocks for drainage I substance. The whole of the open portion of the and larger, more roomy pots. The best time to labellum is of a deep crimson-purple, with the July 15, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 47 exception of a small portion of light rose at the apex. The side lobes are white, shading to yellow at the base. It is lined and suffused at the base of the throat with bright rose-pnrple. The brilliant front lobe of the lip is in striking con /rast to the white segments of the remaining portions of the flower. It is one of the tinest va- rieties of this hybrid we have seen. It is sent as L.-C. Eudora var. The original name given to the hybrid that tirst flowered from intercrossing C. Mendeli and L;vlia purpurata was L.-C. Aphro- dite. The name Eudora must therefore be sup- pressed. It is a great pity that the plurality of names in hybrids should be of such frequent occurrence. There is no reason whatever why the published lists of hybrids should not be con- sulted before naming in the haphazard manner resorted to. — C. CATTLEYA GIGAS. This is one of the most distinct of the labiata group, as it is undoubtedly one of the finest. Strong-growing with mucli larger spikes of flower than any other, it is a very welcome addition to the occupants of the flowering house, which are now daily lessening in num- bers. There is, perhaps, less variety in the forms of this plant than in the other members of the section, but there are a few well-marked ones, and a poor C. gigas is very seldom seen. Plants usually arrive in good condition, the additional strength probably enabling them to pass the journey with less exhaustion than those that are weaker with smaller bulbs. In selecting plants the preference must be given to those having healthy-looking foliage, firm at the axils, and with the eyes at the base of the pseudo-bulbs dormant, not started into growth and turning white through want of light. These blanched growths may sometimes recover their colour and grow away all right, but in most cases they soon damp off or shrivel up when the light reaches them. Should no others be obtainable, the most likely way to bring them round is not to expose them more than is avoidable to draught, cold air, or bright light, but to place them at once in a shady, moist, and fairly warm house, where, if all goes well, they will regain their colour by degrees and go on growing, eventually forming pseudo-bulbs in the usual way. Some of the growths, it may be, will have lengthened out considerably and will have long white points. These are far better removed at once, as in all probability they will die, and even it they do not the leaves and bulbs must of necessity be malformed when they do appear. With such plants back breaks have, of course, to be depended upon, and these are .as a rule fairly strong on C. gigas. The plants often flower at once upon the newly-made growths, and as we like to see what the variety is, it is usual to let the flowers open. But the sooner they are removed the better, as the plant is not sufficiently established to carry them over a long season and they weaken it unnecessarily. Although such a strong grower, I have never found C. gigas to have a liking for particularly large pots, and it always flowers more freely when the roots are feeling the sides of the pot or pan. This makes it all the easier to arrange for the plants to be suspended near the roof- glass, in which position the growth is flner and always well ripened, almost ensuring freedom of blooming. In this connection it may be noted that occasionally there are plants of this species that seem to defy all eflbrts to make them bloom, while others have a habit of flowering regularly twice a year. The best plants and most long-living under cultivation are those that keep dormant through the winter after flowering in July. But I have never found any advantage in trying to force or to check their growing propensities, and leave them all the year round in a warm, sunny position in the Cattleya house temperature. The treatment as to compost, potting and watering when in growth or at rest does not differ from that of other labiata Cattleyas. In a good form of C. gigas the flowers will measure nearly 8 inches across, so that when five or six are produced on a spike a very tine ettect is produced. The sepals and petals are rosy purple or mauve. The lip is much deeper in colour, except for a pale eye-like blotch on either side of the column, which is more or less marked in dif- ferent jilants. This species was first discovered by M. Warscewicz in New Grenada about the year 1818, but many of the plants he collected were lost and the species remained very rare until sent home in quantity about thirty years ago. It was named C. Warscewiczi by Pro- fessor Reichenbach, but is much better known Odontoglossum Harryano-crispum. — This lovely hybrid was recently noted in flower in the collection of Sir Frederick Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen. The hybrid is of continental origin, having been purchased last year as the reverse cross of the plant which gained a first-class certi- ficate at the Temple show of 1898. It is the result of intercrossing O. Harryanum with the pollen of 0. crispum. The ground colour of the sepals is white, suft'used with rose-purple on the apical halves, with numerous dark brown blotches and spots through the centre area, and several smaller spots on the outer margins. The ground colour of the petals at the base is white, with numerous bright purple spottings almost forming a solid blotch. The ground colour on the apical half is tinted with yellow on the outer edges and suffused with rose at the apex. There is almost a solid blotch of reddish brown covering the centre area. The lip is white when first expanded, with a bright yellow disc. The ground colour as the flower gets older changes to lemon yellow. In the centre are numerous bright purple spots, outside these there is a thickly spotted band of violet-purple. The habit of growth has the inter- mediate characteristics of the two species used in its production. It differs from O. crispo-Harry- anum principally in the broader and finer marked lip, and is much more like 0. Rolfs (0. Pescatorei x Harryanum) in this particular respect than the hybrid shown at the Temple on tlie above date. It is a most desirable and useful addition.— H. J. C. Lselio-Cattleya Doxniniana var. Frances Mary. --A cut flower of this has been sent from Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield, Newhall Hey, Rawten- stall. In comparison with hybrids of L -C. Dominiana raised by Messrs. Veitch, it differs principally in its slightly darker segments, and the lines in the throat as seen in the typical forms are entirely suppressed in Mr. Schofield's flower by a heavy suffusion of brownish purple. It was purchased as of unknwn parentage, and is of continental origin. The sepals are of an intense rosy lilac colour. The petals, similar in colour to the sepals, have a slightly darker suffusion through the centre. The froni lobe of the lip is rich crimson, becoming suffused with velvety crimson in the centre. There are numerous darker coloured veins running through the front lobe. The side lobes are crimson-purple in front, rose at the bick. Over the whole of the bise and the throat is a suffusion of deep brownish purple, giving it a most distinct appearance. This hvljrid was exhibited at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in .Tune as L.-C. Fire King, parentage unrecorded, but the Orchid committee, after a reference to their coloured drawings of plants previously certificated, determined it to be clearly a form of L, -C. Dominiana, and certificated itasL-C. I), var. Fire King. On the following Thursday this plant was again shown at the Man- chester and North of England Orchid Society's meeting and certificated as L.-C. Fire King. Mr. Schofield's plant, which is from the same pod of seed, was also exhibited at the .same time and received a first-class certificate as L.-C. Fire King var. Frances Mary. — S. Books. ALBUM DES ORCHIDEES.* Tins is a very clearly written and well illustrated monograph of the hardy Orchids found wdd in the centre and south of Europe, and including most if not all the species found in Great Britain and Ireland. It is composed of six chapters dealing with — 1, generic characters : "2, fertilisation by insects, &c. ; 3, classification ; 4, our Orchids, their mode of growth, their geographical distribu- tion, and their variation ; 5, study, culture, and acclimatisation of Orchids; 6, description, &c., of the sixty species illustrated by coloured plates. The work itself is a large octavo, about the size of the Botnnicnl Majazme. It is well printed, and the plates are carefully drawn and neatly printed in colour, each having underneath the figure the name ot the species in French, English and German, as also the conditions of the locality or habitat, &o , where it.natuially grows wild. For the hardy Orchid amateur, or for those cultivators who may wish to grow these exquisite, even if capricious, little flowers there is no better hand- book, and it will, moreover, interest all who are fond of wild flowers and like to know their history. Although all European Orchids are supposed to be terrestrial species, we may, never- theless, discover the beginning of epiphytal conditions in the genera Malaxis and Li- paris. The former is found growing upon living .Sphagnum and the latter upon tufts of Rushes, and both have above-ground stems or pseudo- bulbs, and not underground tubers so common to the majority of terrestrial kinds. The rare Irish Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes Romanzovi- ana) is figured in black and white and alluded to as being limited to one locality at Bearhaven, near to Castletown, in Bantry Bay, but it is now known to exist in other Irish localities, so that there is really no fear of its total extinction for many years to come. It is perhaps of all our native species the most interesting, even if also not the rarest, found in Kerry, Armagh and Londonderry, in Ireland. It is not known in Eng- land nor elsewhere in Europe, but is said to be found in the United States at intervals all the way from New York to San Francisco. In England perhaps the head centre of our native Orchids is on the chalk downs of Kent, where the weird Lizard Orchis has again been found after a lapse of nearly forty years. No less than thirty-three out of a total of forty-four British Orchids are found in Kent, and as they are rarely seen except when in full bloom, it is to be hoped that they will never be exterminated, as so many of our rarer wild flowers have been during recent years. We can boast of two epiphytal Orchids only in Britain, but we have also one or two leafless saphrophytes with short, swollen, coral-like roots, in each of the cortical cells of which is a mass of fungous spawn threads, or mycorrhiza. This association of fungous spawn threads and a root is common in many plants such as White Poplir, Alder, conifers, many Ericacea' and Cupulifene, and is not strictly parasitism, but really a subtle kind of symbiosis by which both guest and host plants are mutually benefited. Orchids such as Limadorum abortivum, Epipogion aphyllum, and Neottia nidus-avis, which are leafless, and even some of the leafy kinds, enjiy the benefits of this symbiosis or CO operation. M.M Bonnier and Ed. Griffont found that in their power of assimilating carbonic dioxide terrestrial Orchids showed a sliding scale of capabilities. The green-leaved species, such as Epipaotis and others, having no * " Album des Orchidees de I'EuropG Ceatrale et Septentrionale." Par H. Correvon. Siixante planches colorlees ; pp. 92. Geneva aud Paris. 18J9. t Comptes rendu, December 5, 1893. 48 THE GARDEN. [July 15, 18&9, root - fungus could abstract all the requisite carbon from the air during sunlight by their green leaves. On the other hand, all the Orchids such as Neottia, Corallorrhiza, Epipogion, &c., are wholly saphrophytic, and can only obtain the carbon, &c., necessary for their due nutrition from humus by the aid of fungous mycelia. Some species of green-leaved Orchises even avail themselves of the aid of mycelia, and so become partially saphrophytic. In a man- ner these form an intermediate group between the true terrestrial Orchids and the true saphro- phytes. This need of fungous co-operation in some of the species may to some extent explain the difficulty practical growers so often experi- ence in cultivating terrestrial Orchids in our gardens. After all it is in the woods and fields and on the chalk downs that our native Orchids are at their best, and one advantage possessed by M. Corre- von's hand-book is that the plants are so care- fully figured that there is no difficulty in at once recognising any of the species we may happen to meet with in our rambles either at home or on the Continent. F. W. Burmdue. MURRAY^S HAKD-BOOK OF SOMERSET- SHIRE. Very opportunely at this time of the year one of Mr. Murray's guides comes to remind ua that Somersetshire, one of the most lovely, if not quite the loveliest, of counties, ought not to be neglected by persons bent on making holiday. In former editions bound up with Wilts and Dorset, the county has now a volume all to itself. Probably no county is more rich in archa'ological and antiquarian interest. The number and richness of its ecclesiastical founda- tions, as evidenced by what remains of them, must have been surprisingly great even in those days. Its hillsides and valleys are dotted over with venerable shrines. Its gardens and country seats can compare with those of any other county ; witness Longleat, Montacute, and many others. Its river, winding among sometimes wild, always beautiful scenery, is one of the most charming. The editor has omitted none of these things from his survey. The book is clearly printed, light and handy to carry. There are several maps, including a detached general map of the county. The price is 6s. Stove and Greenhouse. ACALYPHA GODSEFFIANA. This is one of the numerous species and varie- ties of Acalypha which have handsomely varie- gated leaves and grow rapidly into large shrubs. They are consequently largely grown in tropical and subtropical gardens in much the same way as we grow common Aucuba. They are also valuable as stove plants in this country, such sorts as Wilkesiana, obovata, marginata, Mac- feeana, Chantrieri and musaica being not uncommon among the tropical plants cultivated in English gardens. Some of these at least are merely varieties of Wilkesiana, and probably A. GodsefKana is another. It has, however, been accepted by Dr. Masters as a good garden spe- cies. It was one of the new plants shown by Messrs. F. Sander and Co. at the Ghent Quin- quennial last year, and it has won general admiration both last year and this when shown at exhibitions in this country. Messrs. Sandpr and Co. state that it was discovered in Kew Guinea by M. Micholitz. They recommend it as a bedding plant for warm situations, as it did well in the open air in the summer of 185I8 at St. Albans, forming compact, dwarf, leafy plants, evenly and exquisitely variegated with white, green and yellow, the white encircling the whole leaf. They also recommend it for winter use, for which purpose it should be ripened outside in autumn. When well matured the plants should be removed into a warm, moist house, where they will burst into new growth and remain as bright as tricolor Pelar- goniums all through the winter months. At Kew it has proved of the easiest possible culture and a most useful plant for brightening up collections of indoor fine-foliaged plants. ^ W. VV. Coleus Beckwith Gem. — Coleuses no doubt have lost favour considerably, and rightly so, I think, for they take up a lot of valuable room which might be more profitably utilised for the growth of better things, and which, moreover, remain in their full beauty a much longer time. produced on slender, arching stalks, which after a time droop in a graceful manner and produce on their ends several tiny plants. When a basket is furnished with a pendulous fringe of these young plants it forms a decidedly attractive feature. In a moist atmosphere they commence to root while still hanging, and finally drop, when, if the conditions are at all favourable, they soon become established. In this way the plant can be rapidly increased. It is a native of New Calabar, and was, I believe, first introduced to Kew, but it is now in the hands of several of our nurserymen. — H. P. Adenocalymna nitidum. — This Brazilian climbing plant forms a very noticeable feature just now in the Victoria Lily house at Kew, where it clothes a portion of the root. The upper part of the plant is laden with blossoms, borne on the Acalypha Gochefiana. From a pJujtogyapli by Cul. Taylof, Xurlitoii, In spite of this, I find the above-named variety very useful and ornamental grown into tolerably large plants for standing in large vases in win- dows and corridors. It is the best kind I am acquainted with for the purpose, for it is a free grower, producing bold leaves of rich telling colours. There is an advantage in growing these kinds of plants for such unfavourable positions, for as they become shabby they can be thrown away and are easily replaced by others of the same class. — J. R. Cyperus fertilis. — This is a very distinct species of Cyperus that is seen to the best advan- tage when grown in a suspended pob or basket. The bright green leaves, each about 6 inches long and nearly an inch wide, are arranged in a regu- lar rosette. From this tuft the flower- spikes are slender secondary shoots, which are more cr less pendulous. At the first glance the llowers sug- gest those of an AUamanda, but closer inspection reveals the fact that they are in shape just like a Bignonia, to which genus this Adenocalymna is nearly related. The colour of the flowers is a deep golden-yellow, and they are about 3 inches in diameter. It is indeed a noble climber for such a position — that is, on a hot, sunny roof in a lofty structure kept at a stove temperature, for it would be useless to expect flower if cut and cribbed or if heavily shaded. A good companion to it, also blooming freely in the same structure and under similar conditions, is Thunbergia grandiflora, whose large pale blue blossoms, each from .3 inches to 4 inches in diameter, are borne in great profusion and for a lengthened period. July 15, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 49 Such vicrorous climbers as these that are needed to cover a considerable space should be planted out, as it is difficult to keep them in good con- dition in pots. At the same time a border should be prepared for them, as, given unlimited root- room, more growth than flowers may result. — H. P. CALIFORNIAN NOTES. The spring in California has done much towards atoning for the dry winter. There have been several timely rains, and long-continued cool weather has, by reducing evaporation, con- served the moisture in the soil. It is now (June 3) close to harvest time, and for Northern and Central California as a whole the prospects for all crops are very gratifying. The crop of grain varies from an immense yield in the central coast belt to a half crop or less in por- tions of the San Joaquin valley. In the great wheat-producing sections the crop will be splendid. In fruit the yield will be very large, although the crop is spotted. In some places Apricots are very short, and the general opinion is that Prunes will fall far short, while Peaches will be exceptionally heavy. Beet sugar has become a large factor in several localities, and the Beet crop is promising. Large refineries are built in favourable sections and contract for the Beets with the farmers. The sugar indus- try is one of the most promising. At my mountain garden on May 29 I picked fresh flowers of Narcissus poetieus fl.-pl. and breeder Tulips, also of Lilium colurabianum and L. washingtonianum. On the way I noticed Nemophila insignis in full flower, while lower, Pentstemon heterophyllus and Clarkias were flowering — rather a jumbling of seasons within a mile I thought. There is scarcely any ditter- ence between the flora of our mountain-tops hereabout and of the valleys below. They are later, and that is about all. Brodi;ea californica, now flowering in good form with me, is when well grown a large plant. It grows from 2-1 inches to 30 inches high, with flowers IJ inches to 2 inches across and as long. A pure white sport is very efl^ective, and could it be propagated would be very desirable for cut- ting. In my notes of March 19, 1898, I described Synthyris reniformis as being white, and at a later date Mr. Arnott referred to the matter, stating that as usually grown it is purplish. To be sure that I was not in error, I waited until this season and carefully noted the colour. As it grows here the flowers are white, faintly tinged with pinkish purple. I have known and flowered for many years what was called by all of our botanists Fritillaria biflora without in the least doubting that I had the correct thing. This spring a lot of Fritillaria bulbs from Southern California flowered here and proved to be what I had never seen before, the true original F. biflora. These Fritillaries grow to a height of 4 inches to 8 inches with a stout stem, and bear leaves in the manner of F. liliacea and F. pluriflora. The flowers are very large for the size of the plants, broadly bell-shaped, the tips of the segments re- curved and of a very deep rich brownish purple colour, the capsules very large. It is in every way a very attractive plant. The plant I have long known as F. biflora has the same leaves, but the flower is more narrowly campanulate, the tips slightly incurving ; colour greenish, lined with brown-purple. F. liliacea, F. biflora, and the other just described, F. pluriflora, and F. glauca of South-western Oregon form a group very much alike in bulb, leaf, and general shape of flower. To these five will probably be added a sixth, which came to me from Hum- boldt Co., California, this spring, in which the flower appears to be white, marked with purple. I defer naming it until bulbs flower next spring. All of these are interesting, easily-grown plants, and F. biflora and F. pluriflora are among the finest Fritillaries that I know. Ukiah, L'alifunuK. Caul Puedy. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July 11. Ik only for the change in the exhibits as a whole, and equally in the manner of arranging, the dis- plays of flowering and other plants at the hybrid conference on Tuesday at the society's gardens at Chiswick were decidedly welcome and full of inte- rest. It was not a day for the exhibitors of all the plants, large or small, that may be in flower, but rather a sort of ingathering from as large an area as was possible under the circumstances of a great variety of hybrid or cross-bred plants that individually are possessed of an interesting his- tory. In this particular way the exhibition, if we may so term it, was quite unicjue in so far as it related to plants all meritorious in themselves, and, indeed, in many instances already the pos- sessors of the hall-mark of horticulture. This being so, it is scarcely necessary to add that Orchids and Rhododendrons figured largely in the display, while M. Marliac's Water Lilies as representing hardy things — such, too, as may be enjoyed to the full in the hot summer days in the open air — were welcome and beautiful. It was, however, a disappointment to many who brought small exhibits of this or that hybrid or cross bred plant that little or no notice was taken of such, and that no questions or other information were requested from the raisers. The plants were there ; the cut specimens were there, some from long distances, but, so far as we are aware, no one to refer to their merits or otherwise— a sub- ject which we think might have been undertaken by the several committees, assisted by the raisers of the plants themselves. A-s it was, the cards placed with the exhibits had to suffice, and though these contained very ample details, these might surely have been amplified in a very inte- resting way. Orchid Committee. First-class certifioateg were adjudged to the following : — C.4TTLEYA HARRisoNJi ALBA. — This is a lovely pure white form of this well- known species, the base of the lip showing the faintest tinge of greenish yellow. The plant carried a two- flowered raceme. From the Rev. F. Paynter Stoke Hill, Guildford. L.elioCattleya Dovaliana (L. purpurata x C. Luddemanniana). — The sepals are consider- ably curled, pale rose, the petals very much deflexed, similar in colour to the sepals. The lip is of a most extraordinary colour, rich distinct shade of maroon-crimson. The side lobes, of the same colour, shading to yellow, are lined and suffused through the base of the throat with rich purple. From M. Maron, Brunoy, France. Awards of merit were adj adged to the follow- ing : — L.KLio Cattleya Maetineti (C. Mos3ia3 x L. tenebrosa). — The sepals and petals are pale lilac, the front lobe of the lip and outer margins similar in colour, heavily veined and suffused with rich crimson over the central and basal areas ; the side lobes suffused with the same colour and havinij some yellow at the ba,ge. The plant carried a two-flowered raceme. From M. Maron. L.elio-Cattleya Adolfhcs (L. cinnabarina x C. Aclandia'). — The sepals and petals are deep yellow, slightly spotted with purple, the lip yellow, suflused and heavily veined with rich crimson. The plant carried two flowers. From the Rev. F. Paynter. Cypripedium Schillianhm (C. Goweri X C. Rothschildianum).— This is a lovely form, to which the Veiteh Memorial medal was awarded, but it was afterwards pointed out that the plant had been shown at Manchester last week, and the medal was accordingly withheld. The dorsal sepal is white, shading to green at the base, and heavily lined and spotted with dark brown. The petals are pale green, heavily spotted with dark brown, the outer margins being thickly covered with rich purple hairs. The lip is deep purple, shading to green at the base. The plant carried a two-flowered raceme. From Mr. G. W. Law- Schofield. Cypripedium Stonei candidum differs from the typical form in having pure white upper and lower sepals and lighter petals. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. From Sir F. Wigan, Bt. Epi-L.i:lia Charleswortiii (L cinnabarina X Epidendrum radicans).— The sepals and petals are deep orange, suffused with a bright shade of scarlet, the lip orange in front, shading to yellow, with a few spots of purple around the column. The flowers are produced in clusters, as in Epi- dendrum radicans. From Messrs. J. Veiteh and Sons. L-ELia tenebrosa gigaxtea.— This is an excep- tionally large and highly-coloured form, the sepals and petals being deep purple, the lip deep rose, shading to crimson-purple in the centre and through the basal portions of the throat. The flowers are of fine form and substance. From Sir F. Wigan, Bart. Messrs. J. Veiteh and Sons sent a choice group of hybrids, and in most instances the parents used in their production. The most prominent of the hybrids was a fine plant of Phahunopsis Ludde- violacea (P. violacea x P. Luddemanniana), the flowers larger than in either of the parents, the sepals and petals rosy violet, marbled with white, the lip crimson-purple, with some yellow at the base. In Disa Veitchi (D grandiflora X D. race- mosa) the flowers are of two shades of bright rose. Sobralia Veitchi (S. macrantha x S. xantholeuca) has the sepals and petals delicate lilac, the lip of a darker shade of rose, and yellow through the throat. In Dandrobium rhodostoma the flowers are white, tipped with deep purple. Epiden- drum elegantulum, E. O'Brienianum, E. radi- cante-vitellinum, derived from the species indi- cated in the name ; SpathoglottisaureoViellardi, with itsyellowandpurpleflowers; and Epiphronitis Veitchi, with five spikes of its yellow and scarlet flowers, were also shown. Odontoglossum excel- lens was represented by a pale form. Among the Cattleya hybrids were Lielio-Cattleya Canhamiana (L. purpurata x C. Mossiae), L.-C. Aphrodite (L. purpurata X C. Mendeli), L C. eximia (L pur- purata X C. Warneri), L.-C. Stella, and L.-C. Zephyra. Among the Cypripediums were in- cluded such well-known form* as C. Harrisianum superbum, C. Orphanum, C. superciliare, C. Drurio-Lawrenceanum, C. Cupid (C. cardinale x C. Lindlevanum), C. leucorrhoda, C. mirmoro- phyllum, C. Alice. C. Ashburtonte, C. salligerum, C. Morgan:e, C. Euryale, C. vernixium, and C. grande. Thunia Veitchi was also included. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. sent a choice group of hybrids and a few select varieties of Cattleya ; among the latter was C. Mendeli enSeldiensis, white, except the faintest tint of colour in the centre of the front lobe of the lip. A light form of C. Gaskelliana with very similar characteristics and a white form of C. Eldorado were also in- cluded. The hybrid Cypripediums included C. I'Ansoni giganteum (C. Rothschildianum x C. Morgan:v>), the dorsal sepal creamy yellow, suffused with purple towards the base, lined at intervals with brown-purple veinings, the petals greenish white, suffused with brown at the mar- gins and thickly covered with deep brown spot- tings ; the lip purple, mottled with creamy yel- low. The flower had a double column, yellow, thickly covered with bright purple hairs. The two parents were also included. C. Lawrenceano- Mastersianum, derived from the parents indi- cated in the name, had the intermediate charac- teristics of the two species used in its production. 50 THE GARDEN". [July 15, 1899. C. selligerum (C. barbatum x C. Stonei), C. Alice (C. Spicerianum x C. Stonei), a beautiful form of C. T. W. Bond (C. hirsutissimum x C. Curtisi) C. Milmani (C. pbilippinenselx C. Law- renceanum), C. Alfred HoUington (C. philippi- nense x C. ciliolare), an exceedingly dark form, having the intermediate characteristics of the parents, C. De Witt Smith (C. Lowi x C, Spiceri- anum), C. superciliare, and a plant of Lselio-Cat- tleya Arnoldiana with two flowers were also in- cluded. Messrs. F. Sander and Co. sent Cypri- pedium Adrien de Germiny (C. Swanianum x C. Rothschildianum), C. Premier {C. buchanense x C. Rothschildianum), C. Duche's of Sutherland (C. Youngianum x C. Rothschildianum), C. Gar- bari (C. Lawrenceanum X C. Rothschildianum), C. A. de Lairesse (G. Curtisi x C. Rothschildi- anum), and C. Lady Maple. Sir F. Wigan sent L.-C. Arnoldiana, L.-C. eximia, L.-C. Cinham- iana, L:flia Euterpe, Cypripedium macropterum, and C. Gertrude HoUington. Sir T. Lawrence sent the lovely Van^a Agnes Joaquim (V. teres x V. Hookeri) with three racemes of flowers, several Cypripediums, Disa kewensis, Odontoglosaum excellens, Masdevallia Ajax, M. Hincksiana, Cattleya Breautiana (C. Loddigesi x C. superba), and Epiphronitis Veitchi with four spikes. M. Maron sent a choice lot of hybrid Cattleyas, which included L.-C. callistoglossa, a dark form of L.-C. Henry Greenwood, L -C. Canhamiana, L.-C. Eudora, L.-C. Berthe Fournier (L. elegans x C. aurea), L.-C. intermedia flava, L.-C. radiata (L. purpu- rata x C. dolosa), Cattleya punctulata and Lselia nigrescens (L. pumila x L. tenebrosa). Mr. C. Ingram sent Cattleya Firebrand (L.-C. elegans Schilleriana x C. Lawrenceina), which had the intermediate characters of the parents. Mr. W. Cobb showed the beautiful Cypripedium I'Ansoni, which was certificated last year, and was a great improvement on what it was when exhibited then. It is undoubtedly one of the best of this section. Mr. de B. Crawshay showed Odontoglossum crispum Mrs. de B. Crawshay with white flowers of good form, O. c. Crawshayanum with heavily spotted flowers, and a home-raised hybrid in O. Cooksoni, Crawshay's variety (0. Halli x O. crispum). This might have passed for a form of O. Wilckeanum. Floral Committee. The following received the award of merit : — Caladium a. Siebert. — This is one of the new type of Caladiums, having the leaf lobes .sup- pressed, the group generally Ijeing of a hardier nature than the larger growing forms. In this instance the red ground colour is surrounded by a green margin to the distinctly undulated leaf. From Messrs. F. Sander and Co. , St. Albans. DELriiiNiu.M Michael Lando. — This kind has a dense spike of the deepest indigo-blue, the flowers of large size and very showy. From Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Carnation Heather Bell. —A good yellow ground with scarlet lines, the flowers large and possessed of a perfect calyx. The flowers were cut from the open. From Mr. .1. Douglas, Great Bookham. Carnation The Baron. — A daik - coloured fancy of medium size and excellent form : a very desirable kind in this section. From Mr. Douglas. Carn.\tion Rosalind is a rich dark purple- crimson self of capital size and form. From Mr. Douglas. Diantiius rakbatus Elizaeeth. — A clear and distinct salmon- pink coloured Sweet William, which appears identical with Messrs. Sutton's Salmon Queen. It is fully 18 inches high, free in habit, and a great bloomer. The plants, which were in pots, came from Viscountess Enfield, Barnet. Caladium Mit.jana. — A very striking form, with richly coloured, almost ruby-red foliage. From Mr. MoLeod, Dover House Gardens, Roe hampton. Fel.argonium (zonal) Countess of Derby. — A very fine salmon-pink, with a suti'usion of lighter pink near the edge of the flower. From Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley. Pelargonium Cassiope. — This is a clear soft pink, with a distinct, though small, white eye. The form is also good. From Messrs. Pearson, Chilwell, Notts. Viola Pencaitland. — A good tufted bedding kind, the flowers white with lemon centre, very compact habit. From Messrs. Dobbie, Rothesay. Viola J. B. PvIDini: — A well-known kind ; flowers rose-purple, a striking kind. From Messrs. DobbieandCo. and Mr. J. Forbes, Hawick. Viola Archibald Grant. — Perhaps the most vigorous of the tufted strain, the rich deep violet-purple flowers being borne on stems fully s inches high. It is somewhat later to flower than many kinds, but is not surpassed, or even equalled, for its boldness, fine colour and constitu- tion. From Messrs. Dobbie and Co. and Mr. J. Forbes, Hawick. Viola Jackanapes. — This partakes of the typical Viola in form, with the lower petal smaller than the rest. The lower petals are gold, with a brown-velvet shade in the upper petils. From Mr. J. Forbes, Hawick. Rose White Maman Cocuet. — This is a pure white form of the ever-popular Maman Cochet, which it resembles. It is a lovely Tea Rose of greit beauty. From Messrs. W. Paul and Son. Rose Mme. Cadeau Ramey. — A Hybrid Tea of good form, the flowers soft or delicate flesh colour and white. It is very free flowering. From W. Paul and Son. Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, contributed largely to the actual display, most noticeablj' by their group of Rhododendrons, the hybrids resulting chiefly from the crossing of javanicum and jasminiflorum, the forms originally raised from these being again em- ployed as one or both of the parents. These Rhododendrons are a very striking lot, but the majority having been frequently noticed we refrain from a list of names. One of the finest, however, is Souvenir de J. H. Mangles, raised from javanicum and Crown Princess of Germany, the latter a yellow kind. Ne Plus Ultra, a kind having flowers of an almost vermilion orange hue, is considered the finest of all this race, at least from a colour point of view. This last was raised from javanicum and Duchess of Edinburgh, the former the seed parent and the latter the pollen parent. The Messrs. Veitch also staged a fine collection of hybrid Nepenthes, exhibiting either pitchers or plants of the parents with each. An- other remarkable group from the same source may be termed graft hybrids, mostly of trees ancl shrubs and the like. A few of the examples were Photinia grafted on Quince, Phillyrea on Ligustrum, and the same plant on Olea, Choisya on the Skimmia being also shown among a large variety of plants, some of which, however, did not appear of a robust or flourishing character. Hybrid Water Lilies were also shown by Messrs. Veitch, and Kalo-Rochea langleyensis, with a small head of bloom, having resulted from cross- ing Kalosanthea coccinea and Roehea falcata. The hybrid, however, is a long way behind either of the parents in its decorative efi'ect. Delphi- niums, Begonias, Streptocarpi, and a group of some forty-two supposed hybrid Ferns were also in evidence, Adiantums, Gymnogrammas, Poly- podiums, itc. , figuring strongly in the latter group. A group of Ferns, dried specimens and living examples, with full and liberal details, was contributed by Mr. C. T. Druery. Messrs. Jack- man and Sons, Woking, had a good display of their cross-bred Clematises, which are well known and as greatly valued. A very distinct hybrid Day Lily, Hemerocallis Pioneer, was stated to be raised from H. aurantiaca (?)as pollen parent and H. Thunbergi as seed parent. The pollen plant, however, was the single form of H. disticha, and quite distinct from H. aurantiaca both in foliage and in flower. The hybrid carries largely the form of the seed parent, while the foliage is inter- mediate between that of the parents. It came from Mr. G. Yeld, Clifton Cottage, York. A beautiful lot of Sweet Peas came from Mr. Eck- ford, Wem, Salop, and contained some pretty shades of colour. From Cambridge Mr. Lynch brought the last fragments of the Cinerarias that have proved so valuable in the raising of the new race of these flowers. Some Caladiums of the new type came from Messrs. F. Sinder and Co., St. Albans, one of which, C. A. Siebert, is very rich in colour. The hybrid Campanula Balchiniana was, with the parents, C. isophylla and C. fragilis, exhibited by Mr. Richard Dean, Ealing, Mr. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill, also contributing two cross-bred Campanulas, the result of crossing C. isophylla alba with pollen of C. pyramidalis alba. Only one plant was in flower, and this was almost a reversion to the typical Campanula isophylla, absolutely uninfluenced by the pollen parent and equally so the seed parent in so far as colour was concerned. Some good Carnations were shown by Mr. Douglas, and Sweet Peas by Messrs. Dobbie and Go, Rothesay. LUium Marhan and Hymeno- callis macrostephana came from C. G. van Tubergen, Haarlem, Holland. The lovely batch of hybrid Water Lilies from Mr. Leopold de Rjthschild, Gunnersbury House (Mr. Jas. Hudson, gardener), was perhaps the most fascinating group in the entire exhibition. There were some twenty-six varieties of these lovely things, arranged in a perfectly natural way in large, spacious pans on the floor, the re- ceptacles completely hidden by the foliage of the Lilies and a margin of fresh green Moss. These were deliciously cool and refreshing in the sultry tropical heat of the great conservatory. Fore- most was the lovely blue-flowered stellata, so valuable with its long stems, and around such things as Marliacea rosea, M. albida, both in grand form ; M. carminata, M. Chrotnatella, M. rubro punctata, itc, while among the odorata group were o. rosacea, o. Exquisita, and besides these the rich-flowered ignea, Robinsoni with gold stamens, lucida, gloriosa, and others. The great vigour and freshness formed quite a feature in the group, which was backed by Nicotiana sylvestris, a tine Tobicco, with long tubular white flowers that while drooping in the sunlight do not entirely close. It is a striking plant, fully 4 feet high. A very remarkable exhibit was that of Clematises and Roses from MM. Morel et fils, 33, Rue de Souvenir, Lyons, the former group being well represented by some half-dozen boxes of blooms all carefully grouped and ar- ranged with the parents of each. The Roses shown were chiefly of a decorative character, and, considering the distance traversed, were quite fresh at the opening of the conference. Roses, too, were abundant from Messrs. Paul and S^n, Cheshunt, and Wm. Paul and Son, Waltham Cross, Teas and Hybrid Teas and decorative kinds being chiefly shown in each instance. Perhaps one of the most valuable things, both from its showy character and, indeed, from a commercial standpoint also, was the new Kalan- choe flammea from Somaliland sent from the Royal Gardens, Kew. A group of this at the entrance to the conservatory attracted the atten- tion of all comers. Ic is a most remarkable plant, almost as vivid in its colouring as is the well- known Crassula coccinea, though not of this shade of colour. The flowers, which are freely disposed in flattish forked corymbs, are of a decided red orange tone. It appears the plant has already been in flower some weeks at Kew, and succeeds admirably in an airy house. It is certainly an acquisition. Of special interest, as indicating what may be accomplished by an individual in one particular branch of horticul- ture, was the group of Ferns raised entirely bj- Mr. H, B. May, Edmonton. Here were Asple- niums, Adiantums, Gymnogrammas, Pterises, Davallias, and others, the following being a few of the most conspicuous : Adiantum fasciculatum, raised from A. fragrantissimum, Asplenium Mayi from A. Baptisti, D t-vallia insignis from D. ele- gans, Gymnogramma lUvescens from G. peruvi- ana, Pieris tremula grandiceps from P. tremula, P. Regin;e from P. Vietoii:!;, Liinaria ciliata fim- briata from L. cibata major, Polypodium Mayi Jolt 15, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 51 from P. glaucum, and P. glaucum cristatum from the same source. In all some eighty five varieties were shown — a highly creditable display for at least one group and one department. Messrs. Wallace, Colchester, had LiliumBurbanki, which, said to be derived from L. Washingtonianum as seed parent and L. pardalinum pollen parent, showed the greatest evidence in favour of the latter, the hybrid L. Dalhansoni from L. dalmati- cum seed parent and L. Hansoni pollen parent being also shown. .M.\I. Duval et tils, S, Rue de I'Ermitage, Versailles, staged a very remark- able set of Vriesias, with Tillandsia Duvali, T. Lindeni major, and T. L. superba, the former group being of a varied and striking character ; while Messrs. Barr and Sons showed a group of Japan Irises of considerable variety and colour, with other hardy flowering things that had but little in common with the oSject of this particular gathering. Fruit Committee. The committee met on June 29 at Chiswick to examine the Peas and Lettuces sent in for trial. Over sixty varieties of Peas were on trial, but the season has not been altogether favourable. Some kinds showed but little advance on older kinds, whilst a few failed to reach the ordinary standard of merit. All the varieties were sown the first week in March. Among the Lettuces there was nothing new. The older kinds, such as Brown Cos and Paris White, were good in this section. Among Cabbage varieties. Crystal Palace, Con- tinuity, White Dutch, and All the Year Round were good. A verj' late Broccoli, seed of which came from Mr. Beale, Loughborough, if it can be kept true, will be suitable for private garden supplies. A very large number of members attended the meeting at Chiswick on July 11, but compara- tively few exhibits attracted notice so far as fruit and vegetables were concerned. A first-class certificate was given to Raspberry Golden Qdeen, a perfect fruit as regards size and shape. It is the result of cross- ing the well-known Superlative with Rubus laciniatus. It is of good flavour, a free bearer, and in this respect resembles Superlative. An award of merit was given it in July, 1898. From Messrs. Veitch and Sons. Awards of merit were given to the following : — Str.\wbekry Lord Kitcubner. — This is a fine large dark-coloured berry, the deep crimson colour running through the fruit. It is the result of crossing British Queen with Waterloo, and mostly resembles the latter in size and colour. From Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., Chelsea. Pea Glory of Devon. — Pods of a deep green colour, having eight to ten peas in each, of excel- lent flavour. It grows 3.^ feat high. From Messrs. R. Veitch and Son, Exeter. Pea Duke of Cornwall. — The height of this is 5i feet, the peas of true Marrow flavour. The haulm was entirely covered with pods at is inches from the soil. From Messrs. Toogood and Son, Southampton. Pea Nobleman. — A dwarf early variety, 2 feet t) 3 feet, and of first-rate quality. The pods, produced freely in pairs, are above medium size. From Mr. Deal, seed grower, Kelvedon. Pea Winifred. — Also a dwarf variety, 2 feet to 3 feet. The pods are large and the quality excellent. This also came from Mr. Deal. Pea Dalf.y Prolific. — A 3 feet to 4feet high variety and of fir;t-rate quality ; pods deep green, well filled. It is a fine dry weather variety, as it was remarkably free and healthy. Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., Chelsea. Pea Alderman. — A very fine type of the Ne Plus Ultra, nearly 6 feet in height ; pods of great length and the peas of fine colour and splendid quality. It is a good cropper. Mr. Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, sent a collection of Cherries, some ten varieties in all ; splendid fruits thev were, especially those of the Bigarreau type. Frogmore Bigarreau was a fine di.sh, the large; pale yellow fruits, marbled with red, being much admii'sd. Governor Wood, <3nfe of the most reliable of all the white Cherries, was also excellent. Early Rivers and Black Circassian were splendid black varieties, the former being remarkable for its small stone and rich flesh (silver-gilt Knigbtian medal). Mr. AUan,^ Gun- ton Park Gardens, Norwich, sent his new Straw- berry Lady Suffield, both pot plants and lifted plants in baskets. This is an excellent variety, free cropper, of medium growth and good flavour. The same exhibitor sent a new Melon, Gunton Scarlet. This has received an award of merit ; it is a small, but splendidly flavoured fruit. The Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, sent a new Strawberry, Climax, a large, firm fruit of good appearance and flavour. It resulted from crossing Waterloo with Latest of All. The Messrs. Veitch, Chelsea, sent some excellent fruits of Strawberry Veitch's Perfection. A new Apple called Early Victoria, the result of crossing Lord Grosvenor and Kentish Codlin, the com- mittee desired sent later. Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Waltham Cross, sent two varieties of little- known Apricots, splendid looking fruits, above the average size, the varieties being the Early Boulton and Domazan. A new Currant, a sport from Raby Castle, was sent by Mr. Smythe, Bising Park Gardens. Messrs. Laxton sent twelve varieties of Peas. Of the Peas the most noticeable were the new Duke of Rutland, a free grower with good colour ; Gradus and Thomas Laxton. Peas Duke of York and Prince Edward were sent by Mr. T. Basham, Fair Vale, New- port, Mon., but the committee could not deal with these unless growths are sent or the varie- ties tried at Chiswick. A Pea named Nero with purple pods was sent from Burford Lodge Gardens by the President of the society. A novelty in the way of the Raspberry Blackberry, a cross between Rubus fruticosus and Raspberry Belle de Fon- tenay, was sent by Messrs. Veitch, Chelsea. The conference was continued on Wednesday at Westminster Town Hall. In the absence of Sir Michael Foster, through illness, the chair was taken by Professor G. Henslow, and there was a good attendance. Mr. Herbert .J. Webber, from the United States Department of Agriculture, gave an interesting lecture, with lantern demon- stration, on the work of his department in plant hybridisation. The following papers were also read : " The Structure of certain New Hybrids (Passiflora, Albuca, Ribes, Begonia, &c.)," with lantern demonstration, by Dr. J. H. Wilson, St. Andrews, N.B. ; "Hybridisation viewed from the standpoint of Systematic Botany," by Mr. B. Allen Rolfe, Ke>v ; "Hylirid Poppies," by M. Henry de Vilniorin, Verrieres ; "Self-Fertilisa- tion of Plants,'' by M. Lemoine, Nancy ; " Hybrid and Cross-bred Fruits," by Mr. Luther Burbank, Santa Rosa, California, U.S.A. ; and Mr. T.Francis Rivers, Sawbridgeworth. The festival dinner of the conference was held at the Whitehall Rooms on the same evening. Sir Trevor Lawrence presiding. Among others pre- sent were the Netherlands and Belgian Ministers, Lord Annesley, Sir Edward Fry, Lady Lawrence, the Master of the Rolls, Mr. W. Bateson, F.R.S., Mr. H. Webber, and the Rev. W. Wilks (secre- tary). The toast of " The Queen, Patron of the Society," having been honoured, the Rev. Pro- fessor Henslow proposed "Horticulture," and Mr. H. J. Webber, in respoading, said he brought with him the friendly greeting of the United States Secretary of Agriculture. He added that he hoped to see the time when the originator of a newfruit or flower, in addition to the satisfaction he might feel in conferring a benefit on humanity, would receive the just and practical recompense to which he was entitled. Professor Hugo de Vries (Amsterdam University) and M. Henry de Vilmorin also responded. Mr. Biteson proposed the toast of "Hybridists," Mr. W. T. Swingle (Washington) responding. The Master of the Rolls gave "The Royal Horticultural Society," and referred to the early work of the society in sending out collectors into various parts of the world. The chairma,n, in reply, said it was owing to the work of Robert Fortune, who was sent by the society into China, that the cultiva- tion of the tea plant was introduced into India and Ceylon and an immense trade was thus almost wholly transferred from China. The society, which was founded in 1804, would soon have to consider how it was to celebrate its cen- tury. Of late years the society had been progress- ing by leaps and bounds, but it needed a hall in London and a new garden in place of the old garden at Chiswick. The Belgian Minister, responding for the visitors, said it was the com- mon experience of the diplomatic body that British hospitality was unsurpassed throughout the world. Notes of the Week. Rubus delicioaus in ft'uit.— Two large plants of Kubus deliciosus which I have had sojie tweaty years, and which have never fruited before, have a (jiaiitity formed, and those facitig south are quite ripe. — J. R. D , Reigate. LatliTaea squatnaria. — In his garden at Rjck- ville, Murrayfield, Midlothian, Mr. P. Xeill-Fraser has this interesting parasite established and flowering freely on the roots of some trees. I saw it at the end of June, and one u)ted its erect spikes of streaked flowers with pleasure. — S. Arnott. Bose Wiaite Maman Cochet.— The lovely Rose ilituaa Cjchet is one of the best known and most adiiired of all Tea Roses, and this new-comer, a pure white form with the same characteristic beauty, should not b3 less populir than its parent. It is a really delightful flower. Saxifragi Hiroulus major. — This yellow form is by no means seen, every day, though quite a pleasing plant, the large golden yellow fl jwers having at first sight more the appearance of one of the Rock Roses or Helianthemums, a notion, however, quickly set aside by the foliage and habit generally. This pretty yeilow Saxifi-age delights iu plenty of summer moisture. Philadelphus mierophyllus. — Referring to the paragraph re the above in last week's issue of The Gard^x, it may interest soni9 of your readers to know that I have fiis shrub growing in poor clay, measur- ing 4 feet 2 inches in height. 13 feat iu circum- ference, and a mass of bloom. — E. HcTCHCNsox, The Elms, Darlington. Ferula tingitana.— This cm scarcely be seen to advantage when small, but when with years it is fully developed, it is indeed a ti le plant. Examples of i"} were noted recently in Messrs. Jackman's group a^ the Drill Hall, when informatio;i was forthcoming that a &ii?cituen some 10 feet hi^h was a mass of golden-^eilow iu the nursery of the firm at Woking. Nymphaea stellata.— Moot Water L'lies flower in such a way that th'i flower-hea 1 alone just floats on the surfac'? of the water, but in this lively stir- fl )wered kind the blossoms are bjrne aloft out of the water en stou*" stems to nearly 2 fe^t high. It is this strikingly distinct charactenstic that renders it so valLiil)le when cut. Mr. Hu Ison hid a tine display of it at Chiswick on Tuesday U'st fr jm the Gunnersbury House gardens. Nicotians sylveatris.— Tais is a handsome white Tobicco brought to t'ae hybrid conference by Mr. James Hudson, gardener to Mr. Leopold de Roth- schild, on Tuesday last. Tae plint his handsome leaves and an infljrescanca — even when grown in pots, as in this instance — fully 4 feet high, wh.eh is termi- nated by a head of long tabular flowers that, while assuming a drooping attitude during the heat of the day, do not close as do those of nnny kinds, hence its greater value generally. From many points of view this is a valuable plant. Campanula Cirpatica ( iiverslea var.). — I Lerewith enclose my now Campanula carpatica Rivers- lea. The growth is stronger than in th^ type, but it is quite as free-flowering. The flat, Clematis-like flowers give the plant a very distinct effect indeed, being so very much larger than those of the other sorts in commerce. — M. Prichard, Cluistchurch. *#* A very handsome form, the flowers of a richer blue than we have ever seen. Some of the individual blooms measured fully 2 inches across. — Ed. Hailstorm at Canterbury.— A fierce hail- storm swept over Canterbury oa Siturday afternoon, and with it a thutid-rsto in of great violence. Iu inauy case.? the Ium;j3 of ice, aays a correspondent measured over an inch and a half iu diameter. Fruit 52 THE GARDEN. [Jda 15, 1899. and hop plantations, corn crops, and market garden produce have suffered greatly from the deluge of ice. Many of the fruit orchards have been nearly stripped of their crops, and the loss will be very severe. Owners of glass houses have also suffered severely, one nurseryman having over 1000 panes of glass broken, and the damage in this case alone is estimated at over £100. Veronioa paniculata.— Under its synonym of V. amethystina this Speedwell is grown at Shambellie, Dumfries, N.B., where it is very fine this season. It is an old species, introduced from South Europe more than 100 years ago. In the border it was very handsome with its rather loose racemes of bright blue flowers. If one could only get this colour into the spike of tho plant referred to in another note as V. sibirica, a hand- some and valuable plant would be secured.— Rose Fellenberg.— This Rose is apt to be overlooked among the multitude of new introduc- tions, but I may be pardoned for bringing its free growing properties and freedom of flowering before those interested in garden Roses. It is made good use of in beds in the garden of Colonel Blackett, of ArbigUnd, Dumfries, and a grand plant covering the potting shed was a fine sight in the beginning of July. As Mr. W. Houliston, the head gardener, says, the knife is never put to it, and the display it made was of the most brilliant description. — S. Arnott. Incarvillea Delavayi in shade. — It may be of value to some of your readers to know that this handsome plant appears to flower quite freely in the shade. Last autumn I put out a few seedling plants in a small border with a north- east exposure which gets neither western nor south-eastern sunshine. The plants did not make growth early, and I was afraid that the cold snap we had in March had destroyed them. The first flower opened about the first of this month and the plants look quite healthy in their present position. They are not overhung by trees or other plants.— S. Arnott, Carselhom, Dnmfriex. N.B. -^ ' Veronica sibirica.— Under this name there is grown in the garden of Captain Stewart, Sham- bellie, Dumfries, N.B., what appears to be a variety of V. virginica. I am aware that V. sibirica is considered synonymous with V. vir- ginica, and that there is so much variation among the Veronicas that names count often for little! The plant to which I refer has unusually long spikes of flowers of a pale blue. The colour is not pronounced enough to be good, but the spike is finer than that of any V. virginica I have ever seen. The whorled leaves clearly mark it out as belonging to that species. It looks like a plant which would be worth seeding from to get a better colour. — S. Arnott. Salvia carduacea.— This was one of the most remarkable plants in the group shown by Messrs. Jackman and Sons, Woking, at the last Drill Hall meeting. It was remakable by reason of its peculiar growth, the rather square stems being terminated by several cushion-shaped whorls, soft, downy and flexible to the touch, and emitting, under cover of long, sharp spines, the soft, delicate lavender blossoms. In the con- struction of the flowers the margin of the lip is divided into numerous threadlike filaments of a silvery grey tone, which under a powerful lens are very beautiful, the rich orange anthers con- trasting with the deep blue of the stigma. A peculiar, though not particularly pleasing, odour pervades this very curious plant, which is a perennial at Woking. lb is not a flower or evea a plant to attract from a distance, but at close quarters and under examination it is a most interesting subject. Verbascum Hookeri and V. Lychnltis.— From Carton I have specimens of two Mulleins re- ceived under these names. Unfortunately, the bix had been crushed in the post office, and the spikes are somewhat damaged. That named Hookeri is probably Hookerianum, a North African plant with bright yellow, purple-centred flowers. Compared with V. nigrum they are brighter both on the exterior and interior of the petals. The stem-leaves are also more toothed and the stem branches freely. When closed, V. Lychnitis— a Caucasian species — looks as if the flowers would open out white, but they are of a kind of buff colour with an orange centre. At [least this is what one can make out from the specimen sent in its present condition. The calyx is quite white, and it looks as if it would be rather a nice plant with its branching stems. Mr. Black speaks well of it, and one may accept his opinion of its merits. — S. Arnott. Notes from a Cornish, garden. — One or two effects in colour have been striking here lately, notably two small hedges of Crimson Rambler laden with bloom and completely sur- rounded by Sidalcea Candida, also a clump of that useful old free-flowering Rose, Anna Alexieff, with Anemone rivularis round it. Again, Prunella grandiflora on the rockery contrasts well with Linaria tristis. The Physalises have had their numbers enriched by peruviana, which is grow- ing fast against the wall, and also near, Franchetti as a standard. Orchis foliosa seems to go back here. Next to it come Primula imperialis and P. sikkimensis, both well out. Romneya Coulter! opened its first flowers a fortnight ago. Ipom.ta rubro-civrulea has the warmest spot in the gar- den, and has already gone 4 feet up a brick wall and is showing many flower-buds. The Convol- vulus bed has certainly profited by the dry weather. C. Cneorum is flowering well and C. albb:eoides is hard to keep within bounds, whilst Convolvulus minor gives us a sheet of blue and C. lineatus grows fast. — C. R. Public Gardens. Public garden for Dalston.— The Albion Square (Dalston) public garden was opened yosi terday afternoon by the Earl of Meath, the chair- man of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Associa- tion. Mr. Reuben Clarke, chairman of the Open Spaces Committee of the Hackney Vestry, pre- sided. Lord Meath said that Albion Square had existed as an eyesore to the neighbourhood for many years. The association and the local authority had made eS'orts since 180.'? to secure the ground as an open space for the benefit of the public, but it was not until last year that the trustees of Lady de Saumarez, the owner, had consented to its b=ing handed over for this pur- pose. The sum of £400, given by the City Paro- chial Trustees, had been spent on the land. Open spaces. — At the monthly meeting of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, the Earl of Meath presiding, it was announced that the Paragon and Portland Place Gardens, New Kent Road, which have been laid out by the association, had been opened to the public on .June 2H by Lady Llangattock, and that Albion Square Garden, Dalston, would be opened by Lord Meath on Wednesday next. It was resolved to communicate with the Westminster Vestry and the Wandsworth Board of Works respecting certain vacant land suitable for recreation-ground purposes near the Vauxhall Bridge Road and at Earhtield. It was also agreed to take all possible steps to save Albert Square, Commercial Road, from the hands of the builder, and to lay out Marian Square, Hackney Road, and Granville Square, Clerkenwell, it their transfer to the local authorities for maintenance as public gardens could be secured. It was reported that the Court of Common Council had resolved to consider the desirability of taking over for maintenance the various public gardens which the association had laid out in the City, and that £2.500 was still needed to complete the purchase money required for DoUis Hill. Lord Teynham, Lady Hobhouse, and Mr. Basil Holmes, the secretary, were ap- pointed as representatives of the association to serve on the Thames Preservation League. both during the daytime and at night. On the 11th the shade temperature roie to 82', and dur- ing the previous night the exposed thermometer never fell lower than 59°, making this not only the warmest night as yet experienced this year, but also the warmest night recorded here at any time during the past fourteen years. The ground has also become very warm, the temperature at the present time exceeding the .July average by 4° at 2 feet deep, and by as much as 6° at 1 foot deep. About a tenth of an inch of rain, or only sufficient to moisten the surface of the soil, fell during the night of the lOtU. — E. M., Berkham- The weather in West Herts.— Djring the past week the weather has remained very warm Red spider on Vines (R. H. J.).— Water freely and koep the atraoBphere moist, syringing freely with clear rain water, also applying sulphur to the hot- water pipes. We found no other insect on the Vine leaves you sent. Hardy non-British Farns.— In your list of non-British Ferns hardy in Yorks, published last week, Polystichura uiunitutn should have been printed, and not P. crinitam, doubtless owing to my bid writ- ing. I should have added Gymuogramraa triangu- laris, a so-called Silver Pern. — R. Milne-Redhead, Holden doughy CUtheroe. Apple tree unhealthy.— Would you let me know what this disease is ? It is on a Peach Apple tree in my garden here. — W. W. *#* The leaves of your Apple are attacked by a fungus, but they were so shrivelled that I oinnot name it. The best thing that y )u can do now is to pick off what you can of the disas?d leaves and col- lect any that have fallen and burn them. As sooq as any sign of the fungus aopeirs next year, spray with Bordeaux mixture. — G S. S. Insects on Water Lilies.— I have in my garden a tank with cemented sides and bottom, about 30 feet by 15 feet or 18 fee^, and say 3 feet 6 inches deep. The water is supplied from the town mains through a fountain, which as a rule plays by day and i^ turned off at night. A month or two ago some Water Lilies were planted in the tank, and for a time seemed to be doing well, when, however, something attacked the leaves and ate them almost as soon as they came up. At first it was attributed to some gold fish which swim about in the tank, but presently it was discovered to be the work of aa insect, a lively, active sort of fellow, reddish brown in colour, about three-sixteenths of an inch or so in length and fairly slender. As I have not been able to learn anything of this pest from any of my friends, nor from the nursery where I procured the Lilies, I am venturing to send you a few specimens by parcel post, which I hope will arrive in good condition, and I shall be much indebted if you can tell me the name and origin of the creature and how to get rid of it. — \V. H. N. *#* I have carefully examined the Water Lily leavei and the water in the bottle, and the only insects that I could find were the larvae of one of the gnats. I have no doubt that they are the insects you allude to, but I very much doubt if th^y have caused the injury to the leaves. I cinnot say that they have not. As to destroying them, the only way that I can sug- gest is to pour a little piraffin oil on the surface of the water. This forms a very thin film, which prevents the larvae from being able to obtain air, as they have to do occasionally. It has been proposed to destroy mosquitoes in this manner by pouring oil on the tanks and pools iu which their larvae live, and in some places it appears to have been successful. — G. S. S. Names of plants. — M. Mooily.—l, Iris ochro- leuoa; 2, Rudbeekia speciosa ; 3, Coronilla varia. • Clifton. — A good form of Cattleya Mendeli. H. Hallet. — 1, Pittosporum Buchanani ; 2, we cannot recognise; please send when in flower: 3, Leptoiper- nium scoparium. J. M. — 1, Cytisns capitatus; 2, Sempervivum aracbnoideum Laygeri ; 3, Se[up3rvivum flagelliforme ; 4, Syringa japonica. J. L. — 1, Iris fcetidissima variegata ; 2, Lycium europaeum ; 3, Cy- tisus capitatus. H. Archer-Hind. — Antirrhinum asarina. Joseph Milhiirn. — Kosa rubrifolia. H. G. R. — Cobfea scandens. "The English Flower Garden." — Tfto- roughly revised^ xvith full descriptions of all the hest plants, their culture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium St'0, 15s. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, Sfc, THE GARDEN. No. 1444.— Vol. LVL] [JULY 22, 1899. Orohlds:— Anpiiloa Ruckeri sanjruinea. . Cattleya Eldorado .. _ .. Dendrobium Wardianum _ Lf^Iia pvirpurata Williamsi .. L.-pHo ■ Cattleya Arooldiana (Pickering Lodge var. j „ Masdevallia octhodea .. .. Miltonia Regnelli Orchids, rara )■ beautiful L Pa]>lanias _ Zygopetalum maxillare . ^ Ferns ;— Pterises, choice .. „ ^ RosBs:— Brier, Sweet, Anne of Geier- stein Rose Coquette Bordelaisa . . Rose Duke of York Rose Mme Laurette Messimy Roses at Woking Roee3, Ayrshire and Ever- green, for massing Rosea on pillars and arches . . Kitchen : Asparagus, cutting. Cauliflower grub, the .. ,. Lettuce, Cabbage 56 Lettuce iu hot, dry summers 56 Lettuces in trenches ^ ..56 Parsnip fly, the .. ., ^ 56 Vegetables and drought . ..55 Flower:— Coreopsis grandi flora .. «, 5S Incarvillea grandiflora .. .. 59 Kirkconnel, a note from .. 58 Larkspurs for cutting .. .. 58 Lilium test;iceum .. ., 59 Narcissus Bishop Mann . . 59 Narcissus Bishop Mann (fiirfiit's-neck- ra,\) .. .. 59 Pea, Sweet, Butterfly .. „ 58 Peas, Sweet, ii hot weather 58 Pent^temons ,, ._. .. .'9 Salvia Tenoreana .. .. _ 58 Water Lilies .. 58 WlBley, Calochoiti at « ..58 Garden Flora:— RhO'lodemlron multicolor Cur- tisi 62 Rhododendron multicolor Mrs. Htalr 63 Rhododendrons, Malayan, and their hybrids 62 (Illustrations in Italics.) Week's ffork:— Fruits under glass, work among . . 64 Kitchen garden, work in the 61 Orchard and Fruit :— Apples in Hereford . . . . 67 Caterpillars, the pi iguo of .. 68 Cherry Late Duke _ . . . . 67 Fruit, flavour in 65 Gooseberry Keepsake . . , , 65 Gooseberry Telegraph .. ,, 65 Grape Gros Guillbiumc ., ,. 67 Insects and Strawb.^rries .. 66 Insecticides 67 Peach Salway . . . , ^ . . 67 Pears, selected 66 Htock on graft, cfftctsof the 68 Strawberry President . ..66 Strawberries, flavour in . .. 68 Strawberries in the open ground 65 Wall breaks 65 Traai and BliFabii— Magnolia Lenno _ . . _ 68 Maffnolia Lennc ^ 68 PeriplocagrEeca « 63 Law :— May e. Thyne _ 70 Societies: — Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund 70 Royal Horticultural „ ..70 Notes of the Week :— Acantholimou venustum - 71 Amianthium muscsetoxicum 72 Campanula eeninia .. .. 71 Campanula G. P. Wilson . . 71 Campanula grandis alba . . 72 Campanula persicifolia . . .. 71 Centaurea moschata alba -. 71 Clarkia elegans Salmon Queen 71 Dendrobium fimbriatum ocu- latum .. _...._ 72 Deutzia Lemoinoi in 8.W. of Scotland 71 Erigeron speciosus superbus 71 Fuchsias iu the greenhouse . 71 Gaillardias 72 Geum Heldreichi 71 Godetlas, self-sown 71 Hemerocallis Pioneer ., .. 71 Houstonia cierulea .. _ .. 72 Iris Kaampferi 71 Iris, the Wedding .. .. „ 71 Lilium Burbanki - 71 Lilium Martagon albutn . . 71 Lilium monadelphum . . —72 Mszvis Pumilio ...... 71 CEnothera, a double. . .. ... 71 Pteonies 72 Pansy, Tufted, Archie Grant 71 Pansy, Tufted, Masie - ..71 Pansy. Tufted, Walter B. Child .. .. .. 71 Pauty, Tufted, White Duchess .... . ^ 71 Pea, Sweet, Emily Bckford.. 71 Trillium declinatura „ .. 71 Verl.iAscum l.ychnitis .. .. 71 Veronica silicifolia 72 Obituary :— M»jor Mason . . — Miscellaneous :— Baden-Baden, notes from Digitalis lanata Locust tree, value of the Open spice, a new . . Perfumes from plants _ Pot-pourri or Ro«e jar . . The Glen, Innerleithen.. 'Jh^'Gl'Ht InncrUithtn, lueu Topics, notes on current Weather in W. Herts . . 63 62 57 72 59 70 S7 67 69 72 Orchids. RAEE V. BEAUTIFUL ORCHIDS. There is no doubt that in the past many Orchids have been admired and highly prized much more for their rarity than their beauty, and money value has had, I am afraid, in a few cases a far greater weight than beauty. Because a plant is a rare hybrid and possesses some dis- tinct characteristic it has been much lauded whether it was superior to anything previously known in the same section or not. I for one — and I think most true Orchid lovers will join with me — am very pleased to see that of late a taste is springing up for kinds that are really beautiful as well as rare, and that our principal society is less lavish in its awards than for- merly. At one of the Royal Horticultural Society's shows a well-known trade grower complained rather bitterly that a hybrid shown by his firm had not received a certificate, and when I ventured to disagree with him he came down with the very crushing intelligence that it was a hybrid, the result of a cross that had never been made before. The plant was abso- lutely inferior to either of its parents, and the committee very wisely, I think, passed it by. Too much has been made of raising hybrid Orchids, and the fictitious value placed upon some of them has brought Orchid lovers a name for delighting in unlovely plants with long names instead of beautiful and rare flowers. For this reason some people that should know better decry Orchids and let off a cheap kind of wit against men who have enriched our collec- tions with some of the most lovely plants in Nature. Take, for instance, the splendid series of hybrids raised by crossing the almost useless Brassavola Digbyana with the best of the labiata Cattleyas. A more beautiful flower than the first of these- is inconceivable, and the later additions are almost equally meritorious. Look, again, at the innumerable Cypripediums that are improvements beyond question upon anything that has been imported. The men who have raised such plants are entitled to all the praise they are likely to get, and have con- ferred real benefits upon horticulture. They are not to be named in the same breath with those who raise or purchase seedlings of re- puted parentage and bring them to exhibitions with the idea of getting a certificate which will enhance their monetary value. To keep their good name. Orchid hybridists must make up their mind to disappointments the same as raisers of other flowers, and not think that every cross they make is worthy of perpetua- tion. It is hard lines to have to throw away a plant after years of patient waiting and care, but it is better to do so than to bring the cult into disfavour or even ridicule. If the plant is so far worthy, by all means keep it and grow it for cutting if suitable or for home decora- tion, but do not endeavour to force it upon a public taste quite satiated with such, not to use a stronger term. To a more limited extent the same principle obtains regarding varieties of well - known species. There are the albino forms of the labiata and other Cattleyas, each and all of which are most chaste and lovely Orchids, and no one could fall out with the high regard in which they are held. Then among the Den- drobiuras there are many most ex(|uisite varie- ties that no one, unless absolutely devoid of the sense of beauty in form and colouring, could fail to admire, and the same is true of fine colour varieties in the Cattleyas referred to above. What should be avoided is raising on too high a pedestal such things as Dendrobium nobile Cooksonianum and L.nalia purpurata Ashworthiana, in which the colouring, though unique, does not add to the beauty and, there- fore, the intrinsic worth of the plant. A Grower. Anguloa Ruckeri sanguinea. — The flowers of this variety are among the brightest and best of the Anguloas, and it is a beautiful plant that anyone may add to his collection with advantage. As distinct from the type, the whole of the interior of the flower is a deep red, and when a number of flowers are open the effect is very food. I have noticed more of the decaying of the owers of Anguloas this season than I have ever seen before, and I cannot help thinking that some of this is due to allowing the plants too much heat. A little more than the coolest house affords may do no harm if the flowers are wanted by any special date, but beyond a few degrees it is not wise to go. Dendrobium Wardianum. — It is strange how suddenly plants of this species collapse, sometimes without apparent cause. It is over seven years since I have purchased any newly- imported plants, and this is longer than they usually thrive under cultivation. This spring when flowering I noticed one of the plants threw a lot of badly-formed blossoms, and since then it has made nothing but small, worthless growths, which will never be strong enough to flower, and the plant is, of course, useless. Yet last season the plant apparently grew well and was well ripened, but all was not right as evinced by the poor flowers. Masdevallia octliodes.— I noted a fine plant of this singular little species recently with a number of its tiny flowers so prettily set upon the scapes, the sepals not very showy in colour, but forming a peculiar boat-shaped cavity pecu- liar to this section. This and a few allied species are, perhaps, more constantly in flower than any other Orchid, and it is nothing unusual for the spikes that rise in early autumn to go on pro- ducing the little flowers all through the winter and spring months. The plant is of the easiest culture, thriving in a cool house with the other members of the genus, but is not showy enough to be generally cultivated. — B. S. Miltonia Begnelli.— Flowers of this pretty species come from a correspondent. They are large and handsome, showing well the pretty brijrht rose sufl'ueion that is a marked charac- teristic of the best forms of this species. In growing these Brazilian Miltonias many people are apt to give them too much heat at certain times in the year, particularly in summer and early autumn, when for very good cultural leasons the Cattleya house in which they are grown is allowed to run up a little higher than usual. Where a proper intermediate house exists there are many plants that may be accommodated in it all the year round, and this fine Miltonia is one of them. Regular temperatures and regular supplies of moisture both at the root and in the atmosphere will ensur* healthy plants, other conditions being favourable. A thin compost of peat fibre and Moss suits it well. Cattleya Eldorado. — This species is not so strong in growth as the majority of the labiata Cattleyas, nor has it such large flowers, but it blooms at a very useful time, and is therefore 54 THE GARDEK [July 22, 1899. well worth growing. It is easily distinguished by its tubular lip and flowers of less substance, and though keeping fairly well to its seasons of growth and rest, it does not always do so. One plant here almost always flowers in late autumn and is a very good form. There are many varie- ties of it, including several that have received names and a large number of others. It thrives well with the usual Cattleya treatment, and, like C. gigas and one or two others, likes best a position not far from the roof glass in baskets or pans. The compost must be free and open, con- sisting of rough peat, Moss, and charcoal over good drainage. It is a native of the Rio Negro district, and for a time after its introduction in 1866 was rare. Frequent importations have arrived since. Xiselia purpurata 'Williamsi.— This superb variety is now in flower, and it is among the finest of Orchids now blooming, the rich crimson-purple on the lip being a magnificent bit of floral colouring. The plant is of exceptionally strong growth and very free-flowering. Like all free- rootiiig subjects, this plant when healthy must be given ample room in the pots, and it is not well to leave it to get very badly pot bound before giving fresh compost. I have a large plant of a good variety that, like the above, usually flowers after the typical L. purpurata is over, and being a little chary of disturbing it, I let it go too long without repotting a few years since, in conse- quence of which it is now only just recovering the check given when disturbed. Had the plant not been allowed to go back, but been given new material when still healthy, all would have been well. As it is it has taken several seasons to recover. In the large pots necessary for such specimens it is imperative that plenty of good charcoal or other hard porous material be placed with the peat and Moss, or a closeness will ensue that is fatal to active rooting. Zygopetalum maxillare.— Many hundreds of plants of this have been imported, only to flower respectably for a year or two and then to dwindle away, and the likeliest plants to do are those that are sent home on the native Tree Fern stems, a practice not so common, perhaps, as formerly. I remember receiving some plants of it about eleven years ago that were nearly all attached to this material, and, dried as they were, most of them plumped up and came away all right, but all those that had been torn off died. The plant does not seem able to store sufficient nutriment in its small pseudo bulbs to enable it to withstand the rough treatment it is exposed to as well as its stronger growing brethren. When under cultivation, if the stems referred to cannot be obtained, then a thin make up of well- drained compost is the next best substitute. The rhizomes extend a good deal laterally, and room must be found for them, or weakness will ensue. Roots outside a pot or basket are always in danger from insects, besides which they are more liable to be dried and to suffer from external injury. The material ought to be of the most lasting description, not very much peat, but plenty of Mo=3 being used, as this, by its decay, does not get into such a solid, close mass as the peat, and forms, perhaps, some little food for Orchid roots. Z. maxillare is a very old garden Orchid, having been introduced by Mr. Warne through the then well-known firm of Loddiges very early in the present century. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ORCHIDS. Lselio-Cattleya Arnoldiana (PickeriDg Lodge var.).— This is aa exeeeiiiugly dark form of this hybrid. It is derived from the intercrossing of Lcelia purpurata and Cattleya Warsoewiczi (gigas). Tlie fepals and pptals are of a depp rose-lilac tint. The wh'ile of the front I ibe of the lip is rich orimson- purplo, heavily veined witli a darker shade of crimson, the side lohps rose-purplo, shading to yellow at the base, where there are a few Hues and a slight suffusion of purple through the throat. — C. Paphinias.— In my note on " Orcljid rpotg " at p. -22 I have mentioned Promen:eas as Orchids with \ ery sensitive roots, but it was Paphinias I should have written. These singularly pretty Orchids, though related to the other genus, are more impatient than they of checks, whether these are caused by closeness at the roots or in any other particular, but I know of very few kinds that are so easily injured by the former mis- chance. To do them well, insects must be kept in check by constant atmospheric moisture, and everything about them must be very clean and sweet. — H. R. Ferns. CHOICE PTERISES. Pteris sc.^iiERULA. — This beautiful and distinct Pteris is difficult to deal with. Where it once gets established and finds genial conditions it grows freely, and the spreading rhizomes soon cover a large space. The greatest difficulty is when it is necessary to disturb the roots, espe- cially when dividing plants to increase the stock. As it rarely produces spores, it is necessary to propagate by dividing, though when it does prove fertile the spores germinate freely. I have raised seedlings on several occasions. The first time I found fertile fronds was nearly thirty years ago, and 1 still have some dried specimens collected then. Some few years ago I saw a very large specimen which had a number of fertile fronds. The plant having become too large it was divided, but this proved fatal. I believe the whole of the divisions died. To divide successfully, young plants must be taken before the pots have become too full of roots, or, if grown in a shallow pan, it gives the rhizomes room to spread, and they may be taken off with roots and soil. Treated thus and grown in a cool, rather shady position where the atmosphere is fairly moist, it is one of the most beautiful Ferns grown. It should be potted in good fibrous loam, and good drainage should be given. P. VicTORi.^i. — This is another very desirable Fern which re(iuires careful treatment, and when raised from spores it is much inclined to vary in habit. While some of the seedlings will, under good treatment, grow freely enough, there are sure to be some which have a tendency to be dwarf, congested, refusing to grow freely and make good plants. It is therefore necessary to select a good free-growing form for saving the spores from, and then see that the seedlings are grown on freely from the start without receiving any check. I have found the spores germinate freely, and soon throw up their first fronds. They should be pricked oft" as early as possible, and when ready to pot, a good open compost with plenty of drainage is advantageous. Many of these more slender-growing Ferns are often ruined through using a fine compost from which the best elements have been removed with the sieve. Fme soil and overwatering are common errors in Fern culture, and tho^e of less natural vigour almost invariably suffer. The above Pceris succeeds best in a stove temperature, though it will do fairly well under cooler treat- ment. When well grown the very distinct white variegation gives a good contrast among other Ferns, and also renders it a desirable variety for decoration. Since its introduction several dis- tinct varieties have occurred, Regina; being one of the best. This is a more vigorous grower. There is also a crested form of this which is equally free, but these do not come so freely from spores as the parent. In Mr. Goodliff's nursery. Worthing, there are plants of these two varieties with fronds upwards of 2 feet 6 inches in height from top of pots, the plain form giving one the idea of a variegated P. serrulata. P. tremula variegata also came from P. V'ictori.'e, and though very pretty in a young state, it does nob keep the variegation so well and gets straggling with age ; further, it is difficult to propagate either from spores or divisions. P. TRICOLOR is another baautiful Fern rarely seen in really good conditfon, being of slow growth and much liable to damage if web settles on the fronds. It should be grown in an elevated position and well exposed to the light, but some shade is necessary in very hot sunshine. In pot- ting, the crown of the plant should be kept well down. The stem lengthens with each frond, and roots are produced from the upper portion as it advances, and these perish if not close enough to take hold of the soil, which is often the cause of this beautiful Fern being seen in a sickly condi- tion. P. NBMORALis V.VRIEGAT.A. — Although not so delicate as the last named, some care is necessary to have it in good condition. When grown freely in a suitable position the young fronds have a beautiful rosy tint which listinguishes them from those of argyrea, which under any conditions does not give any colour except green and white. P. AsPERiCAULis, or rubricaulis, as it is some- times called, has dark bronzy brown tinted fronds, which give a distinct shade in a collection of Ferns. A. Hemsley. Rose Garden. ROSE MME. LAURETTE MESSIMY. Ok all Roses I should recommend for groups it cannot be gainsaid that the variety Mme. Laurette Messimy gives the greatest satisfaction, being of vigorous growth, with an abundant and uninterrupted bloom from May till the frosts come. The colour of the flower is a tawny china rose, increasing in depth of tone in deep and fertile soils in northern climates ; its leaf a blue-purple, elegant in form, in which it resembles a Tea Rose. In its general aspect it is vigorous, elegant, bushy, and quite hirdy. In many countries, like Switzerland, Germany, and especially England, this variety is the object of peculiar care. It is fashionable ; in all Rose gardens it has its allotted place ; it is much cultivated in groups and masses ; isolated, it often reaches gigantic propor- tions in rich deep soils and situations favourable to it. In a certain Normandy estate a Rose bush of this splendid variety planted in conditions very favourable to it reached in the space of two years a height of 6 feet 6j inches and a circumference of more than 1.3 feet It inches about 4 feet from the ground ; it formed a round bushy shrub from the base upward. Its vigour is such that on May 20 last its owner counted more than 450 buds on the point of opening and a multi- tude of others to follow. Comment is super- fluous. Many another analogous fact could be cited in proof of the merits of this Rose. The credit of obtaining this remarkable Rose is due to M. Guillot, of Lyons, who brought it out in 1887. It is the result of crossing the Bengal Rival de Pestum and the Tea Rose Mme. Falcot. A most happy gain it is, which has endowed Rose culture with an extraordinary variety by creating a veritable type which has given us other varieties having the same qualities of vigour and freedom of blooming in different colours — P. Guili.ot, in ies Roses. Sweet Brier Anne of Geierstein. — Al- though one does nob profess to be a Rose expert, when one sees a good many gardens it is possible to select some of the most valuable without special knowledge of the host of Roses in cultivation. I am thus pleased to see that your correspondent P." gives this variety so high a place among the sixteen raised by Lord Penzance. It is at present remarkably beautiful in my garden, and a gardener of extensive experience was greatly struck with its colouring the other day. Its vigorous growth is also remarked upon by your contributor. It is growing on a pillar here, and In this light, dry soil lb is doing very well. In some respects it is finer than Lady Penzance, but Jdly 22, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 55 then the colour of the latter is, as " P." says, per- i fectly unique. In some soils this colour is, how- 1 ever, not well brought out, and a fine bush I saw the other day was hardly recognisable as Lady Penzance, although careful observation showed that it was correctly named. — S. Arnott. Rose Duke of York (China).— The intense . heat of the last few days has produced a wonder- | ful effect upon this most uncommon Rose. It is i at all times very variable, some of the flowers being almost white with a pretty carmine edging like a high tinted Homfere, others nearly a pure light pink self until the flower expands, then the centre is flamed with rich rosy-red. This latter colour is now most intense ; in some flowers it nearly approaches to blood-red. When this is so the under part of the petals, which is usually very pale, produces a surprisingly beautiful com- bination. Under glass and also outdoors many of the expanded flowers have the two outer rows of petals nearly white, the centre ones, which are irregularly placed, glowing with rosy-crimson. Duke of York is a good kind for the garden, succeeding well either as a bush or standard. It has a good vigorous constitution, with an elegant yet erect habit of growth. Rose Coquette Bordelaise.— Rarely has a Rose appeared with a more distinct character than the above beautiful kind. To judge from the blossoms exhibited recently at the Chiswick conference by Messrs. W. Paul and Son, of Waltham Cross, this variety belongs to the Hybrid Perpetual class — in fact it is said to be a sport or seedling of Paul Neyron. The growth is certainly in the style of the latter Rose, but the form of flower is totally distinct, being when ex- panded almost Hat, which enables the markings upon each petal to be distinctly visible, and appears like a huge Carnation. The ground colour is a pure pink, each petal being heavily flaked and blotched with white and sometimes slightly scolloped. This Rose will certainly become a more general favourite than Pride of Reigate, for somehow the latter never inspired one with any great liking for it. It is novel, but the markings are very irregular and the combination of colours not at all happy, whereas in Coquette Bordelaise the white blotches and lively pink ground colour are most attractive. As a garden Rose I should say it will gain much favour by the Rose-growing public, who are always ready tc welcome really distinct novelties. — P. Roses on pillars and arches. — It would be very interesting and useful if anyone who has good varieties of Polyantha or other Roses that will cover long lengths of trellis of any kind would give their names and short description, for out of the large number recommended for the purpose it is surprising how few quite fill the blank. I have Crimson Rambler IS feet long, bub, like many others, the bottom parts get very thick before the upper portion is furnished. It is the same with the Dijon Teas, as Mme. Berard, Bouquet d'Or, and others, also most of the single Briers. What is wanted is something that makes good shoots from the upper parts like the Monthly Roses, Carmine Pillar, and one or two more. There are several climbing forms of well- known Roses, such as Captain Christy, Niphetos, Souvenir de la Malmaison, and others, that make fine growths, but being a' mist strictly deciduous are hardl}' suitable, as th" 'rpllises and arches show too plainly in winter, i uud that to keep Roses in health and vigour in such positions a great deal of feeding is necessary, much more than for trees growing in beds or borders. A rather pretty combination is Crimson Rambler Rose and Cle- matis montana on adjacent pillars and allowed to grow together, the former making a fine succes- sion to the Clematis. — H. R. Ayrshire and Evergreen Roses for mass- ing.— Odd pieces of ground might be very use- fully filled with some of the above Roses so that they can run about in wild confusion. They are a mo.st useful race, growing and flowering where other kinds refuse to exist. If plants are pro- cured upon their own roots and set out about i feet apart, in three years a delightful effect would be produced. The long, trailing growths are then smothered with blossom, and yet there is an entire absence of formality owing to the new shoots breaking up from the centre of the plants. Particularly beautiful grown in this way is Myri- anthes renoncule, its pretty blush-pink flowers and elegant budi showing to great advantage. Another fine kind is Leopoldine d'Orleans, white, with red buds. Indeed, the whole of the collec- tion would be sure to thrive. Even such a ram- pant grower as The Garland, a charming hybrid Musk, is now blooming freely grown in the manner described, and Crimson Rambler would be glorious. A certain amount of pruning is necessary. The growths should be shortened each year to about 3 feet or 4 feet from the base. Even this would not be required if the plants were set out further apart, because the growths are bound to blossom from almost every eye when they are allowed to grow in this creeping manner for a year or two. Overcrowding must, of course, be avoided, or the flowers will not be seen. This can be easily accomplished by entirely removing now and then some of the older growths.— P. ROSES AT WOKING. The hot, dry, sandy nature of the soil nature of the soil in this neighbourhood is not conducive to the lasting powers of Rose blooms, and it is difficult to grow the flowers up to a good exhibition standard in a dry season. Nevertheless, this is a perfect home for Roses in the garden. In few localities can one see such a display of Roses or so early. During June one noted many splendid examples of W. A. Richardson, and the deep apricot tint in the flowers was especially noticeable. Crimson Rambler was seen in fine bloom, many trees being of large dimensions. Another Rose that does well is Viscountess Folkestone. Although this is not generally a good shoiv Rose, the huge blossoms of fiesh colour have a noble appearance on the plant. Gustave Regis, light yellow, so perfect in bud, has a splendid effect when fully open, even if not so double as many kinds. Mrs. John Laing is everywhere good, thus proving it a most desirable Rose for light soils. The most satisfactory light Rose, perhaps, has been Mme. G. Luizet. It was noted in perfect form about the middle of June. Roses generally appeared backward, but the hot sun brought them on with a rush, and the first bloom was quickly over. Here, however, new growth is readily formed, and we get an almost continued display of flowers. Ulrich Brunner is a sort that does well, except that it is only on strong plants that one sees a perfectly double flower. La France is always good, but this year is not so fine as last. Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi gives fine blooms, although somewhat thin. The greatest difficulty is with the dark-coloured kinds. Prince Camille de Rohan, Xavier Olibo, Louis van Houtte, and \'ictor Hugo are all unsatisfactory, and the lighter crimsons, A. K. Williams, Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumann, are but little better. The few dark Roses that do fairly well are Duke of Edin- burgh, Crown Prince, Prince Arthur, and Fisher Holmes. General Jacqueminot grows as freely as any, but the buds open fast and are quickly over. Captain Hayward and Thomas Mills are other bright-coloured sorts whose beauty is fleeting. Gustave Piganeau and Earl of Dufferin do not grow well, and Charles Lefebvre is only a fair success. Her Majesty is a Rose suited to our soils, and Mrs. Sharman Crawford docs well also, but the blooms this year are not so good as last. Baroness Rothschild and Merveille de Lyon, two kinds of similar growth, make fine trees and blossom well. Margaret Dickson and Marchioness of Londonderry have grown well, but do not flower freely. Comte de Raimbaud, a Rose not unlike Chas. Lefebvre, is a dark one that will be tried by planting more of it. It is an old, but somewhat neglected variety. Except in the nurseries on newly-budded plants. Hybrid Perpetuals generally do not pro- duce ideal show blooms in this locality. The Hybrid. Teas and Tea-scented Roses, however, grow much better. Caroline Testout, salmon- pink, surpasses La France in beauty and abund- ance of bloom. Kaiserin Augusta Victoria is a favourite both under glass and in the open. Mme. Abel Chatenay, rather a new Rose of a salmon-pink shade, was seen in more than one garden, but is not very well known. It is likely to be valuable as a garden Rose. Marquise Litta is one of the successes of the year. It bears large carmine-coloured blooms and has exceptional petals. This is handsome on the tree. Mrs. W. J. Grant does well. Another Rose, new to me, noted in Woking is Souvenir de Presi- dent Carnot. It bears full blooms of a pretty pointed shape, the colour being white, with a pink tinge. Anna Oilivier is among the best of the Tea Roses. It grows freely and the flowers are very distinct. Maman Cochet does exceedingly well. Its salmon-rose blooms are of perfect form. Grown on strong soil they are apt to split, and therefore less valued generally. I saw the white Maman Cochet in bloom recently. It is hardly pure, as its outer petals have a pink tinge, but it is a decided acquisition for all that, and is as distinct from the parent as is The Bride from Catherine Mermet. What a splendid family we are getting from the last-named !— Bridesmaid, Muriel Grahame and The Bride, all of faultless and similar form, but different in shades of colour. These do capitally here. Marie van Houtte comes with blooms more pink in tint than one meets with elsewhere. Hon. Edith Gifford grows well and blossoms freely. The somewhat tender sorts, Cleopatra, Comtesae de Nadaillac, Mme. Cusin, and Mme. de Watteville, do not make nice plants. I think they should be tried on low standards. Medea does fairly well ; so, too, does Souvenir d'EhseVardon. Rubens is a good old Rose, but does not come over double. Souvenir d'un Ami and the sport. Souvenir de S. A. Prince, grow well and flower, but the blooms are com- paratively small. Is Gloire de Dijon Rose wearing out? Whether it is that W. A. Richardson does so well in the neighbourhood and the former suffers in conse- quence or not, it is not happy in many oases, and one rarely sees it in that rampant style of years ago. Laurette Messimy is a charming Rose of the China class. It blooms the whole season and is quite charming in colour, satiny rose. L'ldeal is represented by some fine specimens will by-and-by run W. A. Richardson attractiveness, the shades of colour in soms being unique. These close in the bios- H. S. Kitchen Garden. VEGETABLES AISTD DROUGHT. In many gardens the soil is light, resting on gravel, and in a dry season the culture of vege- tables from June to September is diftioult. I may be told watering will remedy the evil, but it is a poor remedy if used alone. It is almost labour in vain in the case of certain crops sown very thickly, as unless done daily, it is useless. For several seasons past we have had long periods of drought, and it is a difficult matter in light soils to maintain a healthy growth. It is surprising what may be done by mulching sufficiently early between the rows of growing crops, also by sowing thinly. A stro'ng plant is an important item in such sea- sons." 1 have referred to mulching and advised early attention to crops perfecting their growth, such as Peas, French Beans, Cauliflowers, salads, and similar crops. During the latter part of June I have after mulching watered daily for quite a fortnight, and have already reaped great benefit by the same, as the plants, given a thorough watering once a week, will pull through and growth will be clean and strong. Few vegetables collapse sooner than Peas m dry, hot soils. I find that, to get thein after June is over, mulching is a necessity. 56 THE GARDEK [July 22, 1899. Few materials are available for mulching, and one is obliged to use those at hand. There can be no doubt as to the value of cow manure for light soils. This is much better than horse manure, but, as previously stated, it is not always obtainable. I use spent Mushroom manure largely. This is obtained at small cost and is most valuable as a mulch, as it retains moisture so well if used freely. As regards feeding on a light porous soil, it is not the best, but one must think of the present crop and act accordingly. It would be far better in the winter months to cart some heavier ma- terial on to the land in the way of soil of a clayey nature, but this is not practicable in many cases. In mulching with the material advised, it is well to use sufficient down the side of the rows, so that when moisture is given it is retained. Of late years I have found the strong growing Peas of the Stratagem type the best dry weather varieties. These only growing 3 feet, often less in dry seasons, may be sown much closer than tall varieties. I find it well to mulch the whole space between the rows, and if this is done it is surprising how the plants thrive. The mulching is necessary just as the podding commences, and in watering a thorough soaking is given. In the case of salads, I fill up the space between the plants. The same treat- ment is carried out with Cauliflowers, French and runner Beans, or other shallow rooting crops. Long litter will prevent loss by drought". I admit strawy litter does not add to appearance, and if it can be obtained with the long straw removed so much the better. On heavy land using the hoe freely in dry weather is of great advantage. On such land light materials are beneficial. Here such aids as leaf-soil and burnt refuse will be found serviceable. G. Wythes. CUTTING ASPARAGUS. Several notes on this subject have lately ap- psared in The Garden. As to which is right, cutting large and small grass ahke, or leaving the weakly growths to develop, there appears to be a divided opinion. It has always bsen my practice to leave the weak grass, and I think it is bene- ficial, especially where the soil is not the best for Asparagus culture, as it certainly increases root action and strengthens the plants generally. I have lived with three or four very good Asparagus growers, and each of them, if I remember rightly, allowed all the thin, weak grass to remain. A few days ago I was speaking to a very successful grower who is strongly in favour of leaving all small growths. These, he miintained, formed stout eyes at the base, these producing strong growths the following season. Their remaining also incieasss root-action, and the whole stool is strengthened. The grower in question takes more trouble with his seedlings than most gar- deners. The permanent beds are noi planted at random, the young pUnts being first proved in nursery beds. The seed is sown not too thickly in a not too hot position, the young plants being kept well moistened while growing. Mulching is serviceable in dry seasons, spent Mushroom manure answering very well. The second spring the young plants are transferred to a nursery bed and allowed fair room to develop. When in berry the plants are marked, those only with large berries being selected. Planting into the permanent beds is performed the following sea- son. This grower thinks that if male plants only were planted finer grass would be produced. Of course, one would require to sow a large quantity of seed to be able to select all male plants. Male plants, he contended, having no seed to support grew much higher and stronger and formed stouter eyes for producing the following year. The same grower described the behaviour of difi'erent varieties of Asparagus in the garden under his charge. There were three sorts, one of which he found on the premises when he took charge many years ago ; the two others were Conover's Colossal and Argenteuil. The first named, though treated exactly similarly to the rest, produced inferior grass, though in greater quantity. Conover's Colossal is finer, and Argen- teuil finest of all. The lasb is my friend's favourite strain. I may add he is an advocate for blanched produce, and states that if when away from home he eats ordinary green stems they are never enjoyed like the blanched heads of his own garden. I have grown the Argenteuil variety myself, and consider it fine in every way. Anyone planting it on fairly good ground and dealing patiently with it for the first three seasons will, all other conditions being equal, be pleased with it. Norwich. LETTUCE IN DRY, HOT SUMMERS. Ok Lettuce in certain seasons it is difficult to keep up regular supplies. From years of close observation 1 have found that the Lettuces with deep coloured leaves are most reliable. A great deal depends upon the soil and culture, but in hot, dry seasons a great deal also depends upon variety. Doubtless many growers have found that the autumn \arieties, if they can be called such, are more reliable for summer cropping in dry seasons than the quicker growers. 1 allude to such kinds as the Black-seeded Cos, Champion Brown and Bath Cos, Hammersmith Hardy Green, Lee's Immense and othern. These sown in May or June are all good for the season noted, and given a cool root-run are most useful for July and August supplies. To sow at short intervals on a dry, hot soil through July and August will end in failure. The seeds with sufficient moisture germinate freely, but in a thick seedbed so quickly run to leaf that planting out is impossible, as if the plants are pricked out very small the sun takes all life out of them, and if allowed to get any size they are weakly, being drawn and run to seed instead of hearting. There is no better plan than sowing very thinly in rows and on a north or cool border for the June or early July sowings if this plan can lie adopted. The chief work is thinning out sufficiently early to prevent crowding. Many may think this mode of culture waste of seed, but it is not, as in sow- ing one may drop a little seed at say intervals of 9 inches to 12 inches apart, and thinning is soon done. I find it best to draw drills with a flat bottom not less than (i inches wide. These drawn 15 inches apart give nice space and the drills allow of watering. Another plan, and one that rarely fails, is to draw a single drill at the foot of a north wall and sow very thinly. Here I have even got good results by transplanting, as the soil is cool, but this is not always reliable in hot summers. It is best to rely on sowing and thinning out. A poor thin soil is so soon dried up that those who can use cow manure for salads in such soil and in liberal quantities will find it invaluable. Much may be done by mulching between the rows with spent Mushroom manure, or even short litter ; in fact anything that retains moisture will be of great value. The best summer I^attuce in a light soil is Continuity, a variety raised in the eastern counties and specially good for summer crops. This is a dark or red coloured form of Cabbage Lettuce, and it remains fit for use a longer time than any other variety I have grown, as even when full grown and in dry hot weather the plant remains solid for some time. I have heard objections made to the colour of these plants and others of similar type, but the quality is good and that is important, and the colour when the outside leaves are removed is rather pleasing than otherwise, as the heart is a beautiful pale pink and very firm. Another variety and but little behind Continuity is Marvel, also a Cabbage variety. This kind has red edges, the heart being of a pale golden colour. Ic is a splendid variety for dry, hot soils. Sown with Continuity it is earlier, but keeps longer. A variety named Stand- well is excellent. This will suit those who object to the deeper coloured forms, and the Victoria, an old but good kind, a black-seeded variety, is excellent for the summer and equally good in winter. For years I grew Kingsholm Cos, a splendid form, but of late years have grown Intermediate, a most distinct form, smaller than the ordinary Cos, but not unlike the Bath Cos, and invaluable for light soils, as it remains good so long and takes up little room. This variety can be grown closer together than the others named. There are several kinds of black-seeded or Bath Cos, some much better than others, but few are superior to the Northern King Cos, a variety well worth growing for late summer supplies. G. Wythes. Cabbage Lettuce. — Having tried most of the varieties of Cabbage Lettuce catalogued, owing to the fact that this type is much more in demand with me than the Cos, I should like to add a note to the correspondence on page 402. My selection would be Golden Queen, Perfect Gem and Con- tinuity. The first named is the quickest variety either for in or outdoor work. The first outdoor crop should, however, be planted on a narrow south border so that a little protection can be given in case of frost or very cold winds. Sown at the same time as Perfect Gem and grown under exactly similar conditions, it is ready for cutting a few or ten days before the other variety. It is not a good mid or late summer Lettuce, running very quickly if the weather prove hob and dry. I have, however, grown it all through the summer under opposite conditions, and endeavour to do so if possible, as it is a great favourite. Perfect Gem stands well and is a very useful variety. On page 402 "J. R." suggests that "A. W." has a spurious or inferior variety of Golden Queen. Is "J. R." equally unfortunate in the matter of Continuity ? This with me is the most reliable for the summer months, as it stands drought well, does not run away quickly, and the heads attain a large size. Being a strong grower, it wants deep tilth and plenty of manure. I get occasionally in each batch plants of a sort that correspond with the description given by ".I. R.," growth being coarse and ragged, with an Endive- like outer edge of leaf. This is a long time turn- ing in and the heart is small when compared with the huge outer leaves. — E. Burrell. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— KITCHEN. The Cauliflower grub.— This is the larva of a small fly very like the comraou house fly. It especially attacks Cauliflowers planted in recently manured ground. Any preparation of carbolic acid dusted round the Cauliflowers when planted will prevent an attack. — G. M. Tjettucea in trenches. — Where many hondreda of Lettuces are needed transplanting is almost com- pulsory, and then should the weather be hot and dry dirticulty is often experienced in inducing the plants to start away freely, or growth is such that wholesale premature running to seed occurs. When the demand is limited means are more easily practised for the pre- vention of collapse or unsatisfactory growth. Shallow trenches capable of holding a few score of plants are easily thrown out, and in these the plants can be easily watered and temporary shade afforded by plac- ing a few evergreen branches on either side of the trench. The labour of this may at first sight seem great, but in shallow, porous soils it is a gain in the end. — C The Parsnip fly.— I take it that this pest is synonymous with the Celery fly, though, fortunately, the damage caused by the grub among Parsnips is by no means so great as in the case of Celery. This season, however, I have noticed several instances where Parsnips have suffered severely through it, but they were all in one locality where the soil is very dry and close to the chalk. Whenever Parsnips are badly attacked it has a serious effect on the crop, for the mutilation of the leaves causes a stunted growth and the roots suffer in consequence. Strong, healthy plants are rarely aftected, and if sown at the end of February or early in March they become so vigorous that by the time the fly is on the wing it shuns them for leaves less leathery and consequently more tooth- some.— H. H. Jolt 22, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 57 THE GLEN, INNERLEITHEN. This charming seat of Sir Charles Tennant, Bart., is situated on Quair Water. It was built in 1852, enlarged in 187.'i, and is said to have cost, with the surrounding grounds, some £50,000. The stj'le of archittciure is the old Scotch baronial, and Mr. Bryce, the architect, has been known to quote The Glen as his best illustration of this htyle. Notwithstanding its name, there is but little level ground to be found in the gardens at The Glen ; in fact, one of the chief charms of the place is the rolling character of the site. This prevails throughout of the Irish Yew some 30 feet through ; some venerable Scotch Firs and other tine trees, in- cluding a lieech 14 feet in circumference at 4 feet from the ground. The tree has its branches chained together. It is eni[ihatically a picturesque rather than a fertile garden, and it adds greatly to the credit of the cultural triumphs achieved that they have mostly been won in the teeth of very great difticulties. The soil is hungry as well as thin and poor, only an inch or two thick in many places over the barren whinstone which forms the base of the stratum. In some parts the rock. collections of herbaceous plants in various direc- tions were prepared to make good the supply of Howers through the season. The entire domain is emphatically a garden beautiful, and each step reveals new pleasures. The fruit and kitchen gardens, old and new, tliat cover some o acres, are on different levels. Notwithstanding the height and free exposure, however, the fruit trees and bushes and all the crops in the open were among the very best I had seen. The crops were abnormally late this .year, but they bore no traces of frost-bite or trail of disease. Even the ubicjuitous Black Currant mite has not yet been seen at The Glen, and seldom have these and other bush fruits. Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, &c., looked more promising. Fruit indoors is also all that could be desired. The seedling Strawberry Glen Diamond is the favourite Strawberry here in- doors and out. It is said to be a seedling from Keens'. In the plant houses there were some fine specimens of Ericas, Palms, itc, while in one house was a fine lot of Malmaison Carnations. D. T. F. A view at The Glen, Innerleithen. Fivm a plwtujraph st/i/ by ilr. L). T. Fish, 12, Fette.-, lU the kitchen garden as well as the lawns and pleasure grounds. Tne elevation and uneven- ness culminate in the kitchen garden. It is almost a unique experience to find one's self chmbing upstairs to the fruit and kitchen gar- dens. _ The crops suffer far le.« from the severities of spring frost on rolling grounds than on the flat or in the troughs of valleys. Almost the first thing specially noted at The Glen was the very tine examples of Hodgin's i Holly some 20 feet through, clothing the Uare- ness of the squaie of gravel and grass at the front door. Further up were a unique eximple fortunately rather rotten on the surface, had to be dug out and good soil put in for the roots. In others the surface was deepened by additions of good soil. Oi^er all a surface tilth had to be provided that would carry good grass and all other crops through all weathers. Oaks, Ashes, Baeches, Birches, Elms, and the tine golden Corstorphine Planes form important features in the furnishing of The Glen. The chief flowering shrubs hardly yet in flower in the last week in May were hardy Azaleas and Ivho- dodendrons, though Thorns, Lilacs, Roses, Sweet Briers and other shrubs, and some fine Value of the Locust Tree (Ro- binia Paeudacacia). — In the last century the advantages of cultivating this tree were somewhat unduly in- histed upon, and as the results did not realise the hopes which were formed, the inevitable reaction fol- lowed, and it has since been too much neglected. Today, however, we are enabled to form a juster estimate of its value. The Robinia is a very long lived tree and may grow to a height of 70 feet to 80 feet and over with a circumference of 6 feet to nearly 10 feet, but to grow to these dimensions it should be isolated. In plantations and clumps of trees it thins itself at a very early stage and never comes to a great size. The root is at first a deep tap-root, but produces very long thin lateral spreading roots, which give out a wealth of suckers for some distance. The young stocks produce vigorous shoots. AH soils suit it, and though it prefers those which are light and slightly cool, it thrives on dry, sandy ones. The wood of the Robinia, which shows very distinct annual increments, is heavy, hard, elastic, as durable as that of the Oak, with a vertical resistance superior by a third to that of the Oak, which places it in the first rank as a wheel- wright's wood for making spokes. It is preferable to all other woods for laths, props, hoops, pegs employed in maritime construction, it takes a polish well, and is suitable for turner's work. It is not adapted for building, because the stem is seldom regular enough to yield timber of great size. The wood of the False Acacia possesses for indus- trial purposes a higher value than that of native woods such as the Oak, Elm, Ash. It is excellent for fuel, producing a lively, lasting warmth, and is especially well suited for open hearths owing to ' the very great proportion of radiating heat it gives out. Nevertheless, it is held in little esti- mation by consumers on account of the fault attributed to it of emitting too many sparks. From what has been said above, the result is clear that the production of this tree as timber would not be profitable, but that it may be very useful as undergrowth. The tree is very suitable for pirnting in sandy soils and for holding embank- tldiiihiirglu 58 THE GAEDEI^. [July 22, 1899. ments together, and the leaves, green or dried, are good as fodder.— 7'7o/e Forestih-e. Flower Garden. A NOTE FROM KIRKCONNEL, N.B. From early spring until late autumn one can hardly visit the garden of Mrs. Maxwell- Witham at Kirkconnel, Newabbey, N.B., without seeing something interesting in the way of hardy flowers. A visit paid the other day gives one pleasant recollections of the flowers then seen. The old garden Roses were at their best, and beautiful indeed was a number of the great bushes, some of ■which must be of great age. Some years ago Mrs. Maxwell-Witham gave an interesting account of these Roses in The Garden, and I have more than once referred to them in your pages. One of the best is one named Swiss Boy, which is free-flowering and very beautiful. There were also big bushes, or rather trees, of others such as the Damask, the old Velvet, Maiden's Blush, Celestial, one with a curious spicy odour called here Plum Cake, besides a good many more or less well known. Some great bushes of Kalmia latifolia, which must, judging from their appear- ance, be very old, were also fine. The collection of herbaceous plants is very large, and now in- cludes the greater number of our best border flowers. There was nothing finer, however, in its own way than the Kilmarnock form of Orchis maculata, with which Mr. Harper, the head gar- dener, seems very successful. There is a good stock of this magnificent Orchis, and the long, handsome, deep-coloured spikes made a fine effect in groups. There was a capital specimen of the creamy white Amianthium musc.i?toxicum, a plant which appears to be coming into favour in the south - west of Scotland, and which does well in the district. Alstnxmeria revoluca has now become well established, and is apparently thriving and giving plenty of its deep orange-red flowers. A. aurantiaca and A. lufcea were also good. Erigeron salsuginosus, said to be the true plant according to the late Asa Gray, and which I have seen at Kirkconnel before, is also good — better, indeed, than another plant offered under the name of E. salsuginosus. There is a small stock of the true old double white Scotch Rocket, now getting scarce in Scotland. I sup- pose we have now so many plants that people do not care to be at the trouble of propagating this, which is so much superior to the French White. At Kirkconnel there is a nice plant of the Lychnis sent out several years ago by an Ameri- can firm as L. Flos-cuculi plenissima semper- florens. At first I did not care for this, but it improves upon acquaintance, and its long flower- ing habit is certainly an advantage. Inula glandulosa grandiflora is very fine, but it may be noted that of the plants received at Kirkconnel from various sources under this name only one seems to be correct. This gives handsome flowers. I. Hookeri has also been good. Chrysanthemum Clusii, although not an effective garden plant, is useful for cutting. Sidalcea oregana was very pleasing, and I observed a nice plant of a Morina which seems like Coulteriana, but was not in flower. A capital double yellow Potentilla is californica, which seems even better than Vase d'Or. The old double Martagon Lily is plentiful at Kirk- connel, while other Lilies which succeed are also represented. The large collection of Pentste- mons looked hardly so vigorous as usual, but the choice and extensive variety of Phloxes will be fine in a short time. S. Arnott. Salvia Tenoreana. — This is a plant of really exceptional merit and one that ought to prove valuable to those who prefer to rely mainly on hardy things for the summer decoration of their gardens. It is dwarf, but robust, very free- flowering, and in colour is sufficiently bright to be really effective. It cannot, of course, compare with its relative S. patens, but might well be used in combination with this useful old species. The individual spikes last a long time and are pro- duced in succession, so that the blooming period is along one. — J. C B. Larkspurs for cutting.— I find these of great service through the summer months for supplying a quantity of cut bloom. The tall branching strain is the best, and by sowing about three times between the middle of March and the end of April one mav have a good supply of bloom during .July and August. With me these Lark- spurs have become in a measure naturalised, springing up among Daffodils and other things, so that by leaving a plant here and there I get flowers for cutting with little or no trouble.— J- ^- B. Sweet Peas in hot weather.- 1 saw the other day in an amateur's garden a very showy row of mixed Sweet Peas, and could not but notice how happy they seemed in their semi- shaded position. I think gardeners would do well to avoid very hot positions for Sweet Peas which are to supply bloom say in July and August, especially when the soil is shallow and of a sandy nature. These beautiful flowers are often treated in a rough-and-ready manner, hence the limited period of blooming and sudden col- lapse of the haulm. Sweet Peas are often sown too thickly, the haulm consequently being too dense for the admission of sun and air and the rooting medium soon becoming exhausted. At this season, too, a mulching ought to be applied when growth is G inches high and manurial waterings given from that time till tlie last flower- trusses are opening. Freciuent picking of ex- hausted blooms is also necessary, nothing being so impoverishing as a large number of seed-pods. —J. C. Sweet Pea Butterfly.— I mu?t confess that in most instances I prefer the bold, self-coloured tints in Sweet Peas, and such delightful kinds as Cardinal, with its rich red blossoms, appeal to me more than the paler-shaded and suffused colours. But the one named above is really a charming kind, almost snow-white, with a bluish mauve edging as distinct as that of a Pieotee. The blossoms are large and of great substance, yet they lose nothing of the elegance and grace that we have learnt to associate with Sweet Peas. It is, in fact, one of the flowers that has been greatly improved in size and lasting qualities without being spoiled in any other way. Careful atten- tion now to removing the old seed-pods is well repaid by the increased amount of flower pro- duced, but unfortunately at this busy time of year the labour even of a boy can hardly be soared, and the Peas have to make the best of it. No plant pays for good culture better than these lovely annuals, and, looking through a so-called botanic garden in the neighbourhood recently, I could not help noticing the shortsighted pohcy that there obtains, viz., spending money upon seeds of named varieties, yet begrudging a little good soil and manure to enable these to show their true character. — H. Coreopsis grandiflora.- Seedlings of this fine plant raised now and pricked oft' into nursery lines or beds will make nice stocky little plants for putting out in any vacant places that may occur in herbaceous or shrubbery borders at any time in autumn or spring. This method of having a few herbaceous seedlings coming on is a very good one, for a bare place may be made gay, and if the right class of material is on hand, flowers for cutting will be produced in plenty. Whether for this purpose or for garden decora- tion, this Coreopsis is a plant for everybody and all seasons. No matter how wet and rough the weather is, the pretty yellow blossoms recover more quickly than almost any other, while should drought set in, it is as constant in bloom as in more seasonable weather. All through the drought of last summer, when everything in the flower garden seemed to be all but killed, its bright golden-yellow blossoms could be gathered daily, while the plants held their own bravely. It is best raised from seed occasionally, as, although it will last for years and continue flowering freely, the blossoms are always finest and best coloured in the second and third years. It seems equally at home in all descriptions of soil, but of course does best when it is free-working and in good heart. Water Lilies.— So far the beautiful new varie- ties of Nymphwas, of which we have so many now, seem to be found only in private gardens, and thus the public have few opportunities to see them. There may be some few cases where culti- vated in public gardens, as they are found at Gunnersbury House, for instance, but I do not know of them. I have often thought when visit- ing the popular gardens of Hampton Court of late what a fine opportunity is presented for the cul- ture of these Lilies in the broad fountain basin. At present the water is bald and much lacking colour. Scarcely anywhere at a place of popular resort is a more suitable place for the purpose presented, for the basin is accessible all round : the Lilies would get ample sunshine, which they so much like, and the water is constantly being changed. There are at the palace end of the long water and the adjoining moat some luxuriant yellow Nuphars and common white Nymphieas, showing how admirably the water suits them. Very much labour is expended both in spring and autumn infilling, at considerable expense, themany large flower beds in the grounds, and whilst every effort is made to vary the arrangements from year to year, yet little that is done cin be described as novel. But Water Lilies once well established at Hampton Court would not only constitute to myriads a st.anding novelty, but would seem to be in singular harmony with the grand old palace and its surroundings. — A. D. CALOCHORTI AT WISLEY. These beautiful bulbous flowers are blooming with unusual vigour in Mr. Wilson's garden at Wisley this season. The flowers are large, fine in colour, and borne on stout footstalks from ■! feet to 3 feet high. Seeing them in this robust, happy condition, one might imagine that they are of comparatively easy culture, but, as many hardy flower growers have found to their cost, the requirements of these Mariposa Lilies are not easily realised. This at any rate is the impression that one gets from their appearance at blooming time in so many gardens wherein their culture has been attempted. The elements of success at Wisley appear to consist in a very free soil, per- fect drainage, full exposure to the sun, with shelter from cold winds. They grow in a bed somewhat raised above the ordinary ground level, and where it is impossible for the bulbs to suff'er from stagnant moisture in a time of continued heavy rains. This probably is a most important factor in the successful culture of Calochorti, and unless it can be assured, expense and labour bestowed on them would be wasted. The character of the soil is an important item, that in which they grow at Wisley apparently being sufficiently light and free to preclude the possibility of it becoming clogged and sour when frequently saturated by heavy rains. Backed up by trees and facing the sun at noonday, the place is a sun- trap, which catches up and stores the solar warmth so that in late summer, when the bulbs are maturing, the soil around them must become very hot. No bulb can bloom well unless it is exposed to a certain amount of heat after flower- ing. The amount required varies wonderfully, as may be seen in the case of the Daffodil and the Freesia, the latter requiring exposure to the greatest amount of solar heat that can be accumu- lated in a glass structure after the foliage has died away ; whereas Narcissi are content with that which they get in the early portion of an English summer. The Calochorti naturally de- mand as much sunshine as we can give them. lb is possibly from want of realising this simple matter that many have failed to grow with success a race of hardy flowers which in quaint beauty and distinctness stand quite apart from hardy flowers generally. I have endeavoured to describe the conditions under which these charming bulbous flowers grow JnLY 22, 1899.] THE GARDEK 59 at Wisley, and those who have failed with them may perhaps gather enough from what is here written to enable them to rectify any errors hitherto committed and may give them courage to make a fresh start. One of the finest blooming at Oakwood is a form of venustus named Vesta, which has large, bold creamy white flowers with a dark ring round the throat. Benthami is very similar, but the ring is broken up, which, I think, renders it less attractive. Citrinus is very bright yellow with dark spots ; this is a charming and distinct kind which should be in every collection. Luteus is also bright and showy, and venustus purpurascens, suffused with purple and having the reverse of the petals deeply stained, is very handsome and distinct. J. Corsiiill. Pentstemons. — There need be no fear of Pentstemons attaining to a good size and produc- ing abundance of bloom the first year from cut- tings provided good soil and good treatment are given. I recently saw a grand row in an amateur's garden. The cuttings were struck last autumn and planted out in February. One great point to be observed in order to obtain the best results is to give the cuttings a fairly rich, sus- taining soil to root in. This makes all the dif- the flower. There seems to be some mystery or uncertainty as to whether there really is a yellow- flowered form of this plant, as a well-known introducer of new plants in Germany wrote to me recently that he had received a short time pre- viously from St. Petersburg a quantity of seed of what purported to be Incarvillea lutea, but when it germinated the seedlings turned out to be I. variabilis. The fact of the flowers of the so called I. grandiflora all rising on separate footstalks from the crown of the plant, as shown in your coloured plate, instead of being borne in bunches of from four to eight on the top of tall stems about a yard high, as in I. Delavayi, seems to me to constitute the only real difference between I. grandiflora and I. Delavayi, as the individual flowers do not seem to be of any greater size. — W. E. GUMBLBTON. NARCISSUS BISHOP MANN. The illustration shows a group of the giant Irish cernuus or Bishop Mann (Swan's-neck variety). The photo wa.s taken in a children's garden (the Misses Cornwall) at Moulefield, Cork. The variety is quite distinct from the type, by its length of trumpet and its twisted -sr^ dried up at any time. Unlike several other spe- cies, it may be depended upon to flower well the first season after planting, while if required it may be successfully grown in pots. This Lily is a hybrid between L. candidum and L. chalcedoni- cum, but its early history appears to be lost. lb is one of the Lilies so well done by the Dutch cultivators. L. testaceum is, except L. candi- dum, usually the first to appear above ground, and though the young foliage has a delicate appearance, it is seldom injured by frosts or cut- ting winds. — T. A group of Narcissus Bishop Mann. From a photograph sent 61/ Mr. W. B. Hartland, Cork. ference. . I do not advise putting them in too thickly, as they crowd each other and draw up spindly. The young plants also should be stopped when a few inches high, this securing side growths and good stocky plants. Nothing answers better than a frame in which the plants can be fully exposed in mild weather, even at midwinter. The plants also pay for a good larder in their flowering quarters. Pentstemons are excellent for cutting. — N. N. Incarvillea grandiflora.— The writer of the note accompanying your fine plate of the above- named most beautiful hardy plant seems to ba of opinion that it is identical with I. compacta of Maximowicz. If, howe^'er, he had referred to the portrait of this plant in the volume of Kegel's "Gartenflora" for 18S2, plate KJGS, I think he would have found good reason for altering his opinion, as the two plants are to my eye totally difl'erent— at all events from a horticultural point of view. The flowers of I. compacta are of a deep pink shade, much smaller in sizg than those of I. grandiflora, and do not rise out of the foliage on f jotstalks, as do those of the latter variety. They have also no different colour round the entrance to the throat, but merely a slight deepen- ing or intensification of the colours of the rest of petals, and was named at the Daffodil confer eiice in 1880. It is very early, often flowering in the south of Ireland in February. In 188!), when the Countess and Lord Aberdeen occupied the Vice-regal Lodge in Ireland, the Countess expressed a wish that she should have a bouquet of open-air flowers for one of the drawing-rooms at Buckingham Palace. This beautiful Daffo- dil was made into a spray and was much ad- mired. H. Lilium testaceum.— This is in everyway a charming Lily, the prettily reflexed blossoms being arranged in a very graceful manner, while their colour (a kind of nankeen or buff) is particu- larly pleasing and totally distinct from anything else. The contrast, too, between the bright red anthers and the rest of the flower is also very noticeable. The blossoms remain fresh for a longer p3riod than those of most other Lilies. When well established it is a particularly tall stately Lily, hence the name of exeelsum which is some- times applied to it is an appropriate one. Besides this it is sometimes known as L. Isabellinum. It is not at all a dithcult Lily to cultivate, as it will succeed in any ordinary garden soil that is not PERFUMES FROM PLANTS.* This list does not profess to be complete, since nearly every plant that grows has odour or fragrance of some sort or other, however slight it may be. Even species and varieties of the same species vary very much in odour, as is abundantly proved by species of, say, Den- drobium, Reseda, or Diosma, and by varieties of H.P. or Tea-scented Roses, Apples, Pears, or Sweet Oranges, no two varieties smelling or tasting precisely alike. This is even true .some- times of individual fruits oft' the same tree. All that is here attempted is to give a bird's- eye view of the plants most generally grown for fragrance, and especially of those having sweet-scented leaves as well as flowers. Ac.ici.v.— Shrubs or small trees mostly from Australia and North Africa. A. Farnesiana is largely cultivated at Grasse for its flowers. Achillea Millefoliuji (Yarrow).— Aromatic herb, both foliage and roots being odorous. AcoRrs CiLAMTS (Sweet Flag).— Largely grown from time immemorial for its rhizomes in the East. It is cultivated in fen districts in England, on the Continent, and especially on the shores of the Black Sea. A.ioMAN (Ptychotis ajoman). Alliaceous odours.— Characteristic of Onions, Chives, Leeks, Garlic, &c. (Liliacea'). As show- ing that taste and smell do not always agree, we may instance that the taste or flavour of Onions, &c., is enjoyed by many who detest the smell of them. (Shakespeare, " Midsummer Night's Dream," iv., 2 ) Allspice (Pimento ofiicinalis). Aloysia citriodora (Lemon-scented Verbsna). — A well-known shrub from Chih, deservedly much grown in gardens, and hardy in warm and shel- tered corners near walls and plant houses. Its leaves retain their odour when dried, and are often placed in the teapot in Spain to add their aroma to the tea. Androi-ogon citratus (Lemon Grass).— This and several other species are grown or collected in India, Ceylon, &c., and the essential oil they produce is known as " Indian Geranium " oil. It is grown as a stove plant, and its leaves when fresh are used for flavouring confectionery. Axcelica archaxcelica (A. officinalis).— A tall herbaceous plant the fleshy stems of which are very aromatic, and are candied or preserved in syrup and used in confections. Oil of Angelica is used in Chartreuse and other liqueurs. A.n-i;ostcra (Galipea cusparia). — Used as a tonic stimulant. Anise (Pimpinellaanisatum). Anthemis NOEiLis (Chamomile).— A dwarf ever- green composite plant, grown for its single or double Daisy-like flowers, which are used medi- cinally. Anthoxan'thum odoratum (Sweet Vernal Grass). — This grass belongs to the Coumarin series of perfumes, and gives its peculiar frag- rance to the hay crop. The essential oil is used in perfuming cheap tobaccos, &c. ARTAB0TRY.S (Artabotrys odoratissima). — A flowering shrub having aromatic leaves and very sweet Apple-scented flowers, from which a per- fume is derived. The leaves have been used in Java as antispasmodic in cholera, as also those of Melaleuca minor. * Paper by Mr. F. W. Burliidge in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. 60 THE GARDEN. [July 22, 1899. Artemisia Abrotanum (Lad's Love, or Old Man).— A well-known plant in most cottage gar- dens, having tinely cut and agreeably aromatic eaves. A. Absinthium is " Wormwood " used in rustic medicine and in the manufacture of absinthe in France and Belgium. Asi'BRULA ODORATA (Woodrufl). — A little rubia- ceous woodland plant having whorled leaves and white flowers, deliciously aromatic, somewhat like the Sweet Vernal Grase, used fresh or dried in posies and bouquets, and sweet bags. The flowers infused in Rhine wine yield the " Maitrank " of Germany. AzAKA .AiicROPHYLLA. — An evergreen shrub or small tree from Chili bearing a profusion of greenish yellow flowers beneath its branchlets in March and April, and yielding a delicious perfume of vanilla. Bai.do (Peumos fragrans). — Somewhat like Sweet Gale (MyricaGale). Bal:ii (Melissa officinalis). Balsam of Mecca (Balsamodendron Opobalsa- mum). — Aromatic gum resio, highly valued by the Arabs and Indian Mussulmans. Balsam ok Peru (Pereira; myrospermum). — A leguminous tree, native of Central America ; but the balsam is now rarely obtained and little used. It was employed for chronic coughs, ulcers, and in the making of pastilles. Balsaji ok Tolu (Myrospermum toluifera). — Similar to the last and employed in same way, but now rare. B.\lsa.mita vulgaris (Costmary or Alecost). — A hardy herbaceous plant from Italy having balmy or aromatic foliage. Baros.ma crenulata (Buchu leaves). — Ever- green shrubs from South Africa. Basil (Ocymum basilicum and other species). — Basil is a delicious pot-herb much used in the south of Europe. Bdellium (Boswellia glabra). — A gum resin from Balsamodendron africanum (African Bdel- lium). Amyris Bdellium or Balsomodendron Roxburghi is " Indian Bdellium." Benzoin (Styrax Benzoin). — Not to be con- founded with Laurus Benzoin. It is an aromatic gum resin, not much used except in incense. Native of Borneo and Indian islands. It is some- times called " Gum Benjamin." False Benzoin is obtained from two or three species of the genus Terminalia. Beroamot (Monarda didyma). Bitter Almoxd. — Yielded also by Cherry Laurel (Cerasus Lauro-Cerasus). BLUBEtJLL (Scilla nutans). BoRONiA meuastigma. — Nearly all the species have aromatic leaves, but in the one named the brown and yellow-lined flowers are deliciously fragrant. It is a well-known Australian plant, largely grown now for its perfume both on the Continent as well as in English gardens. BoswELLiA sERR.AT.A (Frankincense or Gum Olibanum). — An Indian tree yielding an aromatic gum that is one of the principal ingredients in modern as of ancient incense. Box Tree (Buxus sempervirens). — A well- known native evergreen tree which 0. W. Holmes describes as " breathing the fragrance of eternity, for this is one of the odours which carry us out of time into the abysses of the unbeginning past." B.4CIIU. — The leaves of Barosma crenulata. Cajeput (Melaleuca Cajeputi and M. minor) yields greenish aromatic essential oil, employed as an antispasmodic and stimulant. The leaves are used in China and Malaysia as a tonic in the form of a decoction. Calikorn'i.an Bay. Calvcanthus floridus (Carolinian Allspice). — Young and fresh flowers, as also the bark, agree- ably scented. Camel Grass (Andropogon lanigerum). — An- other scented grass allied to Lemon Grass. Camphor (Kopher, H. ). — Dryobalanops Cam- pUora, D. aromatica, and probably other species, forming large forest trees in Borneo and other Eastern islands, where, as in China, Camphor- wood trunks and boxes are valued as resisting the termites, or white ants. Cajiphor is also obtained from Laurus Cam- phora, a tree found wild in Formosa, and it also exists in the common Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Antispasmodic. C.AJiPHORA (Laurus) officinarum (Chinese Camphor Tree). Canella (Canella alba) produces an aromatic bark. Caraway (Carum Carui).— Seeds used in con- fectionery, and yield aromatic essential oil. Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamom). — Seeds used a stimulant, or to chew after smoking, or they yield an essential oil. Carxation (Dianthus caryophyllus). Cassia Clove (Dicypellium aromaticum).— The sweet bark is used sparingly. Cedar. — .Juniperus bermudiana and various species of the genus Cedrela, of which cigar boxes are often made. The timber of Cedrus Libani (Cedar of Lebanon) is only of use for building cabinet-work or fuel. Cedrela odor.at.a (Barbadoes Cedar Tree ; C. sinensis is Chinese Cedar Tree). Cereus liRANDiFLORUs (Night-sccnted Cactus). Nearly all night-blooming Cacti or Cerei are per- fumed. Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla). CiiAMF.AC (Mitchelia Champaca). — One of the sweetest and most highly prized of all the scented flowers of the East ; in appearance like a small Magnolia. CuEiRANTHUS Cheiri (Wallflower). — Grown by the acre near all large towns for its fragrant flowers. Found on old walls, as at Conway, Nottingham, &c. Everywhere in Britain and Normandy it merits its popular name, and with sweet Violas and Mignonette sweetens many a cottage garden- CnuvsAXTHE-MUM INDICD.M (garden Chrysanthe- mum, Queen of Autumn). — Both flowers and foliage possess an aromatic Pyrethrum-like odour. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum). — This aromatic tree produces bark of a highly aromatic character. This bark in a powdered state is often used as a condiment at meals and in cookery. Oil of Cinnamon is inimical to bacteria. Cinna- momum Cassia is most aromatic. Citrine odours. — Characteristic of aurantia- ceous plants (Orange family), leaves and rind of the fruit; also in Aloysia citriodora and in many Eucalypti. Large quantities of Orange leaves as well as flowers and fruits are grown for the perfume industry in Italy, South France, and Spain. Citrus aurantidm (Orange), C. Limonum (Lsmon), and C. Limetta (Lime fruit), and many other varieties are largely grown for flavours and perfumes in South Europe and North Africa, and in the East (see Bonavia " Oranges and Lemons of India and Ceylon"). Clethra alnifolia (Mignonette Tree) — A large shrub or small tree from North America bearing very sweet flowers. Clove (Caryophyllus aromaticus). — The young flower-buds dried are the cloves of commerce, yielding a powerful and agreeable essential oil fatal to many putrescent bacilli. CoMPTONiA asplenifolia (Swcct Fem Bush). — Leaves smell like Bog Myrtle. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum and other species). Cotton L.\ vender (see Santolina). Cou.M.ARiN. — Hayfield odour, given off by Sweet Vernal Grass and Woodrufl: (Asperula odorata) when partially dried. Crat-Egus oxycanth.a (Hawthorn or Sweet May). Ckinom asiaticum and many other handsome fragrant species. Cumin (Cuminum Cyminum). Curcuma Zedoari.a, C. Zerumeet, and other species have very aromatic rhizomes, leaves and flowers, or seeds. Cyclamen persicum. Cyperus rotundus (Sweet Sedge) and other kinds have aromatic rhizomes or stems, tubere, &c. Cytisus fragrans. D.ATURA (Brugmansia) su.aveolens. — A well- known greenhouse shrub bearing large, pendent, bell-shaped flowers, very sweet at night. Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation, July or Gillyflower). —All the family of Pinks, Cloves, Carnations. &o., are most deliciously fragrant. " Sops in Wine " were Clove or Carnation blooms thrown into wine flagons for the sake of their rich aroma. Dill (Anethum graveolens). Diosjia ericoides and many other species have very aromatic foliage, and are well-known green- house plants. Drac.ena (Cordyline) fragrans and other species. Elemi (Canarium commune). Elettari.aCard.amomum (Cardamoms). — A warm greenhouse plant resembling Ginger in habit, but hardier, and having richly aromatic foliage. It is a good room plant during the summer months, and is easily grown. Escallonia macrantha (Shelter Bush). — With sticky, aromatic foliage. One of the best of all evergreen plants for shelter hedges in wind-swept localities. Eui.'Alyptus. — Eucalyptus globulus, E. citrio- dora, and many other (seventy to eighty) species. All the species are aromatic, and yield essential oils, but E. citriodora is one of the sweetest. E. globulus and others yield " Eucalyptol." EuRYANGiUM SuMBCL. — A strong-growing um- belliferous plant of Turkestan and North India used medicinally. The rhizome smells of angelica and musk. Fennel. — Fu-niculum dulce, F. officinale, &c. Fra(;aria ELATiOR (Strawberry). — The scent of dying Strawberry leaves in the early sunshine of a frosty morning is one of the rarest and most delicious of all the scents or perfumes of the garden. FRAN(iiPANi (Plumeria rubra, P. allia, P. frag- rantissima, &c-). — Commonly planted on graves in Borneo and Malayan islands. The Italian scent named " Frangipani " is a powder, or sachet, made of equal proportions of all known spices mixed with Orris-root and 1 per cent, of Musk and Civet. An alcoholic extract of this "pot- pourri " is the most enduring scent known. Frankincense (Olibanum). — Boswellia serrata. French Honey'SUCKle (Hedysarum coron- arium). Freesia refracta (Freesias). — All the Freesias emit a subtle and delicious perfume, although by some who are partially anosmic their odour can- not be detected. G.vlangale (Alpinia officinarum). — A Ginger- like plant having aromatic rhizomes and seeds. Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua). — A gum resin resembling that of F. narthex, the source of asafu'tida. Galipea odor.atissima. — A Brazilian tree that yields the Angostura bark of commerce, some- times used as a tonic bitter, especially in the colonies and abroad. Gardenia (Cape Jasmine) (Gardenia florida and G. radicans). — Known as the Cape Jas- mine. These shrubs have highly perfumed flowers, and yield by etfieurage a delicious perfume. Geranium (see Pelargonium). — Many species of Geranium and Erodium have scented foliage when touched or bruised. Ginger (Zingiber officinale). — Much grown and largely used as a sweetmeat in China and the West Indian islands ; also used in cordials and in cookery. For preserving in China species of Alpinia and Hedychium are often used. Glechoma hederacea ((Jround Ivy). — An aromatic creeping labiate with balmy odour, for- merly infused in ale for its flavour. Gr.mns of P.ar.adise (Amomum Melegueta, A. grana Paradisi, &c. ) produce hot aromatic seeds in globose or triquetrous capsules. They are closely related to Ginger and Cardamoms. The seeds have a camphorated flavour, and have been illegally used in doctoring beer at the risk of a heavy penalty. Guava (Psidium guava, P. pomiferiim, P. Cattleyanum) is the Chinese purple Guava, Jdly 22, 1899.] THE GAEDEK 61 generally compounded into a delicious flavoured jelly or pomade. G0M CiSTUs, OR L.iDANUM (Cistus creticus), and many other kinds, such as C. ladaniferus, of Spain and Portugal, yield an aromatic gum resin used in perfumery and fumigations by Oriental people. GvMNKMA SYT.VESTRE.— This is an asclepia- ceous plant, leaves of which were sent to Kew from Madras. After chewing the leaves, neither sweet nor bitter substances can be distinguished in the mouth. Salts, acids, astringents, and aromatics are unalfected (see Gard. Chroii., April ■23, IS'.IT, p. 550). Hawthorn- (Crat.-cgus Oxycantha).— A well- known native tree with fragrant, white clustered flowers. There are double, and rose, pink, and crimson forms. Heartsease (see Viola). Hedvohium spicatum. — The dried roots or rhizomes are pounded and used in the form of incense, and also as a medicine in India. Hedys.-vrum C0R0NARIU3I (French Honeysuckle). — A crimson-flowered biennial plant well worth culture. HELioTRorE (Heliotropium peruvianum). — Well-known sweet scented flowering shrubs from Peru. Their flowers are redolent of " Cherry Pie," and are used in Spanish confectionerj', &c. Henna (Lawsonia inermis). — Much used trom Egypt eastward, and mentioned in Song of Solo- mon. It is a dye tinting the nails red. Hesperis matkonalis (Sweet Rocket). Honeysuckle (Lonicera Periclymenum). — Native Woodbine. HoREHorND (Marrubium vulgare). Humea elecans. — A composite greenhouse plant, with leaves scented like Russian leather. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis). Iberis odorata (Sweet Candytuft). Ilanc-Ilang (see Ylang-Ylang) (Flower of Flowers). Iris kloren'Tina (Orris Root). — The dried rhi- zomes of this and other species of German or Flag Iris are agreeably scented like Violets, and form the basis of violet powders and other dry perfumes for pomanders, bags, or sachets, &c. Orris Root is largely cultivated, dried in the sun, and pre- pared in S. France and Italy. Jasmine. — This is one of the most distinct of all natural odours, and the only one that cannot so far be made artificially, afforded by .Jasminum officinale and other species grown all over tropical and temperate regions. In the East, Jasmine flowers are rolled up in the well-oiled hair of the women at night, so as to scent the hair and skin next day. JoNESiA (see Saraca). Jonquil (Narcissus Jonquilla)and various forms of N. Tazetta. — Much grown for perfume at Grasse, Cannes, and elsewhere along the Riviera. JuGLANS REGiA (Walnut).— The agreeable fra- f ranee of crushed Walnut leaves is much enjoyed y most people, but so far as I am aware it has not gained the attention from perfumers that its distinctness would seem to deserve. Juniper (Juniperus). Lastk.ea MONTANA, L. .^OMULA, and Other specics are scented. Lathvru.s oduratus (Sweet Peas). — Well- known and exquisite annuals. Laurelia arumatica (Sweet Laurelia). — A rare evergreen with fleshy and deliciously fragrant foliage, hardy only in very warm and sheltered localities. It grows 20 feet high in Co. Wicklow. Laurus nubilis (Sweet Bay). — Foliage aromatic and much used for flavouring confectionery. Figs, sardines, &c. Laurus Sassafras is N. Ameri- can Spice Bush, having perfumed leaves and aromatic bark. The Cherry Laurel is Cerasus LauroCerasus, and its prussic acid-like odorous leaves are now and then used in flavouring, also as insecticides. Lavender (Lavandula vera, L. spika, L. atachys). — Very abundant as a wild plant in Spain, where it is called " Romero Santo." Largely grown at Mitcham, Surrey, and else- where in England, the oil being exported and made into lavender water, eau de Cologne, &c. Lavender is now largely cultivated in Australia and New Zealand. Lawsdnia inermis (see Henna). LiGN Aloes (Aquilaria Agallocha). — Also known as Wood Aloes. Lilag (Syringa persica). Lilium gandidum (White Lily). — This and many other species bear perfumed flowers, some, as L. auratum, being too strongly scented for in- door use. Lily ok the Valley (Convallaria majalis). — One of the sweetest and most exquisite of all our native flowers. Lin HERA SERiGEA (see Benzoin). Mace (see Myristica). Magnolia (Magnolia foetida and other species). — The Yulan or Water Lily Tree of China and .Japan, M. fuscata and others have highly per- fumed flowers. Malva moschata (Musk Mallow). Marrubium vulgare (Horehound). — Aromatic herb used in cough lozenges and other confec- tions. Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile). — The flower-heads are used in medicinal stupes and in- fusions with advantage. Matthiola bicornis (Night-scented Stock). Meadow Sweet (Spirsea Ulmaria). Mentha, various species (see Mint). — "Men- thol " is a product of this genus. Mignonette (Reseda odorata). — A sweet- scented annual from N. Africa, highly esteemed for its odour. There are many other species, but none so sweet as this. Mimulusmosch.^tus (Musk). — Well-known cot- tage garden and window herb. Mint (Mentha Piperita, &c.). — Much grown at Mitcham and elsewhere in S. England for dis- tilling. (Black Mint is said to yield 301b., and white 20 lb. per acre. ) Pennyroyal is Mentha Pulegium var. gibraltarica, a well-known diu- retic ; Mentha odorata is Bergamot Mint ; Monarda didyma is Oswego Tea ; Balm is Melissa officinalis ; Cedronella calamint is Mountain Balm ; Basil Balm or Basil Mint is Melissa acinos. Monarda didyma (Bergamot, Oswego Tea). — N. America swamj) plant, with an agreeable fragrance either fresh or dried. Mykica Gale (Sweet Gale or Bog Myrtle). Myristica officinalis (M. moschata). — A tropi- cal tree j ielding Nutmegs and Mace, well-known spices. MvRRii(BalsamodendronMyrra). — Gold, Frank- incense, and Myrrh in silk bags are still presented at the offertory in the Chapel Royal, St. James's Palace, on Twelfth Day by two gentlemen of the Lord Chamberlain's Office, but formerly by the Sovereign in person. Myrris odorata is a fragrant umbelliferous plant worthy of culture for its aromatic perfume when touched or bruised. Myrtle (Myrtus communis and many other species). — Well-known aromatic shrubs, easily grown in greenhouses or in sheltered warm locali- ties out of doors. Musk (Mimulus moschatus and Delphinium Brunonianum). — Animal musk is from the musk deer, &c., and ambergris from a kind of whale. Nutmegs and Mace (Myristica moschata). — Nutmegs are well-known aromatic fruits grated as a spice. The mace, or arillus, is the inner coat of the nut beneath the orange outer husk, and is also very sweet and grateful as a spice. Olea fra(;rans. — Sweet white flowers, used in China for scenting Tea, &c. (see Osmanthus). Olihanum (Boswellia serrata). — Supposed to be the frankincense of the ancients. Oi'opona\ (Opoponax Chironium). — From the south of Europe, in habit like a Parsnip ; 6 feet high ; yields a fragrant gum resin, very aromatic, but now not much used. Orchids — A large number of tropical species, are very fragrant, the white and green flowered kinds especially at night, others at diHerent periods of the day. A good list is given in Donald M 'Donald's " Sweet-scented Flowers and Fragrant Leaves," pp. 85-90. Vanilla is the fruit pods of Vanilla planifolia, &c., used in flavouring choco- late and confectionery. Orchids rarely possess a perfume that is not also yielded by other flowers. Anguloa Clowesi smells of Fenugreek ; Dendrobium macrophyllum like Turkey Pvhubarb ; Lycaste Harrisoni smells like roasted Apples ; Odontoglossum Boezli like Wild Field Rose (R. arvensis). Osjianthus (Osmanthus fragrans) and other species (see Olea). Pancratium (Hymenocallis) fragrans (Wed- ding Lilies) and other species. — Deliciously fra- grant. Patchouli (Pogostemon Patchouli). — A low, soft-leaved labiate shrub with scented leaves, that were formerly used to scent the Indian shawls. Pelargonium (Geranium). — Many species and varieties of the Cape Pelargonia have sweet- scented foliage, and are much grown for the decoration of rooms and conservatories on that account. Their dried leaves are useful for pot- pourri, &c. Per<:claria (P. odoratissima). — The flowers are deliciously fragrant and yield a choice perfume. Philadelphus (Mock Orange, Syringa).— All the species and varieties bear sweet-scented flowers, similar to Orange blossoms in the bud state. The green leaves possess a flavour similar to that of Cucumber, and may be used sparingly in claret cup as a substitute if Cucumbers are not available. Pimento, or Allspice Tree (Pimento officin- alis and P. acris). — The last-named being largely used in making West Indian bay rum. In 1880 the exports of Pimento from Trinidad = £46,704, and in 1896 they had increased to £90,046. Little Dominica exports £4000 worth of bay leaves and oil ; Trinidad grows ten times the quantity, none being utilised for export. Polianthes tueerosa (Tuberose). — Largely grown in South France for perfume, native of India. The fading flowers, like those of Tropa;o- lum, have been seen to emit flashes of light at night. Primrose (Primula acaulis).— This genus of many species found nearly all over the world con- tains many with delicate odours, but none more delicious than our wild Primrose, Oxlip, and Cow- slips of the meadows. Rockets (Hesperis matronalis). — Well-known fragrant garden plants. Rondeletia (Rondeletia odorata). Rosaceous odours.— The Eastern Attar or Otto of Roses is one of the most delicious and valuable of perfumes in its pure state, but it is often largely adulterated by the addition of Indian "Geranium " oil (Andropogon). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). — A very similar oil is afforded by Cedrela Rosmarinus of North China. Roses. — An enormous genus, most of which produce deliciously perfumed flowers. Attar de Rose from Persia, Cashmere, Turkestan, &c., when pure is one of the choicest and rarest of perfumes. Salvia rutilans (Pine-apple Sage).— This is a fragrant greenhouse plant. Salvia officinaUs is common " garden Sage " used for flavouring. Sambucus nigra (common Elder). — The leaves have an odour that helps to keep away flies, especially if mixed with those of Tansy. Flowers sweet, used for Elder-flower water. Sanitas.— In 1875 Mr. C. T. Kingzett, after observing the excess of ozone and salubrity of the air near to Pine and Fir tree plantations, and conceiving that this was in part due to their vola- tile oils producing peroxide of hydrogen and camphoric acid, formed these reagents by a process involving the decomposition of turpen- tine, and it was made and sold in 1877 under the above name. Santal (Santalura album). — Indian sandal- wood, much used for cabinet-work and for burn- ing in place of pastilles in India and the East. Said to be one of the ingredients used in making the " joss-sticks " of the Chinese. Santolina Cham.ecyparissus (Lavender Cot- ton).— A woolly-leaved little shrub with aromatic 62 THE GARDEN [July 22, ISO'j. leaves, useful for edgings or low fences. Grows well in hot and barren places. Sprigs of it are useful for mixing with dried Lavender to keep away moths. Saraca indica ( = Jonesia asoca). Sassafras (Sassafras officinale).— This and one or two other species have aromatic bark and nuts or seeds which yield a scented oil. Satureia officinalis (Savory). — Pot-herb. SciLLA NUTANS (Bluebell). SoucHET (Cyper.us species). — The dried tubers are used. C. longus is "English Galangale" (Gerard). Sr'iKENARD(Nardostachys Jatamansi). — A dwarf Valerian having an aromatic root, found in North India, and long ago very highly prized. It is now supposed to be the "nard" or "nerd" of the Scriptures, and one of the ingredients in the alabaster box of ointment used by Mary in anointing the feet of our Lord. " Ploughman's Spikenard " is the root of Inula Conyza, of which Ben .Jonson asks : "Have you smelt the bud of the brier or the nard in the fire ? " Spir.ea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet). — Leaves odorous and quite different from scent of the flowers. Star Anise (lUicium verum). Stepiianotis (Stephanotis floribunda) Climbing Tuberose. — A well-known stove-climbing phrub having clusters of tubular and highly perfumed flowers. Stocks (Matthiola incarna, M. tristis, &c.).— Several kinds, both day and night bloomers, and highly perfumed. Stouax (Styrax officinalis). — This shrub is found in the Levant, but its balsamic resin is not now easily obtained. The storax now used is from Liquidambar orientale, found in Asia Minor. Used in perfumery and as an expectorant. Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis). — A well known aromatic evergreen, bark, leaves, and fruits being very fragrant. Long grown in European gardens and often used for funeral wreaths. Sweet Flag (Acorus Calamus).— Long used as a perfume plant. It was the common perfume of the Romans, but they prized more highly the Roses of P;estum, Spikenard, Telinium, Mede- bathrum, Onegalum, Balm of Gilead, and Cinna- mon. Sweet-scented Golden Rod (Solidago odora). SvRiNCA PERSiCA, &c. (Lilac).— One of the sweetest of hardy garden thrubs. Forced Lilac is deliciously sweet. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). — Fern-like foliage aromatically scented, and it is now and then used in order to try and keep flies out of rooms. Used also in cookery. Tansy puddings, &c. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris).— A 'well - known garden herb and the source of "Thymol," &c. T. citriodorus is Lemon Thyme. There are many species grown as rock plants, all more or less scented. Toddalia (Toddalia aculeata). ToNQUiN Bean.— Seeds of Dipteryx odorata (Willd.), from Guiana. Tdberosh (Polianthes tuberosa). TcssiLAco fracrans (Sweet Tussilage, Winter Heliotrope).— An Italian plant naturalised abun- dantly near Dublin and elsewhere, and flowering freely in January and February, when roads and lanes are redolent with its Heliotrope-like per- fume. It is a dreadful weed in many Irish gardens. Valerian (Valeriana Wallichi).— Nowand then used as an aromatic, and in medicine more rarelj' as a stimulant and antispasmodic. The dried root of Valeriana officinaHs is very attractive to cats, and is said to be employed by ratcatchers to decoy their victims to their traps. V. celtica has fragrant rhizomes used in toilet mysteries like Sambul. Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia, V. aromatica, and other species).— The fruits or beans are long and dark brown, or chocolate-coloured, and possess a very strong aroma, flavour, and perfume. The essential flavouring principle of Vanilla can now be made artificially from Pine-tree sawdust. Both the natural and the chemical products are used for flavouring chocolate and other sweet- meats. Vanilla is sometimes adultei ated with ', Tonquin Bean extract. ] Veget^aele Wax or Candleberry (Myrica! cerifera).— The fruits are coated with a waxy resin from which aromatic candles are, or weie, formerly made in America. Verbena officinalis (Vervain, Heib of Grace). Vetiver (Andropogon scha-nanthus). — The oil of Andropogon is sometimes called " Indian Gera- nium " oil, having a citrine odour. Used to adulterate Attar ot Roses and in the manufacture of cheap perfumes. Used in India for screens or " Cuscus tatties." Violet odoors. — The well-known Sweet Violet (Viola odorata) in all its forms, also present in some Orchids and in Orris Root (liis florentina and other species). Violets and Ins are largely grown in Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, and South France for the perfume trade. All the garden Violas or Tufted Pansies are sweet and exquisite garden flowers. Violetta and others of Dr. Stuart's race of rayless Violas are charmingly dwarf, dainty, and sweet-scented. Vitis riparia and other wild Grape Vines of North America have sweet-scented flowers. Wallflower (Cheiranthus Cheiri).— One of the hardiest and sweetest of all our native flowers. tivation of plants ot distinct appearance, even if not showy. This Foxglove ought to please such. There is a good, if short, description of it) in Nicholson's '■ Dictionary of Gardening," but such can hardly give an idea of the character of the spike before me. The flowers are small, white, reticulated with brown or purple, and protrude only a little from the woolly bracts. The spike is woolly also, and this constitutes one of the dis- tinct features of this Foxglove. It is a peren- nial and comes from Eastern Europe. Those who have access to the Bolankal Magazine will find a plate in that work, tab. 1159. — S. Arnott. Garden Flora. PLATE 1232. MALAYAN RHODODENDRONS AND THEIR HYBRIDS. (with a coloured pl.\te of r. exquisite.*) Several distinct Rhododendrons occur on the numerous islands of the Malayan Archipelago, and though beautiful in themselves, this is not their greatest claim to recognition, for, thanks to the skill of the hybridist, quite a distinct Rhododendron multicolor Curtisi. Winter Green (Gaultheria procumbens) ; also from Betula lenta. \\'iNTER SwKET (Chimonanthus fragrans). — Waxy yellow flowers produced in winter with a spicy perfume. Wistaria sinensis (Chinese Wistaria, or Per- gola Flower). — Drooping racemes of deliciously sweet purple or white Pea like blossoms. Woodruff (Asperula odorata). Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium;. Ylang-Ylang, Ilang-Ilang (Cananga odorata). — A tree growing in Java, Burmah, &c.. with very fragrant yellowish green flowers. The name literally means " flower of flowers," and the ex- tracted perfume is more valuable than Attar of Roses. Zedoaria (Curcuma).— C. Zerumbet and many other kinds. Digitalis lanata. — I am obliged" to Mr. A. Black for sending me from Carton, Maynooth, a nice spike of this Foxglove. Although not a new plant, it has not come under ray notice before. The Woolly Foxglove was introduced in 1789, and on reference to the Kew Hand-list it appears to have been in the Royal Gardens when that pubhcation was issued. It cannot be called a showy plant, but one finds that there is a grow- ing inclination on the part of a considerable num- ber of flower growers to embark upon the cul- section of Rhododendrons has been obtained by continuous intercrossing of these original species and of the numerous hybrids raised therefrom. In all, seven species have played a part in the production of this class, which is generally known, besides the name of Malayan, as Tube-flowered, Javan, or Perpetual-flowering Rhododendrons. The seven species above re- ferred to are — RuuiioDENDBoN Brookeanum gracile. — A loose-giowing shrub, native of Borneo, where it often occurs as an epiphyte. The flowers are large and of a pale yellow colour. It was intro- duced by Messis. Vcitch through their collector, Thomas Lobb, in 18.55. R. .lASMiNiFLORUM. — This well-known kind, with its small rounded leaves and profusion of long-tubed white flowers, is a native of Mount Ophir, Malacca, and was introduced in 1845. It is particularly interesting as having, in conjunc- tion with the orange-coloured R. javanicum, given us the first hybrid of this class, viz., the pink flowered Princpss Royal. R .lAVANicuM. — This is a large, loose-growing shrub, with leaves sometimes nearly G inches long and half that in width. The flowers are large and * Drawn for The Gaeden by H. G. Moon iu Messrs. Veitch and Sons' nursery at Chelsea. Litho- graphed and primed by J. L. Goifart. rr 1 0S PHOnn'^-FMP.ROM EXQUISITE July 22, 1899.] THE GARDEN. G3 vary in colour from deep yellow to reddish orange. This Rhododendron is a native of the mountainous regions of Java, and was introduced about 1850. R. LoKBi. — A good-sized loose-growing bush with peculiar flowers of a bright crimson colour. The tube is narrow, curved, and about .i inches long, while the expanded mouth of the flower is not more than an inch in diameter. It is a native of Borneo, and was introduced by Messrs. Veitch. R. MALAYANUM. — A Small compactgrowing shrub with lanceolate leaves and tiny crimson flowers. It was introduced fiom Sumatra by Messrs. Veitch. R. MULTICOLOR. — The most recent introduction of the seven. This is a little shrub with short, almost thimble- shaped blossoms of a pale yellow tint. There is a variety Curtisi in which the flowers are crimson. Both were sent home by Mr. Curtis when travelling for Messrs. Veitch in Sumatra. R. Teysmanni. — This, somewhat in the way of R. javanicum, has large flowers of a soft yellow colour. A native of Sumatra. While the name of Veitch occurs largely in this list of imported species, it is even more pronounced among the hybrid kinds, for nearly all those in cultivation have been distributed by the firm in question, and, with the exception of two or three of the oldest, they have all been raised at Chelsea. Mr. Heale is well known for the great improvement he has efl'ected in many classes of plants by a systematic course of hy- bridising, but if he had done nothing more than raise thenumerous charm- ing Rhododendrons of this section he would be entitled to the thanks of all plant lovers. The in- troduction of R. multi- color and its variety Curtisi in the early eighties was a great boon, and one soon taken ad- vantage of. Since then we have had several va- rieties showing the in- fluence of R. multicolor to a greater or less extent. This is manifest in the dwarfer habit of the plant flowers are : Ensign, salmon-red, tinged scarlet : Latona, creamy yellow ; Mrs. Heale, white ; Neptune, scarlet ; Nysa, orange - yellow ; Nestor, bufl', tinted rose ; Rosy Morn, rose- pink ; and Ruby, dark coral-red. Besides the above-mentioned there is a s^mall group with double blossoms to which the name of R. balsamin;t'fiorum has been given, owing -to the resemblance that the flowers bear to those of a Balsam. They were all raided by Mr. Heale from one tlower which showed a tendency to become double, and being fertilised with its pollen produced a pod of seed which yielded such happy results. The double varieties are album, white ; aureuin, yellow ; carneum, flesh- coloured ; Rajah, fawn-yellow, tinted rose ; and roseum, rose-pink, sufl'used with orange. Culture. These Rhododendrons are not at all difticult to cultivate, yet they are frequently met with in a far from satisfactory condition. This is often the result of keeping them in too low a temperature during the winter, for they gener- ally occur in catalogues as greenhouse Rhodo- dendrons, and the term greenhouse being a very elastic one, they are by some kept in a structure from which frost is just excluded, and Bkododendron multicolor Mrs. Heale, and the shorter tube to the flower. The species and their varieties have ' nothing more. Such conditions will suit the been so frequently intercrossed, that some of Himalayan hybrids, but those from the island.?, the forms now in cultivation are hybrids of the ' of South-eastern Asia require more heat, being second or third generation, but the subject of best suited by what is usually known as an in- the coloured plate — Exquisite — is derived from termediate temperature, say a minimum during two of the original species, viz., R. javanicum the winter of 50°. Their continuous blooming and R. Teysraanni. The general aspect of the I qualities, which have been often dealt with, plant is more like the female parent (R. javani- i result from their manner of growth, for they cum), but the flower shows the paler tint of R. I grow more or less throughout the year, and Teysmanni. The variety Ceres (illustrated in i directly a shoot matures, a flower-bud forms at The Garuex, February 20, 1892) was produced ' the apex, and after a time the blossoms expand. by the reverse cross. The flowers of this are | From this circumstance even comparatively of a distinct shade of rich tawny yellow. An- other particularly large-flowered variety, like the two just noted, is Cloth of Gold, with bold trusses of light golden yellow blossoms. Other desirable varieties are Baroness H. Schneder, blush ; Brilliant, scarlet ; Conqueror, orange- vermilion ; Favourite, satiny rose ; Jasmini- florura carminatum, rich carmine ; Luteum roseum, pink, sufl'used light yellow ; Ne Plus Ultra, crimson-scarlet ; President, butt'-yellow, tinged pink ; Primrose, pale yellow ; Princess Royal, pink ; Purity, white ; Scarlet Crown, orange-scarlet ; Souvenir de J. H. Mangles, orange, tinged pink. Hybrids of R. multi- small plants will have expanded blossoms, flower-buds in various stages of development, and young succulent shoots all at the same time. The Rhododendrons are not at all difli- cult to propagate from cuttings, which are best formed of the young shoots taken soon after they have lost their succulent character and before they are too hard and woody. Unless very vigorous, the entire shoot makes a suitable cutting, roots being readily produced from the slightly swollen base. The pots must be well drained and the compost (about ecjual parts of silver sand and peat) should be sifted through a sieve with a quarter of an inch mesh. The case in the coolest part of the slove, where, if there is a gentle bottom-heat, ihey will soon root. When hardened oft' they may be potted singly, using about two-thirds peat to one- third sand, care being taken that the pots are well drained. As they get larger, the peat may with advantage be rougher, and a little char- coal about the size of beans added to the com- post in order to keep it open and sweet. One thing to particularly bear in mind when potting these Rli jdodendrons is, that most of the spe- cies from whence these numerous varieties have sprung are in a natural state more or less epi- phytes, and on this account dense masses of soil around the roots are very inimical to their welfare. Good fibrous peat, pulled to pieces by hand (not sifted), with a liberal admixture of sand and a little charcoal will suit even large plants. Some cultivators prefer an admixture of fibrous loamwith the peat, but it is not necessary ; indeed, I would rather dispense with the loam. The soil should at all seasons be kept fairly moist, but not too wet, while the syringe may be freely used nearly throughout the year, the only exception being during very cold, dull weather. While the numerous varieties are occasionally propagated by grafting, but more generally by cuttings, they can also be readily obtained from seed if one is inclined to wait a few years for the results. The seed is ex- tremely minute, and must not be covered at all when sown. Well-drained pots or pans should be tilled with sandy peat prepared as for the cuttings, and the surface being levelled and the soil well watered, the seeds may be sown thereon. A good place for them is a close propagating case as recommended for the cut- tings, or, failing this, a pane of glass may be laid over each pot or pan in order to maintain an even state of moisture. Of course, the seeds must as well as the cuttings be regularly shaded. As the young plants make their appearance a little more air may be given by degrees, but they make more rapid progress if grown during their earlier stages in a stove temperature. The young plants when large enough must be pricked off into other pots prepared for their reception, and in time potted oft' singly. In addition to their desirable qualities above enumerated, these Rhododendrons possess others, for they are very rarely troubled by insect pests, though aphides at times attack the young shoots, but they can be easily kept in check, while in a dry atmosphere thrips are occasionally troublesome, but a liberal use of the syringe recommended for the welfare of the plants will prevent these pests efl'ecting a lodgment on the leaves. Another point in favour of these Rhododendrons is the fact that they are little, if at all, afl'ected by that bane of the plant grower around London, viz , the heavy sulphur-laden fogs, which play havoc with so many plants. As most of the varieties have originated at Chelsea, and Messrs. A'eitch sometimes exhibit them nearly throughdut the year, a good proof is given of their ability to withstand London fogs. Some of these Rhododendrons have a ten- dency to run up tall, to obviate which they must be freely stopped during their earlier stages, but where this has not been done the plants may be cut back hard in the spring, for if kept close and freely syringed overhead young shoots will be pushed out from the old wood as readily as in an Azalea. Some of the varieties, too, will commence to flower a« soon as the young shoots are but a few inches long. T. color characterised by dwarfer habit and shorter ' best place for the cuttings is a close propagating Notes from Baden - Baden . — Pelphiniura scopulorum is striking by the intensity of the 64 THE GARDEN. [July 22, 1899 colour of its flowers, which is a glittering ultra- marine. It forms a thick root and is a hardy perennial. D. speciosum macranthum from original Kurdistan seed has been much admired. It is a stately plant, 4 feet to 5 feet high, flowers deep blue and over 4i centimetres across in big spikes. Patrinia hispida is another desirable perennial; it grows to 2 feet and has large umbels of brilliant deep yellow flowers. Campanula betukefolia is a companion to C. mirabilis and bears numerous large white flowers. Among seed- lings of Lathyrus latifolius, a variety has turned up having much larger flowers and spikes. It is much more showy than the type. A strong plant of Coriaria terminalis will soon be in great beauty ; it has about ten fruiting branches. The robust Richardia Adlami is a first-rate novelty, its creamy white flowers having a black blotch ex- tending over half the spathe. A new Kniphotia shows good quality ; it is not a big plant, but is very free-flowering all the summer until frost ; the flowers are sulphur-yellow below and reddish or red at the end of spike. I propose to call it rufa, redheaded; it is the most free-flowering I ever have had. My efl'orts to raise a double variety of Scabiosa caucasica connata (syn., S. caucasica elegans) seem to draw nearer to realisation, as a beautiful semi double variety has now appeared. According to the construction of its flowers, I cannot expect to get many seeds, but if evolution goes on in the same direction our gardens will soon be embellished by a double variety. — Max Leichtlin, Baden Baden. The WEEK'S Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Vineries. — Vines which are forced year after year are naturally weakened in the process, and to obviate this as much as possible it is necessary to relieve them of their crop as early as may be, so that their energies can be devoted to finishing up the wood in good condition to go through the same ordeal next year. There are other reasons for early cutting. The Vines used for forcing are generally varieties the fruit of which soon loses its freshness, and in the case of black varieties the bloom disappears and leaves the berries of that red hue so objectionable both to the con- sumer and the producer. An early clearance gives a chance of syringing and cleansing the foliage, which if well preserved will then ripen ofi' natur- ally and plump up the buds to which the shoots will eventually be pruned back. If the sub-laterals have been allowed to grow wild during the past few weeks, cut them away to admit all the light possible. Where the fruiting laterals were allowed to grow beyond the orthodox two joints from the bunches, these, too, may be lightly shortened with advantage, especially where the rods are rather close together. Keep the ventila- tors open night and day, for, given a fair amount of sunshine, the more natural the conditions under which the wood is finished up the bstter will be the prospects for next year, and to this end also the borders should not be allowed to get dry. It is certain that the under-sized bunches which one so frequently sees in early houses are partly the result of ripening up the growth too early in the season. In midseason houses the Grapes will now be either ripe or fast approach- ing ripeness, and as some of these must perforce be left hanging for a considerable time, car.3 will be necessary to keep the atmosphere dry and buoyant. Damping down must be suspended entirely or reduced to a very light sprinkling during the forenoon of bright days, and air should always be on the top ventilators at least. Bottom ventilation, being governed by the state of the weather, is not advisable when the air is muggy or in case of rain or high wind. Should wet weather prevail day after day, a little fire- heat must be used during the day to dispel the dampness, but it should be suspended by night, when it would do more harm than good. It really takes very little fire-heat to keep the atmo- sphere of a house with a fairly rain-proof roof in a sufficiently dry condition to preserve the Grapes from harm — that is, when the ventilators are well managed — and more than this only encourages shrivelling. Look well through the bunches once a week or oftener, according to the weather, and remove any berry which shows signs of damping or which has been injured in any way, as one bad berry will soon taint a whole bunch. Pot Vines. — As these take on the appearance of ripening the wood to the full length of cane which will be allowed to remain at pruning time, more air should be given so as to gradually pre- pare them for removal to the open when the sea- son's growth is actually completed. Except in the case of pot Vines which are in a backward state, fire-heat may be dispensed with almost entirely, as Vines well forward now will have plenty of time in which to finish up well. Keep the roots in good condition as to moisture, but do not water too freely, or continue to feed the roots over-much, as a firm cane, even if on the small side, will produce a more satisfactory crop than a large, but soft one. Strawberries. — The runners when once they have become fairly well rooted in their pots should be cut away and moved to a position where they will be shaded from the mid-day sun, and stood thickly together for the first few days, as the pots then prevent each other becoming too hot and dry, and the young plants are thus inured gradu- ally to the loss of sustenance they incur through being cut away from the parent plants. As they become able to bear it, it is advisable to stand them more thinly preparatory to potting them into their fruiting pots, which should be done by, or very soon after, the end of the month. In the meanwhile a good heap of soil should be pre- pared, thrown together, and turned over and over again to get thoroughly mixed. There is a gain in preparing the soil beforehand, as if it can be placed under cover and fairly moistened if too dry for use, the ingredients become better incor- porated, and anything of a strong and burning nature which may be used will become toned down and harmless to the young roots. The con- ditions as to moisture also are greatly improved by mixing some days in advance, and those who have had much Strawberry potting to do will readily agree that on the exact condition of the soil in this respect depends a great deal both in the facility with which the work progresses and in the ultimate success with the plants, for soil thiit has to be damped just before potting never works well. The loam used for Straw- berries should be fairly heavy, but with plenty of fibre in it. In such soil good crowns are made, and there is body enough left in it to swell up a crop of fine fruits. I do not advocate the use of much manure in the soil, but I like to give a fair sprinkling of Mushroom-bed manure or horse droppings which have become sufficiently decayed without having gone through the process of " making" in the Mushroom house. A little bone- meal, too, is helpful when the loam is on the poor side, but as a rule loam alone contains suffi- cient food to carry the plants on till the pots become full of roots, after which the}' may be fed with liquid manure. Bone-meal is lasting in its effects, so will retain its feeding properties as long as the plants remain in their pots ; conse- (juently it is better than any of the quick-acting manures. If the loam is very heavy, mortar rubbish should be added as a corrective and is safe. It is customary to add soot to the mixture, but this varies so much in quality as to be posi- tively dangerous sometimes, even if used in very small quantities, and it is safer to use it through the medium of water in whicli a bag of soot has been steeped. I like to sprinkle a little on the crocks before putting on the rough soil used underneath the ball, as there it is safe and acts as a worm-preventive. In potting, which should be carried out by the end of the month, see that the plants stand fairly high and that the crowns are not buried in the soil. Pot very firmly, finishing off' with about three-quarters of an inch of space from the rims for water. Stand the plants after potting in the shade for a few days, but do not leave them in shade longer than the time requi- site to keep them from flagging after the shift, as they will require as much sunshine as they can get later on. If in f;'Ood condition as to moisture when potted — an important item to look out for — they should require no water at the roots for a few days, but the syringe should be freely used upon them. Before potting, it is advisable to turn the young plants down on their sides and to syringe them thoroughly on the undersides with water in which a good quantity of flowers of sul- phur has been mixed. This will prevent both red spider and mildew, and is of special benefit to Royal Sovereign, which is always liable to attacks of the latter. Coenubian. KITCHEN GARDEN. Second early Potatoes. — The whole of these may now be lifted, sorted and stored away in the coolest place procurable. A shed or outhouse having a north aspect is suitable both for seed tubers and those intended for the kitchen. A warm south aspect storage induces loss of weight and quality in those that are to be eaten and shrivelling, coupled with unsatisfactory sprouting in spring. A good sized plot from which this crop has been lifted should now be set apart for early spring Cabbages, and if allowed to remain in a rough condition from now till a fortnight before planting takes place, a sweet condition will be ensured. Where the ground is liable to be infested with slugs in wet winters, it will be well to spread over the surface a good coating of lime and soot, afterward scuffling it in deeply with a fork. Dig and tread the plot well before plant- ing, as a loose root-run, especially in light soil, ia not conducive to a growth suitable for standing a severe winter. Young Carrots. — Those who have sown small beds as advised from time to time will have rea- lised the value of them, as for soups and flavour- ing these young tender roots are far preferable to those older and more mature. If the grub has not yet attacked them, it will pay to give another good sprinkling of wood ashes, soot, or burnt garden refuse between the rows, following it by a good foaking of water. Hoe between and hand-weed all young Carrot beds, and in cases where the dreaded grub has actually attacked the crop, procure a large tub capable of holding 100 gallons of water. Into this throw a bushel each of lime and soot, stirring it well round and allowing it to stand for a night. The following day well water the Carrot bed with a rosed water- ing pot. This will exterminate the pest and pro- mote a healthy growth. Warm soft water is best for the purpose. SPRiNd Caubace. — Some time ago I cautioned gardeners against making very early sowings of this important vegetable. I make my principal sowing at the end of July, the varieties being Ellam's, Cocoa-nut, Earliest of All, and Mein's No. 1. Provided good seed is used, it need not be sown thickly ; in fact, thick sowing is ruinous. I make a second sowing from the middle to the '20th of August, good second early varieties being in- cluded in it. As a rule. Cabbage plants that are to be wintered in frames will be quite forward enough if sown at the beginning of September. If sown earlier, large, ungainly plants which lift badly and are prone to run to seed after flagging from removal in spring follow. Sow the red pickling Cabbage at the second sowing and also with the third for frame protection. Lettuce. — If another transplanting is now made of various sorts on good moist land, a supply for some weeks to come will be secured. A sow- ing of good Cabbage varieties may also now be made, which will come in most useful at a period when cooler nights and mornings favour long keeping. The latter do not run to seed so soon as the Cos varieties, and are profitable for grow- ing in shallow, hot soils. When transplanting Lettuces make a slight drill, as then a little soil can be drawn into it around each plant after watering, this preventing evaporation and ex- July 22, 1899. THE GARDEN. 65 eluding parching winds from the roots until well established. In all cases where scarcity is appre- hended it should be remembered that by leaving a percentage of plants on the seed-bed and keep- ing them well watered, Lettuce may be cut a fortnight earlier than from the transplanted rows. Any which have arrived at maturity may be lifted with care and laid in under a north wall, where they will keep for some time in an eatable condition. Of course, where other batches are coming on apace this is not necessary. Late-sown Beet. — I pointed out some time ago the necessity for a late sowing of Beet in places where this root is eaten by itself at lunch, as large roots are usually objected to for slicing up. If the final thinning has not been given, see to it at once, and keep the rows free from weeds and the intermediate spaces frequently hoed to promote a clean, sweet growth. The coarse varieties, which show white rings in their centres when cut, are not fit for salad, and, unfortunately, this drawback is present in three parts of the so- called table Beets. In case of an uneven plant. Beet does very well if carefully transplanted. I have seen beds which in the earlier stages of growth were very uneven present a perfect appearance later on by transplanting from the other rows. This is worthy of note, as many people might think the experiment worthless. Rhubarb. — The erroneous idea is often enter- tained that in order to make the best jam and wine Rhubarb ought to be in a semi-withered condition. Those, however, who desire quality in either will do well to take the sticks which result from a secondary growth which occurs in most vigorous Rhubarb beds and is now at its best. Some varieties, too, are better for jam and wine-making than others, the small - growing Prince Albert and Hawke's Champagne making a delicious preserve. Any seed-stems should be taken off at once, so that the most may be made of the remainder of the season for strengthening and developing the stools for next year. J. C. Orchard and Fruit Garden. FLAVOUR IN FRUIT. Well-consideked culture and careful attention, especially just previous to the finishing stage, have a lot to do with flavour or the want of it in the fruit we grow under glass. In the open we are, of course, entirely at the mercy of the season, and only in certain small details can anything be done to improve the quality when grown. For instance, in the case of Straw- berries that have not to be packed, but .sent direct to table, there are a few kinds, notably Sir Joseph Paxton, that are much improved by an hour or two in a warm, dry fruit-room or house. Gathered overnight and placed in a vinery where ripe fruit is hanging, this and Royal Sovereign are greatly improved both in colour and flavour by the morning, but nothing that can be done to these varieties can bring them into the first rank for flavour. That handsome Strawberry Monarch has been off and on decried and praised as to quality. I find it rather peculiar, and though it sounds almost impossible, I have always had better-flavoured fruit in a wet season and after a wet time than when opposite conditions prevail. Again, Latest of All and Waterloo have proved of much better quality when grown in a partially shaded aspect than on a bed quite exposed to sun. I think that the want of colour at the tip of the former and some other kinds is always worse when the fruit is hurried along. But, as I have noticed frequently, what helps us one year fails or hinders in another, and I am looking forward to better coloured, if not better flavoured, fruit of this kind this season, as it has come along more slowly than usual. Hot sun, with little moisture, is, I am sure, as frequently the cause of deterioration in quality and premature ripening as the opposite conditions are of watery and insipid flavour. Hot, burning days, with bitter cold winds at niglit when the fruit is forming, constitute a severe strain upon the plant, and cannot do otherwise than hinder the proper development of the fruit, but moister conditions, even if cold, keep the berries swelling gradually, though slowly. I do not know what is the condition of things generally, but, speaking from my own experience, the present has been a very trying spring for fruit forcing under glass, and the quality of Peaches especially is much below the average. Alexandra Noblesse, usually one of the richest flavoured Peaches in the early house, is far behind its proper form, yet the trees have not been over- cropped, nor have they been hurried, as the house was started at the new year and the fruit is just ripe (July 1). Early Grosse Mignonne is better, but this is an end tree, and has therefore the sunniest and best position, the trees being trained across the house. Even this fine variety is not, I think, quite so good as usual. We have had much less sunshine than usual this year, and this in part doubtless accounts for the lack of flavour. Under these circum- stances it is pleasant to turn to a brighter side with the Vines. As long as the right varieties are grown and properly finished there need be little fear on the score of quality. Tliat excel- lent black variety Madresfleld Court is splendid this season. It is a Grape that requires good culture, and to bring out its best points not less than six months' growth from the date the house is closed till the fruit is ripe. This prevents un- due haste at any time, and splitting and other evils are more likely to be avoided than if the crop is hurried before stoning is properly finished. H. "Wall breaks.— On page 420 (last vol.) "A.D." refers to what I should consider an invaluable provision for exposed positions in the form of wall breaks. Would not wind breaks be more descriptive ? I have long since wished I could erect such breaks against a wall here having a southern aspect. The projecting walls could be profitably utilised for Morello and dessert Cher- ries or Plums, but the cost of erection is a barrier. Outdoor Peach growing might be made more easy, because cold cutting draughts, which are so fatal to the tender leaves, would be removed. I have never seen any but the ordinary strengthen- ing buttresses erected, but there are undoubtedly cases where the extra expenditure would be both justifiable and profitable. The need of such is more keenly apparent in gardens of large size where there is a considerable length of unbroken surface of wall. There would not be the same advantage derived from wind breaks on east and west walls as from the south unless they are de- voted wholly or in part to such tender trees as Peaches, Apricots, or Nectarines. Plums and Cherries would scarcely justify the expense except in cases where the additional wall space may be required. — W. S. I was interested in "A. D.'s" note at page 4211 on the wall breaks in the garden at West Hall, By fleet. One seldom meets with them, but I was employed in two gardens where they existed. In one they were exactly the same in character au those mentioned by "A. D. ," having no doubt been built at the same time as the prmcipal wall which was intended for Peach trees. In the other garden they were only of a temporary character, being erected every year by the gardener on the border of the 12 feet high Peach wall. Stout poles and cross rafters were fixed, and the latter furnished with Laurel and Yew boughs. It meant a good deal of trouble, but it was astonishing how it screened the trees from cold, cutting east and west winds while in flower and until a fair amount of growth was made. These breaks were also of great advantage to early vegetable crops, such as Potatoes, Cauli- flowers and Peas, which are more often injured by cold winds than frost. Of course they are not very ornamental, but utility is generally the first thing considered in fruit and kitchen gardens. — C. STRAWBERRIES IN THE OPEN GROUND. The unfavourable weather during the early part of May played sad havoc with the Strawberry bloom in this district, especially with the more forward kinds that had but little foliage. Here on several occasions there were sharp frosts, and on the night of the 5th we registered 7°, which so took hold of the flowers that scarcely one that was expanded escaped. Scarlet Queen, Royal Sovereign, John Ruskin, and others that do not grow so strong on our soil are almost a failure. Some of the later ones, however, escaped, and these are promising. As yet (.June 24) I have not been able to gather a fruit from outside, and were it not for a batch of Leader grown in a cold frame I should have been without fruit at the present time. This is unusual in this part of the country, as often the greater portion of the more forward kinds has been gathered. Leader is a grand variety, and in my opinion one that has come to stay. Here on a north border the crop is a heavy one, the flowers not being suffi- ciently forward in that shaded position to come to any harm by the severe weather. Monarch growing alongside has not half the crop, both being planted at the same time and treated in like manner. In this position Scarlet Queen, too, has suffered less than in the open or on sunny borders, as the blooms were not so forward. Mulching had somewhat to do with the frost taking so much hold of the blooms, for where the ground was not mulched the plants suffered less. VVhile on this subject, may I ask if anyone has ever noticed that the material used causes a dif- ference in the temperature round the plants ? Most gardeners experience a difficulty in procur- ing suitable material for this purpose. Grass from the lawn goes too close together, therefore holds too much moisture for the well-being of the fruit should the weather be damp at the time of ripening. Oat straw, without doubt, is the most useful, particularly if from a farm that is well tilled, as there are then but few weeds of any kind introduced. I noticed that where peat Moss manure was used as a mulch, plants suffered more than they did where there was no mulch at all, and where clean straw was employed less harm was done than with grass. Gardeners in some places are placed at great disadvantages in not being able to procure articles they reijuire, and this is one of those which often puzzle them, particularly where there is no home farm and where the stables are of limited extent. To send Strawberries in the finest possible condition to the table under such conditions entails both a lot of trouble and expense, for where the ground has to be mulched with unsuitable material it is always best to run a piece of bast or raffia round the plants to loop up the fruit. H. C. P. Gooseberry Telegraph. — Although at first sight this appears to be a good deal like Berry's Early Kent, it is quite distinct and better in flavour, though not so good in appearance. The berries are very large, but of a clouded green tint when fully ripe, and it is one of those Goose- berries that can be over-ripened. If caught at the right time it is delicious. The tree is a strong but dwarf grower, and makes less headway in a plantation than the kind with which I have com- pared it. It is good under any form of training. — H. R. Gooseberry Keepsake. — There is a disposi- tion among growers to decry the larger varieties of this luscious fruit on the score that the quality is poor, but however true this may be ot some kinds, it is a libel on others. Keepsake in- cluded. It ripens early, forming a good succes- 66 THE GARDEK [July 22, 1899. sion to the Roup;h Yellow, and is of immense size. The thin, almost transparent skin is pale green with deeper reticulations and less hairy than that of most kinds, while there are ample pulp and few seeds. It is altogether a first-rate kind and a useful addition to the dessert in August. Grown on wire trellises I have an immense crop of fine fruit.— C. H. Strawberry President. — I am obliged to " West Middlesex " for his reply to my note on this Strawberry, and very glad to hear it is still so largely grown m his neighbourhood. His note bears out my contention that there must be some- thing wrong in the cultivation where it fails, for unless it has deteriorated since I grew it, there are few better. When in the west of England recently, a friend of mine who grows Strawberries rather largely told me he had quite discarded it in favour of the newer kinds, of which Royal Sovereign is a typical variety, and, as I said in my note, I have heard very numerous complaints about it as a forcing kind. I shall try it again this season, but I am afraid in this cold, ungenial soil it will not show its true character. I have some old rows of it in company with Waterloo, as I thought it might improve by being left on the ground, but the growth is weak and the foliage yellow, while the fruit is not at all like the large tine-flavoured berries I have always expected from President. The grower mentioned above used always to leave it on the ground for several seasons, but this was before the plan of clearing off early was so popular as now. Another very useful kind I have lately tried and found wanting is Keens' Seedling.— H. R. INSECTS AND STRAWBERRIES. Slugs and other insects have been very destruc- tive to the Strawberry crop in this neighbour- hood, much more so than usual. On one or two occasions it has been really difficult to gather any (juantity of fruit without having some blemished ones among them. This is all the more vexatious, as there has been such a splendid crop of large handsome berries. Royal Sovereign has in this neighbourhood been badly attacked by some insect that hardly touches the flesh, but simply eats off the seeds from the outside. I have not noticed that any other variety has been attacked in a .similar way, but this kind is picked out from among rows of other kinds. Naturally the appearance of the fruit is much marred, and if any correspondent of The Gakiien has noticed the same thing in other localities it would be worth mentioning. Even before the fruit is really ripe the seeds disappear, giving the fruit a dull look and of course rendering it quite unfit for dessert. In conversation with a grower on rather a large scale at Sudbury, he attributes the attack to some small insect of the mite order, but I have looked over my rows time after time and can sse nothing except a few millipedes, and of course slugs and small snails, and all these marauders were, I think, more. active inside the fruit than out. I have looked at night as well as by day, but as yet I am as far from finding out the cause as ever. Respecting the use of various kinds of litter, I find it makes little difference whether clean straw or that from the stable is used. The slight manurial value of the latter is not worth considering, and if put on early enough to be blanched by rain I find that the slugs can get about on it as easily as on clean wheat straw. Again, the longer the ground between the rows lies open the better, as the moisture caused by the litter is an attraction to slugs. Anything in the way of grass mowings is the worst of all, and I would never use it if I could get good clean straw. When taking layers from a fruit- ing bed it will be found an advantage to twist the straw into stout bands and lay one of these round each plant. This not only gives more room and better standing for the pots, but the flower-trusses are lifted clear of the ground out of the way of insects. A little practice soon makes the men adept, and the work then takes less time than strawing the whole of the ground, also using less straw. H. R. Suffolk. PEARS ADOPTED BY THE CONGRES POMOLOGIQUE OF FRANCE. {Continued from p. 442, lajil I'ol.) Beurre d'Amanlis (^-ynonyms, Delbart, Huhart, Kai.ixoi.ie, Thifssolse, Wilhdmine). — As to its origin, M. Jamin (J. L. ) found in 186,5 the mother plant existing in an orchard at Amanlis, near Rennes. The fruit is fairly large, pyriform, most frequently taking the Bon Chri5tien shape. The stalk is short, of normal stoutness, rather curved, set in a small cavity made irregular by a protuberance which is ordinarily very marked. The eye is fairly large, closed or half-closed, irregular, and not deeply set. The skin is a pale green stippled much with grey, sometimes coloured dark red on the sunny side. The flesh is yellowish white, green beneath the skin, melt- ing, juicy, more or less aromatic. A very good or fairly good fruit, ripening in September. The tree is very vigorous on the Quince stock as well as on the natural stock, and very fertile. The branches are thick, long, and bent, greyish red in colour. In cultivation this variety comes well in all eoils. Beurr^ d'Angleterre [nyns., 'Bee d'oie, ifAyytandc, d'Anr/leterre, de Finois, Gisambert. — Of ancient and unknown origin. The fruit is smallish, almost medium-sized, regularly pyri- form, narrowing almost regularly to the point. The stelk is of variable length, curved, set in the point, and sometimes turned aside by a spur. The eye is large, open, regular, the sepals very short, projecting from a slight depression. The skin is delicate, but rather rough, a light yellow-green, stippled with numerous small brown dots, and often marked with tawny streaks. The flesh is white, rather greenish under the skin, delicate, soft, melting, juicy, more or less aromatic accord- ing to locality and season. A good or fairly good fruit, ripening September and October. The tree is of feeble vigour on Quince, very vigorous on the natural stock ; of great fertility. The branches are stout, short, spread out and much elbowed. This variety is most suitable for orchards, where it quickly forms a pyramidal and compact head, and bears very freely. Beurre d'Apremont Uym., B< nrrii Bosc, Bf.urri de Hiimholdt, Oaanelle, Cara/on de Bmc, Pri'adia d'Antontiic). — Discovered in the forest of Apremont (Haute-Saone) about 183.3. Grafts sent to the .Jardin des Plantes of Paris produced excellent fruit, and the variety was dedicate to Bosc, although in its native country it still kept the name of Apremont. The fruit is large or fair sized, a long calebash or pear shape, bumpy and swollen at the top, contracted in the lower half and ending in a blunted point. The stalk is longish, woody, straight or curved and set in a small crease. The eye is medium sized, half closed, set in a narrow and shallow and rather wrinkled cavity. The skin is citron-yellow, stained with cinnamon and rather rough, having a pronounced general tint on the sunny side. The flesh is white, delicate, melting, juicy, pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening October — November. The tree is of normal growth upon Quince and great fertility on any stock. In cultivation this variety is difficult to control in obtaining regular forms. As a standard on the natural stock it forms a spreading head and quickly becomes fertile. Becrre de Luqon (sj/ns., Beirrn' yri'^ de Lucon, BeniTi' d'hiret'f Beam} gris (Vhiver nouvextii). — Found in the neighbourhood of Lucon (Vendee), more precise data are wanting. The fruit is lnrge or fair sized, irregularly rounded, generally more swelled on one side than on the other. The stalk is stout, short, woody, in a broad, shallow and irregularly sided cavity. Tfae eye is small, open, set in a shallow wide civity, surrounded by obtu.se bumps. The skin is not thick, but firm, a grey-green, covered with wide tawny streaks and whitish stipphngs, and tinged with light red on the sunny side. The flesh is rather greenish white, delicate, melting, and aromatic. A good fruit, ripening December — January. The tree is of sufficient vigour on Quince and normal vigour on the Pear ; is of great fertility. In cultivation this variety has a tendency to fall and should be trained on a wall. BeurriS de Nivelles (syn., Beurre Parmaiiier). —Obtained about 1840 by M. Franijois Parmentier at Nivelles, in Belgium. The fruit is medium or fair-sized, wider than high. The stalk is rather long, slender, curved, set in a narrow shallow cavity and often seamed. The eye is small, often closed, and set in a narrow and shallow cavity. The skin is olive-yellow, spotted and streaked with brown, and broadly marked with a bright red- brown on the sunny side. The flesh is yellowish, melting, juicy and aromatic. A good fruit, ripen- ing December to February. The tree is of suffi- cient vigour on Quince and of great fertility. Id cultivation this variety should be grafted on the Pear, and lends itself well to vase forma or large nailed-up palmette forms. Beurkk de Hardenpont (st/nx., Benrrd d'Aren- herij, Qoulii Morei au, Bturrc de Keiil, Beurre Lom- bard).— Obt.ained in 1759 by Nicolas Hardenpont on his property of Mont Panisel, near Mons> Hainaut, Belgium. The fruit is of large or fair size, oblong, lumpy, with the form of the Portugal (^luince. The stalk is stout and set in a shallow cavity. The eye is open or half open, in- serted in an irregular ribbed cavity. The skin is fairly smooth, pale yellow, often yellowish grey- green, stippled grey, washed with tawny at the top and base. The flesh is white, fine, close, melting, very juicy and pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening November to February. The tree is vigorous and fairly fertile. The branches are stout, straight, olive-brown shot with ash colour, and coverei with very numerous grey lenticelles. The buds are medium sized, short, and at a distance from the branch. In cultiva- tion this variety does well upon Quince and the natural stock, is suitable for all forms, but prefers, espalier in a good exposure. The Belgians say that on the natural st^ck its fruit is much im- proved. Beorri5 Diel {syns., Beurre Mrxgnifi que, Beurre Incomparable, Beurrii des Trois Tour.':, Beurn' Royal, Gj-oKne Dorolhee, Jlelon). — Found at the commencement of the century on the farm of Trois Tours, near Vilvorde, Belgium, by Meuris, gardener to Van Mens. The fruit is large or very large, obtuse, sometimes as wide as high. The stiilk is shortish, stout, swollen at the point of attachment, slightly curved , set rather obliquely in a middle sized cavity. The eye is medium size or fairly large, half closed, set in a deep, fairly wide cavity, ribbed on the edges. The skin is rather rough, a citron-yellow, much stippled with russet and marked with tawny stains round the stalk and the eye, rarely dashed with a little dark red. The flesh is white, half delicate, half melting, very juicy sugared, acidu- late (often too much so), and aromatic. A good fruit, ripening November and December. The tree is vigorous and very fertile. The branches are thick, of medium length, curved, russet colour, with oval grey-brown lenticelles ; the eyes large, conical, and distant from the branch. In cultivation, this variety may be grafted upon Quince or upon Pear. It lends itself to all forms of training. Beurre Dilly (syns., Beurrii Delannoy, Poire de Jo/lain). — Obtained about 1848 by M. V. Dilly, a tradesman of Jollain, near Tournay, Bel- gium. The fruit is of fair size, often almost as wide as high. The stalk is of medium length and slender, swollen at the point of attachment, curved, set obliquely in a shallow, slightly ribbed cavity. The eye is large, half closed or open, set in a fairly wide, shallow cavity slightly ribbed at JOLY 22, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 67 the edges. The skin ia rather thick, slightly rough, a dull greenish yellow, tinged with dull red on the sunny side, stippled with grey, and washed with tawny round the stalk. Flesh white, slightly greenish, delicate, and melting, juicy, and agreeably acidulate and aromatic in the manner of Beurre Oris. A very good fruit, ripen- ing September— October. The tree is of normal vigour and very fertile. The branches are stoutish, short, rather elbowed, a red-brown with small and whitish lenticelles : eyes medium- sized, conical, rather distant from the branch. In cultivation this variety is of good vegetation, and lends itself to all forms. (To be continued. ) APPLES IN HEREFORD. I HAD intended to send a note on the subject of the prospects of the Apple crop a week or so ago, but thought it expedient to wait and see how the fruit developed before reporting thereon. Since then the effect of the intensely hot weather we have been experiencing in the west midlands for the past fortnight has been to influence the growth of the fruits on the Apple trees to a marked degree, so that one can now speak with confidence. Apples which a few weeks ago had barely set or only just begun to swell have grown very rapidly, and even the very latest flowering sorts, such as Court Pendu Plat and Sturmer Pippin, have fruits of a good size on them. The earliest sorts of all, particularly the Codlins, such as Lord Sutiield, Keswick Codlin, and Potts' Seedling, are, as may be expected, in a very forward condition for the time of the year, owing, of cour.-e, to the forcing nature of the weather. It may be noted in passing that the trees when in bloom had to pass through a rather severe ordeal, as, in addition to there having been frost on several occasions, the wind was most of the time cold and the weather ungenial. As usual in this county, the eff'ect when the trees in gardens and orchards were in full blossom was a fine one, and it well repaid anyone to take the trouble to ascend one of the many hills situated hereabouts for the express purpose of viewing the beautiful picture there presented. Hundreds of acres of orchards were then to be seen, forming beautiful pink and white masses of colour in the landscape, and this not only close at home, but as far as one could see in all directions. I do not re- member the blossoming to have been more pro- fuse, and one heard this remark passed on all hands. This is the more remarkable seeing that the trees in the majority of cases carried such heavy crops last year. No doubt we have the fine dry season to thank for this, the wood and fruit-buds in consenuence having been so tho- roughly matured. The latter were so unusually plentiful, that the wood on trees both young and old fairly bristled with them. The blossoms, it may be remarked, were extremely vigorous and bold looking — always a good augury for a free set — and, what was more, the trees developed a great deal of leafage before and while the buds were opening. Some hold the opinion that when the foliage develops while the blooms are as yet unfolded, or while they are expanding, a good set never results, as an undue proportion of sap is drawn for the support of the leaves which would otherwise go towards nourishing the blossoms and embryo fruits. According to my own observa- tions, but little importance is to be attached to this statement, for last year and on many occa- sions previously the same thing has happened, and that without the crop being in the least affected. Next comes that important matter which so exercises the minds of all fruit growers in the spring months, viz., Insects. I hear of some complaints, but, on the whole, the verdict in this district is that the trees are cleaner than they have been for several years past. By this I do not mean to infer that the trees are free from them altogether, but still one can drive along the main roads and see trees not looking as though they had been riddled with sparrow shot and in some cases almost defoliated. This is, of course, a matter for congratulation, but it is to be hoped that it will not lull growers into a sense of false security and lead them to imagine that because insects are not so numerous this season, they should relax their efforts in coping with these pests both now and again in the autumn or winter. Personally speaking, I cannot present a clean bill as regards the trees here, but must say they have given less trouble this season than they have done for years. Red spider is present and has been on a few trees, also American blight. The Apple mildew is, I fancy, rather more in evidence this year than usual, as I have noticed it in a great many orchards and gardens the last few weeks. Al- though not so destructive as caterpillars, it is sufficiently debilitating to the constitution of the tree to call for special means being taken to eradicate it as far as possible. I have also noticed that the brown fungus or mould on the leaves of Apples, which was so prevalent last year in many parts of the country, is still with us, but only to a very limited extent. Of course, we do not yet know to what extent the fruits may be affected by the larvaj of the Cod- lin moth, but so far they look healthy and sound enough. Some growers complain of the Apple chermes or Apple suckers being trouble- some, but up to the present I have seen none on the trees here. The Apple-blossom weevil, too, has done but little mischief ; in fact, according to my own observations, but few blossoms were in- fested. I have found a nest or two of the cater- pillars of the small ermine moth (Yponomeuta pa- della), but beyond these two instances no more are to be seen. So, taking it altogether, insects which affect Apple trees are, for once, very much less numerous, and in my case this should be so, see- ing that no efforts are spared in endeavouring to reduce their numbers throughout the season. Within the last fortnight trees carrying good crops of fruit have received a fair dressing of manure in the form of chemicals, which has been hoed in in the absence of rain to wash it in. This is of wonderful assistance to the trees, as it keeps them growing and enables them to swell their fruits to a larger size than they would do if left unaided. Liquid would of course be of great benefit when it can be spared and had in quantity, but its application entails more labour at this busy season, while the use of arti- ficials best suited to the Apple and to each par- ticular kind of soil can be applied at very much less cost and trouble. The trees here will have another application of manure when the fruits are about half grown, and this will be sufficient to carry them through. A few hours' steady rain would do the trees an immense amount of good, both in cleansing the leaves and in moistening the soil beneath them, but according to appearances the wish will not at present be realised. To sum up, the general outlook then as far as the Apple crop is concerned is a bright one, and, judging by present appearances, the yield will be quite as heavy as that of last year. It is pleasing to see old and well-tried sorts such as Stirling Castle, Warner's King, Potts' Seedling, Ecklin- ville, Ribston, Lady Henniker, Northern Green- ing, Lord Grosvenor, Lord Suffield and many others still to the fore as being regular and con- sistent croppers. Many sorts added to the collec- tion of late years will also afford an opportunity of putting their merits to the test this year. A. Ward. Slake Edith Gardens, Hfreford. with liquid manure, the fruit swells to a good size, is of a bright red colour, hangs well and is brisk and pleasant in flavour. An east or north wall suits it well. — N. Insecticides. — The value of pure water alone in cleaning trees and plants of insects has been well demonstrated by the recent rains, and there is great benefit resulting. What it is thus possible for the rain to do so well may be done with clean water and the syringe, or, better still, force pump, on many things, especially when rains do not prevail. But very much in the direction of cleansing all trees and plants may be done when some simple insecticide is gently syringed over the insects so as to embarrass and clog them, even if not for the moment destroying them. The material, even if it be but soft soap and quassia chips in solution, helps very much to weaken the pests, and then after a few hours of this treat- ment a thorough washing with clear water effectually disposes of them. Of all trees, wall- trained ones are the greatest sufferers, and these should, because of the rebound furnished by the wall to the projected water, be all the more readily cleansed. — A. D. Peach Salway. — Although a very fine, hand- some-looking Peach, this is not a good variety for private gardens, the flavour when grown in an unsuitable position being very bad, while even in the warmest positions out of doors it ripens too late to get any flavour. The best Salway I ever tasted was grown in a mid season house started at the new year and brought along slowly, but there are many better Peaches at that time, and the principal recommendation Salway has is its lateness. In a west of England garden I had it in an unheated house, and with it were Sea Eagle, Prince of Wales, and a Nectarine. The fruit from all these was over before the shooting season had far advanced, but that of Salway was often good at the first of October, when naturally it was very useful. The flavour grown thus is far before that of the best out-of-door fruit, and, taken all round, I consider it is the only way that Salway is really worth growing, unless under very excep- tional circumstances. In many gardens where Peach culture on walls is remarkably well carried out, and other kinds do well and come well flavoured, this either does not ripen, or else when ripe it is poor and watery in flavour and woolly in texture. — H. Cherry Late Duke. — I have heard Late Duke spoken well of for growing in bush form worked on the Mahaleb stock, and those who intend planting would do well to give it a trial, as com- paratively few varieties give satisfaction so grown. I know from experience that Late Duke possesses a capital constitution and will succeed and fruit freely in backward districts if eiven a wall. (Jumming, which injures so many Cherries, seems to atlect Late Duke but little, and even in a light soil, if mulched and occasionally assisted GRAPE GROS GUILLAUME. This Grape is not so popular as many others on account of its habit of not finishing properly un- less very carefully and well grown. Some con- sider it an exhibition Grape pure and simple, but as a matter of fact where it succeeds it is a very useful kind for home consumption, and when well ripened late in the season quite equal, if not superior, to Lady Downe's. Like Gros Colman, it needs a long season to be good, and cannot be rushed along like Black Hamburgh or even Madresfield Court to finish early in the season. If started at the new year it would not be pro- perly ripe before the end of August under ordi- nary conditions of culture, and from then to the middle of November is undoubtedly its season. Pruned long, Gros Guillaume throws large loose bunches that may or may not fill out properly at the shoulders. If by good feeding and careful manipulation they do so, grand bunches result, but the grower of such must beware of how many he leaves upon his rods, for a very few such will constitute a more severe strain upon the Vine than what appears a very heavy crop of smaller bunches. It is better in the ordinary way to prune rather close and be content with smaller bunches, which are usually more solid and prefer- able in every way, excepting, of courie, for exhibition. Very short or close pruning, on the other hand, will not do for this variety. It should be pruned to a good plump eye. When thinning bunches of Gros Guillaums, those who are not aciiuainted with the variety often make the mis- take of thinning the shoulders too much and the 68 THE GARDEK [July 22, 1899. lower part of the bunch too little. The former being in most cases longer than those of most kinds, yet distinct from the long, stiff shoulder characteristic of Gros Colman, they can be tied out all round and a very fine bunch built up. If too much thinned this upper part will be loose, while the waist of the bunch, owing to the berries having less room, will be tightly packed. Being a very vigorous grower, Gros Guillaume is often inarched upon a weaker growing kind, such as Black Hamburgh, but this is not abso- lutely necessary. The foliage in autumn takes on very beautiful russet and red tints, and for this reason is much in request for dishing up other fruit uDon. This must not be carried to excess, or the Vines will be injured. Crab stocks kept a full month longer than those from the next row growing on common Apple stocks. Bailey cites the case of Twenty-ounce Apples, which ripened earlier when worked on Early Harvest ; also of Winter Nelis Pear, which ripened earlier when grown on Flemish Beauty stocks than when grown on Bloodgood. 5. Adaptation to climate. — It has been found in Iowa, Quebec, Vermont, and other semi arctic countries that comparatively tender varieties of Apple, like Greening. King, and Baldwin, can be grown from 100 to 200 miles further north when top-grafted on such ' ■ ironclads " as Hibernal, Duchess, or even on Talman. A limited experi- ence seems to show, on the other hand, that cer- tain European varieties of the Pear can be grown further south when worked on such hybrid stocks EFFECTS OF THE STOCK ON GRAFT. '^^ ^e Conte. Garber. and Kieffer. 6. Adaptation to soil. — Plums for light sandy In the Cotintni Gentleinan we find some re- ^ lands should be worked on Peach ; for very low, marks on grafting which show more than usual wet lands in the South they may be worked on observation of the effects of the stock on the scion, and are otherwise of interest to fruit-growers although written from observation in American orchards : — 1. Dwarfini:. — If the stock is a much slower grower than the scion, it may reduce the whole tree in size. Pears grafted on Quince and common Apples grafted on the dwarf Paradise stocks are the most common in- stances. In certain cases, especially in top- grafting old trees, the slower growing character of the stock does not seem to have so much effect in dwarfing the top. Com- mon varieties of the Apple, like Yellow Transparent, King, or Fameuse, when grafted into Crab tops are not visibly dwarfed. In- stead, they overgrow the stock. Frequently they become so top heavy as to break down of their own weight combined with stress of wind and fruit crop. 2. Colour or fruit. — The stock sometimes modifies the colour of the fruit borne on the scion. Two cases have recently come to the attention of the writer. In the first, Mcintosh was grafted on Siberian Crab, with the result of making the fruit much richer red and darker coloured. The trees from which the scions were taken grew directly beside the Crab trees in which the grafts were set, so there could have been no mistake in the observation. In the second case, Rhode Island Greening was grafted on Talman Sweet, with the result of making the Greenings lighter coloured. 3. Flavour or fruit.— Likewise the flavour is sometimes affected. In both cases cited above this was true. The Greening on the sweet Apple tree was said to have a sweetish taste. The Mcintosh on the Crab stock had a more sprightly acid flavour. The latter case was thoroughly investigated by the present writer. Cases of this sort are not rare ; but results of this sort are not sufliciently pronounced to be worth working for. 4. M.4TURITY. — The season of maturity is occa- sionally modi tied. The Mcintosh Apples on the Magnolia Lenni? at Enys, Penryn, Cornwall, From a photograph sent by Mr. Prestley Hoghin. Chickasaw stocks ; for heavy, cold soils in the North, Americana stocks are best. Peaches for heavy land are best worked on Plum. The plague of caterpillars. — It was, I think, generally expected that after the extremely mild winter fruit trees would suffer greatly from insect pests. In passing through the principal fruit-growing districts of Kent I have been struck with the ravages caused almost everywhere by the larv.-B of the small ermine moth, and in some places they have almost defoliated the trees. This pest is easily distinguished by the web that is formed at the tips of the shoots, where the ravenous caterpillars feed on the succulent leaves and tips till full grown, when thev fall or let themselves down to the ground. Both Apples and Plums have been swarmed with the pests, and now that the caterpillars are gone, the brown and seared tips of the leafless shoots point plainly to their late residence. Strangely enough, the majority of market growers make no effort to destroy the pests, though much damage can be averted by syringing with paraffin emulsion. — H. H. Flavour in Strawberries.— When recently exhibiting before the fruit committee a plant in fruit of their new Strawberry Veitch's Prolific to show its cropping qualities, Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons also sent a box of fruits for tasting. It says a good deal for the excellence of the variety that every fruit soon disappeared. But an odd objection was made to the flavour by one member, and that was that it possessed too much of the Hautbois flavour. So far from being an objec- tion, I thought it to be a strong recommendation. But the general estimate was that without being unduly high the flavour was delicious, and in that respect alone, apart from its other high qualities, the variety is a valuable acquisition. The new Lady Suflield, shown at the Temple, I had an opportunity to taste with the rest of the fruit committee, but thought that, whilst very nice, fla\our had to some extent been lost in transit. Perfume is not always a safe guide, because in fruits too much of it evident to the olfactory nerves seems to indicate some loss of it in the fruit through diffusion in the atmosphere. Melons that are delicious to the nostrils are too often otherwise to the palate. An older Strawberry of very high excellence in respect of flavour is Countess, that was recently in the great trial of varieties at Chiswick the very best in crop and in flavour. It is a variety that should be largely grown by all who prefer medium-sized, delicious fruits to those huge acid fruits that so many think to be the best Strawberries. Countess throws moderate leafage, and may be planted rather closer together than is the rule with ordinary varieties. Some few others merit wide culture because of their high flavour. — A. D. Trees and Shrubs. MAGNOLIA LENNE. This is undoubtedly one of the best of the deciduous Magnolias and a variety of the white Yulan (Magnolia conspicua), but instead of being white the flowers of INIagnolia Lenne are sufl'used with a delicate rosy purple. The flowers appear in great abundance and are sweet-scented. Being among the hardiest of early-flowering trees, Magnolia Lenn6 is a most desirable shrub. In Messrs. R. Veitch and Son's nurseries at Exeter and Exminster there are several good-sized trees which have flowered abundantly and are growing in ordinary loam mixed with a litt;le peat. The illustration is from a photograph of a plant in the grounds of Mr. Enys, at Enys, Penryn, Cornwall. Regard- ing this particular tree, Mr. Prestley Hogbin (who has charge of the gardens) informs nie that it is growing on the west terrace in the company of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Camellias. The height is 20 feet, and it has flowered exceedingly well this year, lasting many weeks. In the autumn it always blooms a second time, and the flowers at that time of the year are darker in colour than the spring flowers. A Magnolia stellata planted close by produces yearly a complete mass of its beautiful white, star-shaped flowers. Among the Rhodo- dendrons, which constitute the companions of the Magnolia here illustrated, are some grand plants raised from seed of Rhododendron cin- nabarinum var. Roylei. F. W. Meyer. Elmside, Exeter. Periploca grseca. — This is a quick-growing ligneous climber that is quite distinct from any- thing else that we have in our gardens. It is a July 22, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 69 good wall plant, but is even more suitable for clotliing arbours, pergolas, and purposes such as this. The long, slender stems soon form a dense mass, and when furnished with foliage it is very effective and is then a good screen plant, but, being deciduous, it is of little use for this purpose during the winter. The flowers, which are freely borne about midsummer, are star-shaped, an inch or so across, and of a peculiar purplish brown tint. They are somewhat unpleasantly scented ; therefore the plant should not be trained to the walls of a dwelling-house, but when growing loosely and, according to its usual custom, pro- fusely laden with blossoms, it presents an attrac- tive and uncommon appearance. It is readily propagated from cuttings. — T. NOTES ON CURRENT TOPICS. Colouring Grapes. — It is curious to observe how this subject continues to engross the atten- tion of growers without, as the old farmer said to .Sir Walter .Scott over the claret, " getting any forrader." One feature in the colouring of Grapes I do not remember to have seen often noticed is the tendency of thoroughly well-col- oured Black Hamburghs, ripened about mid- summer, to turn about as thoroughly foxy as the worst examples of colour on Grapes that have never coloured at all. This very often happens in the case of crops that have to hang long on the Vines, even in the case of Vines in robust health and green foliage. What causes the col- ouring matter to disappear ? Is it because the wood and leaves being matured the circulation has grown sluggish and the supply of colouring matter been arrested ? That would imply that the colouring matter, like the chlorophyll of the leaves, is a circulating substance that may fluc- tuate in (juality and quantity, and that when it is in abundance the Grapes are well coloured, and r!fi: Kisd, just as the foliage becomes dark or pale green (anremic), according to the state of the sap and the supply of chlorophyll. The pre- sumption is that when Grapes do not colour well in a soil that contains all the essentials to good health — and few borders do not — the cause is to be found in the state of health of the subject. Hardy varieties like the Alicante almost in- variably colour well when the Madresfield Court, Mrs. Pince and Black Hamburgh grow- ing beside it are often red. West's St. Peter's is almost always of a deep black colour under similar circumstances, and so is the old Black Prince that Mr. Hill used years ago to exhibit at Regent's Park. One thing is certain, and that is that the Black Hamburgh is the most erratic variety in respect to colouring of any, exhibiting every shade of colour from a reddish green to deep black, and that good colour is always associated with good green foliage and plenty of it, and absent when the foliage is poor from any cause, red spider being most to be feared. Once when among the vineyards of the north of France, where so much of the little black Grape is grown that produces the via (irdiiutire, I could not help admiring the colour of the little bunches that hung on the Vines among the luxuriant leathery foliage and a tangle of laterals that a gang of women were hacking off in armfuls. The berries were thoroughly black without exception, just as the bunches of Chasselas de Fontainebleau on the open walls were golden. Theadviceof "H.R." to " very slightly increase the amount of air allowed " when the berries begin to colour is not quite satisfactory. The foliage and colour- ing agents cannot be maintained in a satisfac- tory condition if the life-giving air is not always supplied liberally. Neither do I believe that thinning the bunches very early — when the ber- ries are like small peas, for example — does the least good in the way of relieving the Vines. Physiologists hold, and rightly, that the green berries, previous to stoning, just fulfil the functions of leaves in the elaboration process. Vp to that period the laterals grow quite ram- pantly, but when the critical stoning period arrives there is a distinct pause, and then the task of finishing begins ; but if the colouring agents have not accumulated before, then no amount of air will put them there, and if the Vines are overcropped under artificial culture, these agents are sure to be deficient. The sparrow : how to deal with him. — Our friend the sparrow may be fed on insects during the couple of weeks or so of childhood that he remains in the nest, but the moment he leaves there he also leaves the insects and grubs and becomes a denizen of the bushes near the yard where the fowls are fed, and he stays there patronising the feeding trough from early morning till it is nearly dark in the evening. He is a thoroughly demoralised bird with all the vices of civilisation as far as he can acquire them. When he leaves the fowl's, pig's, or dog s feeding- dish it is to carry on operations in the garden. I cannot say that he is such a very bad bud-eater. The silent bullfinch is the arch- offender there. I have known two or three of these birds destroy the whole crop of Currants on a long row of bushes in a short while by eating the buds when they were just swell- ing and soft and eatable. It is a curious and providential circumstance that he rarely takes the terminal bud, for if he did the shoot would be killed ; but he will alight on a shoot and in the most methodical way will pick out each bud alternately to the bottom. The sparrow is a "seedsman." In the garden where I am staying he has nearly made the tenant abandon gardening. Peas, Lettuce, Turnips, Radishes, Spinach, and other things have been an almost hopeless failure. It is in the early morning he gets to work, when no one is about. But I have just put my friend up to a way of reducing his numbers that has proved a success. I deal with him on the Maxim-gun principle, and I learned that from a gamekeeper in shooting wood pigeons. He boasted of killing as many as a dozen pigeons and more at one shot, which I did not credit till I saw it done. His plan was to strew Indian corn in .single file in a narrow furrow not far from a turf hut with a hole at the side. Here he waited with the gun well charged with shot, and when the pigeons came and began pecking in a long row in a line with the hole, he sent a shower of shot along the line, killing nearly every pigeon. One ex- hibition of this sport was enough for me, but afterwards, when I was almost in despair about the sparrows, the idea was useful. I set a board up on about a level with ray shoulder — a board at least 6 feet long — and in single line I strewed the most tempting sparrow food. In the morning there was usually an equally long row of sparrows on the board, and one cartridge of sparrow-shot delivered from the shoulder and on to the board used to make a clean sweep, and I waited for the next instal- ment. One post, a bit of deal, and gun are all that is required, and the plan will have the approval of the philanthropist, inasmuch as extinction is painless and as a rule instan- taneous. Flowers at the Royal Academy. — Who are most to blame for the mistakes of artists such as are described in The Garden of June 17 : the artists, or the critics who profess to correct their mistakes ? Natural objects, con- sisting of plants, flowers, and animals, are the stumbling-blocks to those painters of the Alma Tadema .school who introduce natural objects into their pictures as accessories, and which the professional critic whose school is the Academy is almost sure to miss or discreetly leave alone. Here is a story of one famous picture by an equally famous painter, both well known, the former having been often exhibited since it was first "hung," where the critics flattered it, passing over a gross carica- ture of a natural object occupying a prominent position in the picture. For obvious reasons I can go no nearer. This picture was purchased by a gentleman and taken to his mansion, where it fell under the eye of one who was more of a rustic than an artist, but who at first glance made the remark, "No one ever saw a like that in Nature." This was repeated to the artist, who had the subject entirely rubbed off the canvas and the amended object restored from an actual example furnished by his critic. The truth is, some artists are like our comparative anatomists, only not so truth- ful. They procure a bit of a plant or an animal and evolve the rest with the brush. Lord Penzance's hydrid Roses. — These Roses, a new type, should now be about their best. As is well known, they are a cross between the wild Sweet Brier variety and some cultivated kinds, but they inherit the character- istics of the wild form in the greatest degree. I procured the first lot at the beginning, and have found them equal in vigour to the wild Brier, throwing up in good stiff soil tall, vigor- ous shoots from the crown each season like the common Brier, and producing, in some of the varieties, a profusion of bloom exceeding any- thing I have seen in the wild Rose. The flowers are single, much resembling the wild Rose, and the colours are vaiied and rich — bronzy or copper-coloured, deep crimson equal to Crimson Rambler, rich rosy red, delicate pink, and other colours. A group of these Roses mixed or distinct makes one of the most effective masses on a lawn that can be imagined, but the plants must be left alone, untouched by the knife, when they quickly form a thick, dense mass, every part of which is a mass of flowers at this season. The Row.an tree. — The Rowan tree, or Mountain Ash, is rarely seen to perfection ex- cept in cool and moist localities, and its real home is in the valleys and on moist hillsides of the north. Allusion to the brilliant-berried Crataegus Pyracantha makes me think of the Rowan tree, which, in my opinion, surpasses all our hardy ornamental-berried trees and shrubs. The tree grows to a good size, and the timber can always be sold for the same purposes as Birch. It never fails to bear an abundant crop of fruit, and the berries are always large and brilliant in colour where the situation suits the tree, which will grow almost anywhere, only the berries are smaller and not so bright in a dry soil or climate. Argyle is one of the homes of this beautiful tree, and in many places there it is to be seen as it is to be seen nowhere else, both foliage and fruit being very beautiful. It is the favourite tree in the gardens and grounds at many of the watering-places on the Clyde, and the tree is often planted to form an arch- way at the entrances to houses and gardens — "for luck," we suppose, there being an old superstition in the Highlands to that efl'ect. Shepherds used to cause their sheep to jump through a hoop of Rowan tree once a year for luck to the flock. For a similar reason, I pre- sume, there are planted and tended with great care three Rowan trees in one of the courts at the top of Stirling Castle that are specimens in their way as regards health and fertility. I never saw finer, and the trees when I saw them in August a few years back were literally 70 THE GARDEN. [July 22, 1899. weighed down with the crop of berries, which were almost as big as marbles, clean, and bril- liant. It is surprising how familiarity breeds indLfl'erence to things that we would be sure to treasure if they were only rare. When the female variety of the Aucuba was first brought to this country and so much was said about its red berries — the plant being about as stiff and dingy a subject as one could see — I used to compare it to the Rowan tree with its graceful drapery of foliage and profusion of scarlet fruit, much to the disadvantage of the former. The stiff little Solanura capsicastrum has pretty berries, but it is a greenhouse plant and lacks the grandeur of the Kowan tree. The only hardy shrub fit to compare with the Rowan is Rosa rugosa. It has tine and abundant foli- age, but it is as a berried plant it is useful. On high and cold exposures the bush is ablaze with its large scarlet harries, and the berries of the white-flowered varieties are by far the finer and more brilliant. Next to this comes the common Barberry, unsurpassed for its brilliant berries borne in great profusion in a cool, moist climate, but seldom seen to perfection in the south. Planted thickly in woods, as 1 have seen it in Dumfriesshire, the woods seem on fire in October. Last October, in Dundee, one florist's window was draped with it and attracted much attention. I was told that it came from Blairgowrie. I had a branch of it in my room for over a fortnight. In forestry, if we wanted a profitable " nurse " — say, for the Oak — sup- posing the latter had to be planted where it could not nurse itself, I would plant the Rowan tree. Its few first years' growth is out of all proportion to its later growth, and it generally pushes up from seed with a single straight stem, the annual shoots being, perhaps, a yard long. Planted thickly, therefore, amongst more tender species it shelters them from wind whilst not overtojjping them, and when the permanent crop — the Oak, for example — becomes esta- blished and can take care of itself, it overtops its nurse, which will then be fit for the timber merchant and may be removed. Rambler. Law. MAY r. THYNE. The above case was taken in the Sheriff's Court, Glasgow, before the Registrar, W. Guthrie, on June 19 last, but, owing to its importance, judg- ment was then reserved. The main points in the case are briefly as follows : — In the early part of 1898, Mr. George May, market grower, Upper Teddington, gave an original personal order to Mr. Thyne McGuUum, representing Messrs. J. and R. Thyne, bulb importers, Glasgow, for 10,(100 bulbs of Lilium longiflorum in two sizes, viz., 5000 of eich size. The order, originally a verbal one, was subse- quently confirmed by letters passing between the above-named persons. In due course the one part of 5000 bulbs was delivered and paid for, the remaining 5000 bulbs being booked at £6 lOs. per 1000, the size being 7 inches to 9 inches. When the time arrived for the delivery of this latter portion, Messrs. Thyne wrote informing Mr. May that they only had some 2000 of the size required, and suggested sending Lilium speciosum Kra?tzeri partly in lieu thereof. To this Mr. May replied by return, asking that the 2000 stated to be in hand should be sent on at once, declining, however, to accept the other Lily named, it being useless at the season. Thereupon the Messrs. Thyne wrote stating that their offer of these two Lilies was made in full and complete settlement of Mr. May's order and must be accepted as such, failing which they declined to supply any portion of the second 5000 lot. Subsequently, Mr. May wrote to the effect that it his order was not executed forthwiiih, he would be compelled to purchase against them, which indeed in part was done. The defendants pleaded that the bulbs were not to be purchased in the country, but it was shown that a large consignment was actually sold by auction in London at the time, and, though at greatly increased prices, Mr. May's order could have been executed many times over. The following is the verbatim judgment in the case : — Finds that the defenders in spring, 1898, sold to pursner 500O bulbs Lilium loDgifloruui 7-9 at £6 lUs. per 1(1011 Finds that in November they found they were unable to supply the said bulbs and intimated this to tlie pursuer, and that they did not deliver the same. Fiuds that it is not proved that there was any condition or custom releasing the defenders from their contract in the event of a failure of the foreign crop, or that there was such a crop. Finds that tbe pursuer has suff-red loss by the defenders' breach of contract to the amount sued for. Therefore decrees against the defenders as craved. Finds them liable to the pursuer in expenses, allows an account thereof to be lodged, and remits the same to the auditor of the court to tax and report. In an appended note the judge remarks : — The ease is very clear. The only obscurity or even question, and indeed the only point really attempted to be made for the defenders, arises out of the manner in which the pursuer has chosen to &ta^e what may be called the second part of his claim for damiges. He 1 may not have expressed himself in that with exict- ness and legal accuracy, but I think that the evi- | dence is sutlicicat to show that the loss *' directly and naturally resulting in the ordinary course of events from the sellers' breach of contract" (Sale of (Joods Act, s. 51 (2)1 is greater than the sum sued for, which is calcttlated on the footing that all the bulbs could have been replaced in the market by buying in at the price which was actually paid for a part. I cannot agree with tbe defenders iu their attempt to throw hack the date of breach till October or Novem- ber 2, for I think that they did not finally give up hope of fulfilling their contract or put the pursuer on his inquiry for other goods till November 25. One is hardly surprised that the defenders, who appear to have been more generously dealt with by other custo- mers equally disappointed with the pursuer, and whose breach of contract is sufficiently accounted for by circumstances which they could not control, should regard the pursuer as making a heavy or even an exorbitant claim. But it is only what he is entitled to ask for under the contract, and the evidence, such a? it is, suggests, though I do not think it proves, that much more might have been demanded. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. Thk annual dinner of this fund took place at the Hotel Metropole on Tuesday evening. Alderman Sir R. Hanson, M.P., presided, and among those present were Mr. Sheriff Probyn, Mr. Deputy Sayer, Messrs. N. N. Sherwood, H. J. Veitch, J. H. Veitch, Harry Williams, A. de Chapeau- rouge, Arnold Moss, W. Foster, F. Blackwood, H. Turner, J. A. Laing, and Lieut. -Col. Wyndham Hart. The usual loyal toasts having been honoured, the chairman proposed "The Royal tiardeners' Orphan Fund." He said only twelve years had passed since the fund was established. He wished he could say it was only twelve years ago that the necessity for it arose, but since the beginning of the world it had happened to some to be fortunate and others unfortunate. The fund did great credit to those men who had not only the power, but the will to come forward and do something to alleviate the sufferings of the orphans, and he was pleased to see that such a sensible start had been made. He was glad they had not gone in for bricks and mortar, and he hoped that for many years they would keep away from the builder. Let them spend all the money they could on the immediate necessities of the orphans and refrain from setting up a big build- ing with its ever-recurring expenditure on "re- pairs." It was all very well to put a nice illustra- tion of a buildine' on the top of the subscription list, but it really was not worth doing as an advertisement. He welcomed the establishment by the London County Council of scholarships in practical gardening as a movement which might be of advantage in promoting the future wel- fare of the recipients of the fund's bounty. Mr. Wm. Marshall, who responded, referred to the fact that the committee had power to assist in starting orphans in life, and had already dealt with several applications for help of the kind. The executive committee had done him the honour of electing him chairman for the last ten years, and that position had natu- rally brought him into immediate contact with the late secretary, his old friend Mr. Barron. Nobody but those who were behind the scenes could hive any idea of the amount of labour entailed upon the secretary in carrying on the working of a charity of that description. He had been requested to give Mr. Barron a pre- sentation. It had been proposed by Mr. Harry Veitch, and seconded by Dr. Masters, that a testimonial should be engraved and framed and given to Mr. Barron on his retirement from the oflice of secretary, and that resolution the com- mittee had carried out. He regretted that the name of Miss Barron also had not been submitted to the meeting, for she was entitled to credit for the amount of work she had done on behalf of the society, and for the manner in which she had aided her father in carrying out the secretarial duties. Mr. Marshall then, amid applause, handed the address to Mr. Barron, who briefly acknowledged it. The other toasts included " The Chairman," proposed by Mr. N. N. Sherwood; "Gardeners and Gardenmg," proposed by Mr. Arnold Moss, and responded to by the Rev. S. B. Mayall ; " The Press,' proposed by Mr. A. W. G. Weeks, and acknowledged by Mr. George Gordon, who referred to the presence at the dinner of the editor of American Oardeniny, a gentleman trained in England and the son of Mr. Barron ; " The Secretary," proposed by Mr. Sherwood and replied to in a very apt speech by Mr. Wynne ; and " The Treasurer," proposed by Mr. Marshall. During the evening Mr. Wynne announced that the total amount subscribed was £590 33. 6d., of which sum the chairman had given 20 guineas. Baron Schrceder 10 guineas. Sir T. Lawrence 10 guineas, Mr. R. Dean 10 guineas, Veitch and Sons 10 guineas, Mr. F. W. Burbidge .£5, and Sheriff Probyn £5 .")3. The Covent Garden list, included in the total mentioned above, amounted to £100. Royal Horticultural Society.^The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society will be held on Tuesday, July 25, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. A lecture on "Seed Dispersal " will be given by Prof. G. S. Boulger at 3 o'clock. Pot-pourri or Rose jar. — I should be much obliged if you would kindly give me a recipe for Rose pot-pourri, with the exact proportions of things used. — Mks. Milne Home. *^* Gather Rose petals early in the morning and place in a cool place for an hour to dry. Toss them lightly, and then put them in layers, with salt freely sprinkled between, in a large glass- covered dish. Add fresh petals to this every morning. When you have sufficient, let the whole stand for ten days, shaking well every morning. In the bottom of a glass fruit jar place 2 ozs. of whole allspice crushed and 2 ozs. of stick cinna- mon broken coarsely. Fill the jar with the Rose petals and salt. Let it stand for six weeks, when it may be prepared for the permanent jar. Mix together 1 oz. each of ground cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and mace, 1 oz. of orris root shredded and bruised, and 2 ozs. of lavender flowers. These are the proportions for one quart of Rose petals. Place this mixture in alternate layers with the contents of the glass fruit jar in the permanent jar. From time to time you can add a little lavender water or any other perfume. If the covers are removed for an hour at a time twice a d.ay, your rooms will be filled with sweet odour. July 22, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 71 I Notes of the Week. Geum Heldreiohi is a very pretty additiou to our hardy plants, the colour a bright orange, which makes it a conspicuous object. It is free flowering and altogether a very desirable plant. Mazus Pumilio.^Where a dwarf carpet plant is required in a moist or shady place this can always be strongly recommended. The plant flowers freely, more especially when growing freely. In the drier parts of the artiticiil bog the plant in question is a good one, and where situated among or near stones is generally content. — K. J. A double CEnothera. — I send you some flowers of a seedling double (Kaothera I have succeeded in raising. I think it very beautiful with its purple leaves and stem and bright clear yellow flower-heads. It is attracting the attention of every visitor. — M. Ci'th- BERTSOK, Rothesay. N.B. *#* A very handso:ue plant. — El). Lilium Burbanki. — This Lily, which is said to be a hybrid, having L. Washingtonium and L. parda- linum for its parents, was shown at Chiswick last week by Messrs. Wallace. The former is stated to be the seed parent and the latter the pollen parent. In the flowers alone and the colour and form particularly it has much in common with tha somewhat variable L. pardalinum. Hemerocallis Pioieer.— This is a seedling raised between H. distioha and II. Thunbergi, and a pretty addition to the group in question. In the form of the flower there is much to remind one of Thunberg's Day Lily, and in the colour there is a touch of both parents. A similar remark also applies to the foliage, so that it is quite possible Pioneer will prove a somewhat interesting plant. Campanula G. F. Wilson.— Very few Cam- panulas have surpassed this in flowering this year, the blooms, both in colour and numbers, having been all that could be desired. It is, however, one of those that likes a good depth of fairly good soil and, like not a few of its race, a rather heavy or holding soil, at least in part. Given these conditions, it is a capital plant for border or rockwork. Clarkia elegans Salmon Queen— This is one of the best fjrms of the Clarkia, and under good cultivation produces flne erect heads of blossoms. To see this variety at its best, clumps of good size should be sown and carefully thinned. The colour, a beauti- ful salmon, is one of the most pleasing of the whole family. In the borders at Aldenham House, Elstree, good use is made of it, handsome masses just now being at their best. The Wedding Iris ([. Robinsoniana). — I beg to send you herewith a drawing of Iris Robinsoniana vvVedding Flower) sketched from the growing plant in our garden here. The plant stands 4 feet 3 inches from the ground to the top of the flower and is a very conspicuous object. I understand it was introduced to this country from Lord Howe's Island, whsre it attains a height of (> feet. — J. C. Lixns.w, 2, Limi- brane, Alexandria^ Diimhartonshire, Swreet Pea Emily Eekford. — With so many Sweet Peas the difliculty has been to distinguish the difference between many of them. The variety under notice is quite distinct, and not only so, but also most effective when properly disposed in the garden. When cat the pretty bluish shade, suffused with mauve, enables one to get effects which would not be possible without flowers of these tints. If I were growing a small col- lection of these plants I should certainly include this variety. — D. B. Tufted Pansy Magie.— Plants of this variety did exceptionally well last season and raised the hopes of growers in supposing they h il found a new sort of a useful and distinct shade of c ■ o ir — pale rosy mauve. This hope has been dispelled this season, as the blos- soms are not nearly so pretty and effective, the colour being much deeper and the plants also have not done so well. This variety does not appear to advantage in exposed situations, a semi.shaded position evidently suiting it better. Tufted Pansy White Duchess. — This still retains its position as the most refined flower of the type. Stock was very lin)ited with me early ia the season, but the few pieces that were got together have developed into large, handsome clumps. The growth of this sort is robust and spreading. In long periods of drought, plants of this type of growth have special advantages. Covering the ground as they do, the soil is kept cooler and ni(jister thjm is the ca^e with the majority of the Tufted Pansies. The blos- soms are large, irregularly margined, blue, tinted mauve on a white griund, with a faint suspicion of yellow in the rayed centre. Tufted Pansy Walter B. Child. — The variety under notice is one of the best miniature- flowered kinds, and the blossoms are very effective. Little scraps placed out in the open border in March last are just now blossoming profusely, the dainty little blossoms on stout, erect footstalks and of good length being very showy. The flowers are rayless, broadly margined lavender-blue on a white ground. Small plants arranged about 6 inches apart have already filled in the intervening spaces. Godetias, self-sowrn. — There is now in the pink of perfection at Aldenham Hou^e a grand mass of Godetias. A capital batch of seedlings, Felf-sown last autumn, came through the winter without any appa- rent inconvenience, and these have for sometime now been making a wonderfully pleasing display. Rarely indeed does one see such a grand ma^s of bloom and also so continuously produced. Plenty of room must of coarse be given these plants to develop, and in so doing one is well repaid by the handsom? return given. —B.C. Iris Keempferi. — In moisture - laden places this handsome Iris is now making a fine display, the great flowers in their many and varied colours defying description. Most effective, perhaps, are Vae rich blue and deep parple-hued kinds, while many of the lighter shades, some of which are nearly pure white and lined with blue or purple, are fine by reason of the contrast thay afford. A rich and damp soil is well suited to such things, though not essential, seeing how they succeed in good border soil or even shady ditches. Campanula parsicifolia.— In last issue of The Garden I notice two correspondents drawing attention to variation in size of flower of Campanula persicifolia alba Backhousei (syn., grandiflora). This variation is caused by carelessness in aUowing seedlings to come up round the original plant, the flowers of which seedlings do not maintain the large character of the blooms of the parent plant. I have proved this. I enclose for your inspection a salver-shapsd C. persicifolia flower which I think ia even better than Backhouse's variety. — J. C. Liniisav. Ijilium Martagon album. — There is some- thing pleasing and satisfying in this pretty white Lily, though it is, unfortunately, not a common plant in all gardens even where good hardy plants receive special care. Some good spikes of it quite 4 feet high were at the Drill Hall the other day. A more every- day plant is the typical form, which often occurs in big clumps in or near to shrubbery borders or the like. Nor is it opposed to the roots of trees, finding in their company an agreeable association and poisibly deriving good 'oy the shade such things give. Tufted Pansy Archie Grant. — It is curious that this excellent and free-flowering kind, after hav- ing been in cultivation a dozen years at least, should have remained so long without its merit having been fully recognised. In point of colour, and not less s feet or a little more high, with much-forked branches and ovate, pointed leaves 2 inches to 4 inches long. The flowers are greenish white and borne on small clusters. The fruit is red. Its botanical interest is due to its being one of the few Viburnums with small linear stipules. A native of Japan, China, Corea, &c. V. FURCATUM is a very rare and handsome species, which has recently been "discovered " in Lord Ilchester's interesting garden at Abbots- bury, in Dorsetshire. It is a native of North Japan at low levels, and of the mountains of the more southern portions. Closely allied to the beautiful V. lantanoides of North America, it is, like it, one of the finest shrubs for autumn colour. The leaves, which are large and broad, often almost orbicular, turn brilliant scarlet and red- dish purple before they fall. In Japan this shrub grows 12 feet to 15 fett in height. V. Lantana (the Wayfaring Tree). — One of the commonest of Viburnums, this is also one of the handsomest and most useful. It is one of the two species native of Britain, but it is also widely spread not only in Europe, but in tempe- rate Asia. At its best it is almost a small tree, growing as it does 12 feet to 1.3 feet high. Its handsome heart-shaped leaves a:e noteworthy for the thick, pale-coloured down that covers the lower surface and which is also conspicuous on the young wood. The flowers are white and all fertile, being borne during May and June on flat clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is red at first, ultimately black, and the leaves often die off a rich red. There is a variegated form of no particular value, but the species itself is a use- ful shrubbery plant. V. COTINIKOLIUM is a Himalayan plant usually treated as a distinct species, but it is, more pro- bably, only a geographical form of V. Lantana. In the case of small plants, at any rate, it is not easy to distinguish them. In V. cotinifolium the cyme is smaller and not so flat as that of V. Lan- tana and the tube of the corolla is shorter. Mr. T. Meehan observes that "on some accounts it is the better plant, the flowers, fruit, and foliage being all on a larger scale." V. stellulatum and V. bdre-i.eticum are both of the Lantana group. The former is from the Himalaya and is in cultivation at Kew, but I have not seen it in flower. The leaves differ from those of V. Lantana in not having a heart-shaped base and in the under-surface having a dark stel- lular pubescence. V. burejajticum is from China. \'. lantanoides (Hobble Bush or Moosewood). — This is one of the few Viburnums that are diffi- cult to grow, which is all the more unfortunate, as it is certainly one of the most beautiful, both as regards the fruit and the autumnal colouring of its foliage. It is a North American species, and is a large shrub or almost a small tree at its best. The leaves are almost round or heart- shaped, and, whilst averaging .'5 inches to 4 inches across, are sometimes over li inches. The truss has its outer flowers sterile, and they are 1 inch or more in diameter ; both they and the smaller ones that fill the centre are white. The fruit is at first coral-red, afterwards dark purple or almost black. The foliage dies off a rich claret. It is probable that the best success with this Vibur- num will be obtained by planting it in a moist, not too sunny spot. American cultivators have the same difficulty with it as we have, but it is said to thrive better when grafted on V. Lantana. V. Lentago (Sheep Berry). — More, perhaps, than any Viburnum we can grow in this country does this species assume a tree-like form. It has lustrous, ovate or lanceolate leaves, tapering rather abruptly to a tine point, the margins minutely and regularly toothed. They vary from 2 inches to o inches long. The flowers are creamy white and appear in large clusters in June or July. The fruit is blue-black and oblong. It is a native of Eastern North America, and is a desirable shrub both for its white trusses and for its handsome habit and foliage. Nearly allied to it is V. PRUNiFOLiUM (the Black Haw). — This is also American, and also tree-like in habit. The leaves are of a lustrous dark green, resembling some- what the leaves of a Prunus or Pyrus. The flowers are of a purer white than in V. Lentago, and the blue-black fruit is handsomer. On the whole this is, perhaps, the better species. Its foliage often turns red or purple in autumn. It is a native of the Middle and Southern United States. V. MACROCEriiALUM. — In recent years this Vi- burnum has been largely used in the greenhouse. Of all the species it is the most showy and bears the largest truss. In this respect it almost rivals Hydrangea paniculata, which shrub, indeed, it much resembles, its flowers being all large and sterile and borne on a similarly shaped pyramidal truss. Unfortunately, it is not a very hardy plant and is rarely seen at its best out of doors. Fortune first found it in Shanghai, and sent it to the Horticultural Society in 1844. He mentions having seen it 20 feet high in Chusan. The leaves are ovate, blunt, 2 inches to 4 inches long, and covered beneath with a roughish pubescence. The individual flower is from 1 inch to 1 J inches across and pure white. This plant i?, of course, one that does not occur in a wild state, being a product of cultivation. Its flowers being wholly sterile, it can only be increased by artificial means. The typical or wild plant from which it has been derived is also in cultivation, and is known as V. Keteleeri (Carriere). — This has the centre of the truss (which is much flatter than in V. macrocephalum) filled with fertile flowers, the outer ones only being sterile and like those of V. macrocephalum. V. ODORATissiMUM (V. Awafuki). — As a rule, when grown out of doors this is given a place on a wall, as it is not absolutely hardy in all winters. It is evergreen, its foliage being particularly handsome. Each leaf is 3 inches to 6 inches long, of elliptical outline, leathery, and of a lustrous dark green. The flowers are in corymbs, and although small and dull white, are charming for their fragrance. It is a native of China and was introduced in 1818. V. Opulus (the Guelder Rose). — A native of Britain, this species is in gardens the best known of all the Viburnums. A vigorous, free-flowering shrub, requiring no special conditions, it makes one of the most useful stock plants for the shrub- bery that we possess. This may be said still more emphatically of the sterile form commonly known as the Snowball Tree. V. Opulus grows 10 feet to 1.3 feet high, and its handsome leaves are rather Maple-like in form, being three- (or less frequently five-) lobed and irregularly toothed. The young branches are smooth and four-angled. In the wild form the outer flowers only of the cyme are sterile, and these are about three- quarters of an inch across ; the centre is filled with small perfect flowers, both they and the others being white. In autumn this plant Is valued for its clusters of fine red fruits and for the rich shades of its decaying leaves. Of its several varieties, the handsomest and most papular is Var. sterile. — This has few or no perfect flowers, the whole truss consisting of the more showy barren ones. This causes it to lose its flatness and makes it much more rounded, which, together with the pure whiteness of the flowers, has led to its being popularly known as the Snow- ball Tree. It has, of course, none of the beauty of the common Guelder Rose as a fruiting shrub. Var. fructu-luteo simply differs from the type in the fruits being yellow instead of red when ripe. Var. nanu.m is a curious dwarf plant, growing only 1 foot or 2 feet high, and forming dense round tufts. It is a neat little plant, but a draw- back is that it rarely, if ever, flowers. I, at any rate, have not seen it in bloom. V. I'OBESCKNs — Somewhat resembling V. den- tatum and V. molle, this can, however, be distin- guished from them by its dull green leaves. It is 6 feet or more high and of compact growth. The small leaves (IJ inches to 2\ inches long) are only toothed on the terminal part, and are covered with pubescence, especially on the lower surface. The young shoots also are pubescent. In autumn the leaves die off a rich purple colour. The flowers are white, but none of them are of the showy barren sort. The fruits are oval, one- third of an inch long and blue black. A native of Lower Canada and the North United States. V. SiEBOLDi (V. reticulatum).— A Japanese species first collected by Siebold, after whom it was named by Miquel. It is a strong, sturdy bush with distinct foliage. The leaves vary from 2 inches to 5 inches long and are usually broadest towards the apex and tapering towards the stalk ; they are strongly veined and coarsely toothed towards the apex, the uoper surface being dark green and glossy. The flowers are in flat terminal cymes and are creamy white, the whole of them being fertile. The fruit is black and half an inch long. The name of V. Sieboldi is sometimes erroneously given to an evergreen plant— probably V. odoratissimum or a variety thereof — whilst the true V. Sieboldi may be met with in nurseries as V. reticulatum. V. TiNcs (the Laurustinus). — In the southern and milder parts of Britain this species is one of July 29, 189P.J THE GAEDEI^r. 79 the most ornamental of evergreens. It is a native of the Mediterranean region, being found not only in the south of Europe, but in North Africa as well. Like many other plants from that region, it has long been cultivated in Britain. More than 300 years ago it was mentioned by Gerard as the Wild Baie Tree. A shrub of compact habit, it grows about) S feet high, but is usually con- siderably more in diameter than it is in height. Its evergreen leaves are distinct among hardy Viburnums by the margins being entire. In the bud state and when quite young the flowers are rose tinted, but afterwards become almost pure white. The trusses are flat and some 2 inches or ;? inches across. In sunny positions it usually flowers freely, but not so in shade. Commencing to bloom in December, it will continue till the end of March. Although all its flowers are perfect, it does not ripen fruit regularly, but fruits occasionally occur, the colour being a dark blue. There are several varieties of the Lauruatinus, one of which, Vak. Lrc[Dr->r,- has fine large leaves, shining and almost smooth on both sides. The flowers and flower-trusses also are larger. It is possibly not quite so hardy as some forms of Laurustinus, prove to be quite hardy in England, its merits as an outdoor shrub have only been appreciated in recent years, owing largely to a fear that it would not stand our climate. I have seen young, newly-rooted plants injured the first year after being put out, but when once established it will stand any frost up to .30° without lasting injury. It is a shrub of neat, yet graceful habit, well clothed with dark green, rather plaited leaves. It bears its fine trusses, 3 inches or more across, on short branches springing from the whole length of the previous year's growth, thus forming magnificent sprays of pure white blossom. As will be seen by the illustration of a bed at Kew, the plants are almost hidden by them at flowering time. The typical seed-bearing plant (V. tomento- sum) is apparently not quite so sturdy a shrub, neither is it so striking when in flower, only the marginal blooms being of the enlarged sterile kind. It is not common, but was introduced from Japan at least thirty years ago. V. c'ORiACErM. — This is a species new to gar- dens, and is flowering now— probably for the first time in this country — at Kew. It is a native of N. India, China, &o., the plant at Kew having been received from the Jardin des Plants at Paris JUNE IN SOUTH DEVON. Ix the early days of June the aspect of the land- scape was one of exceeding loveliness. In the bright sunshine the varying greens of the deci- duous trees, that had nob as yet assumed the monotony of tint they exhibit later in the sum- mer, were restful to the eye, the effect of occa- sional Aspens, striking a note of contrast in the prevailing verdancy, with the amber-brown glow of their young sunlit foliage being especially charming. Fields engirdled by high hedges of flowering Hawthorn were here and there golden with Buttercups, in which the red cattle stood complacently ruminating. The great Chestnuts' broad fan leaves were crowned with white flower- spires. Bean fields filled the air with fragrance, and in still, brown waters floated the yellow Lilies engirt with the tall sword-leaves and golden blossoms of the Flags. Spaces of sloping cliff were white with the Bladder Campion ; on rocky crags bloomed the Valerians, pink, deep red and white ; Sea Pinks painted with soft hue the ledges of the bluff headlands and spread long stretches of colour above pebble-strewn beaches. As the month advanced the Butterfly Orchis lifted its tall white spires from the shady bank ; the Meadow Geri- t5**ii^ Spray of Viburnum tomentosum plicatum from a New Jersey garden. From a photograph sent 6;/ Mr. J. N. Gerard, Elizabeth, New Jersey. and should have a sheltered, sunny spot. Another distinct shrub is Var. iiiktum, the distinguishing character o' which is the hairiness of the leaves and branches- Var. puRruKEU5i has the leaves sufi'used with a dull purple tinge. All the forms of Laurustinus can be struck from cuttings. They are most useful for forc- ing, for, coming naturally into bloom before Christmas, they require but little heat. Neat, compact plants in small pots are now sent over by the continental nurserymen for forcing in considerable quantities. V. TOMENTOSUM (including V. plicatum). — Of all the Viburnums now in gardens, the one now figured will by most people be considered the best. It is the sterile form of the Japanese species known as V. tomentosum, standing to that species in the same relation that the Snow- ball Tree does to the common Guelder Rose. It is commonly known as V. plicatum ; its correct botanical name is V. tomentosum var. plicatum. It was introduced by Fortune about fifty years ago, but although he said it would doubtless with the information that it came from Yunnan. It is interesting as an addition to the few ever- green hardy Viburnums. The leaves are of a very darli green, 3 inches to 5 inches long, oblong, pointed, remotely toothed and perfectly glabrous ; they are nob unlike those of a green Aucuba in texture and general appearance. The flowers are in small terminal corymbs, white, and almost tubular. lb does not promise to have many attractions as a flowering shrub. Arhorelum, Kew. W. J. Bean. Catalpa hybrida. — A hybrid Catalpa named as above by M. L. Spath, who obtained it, is the object of a description and coloured plate in Gartenflora. It is the outcome of crossing Catalpa ovata and C. bignonioides. In habit it resembles the former, but the leaves are more irregular in form. The leaf is more or less heart-shaped at the base, then suddenly terminates in a long slender point. The lower side of the leaf is covered with a down similar to that of C. big- nonioides. Alike in the form and general colour of the flowers it is not perceptibly distinct from C. bignonioides. I nium (G. pratense), though not admittedly a I Devon flower, disclosed its olue blossoms by the j lane-side, and the hedges were thickly starred with festoons of Dog Roses, white and shell-pink, with rosy unexpanded buds, while beneath their dark green leafage the Sycamore's pale " keys" hung in countless bunches. In the garden, Achillea ptarmica fl.-pl. The Pearl has produced its pro- fusion of white flowers, and the tall blue Monks- hood (Aconitum Napellus) has mirrored its image in the lakelet by which it grows. The pale blue Agathita conies suffered so severely by the frosts of the latter days of March, that the flowering season has scarcely been a satisfactory one, but in sheltered situations specimens bloomed well. In this section fine flowers were borne by Reine Elizabeth, Lactea, Triomphe de Vander- maelen, and some unnamed imported semi- doubles, while of the herbaceous section, Miss Salway, white and sulphur ; Maria Kelway, pale blush and white ; Whitleyi, lemon-white ; the single whites Emodi and albiflora, and tenuifolia were very attractive. Tni-TED Pansies are charming flowers, and many very beautiful effects are obtainable through their aid. The fol- lowing are pleasing varieties : Border Witch, pale blue shaded ; Christiana, cream ; Blush Queen, pale lilac ; Countess of Hopetoun, white ; Archie Grant, indigo-blue ; Duchess of Fife, primrose, edged blue ; Masterpiece, pure white ; Virginius, blush-lilac ; Magnificent, dark mauve- blue, and Pembroke, yellow. The majority of the great Paris Daisy bushes were killed by the July 29, 1899.] THE GARDEK 81 March frosts, but such as escaped are now covered with tiower. Where the Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums pas-ed through the winter scathless, as they have done in certain favoured nooks, they are now commencing to furnish dehghtful pictures, and only 1 few days ago I saw a house the front of which was covered 10 feet higli with the sahnon - pink Mme. Crousse, that had grown there unharmed since the spring of 1S95. In the eirly days of the month the mauve Pent- stemon Scouleri was bright in the rock garden, and now the ordinary herbaceous varieties are in bloom. The white Pinks have filled the air with their sweet scent, flowers of Her Majesty beiiiif very large, but splitting the calyx badly. Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium cirruleum), both blue and white, is flowering in the cottage gardens, and tlie Poppies have made a brilliant show, the giant Oriental Poppies (Papaver bracteatum) do-iiii)dting the garden with their blaze of vivid scarlri-. The Iceland Poppies, yellow, orange, and white, are beautiful alike in the border or as cut flowers, while the apricot - pink Papaver pilo^um is of particularly soft colouring, and the Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrioa) with its drooping yellow blossoms has a pretty effect edging the by-paths of the garden. Potentillas are also in bloom, and Ramondia pyrenaica, flowering grandly on the shady side of a perpen- dicular rock wall, presented a pretty sight early in the month. Ranunculus aconitifolius fl. -pi. is in bloom, as is the pale blue Scabiosa caucasica as well as its white variety, while the tall sulphur- flowered Scabiosa elata, G feet in height, is prov- ing its excellence as a subject for tbe wild garden. Sedums are haunted throughout the sunny hours by murmurous companies of the hive bees. The beautiful Sidalcei Listeri has expanded the first of its pink flowers upon its branching flower-stems. Silene alpestris is covered with white flowers, and of the herbaceous Meadow Sweets, Spir.-ea Aruncus, S. japonica, S. filipendula, S. venusta, and S. palmata have come into bloom. Thalic- trum aquilegifolium and T. adiantifolium are in bloom, but the inconspicuous flowers of the latter species are a minor consideration to the beauty of its leafage. The deep violet-purple Tradescantia virginica and a handsome white form are in bloom, as are Verbascum phuniceum and Ve- ronicas in variety. Many annuals are already brighi with flower, among which are noticeable the Nigellas, Antirrhinums,, blue Lobelias, bril- liant yellow Eschscholtzias, Livatera trimestris, the glowing orange Erysimum Peroflskianum, Omphilodes linifolia, and the Shirley and Opium Poppies. Of climbmg plants a number have been or are blossoming, such as the Wistaria, Honeysuckle, large-flowered Clematises, Coba?a scandens, .Jasmine, Clianthus puniceus, Sola- num jasminoides. Morning Glory, the vivid scarlet Trop;eolum speciosum, whose vermilion trails light up the sombre foliage of ever- greens, the yellow T. polyphyllum, the Indian- red T. pentaphyllum, and the crimson and black T. tricolor, which in the early days of the month I saw rambling over a Rose bush in a sheltered garden. With the heat of the first week of June Roses matured fast, and many have been the basketfuls of exquisitely tinted Teas and deeper coloured Hybrid Perpetuals that have been culled for indoor decoration. Lovely as they all are, perhaps there is no more beautiful Rose than a half-open, shell-pink blossom of Viscountess Folkestone, nor a sweeter one than Socrates, with its delicate essence. There are several fine specimens in the neighbourhood of the little single white Rose, R. polyantha sim- plex, which is now in full bloom. In one case the Rose has ascended a tree about 15 feet high, which has since died, and has formed an immense head, from which cataracts of bloom fall down- wards at every side. The charming little Rose de Meaux is also in flower, and the old Magnolia Rose, one of the first introductions of the Teas. Rosa macrantha is in bloom, and early in the month a few blossoms still remained on the large single white Rosa laevigata at Kingswear, but May is the month when this Rose bears the bulk of its blooms. Of the Penzance Briers, the pale fawn Lady Penzance is of an extremely delicate tint. In Mr. Archer-Hind's garden at Coombe- fishacre, among many beautiful and rare flowers in bloom the following were included : the pale flesh Gladiolus carneus, Bloomeria aurea, the lovely, but evil smelling Codonopsis ovata, Malva Munroana, the scarlet- flowered Ourisia coccinea, a small blue Lathyrus, a splendid specimen of Iris Gatesi, a foot in diameter ; Hedysarum multi- jugum, Caccinia glauca. Geranium sanguineum album, (I'^nothera pamila with tiny golden flowers, a fine plant of the white Ostrowskia magnifica nearly 6 feet in height, Borago laxiflora with pretty pale blue pendent flowers of small size, Gentiana asclepiadea, which was growing and flowering well by a large patch of Marsh Fern, Callirhoe Papaver, Lindelophia spectabilis, and a strong colony of Cypripedium spectabile, which was blossoming grandly in a spot not far removed from the water. S. W. F. Rose Garden. SOME BEAUTIFUL TEA KOSES. I CANNOT separate many of the so-called Hybrid Tea Roses from the Tea-scented group ; there- fore it a few are mentioned in these notes that are usually classed with the Hybrid Teas it is because in ray opinion they properly belong to the Tea-scented tribe. Why such a dainty Rose as Kaiserin Augusta Victoria should be expunged from a box of Teas I fail to see ; and surely the exquisite new Rose Mme. Cadeau Raraey, with its lovely high-centred rosy flesh- coloured blossoms and delightful yellow shad- ing so peculiar to many recent novelties, has a right to a place among the Tea Roses. But as this matter only concerns exhibitors, it is of no material consequence to the thousands of indi- viduals who grow Roses to adorn the garden and house. This has been a glorious season for Tea Roses. I do not remember any year when their innu- merable tints were more beautifully developed than this. The quality has also been good. Something like (iOOO blooms were staged at the National Rose show at the Crystal Palace this year exclusive of the classes for garden Roses, and of this number nearly one-half were of the Tea-scented section. Of such popular favourites as Marie van Houtte, Anna Ollivier, Mme. Lambard, Hon. Edith Giflord, and others I do not propose to speak now, but shall confine these notes to novelties or little-known kuids that if space permitted should be found in every collection. The general public is not cognisant of the bewitching rosy red and glowing lake colours so beautifully blended in the variety Due de Luxembourg, or the demand for it would be very great ; and when it is remembered that the growth is equal to that of La France or Viscountess Folkestone, no further commen- dation is needed. Souvenir de Lady Ashbur- ton is another grand variety. The many hues prevailing here amply justify the phrase Rainbow Rose that I have seen applied to this kind. I was convinced from specimens seen last year that the white Maraan Cochet would be a favourite not only with ex- hibitors, but with the general Rose-growing public. It does not split in the centre so much as the original kind ; at least that is my experi- ence of it so far. As to colour, it is not snowy white, and I am not sorry for it. If anything enhances the beauty of Tea Roses over their more robust relations the Hybrid Perpetuals, it is the delicate hues that they are so frequently suffused with. In this case the three or four outer petals are often wholly pale pink, and ' the remaining high-centred, exquisitely-formed part is a beautiful white, with a very slight shading of pink. The immense wing-like outer petals even in the original variety are unsur- passed by any Rose, but when these are of a pink colour and the remainder of the bloom almost pure white, it is not a difficult matter to comprehend the full beauty of the new-comer. Of Baronne Ada I have formed a high opinion, and believe it will prove to be a valuable variety. It is somewhat in the way of Inno- cente Pirola, but of a deeper tone of soft creamy yellow. Empress Alexandra of Russia was conspicuous both at Colchester and Man- chester. It gives just that finish to a box of Teas that was much required. In point of colour we have not had such a distinct Rose for many years. I cannot say I like to see the red Teas, such as Francis Dubreuil and Souvenir de Therese Levet, exhibited among the more delicate hues, but with Empress Alexandra it is different. Although high in colour it is more of the rideal shade, and of these there is room for many more. Souvenir de Jeanne Cabaud is, to say the least, very distinct, but like many of the true Teas its beauty is not revealed until the blossoms are cut, the latter having the bad habit of hanging their heads. The colours, however, are most beautiful, merging from yel- lowish apricot to a centre of pink and carmine. There is one Rose that if raisers and hybridists could improve in growth and hardiness they would confer a lasting boon upon the Rose world. I refer to Souvenir de Mme. Levet. Just imagine a perfect flower of W. A. Richard- son— not those with white edges, but a highly- coloured blossom of a regular form and a little larger, and we have a fair idea of this lovely Rose. Medea has been better shown than any other yellow this year, and there is no mistaking its vigour, for it grows as freely as Marie van Houtte. The rich old-gold colour of Mme. E. Helfenbein and the salmon-white, rosy tint of Souvenir de Gabriel Drevet are the predominant features of two really excellent Roses. The beautiful coloured plate of Souve- nir de Catherine Guillot which appeared in The Garden last year has made the general public familiar with a splendid Rose, and the same may be said of Mme. Jules Grolez, a Rose that I prefer to Mrs. W. J. Grant. I thought at one time that Jeanne Forgeot would be a bad grower. I knew that the flower was superb, the lung blooms making it so very distinct, but in vigour it has surprised me, and I now look forward to it becoming a very valuable Rose. Josephine Dauphin is really beautiful. It was introduced as a rival to Niphetos, but I cannot see that it merits this distinction. It is a difl'erent style of flower, and the colour is quite lemon-yellow. I am pleased with the creamy white Enchant- ress. The growths produce such immense trusses of bloom, that each one would be a fair bouquet in itself, and as to vigour, it stands in the first rank. Possibly not since G. Nabon- nand was introduced have we had a finer garden Rose. Mention was recently made of Mme. Rene Gerard, a Rose that has come to stay, and I have also found Souvenir de J. B. Guillot to be perfectly distinct in colour. Among the loveliest of the comparatively re- cent kinds the following stand out very promi- nently : Souvenir de Mme. Eugene Verdier, Francis Dubreuil, in bud most beautiful : Sylph, one of the hardiest and best ; Antoin e Rivoire, Ferdmand Batel, Meta, possibly a seedling of Luciole ; Emile Gonin, in the way of ]\Ime. de Watteville ; M. Ada Carmody, a flower that should be as fine as Cleopatra : and Sweet Little (jueen, a Rose somewhat in 82 THE GARDEI^. [July 29, 1899. the way of Vicomtesse Decaizes. Of older Roses that merit a word of praise, INIrae. Abel Chatenay and Souvenir du President Carnot undoubtedly take first rank, and others follow- ing closely are Le Soleil, Mme. Henrietta de Beauveau, a lovely yellow, with a sufl'usion of delicate pink, and a climber combined ; and Germaine Trochon, an excellent kind to grow as a bush, although described as a climber. Zephyr is exquisite and a splendid grower, and Dr. Rouges also. What a lovely colour is Mme. Chauvry 1 I think of all these nankeen or coppery Roses this one is the loveliest. Princesse de Venosa and E. Veyrat Hermanos are both good kinds of the Comtesse de Nadaillac type. If they open well in this country (which at present I have found to the con- trary) they would be first- class Roses. Rainbow is really a most constant striped Pajra Gontier, and for those who like these Roses it will be found an acquisition. Kaiserin Fried- rich, a tinted Gloire de Dijon, and Mme. Pierre Cochet, the bud the colour of a Seville Orange, are also worthy of note. Philomel. haps more especially in the regularity of its colour, which is an intensely deep orange-yellow illumined outside with reddish scarlet. Here again we have a variety serviceable in all forms. It will grow well as a climber preferably on a west wall, and as a standard it is a great success. A peculiar smooth, reddish wood is characteristic of it, and, like many of the Teas, it has tine, richly-coloured foliage. I am afraid it would not be very hardy. — P. EXHIBITING ROSES DIVESTED OF THEIR BUDS. FRO^^ frequent remarks overheard at Rose shows, the present style of denuding a show bloom of all its buds is anything but popular "^ The dearth of dark Roses. — An examination of the long lines of boxes at the recent Crystal Palace show showed that either this year was not suitable for crimson and dark-coloured Roses, or that really they are more difficult to grow than are those of light shades. Abel Carrifere, A. K. Williams, Charles Le- febvre, Comte de Raimbaud, Duke of Edinburgh, Dr. Sewell, Earl of Dufferin, General Jacqueminot, Jean Soupert, Horace Vernet, Louis van Houtte, Prince Camille de Rohan, Prince Arthur, Sir Rowland Hill, Sultan of Zanzibar, Victor Hugo, and Xavier Olibo were noted, but were con- spicuously rare. I have known some of the above obtain the coveted medal for being the best bloom in a show, and not an ex- hibit without a fair propor- tion of them. Certainly they are not the least attrac- tive of Roses either at an exhibition or in the garden. At the exhibition mentioned it was in the nurserymen's classes that the specimens of dark Roses were princi- pally found. Of late years there has not been anything specially good among new Roses of bright deep colours, and people are likely to tire of adding to their collections novel- ties that vary so little in tint. — H. Two fine button-hole Roses. — Where neat, long-budded Roses are reijuired for button-holes there are none to surpass Gustavo Regis and Mme. Pierre Cochet. The former has a lovely long-pointed bud of a canary-yellow colour with a deeper centre. Many of these buds can be ob- tained from a single truss. It flowers as freely grown as a bush as it does upon a wall, and as a standard it will make a huge head that when in full bloom is a lovely sight. The other lovely kind in many ways supersedes W. A. Richardson, per- Vihurnum macrocephalum. {See p. 78.) with the general public. Indeed, the attraction of exhibitions always seems to be centred in the garden Roses where a Rose is shown in its natural beauty. Why should not classes be formed wherein so-called show Roses could be exhibited surrounded with their budsV I know this stipu- lation would have to be enforced, as the rage for large flowers would naturally compel exhibitors to disbud. This difficulty could be surmounted by offering prizes for the best natural truss or trusses of so many distinct kinds. This class would be highly serviceable to would-be pur- chasers, as they could then see for themselves those kinds which were likely to be most useful to them for the garden, for I take it that it is only the exhibitor who would be conlent with one bloom upon one growth when it is possible to obtain two and three and even more. A fiiend of mine related quite recently a circum- stance bearing upon this point. Many years ago when real trusses were shown, he had in his box a truss of Mme. Bravy. This truss consisted of three fine Rojes, and some individuals tried to disqualify him, saying that he had more than the specified number. This was not so; he had twenty-four single blooms or trusses, according to the wording of the schedule. Needless to say, this truss considerably helped him to secure the priza. I should like to see this matter taken up by the National Rose Society. More space would be required for such specimens than is now neces- sary for single blooms, the full beauty of each truss being then brought out more prominently. Exhibitors would do well also to deepen the lids of their boxes in order that such trusses could be cut from 12 inches to l.j inches long. It is absurd to oiler prizes for collections of garden Roses and exclude Hybrid Periietuals. Are not some of these, such as General .lacqueminot, Mrs. .John Laing, &c., also our best garden Roses? I main- tain that if a Rose is strong to start with and is planted well in good soil, it can support several blooms on a single growth as well as it can one individual specimen, and a great gain is effected by prolonging the season of flowering of some of our very best \arietie3. P. Garden Flora. PLATE 1233. COLEUS THYRSOIDEUS. (with a coloured plate.*) Flokal attractiveness is not characteristic of the genus Coleus ; indeed, the only one of the fifty species hitherto known which has any known horticultural merit is C. Blumei, a native of Java and the progenitor of the many sorts of ornamental-leaved Coleus grown in gardens. By the way, it may be pointed out, apropos of the attention garden hybrids, crosses, &c., are now receiving, that Coleus as represented in gardens is one of a considerable number of cases of extreme variation, brought about solely by selection and not the result of hybridisation. C. Blumei was introduced from Java, through Belgium, by Messrs. Low and Co., of Clapton, about fifty years ago. A figure of it was published in the liotankal MiujwAne in 1853 (t. 4V54). C. Verschaft'elti is a variety of it. Although several other species of Coleus have been introduced from time to time and tried as garden plants, generally under the name of Plectranthus, they have not been favourably received. C. aromaticus, with green, succulent, aromatic leaves, is sometimes met with in the gardens of the curious. The species represented in the accompanying plate has several commend- able characters. It forms a large, shapely herba- ceous shrub under greenhouse treatment and produces its thyrsoid flower-heads in winter. The colour of the flowers is a bright gentian- blue, and they are produced abundantly and continuously for about a month, unless crippled by a severe London fog. Some of the flower- heads produced last January at Kew were 9 inches long and proportionately wide. For the discovery of this plant we are in- debted to Mr. Alexander Whyte, F.L.S., who sent dried specimens of it from British Central Africa to the Kew herbarium in 1897. A few seeds were secured from these .specimens, and the plants thus raised flowered first in January, 1898. Mr. Whyte found it on the Nyika * Drawn for The Garden by II. G. Moon in the Royal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart. July 20, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 83 Plateau at GOOO feet elevation, and he described it as "a showy blue labiate, growing in damp situations." Last summer the plants were grown in a greenhouse, where they formed bushes 2 feet high and wide. This year some plants raised from spring-struck cuttings are thriving planted out in a sunny border, the in- tention being to lift them and plant them in pots in the autumn. This Coleus is worth the attention of cultivators who can appreciate an easily-grown plant which produces really attrac- tive brialit blue flowers in midwinter. W. W. The WEEK'S Work. HARDY FRUITS. Straweereies. — Those who wish to have good crops of the finest and earliest fruits next year will have raised a suflioient quantity of plants to put out on wall borders where the soil has been well dug, manured, and prepared for their recep- tion. Early plantinr; has a ;j;Teat influence for good on these plants ; indeed, it is the only way in which the maximum of success may be ob- taiaed. As the plants on the!e borders are only expected to give one crop they may be put out thickly, and for the majority of the close-growing varieties 15 inches apart is quite sufficient. Royal Sovereign and others of its habit should be allowed 18 inches, as the extra distance will be required for air, should the season of ripening be a wet one. In planting take care that the ground is firm, either from being well trodden or from having been allowed time to settle naturally. Personally, I like to plant on ground which has been bastard-trenched during the previous winter or spring and from which a light crop has been taken in the meanwhile ; indeed, one may take almost any sort of crop, such as early Potatoes, Lettuces, and even Peas, from the ground with- out doing it any harm, but I avoid using the Vihumum Tinus, (See p. 7S.) plots as seedbeds for any of the Brassicag, as thes3 leave the ground in a dry and poor condi- tion unless they have been transplanted quite early. Showery weather is the besc for carrying out planting on soil which will admit of the necessary treading without becoming pasty, but one cannot always wait for weather and some soils are best left alone when at all wet. See that The Guelder Bose CVilnirnuin Opulus sterile). (See p. the soil about the roots of the young plants is in trees, thereby increasing the number of growths good condition as to moisture, then they will preserved and also the crop given, for these breast- have what they want in the way of a good start, wood shoots acquire a short-jointed and free- If, in lining out the ground, the corner of a hoe is fruiting habit in a favourable climate, but in used, take care that the drill thus made is not more northern latitudes they have to be rigorously deep or, if it is so, that the plants are kept well repressed and the trees trained thinly if we are up so that the surface of the ball is only just to expect any fruits from outdoor trees, buried when the plant is made firm, for if the i Peaches. — These should now be taking on crowns are let too far into the soil either when planting or through settling afterwards the plants will be spoiled. Water well in after planting and see that there is no neglect in this while the weather remains dry, or until the plants become established. Having se- lected for the borders the best of the young stock and planted them, go on planting the main beds or plots. These, being intended to last for three or four seasons, will be planted more thinly than on the borders, the strong growers being given iV feet between the rows and 2 feet from plant to plant and the weaker ones 6 inches less each way. These are good average distances, but must not be looked on as arbitrary for every garden, as the character of the growth varies with the soil and must be allowed for to suit in- dividual cases. The crop for the year being over and runners ob- tained sufficient for all needs, it will be advisable to cut away all superfluous runners and clear them and the roughest of the mulching off the plots on which the plants are intended to remain for another year's fruiting, for nothing looks worse than a weedy and untidy Strawberry bed after it has been stripped of the nets, besides which it is not giving the plants a fair chance to allow the crop of runners to re- main on them any longer after the opportunity of clearing them occurs. Summer I'RUning. — Having finished the summer pruning of wall trees, it is well to go right on to the pyramids and all other trained trees in the open garden, getting the work completed as soon as may be, so that the swelling fruits shall have all the advantages of exposure to sun and air. Growths reserved to full length for filling up the bodies of the trees or for extension of the leads should be tied into position before they become hard. They will then acquire the form which it is desirable they should take, and trouble at the winter training will be saved. If any leading growth is not going away so kindly as wished for, the side growths on the branch should be re- pressed more rigorously to encourage the leading shoot and preserve or obtain a proper balance. Suckers. — On wall trees especially, and on others which occupy ground that is dug over occasionally, suckers often appear and are a great. nuisance. If left until now, just as the wood is getting hardened, they can be dealt with more satisfactorily than they can earlier when soft and brittle ; they should be opened out and traced downwards until arriving at a single stem, or, better still, at the junction with the root, and then be bodily removed. This will prevent any further trouble with these robbers for the current year. Those trees which are especially persistent in sucker production should be marked down for more drastic treatment during the winter, when it will be safe to open out more thoroughly and trace each bunch of suckers to its origin. Fics. — Fig trees, though late in starting growth, grow rapidly, and the soft, pithy wood is easily injured in high winds, so should be secured early to its supports. Surplus shoots may either be stopped or entirely removed, whichever seems to tend most for the benefit of the fruits which need exposure to give them the needed colour. In the extreme south of the country it is usual and wise to .allow a considerable amount of latitude to the growth of outdoor Figs, and breast wood may be allowed to hang down the face of the colour, and, to help them, should be well exposed to the sun by tying back if necessary any leaves which hang over them. The size of the fruits will be greatly increased and the trees benefited by heavy waterings of weak liquid manure during the period when they are taking their final swell- ing ; the mulching, too, should be increased if not thick enough to give a uniformly moist covering to the surface roots. This and the remarks on watering will apply now more forcibly than ever to all fruit trees carrying good crops, and espe- cially to wall trees without a southern exposure. Pests. — When the bigger fruits begin to ripen there are pests ready always to attack them, and these are more difficult to deal with in the open air than under glass. One of the worst is the wasp, which comes in such numbers and so sud- denly as to fairly nonplus the unwary. I have very little faith in the method of putting various attractive potions, such as beer and sugar or treacle, in bottles to drown or stifle the pests, for, though the numbers which are so killed are great, the baits so provided probably attract by their smell many which would never come to the trees. It is a diflicult question to deal with, and one gets to one's wits' ends at times to know what to do for the best, but certainly the most effective measure is to leave nothing undone that will lead to the discovery of all nests within a radius of a mile or so, and to destroy their in- mates with a dose of cyanide of potassium solu- tion placed far enough back in the nests to be harmless to all but the wasps, for the cyanide is a deadly poison and must bo handled with care. Earwigs often attack stone fruits, but may easily be trapped by the use of Bean stalks or short pieces of Bamboo stuck among the branches and blown out into a bottle of water each morning. Of mice I have given early cautions which can only be borne in mind for present application. Persistent trapping should have reduced them considerably, and there is no wholesale way of dealing with them. Cornubian. KITCHEN GARDEN. Earthing up Leeks. — Where Leeks are required for use early in the autumn, plants which were raised in heat in January will by this time have grown to a good size and may be partially earthed up. If several rows are growing in one wide trench great care will be necessary in order to prevent the soil falling into the hearts. A good THE GARDEN. [July 29, 1899. way to accomplish this is first to tie a band of soft matting round the lower part of the plant and then to use a thin board, this being held by one man against the row while a second puts in the soil with a spade, the board being afterwards lifted gently out and the soil worked around the stems with the hand. Where only one row of plants is grown in each trench, it may be earthed up so far similarly to Celery. Leeks are very thirsty subjects ; therefore it will be advisable to give the trench a good soaking with farmyard liquid the day previous to earthing up : this will enable the plants to swell at the base during the final stage of growth. TRANsrLA.NTiNG CoLEWOKTS. — The plants from the first sowing will soon be large enough for putting into their final quarters. Where no rain has fallen, however, it will be best to exercise a little longer patience, as if the plants in the seed- bed were well thinned out when comparatively small no harm will result from the delay. As before stated, I have always planted a quarter from which old Strawberry plants have been cleared, and then drills are not really necessary, as the ground beneath the surface being firm retains the moisture well. Where planting is performed on loose, freshly-turned ground, how- ever, drills will be necessary. Plant 15 inches apart all ways, and water home, keeping a sharp watch for underground grubs, which are often very troublesome amongst newly-planted Cole- worts. It is of no use whatever applying lime to the surface for this pest, nothing but searching beneath the surface in the vicinity of the stem being of any avail. It is a good plan to make several transplantings even from this first sowing. As the second-sized plants left in the seed-bed get large enough, the latest sowings, which will be ready for putting out in September, will afford nice useful heads for use during January and February. I like to have the seed-beds in a cool, semi-shaded position. Scarlet Runner Beans. — Special means must be adopted during absence of rain to induce not only a free, vigorous growth, but aleo a perfect set of pods. In the first place, the rows on both sides should be well mulched either with manure from the farmyard, or, failing this, a good thick- ness of old Mushroom manure, or even grass mowings. This will conserve the moisture, which must be applied to the roots with no niggardly hand. A good soaking once a week will be none too much, giving farmyard liquid of good strength. Where practicable I would always give the haulm a good wetting at eventide twice weekly in dry, parching weather. This is best done by means of the hose-pipe or garden engine. Where the pods have arrived at a usable stage they must be kept picked tolerably close. Succesaional sowings now coming on apace should be treated similarly as regards mulching and watering with li(]uid manure. On light or porous soils the previously recommended plan of sowing in trenches containing a good layer of rotten manure will this season prove its value. Everyone has not an inexhaustible supply of tall rods, but ordi- nary 5 feet or 6 feet Pea rods answer well, the haulm being pinched when the top has been reached. The old Scarlet Runner is still hard to beat for freedom of setting and swelling its pods in a dry season. VE(iETABLE MARROWS. — Both bearing and suc- cessional plants will now need regular attention, as the young tender Marrows are much appre- ciated in the dining-room at this season. Mar- rows as a rule are used in a much younger state than formerly, and it is well that it is so, as by timely easing the plants of their burden growth is strengthened and the season considerably lengthened. Where the earliest planting was made in frames from which new Potatoes had been lifted, the roots being considerably elevated above the ground-level will need an abundant supply of water, or a premature collapse must be expected. Vegetable Marrows will take manure water as strong as the majority of vegetables, but after using liquid manure from the farmyard I like to go over the plants afterwards and wash the foliage clean with pure water. More recently- planted lots occupying a position on the level or on slightly raised mounds of loamy compost can easily be kept in a growing condition by timely liberal mulching and regular supplies of water. Plants under these conditions produce abundance of fine-flavoured Marrows over a long period, their constitution being hardy. Where available I would always give these suecessional batches of plants a semi- shaded aspect, having found such to suit them well, especially in hot, dry summers. Plants occupying small pots or boxes may yet be planted out in a good border, as at this date they soon start into free growth and become fruitful, provided the above-named cultural details are carried out. Pen-y-byd is a useful prolific Marrow, and very suitable for amateurs. J. C. Flower Garden. JULY, 1899. PROiiAi!LV many gardeners have heard the story of Diocletian which is told on good contem- porary authority. This emperor, living in the fourth century of the Christian era, had the good and rare fortune after a prosperous reign to retire from the government of the Roman world with his head on his shoulders. He went to his native place in Dalmatia and gave himself up to the pursuits of country life, especi- ally gardening. Things did not go on so well at Rome after he was gone, and an influential deputation waited upon him, begging him to come back and put matters straight again. The ex-emperor pointed to a large garden filled with Cabbages — the gardening of the Romans was mostly kitchen gardening — "All those Cabbages," he said, "and many more I have planted with my own hands ; and I can say this, that no one who has once learnt the pleasure of gardening, as I have, would ever be willing to exchange it for the empire of Rome." So much for the comparative pleasure of absolute power and gardening in the opinion of one who had tried both. Perhaps there may have been a thought of the sword of Damocles behind Diocletian's estimate, but if ever there was a month to make gardeners contented and happy it is July, 1899. It is true the year has had its drawbacks for them ; the sharp frosts of April and May did much damage to flowers, amongst other mischief destroying the young shoots of the Fraxinella and the embryo flower-buds of Pajonies. Then came the deluging rains and thunderstorms with hail in June, laying everything flat and starting a vast crop of weeds, but now the weather has settled down — and as St. Swithin's is past I may say this — into the most splendid July that we have had in Cheshire since ]8()8. The bright suns and warm nights coming when the soil was well tilled with moisture have brought out the finest crop of summer flowers that this garden has ever seen. I can only give a few words to a few of the most conspicuous of them, merely adding that all the others which this soil and climate can grow are here too. Delphiniums are past their best and have en- joyed the sun, which has prevented the colours from running, as they are apt to do in sunless seasons. All those at Edge are home-raised seedlings, and nearly all are single. A handful of seed is saved from the best flowers every year and sown broadcast on spare ground. A few of the best are selected to supersede those in the borders either of less merit or worn out. Large flowers of pale Eton blue or of dark sky- blue of the true blue strain and with well- marked white or black centres are aimed at It is also a merit for the flower-stems to branch nearly to the ground, and a height of 0 feet is better than one of 3 feet or 10 feet, but I find the general result of this treatment very satisfac- tory, and seldom see a better set than I grow at home. Verbascum olympicum, of which I have at least forty in flower, is not in any danger of being overlooked. They grow 8 feet high, presenting a solid cylinder of flowers 4 feet long and IJ feet across and pointed at the top. The basal leaves cover a square yard, and, of course, smother anything beneath them, so room must be provided accordingly. A show like the present requires a mild winter preced- ing, or the large leaves are destroyed and the flowering spoilt. The individual flowers are much smaller than those of their rival V. phlo- moides, which, however, does not bloom in nearly such a mass. Eryngiums are having a grand time. I always prefer amongst these E. alpinum. When it does really well, a plant 5 feefc high, throwing up several stalks, each holding three or four large heads surrounded with a. broad border of soft blue filigrane work, is very ornamental. Cimicif ugas are stunted in a season of drought and delight in the moisture of the soil this year. Some of the plants of C. race- mosa have as many as thirty flowering stalks, each with three or four spikes of snow- white flowers rising to a height of 7 feet. Last year the whole genus in my garden was threatened with extinction by a serious blight, the leaves of some of the plants of more than one kind being smothered with black spots, and the flower-stalks curling up and withering in bud. In this and most other mildews I have found dusting with powdered sulphate of copper an excellent remedy. Neglected plants died, but those treated in time recovered. I have found the same treat- ment very efficacious for the rot in Flag Iris, with which I have been at times much troubled, and never worse than last year. Spirieas are unusually tine. S. Aruncus, which always grows large here, this year is quite of giant dimen- sions, and the stalks could hardly hold up the masses of flower. This is a plant in which selection from seed answers well, as in some individuals the panicles are far whiter and more elegant than in others. The roots stand division well, though a hammer and chisel or a saw are required for the operation. S. karat- schatica is a coarse plant for a garden border, but good for a pond-side. It becomes fertilised with pollen of some of the pink kinds, and the hybrid seedlings show a great improvement on the parent. Wherever a piece of ground can be spared I sowed this year Eckford's Sweet Peas. The superiority of new soil for these may at once be seen over that where they have been grown before, even though well worked and manured. I object to the many forms of this Pea which close their wings like a butterfly at rest. The broadly expanded wings show much better even if the colour is the same on the back and the front of the corolla. Both Liliura candidum and L. Martagon are more beautiful than usual. This cannot be all due to the fine .July, as the flower-spikes were formed before it came ; but so it is. I never before saw L. candidum flower here with the stalk covered with leaves, and it is exceptionally good in all the cottage gardens about. As for Martagons, they are the mixed oflfspring of the old pale purple — the white and the dark dal- maticum — and, I may add, the L. Hansoni, which makes hybrids here and there amongst the others. But as the seedlings of all the varieties are allowed to come up, and the .seed is occasionally gathered and scattered, there is every shade of purple and pink, from white to nearly black. I observe that the hybrids of July 29, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 85 Hansoni make apparently good seed ; the seed has come up, but none of the seedhngs have yet flowered. The abundance of Roses is un- precedented, both in hedges and in gardens. Those most in favour in Edge Garden are old- fashioned kinds which admit of being pruned with hedging shears without resenting it. Such are the old IMoss, the Cabbage Rose, the York and Lancaster, the Maiden's Elush, and espe- cially a Rose called Celestial (not Celeste). The most beautiful bush now out in the shaded shrubberies is the giant Syringa (Philadelphus grandiflorus), making with its drooping branches a fragrant sheet of white from 10 feet high down to the very ground, upon which the lowest layer is spread. C. Wolley-Dod. Edge Hall, Jnhj 17. THE PANTHER LILY. (LILIUM PARDALINUM. ) Tins extremely beautiful and very variable Lily is one of the most amenable to cultivation of all the North American species. Represented by various forms, it has been the subject of three coloured plates in The Gardex ; Brttly in vol. xx., in which there is really little difference between the flowers illustrated ; again in vol. xxix., where that distinct unspotted form Warei is shown ; and thirdly in vol. xxxviii., the variety luteum is associated with two other North American Lilies, viz., L. Bolanderi and L. maritimum. The Panther Lily is found spread over a considerable tract of country in California, and is mostly met with in fairly damp spots. This should be the guide for its cultivation here, as in a cool, moist, yet well-drained soil it will soon make itself at home. The consistency of the soil does not appear to be of so much importance, for while, as a rule, if it is of a loamy nature, a mixture of peat or leaf-mould and sand is beneficial, yet I have at times met with it quite at home in a stiff loam. Under these latter conditions, however, the plants did not grow quite so tall, and the creeping bulbs were more compact than in a soil with a consider- able proportion of vegetable matter. The bulbs of this Lily just referred to are of a peculiar rhizomatous character, a feature common to a few other North American kinds. When in a thriving condition these creeping rhizomes form quite a dense mass, from whence are pushed up stems of varying vigour, according to the bulbs from whence they spring. Whether the flowers be many or few, they are, however, always dis- posed in a graceful manner, while the long wand- like shoots, with their whorls of bright green- pointed leaves, are totally distinct from any others, unless it be the nearly-allied L. superbum. There is a long list of varieties of L. pardalinum, but many of them differ very slightly from each other, and even then intermediate forms are frequently met with. The variety usually known as Robinsoni is the most stately of all, while californicum is characterised by particularly bright-coloured blossoms. It is, however, in the two above mentioned as having been figured in The Garden that we find the greatest divergence from the normal form, as in Warei the flowers are of a warm, unspotted apricot tint, while the blos- soms of luteum are of a rich yellow, spotted with chocolate. Though the variety Warei has been known for some years, it is still, I see, priced in the catalogue of the firm after whom it was named at 50s. per bulb — being, in fact, by far the dearest of all Lilies therein quoted. T. Lilium Szovitzianum. — One of the most beautiful of border Lilies when in a flourishing condition is L. Szovitzianum, but it is by no means invariably met with in that state, as many bulbs fail to flower, especially the first season or two after planting. The conditions most favourable to its well-doing are a good loamy soil and a posi- tion that is not parched up at any time. In the sunken beds near the Palm house at Kew this Lily has flowered well during the present season, and, as usual, a good deal of individual variation was to be found amongst the numerous plants in bloom. This Lily is a native of the Black Sea region, and quantities of enormous bulbs are often imported therefrom, but they are far more difficult to establish than cultivated bulbs, even though these last may be much smaller. In colour the blooms vary from deep yellow to very pale primrose, almost white, and they differ also to the same extent in their spotting.— H. P. Tritoma citrina.— This has been very pretty the last few days, the bright clear yellow blooms on the loose spikes being much more graceful than in the larger-flowering, stiffer kinds. On a heavy soil the plants make little headway, and unless special care is taken with them they would get smaller rather than larger. The stouter growers, such as T. Uvaria and its varie- ties, are, of course, well able to take care of themselves, and the tall, handsome spikes look well and hold their own among rough herbage and grass provided they are given a good start, by taking out large holes, fiUing with good compost, and planting them in large established pieces. The stations must be kept free of weeds for a couple of seasons until they have a good hold, and the spikes should be rubbed out the first sea- son as soon as seen. T. citrina has much narrower foliage and is a weaker growing plant altogether, and anyone trying to establish it from the roots sent out from hardy plant nurseries will be wise to pot them up and grow them on a little while in the cool house before finally planting out with the ball entire just as the roots are feeling the pot. — Suffolk. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Aster diplostepliioides.— For seven or eight years I have grown this rare plant, and only now, for the first time, have I got one fine flower. I am sure that for at least two years I grew it in a too shaded position. Where not known it may seem an unpromising flower when opening, and for a week after it has opened; after that time the ray florets straighten out and the disc lightens up with yellow, the whole head (2| inches to 3 inches across) glistening in yellow and purple. I wonder if it is a variable species ? The best description of it would be, perhaps, to compare the foliage to that of Inula glandulosa, and the flowers to those of Aster pyrenajus, only bigger and yet more refined. Ostrowskya magnifica. — From five years' experience of this plant, I am satisfied that for success with either big roots or young stock they should be set early — early enough to get the benefit of the warm condition of the soil in the autumn or late summer. For the best results I would plant as early as July. The tuberous roots do not at most make much fibre, but what they do make is essential to sustain the spring growth into summer and to the flowering stage. Such fibrous roots may not be produced in winter or when late planted, because not only is the time less propitious, but the roots have become less responsive from their having become more dry or hide- bound. The results of too late planting are a sudden and complete collapse of the herbage in May or earlier. Veronica lycopodioides. — It may be worth noting that this pigmy kind, nearly related to the Whipcord section, is flowering profusely this year in the case of a specimen that is 8 inches across and established in its present position for four years. It would be reasonable to suppose that all the Whipcord kinds were shy bloomers, but this points to the possibility of their flowering well in some seasons. The milk-white flowers of this kind are of starry form, have black anthers, and are borne at the apex of the twigs in fives. I grow it in sandy soil and in the fullest sunshine. Phtyteuma comosum (L ). — I believe it is not generally known that this is a very variable species — variable as regards leaves, flowers, colour, and stature, also date of flowering. I have grown it in quantity now for many years. and my plants came from one place. At present some plants are lovely, others are in seed, while yet others may be two weeks before they flower. Saxifraga mutata.— I hope your correspon- dent "S. A." (p. 32) will forgive me if 1 wrongly assume that from the words fie employs in speak- ing of the living or dying qualities of this plant he may not be aware that the species is of bub biennial duration. The plant is a great seed- bearer, and seedlings are more easily raised than in the case of most Saxifrages. Vou may some- times keep a plant more than two years, but that will only occur when from some cause the plant has not duly flowered. J. Wood. Woodville, Kirkstall. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. On hardy plant borders of large size where both species and varieties of the same are strongly represented there are always a coming and gomg of plants, and at the present time (June 28) many things that were some time ago in full beauty are now past their best and have to be cut over and removed or partially headed back and otherwise attended to with the view to a second display. Pyrethrums come under the latter class, and should receive, if possible, immediate attention. Remove all old flower-stems and any dead foliage, lightly prick the soil about the plants, and give a good soaking of liquid manure, or, if this is not obtainable, mulch with manure and soak with clear water. There was a query recently as to the relative merits of autumn v. spring plant- ing. I should always practise the former, whether in the case of seedlings or plants increased by division, having found that a thorough establish- ment of the plant for late spring or early summer flowering is thereby better obtained. In remov- ing old flower-spikes on such things as Campanula persicifolia, Verbascum phieniceum, Lupinus Foxi and others, care should be taken not to cut too low, or tiny spikes pushing for successional blooming are apt to be taken away. Much de- pends on the treatment that can be given them immediately the first flowering is over. Failing rain, they ought to receive, as in the case of the Pyrethrums, a thorough good soaking, (iiven this and good stuff below for the root-run, the recuperation is rapid and satisfactory. The strain of tall Antirrhinums with large spikes and splendid flowers throws out a profusion of side-shoots that will furnish a plentiful supply of bloom of very fair quality if the central portion of the spike is removed before the formation of seed. Pinks like Anne Boleyn and Mrs. Sinkins are over and flower-stems cut hard down, the plants even without the bloom presenting a bright appear- ance, especially when contrasted with other things, as, for instance, Geum coccineum. Writing of contrasts reminds me to note one of the best things I have this year in bold clumps of Sisyrincbium striatum, filled in (in a very large bed) with purple East Lothian Stocks. The flower forming the central clumps is not very striking so far as its individual blooms are concerned, but the tall spikes and the abundance of flower that is very well sustained give a bold and very pleasing effect when associated with the purple Stock. It is one of the few plants that can be confidently re- commended for very poor soil, although at the same time it pays for good culture, the spikes under such circumstances being much larger and the flowering period much longer sustained. Annuals. — Given thoroughly well - prepaied ground with early thinning so that the plants stand well apart (at least 12 inches each way), annuals give a far better display if allowed to bloom where they are sown than if they are transplanted, only in the latter case the flowering is earlier. In outlying beds in pleasure grounds and the wild garden a very fine and enduring display can be obtained by the use of annuals if a good selection is made and the ground is well prepared. Just at present one of my best beds is a mixture in bold clumps of the white spiral Candytuft with Linum grandiflorum ; the latter 86 THE GARDEN. [July 29, 1899. stands well above the Candytuft and the contrast is decidedly pleasing. In cream and orange shades two very effective things just at presentare Calendula Meteor and C. Orange King. Like the perennial Sisyrinchium above mentioned, these Calendulas are splendid plants for dry soils, and if decaying blooms are nipped off they will flower right away till the advent of frost. Another yellow flower just at present looking remarkably well is Coreopsis coronaria. Godetias make a fine bed in variety, and look better in this way than when mixed with other things. Gloriosa, Dunnetti and The Pearl are good sorts. Gaillar- dias and Salpiglossis also hardly require anything else with them, although in the case of the last named I have had some beautiful beds with occasional plants of Nicotiana affinis dotted among them. LiLi0M CANDiDUM. — Some few weeks ago I noted an experiment tried with the above Lily with the view to check the disease that annually appeared in the foliage and practically crippled the plants, viz., shifting the stock to a north oorder, and am glad to say it has proved a decided success. The plants have not been so good for years ; many of the stems are 6 feet in height, and there is an average of twelve blooms to the stem. There is a suspicion of disease occasionally at the extremities of the leaves, but not sufficient to render the foliage at all un- sightly. Vase and box plants have wanted a consider- able amount of attention since they were planted, and if from any cause watering was neglected or the water insufficiently applied, they very quickly suffered. Tropaolum heder.L-folium has proved itself an excellent trailer and flowers freely, but, save that it is distinct in foliage, I do not see that it is any improvement on the old Ball of Fire, which grows quickly and is very free. These, with La Florifere and Mme. Crousse Ivy- leaved Pelargoniums, with blue and white Cam- panula?, and an occasional bit of Musk, are among the best of the trailers. For the back or centre respectively of large boxes or vases an occasional dwarf sturdy Canna with plenty of clean, healthy foliage is very attractive among Marguerites, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and other things. E. BuRKELL. Olaremont. THE DOUBLE MEADOW SAXIFRAGE. Saxifraga (JKANUI.ata, which shares with Ranun- culus aconitifolius fl. -pi. the pretty appellation of Fair Maids of France, spreads quickly when planted in the grass. In the spring of 1897 I saw growing beneath some spreading Beech and Chestnut trees on a lawn a plentiful carpeting of white flowers, which proved on nearer inspection to be the double Meadow Saxifrage. I was in- formed that the spot where they were growing had formerly been a garden, and that some fifty years ago plants of the Saxifrage had been intro- duced. The garden has disappeared for many years, and its place has been taken by level turf, but the Saxifrages remained and still continue to increase in number. Few plants will grow and flower beneath a Beech tree. Here and there Wood Hyacinths may be found doing so, but more often than not the ground beneath the Beeches is bare of flowers, yet these Saxifrages appear to revel in their site and spread from the bole to the outer limits of the branches. I received a small clump from this abundance and planted it beneath a spreading Hazel growing on a rough lawn near the wild garden. Last year the clump blossomed well, and this year several plants appeared in the grass about 0 yards distant from the original plant, and flowered freely. These new arrivals are scattered over about 2 yards of ground. A stranger thing than this, however, subsequently happened. I told a neighbour, who resides about a quarter of a mile as the crow flies from my gates, of the beauties of the Aleadow Saxifrage for growing on the grass beneath trees and promised a root, which was to be planted beneath a Beech. A day or so later I received a message saying that there was a strange flower underneath the Beech on the lawn, and would I come and look at it. I went up and found a plant of Meadow Saxifrage with two blossoms on it beneath the tree whose branches swept the turf. I presume that the plants which have sprung up in my garden G yards away from the first importation owe their position to seed from the first-comer being blown there, but the quarter-of-a-mile journey through thickly-timbered ground, some other agent than the wind must be responsible for, since even Thistle-down would scarcely in one case out of a hundred find its way uncaptured through the maze of branches. Doubtless the transportation was effected by a bird, but it seems curious that the bird should sohaveanticipated the recently-formed intention as to have dropped a seed in 18'JS in the exact spot where a year later it was decided to grow the plant, which was then, unknown to the pretty and highly-coloured forms. The bright reds, with deep magenta and crimson throats, make a very fine show when they have grown into good clumps a couple of feet or so through them, and these may be kept tidy by thrusting a few branching stakes among them. So treated they are very fine in the herbaceous border, while a group of one variety, especially if it is a good one, makes a splendid and showy bed of itself. — H. THE HEUCHERAS. When at Kew some three years ago I was struck with the plants of Heuchera sanguinea. I saw in flower there, so I wrote to M. Lemoine for a plant, and at tlie same time I ordered a plant of H. alba and one of a hybrid called H. hrizoides. These were planted on a border with a gravel subsoil and about 4 feet from a wall facing east in South Derbyshire, where they have since remained un- disturbed. In order to explain the state of afl'airs at the present time I enclose a photograph of the three plants in question, from which you will see that H. alba has not flowered at all this year, H. sanguinea has put up three or four feeble spikes, while H. brizoides is a mass of bloom. This plant seems to me most desir- able from every point of view. It- requires no protection in winter, and the flower-spikes are more robust and the flowers larger than those of H. sanguinea ; they are of a pleasant shade of pink. I am afraid to say how long the plant had been in flower when the photograph was taken, but in saying live weeks I am not exag- gerating in the least. The flowers- last well in water, where their light and graceful style makes them much admired. Even when not in flower the handsome variegated leaves render it a very ornamental plant. The- length of the spike is about 2 feet. Spundon Old Hall, Derby. H. S. Heuchera brizoides. From a photograph sent iy Mr. H. Staples, Spondon Old Hall, Derby. parties interested, about coming into flower just where they wished to establish it. How infinitely smoother life would be if some kind providence would but follow the example of this thoughtful bird and arrange things beforehand for us, so that fulfilment might be awaiting our wishes as soon as they assumed form. The plant which I introduced in 1S97 was the only one of its sort in the whole valley, and, as far as I know, there are none of the species, single or double, within two miles, so that there is little probability of the germ of the newly - discovered plant having originated elsewhere than in my garden. S. W. F. Seedling Pentstemons. — These fine herba- ceous plants are very easily raised from seed, and from a collection of named varieties of which I saved the seed two years ago I have some very Alonsoa Warscewiczi. — This may be grown in a variety of ways, and under whatever conditions it is met with the brilliant orange scarlet flowers are sure to attract attention. Treated as an annual — that is to say, sown in a. gentle heat about March and pricked out in a frame at a sufficient distance apart to allow of the young plants being lifted with a good ball of earth — it may be planted in beds or in mixed borders, while even if sown later on in the open ground it is often de- cidedly attractive towards the end of the summer. Besides this, effective specimens may be grown in pots and employed for greenhouse decoration and other purposes. It is not often much grown in this way, but I was particularly struck recently with a number of good flowering ex- amples in Covent Garden Market. — H. P. Murray's double dark Sweet William. — In the garden of Captain Stewart at Shambellie, Dumfries, I was pleased to see a considerable quantity of this old-fashioned border flower. One occasionally meets with it, but it is not often that so many plants are seen. It is very dwarf in habit, of a deep crimson colour, and flowers quite freely. I have seen it used for edgings, for which its dwarf habit makes it very suitable. This little Sweet William is practically a hardy peren- nial and will with the minimum of attention live for several years. It is easily propagated. I have- seen it stated that it was raised in Paisley a. number of years ago. Those who remember the Auricula-eyed Sweet William in its palmy days when it was propagated by layers and sold ia July 29, 1899.] THE GARDEN. named varieties may think little of this double flower, but it has for years been prized by many who care little for the points of beauty of the florist.— S. A^ A NOTE FROM ORCHARDTON, CASTLE DOUGLAS, N.B. Year by year our Scottish gardens seem to gain in interest to those who admire hardy flowers. Among the gardens which have made remarkable progress in this way is that of Mr. W. D. Robinson-Douglas at Orchardton, Castle Douglas, N.B. Close to the Solway and in a warm corner of Kirkcudbrightshire, it is well adapted for experimenting with plants of doubt- ful hardiness. Within recent years Mr. Douglas has made a large and pretty rock garden, which gives many useful hints regarding plants suit- able for the south-west of Scotland. Some notes taken during a recent visit may be of use to some. In beds at the back of the house and with an almost south exposure are several Lilies, among these being a fine example of Lilium monadel- phum about 6 feet high. This is a good form with better coloured flowers than many. L. Hansoni is also fine, and several plants of L. auratum seem established and increasing. They are upwards of 0 feet high. On the wall is Rose Crimson Rambler flowering very freely in a position in which some say it will not succeed. Gerardia indigofera on the same wall was very beautiful with its numerous light blue flowers. Passiflora Constance Eliott is again covered with buds. Fabiana imbricata, Chio- nanthus virginica, Magnolia grandiflora, Ceano- thus Gloire de Versailles, and a nice plant of Desfontainea spinosa in full flower are also on the walls with a number of other shrubs. In a bed is a good Choisya ternata. In beds by the lawn are many of the best of the hybrid Rho- dodendrons with a large number of choice trees and shrubs. One of these beds consists of Nabonnand's Tea Roses, among which General Schablikiue promises well. These are young plants, and the frosts of March last did them much injury, but they are recovering fast. In another bed one observed Mitraria coccinea, which had been badly cut by the same frost, Deutzia discolor purpurascens and Philadelphus Lemoinei. Near these beds is a pretty artificial lake formed about three years ago, advantage being taken of a natural depression with a rocky bottom. At one side the natural rock has been artistically used to form a high sloping promon- tory, and on these rocks Sempervivums, Sedums and a few hardy Cacti have been planted. On the grass above is Hypericum calycinum majus. New Zealand Veronicas, Rose species, such as R. rubrifolia, and for spring bloom, Crocuses in the grass. With a south exposure Krempfer's Irises thrive admirably in the shallow water here. Several were in bloom and were very fine. Ranunculus lingua grandiflora was also in bloom in the shallows with Villarsia nymphfeoides. It is not intended that the surface of the lake should be entirely covered with plants, but bold groups of Nymph:ea Marliacea Chromatella, N. M. albida and N. M. carnea were really fine with their large handsome flowers. At one side Gunnera manicata is making good progress. From the lake, rocky steps and a path through the grass lead to the extensive rock garden, which is very picturesque with its Japanese Maples and other ornamental shrubs, its rock plants, and its little pools in which are several Nymphteas. Of these, N. Laydekeri rosea was the best, its h.-ibit adapting it well for a small pool. N. pygm;ea helvola was not open. N. Caspary is in rather too shady a place. In the rock garden I observed a capital plant of that beautiful Cytisus, C. schipkaensis, a little Broom which ought to be more known, so pleasing are its neat habit and white flowers. A large number of plants of Ramondia pyrenaica are thriving beautifully. R. serbica is also doing well, and Jankjea Heldreichi has been planted with good prospects of success. Good plants of Codonopsis ovata, Potentilla nepalensis, Dryas lanata, Coronilla varia (looking well on the large rockwork), C. iberica, Dianthus cinnabarinus, Polygonum sphperostachyum, and many others were thriving and happy. Cotyledon or Eche- veria glauca and Sedum Sieboldi were very beautiful at the foot of a rock and touching the water of a pool beneath. In a bed was a number of Irises, among them being I. Kiemp- feri, and a good colony of Primula rosea occu- pied a place at the margin, while a spike or two of P. sikkimensis showed among the Irises. There are many good shrubs and plants on the bold and efl'ective rockwork. The Maples are remarkably fine specimens, but so luxuriant has been the growth of some of these and other shrubs, that a new rock garden has been built for the smaller plants which might be over- grown. A cosy corner in the grounds has been chosen for a trial planting of some of the Hima- layan Rhododendrons, most of which ought to do at Orchardton. A long, broad herbaceous border has the back wall clothed with shrubs, among which was a grand specimen of Buddleia globosa covering a wide space. The walled garden is not looking so well as usual, as annuals, which are rather largely grown, have, as in most south-west of Scotland gardens, been a com- parative failure this season. Fruit is scarce also. In the houses Aristolochia elegans was in bloom with its curious flowers. A capital strain of Gloxinias is grown, and one was pleased to see grand plants of several Abutilons in the conservatory, with a fine Bougainvillea and Stephanotis on the roof of the stove. I ad- mired a seedling tuberous Begonia with small flowers and leaves, of very compact habit, which was raised at Orchardton and is often coveted. S. Arnott. SOWING DAFFODIL SEEDS. In reply to Mr. W. Ainslie, I may state that I make a point of sowing my seeds early in Sep- tember, and I have not found that anything is gained by sowing earlier. I sow in (J-inch pots, tilling them about one-fourth full with drainage, covering the same with some rough material, and filling up to one half the depth of the pot with light loam, adding thereto a little leaf-mould. I cover this with about an inch of leaf-mould, with a slight addition of silver sand, in which the seeds are sown. The pots are plunged in a cold frame, remaining there until germination takes place, which will be just as Daffodils are coming through in the open ground. It is well to allow the young bulbs to remain two years in the pots, filling up the space in the pots the second season with leaf-mould. Very little water will be needed, and it is well to cover the surface with Moss, or put a pane of glass over each pot. Seedlings take from five to seven years to come into bloom, but much depends upon the treatment given the young bulbs. The ground in which they are planted must be very sweet and friable, h,aving been well exposed to atmospheric influences throughout the summer. The bulbs being so small must not be put more than 3 inches or 4 inches deep, and they should be set out early in September. The seeds may be sown in the open ground, and in light soils will frequently germinate very well, but the young plants are liable to be injured by slugs and are apt to be disturbed in some way. In the case therefore of seeds produced by carefully fertilised blooms it is wiser not to run the risk of loss that open-air sowing entails. Frequently when I have any quantity of seed of the commoner kinds I sow in the open ground, choosing a place that will neither be hoed over nor dug. I have a lot of seedlings, some very good ones, that have been raised in this way. I have a bed of hardy Cyclamens under a Plum tree, and from time to time I have scattered a pod of ceed among them. This last year a very fine double declared itself there, tine in form and coming into bloom when all the doubles were over. J. C. B. BORDER CARNATIONS AT CHELSEA. At the present time the border Carnations in Messrs. Veitch and Sons" nurseries at Chelsea are making a really fine display. The Carnations here are neither unduly disbudded nor unnaturally grown for the mere purpose of securing one big bloom per plant or the like ; indeed, to an ordi- nary grower of such things, who will ever be satisfied with moderate-sized flowers and plenty of them, it is discouraging to see these things so disbudded that only one bloom remains. This is, of course, trying to make a show flower of one of the most valuable of summer border plants, whose very freedom is one of its claims to general notice. Collectively there are some thirty or forty beds of Carnations at Chelsea, the varie- ties representing only the newest and best, the general collection being grown elsewhere at one or other of the branches. If only as showing what to grow in a town garden for mid-July, these beds of Carnations, teeming with beautiful, and in a large number of instances fragr.int flowers, afford a useful, it not indeed a most valuable lesson. Where such things can be asso- ciated with a fresh green lawn their beauty is \ ery much enhanced. Of the large collection grown it is possible only to give a selection, but those named below will be found among the best in flower when out notes were taken. The following are mostly novelties of the present season : Hampden, a good buff- yellow, of capital form ; Brodrick, a fine yellow ground, prettily freckled with rosy red : Miss Florence, pure white, faintly touched with rose, a very vigorous grower and very strong on ohe stem; Holwood, a deep maroon self; Asphodel, clear rose-pink, a very fine-petalled flower ; Helms- man, a really splendid pure white of large size and with outspreading shell-like petals, the plant also strong and free. Another tine white is George Maquay, though here it appears to suffer from the great heat and scorching sun. As to its form and freedom it is excellent, and doubtless in cooler quarters and purer air it would rank first- class. ElSn is another pure white of unusual substance and exquisite in form. Edith Leaden- ham cannot be omitted from the white kinds, and, like others, it is free and a good doer, fine for massing. Amber Witch is of a yellow-butt' tone, beautiful in form and delicately touched with rosy lilac. In the scarlet selfs. Amy Robsart is a tine flower, rather dark-coloured, good in form, tine in calyx, and of splendid habit. Isinglass, a strongly-scented flower, is another grand scarlet self almost leather}' in the firmness of its petals, the latter broad and outspreading, the tine calyx cup retaining the petals in perfect contour. The Cadi is another fine thing of the same rich shade, and Lady Hindlip, even if a trifle smaller than some, is really very tine in colour, and certainly too good to be omitted from any list of scarlets. In Francis Wellesley we have a rose-carmine, a very distinct flower, free, and of good form. Coming to the fancies, we noted a good and distinct flower in Artemis, which is a scarlet, freckled and streaked with lavender. Czarina is also a handsome kind, also a yellow ground fancy, heavily edged with bright scarlet. Haidee is of a blue-mauve shade, very attractive among the host of good things by reason of its striking shade of colour, and Saul is a good addition to the self-yellow class. Some very fine yellow - ground Picotees are Mrs. Tremayne, Mohican, Miss Violet, and His Excellency, all being of fine form and very full and free. The THE GARDEK [July 29, 1899. vigour of the present-day type of yellow grounds is also a noteworthy feature. These are some of the more important novelties, though there are others, perhaps, equally meritorious, and others, too, not sulticiently forward when these notes were taken to form an opinion of them. Besides these there were either masses or beds wholly devoted to such as Bendigo, perhaps the most remarkable Carnation ever raised in point of colour. It is also a fine grower. Cinnamon is a fine attractive flower, and Garville Gem is the best so far of the so-called heliotrope- shaded kinds. King Arthur, Knight Errant, and Mrs. Macrae are of the finest type of the scarlet selfs, the last named being an improved Hayes' Scarlet, which is saying much of any scarlet kind. Little John is also a splendid scarlet, with full flowers and perfectly smooth petals, while Ness is, perhaps, the brightest of the scarlet kinds. Joe Willet, an old scarlet kind, still finds favour ; it is very dwarf and free, and for a companion of similar habit, Mrs. Frank Watts is an excellent white. These are but a small part of the Chelsea col- lection of these beautiful flowers, which in their massed and varied colours constitute a most attractive exhibition in the open air at the present time. , Stove and Greenhouse. HELICONIA SANDERI. This distinct and handsome fine-foliaged plant is one of several species which have been in- troduced within the last twenty years from " South Sea Islands " (wherever they are), and which have been called Heliconias, without having any evident relationship with that genus beyond belonging to the same natural order. True Heliconias are all natives of tropical America. Their leaves are not distichous (arranged fan-like), and they are quite different in texture from these South Sea islanders. Mr. Baker, who recently monographed the genus Heliconia and the several other members of Musea?, says these Asiatics probably belong to a new genus, but nothing can be done with them until the flowers are known. Cultivators who succeed in flowering any of them therefore will do useful botanical service by sending the leaves, rendering it unique among plants of its' kind. It was introduced by Mr. Bull in 1S93. A variety named rubricaulis differs from the type in having the leaves more richly variegated and the- bases of the leaf-stalks coloured vermilion. lb was distributed by Messrs. F. Sander and Co. ia 1895. H. Sanderi (see figure) has the habit of H. illustris, differing only in being dwarfer, broader in the leaf-blade, and in being marbled with creamy white and rose on a glossy green ground. Messrs. Sander's collector describes it as a robust Musa-like plant, with the rich variegation of a tricolor Pelargonium. It received a first-class cer- tificate at the recent Temple show. These plants are all easily grown in a moist stove, and they pay for liberal treatment. The finest examples I have seen were grown by Mr. T. Roohford in his Broxbourne nurseries. W. W. Geraniums for winter flowering'. — Now is the time to pay special attention to plants of German Iris Beauty. — This is an exquisite flower worthy of its name, and one of the prettiest I know. The standards are whitish below, veined with a velvety purple, the upper portion a deep violet-blue with white mottling. The falls are as beautiful as the lip of an Orchid, a soft bluish tinge of white with a reticulated margin of purple and deeper lines of the same colour lead- ing to the beard. It is surprising what a recuperative power the German Iris possesses, small and shrivelled bits of root growing away freely and at once if planted in spring, while if good stout rhizomes are used they make tine flower- ing plants in one season. — H. New soil for hardy flowers. — I lately noticed the good effect of new soil on Mignonette and other things in a villa garden near here. The beds ap- peared to have been filled up with maiden loam taken from building sites and chopped fine, and the roots, judg- ing from the vigorous character of every- thing in the garden, were revelling in it. I thought private gardeners might well take the hint. Often, of course, flower borders and beds cannot bo entirely renewed, but if spare soil of any re- spectable nature, leaf mould, burnt re- fuse, and road scrapings were added in liberal bulk, the effect on growth and bloom would soon be apparent, altering the character of the various occupants much more than the orthodox plan of merely dig- ging or pointing in ordinary manure. — Norwich. GiUenia trifoliata. — When it can be left with safety from wind to develop its true habit, this plant is one of the most beautiful of our border or rock garden flowers. A good plant I saw the other day in Mrs. Maxwell-Witham's garden reminds me that one seldom sees any reference to it. Why this is so it seems hard to tell, because its beauty and grace would entitle it to frequent favourable notice. In some other gardens — notably in that of Mr. J. Lotimer, Nith- bank, Dumfries, I have seen taller plants than that at Kirkconnel, but none pleased me better because of its neatness combined with elegance and pretty effect. Unhampered by stake or tie it was very beautiful with its flowers so thickly set upon its foliage. It was as if a swarm of small white butterflies had settled down upon it. Unfortunately, some of us cannot, because of wind, grow our plants in so natural and pleasing a way. Gillenia trifoliata is a North American plant, and is most at home in a moist but not too wet soil. — S. Akxott. Heliconia Sanderi. From a photograph by Col. Taylor, Norbiton. flowers to Kew. Meanwhile we must perforce continue to call them Heliconias. The species referred to are as follows : — Heliconia aureostriata. — This was intro- duced in 1SS.3 and was figured and described in Mr. Bull's catalogue of new plants for the year following as a noble-looking plant, resembling a dwarf Musa in general appearance. The leaf- stalks are striated with green and yellow, and the elongated blade is deep green with the veins marked out by lines of bright yellow. When grown in rich soil the leaves get large and become uniformly green, as may be seen by a large example in a corner of the Victoria Lily tank at Kew. H. metallica was distributed by Mr. Bull in 1882. It closely resembles H. spectabilis, which may be only a form of it. H. SPECTAEiLis. — Introduced by M. Linden in 1891. This has large glossy green, ovate leaves, with a dull red midrib and coloured dull purple beneath. H. illustris, well known to growers of stove plants, has beautifully variegated red and green zonal Geraniums intended for winter flowering. Those struck in January or February will now have received their final potting. Pots 6 inches in diameter are those the majority of growers use, and when once the outsides of the balls are fairly well furnished with roots, judicious feeding must be commenced and followed up right through the flowering season. I do not think any compost surpasses good loam kept open by coarse sand or road grit. Avoiding crowding the plants, as a free circulation of air and sunshine are essential for the building up of a hardy constitution and thorough maturity. A dewing overhead with the syringe at eventide will be beneficial. — Norfolk. Clethra alnifolia as a market plant. — This Clethra, known as the White Alder of the United States, has been long grown as a hardy shrub in the open ground, and of late Messrs. Veitch have shown us what a pretty thing it is when brought on under glass, for they generally exhibit it in good condition at the Temple show. For all this, it was somewhat of a surprise to meet with it in Covent Garden Market, :in the shape of bushes about 4 feet high, whichwere July 29, 1899.1 THE GARDEN. 89 plentifully sprinkled with their spikes of white blossoms. Having expanded under glass, the flowers were decidedly whiter than those in the open ground. As an outdoor shrub it is, in a cool, moist soil, decidedly attractive. This Clethra flowers, as a rule, during the month of August, but a variety— tomentosa— which ap- pears to be rare I have seen at Kew in bloom after the others were all over. — H. P. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. July '25. The meeting on the above date was far better than anyone could have expected after the tropical heat we have lately had. The Orchids were not quite so numerous as on previous occasions, but in the other departments there was a good display, more especially in the fruit, the very fine collection of Gooseberries attracting a deal of attention. Orchid Oommittee. First-class certificates were awarded to the fol- lowing : — Resanthera Imschootiana. — This lovely plant caused some sensation a few years ago when exhibited by Mr. Woodall, of Scarborough. On the present occasion a finer-developed spike was sent. The upper sepal and petals are each about an inch long, orange-yellow, sufifused and spotted with purple. The lower sepals are rich purple, mottled and spotted with a dark shade of crimson, the lip deep purple in front, with a clear space of yellow at the base of the front lobe. The side lobes are purple, lined with yellow at the base. The cut spike carried upwards of twenty flowers. From Mr. J. Gurney Fowler, South Woodford. SoPHRO Cattleya Queen Empress (Cattleya Mossiffi X Sophronitis grandiSora). — This is by far the finest of the Sophronitis hybrids. The sepals are deep purple at the top and around the margin, shading to light rose towards the base. The petals are similar, of nearly the same colour as the petals, but veined with a darker shade of purple, the lip reddish purple in front, with some crimson through the centre, the side lobes mar- gined with yellow, the remaining portion purple, shading to yellow at the base, where there is also a suffusion of brown. The plant carried a two- flowered raceme. Mr. Seden is to be congratu- lated on the production of so fine a hybrid after waiting a period of sixteen years. It is the only plant. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Disa Clio superba (D. grandiflora x D.Veitchi). — This differs from the typical hybrid in its hav- ing deep magenta segments. The lip is deep yel- low, spotted with dark brown. The colour is most distinct and attractive, and the plant should prove a desirable addition to this fine race of hybrid Disas. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sous. An award of merit wa? adjudged to — Vanda teres (Gunnersbury Park variety). — This is a distinct and pretty form, the sepals white, the petals slightly tinted with rose-lilac. The front lobe of the lip has a distinct zone of rosy lilac in front of the bright lemon-yellow disc. The side lobes are rose-tinted on the exterior, yellow inside. A cut raceme of five flowers came from Mr. G. Reynolds, Gunnersbury Park, Acton. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons sent a small, but choice group consisting wholly of hybrids. The most prominent among these was a grand dark form of Laelio-Cattleya callistoglossa ignescens. The sepals and petals are of fine form and sub- stance, pale rose-lilac, the front lobe of the lip rich velvety crimson, the front of the throat bright lemon-yellow, lined with purple in the centre, shading to purple lined with yellow at the base. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. Lielia Olivia (xanthina x crispa), with its creamy white, yellow, and purple flowers, was well repre- sented. Cattleya Atalanta (C. Leopoldi X C. Warscewiczi) with two of its deep rose and rose- purple flowers was moat attractive, showing the distinctive characteristics of its parents. Epi- LcBlia Charlesworthi (L. cinnabarina x Epiden- drum radicans) with its orange-scarlet and yellow spotted purple flowers makes a fine addition to its class. E.-L. radico-purpurata with orange and purple-tinted sepals and petals, the large Bat lip deep purple, shaded with orange, and a large bright yellow disc, is very quaint and interesting. Epidendrum elegantulum has creamy white sepals and petals, the lip white, lined and spotted with violet-purple. Disa Clio (D. grandiflora x D. Veitchi) has rose and lilac-purple flowers. Disa Veitchi was also well represented. Cypripedium Morgan*, with two spikes of three flowers each, was very effec- tive. The true C. Harrisianum superbum, C. Alice, C. Astra-a, C. Euryale, and a dark form of C. Orphanum were also included. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., Bush Hill, sent a small group consisting of a fine plant of Cattleya Leopoldi with twenty six flowers on the spike. C. Eldorado Wallisi and a light form of C. Eldorado were also included. In C. Prince of Wales the sepals and petals are greenish white, the lip white, shading to yellow at the base, the whole surface veined and suffused with bright pink. C. Dowiana was also well repre- sented. Dendrobium sanguineum, with its scarlet, white and yellow flowers, was mo^t attractive. Messrs. F. Sander and Co. sent Cypripedium Premier, C. Lord Derby, C. A. de Lairesse, C. Garbari and C. calloRothschildianum. Most of these were noted at the Chiswick meeting. Mr. T. B. Haywood sent two spikes of eight flowers each of the almost white Miltonia vexil- laria Daisy Haywood. A fine form of M. v. radiata and other forms came from the same collection. Mr. E. Ashworth sent Dendrobium formosum Lowi. In this the flowers were alto gether larger than in the plant exhibited by Sir T. Lawrence, the lines on the lip being distinctly marked, showing the intermediate characteri-jtics of the parent species indicated in the name. Sir T. Lawrence sent Stanhopea aurantiaca, with deep yellow and brown spotted flowers. Mr. F. A. Rehder sent Cypripedium Miss Rehder, having the intermediate characteristics of the two species from which it is derived. Lt.-Col. Ship- way sent a good form of Cattleya Warscewiczi and a distinct Gongora with brown and white flowers. Floral Committee. A first-class certificate was awarded to Abies DouiiLASi puiMila. — This is the Colorado form of this plant, and certainly beautiful in the form seen at the Drill Hall. The pretty, almost pea-green tone of the plant, coupled with the compact bush form, should render it serviceable in any part of the garden. From Mr. Anthony Waterer, Woking, Surrey. An award of merit was granted to each of the following : — Acer oalifornicum aureum. — Some discussion was raised as to the identity of this, but, apart from its title, the variety in question, if of the same hue permanently, is a very attractive plant, the foliage a pale golden yellow, with perliaps a suspicion of cream. From Hugh Low and Co., Enfield. Campanula Mayi. — This plant would have been more correctly labelled C. isophylla var. Mayi ; indeed, for all practical purposes it is nearly a repetition of the typical C. isophylla. The chief difference is that C. isophylla is more distinctly hirsute than the seedling. In other respects, that of habit, freedom of flowering, colour, (fee, the two are almost identical. Though the plants were trained erect, it is, of course, like C. iso- phylla in all its variations, a first-class trailing plant. The flowers are pale blue and salver shaped. From Mr. H. B. May, Edmonton. Beoonia M. Wannot. — A double tuberous kind, having handsome flowers of immense size of a delicate sliell-pink shaded with salmon. From Messrs. R. Hartland and Son, Cork. Beconia Mr. John Caulfield. — Another handsome sort with large flowers of an intense crimson scarlet hue. From Messrs. R. Hartland and Son, Cork. CuRNUs macrophylla. — A handsome shrub which occurs frequently throughout Japan and Northern India. It is of vigorous growth and bears an abundance of clusters of creamy blossoms. From Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea. Arundo donax macrophylla. — The chief difi'erences between this and the ordinary forms of A. donax are its larger stature and decided glaucous colour of the leaves, that render it conspicuous at a distance. It is also called A. d. glaucus. From Mr. Anthony Waterer, Woking. ViTis Thunbergi. — In so far as size and general appearance go this appears a large form of the well- known V. Coignetia?, and quite distinct in garden effect. The leaves are finely coloured in autumn. From Mr. Anthony Waterer, Woking, Surrey. Delphinium Jose Marie de Heredia. — A double— not a semi-double, as most so-called doubles are— with closely arranged flowers of light azure blue and rather deeper on the outer side. From Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea. Campanula Warlevi. — A very distinct and pretty member of the Bellflower family, which attains nearly a foot high in the largest plants shown. The colour is deep violet-blue, the corollas of a semi-double character. The plant is rather free flowering, and slender and elegant in growth rather than vigorous, and though we trust it may prove a true perennial, the examples shown afford some uneasiness in this direction. From Miss Willmott, Warley Place, Essex. Caladium Mme. Jean Dabowski. — A striking form with blood - crimson foliage, elegantly bordered with dark green, the leaves large and the plant generally showy. From Messrs. John Laing and Sons, Forest Hill. Rose J. B. M. Camm.— A hybrid Bourbon of considerable promise. The ground colour is nearly white, the tips of the petals shading to rather deep rosy pink, which on the finely recurving petals is seen to advantage. The blossoms are delightfully fragrant. It is a seedhng, raised between the H.P. Mme. Gabriel Luizet and the H.B. Mrs. Paul. From Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. PiiLOX Fiancee.— A pure white herbaceous kind, which, considering the intense heat and general dryness, was very good. From Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. NicoTiANA sylvestris. — Visitors to the hybrid conference at Chiswick had a good opportunity of noting this plant, a cut spike of which was now shown. The flowers are white, and droop in the daytime while not closing. From Mr. J. Hudson, gardener to Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, Gunners- bury. From Edmonton Messrs. J. Hill and Son brought a really grand lot of Ferns, many of which were of great size. Some of the more important things were Leucostegia immersa, Cyathea insignis, Da- vallia fijiensis elegans, a splendid example; Nephrolepis davallioides furcans, Adiantum ele- gantissimum, A. trapeziforme, both in capital form ; Pteris aspericaulis, with red - coloured fronds ; P. tremula Smithiana, very fine ; Da- vallia tenuifolia Veitchi and D. epiphylla, fully (i feet across. Dicksonia davallioides and several Gymnogrammas were also shown, the group occupying a considerable space. A silver-gilb Flora medal was awarded. Another highly meritorious group was that of Ivies from Messrs. Wm. Cutbash and Sons, Highgate. These were presented in excellent condition, the plants nicely arranged in baskets, one such being devoted to each kind, which materially assisted the view and equally the group. In all there were some four dozen examples or thereabouts representing very naturally the finest material of this valuable 90 THE GAEDEK [JuLi 29, 1899. group. A few kinds are dentata, maderiensis argentea variegata, rhomboidea obovata, palmata aurea, &c. A silver-gilt Flora medal was de- servedly awarded in this instance. A capital lot of hardy flowers and the hybrid Rhododendrons of jasminiflorum and javanicum were shown by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea. In the former, Verbena venosa, Platycodon grandiflorum album and P. Mariesi, Gaura Lindheimeri, the latter a fine subject for a dry soil ; Romneya Coulteri, a fine solitary flower of this ; (Enothera speciosa, Scabiosa caucasica, Liatris, Eryngiums in variety, Statice latifolia, very beautiful ; Cimi- cifuga racemosa, with fine spikes of white and creamy white flowers : Delphinium sulphureum, a splendid spike of this fine plant ; Harpilium rigidum, the tarly form; Sidalcea Candida, Mo narda didyma, and others were included, the group being finished oti with sprays of Gypsophila paniculata. The Rhododendron hybrids were a complete set of these so far as then in flower, nothing new or fresh being noted. A silver Flora medal was awarded. A beautiful and interesting gathering of hardy things from Messrs. Walliice and Cj., Colchester, contained a variety of Lilies, including L. Henryi, L. Browni, L pardalinum, many beautiful forms of L. Thunbergianum, the brilliant scarkt L. chaloedonicum, much finer than is usually seen, and not least a finely-marked L. auratum (vittatum variety). Indeed, with the L. auratum foliage and growth generally we have a decidedly L. platyphyllum flower in many respects, particularly size and breadth of the seg- ments, and with all this we have a flower much richer and more intensely coloured even than L rubro-vittatum. At present no distinctive name has been given to this fine Lily, which promises to be an acquisition. Other good things in Messrs. Wallace's group included Montbretias, Alstrtemerias, Calochorti, Liatris spicata. Del- phinium cardinale, Echinops Ritro, some lovely Japan Irises, and a few good sorts of garden Carnations (silver Flora medal). The group of Cacti and allied plants from Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley, was among the chief attractions of this meeting. Many of the examples were very rare, others almost unique, and all interest- ing. A very fine piece of the Golden Cactus (Echinocactus Grusoni), with its long gold spines, was in the centre, the not less beautiful E. cylin- dricus versicolor, with reddish spines 4 inches long, being a close companion. Other good things are E. c. chrysanthus and the sturdy E. ingens. There were also some notable examples of Cereus, Echinocereus, Opuntias, Pilocereus, P. senilis (the Old Man Cactus) being noticeable in several fine plants. There were also good contributions of Echinop^is, Mammillarias, and others of this very remarkable group, the whole of which formed an exhibit quite unique in character and material. A silver Flora medal was awarded. From Langport, Messrs. Kelway and S^ns sent a large display of Gladioli, cut spikes of these being arranged in boxes. As yet it is early for these things, and the kinds staged do not in any sense represent the good things we h ive seen from this firm. Some seedlings of G. Kelwayi, said to be a new race, were also shown, but no information could be obtained as to their origin, though some of them appeared to possess certain characters of the G. Lemoinei forms. One of the best of these is Mr. J. W. Willard, a large salmon-pink with crimson base. Max MuUer, Kipling, Lord Ashbourne, and Brutus are good scarlet kinds. Dr. Wood- man, Plunket, salmon shades, and King of Siam, a rich crimson-maroon, were also noteworthy. The same firm also had Gaillardias, Hollyhocks, and a selection of herbaceous things, as Eryn- giums, Achilleas, Lychnis, the pretty Delphinium Belladonna, and such like (silver Flora medal). Roses came from three sources, viz., Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt ; Cooling and Sons, Bath ; and Mr. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross. In the first named, mixed with many beautiful Roses, such as Miman Cochet and its white form, Muriel Grahame, Ellen Keller, Mrs. Grant, and Gustave Regis, were some good heads of Phloxes, such things as Etna, Regulus, Coquelicot being conspicuous among the bright coloured kinds. Iris, a purple-mauve, was also noted as distinct from thegeneral collection (silver Banksian medal). In Messrs. Cooling's lot, which was arranged in vases in bunches, Gustave Regis and Papa Gontier were very fine, while more conspicuous even than these were Duchesse d'Auerstadt, a clear rich golden, and Mile. B. Violette, a yellow and white kind. Paul's Single White and Macartney Sim- plex were also good among single kinds (silver Banksian medal). In Mr. Rumsey's lot the most telling thing was a box of the pink Mrs. Rumsey, the other boxes containing single blooms of a great variety of kinds (silver Banksian medal). A very fine array of cut Begonia blooms from Messrs. Richard Hartland and Son, Cork, repre- sented a fine strain of these flowers. Some of the doubles were particularly fine and were selected for awards, the remainder all afl'ording evidence of the highest excellenca. The batch was very strong in the pale salmon shades. Flowers of seedling single kinds were also shown, and though by no means the best things to stand so long a journey, came out quite fresh and good, and" stood well during the day (silver Banksian medal). The group of Campanulas and Ferns from Mr. H. B. May, Edmonton, was a very attractive one, the former being of the blue and white kinds of C. isopbylla. The blue kind called C. Mayi is obviously a seedling from C. isophylla alba, and for all practical purposes a reversion to the typicvl species. This last, however, is, per- haps, rather more hirsute than the seedling, which is in every respect a free-growing and abundantly flowered plant. It is a coincidence that Mr. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill, ex- hibited a seedling Campanula at the recent Chiswick conference which appears identical with the present plant (silver Banksian medal). Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., Enfield, showed a small group of Acer californicum aureum, and Mr. A. Waterer, Woking, had a variety of interesting trees and climbers, among these Fagus sylvatica purpurea pendula, very fine and distinct, Quercus pedicularis, Clethra canescens, and a fine golden form of Ulmus campestris named Louis van Houtte. Ku/lreuteria paniculata is a pretty yellow-flowered plant. Vitis Coignetin- and V. Thunbergi were also shown in capital form. Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, Ipswich, had an assortment of Sweet Peas. Messrs. Sander brought good examples of Acalypha hispida, and the pretty Palm, Linospadix Petrickiana. Messrs. Dobbie and Co. had a group of Victoria Pansies, a strain of bronzy-red flowers. As usual, the Messrs. Barr and Sons had an exhibit of hardy flowers, for the most part the usual subjects that are now in flower, as Coreopsis, Heliopsis, Anchusa italica, the white and mauve Scabiosa ciuoasica. Phloxes of the decussata section, beautiful Japanese Irises, Platycodon Mariesi, Francoa, Alstrn meria psittacina, Liiliums, and one or two forms of Campanula carpitica, &c. Mr. Salter, gardener to Mr. T. B. Haywood, Reigate, showed handsome bunches of Carnations Isinglass and Germania, neither of which can be equalled in their respective shades of colour, the flowers being very finely grown. A most attrac- tive group arranged on the floor was that from Sir Charles Pigott, Wexham Park, Slough (gar- dener, Mr. J. Flemming). The chief attraction of the group was some finely - grown Humeas, drooping their willowy plumes over some well- grown examples of the blue and white Chimney Campanula, the general effect being very distinct and pleasing. The groundwork was composed of the usual plants, Crotons, Carnations, Cannas, Caladiums, Liliums, Francoa and such like being disposed to good advantage from several central or important positions, everything, however, being subordinate to the Humeas and the Bell- flower above-named, and which lent a distinct charm to the whole. More than this, it fully demonstrated the value of tall, graceful and ele- gant things in the decoration of the conservatory, or indeed any large building, and for such a pur- 1 pose the plants cited are perhaps ditflcult to equal. Fruit Oommittee. A meeting was held in the society's gardens on July '2-t to examine dwarf Beans, early Potatoes, and Tomatoes on trial. Unfortunately, the com- mittee was one member short, so could only recommend awards, but as these were sanctioned by the larger committee at the Drill Hall the next day, the awards appear in that day's pro- ceedings. Some thirty stocks of early Potatoes were lifted and ten selected for cooking. 'The crops were excellent for the season, many haying been cut down by frost early in May and again in June. Three marks were given Early Peter, Caradoc Seedling, Norbury Park, Prolific, and Hibberd's Seedling. The others did not pass the cooking test. St. Lawrence, Early Market, and Leader were good in other respects. It is only fair to add some kinds were not sufficiently matured. Dwarf French Beans formed a most exhaustive trial, nearly all the kinds in commerce being grown. The seed was sown on a south border on Miy .">. About fifty-seven stocks were represented. Some half dozen kinds were selected as superior, three mark?! being given. Turnips were examined, but owing to heat and drought were past their best. Tomatoes in pots were next gone through. There was but little novelty, as, though some excellent kinds were on trial, any new variety must be good to be recognised. Comet, an old kind, was given three marks for its excellent cropping, and a very pretty variety, Cherry Ripe, was given the same award. A new Tomato, a sport from the Red Peach, and by selection improved, has handsome fruits of a pale peach colour and of excellent quality. This the committse recommended for a first-class certifi- cate. This committee had its full share of work at the Drill Hall on Tuesday, there being some excellent exhibits. First class certificates were given the follow- ing:— Gbai'e L.iDY HASTiNciS.— A sport from Muscat Hamburgh, bat a much stronger variety, having robust, glossy f iliage, a roundish large berry with thin skin an I of splendid colour. It is very juicy, with a distnct Muscat flavour. This is a valuable addition to the Black Muscat Grapes. From Mr. W. Shingles, The Gardens, Melton Constable, Norfolk. Stk.wvberry L.\dy Sdffield. — A new variety that has been shown on several occasions of late. It is a dark fruit not unlike Lord SuHield in colour, with prominent seeds and of excellent flavour. It is a free cropper and evidently a good keeper, as the fruits sent were of fine quality. From Mr. Wm. Allan, Gunton Park Gardens, Norwich. Cherry Noble.— A very fine late fruit, dark red, not unlike a very fine Morello in appearance, but a dessert variety. It is very fleshy, sweet and a great bearer. This will be a welcome addition to the late kinds. From Messrs. Ray and Co., Nurserymen, Teynham, Kent. Awards of merit were given to the following : — Potato Early Peter.— A kidney-shaped tuber of fine flavour with a short top, very productive. From Mr. Bradley, Church Street, Peterborough. PoT.\To C.VRADor Seedling.- A pebble-shaped tuber of fine quality. It is an early variety and very prolific. From Mr. Caddick, Caradoo Court, Ross, Herefordshire. Potato Norbury Park. — This is a distinct early kidney with a dwarf top and of excellent quality. From Mr. L. Solomon, Norbury Park, Dorking. Potato Prolific— A very prolific early variety with a rough skin and of first-class quality. From Messrs. Johnson and Sons, Boston, Lincoln. Potato Hibberd's SEEOLiNri. — A yellow- fleshed kidney of excellent quality with small top. From Mr. H. Hibberd, Edge End, Botley, Hants. French Bean Pkocress.— An enormous crop- per with large fleshy pods of fine shape. It is very early and stands drought well. Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Ltd. , Chelsea. From July 29, 1899.J THE GARDEN. Fkenc'H Bkan EvER-iiEARiNc. — This is a dis- tinct Bean with large leafage, tbe flowers being produced in long racemes aboi'e the leaves. The plants continue bearing for a long time. The pods are of a good size and fleshy. The only drawback with this class of Bean is that the plants in wet seasons, owing to the produce being on the top, are liable to be beaten down and get dirty. MM. Vilmorin et Cie., Paris. French Bean Stringlbss. — In this the pods are devoid of the string portion at the backs. This is a great gain, as much time is saved in preparation. The pods are round, very fleshy, of good quality, and produced freely. The plant is a free grower, and the pods are best if cooked whole. French Bean Ne Plus Ultra. — This is a well- known variety and very delicate in flavour. It is an excellent cropper and very early. From Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., Chelsea. French Bean Perfection. — This has long succulent, narrow pods of a roundish form, very fleshy, of excellent quality, and produced in abundance. From Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading. French Bean Covent Garden Early Neoro. — This is a long-podded variety, and though not a very early kmd it is remarkable for its crop- ping. The pods are long and narrow. From Messrs. Watkins and Simpson, Strand, W.C. ToM.iTO Cherkv Ripe. — A Plum shaped fruit, produced on large long clusters, and excellent for salad. It was one of the best flavoured Tomatoes grown at Cbiswick out of many' kinds. It is very prolific, the fruits of a deep crimson colour. From Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Rothesay, N.B. Tomato The Comet. — An old variety, still one of the best on trial for crop, quality, and shape. The fruits are produced in great profusion and are medium-sized. The Royal Horticultural Society, Chiswick. Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., sent one hundred varie- ties of Gooseberries in trays and a goodly number of trees in pots, also in cordon shape, fan-trained and vase or cup-trained. The trees were laden with fruit and the leafage perfect. Mention must be made of such as Langley Beauty and Langley Gage, new kinds of great merit. Industry, Forester, Keepsake, High Sherift', Clayton, Tom Jones, Jenny Lind, Lancashire Lad and Oldham were also good. In the white section. Alma, Antagonist, King of Trumps and Progress w.rj beautiful fruits. In the greens, such kinds as Fearless, Keepsake, Matchless, Plunder and Sur- prise were excellent, and in the red section, which was strongly represented, we noted Clayton, Crown Bob, Dan's Mistake, Duke of Sutherland, Highlander, Nottingham and Whinham's In- dustry, with excellent yellow kinds, such as Drill, Hannah, Leveller, Penn, Pilot and Trumpeter. Bright Venus, Early Red, Ironmonger, Keens' Seedling, Warrington, Champagne and Yellow Sulphur were noteworthy for flavour. A gold medal was deservedly awarded. From Mr. G. Norman, Hatfield House GjrJens, Herts, was sent a choice collection of dessert fruit, including Royal George Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines and Brown Turkey Figs. Grapes in three varieties were the weikest dishes. Cherries were fine, the Bigarreau Napoleon, Frogmore Bigarreau, Black Tartarian and May Duke being splendid. British Queen and Waterloo Strawberries were also good. Raspberries Superlative and Norwich Wonder, with White and Red Currants, were also shown (silver gilt Knightian medal) Messrs. Harrison and Sons, Leicester, sent eighty varieties of Peas. A few of the older kinds were not true to name. The dishes of Duchess, Gladstone, Telephone, Duke of Rutland, Geo. Clelland, Sharpe's Queen, Stratagem, Optimus, John Harrison, Gradus, Leicester Hero, Emperor of .lapan, and several new hybrids were of excellent size and colour (silver Knightian medal). A new Grape stated to be a white early Muscat came from Andover. Thj committee thought it ti ba a B'rontignan variety. A new Raspberry (Eclipse) camo from Mr. Jennings, Barrow-on-Humber, but of no spe- cial merit. The same exhibitor sent a new Pea called Competitor, which was referred to Caia- wick for trial. Messrs. Veitch sent tho Logan- berry, also fruit in a preserved state. Mr. G. Wythes, Syon House, Brentford, sent seedling Melons. Special Meeting, Jitly 21. A special m eting was held at 117, Victoria Street on July il tci consider the proposed altera- tions in the society's charter. Most of the members of the council attended and about twenty Fellows, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bt. , presiding. The presi- dent stated that the council had in the past found some portion of the old charter most ditlicult to work, and it was feared some of their actions in the past were not quite legal, and though they had all tried to do the right thing, they had taken legal advice and were now endeavour- ing to make clearer and more workable rules. Much of the confusion in the past arose at the time the society had to vacate South Ken- sington. This made a lot of the existing charter obsolete, and they were advised it would be far better to get a new charter and add more to the bye-laws than patch up the old one. The council trusted the Fellows would see the need of the proposed alterations. The president, in calling upon the solicitor to read the new charter, said he would be glad to explain any points and reply to questions that arose. Air. Clark, from the oHice of Messrs. Garraud, James, and Wolff, solicitors. Pall Mill, then read the new charter. This showed considerable alterations in election of members of the council, and we think even now the process might have been much simplified ; but without the new charter to refer to it is diffi- cult to criticise. It is proposed that one-fifth of the number retire yearly, but till and including 1903 the present system is to be followed ; after- wards it will be eligible for members to be re- elected. There is still the same cumbrous mode of procedure about notices to nominate a new member from outside. Dr. Masters asked if the new charter would cause a total reconstruction of bye laws, and was informed it would. Mr. G. Gordon regretted the smallness of the meeting, and raide some suggestions as to election of council and its members. In reply, the president said in the past the dithculty had been to get gentlemen to give their time. Sir J. Llewelyn, Bart., seconded the adoption of the new charter. National Carnation Society. — The report of this show will appear in our next issue. Notes of the Week. Pratia angulata. — This is now freely covered with its pretty white flowers, to ba later aucceeiled by e(iually attractive fruits. In a moist position in neaty soil the plant covers a large space quickly, and ia also serviceable in large hanging pans in the green- honae or cool fernery. Nymphaea Froebeli.— Others have begun to take pirt in the good work done by M. Latour- Marliac, among them M. Froebel, of Zurich, whose N. Froebeli is a vigorous and hardy kind. After a trial of two Boasons in open water it is now larg? and free in flower compared with the other highly- ooloureil kinds, and is a tine deep crimson. Mazus Pumilio. — This pretty plant, with its SnapJra^on-like flowers, is one of the freest of aub- jecta for covering the surface of the ground in any cool or rather shady place. The plant must have one of these it it is to gr.iw at all freely, for it dislikes dry and hot positiona. For so dwarf a plant it is quite a vigorous subject and of considerable value by reason of its hardy character. Delphini'im sulphureum. — Some tine spraya of this plant were shown at the Drill Hall meeting on Tuesday last. The term " aprays " is here employed because o^ the spray-like character of the inflorescence, as a whole as distinct from tho usual spike-like raceme of S3 many Larkspurs. In a group the free-branch- ing character of this plant is very hue, and for this as much as its distinct colour this yellow Larkspur merits wide cultivation. Geranium cinereum album. — This is one of those charming plants that everyone must admire at hrot sight. Not merely for its deiica,te bea,uoy ami grace, but as much for ita profuae flowering ia it worth the attentioQ of all who deUght in dwarf and pretty rock plants. Indeed, it is these very plants which, while not furnishing mateiial for catting, pro- vide at the present time the most beautiful of material in the rock girdea or in the open garden, anywhere it you will. CEaothera tatraptera rosea.— A very pretty and dainty coloured flower of the Evening Primrose family, a term, howev.2, " C. R." spaaks of the pleasingcontrast afforded byPrunella grandiflora with Lioaria tristis. This leads one to draw the notice of flowergrowers to the variety of P. grandiflora named P. g. Webbiana, but fre- quently called, as I have done in the heading, P. Webbiana. The colouring is much brighter than in the typical P. grandiflora, baing more scarlet than purple. I grow both hare, so can spaak of them from comparison on the spot.— S. Arnott. Iristing'itana. — Like the other correspondents who have written you, I fear I must express my disappointment with this Iris. Although my experience of it is not nearly so extensive as that of Rav. C. WoUey-Dod, I have had it for several years and hive not bloomsd it more thin once. It grows freely enough and does not appaar to mind late frosts or the other enemies to which many flowers are subj set. Rav. C. W. Dod's suggestive note may, however, lead to fresh attenopts to find out its requirements in our climate.— S. Arnott, Carnethoni, hi/ Dionlriii, N. /!. Carnation Isinglass.— It will be a splendid Carnation that will surpiss this lovely cri[n pay for the outlay.— -Fiyre Forediere. Rose Garden. THE CORSIOAN PINE. (PINUS LAKICIO.) Thk Corsican Pine attains sometimes to a height of close upon 150 feet and a circumference of 17 feet or 18 feet. The stem, which is much oftener cylindrical than conical, divests itself very slowly of its lower branches when grow ing in or on the borders of open clumps, but more rapidly when growing in dense masses, and finally becomes quite bare of branches from the summit downwards. In a tree 80 or 100 years old, or older, the summit becomes flattened in consequence of the bending of the leading shoot. Five-sixths of the length of the tree at this age is good timber. The cover aftbrded is at first thick, and becomes light only after the tree attains its maturity ; even then it is not so light as P. sylvestris. The Corsican Pine is found in mountainous regions. It makes its first appearance often along with P. maritinia at an altitude of 2780 feet, and is found as high as 5.578 feet, at which altitude it is only a stunted bush. It does best in a clayey gravel soil, and it attains its fullest development on fairly cool soUs. Its growth in diameter is not rapid. The timber of the Corsican Pine is white in very abundant layers, and varies from a rose-red to a brown- red according to its quality. The autumn tissue of each layer is clearly marked and of relatively great thickness. The resin ducts are very plainly seen, and contain a thick turpen- tine, which by filtering through the tissues and impregnating them with abundant resin often renders the wood as hard and translucid as horn. The wood has a fine close grain. The timber of this Pine is excellent for building. The feebleness and evenness of its annual growths — in which it bears a certain analogy with P. sylvestris of the north — joined to the fine dimensions which it attains to, gave rise to a hope that, like P. sylvestris, it would furnish masts of the first size. Experience has not justified this hope. The wood of the Cor- sican Pine is too charged with resin and too heavy : its fibre is short and of little solidity, as is proved by numerous small cracks produced by desiccation and shrinkage ; it is wanting in suppleness and is brittle. The French naval authorities have for these reasons refused to use it for masts, for which purpose it is neverthe- le.ss used in the Italian niirine. This excess of resin where it exists also renders the wood less valuable for industrial purposes. It furnishes, nevertheless, planks for the Toulon Arsenal, and there is no doubt it makes excellent and lasting sleepers for railways. Tlie qualities of the Corsican Pine are be- sides very variable, and an attentive study of the circumstances —formerly little known — which determine these ([ualities will doubtless govern the production. It seems, however, per- ROSE CELINE FORESTIER. Those who are in the habit of closely pruning all their Rsses irrespective of kind or habit wOl have only a moderate opinion of this pretty variety, but when it is allowed to ramble almost at will, simply cutting out any very weak or old wood and stopping extra vigorous shoots, what a beautiful thing it is. It is so distinct in habit and the colour and shape of its flowers as not to be readily mistaken for anything else, and here it is nearly always at its best after the first flush of Roses is over, and consequently fills a gap. A little observa- tion of the way this Rose flowers will show the fault of pruning closely every year. The ends of the new shoots flower it is true, but the majority of the blossoms occur upon laterals produced from the side of the previous year's wood, so the more this is shortened the less flower is produced, and, again, the pretty and distinct habit is lost. Although Celine Forestier flowers well against a wall, I never like to see it in such a position. It is true the young wood may be laid in and retained almost wholly, but unless these shoots can hang natu- rally, the plant loses a lot of its elegance and grace. It is not so bad when, as frequently seen in cottage gardens, it is nailed up to the wall, the shoots being allowed to push out a yard or more from it This freedom enhances its appearance materially, but Celine Forestier, like Aimee Vibert and one or two others, never looks so pretty as when allowed to take its natural form, on the grass for choice. The foliage is pretty at all times, and there are nearly always a few flowers to be seen, and, as noted, just when there is a scarcity of bloom in the Rose garden it is usually at its best. Roses as a whole attain their finest proportions on a rather heavy eoU, but this variety does best on a medium or light one, and if the posi- tion is a fairly sheltered one, so much the better. Light soils need a lot of manure, and it is use- less to try and grow a great mass of foliage and flowers in a poor, hungry soU. When the border or station for it is made, the bottom spit where the soil is light should be well enriched with cow manure, this being of a cooler nature than that from the stables or piggeries. Again, if the hose can be laid on and a thorough soaking of water given at the roots in very dry weather, it is well repaid by the increased freshness and vigour of the plant. Grower. Rose Mrs. F. W. Landford.— Tlie olom- of tins beautiful sport of Mrs. J. Laina is all one could desire, a clear pale blush, shading to white. I feir it will turn out to be inferior in substance to th3 variety it originat«cl from, the chief defect being ;i hollow centre Whether it will improve as a cut-biicl; remains to be seen. If it does not, I do not see we shall gain much by its introJuction. — P. Rosi Rosett'i de la Legion d'Honneur as a standard.— Tliis Rose makes a really handsouie Bt.andard, as, indeed, will most of the so-ciUed climb- ing Teas and Hybrid Teas. The shoots are elegantly disposed, there being no crowded or heavy appearance whatever. The flowers when open are not exceptional, 96 THE GARDEN. [August 5, 1899. the main attraction being the yellow band down the centre of the petals. The buds are really eliarming, making a lovely little rosette of a bright carnation- red, with a slight orange shading. Three or four of these tiiiy buds make a neat and pretty buttDn-hole. Rose Francois Michelon.— This fine Rose has been somewhat eclipsed by better autumnals of its own colour, such as Helen Keller, for in reality Francois Michelon is but a summer Rose. This should not, however, prevent its inclusion in any good collection, as one does not miss such kinds in autumn when the numerous Hybrid Teas, Teas and Bourbons abound. It is a splendid Rose both in form and colour, and recently re- ceived the silver medal as the best Hybrid Per- petual in the show. It makes long slender growths quite distinct from other kinds in habit and also in the peculiar light, greyish greenwood. These growths should be left ot a good length when pruning, even as much as 18 inches from the last season's pruning. It is well suited where a tall mass is wanted quickly. As is now gener- ally known, Mr. Bennett was fortunate enough to seed this Rose, one result being the superb all- round Hybrid Perpetual Mrs. John Laing. This was a striking proof of the value of cross-fertilisa- tion, for hitherto this variety, so far as I am aware, was never known to produce seed.— P. ROSES ON PILLARS AND ARCHES. " H. R." asks for the names of a few Roses that will quickly furnish themselves at the top. Un- fortunately, true running Roses that flourish best in this country have in most cases very small flowers. On the Riviera and the Continent gener- ally one often hears of Cloth of Gold, or Chroma- tella, as it is called, Mar(5chal Niel, Lamarque, &c., clambering away in wild confusion, but it would be useless attempting to grow such kinds upon trellises in our country unless it were in the south. There one can find Climbing Devoni- ensis, Fortune's Yellow, the Banksians, and similar Roses making most luxuriant growth. " H. R." complains of Crimson Rambler and Roses of that class becoming thick at the base. I do not look upon this as a fault ; rather the reverse. It is from the new growths constantly starting out from the lower parts that the healthy condition of a climbing Rose is maintained. This is far better than seeing long, scraggy growths with just a bloom or two at the top. If a good furnished top is desired to a trellis, I would recommend "fl. R." to bud some of the kinds named below upon tall standard Briers, the tallest he can pro- cure. In many old hedges and quarries I have obtained Briers with 7-feet to 8-feet stems. If these wore planted in their permanent positions, a good plant would be secured in a year and a half. In the meantime the same variety could be planted at the base. This plant in the period stated would reach up to the standard, and the object desired be partially, if not wholly, gained. As " H. R." truly remarks, a great deal of feeding IS necessary for these climbing Roses. I have often urged this in these columns. They really require treatment something after a Vine. It is a great mistake to plant climbing Roses in any ordinary soil. The borders should be well trenched and plenty of manure added. Some bone-meal in addition would be advisable, and where the soil IS not particularly good a cartload or so of one- year-old meadow loam would repay the expense. To induce these climbers to break more from the upper part of the growths, much can be done by early stopping of the bottom laterals, and if the growths become too thick at the base, then re- move them and divert the sap to the upper buds By stopping the shoots at the top about this time of year they become more ripened and more likely to come through a winter uninjured and break out at the top the following spring than they would if allowed to continue making a soft growth. It is the injury from spring frosts to the unripened wood that gardeners have so much to fear from the better class of clambering Roses As worthy companions to Crimson Rambler there appears no doubt that the three varieties namedatter the three Graces — Aglaia, Euphrosyne, Thalia — will be in much demand. They have the free, rambling habit of the multiflora tribe. Aglaia is canary-yellow in colour, the flowers pro- duced in large, pyramidal bunches. Euphrosyne has also large bunches of pink bloom, and Thalia is a semi-double form of the Polyantha simplex. These Roses grow well, but they require time to furnish themselves ere one can have much bloom. Claire Jacquier is grand. It makes enormous growths, and when established about three years is smothered with large trusses of pretty double nankeen-yellow flowers something like Perle d'Or. It is, unfortunately, not quite hardy and would need watching in severe weather. For rampant growth the new hybrids of Rosa Wichuriana are unequalled. They are really creeping Roses, but would look equally beautiful on a trellis. The leaves are bright and shiny and the flowers of the newest kinds are said to be of good size, although mostly single. There are about nine varieties ot various colours, such as white, cream, blush, pink and carmine. A really splendid grower is Reine Olga de Wurtemburg. I know of no more luxuriant climber than this and it is almost ever- green. The semi-double brilliant red flowers are most showy and picturesque, and I should say that this, together with Mme. Alfred Carrifere, would be two first-rate kinds that would meet the requirements of " H. R." I have seen Mme. Alfred Carriere growing as freely as one could possibly desire, and its fragrant creamy white flowers are freely produced. The Garland is a most vigorous grower, pro- ducing when well established immense corymbs of buff coloured flowers that are very pretty in the mass. The Ayrshire and Evergreen Roses, such as Felicit^-Perpi5tue, with its lovely little rosette flowers pure white in colour, furnish some of the fastest growers. It is one of the best companions to Crimson Rambler, blooming about the same time. Ruga, blush-pink, and Flora, shell-pink, are both first-rate rambling kinds. Mme. d'Arblay is a very luxuriant grower, but its semi-double tinted white flowers are not very conspicuous. Daniel Lacombe is a very pretty flower, and, what is more to the purpose, it grows well. The colour is chamois - yellow, tinted with rose. Laure Davoust would doubtless be a kind " H. R." is looking for. Its double flowers are of a very beau- tiful blush-pink shade. Jaune Desprez is a fine old variety belonging to the Noisettes, and will certainly grow well and is almost hardy. Its flowers are a mixture of buffred and sulphur. Another most useful Noisette is Aimee Vibert. This Rose may be seen in country places com- pletely enveloping cottages with its snowy white blossoms and shiny green foliage. Philomel. Kose Marchioness of Londonderry.— Magnificent is a term often applied to this Rose. It well deserves it when about half open, its deep globular ivory white flowers being so clean and beautiful. But the beauty of the flowers is not maintained, the full-blown blooms being anything but pleasing ; indeed so repulsive are they, that I would advise anyone growing this Rose to remove the flowers ere they reach this objectionable stage. This year the variety has been grand upon two-year-old plants, and even now the maiden bushes are yielding some delightful flowers that look something like large Magnolia blooms when about to open. Marchioness of Londonderry is evidently of the Victor Verdier race. — P. Hose Killarney — In point of colour I know of no Rose with such delightful freshness as the above variety. The term shell-pink is often employed when desiring to describe a peculiar clear pink, and this designation aptly describes Killarney. There is also a faint white edge to the petals. As individual tastes differ so much, this Rose will gain admirers by reason of its semi- double character, but by others, especially exhibitors, this thinness will be deplored, for the lovely petal and conical centre raise one's hopes, only to be dashed to the ground after the bloom has been boxed up for a few hours. As a garden Rose it will be much esteemed, for it flowers as freely as Mrs. W. J. Grant, from which I should imagine it to be a seedling. Killarney grows well and blossoms abundantly, and I shall not be surprised to see many lovely seedlings emanating from it. — P. Bosa Andersoni. — To term this an improved Dog Rose would not be far wrong. It is indeed a most profuse bloomer. Taking this fact into consideration and also remembering that its flowers are each 3 inches across, it would seem to be worth cultivating, although the line must be drawn somewhere, or our gardens will be over- stocked with these pretty, but fugitive varieties. In general appearance the flowers are very much like those of the hybrid Sweet Brier Amy Rob-- sart. Andersoni has an unusual abundance of golden anthers, which gives it a somewhat rich appearance, especially when the variety is planted to form a hedge. It is well adapted for this pur- pose, its growth being more compact than in many of the single kinds. Almost every exhibit of garden Roses pub up this year contained Andersoni, which proves it to be a general favourite. Exquisite tints of some recent novelties in Roses. — Most interesting is it to learn from such a good authority as M. P. Guillot the history of that charming Rose Mme. Laurette Messimy. As he justly remarks, it has indeed created a new type. Can it be that his later productions are the result of similar crossing? Mme. Eugfene Resal is even more delightful in colour than Mme. Laurette Messimy, and there seems to be a wonderful affinity between this latter kind and the newer Tea Roses, such as Souvenir de Catherine Guillot, Mme. Rene Gerard, Souvenir de J. B. Guillot, Mme. RiSne de St. Marceau, and Marghe- rita di Simone, all of which it is impossible to do full justice to in describing their colours. I should like to see some attempt made to increase the size of this class of Rose. At present the fullest of them is Souvenir de Catherine Guillot, a variety that has been much admired this year, the orange shading making it even a more general favourite than rideal.— P. Hose Slme. Alfred de Rougemont is a charming little Rose belonging to a most useful group that produces the welcome blooms just when the Hybrid Perpetuals are waning. For free flowering, the Noisette Perpetuals are almost equal to the Tea-scented, but, of course, do nob approach that tribe in beauty and refinement of blossom. However, they are valuable garden Roses, although mostly of white or pinkish white colours. Mme. Alfred de Rougemont has pretty red buds, that show up well among the white, delicately tinted flowers. If used in the flower garden, the centre plants should be trained as pillars and the outer row pegged down if neces- sary. This method is adopted on the Continent, and it certainly has the merit of boldness. Even with such Roses as Camoens and Marquise de Salisbury a less formal effect would be produced if the centre plants were somewhat elevated. Nearly the same results may be achieved if half standards and dwarf standard plants are used for the middle of the bed, but these are nob always obtainable. Other good Noisette Per- petuals would be found in Coquette des Blanches, one of the freest and best white Roses, and Mme. Auguste Perrin, a delightful Rose, with light and elegant flowers, pale rose in colour, the reverse of the petals whitish. In Mme. Fanny de Forest, a large Rose for this group, the flowers are a salmon-white, changing to a rosy white. Mme. Francois Pittet has beautiful red buds, which are charming among the small snow-white double flowers. Mile. Blanche Durrschmidt is an exquisite blush-white Rose, with very loose flowers, which are produced in large clusters, often as many as seventeen buds and blossoms upon a single truss. Paul's Single White, a very pure white and withal a free bloomer, is quite ab home upon an arch, wall, or pillar, the large white blossoms being very showy. — P. August 5, 1899.J THE GAEDEK 97 JAPANESE WAYS OF ARRANGING a stem of Solomon's Seal, or a tuft of Iris, are FLOWERS. arranged so as to show the whole beauty and Mr. EiriA, a Japanese, well known in London stature of the plant, form of leaf, bud, and for the introduction of the bronzes of his flower, and never too much of it. No doubt it country, has opened a little exhibition of I is a very important lesson to learn, though as flowers arranged in the Japanese way at No. 5, Conduit Street, Bond Street, in which one can gee — though no doubt to much disadvantage owing to the difficulty of finding the sort of plants the Japanese use most— ways very di fife- rent from our own of arranging flowers. There is a good deal of very curious and subtle writ- ing about this in a list he pub- - lishes, such as the following : — Several styles are practised— as the Koriu, the Enshiu, the Misho, and the Ikenobo — and in each of these are various schools, each with its own interpretation of the universal rules, and each with its own secrets of manipulation. And among all of them curious tradi- tional meanings are attached to the parts that go to make a flower composition. Thus, in the gene- ral formula of Ten-chi-jin, the three main stems stand for the heavens, earth, and mankind. A tall, almost upright, leaf or stem will represent Ten, the sky ; a lower leaf carried in a sweep almost horizontal is Chi, the earth ; while a third, on the opposite side and higher than Chi, though lower and smaller than Ten, is Jin, the people of the world. A five- leaved formula represents wood, fire, metal, earth, and water. But none of these formulre is allowed to disturb in any way the attainment of pure beauty in the result. Indeed, they act rather in the manner of mnemonics, keeping the laws of the art before the eyes of the pupil, just as do the principles of In and Yo, or male and female — a formula recotjnised through all Japanese art. In the matter of flowers, the upper surface of a leaf is called male, the lower female ; buds are female and full blossoms are male ; blue is male and yellow female, and so forth : and the proper proportioning of male and female in flower, leaf, stem, and colour ensures harmonious blend- ing in the result. But when one looks from words to things, the difference of the Japanese way is simply that of recognising the beauty and impor- tance of form, and of showing the whole beauty of the plant, instead of the too common way of jamming things into no.se- gays, in shape like a Cauli- flower. The result of the latter we all know, and it is a very rooted habit in England. In- we see .Japanese arrangements done in England it sometimes occurs to us that the same results could be obtained in a simpler way than those of the Japanese. They, in working in their beautiful bronze vases, take an amount of pains which, we think, is not always justified by the result ; the more so as in our country we can A groioih of the Parlour Falm (Aspidistra) in a Japanese vase. deed, it runs through all our flower- market ' have a greater variety of vessels, many so work, and leads the excellent Rose growers of shaped as to receive a flower at once and to London to send their flowers to the market show its beauty completely. Some of the with the heads cut close off' and without a bit of Japanese skill arises from the need of adapting stem, so that one cannot place a Rose in any things to their bronze vases which seem to be natural and simple way if we depend on such most in use with them. supplies. In Paris, and also in America, Roses I are sent to the market with fine vigorous stems, and there need not be the slightest difficulty in cutting them here in like ways. In our country the beauty of the whole plant is not thought of. One of these Japanese artists in flowers, looking at some of our pictures of flowers by Mr. Moon, at once said, '• Why, these are our ways of arranging flowers ! " simply because of the fact that the artist had chosen a very few but simply the flowering part. The Japanese simple tiling.'?, and shown them in their full way is the very opposite of this. They are beauty. The Japanese attach, and rightly, satisfied with a much less quantity, and even much more importance to form than English he commonest things, such as a .spray of Larch, growers do. Their difficulties of getting plants in this country to show this are serious, be- cause in our markets, as we said before, all the flowers are cut in quite a diflerent way, and much less attention is given to form, whether of the foliage of flowering plants, often very fine, and leeds, grasses. Bamboos and tree shoots. — The Fldd. Orchard and Fruit Garden. THE STRAWBERRY SEASON. In provincial towns at least how difficult is it to get a dish of Strawberries fit to eat or to put on the dessert table. First they come into the market half ripe, and when they are ripe they are tumbled down even in the respectable fruiterers' shops in a greasy, fermenting heap, unfit to look at, let alone eat. And yet there is no fruit that can be set up more temptingly than the Strawberry when gathered clean and ripe, and no fruit that has a surer sale. Even in country places there is a ready demand for Strawberries, and if they are provided fresh and ripe, the highest price can always be got for them. The curious thing is that people who have good but small gardens seldom grow Strawberries well, simple as their culture ia, although for garden parties and dessert there is always a brisk demand during the season when the genuine article can be got. As a rule our outdoor Strawberry culture is not of a high order, and few growers seem to realise what an extraordinary difference culture makes to the Strawberry. No fruit responds more readily to good treatment, and it is almost as easy to have a good crop as a bad one. The best Strawberry grower I ever knew was Mr. McEwan, who long ago used to be at Chiswick, and who died early. He was an enthusiast on Strawberries, and published a pamphlet on the subject, showing what could be done by high culture. His crops of fruit from runners layered only the previous autunm quite surpassed those commonly got from well-established plantations. From the way plantations are usually made, one would think that getting a crop of Strawberries under two years was con- sidered an impossibility ; whereas runners layered in July and planted out in August pro- duce the following year the largest fruits and the heaviest crops proportionally. For forcing no one would think of using two-year-old plants ; the last year's runners only are used. These in the open quarter may be planted more thickly than they are to remain permanently and be thinned out at the end of the second year. It is not realised that the Strawberry can by good culture be increased to two or three times its normal size and weight, which means an enormous increase over a plantation say an acre in extent. There is an opening for anyone who would simply supply rooted Strawberry runners early in August for planters at a reasonable price, but niu-seryraen who go in for Strawberries as a speciality do not seem to understand the busi- ness. I have before. me ^a catalogue in which all the sorts are priced at 5s. per 100 rooted runners, such as one can find about this season in any Strawberry quarter without trouble and that have rooted without assistance. I have had samples over and over again of these so- called "prepared" runners — just weeds from which no crop could be expected for two years. Plants of the same age and not much stronger, rooted into pots, are priced at 15s. per 100. As the price of a 2i-inch pot is so infinitesimal as not to affect the price of the Strawberry 98 THE GARDEK [August 5, 1899. plants, one wonders where the value comes in. Not only that, but the pot plan of layering Strawberries for sale is a thoroughly bad one. The pots are rarely plunged, and the layer is parched and stunted from the first. No plant takes to the soil quicker than a Straw- berry, and if the runners are layered (as soon as they can be pinched beyond the first joint) in a small ridge of light, good soil laid between rows they will root surprisingly fast, and will lift and transplant without turning a leaf in August. Rambler. STRAWBERRY VICOMTESSE DE THURY. I WAS very pleased to see that this useful old Strawberry is thought well of by Mr. Burrell. The larger varieties have ousted this and a few other good old sorts from many gardens, but where ground is limited and the most has to be made of the crop, gardeners cannot afford to dis- pense with Vicomtesse. As Mr. Burrell remarks, the oarliest-formed fruits are quite large enough for dessert, the successional ones, which on fair soil are produced in great quantities, being excel- lent for preserving. Moreover, I have not yet met with a soil which would grow a Strawberry at all in which Vicomtesse was not at home. Some years ago, having a badly-constructed, ill- ventilated lot of glass houses to deal with, I found it most difficult to secure a decent set of fruit on the majority of forcing varieties. I succeeded very well with Vicomtesse for some time, but was induced to abandon it for other larger sorts. After repeated failures I was glad to go back to the old favourite. In the houses referred to Peaches were grown, and the necessary syringing of the trees kept the atmosphere too close for the Strawberries when in bloom, and, no matter how good the plants or strong the bloom-trusses of most sorts I tried, a satisfactory set seemed im- possible. Vicomtesse, however, always set enough and to spare, and with judicious thinning and assistance with liquid manure the fruit swelled to a very good size. The finest forced fruits of Vi- comtesse I ever saw were at Ounton Park. The runners, which were secured from young, vigorous stock plants, were potted in a good holding loam, and the fruit when swelling assisted liberally with that best of all Strawberry stimulants — farm- yard liquid. Had I not known for certain what the variety was, I should have taken it for another and much larger variety. Mr. Burrell also mentions Black Prince as a favourite with some for open-air culture, the fruit to be used for stewing or preserving. I can remember when this Strawberry was very generally grown for early forcing, and still think that where earliness is oif first importance it is well worth growing in limited quantities. Old growers used to pot up the runners in 4.Jinch or 5-inch pots, feed them well, so as to secure good prominent crowns, and start the plants in November by giving the roots the benefit of a gentle bottom-heat of leaves. This had the effect of inducing root-action, while as yet, in consequence of only a moderate top-heat, growth proceeded very slowly. Gardeners with convenience requiring extra early fruit ripe, say, in February would bv adopting this plan find any extra labour incurred well repaid. I am glad to find some gardeners still clinging to that good old Strawberry Keens' Seedling, as I have always found it a good setter, though not one of the best for travelling, B. S. N. Strawberry Waterloo. — One of the finest dishes of this well-known Strawberry I have seen was staged by Mr. Church, of Milford Hall, at a local show last week. The berries were of quite a deep claret colour, shining as if varnished, and a most regular dish as regards shape and size. Waterloo is not everywhere a success, and at Milford, as elsewhere, it is found to succeed best when allowed to remain on the ground longer than other kinds. The flavour is fairly good, and being late it comes in very useful as a distinct ddition to the dessert. It will not thrive in all soils, and I think is most at home on a light soil planted behind a wall with a north aspect. An- other really good Strawberry that makes it a good companion is Eleanor, but this, like many other kinds, seems almost forgotten in many places. Strawberries President and Keens' Seed- ling.— Pity " H. R." did not give some indication of locality before telling your readers of his semi-failure with these generally healthy and robust varieties on page 66. Unless on stiff or sodden soils, I never remember the leaves of Pre- sident getting yellow. Most Strawberries may, however, on clay. Perhaps your correspondent would also say what he found wanting in Keens' Seedling. It could hardly be fruit, for its con- stant and abundant fertility is proverbial. It could hardly be foliage, though that is neither so high nor wide as that of Royal Sovereign. Neither does Keens' lack quality if eaten at home, where its soft, sweet, sparkling juice satisfies the palate beyond most varieties. Keens' has also the merit of heiag all and wholly eatable, no green or white hard ends. Not a few readers of Tue Garden will probably be surprised to hear of Roy.al Sovereign superseding President or Keens' so generally in the west, for the additional rain- fall in the west fosters the tendency to an excess of foliageon Koyal Sovereign, which has been noted in most quarters out of doors and under glass as a fault.— D. T. F. POTTING YOUNG STRAWBERRY PLANTS. Strawberries raised in exposed gardens and in hot soils, and which are intended for forcing, will have to be carefully dealt with after the recent spell of hot weather. Even where growth is vigorous and the dreaded spider seldom attacks the foliage, it is not wise to pot up the young stock before cleansing them by the application of sulphur water. Sometimes people make a mis- take in leavmg the plants fully exposed to sun and wind on the open quarters until time can be spared for potting. It does not take long to sever a few hundreds from the parent plants and remove them to a shaded position behind a north wall. This has always been my practice, and while there I always rid the foliage of any trace of spider by first laying the plants on their sides and then well syringing the under-surface of every leaf with sulphur water of sufficient strength that when dry a thin yellow coating is percep- tible. In my opinion there is no application to equal this. Late-rooted plants of backward varie- ties intended for planting in the open garden or for pricking out into nursery beds in autumn in readiness for final transplanting in spring should also be treated similarly. In potting, be careful to use the soil in a semi-dry state, as when the least wet or clammy the balls often leave the sides of the pots afterwards and cause great trouble. For many years I used to ram in a cube of loam round the roots when planting. This gives them a good start, and is especially to be recommended in light or none too good Strawberry soil. It is astonish- ing also what benefit is derived from a moderate mulch of, say, leaf-mould or old Mushroom manure. There is no necessity for covering the whole surface of the bed ; a foot round each plant will suffice. Some stand all newly-potted Straw- berries behind a north wall for a time, and although I do not consider such a course neces- sary in the case of strong, vigorous plants, a week in that position is very beneficial for weakly plants or those damaged by spider. B. S. N. Strawberries in the open ground. — " H. C. P.'s" note (page 6.5) would prove far more useful were some idea given of locality. It is little wonder, however, that 7" of frost on May 5 should blacken many blooms. That it should have caused such injury to such varieties as Scarlet Queen, Royal Sovereign, and .lohn Ruskin as to make them a failure would no doubt be more intelligible did we know the county they grew in. It will surprise some to bear that these three sorts do not grow strong on our light soil. Again, locality would explain the fact that no Strawberries had been gathered in the open air till after .Tune 24, whicli so far was fortunate for your readers, as it enabled your correspondent to tell us all how useful he found Leader from a cold frame. Leader is also said to be a grand variety. Monarch side by side has not half the crop, and Scarlet Queen has suffered less than on sunny borders. I found out years ago that such borders are not the best for either safety or flavour, and by the simple expedient of growing Strawberries on every possible aspect we may not only ensure a better crop, almost double the length of the season, but raise the standard of quality. Fierce sunshine to such fruit as Strawberries is almost as fatal to flavour as frost. I agree in the main with your correspondent's remarks on mulches and their effect on flavour, local temperature, &c., unless in his emphatic preference for Oat straw. One of the best Straw- berry growers ever known to me used to mow a portion of the deer park every year, convert it rouehlv into hay, and then mulch with it.— D. T. F., Edinburyh. PROFITABLE RASPBERRIES. No doubt Raspberries in many gardens are scarce this season, owing to the injury the canes received last March. Shelter is a most im- portant point when planting Raspberries, the lack of this so often telling most unfavourably against market growers. Even where the new growth escaped uninjured, root drought will have materially aft'ected the crop and the canes for next season's fruiting unless the ground is in good heart and fairly retentive. I have noticed what tall, stout canes Raspberries make in a dripping season, fine fruit and plenty of it resulting the following year provided the autumn is sunny enough to mature the canes. In gardens where labour is limited, timely removal of the old exhausted canes and thinning out the new are often neglected, in fact postponed till winter or spring, but an efi'ort should always be made to perform the work in season, or the loss in all ways is irreparable. There are, I think, few gardens where hardy fruit is esteemed in which Superlative is not grown. I saw on July 17 at Becston Park, near Norwich, some grand specimens of this fine Raspberry. They reminded me in size of Vicomtesse Strawberries, and being gathered for dessert with a portion of stem attached looked very handsome. The soil at Beeston is fairly deep and inclined to be strong, and in hot summers retains moisture well ; the garden is also well sheltered by surrounding woods and is an ideal home for Raspberries. I do not assert that Superlative is the best flavoured Raspberry, as if it really comes to quality I should say the old Fastolf leads the way, but the vigorous constitution, free bearing, and firmness of the fruit which fit it for travelling a long distance have made it a great favourite, especially with market growers. Baumforth's Seedling is certainly a splendid variety, as, given good all-round treatment, it grows vigorously and yields freely, the fruit being large, round, deeply coloured and of good quality. It did well with me in a light soil, being liberally mulched annually. That it also has a hardy constitution is, I think, proved by its standing almost ueen and Countess, and the right thing to do was to take two of these high- flavoured seedlings, the one late and the other early, and recross them to gain another step forward to that goal of excellence in flavour at which I am aiming. I should like to point out and emphasise here what important results will spring from that lucky cross of British Queen and Countess. It is not fully realised yet. It has already given us Empress of India, Lord Suffield, Gunton Park, followed by Veitch's Pro- lific and Lady Suffield. Still higher flavoured seedlings will follow of such exquisite flavour, that the next generation of Strawberry eaters will require neither sugar nor cream to tone down their acidity. I may add here that I grew Countess for years and much appreciated its quality and free-bearing, but it is so entirely superseded, in my opinion, by its superior flavoured progeny that I no longer grow it. "A. D." states that Lady SuHield had lost flavour in transit when exhibited at the Temple. As these Strawberries were grown in pots and had to be retarded a few days to keep them back for May 31, it may be so. "A. D." regards the rapid disappearance of the Prolific Strawberry as a test of great excellence when exhibited before the fruit committee. Granted. Then I will congratulate myself, as no Strawberry in the world ever disappeared more quickly than the two fine dishes of Lady Sufiield exhibited at the conference at Chiswick. Not a Strawberry was left on the plates when the com- mittee rose. Perhaps the tropical temperature of the large vinery induced this great need of refresh- ment, or may I conclude it was the excellence of the Strawberries? Wm. Allan. (iantoH Park. ROTTENNESS IN FRUIT AND MUMMI- FICATION IN PEACHES. YoiNO and growing fruit as well as fruit border- ing on maturity are often attacked by various microscopic fungi which stop their growth or cause the destruction of already formed tissues. ( )ne such destructive organism is the Monilia fructigena, a fungus which especially attacks Ap[iles when these are ripe and causes brown or black rottenness. Circling round the little wound that gave passage to the mycelium, a spot is seen to spread, which from a light brown becomes gradually black. Later, in the affected part appear small ashen-coloured swellings like warts varying in size from a millet seed to that of a very small pea. These are always ranged in concentric circles round the wound. As the rottenness increases new circles appear one after the other to the number of three or four. The mycelium of the fungus pervades the fruit pulp and decomposes it. Beneath the skin the fungi increase rapidly in size and number and crowd upon each other in all directions. Under pressure of them the skin bursts, and from the cracks issue certain aerial projections or ramifications, which become fertile, and it is through them that the parasites are propagated. They are formed of filaments drawn out perpendicularly to the fruit and which are drawn in at intervals, resulting in the formation in a series of cone-shaped spores of a kind of chaplet, and hence the generic name of Monilia. These chaplets also are apt more or less to bifurcate in places, and in serried forma- tion they compose the warty protuberances mentioned above. When ripe these spores are easily separated from each other, and, carried away by the wind or rain, they are apt to contaminate other fruit. Each when isolated is seen to be almost lemon shaped. If put in water they germinate with extreme rapidity and ([uickly ranrify and constitute the destructive mycelium. The Monilia fructigena is apt to cause decomposition and rottenness in large quanti- 100 THE GARDEK [August 5, 1899. ties of ripened fruit, and it also frequently attacks and completely arrests the growth of immature fruit, causing a kind of drying up known as mummification. The disease on young fruit has been especially noticeable in America. Peaches especially are affected, and the crop is sometimes entirely destroyed by the action of the Monilia. The fruits attacked begin to soften, and frequently cling more or less completely to the branch they are on, or where there are several in proximity cling to each other, mummitication quickly follows, and nothing is left but the kernel and the .skin. V^ hile the mummification is going on in the pulp the mycelium has attained complete development, and outside a large number of groups of spores have been formed identical with those mentioned above, and which cover the fruit almost entirely with a grey efflores- cence. The mummified fruit remains attached to the tree during the summer and even the most of the winter. Towards the end of winter and in the spring the fruit falls to the ground. The mycelium which has kept alive vegetates anew and produces an abundance of new spores which may infect the budding fruit. But the fungus does not confine its attacks to the fruit ; it may also invade the young shoots (of the Peach at least), which then rapidly wither and decay. The destruction it causes in this way is in America apparently as important as that which it occasions by directly attacking the fruit, because it injures also tlie vegetation, destroys the fruit crop of the following year, and may, moreover, favour the development of gum. In France it has not so far made its presence felt to this grave extent, but still it should not be exclusively considered as a parasite of fruit already fully grown. Although it has already been observed upon young fruit, it does not appear to be considered as greatly harmful. This year I have been able to observe the rapid development and the ravages of the Monilia among Plums. In a few days almost the whole of the fruit of certain trees was attacked, and the crop thereby almost entirely destroyed. In Plums the disease shows itself when the time of ripening is at hand. The fruits attacked become of a livid colour on one side, then slightly soften and cling together. From a Plum so attacked the mycelium can then pass to one still sound and infect it also. In this way the disease rapidly spreads to a great number of Plums which were not in- fected by the spores. After softening, the fruit gradually withered, as with the Peach, and the spores of the fungus made their appear- ance on the outside, but generally much less abundantly than on the Peaches. Among Peaches in the open also I was able to observe the havoc caused by the Monilia, all the fruits of a small tree planted in tiie open being mummified one after the other. But further— a thing which, I believe, had never been observed before in France— the extremities of the shoots were likewise attacked and a large number of young branches withered up under the influence of the parasite. ' pon some branches were observable, protrud- ing through the bark, small excrescences, which at first sight seemed to be identical with the groups of spores that appeared upon the fruit, but which were very small, and subsequent microscopic examination established this identity beyond doubt. So far the disease has not been observed to be very dangerous, but there is fear that it might be otherwise at a given moment and that It is capable of acquiring importance, as in America. Moreover, it may well have been the cause of injuries of which the real origin was ignored. Its peculiarities, therefore, are worth the attention of fruit growers, especially as some authors have been inexact in their infor- mation as regards it. The Monilia has in all probability another form of fructification ana- lagous to that of another Monilia, which attacks the young Quince— the Monilia Linhartiana— the ultimate fructification of which is a small cup-shaped receptacle, of which the concave part is furnished with a large number of asci, each enclosing eight oval-shajjed spores (Stro- matinia Linhartiana). A form analagous to this ought certainly to exist for the Monilia fructi- gena, as in all its characteristics this fungus resembles the other, but this ascophorous fo'rm has not as yet been observed. Preservation of the Trees. For the protection of fruit trees from this parasite a remedy both easy and general has not yet been found. Cupric sprayings are likely to have some influence, but these require to be frequently repeated in order to protect the lengthening shoots. In America it is thought advisable to collect and burn as fast as they are detected all fruit attacked by the fungus. This process must be repeated at intervals of several days in order not to leave the infected fruit time to give birth to spores or contaminate sound fruit by contact. But, however careful the search, a certain amount of the fruit may well escape by being more or less hidden by the leaves, so that it is necessary in winter when these have fallen to make a fresh search and destroy at the same time fruit still adhering to the branches, those which may have fallen to the ground, and all branches and shoots attacked by the fungus and more or less withered. These are certainly excellent pre- cautions to take, and their application should prevent the spread of the disease. The gather- ing of the infected fruit is done at the cost of minute search and great expenditure of time. Unfortunately, there exists hardly another way of dealing eflicaciously with the disease. Doubtless copious sprayings in winter have a good eflect in destroying the spores which may exist upon the branches, but the spores pro- duced in the spring by fallen fruit may easily infest the young fruit, which it is a diflicult matter to protect, and the young shoots ; hence the importance of destroying all the infected parts. Cupric sprayings during the time of vegetation may, nevertheless, be a protection. —Pierre Pa.ssy, in the Junnial of the Hcrti- cidtiiral Societ)/ vf France . very weak. It always loses a greater part of its leaves at the lower end of the shoots than any other variety. The quality is excellent, but con- sidering all its other disadvantages I think it not worth growing. The third tree, the fruit of which, though very good in quality, is by far too late for the earliest house. So I think of clearing the house of its occupants and planting other young trees in other sorts. Following this time the advice given in The Garden by Mr. Iggulden, I shall plant maiden trees. Will you kindly tell me the best sorts to plant instead of the above ? I am not obliged to have ripe fruits very early in the season, but nevertheless I should be glad, as it is my earliest house, to be able to gather the first fruits not later than June 25 to July 1, forcing slowly and beginning about December 25. The kinds must be(l) of a vigorous and most prolific habit, (2) the fruits freestone, nice looking, large, and of excellent quality, and (.3) early and ripen- ing in succession.- R. K., St. Petersburg. Peaches in Russia — My earliest Peach house contains three trees— Amsden, Hale's Early and one whose name I do not know. I begin forcing this house about December 25 and' force it very slowly, so that the first fruits of Amsden ripen about June I. The trees, which were planted some SIX or seven years ago in raised borders, are large and in good health. Amsden bears fruit annually abundantly, Hale's Early very badly. I often read in The Gakdex that of the early American varieties Amsden is the best. I quite agree that it is prohfio, that the fruits are of a nice size and look very promising, but it lacks quahty. I think it so poor and flavourless, that I should feel ashamed to oflfer it to a friend. It is somewhat bitter, and if it hangs a little too long, It gets mealy and quite unfit for the table. If I had instead of three houses five or six, perhaps I should feel obliged to spare room for the Amsden for Its earliness, or if the fruits were required for sale. But as this is not the case, I think the most radical way the best, viz , to throw it on the rubbish heap. Hale's Early is not prolific at all with me. The few fruits I get often have split stones. The general constitution of the tree is SPRAYING FRUIT TREES. The spraying of trees to kill and to prevent fungi and insect pests has long since passed an experi- mental stage, and is now looked on as part of regular orchard work by good fruit growers. From the necessity of making it pay, commercial fruit growers are more advanced in the matter than are private gardeners. Probably the first general use of poisons for the purpose was in the case of the Paris green for the destruction of the Potato bug. This poison was so useful for the purpose, that it awakened many to the value of such means of warfare who had previously paid but little attention to the subject. The use of powdered hellebore for the destruction of the Currant worm is another well-known instance of the value of poisons for such work. Paris green is still the standard remedy for the destruction of leaf-eating insects on fruit and other trees, kero- sene emulsion for sucking ones, and Bordeaux mixture for all kinds of fungi. Paris green is made into a mixture for spraying by adding a • pound of it to 200 gallons of water, with enough lime to equal the Paris green in bulk. Bordeaux mixture is made by mixing 6 lbs. copper sulphate (bluestone) with 75 gallons of water and 7 lbs. lime. Kerosene emulsion can be made by boiling half a pound hard soap in a gallon of water, and when boihng hot add 2 gallons kerosene, This is to be churned vigorously for ten or fifteen minutes, and then adding ten times as much water before using. As a matter of fact, all fruit trees are the better for being sprayed, whether usually attacked by insects or not. It prevents blight and other pests ; and besides this, experiments carried on by the United States Department of Agriculture some years ago proved that sprayed trees made a better growth than those not so treated, even when no insects or fungi attacked the latter. Later experiments prove that the two mixtures, Bordeaux and Paris green, may be combined and used as one ; and it is now quite common to use them in this way. It is recommended to start spraying before the bursting of the leaves, giving another application as soon as flowering is over and two or three more at intervals of three weeks or so. After midsummer there is not much to be feared, and spraying may cease. Insects and fungi injurious to Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Peaches and like trees are de- stroyed by a system of spraying. Scale insects and those that suck the juices of trees are to be treated to a spraying of kerosene emulsion. This can be carried on in winter as well as summer, and when persisted in will in time rid the trees of their enemies. Fire blight and black knot cannot be controlled by spraying, though it is believed to act as a preventive. The usual and only plan recognised as eflicacious is to cut off the diseased branches and burn them to destroy the fungus spores. As soon as fire blight appears cut off the branch some 9 inches below the dead part, and do the same with branches of Plum or Cherry attacked by black knot. The fungus which pro- August 5, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 101 duces the disaster is supposed to be in the sap, hence outside spraying cannot reach it. It is not certain that outside agencies are not at work too, hence the suegestion to spray these trees as well as others.— Joseph Meehan, in American Gar- dtning. PEARS ADOPTED BY THE CONGRES POMOLOGIQUE OF FRANCE. [OotUinued from p. 67.) Beorre Dubuisson. — This was raised about 1832 by M. Isidore Dubuisson, gardener of Jolain, near Tournay, Belgium. The fruit is of fair size, oblong, truncated at the base, rather ribbed at the base. The stalk is short, stout, straight, set rather obliquely in a snaall wrinkled cavity. The eje is small, closed, set in a cavity of medium depth, ribbed at the edges. The skin is yellow, much stippled with red, .sometimes washed with red on the sunny side. The flesh is whitish, delicate, close, melting, unctuous, juicy, and pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening in December— February. The tree is of moderate vigour and fairly fertile. In cultivation the growth is rather weak upon Quince. Beurre Ddmont. — Obtained in 1831 by M. J. Dumont-Duchy, gardener to the Baron de Joigny, at Esquelmes, near Tournay. The fruit is large, sometimes pyramidal and truncated at the base, sometimes turbinate. The stalk is short, stout, straight, set obliquely in a narrow bumpy cavity. The eye is medium, open or half open, set in a fairly wide wrinkled shallow cavity. The skin is rough, yellow, washed tawny, gilded on the sunny side with some deeper streaks and stippled grey. The flesh is white, delicate, lus- cious, juicy and delicately aromatic. A good fruit, ripening October — November. The tree is of normal vigour and fertile. In cultivation this variety, suitable for all forms on' Quince, is better in regard to length of life and vigour for an inter- mediary graft. Beurre du Moktier {syns. , Verte du Mortier, Beurri Dumo7i':tier, Fondante de Tirlemont). — Ob- tained in 1818 by Van Mens and named after B. C. du Mortier, a naturalist, of Tournay, Belgium. The fruit is small or medium-sized, turbinate obtuse, taking the shape of Bon Chretien, bumpy in its contour. The stalk is of medium strength and length, curved, set obliquely in a narrow, wrinkled cavity. The eye is large, open, set in a shallow, wide cavity, wrinkled. The skin is rough, yellow-green, much stippled with grey, streaked with tawny red. The flesh is whitish yellow, fairly delicate, luscious, juicy. A very good fruit, ripening September and October. The tree is of normal vigour and fertile. In cul- tivation this variety is adapted to small forms upon the Quince ; it is a good thing to double- graft it in order to get strong shoots. Beurre Durondeau (syn., de Tomjn). — Ob- tained in 1811 by M. Charles Louis Durondeau, a brewer, of Tongre Notre Dame, near Tournay. The fruit is fair sized, pyriform. The stalk is short and stout, set obliquely on the fruit or slightly pushed aside by a small mound. The eye is medium-sized, closed or half closed, set in a shallow, wide, and irregular depression. The skin is smooth, thick, tawny, tinged very slightly with red on the sunny side and stippled all over with small grey points. The flesh is whitish, juicy, and aromatic. A good fruit, ripening in October. The tree is of medium vigour and fertile. In cultivation it is of sufficient vigour upon Quince. This variety lends itself to all forms. Beurre Gameier {■'^yu., Beurri d'hirer Noit- veau). — Obtained by M. (Jambier, of Rhodes Saintes - Genese, near Brussels. The fruit is medium-sized, pyriform ; the stalk sometimes long and not very stout, sometimes of middling dimensions, swollen at the point of attachment, set straight in a cavity neither wide nor deep. The eye is medium-sized, half closed, inserted in a depression scarcely marked. The skin is deli- cate, citron - yellow, stippled russet, slightly streaked with tawny red, and at times washed with red on the sunny side. The flesh is whitish. delicate, and aromatic in the way of Doyenne Blanc. A good fruit, ripening March — April. In cultivation this variety, too feeble upon Quince, requires to be grafted on the natural stock or double-grafted on a vigorous variety, yet can only form trees of small size. It should be cultivated in a warm exposure and gathered late, otherwise the fruit never attains full maturity. Beurre (iiFi'ARD. — Originated as a chance seedling with M. Giffard, of Angers, and propa- gated by him. The fruit is of medium size, pyri- form ; the stalk of medium length and stoutness, slightly curved, set straight at the top of the fruit. The eye is medium-sized, open, set almost flush with the fruit in a shallow, wrinkled depres- sion. The skin is smooth, delicate, pale yellow, stippled grey, often washed with tawny red round the stalk. The flesh is white and agreeably aro- matic. A good fruit, ripening July. The tree is of medium vigour and fertile. In cultivation this variety does not lend itself to regular forms. It is suitable for orchard culture. Beurre Gris (■■iyns., Beurri d'Atnhoise, Benrri Dore, Beurri Bou.c, and Beurre d' Isamharl). — Of very ancient and unknown origin. The fruit is medium sized or fairly large, almost as wide as high. The stalk is of middling length, fairly stout, sometimes fleshy at the base, swelling at the point of attachment, set obliquely at the summit of the fruit. The eye is medium sized, open, set in a shallow, wide depression sometimes flush with the fruit. The akin is delicate, pale green or yellow, almost entirely washed with tawny red and stippled grey, rarely tinged with a little rose colour. The flesh is white, very juicy. A very good fruit, ripening October. The tree is of medium vigour and fertile. In cultivation the tree, delicate upon the Quince, ought always to be double grafted. It ought nearly everywhere to be trained as an espalier in order to yield sound fruit. Beurre Hardy. — This variety was raised from seed by M. Bonnet, of Boulogne-sur-Mer ; it was propagated by M. Jean Laurent Jamin. The fruit is of medium or fair size, turbinate. The stalk is of middling length, stout, swollen at the point of attachment, and set obliquely in a small cavity. The eye is fairly large, open, set in a wide, shallow, wrinkled depression. The skin is rough, greenish yellow, washed with tawny red, stippled brown. The flesh is white, luscious, rather gritty about the cells. A very good fruit, ripening September to October. The tree is of medium vigour and fairly fertile. In cultivation this variety comes well on the Quince and is suitable for all forms. Beurre Millet. — Originally obtained in 1847 in the garden of the Commice Horticole of Maine- et-Loire, and named after the president of that establishment. The fruit is small or barely medium sized, slightly bumpy in its contour. The stalk is of middling length and stoutness, rather swollen at the point of attachment, curved and set straight in a small bumpy cavity. The eye is large, open, set in a wide, deep cavity. The skin is rather rough, greenish yellow, washed with dull red, streaked carmine, stippled tawny red. The flesh is greenish white, melting, and very pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening December — February. The tree is vigorous and very fertile. In cultivation this variety grows badly on the Quince. It should preferably be grafted on the Pear to get trees of medium size without retarding the yield. Beurre Range (syns., Bon ChritifM de Ranee or de Bans, Beur-'-i de Plandri, Benrri de Noir- chaiii, Ilardinponl de Printernvs). — Obtained origi- nally in 17(32 by the Abbe Nicolas d'Hardenpont at Mont Panisel, near Mons, in Belgium. The fruit is of good size, of Bon Chretien shape. The stalk is fairly long, of medium stoutness, rather swollen at the point of attachment, set obliquely in a narrow cavity. The eye is small or medium-sized, half open, set in a shallow and fairly wide cavity. The skin is roughish, thick, green, slightly tinged brown on the sunny side, stippled grey and streaked sometimes with tawny red. The flesh is white at the centre, greenish in the outside, sometimes half delicate and half melting, sometimes delicate and luscious, very juicy, and with a peculiar aroma. The fruit is fairly good, ripening January to March. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation the tree grows vigorously both on Quince and on the natural stock ; it lends itself to all regular forms. The fruit is much better if the tree is grafted upon the Quince, and the Belgians say that on the natural stock it is uneatable. Beurre Six.— Obtained originally about 184.5 by M. Six. The fruit is fair sized, pyriform, and ribbed in contour. The stalk is of middling stoutness, sometimes long and slender, curved, set well at the summit of the fruit. The eye is fairly large, closed, set in a very shallow, wrinkled cavity. The skin is light yellow, finely stippled with russet, mottled with green. The flesh is white, tinged green, especially close to the skin, luscious, and pleasantly aromatic. A good fruit, ripening October, November, and December. The tree is of moderate vigour and fertile. In cultivation the tree prefers the natural stock to the Quince ; it is best double-grafted. In certain soils and climates it does best as an espalier. Beurre Superfin. — Obtained originally in 1844 by M. Goubault, nurseryman, of MiUepieds, near Angers. The fruit is of good size, as wide as high. The stalk is shortish, very stout, and fleshy. The eye is large, open, set in a very shal- low and wide depression. The skin is smooth, golden-yellow, very slightly washed carmine on the sunny side, stippled with russet, dotted over with some tawny red. The flesh is white, lus- cious, and delicately aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening September. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation, grafted on the natural stock the tree is long before fruiting ; on the c\»uince it becomes quickly exhausted. It is best double-grafted. It lends itself to all forms. Blanciiet Claude. — Obtained originally by M. Claude Blanchet, nurseryman, of Vienne (Isere). The fruit is barely medium-sized. The stalk is long and stout, swollen at the point of attach- ment, set rather obliquely in a small, lightly- ribbed cavity. The eye is medium-sized, open or half-open, set in a medium and wrinkled depres- sion. The skin is smooth, rather unctuous, tender green, washed yellow, stippled green and tawny red. The flesh is whitish, greenish beneath the skin, gritty near the cells. A fairly good or good fruit, ripening in the middle of June. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation the tree lends itself to all forms, requires a warm exposure to hasten the ripening of the fruit, the earliness of which is its principal merit. Bon Chretien d'hiver [syns., Bon Chretien, Bon Chritien de Tours, Poire d'A mjoisse. Poire de Saint Martin, d-c.). — A very old variety of un- known origin. The fruit is large, rather calabash in form. The stalk is long, slender, curving, set sometimes straight, sometimes obliquely in a rough cavity. The eye is small, open, set in a deep, wide cavity very lumpy at the edges. The skin is almost smooth, greenish citron-yellow, marked with russet, mottled green and tawny in places. The flesh is white, juicy, and slightly aromatic. A very good cooking and a fair dessert fruit, ripening February— April. The tree is of normal vigour and fertile. In cultivation this variety does not lend itself to regular forms unless trained. Its true place is a south espalier. It is esteemed in warm districts, where it is said to acquire quality. (To be continued. ) Worn-out fruit trees. — Too much has been made of the good effects of pruning old trees, and nine-tenths of the rubbishy old orchards up and down the country should be cut down, the trees burnt, and the land cleared for some other pur- pose for a year or two. The poor old trees have been neglected entirely for so many years, that their vigour is gone and only a lingering life remains. Still further check this by cuttirig faggots out of them, and they are done for in most cases. No matter how carefully the work 102 THE gardj:n. [August 5, 1899. 8 gone about, there comes a time when it is absolutely useless to think of repairing the damage that time and neglect have wrought, and it is best to accept the inevitable and cut them down. A new orchard may, of course, be planted on the same site if really necessary, provided the land is properly prepared, but it is not to be recommended as a rule. One such was replanted by a nurseryman in Gloucestershire and is now a fruitful orchard, but in this case the whole of the old tr^es and the top 3 inches of soil were burnt, thus doing away with all insect and fungoid life. The ash was kept in heaps and mixed with the top spit when the land was trenched, manure from the scavenger's yard being plentifully incor- porated with the lower soil. There is yet plenty of time for preparation of the soil for planting this season, and I would like to urge on those who have these worthless old trees, that the sooner they root them out and plant the young ones the better. Not only is the produce of better quality and more of it, but early Apples of the Codlin types come into use from young trees much earlier than from old ones. Stone - splitting in Peaches and Nec- tarines.— One is often asked what causes the stones of these fruits to split, but I think, like many other troubles, it arises either from a poor state of health of the trees or from some error of culture. In forced trees there is little doubt it is often caused by running the temperature up too high, and again, young trees that are not pro- perly established or older ones that have run through the proper border to a bad soil beneath are given to it. There must be a cause un- doubtedly, but it is not the same in every case, and those who have been looking after the trees and observing them should be the most likely to know where the culture has gone wrong. There is now time to note any trees that have given trouble in this respect in the past or present sea- sons and mark them for examination of the roots towards the autumn. If got about early, there need not be any fear of doing them the least harm, and often the secret may be found. There may be a badly-drained part of the border itself or a few strong roots may have got through it entirely, and in either case corrective measures can be carried out. Just as the leaf is turning before it falls is the best time to disturb the roots. — H. WATERING VINE BORDERS. It seems to be the opinion of some that Vine borders can scarcely- be watered too often or too much, but such an idea is, I believe, erroneous. We sometimes see watering every ten days or so advised, and certainly in the case of extra shallow borders and where the compost is light and sandy, such frequency may be necessary. In well-made borders of ordinary depth I have found a good moistening before the Vines are started, another when the bunches are coming into bloom, a third when the berries have been thinned, with a fourth and fifth when taking their second swelling and commencing to colour to be sutficient. I am afraid many of the so-called waterings are only surface moistenings : whereas they should be thorough soakings from summit to base. Where the borders are shallow, mulching is often neglected. A thick layer of manure is not necessary ; nothing answers better than a couple of inches of spent Mushroom manure. This pre- vents undue evaporation. Some gardeners never seem easy unless constantly soaking their Vine borders, even in autumn and winter. It matters not whether the border is inside or outside, or whether of a sandy or clayey nature ; it is all the same to them. I have known copious supplies of manure water poured on to outside borders during winter which if followed by severe frost cannot but prove injurious. The reason why so many outside Vine borders are destitute of roots within a foot or so of the surface is that satu- ration from heavy rains or deep snow at that period, followed by frost, destroys the delicate fibres. If anyone doubts this, let him examine a border that has been regularly covered with leaves in autumn. If the Vines are healthy he will find surface roots numerous, because they have been preserved from the perishing effects of wot and frost. Excessive watering washes the nature from Vine borders. I have heard of gar- deners using shutters on their Vine borders in winter with a view to throwing off excessive rains and snow, and I think the plan worthy of imitation. A wet autumn is deemed prejudicial to the proper ripening of hardy fruit trees, and that because it influences the roots as well as the branches, and the same remark applies to A'ines. A gradual diminution of root as well as atmospheric moisture is necessary in order to !?{•; I am far from thinking that Apples are really needed in July, considering what a lot of really good fruit is to be had at this season. — Grower. Air for Vine borders. — No doubt many have been interested in the article by Mr. Riddell on air for Vine borders. I think the practice of sup- plying air to borders by means of underground tunnels was more common fifty years ago than it is now. Raised borders, as recommended by Mr. Riddell, were also more common. I have several times written in support of elevated borders both for vineries and Peach houses, especially for early forcing. I well remember an old vinery in Essex containing Black Hamburghs which were very successfully forced so as to be ripe at the end of May for twenty-five years. The border was out- side the house and raised considerably. At the top near to the front light, and also at the bottom close to the Box edging, were air shafts formed of brickwork communicating with the drainage. The supply of air could be increased or diminished at will simply by means of a lid on the top. The interior of the house was constantly supplied with fresh air through the front wall, the air being made to pass over the hot-water pipes before rising into the house. The border was always covered to a depth of 2 feet with dry leaves in October, these being thatched with reeds. Better early forced Hamburghs I have seldom seen. — Norwich. A Japanese arrangement of Irises. (See p. 97.) secure perfect maturity and rest for the Vine. For Vines in active growth I think nothing equals liquid manure. B. S. N. Gooseberry Rough Yellow^. — Tour corre- spondeat (p. 3.")) does not seem to be aware that this is probably but another and an older name for the Early Sulphur or Golden Ball. The Yellow Amber or Hairy, also well named Yellow Champagne and Yellowsraith, is much of the £ame character and equally good. All growers will agree that it is worthy of the best possible culture to briug it to the highest perfection. The jam or jelly of the Yellow Sulphur or Rough Yellow has with good cause been named golden honey. — D. T. F. Apple Mr. Gladstone.— Where Apples are required for dessert very early in the season this is a useful variety, for though the quality is not quite up to the mark, its earliness is undoubted. Judging at a local show recently, I was compelled to give this first place against a dish of Juneating, which was quite unripe, though doubtless in an- other ten days it would have been much the better dish as regards flavour. Mr. Gladstone is too mealy and soft to ever come much into favour, and its earliness is its best point, though Garden Flora. PLATE 1234. NOTES ON TULIPS. (with a coloured plate of t. saxatilis.*) There is no period of greater importance to the Tulip family than that of the resting period. That period is now well advanced, and those who appreciate their Tulips will not let it pass unheeded. That it concerns the bedding kinds so-called as much as any other section or group, and not unnaturally the many varying and beautiful species of which this valuable genus is composed, is well known to all who have given any thought to the cultivation of the bulbs in question. It may be said that there are known instances of old cottage garden Tulips that have remained in the soil year after year without being lifted, and with but the rest secured to the bulbs by the heat of the summer, and which have flowered freely afterwards. Yet the bulbs that do well under such treat- ment would without doubt have done in- finitely better had the roots been lifted in early summer, and having been carefully dried, cleaned and sorted, replanted in due course in a fresh position and soil. This fact is too well known to large growers of such things. An excellent illustration of the value of resting the bulbs is att'orded now and again by the pro- gress under cultivation of some newly-imported species. Frequently, indeed generally, the bulbs by long contact with the soil become very small, and on their first flowering do not impress either the beholder or support the glowing accounts of their beauty or worth that may have gone forth. Much of this, however, is quickly changed under the conditions of cul- ture accorded the bulbs by most European growers, and frequently an offset will be larger in the third year after introduction than was the original tulb when first introduced. Nor is this the result exactly of a forced growth, such indeed as one may expect from land heavily manured or the like, but rather an * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in the Royal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and priuted by J. L. Goffart. .IPA SAXATILIS August 5, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 103 illustration of the general conditions of growth in lowland gardens as compared with those of the higher altitudes at which numbers of these beautiful tlowers are found. Doubtless not only a more deeply cultivated soil, but the moist climatic conditions which alone ensure a longer season of growth in the lowlands will in a considerable degree account for this develop- ment both of bulb and of stature. In the re- planting of such things as Tulips it is always better to make at least two sizes, planting the large flowering roots in one lot and the small or successional bulbs more thickly in a reserve plot. So long as the soil is new to these things they are not particular as to its component parts, seeing they do so well in such variable material as vegetable and peat earth or sandy loam, or even the lighter clay soils. As a rule, however, the more vigorous types will be safe •enough in stronger soils, while in the case of a few ex- ceptional sorts, particularly those dwarfer and more •dainty in growth, a free sandy soil may be given. Planting may be done during the early autumn. Meanwhile keep the bulbs in some free, airy place such as a well-ventilated shed or outhouse. It may be worth noting how beautiful are the many dwarf species when grown in groups in the rock garden. Here, small groups or colonies may be planted that at flowering time will create some very pretty efl'ects, the dwarfer sorts being perhaps best suited to this purpose. The pretty species in the coloured plate to-day, T. sax- atilis, is among the choicest of the dwarfer sorts, rarely, if ever, attaining a foot in height. The dainty character of the plant is so well shown in the plate, that it would be superfluous to add any- thing in this respect. It may be remarked, however, that the larger flower is rather highly coloured for this kind, whUe the expanding blossom gives a good idea of the way the flower is lined externally. The species is a native of Crete and among the earlier sorts to flower. 8orae good companions for this charming sort may be found in T. violacea, a unique species, very dwarf, and probably the earliest known species to flower ; the exquisite T. Leichtlini, a delightful plant from any point of view ; T. Batalini, lovely in the soft yellow tone of its flowers ; T. persica, a dwarf and fragrant kind, beautifully adapted for massing or rockwork ; the cream-coloured T. biflora, which is also a profuse bloomer and quite early ; T. Clusiana, which is white with red stripes and conspicuous with violet eye ; and the pretty Grecian T. oriihanidea, the last having orange- yellow flowers and a dark centre. Masses of any of these would be most interesting, and from their earliness as much as dwarfness are well suited for this style of gardenin". E. J. The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. OfEN-AiR Tomatoes. — Plants, whether occupy- ing warm, sunny walls or grown market fashion in open positions trained to stakes, will now demand close attention. The soil at the base of walls is frequently drier than the cultivator is aware of, and, through the roots suffering, the bloom-trusses fail to set, the weather being blamed for it. Mulching, though generally indispens- able, is often somewhat deceptive, as the surface appears moist when 6 inches down the soil is dry. Practically speaking, one can hardly over-water wall Tomatoes, although, of course, much de. Irises in a Japanese howl. {See' p. 97.) pends on the season. Administering or withhold- ing stimulants must be regulated entirely by the growth the plants are making or the crop they are carrying. I have found nothing better for Tomatoes than farmyard liquid obtained in a fresh condition and diluted to about one-third of its strength. Beware of the still too common practice of wholesale defoliation, nothing tending more to check the plants and reduce both size and quality of the fruit. Keep all side laterals closely pinched out, and in the case of any clusters of fruit being unduly shaded, shorten a few leaves to half their length, or even tie them on one side to admit sun and air. Plants trained on stakes must not be neglected for a moment in the matter of removing side growths, as frequently, if the weather is dull and hazy, a sufficiently free circu- lation of air is not enjoyed and mildew and other evils result. Pinch tlie leaders immediately they reach the top of the stakes, as allowing growth to fall downwards excludes air and light from the fruit, and the final removal of a foot or 15 inches gives a check to the plants generally. The same remarks as to mulchmg, watering, and applying stimulants as in the case of plants on wails hold good. Mulching may in some soils easily be carried to excess. Catidoons, — The earliest transplanted rows of these will now be sufficiently advanced in growth to assimilate liberal supplies of water of a manurial nature. This is the only way to secure sturdy plants, Cardoons being such thirsty subjects. On light, porous soils if artificial watering is neglected in comparatively dry seasons failure is certain. Go over the plants and remove any suckers that may have issued from the base of the plants, also any rough, discoloured leaves, giving a copious drenching with farmyard manure once a fort- night, or where this is not practicable prick ovei the surface of the soil with a fork and apply a moderate sprinkling of guano, fish manure, or nitrate of soda. The last manure must be used with discretion, as if applied too liberally harm may be apprehended. CtJCUMiiERs FOR AUTUMN. — In some gardens where Cucumbers are in constant demand and sufficient glass accommodation exists, it is custo- mary to raise a batch of plants for producing fruit at the latter end of September and onwards. These plants will now be in small pots and in a growing condition. A moist, shady house is essential for the production of vigorous, spider- free plants, which after filling a 6-inch pot with roots will be ready for transferring to their per- manent positions early in September. With care in management there will then be no fear of a scarcity of tender, well-flavoured fruit from the time the summer frame and pit supply is ex- hausted until the winter plants cammence to yield. Upon no consideration allow a pot-bound condition to occur, as then an attack of red spider may be expected. I do not advise a too rich compost for autumn-bearing plants which may, perhaps, have to supply fruit throughout November, as a solid, wiry growth rather than a soft, over-sappy one is desirable. I think good sound loam, kept open with a little leaf-mould and some road grit, is a very suitable compost, as it is easy to feed to any extent when the plants commence to carry fruit. A quiet corner in a rather close, moist house is the best position for the plants at present, and they enjoy the moisture arising from a layer of damp Moss. People now- adays, as a rule, prefer large, showy Cucumbers, but, provided a true strain is secured, I do not think there is a more reliable or profitable variety for late autumn or winter use than the old Syon House. Next to it, a good variety of Telegraph is, perhaps, best. Spking-fruiting Tomatoes. — From the com- mencement to the middle of August is a suitable time to sow, in as cool a place as possible, seed of some hardy, free bearing sort, or sorts, of Tomato for furnishing fruit say in April, 1900. Hardiness and non-liability to fungus attack during the dark, dull days of winter being the aim of the cultivator, a cool position from the very first is imperative. A frame turned towards the north and kept moist daily will answer well, airing according to the weather. I think the plan of sowing in small pots and potting on as soon as these are well filled with roots as good as any. Good calcareous loam and road grit, or old mortar rubble, form a good rooting medium. When grow- ing freely, the young plants must have free expo- sure to sun and air, and in favourable weather the lights must be drawn clean off. Stockiness is the great thing, and in October, before frost sets in, remove the plants to a cool, airy house close to the roof glass, where they will remain till potting time arrives. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Peach houses. — Should any replanting of trees or renovation of soil be requisite in the early Peach house, they should be taken in hand at once before the trees lose their leaves, then the roots will become active again immediately and scarcely any check will be felt by the trees. In dealing 104 THE GARDEN. [August 5, 1899. with such trees I have found it advisable to shade the house for the time being, and if the roots have to be kept out of the soil for any length of time they should be kept plump by covering them with damp mats or something equivalent to the latter for the retention of moisture. If the trees are not old and actual replanting is contemplated, I see no need whatever to attempt lifting them with a large ball of soil, for, provided the work is done quickly and well and the roots surrounded with the kind of soil which conduces to activity in the shortest possible period, the preservation of much old soil round the roots is more of a hin- drance than a help, besides adding to the danger of fracturing many of the roots by its weight when lifted. Few trees take so kindly to transplanting as does the Peach if given anything like fair treat- ment and provided it is not old enough to have lost all its recuperative vigour ; therefore if the growth or the crop has been in any way unsatis- factory, I strongly advise an overhauling of the roots and re-making the border as the best means of correcting faults of this nature. As re-making does not necessarily mean giving the trees an entirely new border, the expense need not be great. Provided the old soil is not sour, most of it may be retained and will do good service when corrective materials are added to it. When Peach trees which are treated correctly as regards general management go out of health from any cause except that of old age, it is tolerably cer- tain that the fault arises from a deficiency of lime in the soil, and it is to lime that the grower must turn for help in renovation. Many borders which contain a fair amount of mortar rubbish — an ex- cellent ingredient for keeping a border porous — are still deficient in lime, for that in the mortar will have lost all or almost all its virtues, and freshly slaked lime should be added freely to the heap of soil being prepared for the plant- ing. The only other ingredient for which I care is the - ashes from the garden smother fire, which will consist of about equal proportions of wood ashes and burnt earth. These two ingredients and seme good sound loam provide all the necessary elements to the border, and any feeding which may be necessary later on can then be applied to the surface or in solution when watering. The only case in which I recommend anything further to be added is when the border is wholly inside and very limited in extent, then a liberal allowance of half-inch hones will be of service. In dealing with fruit borders of any description too much care can hardly be spent on the drainage, as this to be effective must be ample and well arranged so that it is capable of carrying off within a reasonable time the large quantities of water that should be given during the time when the fruits are swelling fast. The most unsatisfactory borders are those which remain so wet below after watering as to preclude the possibility of giving the thorough waterings essential at frequent intervals during that period. These borders often crack on the surface and allow the upper roots to become dry while the lower ones are still wet from the previous water- ing ; consequently the border has to have mere driblets of water just to keep the surface right. On top of the drainage should be placed fibrous turves, which should be made to fit together nicely, and not ba broken up by being wheeled upon or trodden heavily. Such a covering over the drainage will remain intact for years and will prevent the fine particles from silting down and choking the drainage. In planting, take care to make the border firm and to set the tree so that its stem will be buried no deeper than it had been previously ; then spread out the roots in a natural manner, keeping them well up, and fill in round them with some nice mellow turf from an old stack if possible, keeping the newer soil for the body of the border. After planting, keep the house close, but cool for a few days, leave the shading on, and syringe freely two or three times a day, then the wood will remain plump and hardly any check will be felt. As the mid- season Peach trees are stripped of their fruits, use plenty of water to cleanse the foliage, and leave full air on night and day, also see that the roots are not allowed to get dry. Late crops must be fed as occasion offers, so that they may attain a good size, and they should be kept well exposed to the light to gain all the colour they can, for with many of the very late varieties appearance goes for much. Pines. — Though the weather may remain hot by day, we have now got to a time of the year when cool nights may be expected occasionally, so that there should be no laxity as to the heat- ing arrangements, a brisk night and day tempe- rature being necessary to keep the plants going, especially those carrying fruits that are in the swelling stages. These, too, will take water freely, and should be looked over frequently so that none among them will be allowed to get over-dry. Manure-water, preferably that made by steeping good guano and used in a weak form, will be taken freely by all the growing stock that has practically filled the pots with roots and will do the plants a great deal of good, whether they be fruiters or successions. All surplus suckers should be wrung out as they become big enough to be easily got at, retaining not more than one, and that one of the lowest on each plant for stock. Continue to pot up suckers when they become big enough, giving them small pots only in which to start and pot on earlier batches that have filled their pots with roots, so that they may become well established in their new pots before winter. See that the houses and pits are shut up early enough to run up the temperature 1.5° to 20° by sun-heat, and to counteract the scalding effects of the sun use the syringe freely, especially as regards the walls, linings, &c., to promote abundance of evaporated moisture. Melons. — Whatever license may be allowed to early crops, it is certain that one cannot afford to permit any laxity with regard to the latest plants at any time either in the matter of planting or in the general details of management, for it is these late batches that are most likely to bec3me cankered when the weather begins to change for the worse and the nights get long. Perhaps pots are better than beds in which to grow late Melons, but either will do very well, and certainly plants in pots give most trouble in the long run. The beds or hillocks on which to plant should contain less soil than former lots have been given ; they should be well raised, made firm, and the plants set out in the soil, which must previously have been well warmed. After planting, venti- late with care and close very early, syringing the plants freely at closing time and keeping up a high night temperature, so that both root and top grow rapidly. If pots are used, they should be so fixed that they cannot sink out of position, a firm pedestal being best for them. When plunged loosely in fermenting material the plants are apt to become strained through its settlement, and this is sure to injure them badly. CoRNnsiAN. Kitchen Garden. VEGETABLES ANT DROUGHT. This is a very familiar theme just now with everyone who has the charge of a garden and from whom is expected a daily vegetable supply of greater or less variety and bulk. The season has not so far been remarkable for the length of drought as much as for the great damage done in such a short time. For the six months — January to June — there have been in this neighbourhood lih inches more rain than in the corresponding six months of last year, and yet there is a much more widespread outcry from the influence of drought on vegetable and fruit crops. Peas and Cauliflowers among vegetables have given the most trouble with me, although others have suffered proportionately. The soil overlying a sandy clay subsoil drains rapidly in summer, and without mulching Peas suffer quickly. Several of the early sowings, which were made at intervals of ten or fourteen days, seemed to come in all together, although kinds of a successional character were chosen. The evil of this was too clearly manifested in a short supply between these and the maincrop sowings, and at a time when the demand is heavy. The drought, too, showed very clearly the value of trenching the ground for Peas, especially that which has to do duty for them at rather short intervals. No vegetable so soon tires of the same soil as Peas when there is a frequent repetition of sowing, and which must necessarily occur in small gardens in dividing the warm borders between the early and most valued crops. In such cases trenching is in- valuable, because it breaks up and incorporates some new and unexhausted soil with the old. Clayey subsoils ought not, of course, to be treated on the same principle as those of a lighter nature. I have known instances where the bringing up of a quantity of clay to the surface has completely spoilt the ground for vegetables, and until re- trenching had been carried out no useful crop could be produced. Strawy manure dug into heavy ground is good, but that which is short and decayed is better for light soil. Mulching, as Mr. Wythes re- marks, does not add to the appearance of the vegetable quarters, nor does it simplify the work in keeping down weeds. In open soils the hoe can be kept constantly moving among growing crops and the weeds kept well under hand, but this does not take the place of mulching. In sowing late crops of Peas when the weather is summer-like I am compelled to cover the soil with strawy litter as soon as the seeds are put in and allow these to push their heads through it. Needless to say, this must not be very heavy, or they would fail in their effort by being suffocated. Latterly, Spinach has given much trouble, some in running early to seed, other and later sowings absolutely refusing to grow. Spinach Beet conies to the rescue, how- ever, and the weather which dealt so severely with the ordinary varieties seemed quite what the other enjoyed. Planting of winter crops was at a standstUl for some time, resulting in over-grown and succulent plants in the seed bed and a large percentage blind and useless. Slugs in dry weather are less troublesome among tender salads and young vegetable plants, but the Turnip flea has been more than usually active. In the fruit garden birds have been most daring and destructive. Onions, which are usually good dry-weather plants, showed signs of distress previous to the rain of the 22nd ult. A heavy thunderstorm on that date, when 1 1 inches of rain fell, greatly assisted the swelling of these and stimulated other vegetables into active growth. Early- planted Brussels Sprouts and Runner Beans have made good growth. The break-up of the drought, however, wUl, it is hoped, soon change the aspect of aft'airs. W. 8. Wilts. The early Potato crop. — In many districts early and second-early Potatoes have this season had an indifferent time of it, as during the latter half of April and throughout May cold, particu- larly at night, gave the haulm a severe check. In some districts in the eastern counties the first growth was cut clean back when a few inches high, and all practical gardeners know well what that means so far as the size of tubers is con- cerned, as the majority of sorts never make up the lost vitality. These late, unexpected frosts ought to teach the necessity of protection, if only of a rough nature, such as looee, dry Bracken or litter. Owing to a lack of rain in this district first and second-early varieties will on most soils August 5, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 105 be undersized, and an old gardener told me a few days ago that in the event of a copious rain the probability is that the tubers will grow out. I have not at present heard any complaint as to the disease. This confirms the opinion I have before expressed that the germs of disease may exist, but that they will not develop unless sur- rounding circumstances are favourable to it. I hope that the rain which fell almost without in- termission in this part of East Anglia from 4 a.m. on Saturday until the same time on Monday has come just in the nick of time to save the late field plots on light land. Probably the price at which seed tubers are offered makes it impossible for growers to plant Renown in quantity for market, but I look upon this variety as one of the most useful late-keeping rounds introduced for many years. It is a grand cropper, almost as round as a cricket ball, delicious when cooked, and withstands disease better than many. — Nor- wich. AUTUMN AND WINTER SPINACH. As regards the dates for sowing late autumn and winter Spinach, much depends upon the locality and the soil. Indeed, the soil in my opinion is the chief cause of failure in many cases, as I have often observed that land that produces a ijuick, soft growth is not the best for wintering the plant. In all gardens Spinach is not considered a necessity, but it is certainly a valuable addition, and where it does well there will be supplies from October to May. I find for autumn and winter supplies the best results are obtained from the large-leaved kinds, not but that these fail quite as badly as the older prickly and small round-leaved kinds if not given ample room. I am inclined to attribute some of the failures to undue crowd- ing at the start. I fail to see why so many vegetable crops are sown so thickly at the pre- sent day, as in nine cases out of ten it is not necessary. By sowing thinly much better results would often follow. In the sowing of winter Spinach I find crowded plants in a rich, close, old garden soil grow so rapidly at the start that failure is nearly certain at a time the plant gets pinched in severe weather and is too weak to bear the strain. For years I sowed on rich or well-manured land specially prepared for the crop. It is necessary to manure in poor land, but I have obtained far better re- sults from less manure at the season of sowing, giving more food in the shape of top-dressings when new growth is needed early in the spring. I also find a light, loose root-run not conducive to sturdy growth. It certainly is advantageous for seed sown say in March or April, but in August and September I find by reversing the conditions of culture a better crop is secured. Having a very light soil resting on gravel, growth is rapid, but not reliable, and to get a better return I sow on land well trodden ; in fact, rolled both before and after sowing. One may often see large breadths of winter Spinach in fields when there are none in gardens. With field culture the plant gets what is almost im- possible in a gardexi, that is, change of soil, and this is important. As regards dressing the soil, I would much rather give a good quantity of such aids as soot, lime, and burnt refuse of any kind than heavy coatings of manure. In heavy clay soU I have used road scrapings to advan- tage, and in a light porous soil cow manure is better than horse manure, and if any heavy materials can be added, so much the better. I am not in favour of sowing in newly-dug land just manured if the soil is very light. Several seasons when short of manure I used fertilisers, and had a much better crop. Lack of moisture is often the cause of failure with Spinach at other seasons, but too much in autumn and winter soon tells its tale. I think it is of great im- portance to give plenty of room— 18 inches to 2 feet apart in the rows, the plants being thinned to at least 6 inches to 9 inches in the row. A hard and fast line cannot be drawn as regards date of sowing, as so much depends upon the soil and position. About the middle of August is a safe time, provided ample room is given and early attention paid to thinning. I get better results by making two sowings — one early in August, one a month later. Should the earlier-sown get coarse, the later will be a better crop and not run so quickly in the spring. The late-sown lot will often escape a severe winter when the other is much cut up. The later sowing need not be given so much space. The newer kinds of Spinach are excel- lent for winter and spring supplies, and a kind much grown abroad— the Virofiay— is very use- ful, on account of the colour and quality of its large leafage. The Long Standing, the Carter, and the Large-leaved Victoria are all good. In heavy land it may be advisable to sow the Per- petual or Beet Spinach. This lacks the quality of the others named, being more like a Beet- root, but it is a good substitute. G. Wythes. do when double cropping has to be practised, and good, succulent vegetables take a lot of goodness from the soil. A too small kitchen garden means an endless worry to those in charge of it. A Suffeker. ROOM IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN. It is very short-sighted policy on the part of those who have the laying out of country places to allow so little room for the culture of good vegetables. The number of things that have to be grown to satisfy the kitchen department and the amount of space necessary to get proper quality in the produce can only be understood by those who have to do it with very limited space at disposal. Close planting is one of the worst evils, leading to want of quality and allowing insects a much better chance than when the rows of various crops can be kept well apart, so that air and light filter freely through them. Closely-planted gardens are and must always be a splendid propagating ground for Potato disease, mildew and other fungoid troubles, and, of course, more seed is used, good rows well apart of almost every crop pro- ducing twice the amount that crowded ones do. Again, it is impossible to give the various crops their proper rotation, and land has often to be sown or planted before it is really in a fit con- dition. I know that in some large gardens where there is only a limited demand the spare plots are sometimes allowed to get into a very bad state, but this need not be. Potatoes might be grown and less room needed for the field crops ; and, again, what a boon it would be to be able to dig the plots for Brussels Sprouts and other winter greens and allow them to stand until they were needed instead of having to plant after Potatoes and even in some cases on the late Broccoli quarter of the pre- vious season. There could be no comparison in the quality of the produce grown under such dift'erent conditions, while the cultural details could be carried out in suitable weather instead of having to do the work at a time when other important things are waiting attention. There is, in fact, no end to the advantages that accrue from having ample room, and it is certainly false economy to pinch the kitchen garden for room on estates where the land is let in many cases for a few shillings the acre. Where vegetable quarters have to be cropped several times in the year, it is only reasonable to expect that a lot of feeding with good farm- yard or stable manure will be necessary. It is one thing to grow a single crop in a year and another to take two, or even three, as we must Globe Artichokes. — Owing to the limited supply of rain, Globe Artichokes in gardens where the soil is of a shallow or sandy nature will have so far made a none too robust growth. In order, however, to enable the stools to re- gain their normal strength, liberal treatment from the present date till the leaves and stems begin to decline must be . accorded. If any stools are weak, they must not be allowed to mature all the heads they throw up ; removing say one half will be of advantage in enabling the plants to build themselves up for another season. Where a good mulch was applied in spring, and this has been washed away by repeated water- ings or by birds in search of insects, another must be given, also as frequent and liberal doses of farmyard manure as time and means will allow. Plants raised from small offsets and put out in May must be treated as liberally as possible. These should make good stout-bearing stools for next season. — J. Pea awards at Chiswick.— I should be glad to know why a variety given three crosses by the fruit committee at Chiswick does not receive an award of merit, as I find, by scanning the gardening journals, several varieties had the same award and were given awards of merit at the next meeting. I fail to understand why Dwarf Triumph was omitted, and I think the reason should be given, as if it was not considered distinct, why give it three marks, or if not good enough in other ways, why bring it forward at all? I do not know Dwarf Triumph, and my contention is that a variety once recognised should receive the proper award. Of late years I notice a different course is adopted by committeesof the Royal Horti- cultural Society, at least by the fruit and veget- able committee. In former days three marks meant a first-class certificate, two an award of merit, and one meant highly commended. The plan was good and everyone knew what these marks meant. Now it appears that three marks do not even carry an award of any kind. — An Old Fellow. Trouble with the Celery. — This season the Celery fly has been most energetic, and even before the Celery was out of the nursery beds brown and seared leaves were noticeable. On a dull, warm day at the beginning of June I saw a horde of these flies hovering round a trench of early Celery when walking round the garden of a friend. Prompt measures were at once taken, soot was dusted over the foliage, and I have since learnt that scarcely any traces of the maggot were afterwards noticed. But this is just where many people make a mistake. The mutilated leaves point plainly to the work of the grub, and they at once commence to apply soot and other remedies. It is a parallel to tlie case of locking the stable door when the horse is stolen, for the mischief is then done, and no insecticide is strong enough to kill the grub feeding under the outer tissues of the leaves without destroying the foli- age as well. Prevention is better than cure in most cases, emphatically so in this one, and anything that is used should be in the form of a preventive in making the foliage distasteful to the fly. High cultivation is another antidote to Celery fly, for whenever there is any check to the growth of the plant in its early stages, that is the time when the enemy appears to do the most damage. Unfortunately, every grower has not an unlimited water supply, and where this com- modity is withheld or supplied sparingly the Celery fly is almost certain to do much damage. One thing is certain — that when once the grub is there the best plan is to at once pick off the muti- lated leaves, and by assisting the plants as much as possible with liquid, induce them to make fresh healthy foliage.— G. H. H. 106 THE GARDEK [August 5, 1899. Ferns. ADIANTUM GLAUCOPHYLLUM. There are few prettier members of the great genus Adiantum and probably none more easily grown than the subject of the annexed cut. It resembles a good deal A. cuneatum, but is of a lighter and brighter green and the pinnules ditfer in shape. It has short creeping rhi- zomes, and seems at home almost anywhere, for it will exist in an absolutely unheated house. It grows luxuriantly in the inter- mediate fernery where nearly all the other Adiantums and Gyranogrammas thrive, but probably a shady greenhouse temperature is as good as any. The illustration shows a speci- men covering the entire exterior of a porous earthenware pitcher, which is kept filled with water, the Fern being simply tied on with wire, with a very little soil. It envelops the pitcher so completely as to render it quite invisible. The whole is suspended from the roof, the vessel being pointed at the bottom. It can be dying down to the ground-line and springing up again in spring, and in a warm, sheltered rockery in Gloucestershire it lived outside through several winters, though the fronds were not so large or nearly so well coloured as under glass. These curve out over the side of the pan in which they are growing almost like those of a Davallia. — H. Adiantum Wilesianum. — The fronds of this fine species have a good deal more substance and are much more handsome than those of the some- what similar A. formosum. Strongly grown it makes an excellent specimen plant, the large, overlapping fronds giving it a fine appearance. It is best grown in a warm greenhouse tempera- ture, and cutting the fronds ought not to be prac- tised at all seasons, but when thoroughly hardened each plant may be cut over. The fronds, how- ever, are of more than annual duration, and if a good plant is wanted they ought not to be cut for decoration at all, simply removing them when they begin to decay to make room for the younger ones to ascend. Being so strong growing, a rather rougher compost than most Adiantums like may be given, and when healthy and rooting freely a fairly large shift is quite to its taste. Rough peat and loam, with a little leaf-mould and Ad.antinn glaucopliyllum in a porous jar. From a photograph by Mr. G. Pirn, Dublin. grown into very pretty little specimens for table decoration in ;3-inch pots, and will stand being pot-bound well. A. glaucophyllum is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and probably represents in N. America A. cuneatum, which belongs to Brazil, &c. G. Pim. Fteris tremula. — Where there is much home decoration to do seedlings of this useful Fern ought to be raised frequently, unless, as in many cases, they come up promiscuously about the pots or walls. No Fern is so easily grown or comes so quickly to a use- ful stage, aud it is almost sure to preponderate in any batch of seedlings raised from purchased spores. Grow the plants aud use them as long as they are fresh, then throw them away and bring on a clean lot of young stuff. Athyrium Goringianum tricolor. — This is a very pretty and brightly coloured Fern that is well worth growing, but does not seem to be generally cultivated at the present day. At one time I had a nice lot of it growing in a light, almost unshaded house, and the pretty green, red and silver-grey markings were always commented upon and admired. The plant is herbaceous. a good sprinkling of sharp silver sand, make a good compost, and this should be placed rather tirmly in the pots for old-established specimens. Young growing plants may be potted a little more loosely, as the growth will be (juicker, though less substantial. Grow it in a good light all the year round, shading only for an hour or two in the middle of the day. Gleichenia circinata. — This in its varied i forms is one of the best of stove Ferns, and neat specimens are very elegant and light-looking. The long graceful pinn.-B of G. c. semi-vestita are even prettier than those of the type, but both should be grown and are worthy of a place in the best collections. The wiry rhizomes seem to delight in surface and atmospheric moisture and where a brisk stove temperature is maintained. It is necessary to prevent injury to the points of these, as when once checked further progress from that individual point is doubtful. For the reason stated above I tried a few small specimens in growing Sphagnum Moss, placing this over the top of the compost as a surfacing. The rhi- zomes extended in this material very freely, throwing up strong fronds and making very fine plants. Where possible this Gleichenia ought- to be grown so far back on the stage that it is nob likely to be touched, as the fronds are even more susceptible to damage than the rhizomes. Where the points by any means do get bruised, it is nob always necessary to remove the fronds entirely, but they may be cut back to the fresh portion with a pair of scissors. G. circinata is a native of various parts of Australia. — Grower. WALKS, DRIVES, AND WEED-KILLERS. Probably the greatest boon that has been con- ferred upon foresters and gardeners during thft present generation at least is the weed-killer. The saving of labour by its application over the kingdom must have been enormous. I can well remember what the keeping of some scores o£ miles of gravel walks in good order on a large estate in the north meant. The hoeing and raking were very bulky items, but as the work could only be done in dry weather, squads of women and boys were set to hand- weed thfr walks throughout the whole summer as well. Hoeing and raking were usually abortive, in woods especially, as the walks were green again at one end of the wood before the hoe had reached the other. Later, on another estate where reduction of expenses in gardens had become the order of the day, the private roads and drives had to be tackled, and as the weed-killer had not then become known it was- decided, on the advice of the gardener, to draw the line somewhere between gravel and grass, with the result that miles of gravelled walks and drives were allowed to grow green, and only those were " kept " that could be kept. In one season the abandoned roads grew green with grass, but being a hard bottom the roads in the parks never became rank and were cropped close by sheep and cattle, so that in a- short time they became soft, yet firm, and some wondered why the idea of leaving them alone had never occurred to anyone before. (_)ne of the most perfect grass drives I know of was once a macadamised road, which has now for over thirty years been covered with a dense soft carpet of grass. When the carriage leaves the highway and goes on to this drive one feels as if the wheels had suddenly jumped into pneumatic tyres. This, by the way, to those who care to take the hint. In woods, of course, grass paths have to be gone over once or twice with the scythe, but the grass can usually be disposed of, which defrays the cost of cutting. The objections to the weed-killer have first to be disposed of. These are a supposed injury to the health of people who frequent paths where the weed-killer has been used, and a danger to cattle, game, itc. I do not know whether or not all weed-killers are alike. I have only used one, Bentley's, and after about six years' trial on garden walks, estate roads, wood walks, and pavements in and about the mansions and dwelling-houses, not a single mishap has oc- curred, and the parks are full of cattle, sheep, and horses and the woods full of game. The saving in labour will be guessed when it is stated that one man with proper appliances has for the above period done the work of probably ten men, and done it usually in one month, the work being let by contract. The efl'ect upon the weeds was magical. The stirring of the surface of walks has been avoided, and the hacking of the edges of roads, much to their injury, done away with. A besom now does all the work. The first year the full dose was applied according to the directions in May and June. The second year scarcely any applica- tion was needed ; the third year weeds were still few, and the killer was only applied where August 5, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 107 they grew, and since then the annual applica- tion has been slight. It has been asserted elsewhere that the health of people in whose gardens the weed-killer has been has suffered. My experience where the walks have been saturated up to the doors is that no one has ever complained of the slightest ill-effects. The same man has applied the weed-killer every year, and for a month at least is going with his nose over the can with which he applies the poison, but he has never suffered in any way, and his general appearance would satisfy the most exacting of insurance society doctors. The appliances should be kept by themselves when not in use and be locked up. All the accidents I have heard of have resulted from neglect in this respect. One gentleman wrote to another, "Do you use any of these weed- killers ? I have lost three of my prize short- horns through its use." The gardener, not to be stopped, inquired further into the matter, and discovered that the cattle had sipped the liquid out of a pail carelessly left standing in the park by the man during his meal hour. Much care is necessary in using the weed- killer in gai-dens where the roots of trees ex- tend under walks. A fine plant that covered a large portion of a mansion died suddenly and inexplicably. The root was sent to a scientific expert in London not a thousand miles from South Kensington, who was as much puzzled as anybody. Later I had a chance of looking at the spot, where it could be seen that the walk sloped towards the place where the plant's roots had been. Into this dejiression the weed- killer had flowed and soaked, probably assisted by a shower of rain, killing the plant in a short time. I have known three instances of this kind. Rambler. Flower Garden. Pea sticks. — A Pea that would produce heavy late crops of wrinkled marrows of the best quality on a short haulm would be a boon to the gardener and his employer. Early crops some gardeners do not stick at all, but late Peas that grow from 7 feet to 9 feet high must be supported in some way, and the sticking of the rows is a laborious and expensive business. I knew a garden where there were about sixty rows of Peas sown annually, each row about .50 yards long, and which could hardly have paid for the sticking done. Each row required about 300 tall sticks, which , collected , trimmed , sharpened and deli vered , cost from .5s. to 7s. per hundred, and that, together with the labour of putting them in and removingthem in autumn, would bring theamount up to fully £1 per row, or to a total of about £60. Where labour is scarce the Pea crop is a source of anxiety to the gardener, and some few years back I came across one who had reduced the labour and the cost by at least half. Reasoning upon the assumption that the Pea will cling to one stick, where it had not the choice of two, and find all the support it required, he only put one row of sticks to each row of Peas, and as the rows ran north and south, as they usually do, he put the sticks firmly in on the east side of the row, as the prevailing winds were from the west or a point west. I saw these Peas (Ne Plus Ultra and the like) late in autumn bearing crops, and they certainly did not look as if they needed further support. Ever since he has stuck to the "one-stick plan," as he calls it, saving much pre- cious time thereby. He is not particular about the shape of the sticks, which is another advan- tage. Beech and other flat-branched sticks have always been the favourites, and there have been plenty of gardeners who would have no other, but my friend takes any kind of stick that is tall enough, stout enough and twiggy enough, that he can stick firmly into the ground, and he nips off the extremities and puts them in at the bottom to thicken it there and lead the young Pea to its supports. — J. S. A PLEA FOR SIMPLICITY IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. With the advent of more natural methods of laying out gardens which have made such im- mense strides of late years, there is less need of bedding out — properly so-called — in many places where formerly it was the great attrac- tion. Borders and permanent beds have en- croached in the majority of gardens on the space once devoted to flower-beds. But even now, although formal beds are out of fashion, there are some places where they are desirable and indeed necessary, even in small gardens. A few beds, for instance, near the house give a brightness in early spring and late autumn which cannot easily be obtained by the use of hardy flowers, and, of course, in formal gardens such as exist round many large places the bed- ding-out system must always continue, modi- tied and, as it were, softened by the introduction of hardy and fine-foliaged plants. It is in laying out these beds that the gar- dener may show real taste. For instance, it may be allowable in a large Italian garden to have beds edged or carpeted or to plant various species together, and no doubt where this is done artistically, most beautiful combinations may be produced ; but in smaller places or in gardens where the main features are the borders of perennials or groups of hardy flowers, nothing looks worse than to see pretentious beds. Even where these are most beautifully done they seem quite out of place. A large simple bed of some freely growing plant will in such a garden harmonise with its surroundings in a way in which the finest combinations of colour and form or perfection of edging and carpeting cannot do. And further than this, in gardens where, as I suggest, the simple form of bedding out should obtain, such plants as Begonias or Calceolarias are, I think, out of place. Beds filled full of Ivy- leaved Geraniums, Heliotrope, Pentstemons, Violas and many other free - growing and spreading plants (one kind only to each bed) lend themselves to association with hardy flowers. I would exclude, indeed, all flowers which suggest by their form an exotic origin. The same remarks apply as well to spring bed- ding as to summer. We ought not, in a garden such as I have indicated, to have the formal Hyacinths or Tulips in beds. But we can have Polyanthuses, and Primroses, and Forget-me- nots and many other what I may call informal plants which will suggest themselves to every- one, and if these are planted so that the beds are overflowing, as it were, the eflect will be charming in combination with the borders and permanent beds around. We too often allow the gardener to show his skill in planting out and combining plants to the loss of artistic beauty, and although the results are in themselves often most beautiful, we ought not to forget that it is the ett'ect of the whole garden, or what is seen from one point of view, that we ought to consider and not merely a part. Many gardens, more especially small ones, are marred by the incongruity of their set beds, and if a little more restraint were exercised and greater simplicity observed, the whole effect of many a beautiful place would be much enhanced. S. T. Kewensis " that it is said to be synonymous with CE. glauca — S. .\rnott. TropSBolum speciosum is doing well in Mr. G. ¥. Wilson's Wisley garden. The slender shoots are almost hidden among the branches of a white Rose, the scarlet blooms peeping out here and there, their bright hue emphasised by the abundant verdure and pure flowers of the RoPe. A large Holly gives shade, and other trees hard by create the cool atmo- sphere which is so necessary to the continued well- being of this delightful hardy flower, in southern gardens at least. — J. C. B. Double - flowered Martagsn Lily.— This must now-ti-days be assigned a place among the rare kinds, for it is seldom met with, and the name occurs in very few catalogues, yet some years ago it was quite common. This was brought forcibly home by the perusal of the catalogue of one of our prominent nurserymen, who twenty-eight years ago announced the price of the double-flowered Martagon at Is. Gd. per bulb, being in fact at that time one of the cheapest Lilies.— H. P. Fratia angulata. — In various portions of Mr. Wilson's Wisley garden this delightful little hardy flower covers some square yards of ground with its fresh green foliage. The pure white flowers are this year produced in unusual profusion, being shown off to great advantage by the thick cirpet of verdure on which they reprise. At Oakwood this is grown in a rather moist, sheltered position, but where abundance of light and a fair amount of sunshine come in the growing season. — J. C. B. Lilium colohieum under trees. — In Jlr. Wilson's Wisley garden this Lilv is grown in various positions, but always in the shade of deciduous trees. In the subdued liglit which tliere prevails, the band- some pale yellow blooms are seen to advantage, and by the vigorous growth made it is evident that the plants rejoice in the shade and shelter they enjoy. Clumps of this Lily throwing up their tall stems among the branches of low-growing Apple trees have a very pleasing appearance. — J. C. B. CEnothera Franeri.— In my note regarding CE. Youngi fl.-pl. and Mr. Cuthbertson's new Evening Primrose I tind that I have been in error in referring 1 Oil. Fraseri to frutioosa. I observe in the " Index CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The display of these charming flowers on the occasion of the National Carnation Society's annual exhibition (southern section) was as exten- sive as in previous seasons and the blooms through- out were of nice quality. From the point of a mere visitor I thought the show a good one and by far the most interesting I have seen in respect of new exhibitors. When fourteen take part in competition in the class devoted to novices, I think there is a sign of some enthusiasm. The introduction of new self-coloured Carnations, yellow-ground Picotees, and those of many colours called fancies has given these flowers a great and increasing popularity. They are easy to grow in comparison to the bizarres generally, although the old school florists do not look upon them with much favour. To an ordinary person, however much one may admire the pretty markings of the old type of flower, there is no getting away from the showiness of the newer flowers. The yellow- ground Picotees appeal to my individual taste, but before I note the varieties of excellence I would point out how confused is the present arrangement of exhibiting them. A very large and handsome kind named Voltaire was placed first in the class for half a dozen fancy Carnation blooms of the same variety, and if my memory serves me, it obtained prizes as a yellow-ground Picotee. There were instances throughout the classes of other sorts being equally mixed. I would suggest that the Carnation Society take this matter in hand, so that complaints will be less rare in the future. It would not be dilHcult for a small committee to make out a list of what are fancies and what are yellow ground I'icotees, the same to be printed in the schedule and revised yearly. An old kind, Mrs. Douglas, is a first-rate typo of a yellow ground. The bloom is not over large, well formed, clear coloured, and rich. A new variety was exhibited, which makes a distinct advance in this section, named Childe Harold. It is one of Mr. Martin Smith's latest gains. Another that easily won first prize in its class is Lady Sb. Oswald. This has a very deep yellow 108 THE GARDEK [August 5, 1899. ground with a true red margin. These two appeared to me most beautiful kinds. Badmin- ton, Dervish, Empress Eugenie, Hygeia, Mrs. Robert Sydenham, Stanley Wrightson, and Heather Bell are among the best of older sorts. Fancy Carnations belong to a most interesting section, the colours being so rich and varied. Perseus, Monarch, Hidalgo, Lady Ardilaun, Czarina, Geo. Cruickshank, The Dey, and Artemis are very striking among those now in commerce. Khedive, Guinevere, Charles Martel, Falca, and Pagan are new and likely to be popular in time to come. In self-coloured flowers Mrs. Eric Hambro was seen in perfect form. It would hardly be possible to ob':ain a better white Carnation. Ensign would appear better, as it gained the prize for premier self of the whole exhibition. I did not see a better rose-coloured bloom than Exile. Seagull is the best blush-white bloom, although Her Grace, a lighter bloom, is very fine. Endymion, salmon-red, and Mrs. .James Douglas, a deeper tint of red, are magnifi- cent kinds, quite indispensable to exhibitors. A splendid scarlet Carnation is Lady Hindlip. The Cadi is also fine. Sir Bevys, a crimson-scarlet, somewhat new, is a rich-coloured bloom. Yellow sorts of rare beauty are Germania, Cecilia and Regina, the last, however, being a weakly grower. Apricot or buff blooms always admired were somewhat rare. Mrs. Colby Sharpin is excellent. Benbow is a new light buff kind which should be noted. Another is Winifred, now well known as a good variety. One of the points of a perfect Carnation is smoothness in the petals. In the buff-coloured class there is room for improvement in this direction. At the Crystal Palace show I noticed one thing especially, and it is a point would-be exhibitors should remember. The best prizes go to those who stage young, highly coloured, fresh flowers of medium size and even in preference to those with size as the principal merit to recommend them. The classes devoted to Carnations shown as grown on long stems did not bring out anything remarkable — at least to my taste— although it is of course the most natural way of seeing them. In such classes there seems to be less care in selecting the blooms, which are more or less confused in form and not fully open. A group of plants that contained a large number of Malmaison Mrs. Martin Smith brought out the merits of that beautiful kind. This, a rich rose tint, Nell Gwynne, white, and Lord Rosebery, dark rose, are distinct hybrids of that remarkable type. H. S. Gypsophila paniculata. — There are few gardens where material suitable for table deco- ration or for filling vases and glasses in which the above indispensable hardy plant is not grown. Those, however, who do not possess it should do so, as for elegance and lightness I know of no- thing to equal it. I saw it used with good effect at a local show, being in both the first and second prize table decoration. In one instance it was mixed with yellow and white Iceland Poppies, and in another with white and yellow Mar- guerites. Its hardiness is a great recommenda- tion. A bush here and there intermixed with other subjects in the hardy flower border has a telling effect. It is very easily increased by root division. — N. N. The Great Arrowhead (Sagittaria varia- bilis).— Any of our readers who are concerned with the adornment of pieces of water might find this a precious aid. It has a double flower like a gieat white Rocket, with very large leaves, not the same as the old double Arrowhead, but twice as large. A few plants we got of it two years ago have spread all round the water in a very rapid way. It cannot be raised by seeds, but by some floating bulbs, perhaps ; but we have never seen a plant take hold more quickly, or, to do it justice, produce a better or more distinct effect, the large and handsome leaves telling very well indeed, and forming fine masses by the margin of the water. The effect of water when it is well planted or bare on the margin is singu- larly different. Pieces of water with hard, water- beaten margins may be in a year or two altered very much in aspect by carefully planting quite hardy things, waterside and bank plants. RODGERSIA PODOPHYLLA. For a cool, half-shaded position Rodgersia podophylla is one of our handsomest fine- , toliaged plants. This giant-leaved Saxifrage was first introduced into the United States by a Captain Rodgers, of the American Navy, after whom it is named. Its native name in Japan is Yagueumasa, but we may be well content to call it the Japan Bronze-leaf. Each i leaf is supported on a central petiole or leaf- stalk varying from 1 foot to 3 feet or more in height, and the largest leaves when fully expanded each measure 3 feet across. Leaf- mould and some peat and sand mixed with the soil seem to supply its requirements, which are a cool, free root-run in a moist and partly shaded position, and each November when the leaves have withered and fallen away, a top- dressing of old manure and wood ashes will be found very beneficial. The flower-stalks are Rodgersia podophylla. From a photograph by Mr. usually few in number, but the plant herewith depicted is bearing ten feathery wands of creamy blossom, which seen against a dark background are delightfully fresh and cool in the hottest hours of leafy June. A. L. L. Campanula puUa. — This pretty Bellflower has been very effective this year with the large bells of the deepest violet- purple on frail stems only l! inches or 3 inches high. Of the small kinds, of which C. pumila may be taken as typical, it is, perhaps, the best, the richly-coloured flowers being borne singly on the stems. Quite early in July, and frequently in the latter part of June, it is seen finely in flower. Although a charming plant for the rock garden, it is scarcely suited to the border. Grown in the rock garden it requires a good depth of soil, and rich soil, too. In large pots or pans it is a good plan to divide and repot as soon as flowering is over, not merely because the plant is much more safely handled at- that time, but because it forms a large amount of new roots and underground shoots at this time. Those who have doubts of this have only to leave one plant alone and repot another, and await the next flowering to see the increased vigour of the potted plant. It is much the same with established tufts, for by dividing these and either forming new colonies or spreading a tuft out into a patch twice the size, giving fresh soil and manure, a greatly improved flowering and vigour will be maintained. Some growers recommend peat for this plant, but I have no faith in this. In good loam and finely sifted very old manure this plant may be grown to perfection. Too frequently these dwarf kinds with their myriad root fibres are left too long, exhausting the material at hand and at times becoming well-nigh flowerless. — E. J. WATER LILIES AT WISLEY. It is in a time of heat and drought that one is best able to appreciate the beauty of those plants, that live in the water. The Water Lilies in Mr. Wilson's Wieley garden have for some time past been giving a delightful display. Very prominent among them is Chromatella, in which the beauti- ful rich yellow colour that distinguishes this kind fades away to soft pink in the outer petals. The way in which several shades of colour imper- ceptibly mingle in the flowers of these hybrid Water Lilies is one of their distinguishingand most attractive fea- tures. This is espe- cially noteworthy in Laydekeri rosea, the flowers of which when opening are of a pale pink, with delicately tinted margins, but> which eventually in the course of several days- assume a deep pink colour in the centre with rather paler edges. The difference in th& early immature and per- fect; stages of expansion is so great, that one might easily be so far deceived as to imagine that the flowers in their different stages of ex- pansion represent two distinct varieties. Lay- dekeri purpurea is, as its varietal name signi- fies, more richly co- loured, but it and the above - mentioned so nearly resemble each Greenwood Pirn, Dublin. other, that one may reasonably suppose that^ they come from the same pod of seed. In Marliacea carnea we have a handsome bold-habited Lily, ap- parently as vigorous and as capable of taking care of itself as our own native species. It throws up ics abundant leafage on stout stalks well above the water, the fine flesh-coloured blooms, deeper tinted on the reverse of the petals, being very conspicu- ous. The rich bronzy green foliage of this variety is very taking, and it will undoubtedly in time be as common in cultivation as is the white Water Lily of our streams and rivers. In great contrast to the foregoing are pygm.-ea alba and pygmaa Helvola, the latter with sulphur-yellow blooms. These are little gems, all the more precious as being suitable for the miniature lakes and ponds or large tanks which so many have to be contented with. In a very circumscribed area these dainty little Water Lilies are able to develop and assume their true proportions. Ex- quisita, also very pretty, is of moderate growth with narrow petalled flowers, and would be a good August 5, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 109 companion to the above. Odorata rosea is in the way of Marliacea rosea, but with smaller and much brighter flowers. At Oakwood it grows with freedom and is very attractive. J. C. Byfleet, NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Streptopus amplexicaulis, also known as S. distortus, is a graceful, though distorted plant, and the flowers are greenish white. It is because of the big and handsome berries that I note it now. These are deep orange in colour, and so large and numerous that you cannot miss a group but must stop and admire it. It grows 2 feet or rather more in height, and, like Solomon's Seal, will thrive and fruit between trees that do not cause too much shade. Primula suifruticosa. — This Californian species is as remarkable for its distinct features as the part of the world whence it comes. As yet it is little known, having been introduced so recently as 1SS4. I have grown it almost ever since it came to this country, and though some books tell us it b'ooms in spring, 1 never saw flowers out of doors except at midsummer. My first opened this year July 10, and such flowers ! the brightest rosy-purple intensified with the bright- est yellow eye. The tree like form of the thick and woody stems fully justifies the specific name, and the wedge-shaped leaves clustered into some- thing like a rosette give it an eS'ect that no ocher Primula his. Cistus alyssioides is at one 3 the earliest to flos'er, lasts the longest in succession, and the hardiest of the genus excepting laurifolius, which, being perfectly hardy, it can do no more than equal. Lilium californicum. — The richest colour I have had in the garden during July has been from a big group of this Lily. It belongs to the class of Turk's-cap and the rhizomatous-rooted sorts. It is quite one of those flowers that must be seen to know it and duly admire its beauty and intensity of colour and lively marking. I think it may be safely grouped with the few Lilies that will grow in any garden, and which as yet has not been found to be liable to any disease. If it has a preference, it is for light but moist soil. It dislikes disturbance, and may be two years before it flowers after it has been trans- planted, which is best done in September. Kirlcstall. J. Wood. Hyaeinthus eandicans.— T.j b3 effective this .species should be pl.anted in largp broad masses where it can rcake a good display and be seen from a dis- tance. A plant or two is all very well in the her- bacecua border, but it is much finer as indicated, and being one of the cheije^t of bulbous plants thei-e is nothing to prevent its being so used. The plant seems pretty well able to take care of its If, and in shrub- bery beds and borders, though planted quite late in the season, it is throwing up immense spikes of flower that look very well among the handsome dark green leaves. Iris Kaempferi. — This must be regarded as one of the finest hardy flowers of the week, and being among the latest of the Irises to flower is all the more welcome. Tho colours are remarkably varied and good, the flowers of large size, prettily veined and splashed. The plants bloom freely in a suitable spot, one where moisture is abundant for preference, and the flowers are very bold and striking owing to the width and substance of the petals. Those who do not care for the splashed and veined flowers will find plenty of delightful soft self tints among the varieties. Yellow Sweet Sultan.— This is one of the most useful flowers for cutting, and at a local show I saw it used with great success in table decoration. The bright golden tint is very distinct and beautiful, and it is also one of the most free flowering plants in cultivation, a good dry weather kind and one that lasts well in a cut state. It grows about 2 feet high and the plants may if convenient be grown where sown, as it is not one of the best to transplant. Not that it will not thrive when moved, but the roots are not of a character to relish disturbance. It is a good town plant and does best in a rather light soil. Yucca gloriosa. — There is in the public park at Worthing a fine specimen of this noble plant, which is now in its full glory, having a splendid spike of bloom. Measuring from the lower blooms to the top, the bloom-spike ia fully 6 feet, and this stands well above the foliage. I have never seen a more vigorous specimen, the plant being well clothed with healthy leaves down to the ground. I am informed by the park superinten- dent that there were two plants, the other being in full flower at Christmas-time, and though it did not develop such a fine spike of bloom as the present one it proved a great attraction. During a heavy gale this plant was broken off' close to the ground, but the roots being left undisturbed have given a nice stock of young plants. Already a good many have been taken off, and there are more to follow. It will probably be some years before these flower. Another good specimen is in bloom in a villa garden near here. — Worth- ing. Societies and Exhibitions. THE NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE SOCIETY (SouTiiERx Section), July 21. It is ditticult to say of the Crystal Palace that it is a fitting place for an exhibition of cut blooms of C.irnations. The vastness of the building dwarfs such flowers out of all proportion. Then a huge glass building reflecting the rays of the sun at every angle is scarcely a place in which cut flowers can remain fresh when the temperature is near 9o° in the shade. From openings in the awning the sunlight poured in upon some of the tables whereon cut flowers were placed, and partly frizzled them up before they were judged. The heat in the building, large as it is, is great, and many of the blossoms, half scorched when they were brought to the Palace, speedily collapsed. In dull weather, when it is cool, and when the greatest amount of light is required, the Palace affords it, but when the weather is hottest one sighs for a building roofed other than with glass. The bare undraped tables, of a colour that afforded anything but an agreeable contrast to the flowers, brought into view a palpable incongruity. Then there were huge patches of nakedness, as if spaces had been reserved for exhibitors who did not bring their flowers. The tables for such cut blooms as Carnations should not exceed 2 feet in depth from front to back ; in consequence of their greater depth there appeared to be as great a bare space as that covered with stands of blooms. Two handy men set to work as soon as the flowers were judged could £0 ha%'e circumscribed the table space as to reduce it fully one-third, and materially added to the attractiveness of the exhibition as a whole. It will doubtless be said that the visitors go to see the flowers, and vacant spaces on tables are of secondary importance. But an effective arrange- ment materially assists the effectiveness of a competitive exhibition, and is therefore not with- out its importance. There is no reason why the artistic element should not be more in evidence at flower shows, and it always appears to be lacking at this particular exhibition. The schedule of prizes is now so comprehensive, and as many prizes are offered in all the cut-flower classes, a large number of blooms is certain to be forthcoming. The white ground, bizarre and flaked Carnations and the white ground Picotees fell much below the average. The burning temperature of the few previous days had told severely upon them. Prizes were awarded to flowers really unworthy of them, but then all were more or less toetiiocre. One well-known grower spoke of them as rubbish, and he was truthful as well as candid. The selfs, fancies, and yellow ground varieties, being larger in size and fuller in substance, and, consequently, later in development, were of better quality, some of them really very fine. Despite the weather, there were seven standa of twenty-four blooms of Carnations, not less than twelve distinct varieties. It is interesting to note how some old varieties hold their own. Admiral Curzon and Sarah Payne, two bizarres, have been in cultivation for half a century and are still found in winning stands. Many of the leading flowers shown on this occasion have been in cultivation from ten to thirty years. Mr. Martin Rowan, Clapham, who grows his flowers near the suburban railway lines and under certain hostile conditions, won the first prize in the lead- ing class. Of bizarres he had Admiral Curzon, Robert Houlgrave, Robert Lord, J. S. Hedder- ley, and William Skirving ; and of flaked flowers. Sportsman, Thetis, Merton, John Buxton, Mrs. Rowan, James Douglas, Gordon Lewis, and George Melville, a very good selection. The flowers were small, fairly pure, and correct in their marking. Mr. C. Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough, came second with larger blooms, but showing signs of the heat and dryness of the atmo- sphere. Among the bizarres were Duke of York, Arline, Thaddeus, and Master Fred ; among the flakes, Chas. Henwood, Prince George of Wales, and Guardsman. Mr. James Douglas, Great Bookham, was third, and every stand got a prize. For self Carnations (twenty-four blooms), Mr. Blick, gardener to Mr. M. R. Smith, Hayes Common, staged some of those superb varieties of his own raising, and in their size, fulness, and freshness they were in marked contrast to the bizarres and flakes. In this first prize stand were Ensign, very fine ; Much the Miller and Helms- man, white : Cecilia, Miss Edith Harbord, and Michelet, yellow ; Blushing Bride and Her Grace, pink and blueh ; Benbow, buff ; Bomba, Mrs. A. Gilbej', Commander, and Conqueror, rose ; Etna and Dudley Stuart, scarlet and crimson ; Sir Bevys, very fine ; Kira, Proserpine, and Agnes Sorrel, maroon. It is possible some of the fore- going may not be in commerce, but they are a set of splendid varieties. Mr. C. Turner came second also with some fine blooms ; differing from the foregoing were Zachara, Zampa, Mrs. Buchanan, Anne Boleyn, and Miss Judith Harbord ; third, Mr. J. Douglas. For fancy Carnations, Mr. Smith was again to the fore with twenty-four blooms, and here could be found in very fine character Lily, Duchess, Monarch, Goldilocks, Bedemer, with a singularly deep edging of crimson-maroon ; Aglaia, Falka, The Day, Electra, Galilee, another deeply- edged flower, in this case with crimson-purple ; Guinevere, delicate amber, flaked with pink ; Heroine, Alexandra, Queen Bess, Hidalgo, Cer- vantes, yellow, with slightly pencilled lines of carmine ; Ossian, Charles Martel, &c. Mr. C. Turner was second. Mr. Turner was first for Picotees with small flowers, clean and pure ; the leading blooms were — red edges. Brunette, Etna, Mrs. Gorton, and Heart's Delight ; purple edges, Amelia and Mary ; rose edges. Favourite, Little Phil, Mrs. Payne, Lady E. van de Weyer, Mme. Richter, and Duchess of York. Mr. Martin Rowan was second, having red edge Morna, purple edge Miriam, and rose edge Nellie, differing from the foregoing ; the last a beautiful variety, which Mr. Rowan grows to perfection. Third, Mr. F. Hooper, Bath. For Picotees, yellow ground, Mr. Martin Smith came in first this time with twelve blooms, having in very fine character Argosy, Badminton, Dinorah, Duke of Alva, Author, Fenella, Empress Eugenie, Lady Bristol, Childe Harold (a beautiful new wire edged Picotee of great merit). Busy- body, and Alcinous. Mr. C. Turner was again second. Of self Carnations, one variety, in the class for the best six blooms were those of Mrs. Eric Hambro, white, from Mr. F. A. Wellesley, Woking ; Mr. C. Phillips, Bracknell, Berks, came second with Britannia, yellow ; and Mr. J. Douglas third with Trojan, white. For six 110 THE GARDEK [August 5, 1899. blooms of fancy Carnation, one variety, Messrs. Thomson and Cj., fljristi, Sparkhill, Birming- ham, were first with six bloDms of Voltaire, Mr. Wellesley coming second with Monarch. In yellow ground Picotees, one variety, Mr. M. R Smith was again to the fore with six blooms of Lady St. Oswald ; Messrs. Thomson and Co. came second with Golden Eagle. Division 2 consisted of five classes for exhibitors with smaller collections of plants than those exhibiting in Division 1. Messrs. Thomson and Co , Birmingham, won the first prize with twelve blooms of Carnations, bizirres and flakes ; Mr. R. Sydenham was second. Messrs. Thomson and Co. were also first with twelve selfs, and Mr. Charles Phillips, Bracknell, was second. Again with twelve fancies Messrs. Thomson and Co. took the lead, Mr. C. Phillips was second ; and Messrs Thomson and Co. first with twelve white ground Picotees, Mr. F. A. Wellesley, Woking, second. With six yellow ground Picotees Messrs. Thomson and Co. were first and Mr. F. A. Wel- lesley again second. The Birmingham blooms were good all through these classes and reflected great credit upon Mr. C. H. Herbert, the grower. Division 3 consisted of e-ght small classes, which gave growers of small cjlleotions a chance —a very wise arrangement, especially as exhibitors in Division 2 could not compete in Division .3. Here, as in the previous division, the varieties shown were much the same as those exhibited in Division l.and therefore there is no need to repeat names. The competition was exceedingly keen. In the class for six bizarres and flakes there were fourteen stands. The firsi prize was taken by Mr. R, C. Cartwright, an enthusiastic Birming- ham amateur, and he was also first with six selfs out of twenty-two stands. Mr. S. A. West was first with six fancies, there being eighteen com pietitors. Mr. Cartwright was again first with six white ground Picotees, Mr. A. R. Brown first with four yellow grounds, and also with three self Carnations of one variety, having Regina, a vellow. Mr. S. A. West had the best three blooms of a fancy, staging Brodrick, and Mr. H. W. Sillem the best three blooms of a yellow ground Picotee, setting up Mrs. Douglas. There were eight classes for blooms exhibited without dressing or cards, with Carnation foliage attached to each. The competition was good throughout, and with few exceptions the flowers were not named. There was a class for six blooms of all classes for those who have never won a prize at an exhi- bition of the society, and Mr. H. W. Sillem was placed first and Mr. C. L. Goodes second. A class was also provided for two cut blooms of a seedling, Mr. M. V. Charrington, Edenbridge, taking the first prize with The Sirdar, a bright rosy red self of good quality. Mr. H. W. Wegue- lin, Dawlish, was second with a deep rose self, un- named ; while Mr. S. F. SoUey, Forest Gate, was third with a promising flesh-coloured self, also unnamed. Certificates of merit were awarded to the fol- lowing new varieties : Sir Bevys, a rich dark crimson self ; Goldfinch, yellow self ; Childe Harold, light-edged yellow Picotee ; Hesperia, a heavy-edged yellow Picotee ; Erasmus, a fancy ; Guinevere, a fancy ; and Ensign, a splendid white self, all from Mr. M. R. Smith ; to Mrs. Fo=ter, a heavy rose-edged Picotee, from Mr. T. Lord, Todmorden ; to yellow self Lady Dora, from Mr. E. Charrington, Chislehurst ; and to Sirdar, self, from Mr. M. V. Charrington. A silver cup was awarded in Division 1 to Mr. C. Blick, gardener to Mr. M. R. Smith, for the greatest number of points. It was declined by Mr. Blick, it being the gift of his employer, and was then awarded to Mr. C. Turner, Slough, as the next in order of merit. A silver cup was awarded in the second division to Messrs. Thom- son and Co , and in the third division to Mr. R. C. Cartwright, both of Birmingham. Plant.s IN' lOTs.— The best twelve specimens of Carnations came from Mr. M. R. Smith, the plants well grown and bloomed. Mr. J. Douglas was second. Mr. Smith had the best single specimens ; Mr. Douglas again second. In the class for a large group, Mr. M. R. Smith was again first, having a very fine lot indeed. Mr. T. Carruthers, Reigate, was second, and Mr. C. Turner third. The first priza in the smaller group was taken by Mr. J. Douglas. Mr. E. Charrington was second. Table decorations. — These consisted of a dinner table arranged for twelve persons, there being seven competitors. Miss and Mr. H. Anstey, West Norwood, were placed first, having yellow Carnations and yellowish green foliage, a somewhat heavy arrangement. The Morter Stores, Ltd., were placed second, a somewhat low and formal design, with Miss Jolifie Carnation and foliage. Mrs. J. Douglas was third, some bright touches being given to this by the use of some coloured Carnations, but it was rather heavy also. Mrs. Hadley, Reigate, had the best vase of Car- nations, Mr. A. C. Charrington was second, and Mr. H. Rogers, Woodbridge, third. Mr. Rogers had the best three sprays and Mr. E. C. Gobie the best three button-holes, both of Carnations. A few miscellaneous collections were staged. Messrs. W. Cubbush and Son, Highgate, had a large group of Malmaison and other Carnations. Mr. F. G. Foster, manager of the Brockhampton Nurseries, Havant, had a fine and varied collec- tion of Sweet Peas, and Mr. G. W. Piper, nur- seryman, Uckfield, had examples of his beautiful new Tea-scented Rose Sunrise. Notes of the Week. Mr. J. Wood'8 Scarlet Pea.— This fine Pea is in all probability not a variety of Lathyras lati- folius, but of L. riitundifolins. Farher examination and comparison of the latter with Mr. Wood's Pea procured from the garden at WoDdville show that tlie plants are similar in foliage. — S. Arxott. Seabiosa eaucasica alb', is among the best of good hardy border plants in Aiwer at the moment, and a plant deserving of very extended cultare. Indeed, no collection could possibly be complete without it, and good plants flower profusely over a long period. For cutting it is one of the best that could be named. Cimicifaga raeemosi. — Wtiile taking some time to form a fine specimen, the above plant is sufficiently distinct to be worth waiting for and ti pro e attractive meanwhile. In a deep and rather moist soU, or with plenty of moisture in summer, it is usually a success. The pretty white flowers are cl )sely set on long spikes. Cori3 monspeliensis.— This interesting little gem is one of those things that, among alpines, will ever be rare. lu its growth generally it most closely resembles .i^thionema, itself a pretty plant of more easy culture. Just recently we noted this little thing in flower in the frame ground at Kew, the pretty terminal heads of blue-lilac flowers all the more showy by reason of the conspicuous richness of the orJiige authers. The plant is best jncreasad by fresh seeds. Tufted Pansy Blanche —This is a large rayless white flower, and probably the best of its kind. There is little to choose between this variety and one named White Empress, and under certain conditions they appear to be synonymous. During the hot weather the flowers have stood remarkably well, and this may be attributed to the robust constitution which the plant has. In a large bed of white Tufted Pansies the variety is usually singled out as one of high quality. Tuftgd. Paney Mrs A. H. Beaalas.— This is a very handsome flower of considerable promise. It is devoid of coarseness, wliich, unfortunately, charac- terises many of the larger flowers. The blossoms are circular in shape and of good substance, and may be described as white — almost a pure white. A pecoliarity of the blossoms is that they are pleasingly flecked with pale rosy lavender during cool or cold weather, this variation evidently appealing to the taste of some, judging by the remarks made whenever the variety under notice has been exhibited. Sweet Feas failia?. — The prematnrc failnre of the Sweet Peas has been most diaappoiuting this season, and this notwithstanding every attention being given in the way of removing spent blossoms and seed- pods. Copious supplies of water have repeatedly been given and every detal of culture carefully observed. A fortnight since my collection was as good as one could well wish, but no.v, except ii just a few instances, there are very few b'o-S'mi indeed. Failure was noticeable muc^i earlidr in collections where the ground had nit been specially prepared. —A. R. Tufted Pansies for stock. — These plants have been discarded by many during the past two yea'-s owing to the drjujbt having spoilt the display. This can be explained where the soil is hot and dry, but planted in garden soil with a subsoil of clay, or in any fairly heavy loamy soil the character of the plant is moit pronounced. Three weeks since a few plants of an ordinary sort were cut hard back, and at the present time these saoie clumps are brisiling with innumerable fresh green yomg growths, and of a kind calculated to make cuttings for the autumn planting. This severe handling has taken place in a collection of plants which are fully exposed to the sun's influence from early morning until sunset. — 1). B. Michauxia campaauloides. — A pirtion of a very fine inflorescence of this plant was brought to the Drill Hall last week by Mr. Bain, gardener to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Dorking. The most remarkable feature of the specimen was the densely Qjwered part of the upper portion of the raceme as shown. Whether this was due to slight injury in youth or not we are unable to say, but it culminated in a really fine spike of flowers, such as is seldom seen. The spike so often runs up to 8 feet high and but sparsely flowered throughout, that a change to the oppo- site is welcome. Romneya Coulteri If only a solitary flower, the blossom brought to the last meeting at the Drill Hall by Messrs. Veitch and Sons was wel- come. Of the purest white imaginable and fully 5 inches, if not more, in diameter, a shrub would be handsome indeed that was well covered with such flowers as these. It is a plant only for the warmest corners or m nb secluded spots of our gardens, and with the ripening influences of such seasons as now prevail the plant may become somewhat more content. Unfortunately, it is the undoing influence of the winter season that each year takes so much setting right in such plants as this. Michauxia TchihatchewL — This species is quite removed from the well-known M. campanu- loidas, not merely in its growth, but in the manner and disposition of the flowers. These latter are white and almost sessile, and closely set on a columnar spike fully 24 feet high. In the young state the flowers are minus the rosy pink tinge that so often characterises the older kind, and from the dense arrangement of the spike, the plant generally is without that striking character which has ever been a marked feature of M. cam- panuloides. The new plant comes from Asia Minor, and the radical leaves, which disappear with the uprising flower-spike, are usually rough and shaggy to the touch. Campanula Mariesi alba. — The white variety of the beautiful Campanula (or Platycodon) Mariesi is now becoming more plentiful in gardens in which a year or two ago only the blue form was to be found. I am not quite decided as to which of the two to prefer. Both are pretty and attractive either in bud or when fully opened. Seeds saved from the white variety give a pro- portion of good colour, but others are not so pretty as either the pure white or the deep blue. It is to be hoped that nurserymen will not send out unbloomed seedlings to those who order the white variety. Should they do so, disappoint- ment will often result to the purchaser. — S. Arnott. Anchusa italica. — This is not a choice subject, nor one dirticult to grow or increase. All t)ie same, a tine hush laden with the intense blue flowers and so many of them is always an attraction, and being so free flowerine it las^s a long time in good co^idition. The plant is also well known as a good bee plant. Mr. Charles Herrin, writing to us from Dropmore of a very beautiful form of Anchusa August 5, 1899.J THE GARDEN. m italica, says as follows : " It is without doubt a true perennial at Dropmore, growing and flower- ing with great profusion year after year. I have sent it from here to many other gardens, where it has received equal praise. I do not find this variety produce seeds, but it is readily increased by root cuttings (just like Seakale), and every little bit so3n forms a good plant and only re- quires to be buried in the border. Whether this be the correct name for it I cannot say, but I have always understood it to be so." Whether it is a distinct species or a good variety we do not know, but there is no doubt it is an excellent plant. Zauschneria californica.— A useful discus- sion on the habit of this plant appeared in The Garden about last March. Some correspondents with whom I sympathised complained that the flowering was so late as soon to be destroyed by cold and damp nights. It became evident that there were several varieties in cultivation. Mr. Burrell, of Cambridge, said he had a variety with large flowers which never failed to liloom before the end of July. I got two or three plants from him, and though cut back severely by the frosts of Miy, they are now {before the end of July) in full liloom, and the size of the flowers and vigour of the plants are far ahead of anything I have before grown or seen in the species. — C. Wolley-Dud, Edge Hall. Incarvillea grandiflora. — The comparisons and conclusions of Mr. W. E. Gumbleton are perfectly right, only there is some doubt about Kegel's figure, which was made from a dried specimen and shows a rosette of leaves closely surmounted by an umbel of flowers very much resembling those of a Rhododendron. Moreover, I. compacta has flowered at St. Petersburg with a spike .30 inches high, and I am informed this was a seedling from collected seeds. Is what Kegel figured a sixth new species, or is it an im- perfect development of I. compacta ? In any case I. compacta remains a shy bloomer. As to I. lutea there can be no doubt, as Messrs. Bureau and Franchet have determined the name, and perchance only wrong seed was gathered. — Max Leichtlin, B'lilfti' Baden. Sweet Peas for table decoration. — As a rule these displays are overdone, not only in the quality of flowers used, but also in the too free use of draping material. Blosfoms are frequently crowded into the various receptacles without regard to the effect each spray should have, and as a consequence a most inartistic display is made. A wise choice of colours appears to be the first thing those responsible for their arrangement should aim at, as by so doing many points are thereby gained. If the rule of never inserting a flower in the stands unless it can render a good account of itself were followed, fewer flowers would be used and a more elegant and artistic finish gained. A first prize arranjjpment at the recent Beckenham show was compov..! of Sweet Pea Aurora, and probably not mure than a double handful of flowers was used altogether. The arrangement was extremely simple and pleasing. — Visitor. Notes from a Cornisli garden. — Ipomaea rubra cterulea has opened some fifteen flowers in the garden, and is certainly the best sky-blue flower ever grown here. Gerbera .lamesoni and Senecio pulcher are bith flowering well, also Swainsonia alba, which has wintered out for two years. In the conservatory Jacaranda mimos:e- folia has been in flower for three weeks. This plant was grown from a seed brought homo eighteen months ago from Australia. Oestrum aurantiacum began to bloom a week ago. Te- coma jasminoides has been out a long time, and is always grown here now in pots, as I find it so hard to dry off if planted in a bed in the green- house. Campanula Vidali, after being killed here regularly, has at last come on, and one plant has eight spikes and fifty-three bells fully open. — C. R. Hardy annuals in S.W. Scotland.— Even the most enthusiastic admirer of perennial flowers cannot but admit that annuals have not only great beauty, but also much usefulness. Thus one cannot fail to regret that so many gardens in this district have the misfortune to be losing to a great degree the aid they receive from the many beautiful hardy annuals now at command. As usual there are exceptions, but the greater num- ber have to tell of stunted growth and want of vigour in the plants. This is having its usual effect upon the blooms, and the display of flowers is consequently small. One must attribute the comparative failure to the unfavourable weather in spring and early summer. I have lately been through a good many gardens in the district, and in the larger number of these it has been with disappointment that one has seen such a compara- tive failure of favourite annuals. — S. Arnott. Saxifraga mutata. — I have to thank Mr. Wood for his remarks on page 8.5 concerning this Rockfoil. I have never been able to retain a plant of S. mutata after flowering, as it has always died off, and it is thus with me, as with your correspondent, practically a biennial. Mr. Wood is, however, fortunate in securing seedlings, as it is not as a rule a good seeder in this country. While the general experience in Britain is that it is a biennial in most gardens, there are excep- tions, and I am led to believe that plants which do not flower very profusely do not exhaust them- selves to such a degree as to cause their death. This is borne out by the references to it in several works in which it is found classed as a hardy her- baceous or perennial plant. All the same, Mr. Wood has, I think, done us service by detailing his experience. I feel personally obliged to him for so doing, and thus making clearer my refer- ence to the plant. — S. A. Tufted Pansy Duchess of Fife and its sports. — Notwithstanding the fact that many ex- cellent sorts have been raised within recent years, the members of this family still hold their own. The exceptional heat of the present summer and drought in many districts have severely tried plants of this description, but in the ordeal the creeping-like growth of the Duchess type of plant has much to commend it. A generous mulch of rotten manure has no doubt assisted very mate- rially to keep the plants in a healthy condition and also comparatively cool at the roots. This, combined with the spreading character of the growth, has enabled them to combat the excep- tional heat and drought through which they are now passing. At the time of writing, the mem- bers of this family, which embrace the Duchess of Fife, Goldfinch, Duchess of Teck, and White Duchess are flowering freely and promise to continue doing so for a long time to come.— A Grower. CEnothera missouriensis. — While the inches apart all ways, and there is very little waste in preparing them for cooking. As, however, no time has as yet been lost, if the ground intended for their recep- tion is insufficiently moist a week or so more may elapse before planting takes place, always, of course, provided the young plants are not crowd- ing each other or are overgrown. As previously stated, I have always made it a rule to plant vacant plots from which Strawberry plants have been cleared off. I find that in the solid root-run the plants if lifted from the seed-bed carefully and put in with a trowel speedily become esta- blished, and evaporation is less speedy than in ground recently turned up with the spade. After watering home, it is a good plan to draw a little fine soil round the plants with the hoe. This encloses the moisture and prevents a caked or cracked condition. Any early batches just com- mencing to grow must be occasionally treated to supplies of liquid manure, nothing responding so quickly to this stimulant as Coleworts. SowiNC Tripoli Onions. —As a rule, from the loth to the 20th of this month is a good date to get in seed of the various sorts of Tripoli Onions, and if the site was prepared a few weeks ago so much the batter, as a firm root-run is one of the surest guarantees oJ a satisfactory growth both in autumn and spring-sown beds. Beware of thick sowing, as the removal of so many young plants loosens those which are to remain ; consequently they get blown about by autumn winds and crippled by frost at the base. After the seed is sown sprinkle a liberal supply of burnt refuse or wood ashes in the drills previous to fillinf in, after which tread and re tread, and on light soils use the garden roller. Those who require bulbs early next season should sow the small but useful old White Queen, which does its work in a much less time than other sorts, and is very mild and agreeable in flavour. There are also several varieties of the ordinary Spanish type well suited for autumn sowing, often surviving a sharp winter even better than the Tripolis, Trebons and Cranston's Excelsior being amongst the best. Those who are likely to require small Onions in autumn for the salad bowl had better sow a row rather thickly for the purpose. Sfrino-sown Onions.— The last cleaning by means of hand-weeding should now be given to spring - sown bads, also one more broadcast I sprinkling of artificial manure. This will carry the crop on to maturity. If any of the bulbs have thick necks, go over the bed with a wooden rake and bend down the tops to check the flow of sap and assist in swelling out the bulbs. These, after storing, must be used first, as they never keep so well as bulbs with thinner necks. On wet days the Onion and root rooms generally should be thoroughly cleared out and made ready for the present season's produce. Onions always keep best where a free current of air can pass through the bulbs ; anything approaching a heated condition is ruinous. J. C. AN ADDITIONAL PAGE FOR "OUR GARDENS."* There is one aspect of a garden which is not always dwelt upon, but which seems to me as important as any other, or I might even go so far as to say it is the most important of all — in point of interest it cannot be exceeded. I refer to its fitness for becoming a receptacle for the mementoes of absent friends, or the reminders of bygone days, or the vivid remem- brancer of places that are far away. All this must be intelligible enough when once it has occurred to the mind, but the pleasure that conies from it — the bright, sparkling satisfac- tion— cannot be estimated aright until it is fully known. My garden is to me like an open book, full of pages which are dedicated to friends who are with us still, or who have in some instances passed away, or it brings before me scenes in my life which nothing else can freshen up in at all the same degree, and makes them live again in a way which nothing else can do ; and the reason for all this is very plain — it comes from those laws of association t in the mind on which we act, it may be insensibly, but still inevitably every day of our lives. If I may prose for a minute or two I would say that there is such a thing as a law of succession in the mind, and also a law of co-existence, which move us powerfully. If we have been in the way of seeing two things together, the mere presentation of one will suggest the other ; or if one thing has followed another, then the occurrence of the first will be sure almost to bring before us the existence of the second as by a sudden flash. I need not dwell on this, but it certainly is the groundwork of all which I have to say on this head about the garden I love, and plants and flowers in a very remark- able degree lend themselves to the sort of sug- gestion I am now speaking of. Anything about which you have to take trouble always has a voice for you which nothing else possesses ; and because flowers come and go — and they are with us at one season and we lose them at another — they speak to us when they reappear with a * Soon after this papsr had been completed I came across the following interesting passagft in " Our Gardens,'* by Dean Hole, p. 285 ; it exactly expresses what I have endeavoured to say at greater length. It runs thus: "Some arrange in a quiet nook their memorial garden in which they are happily reminded of their friends who have planted or sent to them shrubs or flowers, and also of the places, some of them far away, from which they have brought the same souvenirs — the sweetest and prettiest of all. Such associations of our friendships and admirations of thjse we have loved the best, and of the scenes which have chai'med us the most, with a life of beauty which endures forever, keep the memory of onr attachments ever green and our faith in the future always strong. There is a toncliing and a teaching pathos in a record by Alphonse Karr: ' I had in a solitary oirnerof my garden three Hyacinths which my father had planted. He died before they came into bloom, but now every year the period of their flowering is to me a solemnity, a funereal and religious festival.* " t See Dr. MoCosh's treatise on " The Association of Ideas," page G. August 12, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 125 distinctness which they certainly would not have if they were with us at every seasun of the year. Let anyone busy himself about the cultivation of some particular flower, and take pains about it, and give his mind to it, and use all the means he can think of for ensuring its success, and then it is quite certain when that flower comes into blossom and is seen just once in the year in all its pride and beauty, that slumbering associations will be instantly waked up, and absent people and things will live again for us for a little space, as they could not pos- sibly do if no reminder were given to us. I love beyond everything to walk about care- lessly in my garden, and very often in some secluded nook, or in some well-dressed border, or in some little compartment of the rockery to light upon a gem which is valuable not merely on its own account, but because of the voice it has about people and places which live for me and ever will live deeply engraven on the tablets of my mind. But some concrete instances will bring all this out b\ a way which no theorising can effect. Let me speak of a few places and then of some persons out of many which are suggested to me from time to time by the treasures of which my garden is full. A long time ago — five and twenty years it may be, or even more — I was able to carryout the dreamof myyouth and to visit Pales- tine in the spring. The month of April is the season of all seasons for a visit to the Holy Land, and I saw nearly all the spots of most sacred interest and which are usually visited. All the way tlirough I had one great desire in my mind, which was to procure the seed of some interesting plant or plants and to bring it away with me, but I was there so early in the year the time of harvest was not yet, and I had almost given up my quest as unavailing when one day as I sat beside Jacob's well, and must have been at the very spot which the Saviour of the world had visited, I espied an Anemone seeding in a most unmistakable manner and just giving to me the opportunity for which I was looking. It was the only one which I met with in Palestine from first to last, and it was speedily and avariciously embraced. The seed soon found its way into a small receptacle which was kept in my waistcoat pocket, and was treasured up and brought safely home to be used in due time. There is, luckily, not the smallest difficulty in growing Anemones from seed, and this did so well that I soon had quite a large crop of Anemone coronaria and fine speci- mens on hand. Some of these were given away and some were kept here, but for a long term of years, when Anemone coronaria came regu- larly into blossoming, I could fancy myself, and I did fancy myself, once more in the vicinity of Jacob's well, and that memorable scene — one of the only two or three which can be identified with absolute certainty in the land — lived again before me with a clearness which nothing can obliterate, and which lasts while life lasts with me. It is, of course, true that the first succes- sion of Anemones wore itself out and then passed away, and in altering the beds my gar- dener was not quite so particular about "the matter as I should have liked him to be, but the lineal descendants of the one plant in Palestine which I saw in seed are, I believe, with me still, and the Saviour's blood-drops, as they are so expressively called, suggest to me very much more than a mere patch of red, and they quicken thoughts which only a journey to Palestine can give, and which are best kept alive by some reminder of it. Or, to take an- other instance, though not from the Holy Land. ■The greatest shave which I ever had in ray life was in visiting the temples at Poestum — those magnificent Doric temples which once seen can never be forgotten. They stand alone on the solitary beach without a vestige nigh of any power that could have reared them, and they look almost supernatural in their splendid magnificence. Their grandeur, their gloom, their size, their isolation make an effect upon the mind surpassing anything I have seen before or since. It is not now either ditficult or dangerous to visit these temples. The rail- way takes you within five minutes of the spot where they are situated, and there are signs of human habitation not far ott', which proclaim safety at once. But it was a very different thing some thirty or thirty-five years ago. There was then not a more blood-stained spot than Poestum through the length and breadth of Italy. It was the favourite haunt of ban- ditti, and dark deeds were done there which are remembered to this day. It was my fortune to go there on one occasion when things were at their worst, and so little did I realise that there was any special danger at Poestum, that I spent a great part of a day there wandering about inspecting the temples and looking for flowers without any misgiving of any kind. But that very day the brigands were at work in the place ; one of their most notable captures was made, and the unfortunate victim was raced about over the mountains of Italy for three long months, and, finally, he had to pay an enormous sum for his ransom. Why I got off so easily I could never exactly tell, but I must either have been unnoticed or else held to be too small game for their attentions, and so they left me alone. But the mere mention of the word Poestum brings not Roses but Asphodels to my mind. I never came across a single Rose in Poestum, but Asphodels and Cyclamens abound there on every hand. When I paid a second visit to the temples the other day I came across them by hundreds, and Asphodelus ramosus is to me a kind of memorial of my escape beyond everything else. It has grown well and easily in my garden for many years last past, and I sent home some the other day which travelled safely by post and are flourish- ing here. I have come across the plant on the hills around Baalbec, but it has more to do with Poestum in my mind than any other place, and its pretty white blossoms with a reddish white line in the middle of each segment, which spring from the axils of large bracts in very long racemes, spell the word "preserva- tion " for me in a way which nothing else can do. The ground all around the Temple of Neptune is simply carpeted with Asphodels and Cyclamens, and they grow there without any interruption from generation to generation. But as long as I live so long will Asphodelus ramosus be a plant of the greatest interest in my eyes. It would not be difficult to dilate on the beauty and luxuriance of Banksian Roses during the month of May, but they are nothing here when compared with the freedom and the delightful abandon with which they grow all over Athens, and Athens is as though its chiefest glory, the Parthenon, were brought full into sight. Banksian Roses are always connected in my mind with the place where I have seen them at their best. They seem to quicken a re- membrance which else might die out of itself, but which is freshened up and revivified, so to say, by a yearly reminder. Let me notice only one plant more which has a very great attrac- tion for me. This is CaPPARIS SPINOSA, which is not a child of civilisation at all. It eschews the haunts of men, but in the south of Europe and some parts of Asia Minor, and. it may be, in other places wheresoever desola- tion has set its seal and everything seems given over to aridity and death, there it is wont to luxuriate and grow, and it flings itself over broken arches and streams along the empty colonnades, and grows out of the dry wall as if it positively chose out some woebegone spot rather than were in the habit of seeking for any fertility at all. I consider it to be one of the most beautiful of flowers. The large white cup with the long purple stamens and long- stalked ovary has a kind of plaintiveness about it, and it is in the very strictest harmony with the surroundings which it loves to adopt. I have generally had this plant in ray garden during the last twelve or fifteen years and I have it still, and now and then it has blossomed, and there are few things on which I set greater store than I do upon it. For does it not tell of places and of buildings whose interest cannot be surpassed ? It loves, for instance, the Palace of the Ctesars in Rome ; it grew luxuri- antly in the old Colosseum ; and beyond every- thing else I have seen it quite lately adorning what is left of Tiberius' Villa in Capri, and starting out from some solid Roman masonry which is as hard as the rock itself. How any plant could live at all and look so happy in such an unpromising .situation seemed to me to be one of the greatest of mysteries, but there it was apparently feeding upon nothing, and in some strange and very inexplicable way deriving what nutriment it required from the solid Roman cement in which it was fixed as firmly as if it were held in a vice, or had become by some mysterious agency an integral part of the time-worn ruins themselves. It would be an utter impossibility to tear that plant bodily out of the location it had found for itself, and it only can have got there by some chance seed which was dropped by a bird or wafted by the winds. It had then managed to anchor itself in this way. But when I have come across it in my garden, as I veiy frequently have done, and can do now, Capparis spinosa seems to me to be a protest against many of the ways and wishes of Ryde, or of any other watering-place under the sun. It tells of the mutability of all human affairs, and speaks of deterioration and loss, and is a corrective of the vanity which so often abounds, as if we had to live here for ever. Ephesus, Babylon, Rome, these are the sort of reminders it has for us, and which should not be forgotten. But I have no intention to sermonise just now. Let me only point out how plants very often carry deeper meanings with them than may seem to some persons. I never can look on Capparis spinosa without being carried out far and away beyond this place, and taken in thought to scenes which are not in the least represented here. But now let me turn in an exactly opposite direction. There are very many plants in ray garden which only have voices that are full of happiness and delight — indeed, only gladness can be associated with them ; for if there is one thing more than another that is exhilarating and fitted to lift one up, is not a mountain excursion in Switzerland an occurrence of just that description, and does it not take one away from all the anxieties and troubles to which we are liable ? The blue vault of heaven above, the exhilarating air, the hum of innumerable insects on the wing, the bustle of getting ready, the upward climb along the mountain's side, the companionship of friends, all conspire together to make an effort of this sort as unlike anything that we have here in the towns as can by any possibility be conceived, and it always seems to me that if we 126 THE GARDEN. [August 12, 189&. want to live this over again for however brief a space, there is no better way of doing it than that of letting those flowers speak to us which remind us of this sort of thing. It may be but a whiff that we get of our old Swiss experiences, but a whiff is better than nothing, and Switzerland seems in a way to be brought to our very doors when its well-known denizens greet us. Gentiana verna is not doing so well with me now as it has done in former days, but whenever I have it here it has an unmistakable message with it from Chamounix or some such place. What myriads of it have I not seen in the Breven or the Flegere 1 It carries me to the Jardin at once, and I remember the climb I once had to that sort of island in ice, which in August is enamelled over with flowers ; or when Dryas octopetala fills, as it does now, several pockets in my rockery, and its pleasant creamy- white yellow-stamened blooms are attractive in the highest degree, is it possible to forget the frequent walks one has had across some long moraine where it flourished exceedingly ? The leaves are here, as in its own home, shining above and white and downy beneath, and tlie fruit has a sort of feathery appendage about an inch long. OrtakeAnthericumliliastrummajus, which is such a recommendable plant, how it speaks to you of the grateful warmth and freshness of many a Swiss valley which you have traversed in setting out for an expedition and before any ascent is made. You can see it standing about level with the tips of the blades of grass and mixed up along with them or look at Anemone alpina, or A. sulphurea, which is really the same thing only in a different colour ; it does not difl'er here so much as it does in its own habitat in point of size and vigour. There, as Mr. Robinson says in " Alpine Flowers," you will tind it near some alpine range, a few inches high and humbly holding up its velvety cups ; but in descending through the rich green meadows to reach the roofs of men you will brush against many of the stems nearly as tall as the knee, each bearing a soft round head of silken bearded seeds. It grows in a border in this garden with the greatest facility and assumes a magnitude which I have scarcely ever seen to belong to it in any other place. But Anemone sulphurea carries me straight away to Pontresina and to excursions about it, or, even more emphatically than this, to the Pic de Sanoy, in the Auvergne district in France, where I am sure I have seen millions all I nodding together on the mountain slopes and giving a grace and beauty to the whole picture which I cannot attempt to describe. I some- how believe that the French examples of Anemone sulphurea were more striking than any even in Switzerland itself, and I believe this has been noticed by others. To mention the mere names of Aquilegia alpina, Hedysarum obscurum, Campanula barbata. Aster alpinus. Astragalus hypoglottis and many other things of the same sort is to speak of the mountains at once ; they all can be grown in an English garden without any trouble at all, and they gladden me here whensoever I see them doing well as though they were old friends come on purpose to visit me and to bring pleasure into my life. I have said that flowers serve to bring mementoes of absent friends as much as of places to those who look for them, and I am quite sure that it is so in a very remarkable degree. We want nothing to keep warm in our minds the names of friends who are with us here, or of those whom we have lost and who have passed away, but still there is a kind of touch of themselves, the reminders in the latter case of a voice that is still which can be despised by no one and is sure to be cherished exceed- ingly. Of all my horticultural friends — by which I mean friends who would not have become such but for a fellowship in the culture of flowers — I place first and foremost among those who are gone the late Harpur Crewe, whose name used to appear so often in Tub Garden twenty years ago. I knew him very well indeed, and to this day I miss him in my garden in all sorts of ways. He was ready to answer any question that might be put to him, and so well able to do it. He so markedly loved flowers for their own sakes, and so lived amongst them, that nothing has made up for the void which his death caused for me, and causes still. That he loved flowers for their own sakes and nothing else at all may perhaps become apparent to others if I just mention two curious things which I often noticed about him. One is that his encomiums were as often given to some small and perhaps very humble thing as to a more striking object which would take other people instead of it. I have seen this noticed by his friends, and when he used to praise a thing very much indeed in his letters I insensibly discounted his praise, for he loved and praised every flower that grows. The other point about him was more curious still. Not only was he well acquainted with the natural habitats of a very large number of plants, but from going about a good deal and from a quick eye to business he had registered up in his mind where any scarce or good plant could be found in the country and who was in possession of it. I had a strange illustration of this in the following way. Years ago there was a (juest in the pages of The Garden for Fuchsia lycioides, which was an unknown plant to most persons and could not be heard of at all. It did not occur to me that I was in pos- session of it myself. I do not know where it came from or how it got into my hands, but Harpur Crewe wrote at once to the editor of The Garden to say he had come across it in my greenhouse, and there it certainly was and there it is now. The plant is not of much account in itself and it is certainly not hand- some, but Fuchsia lycioides will always have a place on my shelves because of the occurrence I speak of. Another plant also gives me a strange sort of reminder of my old friend. A very long time ago I had a consignment of things from America, and Mr. Falconer, of Harvard University, sent me several good plants, which I have to this day. Among them was Iris Hartwegi, which came into my possession in April and grew and did well. It multiplied very much in the course of the summer and blossomed accord- ingly. I sent a blossom to Harpur Crewe, and he was immensely delighted with it because : he had never seen it before, and begged me to give him a growing bit of the plant. I took it up in autumn and cut the plant into three or four pieces, and gave one piece to him, replant- ing the rest of it and taking it to be a mere matter of course that all would do well. But, instead of that, both the plant which Harpur Crewe had and those which I kept here very soon died, and for more than twenty years I am sure last past I have never done well with Iris Hartwegi again. I either got hold of the wrong thing or, when the right one was given to me, it was given to me at the wrong season of the year. I never knew till quite lately, when I was so informed by Herr Blax Leicht- lin at Baden-Baden, that Iris Hartwegi refuses to be established at any other time of the year besides the spring, and that it prefers April to any other month for a move. Now at last, after this long lapse of time, I have it in my garden again because it came to me in April of last year. It has just now blossomed pro- fusely, but "touch me not" is written all over it, and I would not meddle with it for any con- sideration whatever. But these two plants — Fuchsia lycioides and Iris Hartwegi — are speaking reminders to me of the late Harpur Crewe, because of the very great interest he took in them, and so is also an insignificant little thing, viz., Ficaria ranunculoides alba, and that because of the inordinate praise with which it was sent to me. It comes out in this- garden anyhow in the spring if allowed to live on because of the commendation which was- once lavished upon it. But his knowledge of plants and bulbs was, I should tliink, unique in itself, and few could compete with it. The postman used to bring him at breakfast-time a pile of letters about flowers as though some regular business were carried on, and he used tc correspond with directors of botanic gardens, with nurserymen, and others in very large numbers. I remember on one occasion going to see him at Drayton Beauchamp very late in- the month of March. We went out into the garden at once to look at the flowers, but the east wind cut us like a knife, and we simul- taneously proposed that we should retire into- the house. This was accordingly done, and we talked about flowers to a very late hour, but during the night I heard a sort of pitter-patter constantly going on against my window-pane, and in the morning I found that the whole place was deeply covered with snow, and it was very difficult to get away. Not a sight could be got of any flower at all, and I never was able to pay him a visit again. I stand in need of no mementoes to keep his memory quite fresh in my mind, but I am still glad that Fuchsia lycioides, Ficaria ranunculoides alba, and Iris- Hartwegi in a way were so much connected with him and that he took such great interest in all of them. Another plant I would mention because it brings before me one who was perfectly devoted to his garden and the cultivation of flowers is Verbascum Lychnitis. Between twenty and twenty- hve years ago- an old gentleman used to migrate from Derby- shire to the Isle of Wight as each winter came round. He generally took a house close to St. John's Church, and we got to know a great deal of each other. The common tie was flowers, and it is wonderful what a strong tie it can become even between two persons who have never till then known any- thing at all about each other. Mr. H. very soon found out that there were objects of interest in my hands, and very soon he had a carte hlaiirhf to go through the garden gate as much as he liked and to inspect the place at his leisure. How often have I seen him poring over my beds and examining this plant and examining that with the utmost attentiveness t I remember his seeing Tulipa Greigi for the first time and how he was struck with its gorgeous array and the splendid exhibition it makes. He was never tired of looking at my plants, and he stayed here just long enough in the early spring to see a good many. What amazed me as it came from his lips was the oft-repeated lament that he never could find a place in England where he could get good fly fishing and cultivate flowers with success. He was obliged to choose between the two. I should imagine that he had met with a good deal of this world's enjoyment in his life, and certainly he was able to do just what he liked and to live in any place that might fall in with his fancy. But he could not make impossi- August 12, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 127 bilities possible and fly-fishing won the day, and flowers had by comparison to go to the wall, for he pitched his tent in Derbyshire, becoming a tenant of the late Duke of Devonshire, and living there to the end of his life ; and though he did all that he possibly could do in his garden he was never satisfied with it, nor were a great many of his favourites, notably Nar- cissi, for they could not stand the cold, wet soil at all. He most kindly asked me to visit him near Hassop, and I spent an enjoy- able time in his house, being made acquainted by him with many objects of interest and see- ing while I was with him a great deal of that very beautiful part of the world. Among other things he took me to visit Haddon Hall, and one could realise there in a measure what medieval glory must once have been and how captivating the relics of it still are. But this is now my point and that which bears on the paper I have in hand. For the first time in my life I came across Verbascum Lychnitis, and I was much struck with it as it grows on tower or wall ; it seemed to suit Haddon Hall to perfection and was rampant all over the place. It was easy enough to secure a pinch of seed, and easier still to throw it down on my border, and one had no fear at all about the result, nor doubt as to the crop which would be sure to result on it. As a matter of fact, I have had Verbascum Lychnitis well in my garden from that time to this, and if there is any difticulty at all about it, it is the difliculty of keeping it under and of not having too much of a very good thing. But Verbascum Lychnitis is entirely owed by me to the kind- ness of Mr. H. more than twenty years ago, and it is inseparably connected with Haddon Hall in my mind, and seems a part of it. My old friend, not very long after I had been to stay with him, passed away and entered into his rest at a good old age. I was grieved to hear of failing strength and of his imprison- ment in his house, and when the end was draw- ing nigh I was told that his ruling passion was then as strong as ever — the love of flowers was with him still, and he had them all over his bed in profusion to inspect. I know I sent my own contribution, which was the best of the best I could find, and was glad that he was able to notice it. Verbascum Lychnitis is valued by me for his sake, and always will be so. An- other acquaintance of much the same sort whs made in the Isle of Wight, and it began in rather a curious way. The Rev. D. F. had a parish in the north of England, which he was obliged to give up in his declining years, and he came to settle in Sandown. He was, I believe a good naturalist, and a botanist of some little distinction. He one day took it into his head to write to one of the local papers about gardens in general, and specially about those in the Isle of Wight, and the expression he used was that he did not think there was a single garden which was worth looking at between Sandown and London. He put a black mark overall. It should be said that just at that time he was makinc war against red Geraniums and yellow Calceo" larias, and the villa gardens on the south side of the island were not such as to "ive him any pleasure at all. But when I came across such a sweeping condemnation as that which I knew to be undeserved, it was rather diSicult to sit down quietly under it, so I wrote to my friend and asked him to come over to Ryde and to see if his words could be mitigated. He accordingly came very soon, and he could hardly have had a better day for a first visit than that which he met with. It was on a beautiful September afternoon that I saw him first, and there were in the air all I that clearness and crispness which belong to the season, but beyond everything else a most dear little favourite of mine was then in full blos- som, and Oxalis lobata was in its prime in one of my borders which is given up to bulbs. There were many other things of course noted, but this Oxalis attracted Mr. D. F. on the moment, and he could not say too much for it. Very soon his sweeping condemnation of all southern gardens was retracted in full, and he found plenty of interest in Ryde, both here and elsewhere, of which he never was tired. I quite agree with him as to the extraor- dinary beauty of Oxalis lobata. It inverts the ordinary process of jewellery, and instead of being an emerald set in gold, it is gold set in emeralds ; the fresh green foliage so charmingly surrounds the bright yellow flowers, the whole plant sparkles in the ground. If any flower is ever fit to be called a gem it surely is worthy of it. It is a most dear little thing, one of September's chiefest ornaments, which does very well in sandy loam in Isle of Wight, and which I would not be without on any account. The Rev. D. F. on his first visit of course inspected the Asters, the Sternbergias and other things of which the place was full at that time of year, but his first choice was his last. I never re- member anyone taking a liking to a plant so strongly and so soon. After this I saw him over and over again as long as he lived, and I was always so glad to have a friend near me whom I could consult on any horticultural subject, and from whom there was so much to be learnt, but the time when I think of him most is on some bright September day, and to Oxalis lobata I very much indeed owe an acquaintance which came to an end far too soon. It is always a matter of very great interest to me to have a gardening talk with some old ex- perienced nurseryman who has lived among plants for many years, loved them and culti- vated them. I do not by any means intend to say that all nurserymen are on a level in this respect, for they difl'er exceedingly, and it is easy to tell that £ s. d. is the sole consideration of some of them, while with others it comes in as a sort of necessity, but, incidentally and by the way, I am sure that I have had many friends in that line of life who are as fond and as proud of their plants as I am of my own, and during their long experience they have accumulated treasures of knowledge which they are generally so ready to impart. Of this latter and wide-embracing class let me give three notable instances, all of whom I knew quite well and to whom I looked up. The first that I would mention is old Wheeler, of War- minster. He was always so called, and Wheeler seemed to belong to Warminster; Warminster without him would have been nothing in my eyes. How many visits have I not paid to him, and mostly in the spring when the cold, cutting winds came oif the Wiltshire downs and served to shrivel one up. The establishment of Wheeler was like an old curiosity shop which was run upon horticultural lines, and he was himself the greatest curiosity of all — an enthusiast if there has ever been one in this world. I can call to mind now what a pleasure it used to be to me to pay him a visit. There was generally some special plant in blos- som exposed for admiration in his little bureau, and outside in his premises there were num- bers of old-fashioned and very familiar subjects as well as some that were new. It was in this way that one autumn I came across Oxalis lobata and brought it away with me. I had never seen it before till I saw it with him, and I have never been without that most delicious little thing from that day to this. But what I prized most of everything I have bought from old Wheeler was a delightful and very scarce gem, and which now cannot be got at all for love or money. I refer to Pulmonaria da- hurica, which I should think very few persons in England have seen and about which they know nothing. Mr. George Paul had it some years ago in his nursery at Broxbourne, but I know he has lost it, and I had it here for some time, but, alas I I have long ceased to be able to say so. It is very diflicult to describe a little plant which you have not seen for a long time, but I know it was of the most heavenly blue, and its habit was very neat and, I think, drooping as well. I did not know at first what a priceless treasure had come into my hands, but I took great care of it, and, of course, gave it a pocket on my rockery all to itself and light, rich soil, and I put a glass over its head in winter, the sides being left open. In this way it did quite well for several years, and when others lost it I had it still, thanks, I imagined, to the climate of the Isle of Wight. But my time came in due course for a great dis- appointment. Pulmonaria dahurica dies down in the winter, and it was always a pleasur- able excitement to me to watch for it in the spring and to see it come up. This it did for a good many springs in succession, and I seemed to be in possession of quite a large stock of this daintiest of all dainty flowers. But one year, alas I there was no response to my wishes. The little pocket showed no sign of having a tenant at all, the ground was un- broken, and Pulmonaria dahurica had passed out of ray hands for ever and ever. I mourned over its absence very much indeed, and I attri- buted its departure to this thing and that. But when spring was over and summer-time had arrived the true cause of the disaster was revealed. Up came one of the most striking of all summer flowers in great strength and self-assertion as well, and QEnothera marginata showed, I think, that it had murdered my most precious flower of all and that it had taken its place. One of its strong stolons had run a long way under ground, and then it had most cruelly come up, usurping the premises which were never meant to belong to it. Pure and attractive as Oenothera marginata always is, I confess I can never see it without a pang because of this circumstance I have described. You can get the GSnothera any day you like for a shilling, but who will bring back Pulmonaria dahurica into my hands for pounds upon pounds ? It would surprise me now to be told that there is one single specimen of it in the whole country. Where Wheeler got it or how he got it I do not know at all, but the plant is so very delicate and it requires such careful cultivation, that I am not at all surprised that it has been lost. I have written shoals of letters about it to many likely persons both in this country and on the Continent, but it has always been without any success. No one knows anything at all about it now, and I fear its very name is forgotten. Herr Max Leichtlin told me the other day that he did not think it ever would be recovered till a special collector had been sent out on the errand, and this is not likely to come ofl" at all so far as I know. Old Wheeler has long since passed away. To see him was a pleasure ; to have a long talk with him was a privilege of no common kind. Pul- monaria dahurica and Wheeler of Warminster were always connected together in my mind as long as it lived. There was another old nurseryman some years ago who should in nowise be forgotten by me. When I first came across Green he was conducting a business at RedhUl, and 128 THE GAEDEK [August 12, 1899. seemingly doing well in it. I remember his showing me a potful of Saxifraga valdensis of which he seemed to be excessively proud, and it was certainly a triumph of most skilful cul- tivation. Saxifraga valdensis isof the crustaceous division of Saxifrages, and very pretty to look at. Its little fleshy grey leaves are arranged in tufted irregularly branching rosettes ; their blunt points, crowned with a white tip, are erect and slightly expanding, and the whole forms a very compact and dense mass, from the more prominent of whose rosettes arise the flower- stalks to the height of about 2 inches, clothed with short glandular hairs and crowned with three or four white flowers of great purity. This was the plant that he was carrying in his hands when I first made his acquaintance, and he treated it to as much devotion as if it had been a child, bending over it and being apparently as fond of it as if it had been a member of his own family, and certainly he acted also in that sort of way. He told me that came to preside over. The grounds of the late Sir G. Macleay were delightful in the highest degree, and not only in one department, but in many the extraordinary skill of his head man in the way of growing plants was allowed to display itself. Every encouragement was given to him by his employer and he had full scope for his powers, but I always thought that the excessive interest of the glass houses, of the herbaceous borders, and indeed of everything else would have been far less than it was if a less capable person had directed the aff'air. Green was a nurseryman and afterwards a head gardener who lavished great stores of aflection upon every plant that ever came into his hands, and Saxifraga valdensis, as it was shown to me first of all by him, is a type of the sort of thing which I associate with his name. There was another fine old nurseryman in days that are gone by, and I must not omit some mention of him. I did not know him so well as the other two because he lived far away, but I once Qroup of Liliwn giganteum at Haddon Hdl^ near Bournemouth, donor to whom I am beholden for them, and! with whom they are inseparably connected in my mind. The one brings before me the other, and quite as much as for any beauty of form or colour, or for anything else they have value in my eyes because of the source from which they were derived. Is it nothing that a Myrtle, which will soon be so large that the fowls of the air can lodge under the branches of it, originally came from a small cutting which was a part of the bridal wreath that was worn by one's wife ? I think it is a Myrtle and some- thing more — it always has a voice for me addi- tionally to the voice which other Myrtles pos- sess. And so also has a Rose which I have had under my care for nearly fifty years. It be- longed to my mother, and, being on its owD roots, it has lived on with me all this long time and is now as strong as ever. Souvenir de Mal- maison is a capital Rose for this sort of continu- ance, and I would almost guarantee it a spell of another fifty years if it is taken care of by some- one and no accident happens to it. It never should be allowed to blossom in the summer, and then in autumn, and even in early winter in the Isle of Wight, it displays itself to perfec- tion. My Rose has followed me wherever I have been since the year 1851, and when I had a garden in the centre of Maidstone of about the size of a pocket handkerchief it was my pride and delight. I can easily sympathise with what Alphonse Karr has said about his three Hyacinths — they were to him what my Rose has been to me since it came into my pos- session. There is just one point, of no very great importance however, about which I do not quite follow what the Dean of Rochester has said. A memorial garden, as he terms it, is sure to be a very interesting spot, but it is- likely to be small, and I think a visit to it would be of a stifler and less pleasant description than is the alighting upon memorial plants which are grown in a less restricted, and therefore a more natural way ; but this is only a matter of opinion. I like to have my memorial plants scattered here and there all over the greatest possible space, and to come across them at odd times and in odd ways, and the difliculty of cultivating some of them seems almost to demand it. I can only say in conclusion that I advise all those who have not looked at their garden from the above point of view to begin it at once. It does not detract from any other objects they may have in view, but it adds a new and very great interest to what was so interesting before. One's garden becomes the record of a lifetime, and the past can be lived over again in it when it is. conducted in this manner. Heney Ewbank. it was quite impossible for him to go on with his nursery at Redhill because it broke his heart to be obliged to part with objects of great interest, and that he could not do it any more with flowers that had grown up under his care. Accordingly I was not in the very least degree surprised when I heard that the nursery, the stock-in-trade and everything else had been abandoned, that he had parted with all of it, and that he had accepted the situation of head gardener in Sir George Macleay's splendid garden near Redhill. There may have been other reasons at work of which I knew nothing, but I always thought that the one that was assigned to the move was sutticient, and that Green did take a step lower down, so to say, because he wanted to keep the plants under his own eye and in his own hands on which so much care had been lavished. And what a very beautiful and most interesting place he paid him a long visit at Darley Dale, near Matlock, and he showed me all over his store. The name of Whittaker was a familiar one in those days to the lovers of plants in Derbyshire, and my first acquaintance with Tropieolum speciosum in anything like the splendour which I know it can acquire was, I think, made with him. And here I am sure my long paper may as well come to an end. I hope I have done something to show that, additionally to the question of species and genera, additionally to that of the harmonies of colour, additionally to all tricks of cultivation, a garden may be stored with many objects of great interest if it reminds us of by- gone days, of far-away places and of persons with whom we have been closely bound up. I might add a page or two about friends who are with us still, but there is no occasion to do that. I have scores of plants which tell me of some Flower Garden. LILIUM GIGANTEUM. I AM sending you a pihotograph of a famous clump of this glorious Lilium. The bulbs are growing in the garden of the Rev. Mr. Hopkins, Rector of Holderness, near Bournemouth. The locale is not the rectory, but a beautiful place called Haddon Hill, near Holderness. A more beautiful and peaceful spot I have never seen. The house is modern, and the grounds have not been laid out for more than thirty years. The present head gardener, Mr. Osborne, has planted or superintended planting every conifer and tree except one on the whole estate. The grounds are very extenfsive, and the Rhododendrons and Pines and conifers are magnificent. This Lily bed is at the end of a large and beautifully kept lawn surrounded by August 12, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 129 Pines. There were eighteen Lilium giganteura in bloom. Most of these had about fourteen rtowers on them. There are about forty bulbs planted, and the gardener informs me that he generally has about fifteen in bloom each year. The tallest one was 10 feet high, and a more magnificent spectacle I have never seen. All these bulbs were got from one bulb, and, strange to say, this was given to Mr. Osborne, so that the whole of this splendid stock cost the raiser nothing at all. I shall not soon for- get the impression these Lilies made on me. The grower plants these bulbs very shallow indeed, and takes off all the suckers and plants these in pots. He keeps the young bulbs in pots for about five years, after which he plants them out when all fear of spring frosts is over. He givus one heavy dressing of sewage water and then leaves them alone. He agrees with me that a bulb of this Lily flowers once in five years. John B. M. Camm. Biirnham Grange, Bournemouth. Campanula isophylla. — The pretty pale blue Campanula shown recently at the Drill Hall as Mayi has been in your columns commented upon adversely in relation to its name with perfect justice. But I could not help remarking the other day, when passing a cottage window at Carshalton where both the true blue C. isophylla and the white variety were flowering charmingly, that in this case the type plant had flowers appa- rently exactly alike in form and colour to those on ilr. May's plants, but the leafage was rather darker and smaller and somewhat serrated. The leafage of the white variety, the most beautiful of the section, is larger, paler, and smoother. I should therefore regard the Edmonton variety as jbsing a pale blue-flowered sport from iso phylla alba. It should be said of these Cam- panulas that we have no hardy pot plants that are more beautiful for hanging in windows or anywhere than these are. — A. D. *,* We fear that the variety to which " A. D." refers as having seen in the cottage window is C. fragilis, which often does duty for the blue form of C. isophylla. The two are quite distinct in every way. — Ed. Single Hollyhocks.— An able florist recently asked me to mention where he could obtain seed of a good and varied strain of single Hollyhocks, .as he felt they offered wide room for improvement, and he would like to take them in hand for that purpose. I gave him the information, but at the same time strongly urged that in no case should any attempt be made to double them. I do not say that the introduction of a second layer of pstals would be objectionable, as we see in a kindred spike-bearing flower, the Delphinium, how in such way the singles have been improved, whilst the creation of doubles has proved singularly objectionable. Double Hollyhocks have their admirers — not so much perhaps because of the rotundity or massiveness of their flowers as for their fine spikes, for it is a happy characteristic of doubles that they remain on the stems, and thus produce fine spikes so much longer than the singles do. But, on the other hand, the singles seem to be more robust, more readily raised from seed, and they do produce flowers in a wonderful variety of colour, many of the hues being singularly beautiful. Only a few days since, riding by rail from Croydon down the Oxted line, I observed near Selsdon Road a most charming selection in flower in a couple of small back gardens, presenting just the form of material my florist friend wished to secure. Certainly ib would not be difficult to find in these flowers quite diverse colours or markings. Gener- ally the flowers are large enough and they are of excellent form. The chief defect of the single strain lies in the too great facility on the part of the blooms to fall, and thus a good spike of flowers is rarely seen. We could very well do with a rather dwarfer strain, having more retentive capacity. Possibly the flowers attract insects too readily, hence rapid pollination and falling. With these defects corrected, single Hollyhocks might be converted into singularly beautiful garden plants. — A. D. HARDY PLANTS AT NEWSTEAD, WIMBLEDON. Quite recently, when looking round Mr. White- head's garden at Newstead, Wimbledon, the fol- lowing plants were in good condition. It should be noted as marking the success of some plants here that the position is on the high road adjacent to the common, and there is little doubt that the elevation and the purer and more bracing air have much to do with the success of some of the plants. The chief part of the garden, so far as the hardy plants are concerned, is one continuous slope that culminates in a spacious pond acting as a receiver for much of the water that flows thither- ward in times of heavy rain. In like manner it forms a good receptacle for all superfluous mois- ture in winter, thus leaving the plants high and dry. Indeed, my own impressions of such a slope are sufficiently good that I would not hesitate to plant many of the rarer alpine plants. The staple soilof the garden isofaclayey nature that in summer resolves into hard, nutty particles — a soil of course that requires not a little modifying to grow good al pines with success. To this end peat is employed in some instances, while rock ohippings are freely added to the bulk. At the same time, its ob- viously holding nature is of great benefit to the stronger kinds, and equally so to the success of tree and shrub alike that in the lighter and drier soils languish and die in times of great heat or prolonged drought. Among the most contented of subjects was the Edelweiss, represented both by the Swiss and Himalayan forms, yet while the latter is much the stronger, both kinds are furnished abundantly with their woolly heads, and growing quite freely spread out into patches that in some of the larger tufts would have at least twenty or thirty heads of flowers. Nor is there any idea of diminished vigour, even with this number in the tufts them- selves, for these latter really clothe the ground in their immediate vicinity. In several instances these plants were much the same, no special posi- tion being selected in planting. Houstonia cu-rulea is another plant that is so free in this garden as to verge upon being a weed ; yet its growth is so free and abundant and its blossoms so profuse as to be quite a revelation. It was the same in several positions, and the plants were only in peat, that has more than once been tried for it, though with very indifferent results. Spring- planted pieces, though smaller, give the same promise of success, which is such that the entire slope may soon be covered with this delightful plant. Omphalodes Lucili^e is also doing well, though as yet represented by only small plants. These, however, have got hold, and in a shady spot, which the plant does not really require, is quite happy, and producing its exquisitely col- oured blossoms profusely. Seeds, no doubt, of it will be saved this year and an attempt made to increase this alpine gem. Very happy and free-growing is the Hungarian Campanula Waldsteiniana. One tuft was flower- ing abundantly. This, I believe, is the typical plant of this rather variable species, having the radical leaves slightly notched and of nearly a glaucous hue. It is a charming plant when in good condition, and is about ."> inches high. Another pretty Campanula is C. Zoysi, a singu- larly dwarf species and a miffy plant in not a few localities. This kind has the constricted corolla which is best known in the Dielytra, while in the pale blue flowers ib is distinctly pleasing. Veronica salicifolia (the Willow-leaved Speedwell) is here a very graceful and elegant plant full of its pretty spikes of closely arranged flowers. One capital example was about 2 feet high and the same through, and the position ib occupied ren- dered it a conspicuous and pleasing object. The blossoms are white with just a suspicion of rose colour when closely examined, though at a short distance this looks much like a French grey. It is worthy of being seen much more frequently. Erythriea diffusa is a pretty dwarf plant of deep rose-pink hue, which in small patches gave a warm glow here and there, the tufts flowering freely in various positions. This is quite an easily grown plant in many gardens. Campanula Tommasiniana, one of the most distinct of the bell-flowered family, and indeed a true Bell- flower, is represented by quite a strong established plant. It is a pretty species of slender, elegant habit of growth from the Italian Alps. The flowers are pale blue, distinctly tubular in out- line, and each about three-quarters of an inch or rather more long. The slender growth renders it a graceful plant, and for its distinct character ib is worthy of being more freely cultivated. It is a good perennial and attains a foot or more high, producing a numerous array of stems from the crown. A new Russian Gentian, G. Prizewsalski— a ponderous name for any plant, quite sufficient alone to deter it from general cultivation— is flowering for the first time. The plant is distinct from the fact that it is a white-flowered kind, though not a pure or even a good white. The inflorescences are procumbent, the flowers pro- duced in pairs one on either side the stem, some eight or so of these forming the total. Two flower-stems had been produced from a single crown, the few leaves forming the latter lying close to the soil. Individually the blossoms are as large as those of the white d. asclepiadea, though perhaps a trifle firmer in texture. Only one flower was open, and this did nob impress one with its superiority — rather the reverse. In an- other spot the Bavarian Gentian gave promise of being quite a success, and this though only a few months planted, while the tufts of G. verna bear ample testimony to the value and free flowering of this fine plant. A capital bush of Moltkia pstraja, or Lithospermum pstrieum, as ib is some- times called, had just finished blooming. The flowers, produced in dense terminal cymes, droop slightly and at first appear of a pinkish hue, hut gradually put on a violet-tinted blue shade. The plant is bushy and free, and comes from Dalmatia. A good patch of Campanula G. F. Wilson is giving the last few blooms, having already covered a good space, while an apparent seedling form of this is a promising plant. Other things, such as Primulas, Ramondias, and the like, are doing well, and patches of Semparvivums are pretty and interesting. Of the latter, several of the S. arachnoideum group are well established, S. a. Hookeri in parbicular being a fine pabch. Around the pond, Iris hevigata. Spiraea palmata, and S. p. alba are at home. In a good posi- tion on the lawn is one of the finest plants of the Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) I have seen. It is a fine pyramid fully 15 feet high, possibly more, and some 9 feet or 10 feet through at the base. The plant is evidently at home on the sloping ground here, and finds ample nourish- ment in the deep clayey material at hand, which, however, is less cold than would otherwise be the case, owing to the sharp incline on this side of the garden. There is a second plant of this at Newstead, but this is not so good. A Visitor. Lilium auratum vittatum variety. — This beautiful Lily, referred to in the report of the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, and which was shown in good condition by Messrs. \\'allace, of Colchester, appeared to me the same as one I obtained from Japan last year under the name of L. auratum rubro-vittatum platyphyllum. The bulbs flowered magnificently, but most of them perished afterwards, while those obtained early this year have not proved so satisfactory. In the first place the bulbs differ from those of the ordinary form of rubro-vittatum in the scales being wider and more suffused with red ; indeed, in the general appearance of the bulb there is a slight leaning towards L. speciosum rubrum. The leaves are a little wider than in rubro-vitta- 130 THE GARDEN. [August 12, 1899. turn, while in the case of the flowers the crimson- purple band is more intense and wider than in the other ; indeed, it extends over such a large por- tion of the petals that they appear to be simply edged with white. It is to be met with in some of the Japanese catalogues, and the bulbs always command a good price. — H. P. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Meconopsis aculeata is a little plant with big flowers, and a lot of them of the most lovely tur- quoise-blue colour. At a height of from 0 inches to S inches, two year-old plants have numerous branched stems bedecked with more than ordi- nary durable flowers for a Poppywort, and the colour is very striking. As implied by the name, the foliage is prickly. The upper surface of the radical leaves has erect, rigid, hornlike spines each nearly a quarter of an inch long. I imagine this will be a flower of the future. X have tested it and found it quite hardy. It seems to enjoy a rich soil and plenty of moisture when growing, and I have hitherto given it full sunshine, but possibly it may do as well or batter in an east or west aspect. The Scarlet Pea to which "S A." (p. 02) refers was raised here. It may be of interest to give a few particulars of it, for though not, per- haps, in trade lists, it is a favourite plant in many private collections. Many years ago the late Mr Thos. Williams, of Ormskirk, during our frequent correspondence, sent me some seed. We were then both hunting for Lird Anson's Blue Pea, and he had got this particularly fine scarlet from someone, I think, abroad. I gob two plants from my seed. I grew both for some years, and did not think much more of them than scores of other new things at the time bjing introduced to these gardens until I had the pleasure of a visit from the Rev. Henry Ewbank, when one plant hap pened to be in flower. He noticed it, and said the colour and size of bunches for Lathyrus ro- tundifolius were unusual. I then compared it with all the red or reddish tints I could, and my plants proved vastly superior. One correspon- dent could see in it a metallic sheen changing in its scarlet shades with the varied points from ■which it might be viewed. " S. A." does well to mention that established specimens should be seen, or, in other words, until the plants are strong the colour and size of flowers are not at their best. I believe there is both the blood of rotundifolius and latifolius in it. Anyhow, there are the features of both to be seen in it, and a total conformity to neither type. Campanula Waldsteiniana. — It is very true that there are various plants going under this name. It is equally true that, once the typical plant has been seen through all its annual stages of growth and flowering, it will always be im pressed on the mind as not only a most distinct Campanula, but as a thing of beauty. One form at least that one can readily lay hold of by reason of its having an authenticated name is Tom- masiniana of Koch — no doubt an Italian form of or a nearly related variety of this species. It is, however, a greener plant, also taller, the thicker stems laxer flowered, and the flowers themselves more tubular and less bell-shaped. I know that the plants in Mr. Whitehead's Wimbledon garden are not likely to exist there long under wrong names, but it may be useful to show that one wrong plant going under the name of Waldstein- iana need not do so when it has both distinct features and an authorised name of its own. There is no time better than the present to see the differences and put the names right (.July .SI). The most marked distinctions are the relatively less glaucous foliage and longer and stouter stems of Tommasiniana. Campanula Wanneri. — I have lost sight of this plant for the last year or two. It is known to be but an indifferent perennial in some gardens, but I kept it here for years (the same plant) on the drier part of a rock garden, and it gave me seed for my friends. I have tried to get it from seedsmen, but the seed proved not to be true. Campanula Raineri (Perpent).— This grey creeper with thick leaves and big flowers almost startles one with its delicate beauty. Once you get the true plant and make it do well, you have an alpine and an achievement to be proud of. Campanula patula i^ a scirce British plant, but there can be no more charming Bell flower either for rocks, borders, or the vase. The variety of shade from blue-purple to red-purple and the half starry, half bell-like fliwers glisten like glazed wax. Altogether it is a flower to see and to watch from day to day to find out its beautiful features. J. Woud. Woodville, Kirlcstall. IS THE SWEDISH RED WATER LILY A VARIETY OF NYMPH.EA ALBA? Having had the above Water Lilies growing side by side for five or six ytars, the dift'erecces appear to be so great and to constant that it is very ditlicult to belib^e the former to be a nitural variety or sport from the other. The differences cousitt in thj si/.j and shape of the petals, direct proof that the one form is produced from the other by seed u-ifhant the jjwsiViiIiV;/ nj nn]l rriitisiuii hitvilut taken jilace. The words in italics indicate the essential point needed to constitute such a proof, and I send these notes in the hope of eliciting from some of your rtaders what is the nature of the evidence that has led botanist;s, apparently without; any hesi- tation, to class two such very different plants as belonging to the same species. I may add that I am now growing and flower- ing in a small tank out of doors, but wanned by a lamp, two blue Water Lilies— Nymphrea scutata, from Port Elizabeth, and what appears to be Nymphica stellata, the roots of which were obtained from Diep River, about ten miles from Capetown, where they were probably in- troduced, though now apparently growing wild. Dorset. Alfred R. Wallace. leaf, the size, shape, and number of the and the colour of bo'.h leaves and flowers These differences are as great as, if not greater than, those between most of the recognised species of the genas Nymph;ei. I will briefly enumerate these differences. The leavea of N. alba are somewha"; lunger than broad ; those of N. rosea are broader than long. A full-sized leaf of each chosen at ran- dom measured asfoll^w.-s: N. alba, 10.J inches long, 8 J inches broad ; N. r:isea, 6 inches long, tijj inches broad. Of course, both vary some- what in proportions, but this diS'erence seems fairly constant and gives a distinct character to the two groups of leaves. Accompanying this diflerence of proportion is a marked diSerence of outline, especially of the base of the leaf, la the white species the lobes usually overlap for more than half their length, and the lower termination of eich lobe is a very slightly pointed oval. In the red form the lobes open at a very wide angle, and the termination is an oblique unequil-sidcd blunt point. Out of more than 100 leaves on my red Lily I can see none that approach the overlapping form of the white species, of which it is a specific character, Babington indicating it by the words " notch in the leaves with parallel sides." A Siberian species, N. nitida, is describ.d in Hemsley's "Hardy Plants" as having "deeply lobed leaves with spreading lobes," which exactly describes those of the red - flowered form. Equally distinct is the colouring of the two leaves, which ditter as follows ; N. albi, above, clear bright green, below, yelbwish green ; N. rosea, above, an oiive- green, very distinct; below, a full dull red, faintly tinged with green. Coming to the flowers, the differences are equally great. The botanical books give from sixteen to twenty-four as the number of petals in N. alba, but in N. rosea they are much more numerous— usually about forty. They are also broader and blunter ; hence the flowers of N. rosea are smaller, with a more regular rosette of petals, often as perfect and com jact as in a well-formed double Dihlia Now i; appears to me that these various and well-mirked differ- ences in form, size, proportions, and coloration of the leaves, as well as in the size, shape, and number of the petals and the coloration of the complete flower — differencas which in their entirety are as great as between any two species of the genus inhabiting the same c )ntineiit — do in themselves constitute prima farie evidence that the two forms are distinct species. Of course such evidence must give way if there is JULY LILIES. The white Madonna Lily (L. candidum) has this season kept in vigorous health and blossomed well, and has seemingly been freer from the disease than for some years past in this locality, certain groups that have in former years lost their foliage completely before their flowers expanded carrying their stem-leaves unwithered until after their blooms had fadeJ. L. croceum is a Lily that nothing seem^ to harm, blooming as well in seasons when the Madonna Lily is badly affacted with the disease as when the latter enjoys com- parative immunity. Though not so frequently met with in cjttage gardens as L. candidum, which, curiously enough, when growing in such spots always appeirs to enjoy the most excellent health, whether grown in the sun or shade, in damp or dry ground, it is far from being uncom- mon, and clumps of bulbs that have remained in the same position for years may be seen carryirig their erect flowers on stems 7 feet and more in height. L. Martagon and L. M. album have been in flower, the latter when strongly grown being very eftective in the garden, while L. M. dalmati- cum, with its deep purple flowers, and its variety L. M. d. Citani, with even darker coloured blooms, are very vigorous, attaining a stature of from 5 feet to 6 feet, and carrying in some cases as many as two dozen flowers. L. excehum, or testaceum, with its crown of pale apricot-buft' blossoms, said to be a hybrid between L candi- dum and L. chalcedonicum, is a beautiful garden Lily, and one that apparently appreciates rich food, as a few bulbs planted in some heavily manured ground have far overtopped their less liberally treated relatives. Of the Swamp Lilies, the Panther Lily (L- p.ardalinum) appears to be the most sturdy in constitution, since this some- times succeeds where L. canadense and L. super- bum fail to prosper. When it does well it is a striking feature in the garden, growing to a height of 7 feet and bearing as many as forty blooms. L. superbum and L. canadense are also two beautiful Lilies, and with L pardalinum suc- ceed best in peat or leaf-mould in a partially sheltered bed where their roots may be kept moist during their period of growth. These Swamp Lilies are the mo=t graceful of all their race, with slender gracile stems and reflexed spotted flowers swaying to every zephyr, delicitely poised at the extremities of long, slight footstalks. L. Hum- boldti is another handfome Lily, with blossoms of a jellow-fawn tint, I.I otched with lake. It suc- ceeds well in a mix'. uie of loam and leaf-mould. L. Szovitzianum, with its citron-coloured flowers, some self-coloured and some spotted with minute black dots, is a charming flower, and was in bloom during the early days of the month, as was the golden-yellow L. Hansoni. The great Himalayan Lily, L. giganteum, with its towering stem 9 feet and more in height, and its long ivory-white tubular blooms, stained with purple in the in- terior, is quite the feature of the Lily bed when in the zenith of its beauty, and on dewy evenings distils it vanilla like essence on the passing August 12, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 131 breezes and renders all the garden odorous. This Lily is partial to deep, but not heavy soil, and is said to be not averse to manurial assist ance. After flowering the bulb dies, but a few bulblets are usually to hd found round the base of the stem, which if grown on under favourable conditions should flower in the course of from three to four years. In heavy, damp soil, however, the bulbs will often decrease instead of increase in size. Towards the close of the month the brightest of all Lilies, the scarlet Turk'e-cap (L. chalcedonicum), came into flower, its blossoms of a vivid vermilion hue. Like the Martagons, it grows well in ordinary garden soil, and is a Lily that no collection should lack. The splendid L. auratum commenced to bloom as the month was ending. It is marvellously handsome with its wide-spreading, ehowily-tinted flowers, and it is a pity that it is not more to be depended on. In some soils it may be possible to count on its be- coming permanently established, but in the majority it appears to die out after blossoming well for a season or two, which entails yearly planting if its presence in the garden is to be assured. S. W. F. Torquay. YELLOW GROUND AND FANCY CARNATIONS. The confusion in the yellow ground Carnations alluded to by " H. S." on page 107 arises from the circumstance that this section is a compara- tively new one, and that no serious attempt has as yet been made to classify them. The fact is, that with, perhaps, the exception of Mr. J. Douglas, no leading grower is found advocating classification, the general desire being to defer it for the present. I am with Mr. Douglas in the desire that out of the material already possessed a section of yellow ground Picotees should be formed, and so separate them from the yellow grounds. It is objected that there is not enough material to commence with, but I hold that there is. Mr. Martin R. Smith created something in the way of a sensation by producing at the Crystal Palace show a beautiful wire-edged yel- low ground Picotee in Childe Harold, and as it does not now take long for a new Carnation to get into commerce, this fine variety will doubt- less be in the hands of growers two years hence. On the occasion of the recent annual exhibiiion of the National Carnation Society at the Crystal Palace there were classes for the best bloom of a yellow ground Picotee, heavy edge, and also light edge. In the former class Gertrude was placed first and Aldeforan second, both new varie- ties of Mr. M. R. Smith's raising, and Mrs. R. Sydenham was third. The two former are not yet in commerce, but soon will he, no doubt. In the light-edged class Childe Harold was placed first and Speranza. (Mr. M. R. Smith) second ; Mrs. Douglas was third and Fanfuela (Mr. Smith) fourth. The society thus recognises a distinct section of yellow ground Picotees, and what the committee should next do should be to form a class for six blooms in not less than three varieties. The following are clearly admissible to compete in addition to those named above : His Excellency, Etfia Deans, Badminton, and Empress Eugenie. It cannot be expected that the edge of colour, whether heavy or light, will be as perfect as is the case with some of the white- edged Picotees, but it is expedient to make a beginning, and the sooner it is made the sooner will a high standard of quality be set up, such as that observed in Childe Harold. Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Tremayne, Florrie Henwood, Eldorado, May Queen, The Gift, Dervish, Voltaire, Lidas, and Golden Eagle are all classed as yellow ground Picotees, though they are more or less marked with slight bars of colour breaking through the petal edge into the ground of the flower. It is clearly the duty of the judges to select those flowers freest from these bars, and the very act of forming such a class would give a new impetus to the raising of the higl^est types. In present competitions for fancy Carnations yellow grounds are admissible, and that is why Voltaire was found shown as a yellow Picotee and also as a fancy Carnation. If the committee of the National Carnation Society were to form a section of yel- low ground Picotees and name certain varieties as admissible to be shown as such this confusion would practically cease. A fancy Carnation is anything which cannot be classified in any other section. It is a convenient term, if not very in- telligible. It comprises a large number of very handsome and striking flowers, the which when shown in their best character are always attrac- tive. The ground colours and the marginal colours alike may be of any combination or tint, and the term is thus able to comprehend much that would otherwise be lost to the exhibition table. _ R. D. Geranium Henry Jacoby. — Probibly this is the most generally grown bedding Geranium in existence. It matters not in what direction one looks he finds it, it being easily distinguish- able by its free growth and bold dark crimson flower-truss. One thing, however, needing ob- servance is not to give Jacoby a too rich root run, as in such the plants have a tendency to grow rankly, and consequently produce bloom sparely. This I have noticed over and over again. Some others, on the other hand, notably Vesuvius, are the better for a rich larder, being in ordinary soil prone to make too stubby a growth and undersized blooms. Given the right treatment, however, Vesuvius is still hard to beat by any Geranium of its colour. It seems to me that much greater strides have been made in zonal Geraniums suitable for indoor or pot culture than in the bedding section, this being proved by the fact that not a few varieties raised twenty or thirty years ago are still first favourites with many. — J. C. Cactus Dahlia Magnificent. — This is one of Mr. .J. Stred wick's introductions, and was last year regarded when shown as one of the best of the season, new in colour, and of the most ap- proved Cactus shape, while in respect of habit it exhibits a marked improvement upon some other new varieties. It grows about 4^ feet, it pro- duces freely lateral growths, and the flower-stems are well thrown out beyond the foliage, while it is very free of bloom. As far as my own experi- ence of this variety goes, Magnificent gives good blooms early in the season, and one has not to wait for flowers true to character until the end is nearly reached, as is the case with some sorts. In this respect it is satisfactory to note a decided improvement in the case of Magnificent, and it becomes a welcome addition to the number of Cactus Dahlias which are early to bloom, free, and throw their flowers well above the foliage, and thus adapted for flower garden decoration. Our raisers of Cactus Dahlias are giving much attention to the improvement of the habit of growth. — R. D. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Cactus Dahlia Britannia. — Not the least in merit among the newer kinds is this. The plant is less than a yard high .and covered with liloom. Each flower opens perfectly. Tlie colour, a nice shade of salmon-buff, is distinct and pleasing. — H. Cactus Dahlia Mrs. John Goddard.— This has blooms of a deep rich red and has the gnod quality of lightness in tbe form of its petals. Not a tali grower and very free-tlotvetiug, it is among others very distinct. The blooms, too, are more lasting than is the case with sorts generally. — H. Tricolor Pelargoniums. — Almost the only one of this once very popular section of bedding plants now employed for that parpise is Mrs. Pollock, always the most popular of the goMea tricolors. But there is one variety yet far from common that either as a pot or bedding plant is a great advance on Mrs. Pollock, and that is Mrs. Harry Cox. This is a bold, robust grower, with stout, rounded, highly coloured leaves, and does wonderfully well '>utdo >rs. I have seen this variety occasionally, and but the ctlier day came across a few plants in a flower garden when witli Mr. Burrell, of Claremont, who also was greatly taken with it. No tricolor put into commerce that I have seen at all equals this one as a desirable bedding plant, especially when put out thinly. — A. D. Notes of the Week. Statiee latifolia.— The large heads of this fine Sea Lavender hive made a good display of late, and even now are not wholly devoid of colour. Among good perennials tliis should always be well to the front, being easy of culture, dwarf in habit and requiring but little care to maintain it in good con- dition. Sidalcea Listeri. — The fringed or deeply cut blossoms of this p'ant render it a pleading feature in the border, and even in a small group it is in con- sequence rendered attractive. The colour too is pleasing, and the plant, which is about 3 feet high, deserves morj attention generally. It succeeds well in ordinary soils. Geranium ciaereum album.— Few plants so well suited to rockwork are possessed of more dainty blossoms than this. Its competitors in this respect are nearly allied subjects, viz., the Erodiums. In the above there is a purity of tone not always seen in these dwarf plants, and the delicate tinge of colour as the flowers increase in age has a singularly pretty and . pleasing effect. Passiflora Constance Eliott in S.W. Scotland.— Last year I referred to this Passion Flower as being hardy at Orchardton, Castle Douglas. This season I have come across a good plant which has been on the front of the ottice at Kerr Brothers' nursery at Dumfries for some years. The climate at Orchardton is rather milder than that of the town of Dumfries, which is further inland, and it is encouraging to see a good specimen of Passiflora Constance Eliott in this latter locality. — S. A. Adenophora liliifolia. — This is, perhaps, cue of the most graceful of summer-flowering plants, notwithstanding it is rather tall, and perhaps too sparse in habit of growth for some. Yet it is here that its grace and beauty are so apparent. By some it would be regarded as too tall for the rook garden, yet it is in some such place that one catches the transparent beauty and charm such elegant subjects provide. Particularly pleasing is this from a side view as well, and the many pale blue flowers borne on a good. sized plant render it among the most useful of summer plants. Campanula betulaefolia is a distinct mem- ber of the Bellflower family, in which the foliage is distinctly as well as deeply cut, the flowers, which are of a pinkish hue, being equally dietinct. This is so indeed in form as much as in colour, for while the latter is comparatively rare, it is not unknown altogether, though the form of the flower, a sort of expanding bell, say from a quarter of an inch wide at the stalk end, to nearly an inch across at the tip of the corolla, is a characteristic almost unique in the group. Even from this point of view the kind should be worth cultivating. Campanula carpatica pelviformis.— So far as the flowers of this handsome kind are con- cerned, there is nothing to indicate in the least that it belongs to the Carpathian Harebell, which in reality is the case. The resemblance is easily seen in the leafage of the plant, which is almost identical with that of the parent. The flowers of this distinct kind are almost, if not quite, unique even among the varied forms ol which this group is composad. Less vigorous, too, it appears generally and much dwarfer, the plant is even more suited to the rock garden than the original species, which, by the way, is quite at home in both. This beautiful kind is seen but very sel- dom in good plants despite the fact that it has been some years now known to hardy plant growers. Mr. J. Wood's Scarlet Pea. — Lithyrus Drammondi answers to this description. I ob- tained it many years ago from Mr. C. Green when gardener at Pendell Co art, Bletchingley. It is related to L. rotundifolius, hut Mr. Green always 132 THE GARDEK [August 12, 1899. held — and my experience of it confirms his statement— thab it is quite distinct. It is both earher and much more prolific of bloom, seeding as a rule somewhat sparingly. Its earliness is seen from the fact that its perennial root-stock breaks into growth much earlier than that of any perennial Pea I am acquainted with. It grows to a height of about 5 feet, and when supported by a few ordinary Pea stakes and looked after in the matter of water, it shows an extraordinary surface of bloom. It should be planted in rich soil, be well mulched and watered, and then it becomes a splendid object in the border. I find it does best in an open, sunny position. — R. D. Eremurus Elwesianus in Westmoreland. — This Eremurus flowered in my garden at Wans- fell Holme, Windermere, early in June, and was photographed by my daughter when at its best. The plant was bought in October, 189S, and planted in one of my herbaceous borders. During the winter and early spring the roots were pro- tected to prevent injury from frost. In spite of all protection the points of the large leaves were touched by the cold winds and slightly dis- figured, but no material harm happened to the plant, for it grew strongly and began to show its flower-spike early in the month of April. The following measurements may be of interest, viz. : Length of spike, 7 feet 3 inches ; diameter of flowering portion, 4\ inches. Three branches were produced, 20 inches, 19 inches, and about 6 inches in length. The Eremurus was planted on October 7, 1898, and the photo was taken on June 7, 1899.— O. O. Wrkjley, Bridge Hall, Bury, Lancanhire. Campanula Vidali. — Several times some interesting notes have appeared in The Gardex respecting this Campanula and its hardiness. Others, like myself, appear to have been in hope that it might prove hardy in our gardens even when it has been too tender in similar places. I think it was Mr. Wood who referred to it in hopeful terms last year, and one would be glad to hear how Campanula Vidali has done with him. Your Cornish correspondent, "C. R.,"doe3 not, in the note on page 111, give us much en- couragement, as it appears it has been killed regularly until this year. When this occurs in Cornwall it is to be feared that there is not much prospect of success for us in the north. With me it has failed in as warm and sheltered a place as I could find. One is not surprised that this dis- tinct Bellflower should be tender, but as plants from even warmer places than the Azores have proved hardy here, a little experiment has been desirable.— S. Arnott, Carsithorn, bu Dwmfrie,s, N.B. Gutierrezia Euthamiae.— Sometimes when one has grown a plant for some years it acquires in our eye^ a beauty which could not at first be realised. This peculiarly named plant may be one of those, and may improve much upon ac- quaintance. I came across it the other day and was not particularly impressed with it, although it may have been due to want of taste. The foli- age is light-looking, but the small flowers are of a greenish yellow, which is not very attractive. It seems to be an inferior plant to some others of somewhat similar appearance. The owner of the garden in which it was grown did not think highly of this Gutierrezia, but it is quite possible that one might admire it when it develops into a mass. Perhaps someone who has had experience of it may give us some information about its worth and requirements. It is, I learn from the " Kewlndex,"a nativeof Western North America, and belongs to the Natural Order Compositit — S. Arnott. Bodgersia podophylla.— One is glad to observe the pleasant notes on the Japan Bronze Leaf by " A. L. L." in The Garden of August 5. As no special mention is made of the bronzy colouring which adds so much to the beauty of the plant and has given it the popular name of Bronze Leaf, one may be pardoned for referring to it now. It is one of the most attractive features of the plant, and anything which prevents its development cannot fail to be worthy of ob- servation so as to avoid the cause which hinders it from assuming its distinctive bronzy tints. Both in my own garden and in others I find that plants which are in a wet position, such as on the margin of a pond where the soil is constantly saturated with water, are not nearly so well coloured as are those which are in drier places. While this is what I have observed, I hope it is not imagined that I advocate keeping it dry, as it likes a liberal supply of water. It is an excess of moisture which appears to keep the leaves green. Veratrum nigrum. — As an August flowering plant this Veratrum is highly desirable, although its worth does not lie in brilliancy or effect of colour. Usually at flowering time its fine ribbed, massive leaves have also lost part of the beauty which is their marked characteristic in the earlier months, so that they are less attractive. Yet the tall spike is very fine with its array of blackish purple flowers. We are told that the spike is from 1 foot to 3 feet high, but it is occasion- ally higher than that, and one I saw the other day had a grand spike which could not be much less than i) feet in height. This was at Summer- ville, Dumfries. The Black Veratrum is not, un- fortunately, a very free bloomer, and one has known plants which have not given flowers for some years. Still, a spike or two of these flowers, whose beauty consists in their deep colouring, will compensate for years of waiting. Nearly all the Veratrums are noble plants either when they unfold their plaited leave?, which, as Gerard says, are " folded into pleats like a garment pleated to bee laied up in a chest," or when in flower. — S. A. Spigelia marilandica (Worm Grass). — This is, perhaps, one of the most delightful of North American plants, and one all too rarely seen in anything approaching established plants in British gardens. The flowers, too, are possessed of a rare colour combination — crimson and gold — the former, which is perhaps of a blood-crimson hue rather than otherwise, enveloping the exterior of the corolla, while inwardly and also on the re- flexed lobes of the corolla the golden hue prevails. The nearly tubular flowers, which are erect, are about *2 inches long and appear at the summit of the growth, which is rarely more than 8 inches high and frequently much less. In good tufts the stems spring up quite thickly, and when these are crowned with flowers the plant is very brilliant. In the rich and often moist woods of Pennsylvania and Florida this plant is found abundantly, and could it be but induced to flourish in like manner in British gardens, it would certainly prove most welcome. Planted in moist peat and wliere shade is more or less permanent, the real value of the Worm Grass is seen. In the drier portions of the artificial bog garden this plant should find a congenial home. Ostrowskya magnifica in Kent. — From the occasional accounts that have appeared in The Garden about Ostrowskya magnifica it seems to be very far from fulfilling the great future that was supposed to be before it at the time of its introduction. My experience with the plant, however, has been more fortunate than that of others, and this season I can record an unqualified success. My plint is close to a very thick and high Box hedge facing almost due south and moderately protected from the east. The soil is a deep, but light loam, and in the exceptionally dry seasons we have had for some years past becomes baked and dust-dry for the greater part of the summer. This year my plant attained a height of between 5 feet and li feet, and bore on four stems thirty-two flowers of a pure white save for a faint bluish tinge ; at all times of the day the flowers faced slightly west of south. I have never missed having a few flowers for some years past, but late May frosts have usually crippled most of the buds ; this year I used a light covering of tiffany whenever frost seemed likely. I keep a large sheet of glass over the roots during the winter ; this is only removed when growth has well started. In its earlier stages even severe frost seems to have no effect on the unprotected foliage. I send herewith a sketch which gives a good idea of the habit of the plant, but the lower leaves have usually turned yellow by the time the flowers are expanded. — R. A. Todd, Hoiieydon, North Craij, Kent. Lilium chalcedonicum. — The Chalcedonian Lily is generally a favourite with most people, its bright flowers of what is often called "sealing- wax scarlet" being very effective. Although it is in some gardens a little difficult to establish and sometimes takes a few years before it reaches a flowering stage, it is not generally a trouble- some subject. In the border it is a very attrac- tive Lily, and in wild gardening it has been used with fine effect. In the south-west of Scotland it is comparatively common, but is never too often seen. Like many other plants, it haa several varieties, and one would like to know how many of these there are. Your contributor " H. P.," who has a special knowledge of Lilies, may perhaps be able to help us. From the "Dictionary of Gardening" one would gather that there are plants with yellowish flowers, and that in addition to the type there are the varieties ma jus and grseoum. The varieties I have come across are, first, the usual form, of medium height, with scarlet flowers with small blackish dots ; second, tlie tall form with small flowers, called gnecum ; third, a variety without the black dots ; and fourth, a tall, deep coloured form with broad segments, which I take to be the one named majus. This was very fine the other day in the garden of Mr. John Mjxwell, Maxwelltown, Dumfries, where was also a fine plant of the type bearing eleven flowers, although the usual num- ber is only given as from one to six. One finds that these Turk'scap Lilies, as those of the sec- tion with recurved segments are usually called, are general favourites. — S. Arnott. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 — o p.m. At 3 o'clock a lecture on "Pruning" will be given by Mr. R. P. Brotherston. The weather in West Herts. — Another very warm week and the fifth in succession. On three days the highest temperature in shade ex- ceeded 80°, while nearly all the nights were also very warm. Both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep the ground is now about 6° warmer than is season- able. At 9 p.m. on the 4th the temperature at 2 feet deep stood at 69", and at 1 foot deep 74°, bath of which are the highest readings I have yet registered here at these depths at any period of the year. A little rain fell on two days, but only sufficient to lay the dust, and no measurable quantity of rain-water has now come through either of the percolation gauges for a week. The winds were, as a rule, light, and came mostly from some northerly or easterly point of the com- pass.— E. M., Berkhamsted. Chrysanthemums unhealthy. — Will you kindly say if it is the Cbrysanthemum rust which affects the enclosed leaves ? It occurs on single varie- ties wluch I have had for some years. — E. Allen. *»* The leives sent are not affected with rust, but have been eaten by the leaf-mining fly known to be troublesome to Celery. The hol^s in the same appear to have been made by small caterpillars. — En. ITames of plants.— J. A. — 14, Cinipanula pumila alba; 10, C. persieifolia (type) ; 19, C muralis (syu., Portenschlas[iana) ; 20 and 2.3, forms of C. Trachelium ; 21, C. graudis; 2i, C. ijarganica. B. — Veratrum nigrum (False or Black Hellebore). Ireland. — 1, looks like Rosa Incidi, but should like to see flowers ; 2, Andromeda floribunda ; 3, Egcallonia Philippiaaa ; others next week. Rowe Lewis. — Flowers shrivelled up. "The English Flower 0,a,v6.en." — Tho- roughly revised^ luith full descHptions of all the hest plants, their culture and arrangement, heaiUifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, 1.5s. 6d. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, ^c. THE GARDEN. No. U48.— Vol. LVL] [AUGUST 19, 1899. Orchard and Fruit :— Apple Beauty of Bath . .. 133 Grape Lady bowne's .. .. 133 Peach and Nectirine trees, young c. old 134 Peach Crimson Galande _ 133 Pears adopted by the Con- gres Pomologique of France .. 13* Plum, the M>TobaIan ., .. 133 Stocks, blight-proof ^ . . 133 Strawberries President and Keens" Seedling .. „ „ 135 Wineberry, the Japanese .. 134 Roses:— Rosa anemonfflflora „ .. 136 Rosa Wichuriana .. «, .. 136 Rose Caroline Testout.. .. 135 Rose Celine Forestier . . . . 135 Rose Duchesse d'Auerstadt 136 Rose Robert Duncan .. .. 136 Rose Sir Rowland Hill . . . 136 Rose Tennyson .. „ — 136 Roses in August 135 Roses, red, for Christmas . . 136 Kitchen : — Cucumbers, winter, in pots 186 Pea. a dwarf Ne Plus Ultra 136 Pea Sharpe's Queen - . . . 136 Potato Carters Firat Crop . 136 Potato Ninety-fold .. .. 136 Tomatoes for market ^ . . 136 Treaa and BhFnba i— Buddleia variabilis — .. 139 Ceanothus americaiius in the Roi/al Oanlens, Keio ,. .. 137 Ceanothuses 137 Trees and shrubs in bloom in July .. .. 133 Stove and Greenhouse:— Acacia cordata 1 39 Ac'icia cordaiiif part of a plant of .. .. .. .. 139 Allamanda grandiflora . . . . 140 Alpinia mutica » . - 141 Bouvardia Humboldti eorymbiflora 140 Campanula Vidali « ., .. 140 Cas&ia corymbosa 140 Clerodendron fallax .. .. 139 Costus igneus from seed .. 141 Cyrtanthi in flower .. .. 139 Hedychium coronarium .. 140 Hydrangea Hortensia in pots 140 (lUustratioiis in Italica. Pelargonium, Ivy - leaved, Mme. Crousse 141 Pelargoniums, Ivy - leaved, for cutting .... .139 Pelar^^oniume, propagating 140 Rhcd idendron Falconer! „ 140 Strt p ;:osolen Jamesoni . .. 189 The Market Garden:— Banana, the, in cultivation and commerce 141 Garden Flora : - Laalio - Cattleya Dominiana langleyenslri 142 Lidio - Ca'tleya Dominiana l'iii[iUi/i:nsis 143 Week's Vork:— Fruits under glass, work among 143 Kitchen garden, work in the 144 Fruit and Vegetable Crops ....»» .. 141 Orchids:- Anasctochili 148 Cattleyas, watering .. .. 147 Chysis bractescens ., _ Dendrobium Aphrodite Lvcaste lanipes .. ,, « Masdevallia radioea . . . . Odontojliixsv.nl Franz Mtue- red 147 148 147 147 116 Oiontoglossums, some re- cent .. .. _ .. .. Saccolabiums _, „ 146 147 Flower:— Acanthus moUia latifoUas .. Galega officinalis Iris assyriaci .. ^, „ _ Iris Straus^i .. — « .. Potentilla formosa Rudbeckia Golden Glow . . Ruihectin Golden alow . .. Tritoma granditlora . . . . 149 119 149 119 119 118 148 149 Societies : - Royal Horticultural .. -. 149 Notes of the Week ;- Ac3r californicum aureum .. Campanula excisa Campanula isopbylla Mayi , 151 151 161 Campinula carpatica pelvi- formis 152 Echinacea purpurea -. .. 152 Gentiana asclepiadea alba . . 152 Gentiana linearis 15! Gentiana tibetica 151 Heuchera brizoidea . . ■ . 151 Xymphjea stellata in the open air 151 Pansy, Tufted, Howard H. Crane .. 151 Pansy, Tufted, King of the Blues . _ 16 Peas, Sweet .. .. _ .. 151 Phloxes, herbaceous „ .. 151 Platycodou Mariesi ^ .. 151 Sempervivum Hookeri. . .. 152 Veratrum nigrum 152 Mlsoellaneous :— Dahlia, Cactus. Lucius . « 141 Dahli.is, caterpillars on _ 152 Dutchman's Pipe, the . .. 152 Hammersmith, open space for „ .. _ 152 Market gardens . . _ « 152 Peas, Sweet, exhibiting .. 143 Weather in W. Herts .. .. 152 Orchard and Fruit Garden. BLIGHT-PROOF STOCKS. To THE Editor of The Garden. Sir, — I read with interest the correspondence re Northern Spy Apple for .stocks on page 248, April No. of The Garden, and your request for further information upon the subject. Here, in the North Island of New Zealand, the woolly aphis is our greatest trouble in Apple growing, and as necessity is the mother of invention, our growers had to devise some means of alle- viating, if not overcoming the difficulty alto- gether. This has been done, as far as the roots are concerned, by working the diflerent varie- ties upon the Northern Spy stock. The Northern Spy Apple is absolutely proof against the woolly aphis. To obtain a supply of stocks, the Spy itself must be produced upon its own roots, which can be done by layering the branches, or by the system of root grafting, that is, by in- serting a small piece of root of an ordinary stock say 2 inches above the base of the Northern Spy scion. The root thus inserted and properly tied will enable the scion to grow, and in time roots will be produced at the base of the scion, when the side root may be removed, and the whole tree will be upon its own roots. When once a few dozen trees are produced upon their own roots it is a simple matter to work up a stock by root grafting, obtaining only Spy roots ; by this means Northern Spy stocks are produced. There are other varieties that are non-blighting and suitable for stocks, but the Northern Spy is the best, being fibrous-rooted, and brings the trees into bearing early. In America the State Board of Horticulture is experimenting with most satisfactory results. Some fifty trees were obtained from Australia on Northern Spy roots and planted in an old nursery where trees that were badly affected with woolly aphis had been recently growing, the ground being full of roots that were covered with the aphis. Upon the results of the examination, the trees on blight- proof Spy stocks were dug up and found abso- lutely free from aphis. Roots were cut off and distributed to all who desired to experiment with them, using the roots as stock and Northern Spy as scion. The resistance of the Northern Spy to woolly aphis is thoroughly established, and has been demonstrated in Australia and New Zealand for over thirty years. In this Auck- land province of New Zealand attention is directed to the raising of varieties of Apples that resist the woolly aphis, and with such success, that our growers will be able to discard the sorts that blight badly. Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, King of the Pippins, Blenheim Orange, and the majority of the best of European varieties blight so badly, that they are hardly worth growing, even although we are able to keep the roots perfectly clean by working them upon the blight-proof Northern Spy stock. It seems incredible that the aphis should attack some varieties and not others, but such is the indisputable fact with the N. Spy. It has not yet been found out why the insect discriminates, yet it is a fact that it does. As an instance, take the Grape Vinu. The Phylloxera destroys the roots of some varieties, but will not attack others. The same thing occurs throughout the insect world. To my mind, it is surprising that the Northern Spy has not been made use of in Europe as a stock for the Apple. Being a constant reader of your valuable paper during the last two years, I have noticed that attention has been frequently called to the prevalence of woolly aphis upon Apple trees, and that various remedies have been suggested, but never any mention made of using resistant stocks. I can assure you that it can be entirely got rid of by working upon the resistant stocks. Nurserymen here would never think of working their trees upon any other, as they would im- mediately lose their business. I hope the Spy will come into prominence as a stock for the Apple in localities where woolly aphis is troublesome. D. A. Hay. Auckland. Apple Beauty of Bath.— This will eventu- ally take a high place among early dessert Apples, for it is a very pretty and attractive variety, ready early in August and of far better quality than the majority of early kinds. A dish of it on coloured Vine leaves looks extremely pretty, the fruit being flattish round, russety yellow, with streaks of green and very bright red. The tree is a free bearer and of fairly vigorous habit, and on the free stock makes a fine healthy-looking bush or pyramid. The flesh is white, juicy and tender, sub acid at first and sweeter afterwards. Tlie Myrobalan Plum. — This pretty little Plum should be grown in the pleasure grounds or in parts of the garden where room can be spared, and in a season of scarcity of other Plums the fruit would be very welcome for tarts and pre- serving. Not only this, but the plants are very pretty whether in fruit or flower, and would be well worth growing for the sake of appearance only. The growth is very free and vigorous, and it would make an attractive and excellent fence if kept low for a year or two and then allowed to thicken out. Nurserymen still persist in using it for a stock for Peaches, and many early failures of fine trees may be traced to it. Grape Lady Downe's. — Although usually grown only as a late Grape, I find a rod or two of this very useful in the intermediate house where it makes a useful succession to the Black Ham- burgh, and its brisk pleasant flavour is liked as a change. The additional time given the wood to ripen is in its favour, as the bunches from well- ripened Vines are always more compact and have better shoulders than those from canes that are started late and have to develop their wood late in autumn. This, of course, is true of all varie- ties, but I think that the loose bunches with a long bare neck sometimes seen on Lady Downe's are very often the result of badly ripened wood. Where a little fire-heat is allowed and plenty of air kept on, as it should be in all well-managed late houses of Vines, this failing is less apparent. This variety colours perfectly under the condi- tions named above, and does not show the same disposition to turn foxy as Gros Colman. — H. Peach. Crimson Galande. — There is no question about this being a fine handsome Peach to look at and good for exhibition for this reason. But I was bound to condole with a fellow exhibi- tor recently when he was beaten by it, his own dish being a very fine one of Alexandra Noblesse. There is no doubt that had the judges tasted the fruits and awarded the prize for flavour, the Noblesse would have won easily, but the fruit has not the colour and appearance, and for this reason had to go under. When ripened under the very best conditions Crimson Galande is only fair in flavour, and if hurried at the finish quite poor. Its season is about the same as that of Violette 134 THE GARDEN. [August 19, 1899. Hative, which is a far better Peach in every way, a sure cropper, a fairly handsome Peach for exhibition, and of excellent flavour. The best fruits of Crimson Galande I ever tasted were grown on a southwest aspect in a Wiltshire garden, where the soil was rather light with a little chalk in it. In such soils as this, if the roots are well looked after as to moisture and manure, I believe Peaches show their very best points as regards colour and flavour. — H. The Japanese "Wineberry. — It is strange that this showy and useful autumn fruit should not be more generally grown, especially in gar- dens where choice preserves are appreciated. It is now some twenty years since its introduction, yet it is in few gardens one meets with it. It is perhaps rather more tender than the Raspberry, but it stands ordinary winters uninjured in most localities. By some the well-ripened fruit is pre- ferred to Raspberries, even in a raw state, but the majority, I think, value it principally for jam. The bushes enjoy a deep, moist root-run, and in dry seasons a good mulch, together with a couple of thorough soakings of farmyard liquid, will improve the size and quality of the fruit and also strengthen growth. I believe this Wine- berry would pay if grown for market, as so many people like preserves having a slight acidity. — C. N. YOUNG r. OLD PEACH AND NECTARINE TREES. Thkre can be no doubt that a great deal of valu- able space under glass and on walls is wasted owing to the trees thereon having grown out of the profitable stage. Very little wood is made annually, and if perchance a branch dies the trees have not enough vigour to make up the deficiency with good wood. The shoots are very short and weak, the fruit naturally suflfering in point of size and quality. The contrast between these and young, vigorous trees is very marked, for a mistake in culture with the latter is much more easily rectified, and if allowed their head and properly attended to at the roots they will bear without njury a remarkably heavy crop. Indeed, a heavy crop is necessary to their well being, for if the crop is light and the trees rooting freely in a new border, they are very apt to grow too strongly and get into an unfruitful habit. Many fj-rowers object to planting large trained trees, and where one can afford to wait for results, possibly maidens one year from the bud are best. But with careful planting in proper season of good, well-rooted trees, there is no reason why a limited number of good fruits could not be gathered the season after planting. One point must be insisted on. The treej must be obtained from nurserymen of standing who make a spe- ciality of fruit culture, and, if possible, personal selection of the trees should be made. There is no mistaking the well-balanced fruitful tree with its even and not too strong growth. It is per- fectly distinct from a tree that, owing to careless culture in the early stages, has formed a quantity of gross sappv wood. Again, the tree? must be carefully lifted in suitable weather just as the leaf is turning to fall and planted immediately they are received. The best plan I know to quickly furnish a house is to obtain maiden trees a couple of saasons before they are required and plant them against a suitable wall for the two seasons. Then they are at hand when they are wanted, and, no matter how early in the season, the roots may be thoroughly soaked and the trees lifted and replanted with no delay whatever. Such trees do not feel the removal, and the slight check given the roots is an advantage in nearly every ca=e, as it corrects the tendency to strong wood that is sometimes observed in healthy young trees. If a few young trees were purchased occasion- ally and grown on, they would come in very useful for filling up blanks when a tree dies or is removed owing to lack of quality in the fruit. The subject of border making need not here be gone into further than to say tha") it is often shelved pn account of the supposed trouble in- volved, and old trees are kept for that reason. But, properly set about, it is neither a long nor a tedious job, and should not be neglected. This being so, it is all the more unaccountable that old and worthless trees are allowed to remain instead of being cleared out and replaced with young and fruitful ones. H. R. PEARS ADOPTED BY THE CONGRES POMOLOGIQUE OF FRANCE. ( Cont inued from p. 114.) CEETEAn d'Automne {syiis., Petit Certeau, Bdiavime d'Aiitonuie, Vtrmillon Poire dc Fi(\re — Cuisse Dome, by mistake). — The fruit is small, long, pyriform. The stalk is fairly long, slender, curved, set ac the summit of the fruit, sometimes straight, sometimes oblitjuely. The eye is open, set almost level with the fruit in a scarcely perceptible depression. The skin is rather rough, golden yellow, a little tinged and streaked with carmine-red, stippled grey. The flesh is whiie, crisp, not juicy. The fruit is very good for cook- ing, and ripens October to December. The tree is vigorous, fertile, but uncertain. In cultivation the tree is vigorous both on the Quince and on the natural stock. It adapts itself to all forms, but its true place is as a standard on the Pear. CiTROX DES Carmes {si/Hs. , MwldtiiiR, Poire Pricoce, Gros Saint Jean, Sainte Madcleiin, Saint Jean). — Of ancient, unknown origin. The fruit is small, nearly spherical and almost as wide as high. The stalk is fairly long and stout, swollen at the base, curved, set in a wrinkled and scarcely perceptible cavity. The eye is of fair size, open, set level with the fruit in a small wrinkled depression. The skin is smooth, yellowish-green, stippled grey, with some tawny stains. The flesh is white, juicy, and slightly aromatic. A fairly good fruit, ripening July. The tree is of moderate vigour and very fertile. In cultivation this variety is ill adapted to regular forms ; it is speriially recommended as a standard on the Pear. Ci..vi>r'.s Favourite (.si/n. , /<>n'or/ie rfe Clapp).— Originally obtained by Mr. Thaddeus Clapp, of Dorchester, Missachusetts, U.S.A. The fruit is large, rarely pyriform, the stalk short, stout, fleshy, set obliquely in a slight fold ; the eye medium sized, half closed, set in a narrow, shallow cavity, wrinkled and ribbad at the edges ; the skin smooth, greenish yellow, strongly washed with purple-rad, carmine on the sunny side, stippled with red ; the flesh is white, juicy, and aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening August. In cultivation this variety can be grafted on the yaince and the natural stock, and adapts itself to all forms ; nevertheless, double grafting is advisable if established on tha Quince. CoMTE DE Chambord. — Originally found a few years ago by M. Eugene des Nonhes at Nantes. The fruit is medium sized, as wide as high, the stalk of medium length, stout, the eye closed or half open, in a wide and rather wrinkled de- pression ; the skin yellow, slightly mottled dull red on the sunny side, much mottled with smooth brown, the flesh white, juicy and aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening from September l.j to October 15. In cultivation this variety should ba grafted on the Pear for preference, and lends itself to all forms. CoMTE Lelieur. — Originally found in 1S65 by MM. Baltet frferes. The fruit is of fair size, often embossed at the insertion of the stalk ; the stalk is long and not greatly swollen at the point of attachment ; the eye medium sized, with sepals small and connivent and set in a shallow cavity ; skin water-green, stippled brown and changing to yellow, always washed with rose-carmine, with tawny spots on the sunny side ; the flesh white, delicate, very juicy. A very good fruit, keeping ripe for several weeks without turning off or los- ing its qualities. Ripens September to October. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation this variety is well adapted for medium and small forms in a good exposure. CoNSEiLLisR A LA CouR (syns., Conseiller rfe la Cour, Mardchal dc la Cour, jpuc d'Orleaiti). — Obtained originally by Van Mens in 1S40 and dedicated by him to his son. The fruit is of fair or medium size, the stalk long, slender, curved, set almost straight on a small, rather bumpy ciivity. The eye is small, open, set in a regular shallow and wide cavity ; the skin rough, thick, yellow-green, stippled grey on the sunny side, which is washed with dull tawny red. The flesh is white, juicy, acidulate (sometimes too much), passably aromatic. A fairly good fruit, ripening October. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation this variety, almost as vigorous on the Quince as on the natural stock, is suitable for all forms upon both stocks. It is rarely that the soil suits it sutficiently to produce a good fruit. CDRii {si/as., BeVe de Bi.rry, Belle Eloise, Bon Papa, Coiyiice de Toulon, Vicaire dc, Winkfield). — Found originally in 1760 by M. Lsroy, cnti of Villiers-en-Brenne, naar Clion (Indre). The fruit is large or fair tized, elongated, the surface irregular, taking the Saint Germain or calabash shape. The stalk is stoutish, of medium length, swollen at the base, curved, set rather obliquely. The eye is large, open, filling a narrow and bumpy cavity. The skin is smooth, thick, yellow-green, mottled black and green, slightly tinged pale red on the sunny side, slightly mottled with russet, forming a line from the base to tha summit of the fruit. The flesh is white, juicy, and some- times endowed with an agreeable aroma. The fruit fairly good, and for cooking very good ; ripens November, December, and January. The tree is very vigorous and of great and sustained fertility. In cultivation this variety may be grown on the Quince and on the Pear, and trained to all forms, even standards. It likes a warm soil and exposure in order that the fruit miy acquire good quality. De l'Assomi'Tiox [xyn., Beurre. de t'Axsontption). — Originally got in 186.3 by M. Riull(5 de Beau- champs near Nantes. The fruit is large or very large, variable in shape, sometimes turbinate, long and obtuse at the base, sometimes rather cylindrical and narrowed. The stalk is stout and flashy, set in a narrow cavity and surrounded by bumps. The eye is fairly large, open, regular, in a fairly deep wide cavity, surrounded by unequal bumps. The skin is brilliant yellow, abundantly mottled with light tawny red. The flesh is whitish, rather green under the skin, tender, very juicy, and fairly aromatic. A good fruit, ripening August. The tree is vigorous and fertile on the Pear and on the Quince In cultivation this Pear grows well on the (Jaince, and form? handsome, regular pyramids. Dei.ices de Lowen.ioul (.sy«.s, , Dr. Gall, Jalet Bivort). — Obtained originally by Van Mons about 1836. The fruit is medium nr fair-sized, pyri- form, rather higner than wide. The stalk is fairly long, slender, swollen at the two extremi- ties, oftenest set obliquely in a shallow and irregular cavity. The eye is medium sized, open, set in a wide shallow cavity. The skin is deli- cate, at first a bronzy green, changing to golden- yellow at maturity, spotted and stiopled brown- red, washed orange on the sunny side. The flesh is whitish,* very juicy, and richly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening October — November. The tree is of normal vigour on the Quince, of great and sustained fertility. In cultivation this variety baars very freely. It is good for the sake of a lasting tree to graft it on the natural stock. lb may be cultivated in all forms. Deuces D'HARDESPO>.'T(s'.vn. , Archiduc Charles). — Obtained by the Abbe d'Hardenpont in 1759 in his garden at Porte d'Avre, Mons, Belgium. The fruit is fairly large, of Bon Chretien shape, rather narrowed towards the base, where it is slightly hollowed, widely depressed at the top. The stalk is of medium strength and length, set rather obliquely in a little cavity. The eye is very variable, sometimes medium, regular, and set in a superficial cavity, sometimes smaller or larger, irregular, in a cavity more or less large. The skin is citron-yellow, with brown stipplings and stains, very slightly stained light red on the sunny side. The flesh is white, unctuous, very juicy, and more or less aromatic according to soil. A good or very good fruit, ripening Oc- August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 1^5 tober— November. In cultivation this variety is generally at home in cool soils, in which the fruit acquires more sugar and aroma. Ues Caxourcues— Originally found by M. Lauz&ral, of Monastrer, Tarn, in a hedga of his domain, Das Canourgues, more than sixty years ago. The fruit is small. The stalk is short, weak, curved, set in a not strongly marked crease. The eye is small, closed, in a slightly wrinkled depression. The skin is straw colour, strewn with small dots, shaded or streaked with pale rose colour at the sunny side. The flesh is white and very agreeably aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening July — August. In cultivation this variety on the Quince may be trained to small forms, but it is specially good as a standard on the natural stock, on which it is vigorous. The fruit should be gathered at intervals. Des Urbanistes {.lyiis., Btiirre Drapiez, Beurrd Picqitery, Coloma iVAiUomnr, Louis Dupoiif, Lmiie d'Oi-hom^, tV'a.iiVe).— Obtained originally in the garden of the Urbanists at Malines about 17S3. The fruit is medium sized, turbinate and regular in contour. The stem is thick, unctuous, light green, passing to bright yellow, stippled and mottled and slightly stained bronze, sometimes rosy on the sunny side. The stalk is of medium length and stout, especially at the extremities, set in an oblique crease. The eye is medium sized, open, in a narrow shallow cavity. The flesh is white, juicy, and agreeably aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening October — November. In cultivation this variety grows well on the Quince. It is useless to graft it oa the natural stock, as then it grows too strongly. DoCTEUR Jules Guvot. — Obtained in 1870 by MM. Baltet frferes. The fruit is large, pyriform, or rather a calabash shape, often ribbed near the eye. The stalk is of average stoutness, turned aside by a pronounced spur. The eye is medium- sized, open, in a little perceptible depression. The skin is green, quickly changing to citron- yellow, finely stippled, often tinged rose on the sunny siJe. The fle^h is juicy, refreshing, and agreeably aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening the second fortnight of August. The tree is moderately vigorous on the Quince, very fertile even in early age. In cultivation this variety, vigorous on the natural stock, is suitable for the fruit garden under all forms and in all exposures. Doyenne Blanc (symi , Beurn' Blanc, B':urrd Blanc d'Atdomni:, Bonne Eate, Carlisle, Citron dt Seplemhre, De Linion, De Neige, Doyenne du Seiij- nenr. Saint Michel, Valencia). — Of ancient and un- known origin. The fruit is medium - sized, rounded, the stalk stoutish, short, straight, slightly inclined in a shallow cavity. The eye is medium-sized with connivent sepals set in a shallow, wide, and regular cavity. The skin is thin, unctuous, very smooth, citron - yellow, stippled and spotted brown, shaded orange on the sunny side. The flesh is white and distinct in aroma. A very good fruit, ripening September — October. The tree is of medium vigour on the Quince, of great and sustained fertility. In cultivation, though delicate, this variety succeeds in all forms, but requires a rich, well-drained soil and a good exposure, east or west for pre- ference. (To be continued. ) ties of mine— Monarch and Leader. Its constitu- tion is not of the best, so though I regret to have to disagree with "D. T. F.," I must still go on growing what I find suits my soil best. I did not say that Royal Sovereign had superseded Presi- dent and Keens' Seedling generally in the west. I said that a grower of my acquaintance had dis- carded President in favour of the large kinds, of which Royal Sovereign is typical. " D. T. F." seems to have read in my note some things that were not there and to have misssd other sentences that were. — H. R. Rose Garden. strawberries President and Keens' Seed- ling.— The criticism on my note by " D. T. F." is more captious than useful, I think, for I mentioned the fact that my soil was "cold and ungenial." The precise locality I write from has little to do with the question, but if it interests " D. T. F." or any other reader, it is in We^t Suffolk, not far from the old town of Bury St. Edmunds, and very close to where my critic spent many years of his career. " D. T. F." wishes to know also what I found wanting in Keens' Seedling. First, it is not free bearing enough, plenty of fruit numerically being produced, but they are too small for my requirements, and I have to make the most of my ground. Again, though " D. T. F." apparently thinks otherwise, the flavour is not good, falling very far behind two favourite varie ROSES IN AUGUST. Generally speaking, August is a very dull month in the Rose season, but during the last two or three dry summers it has been more than usually wanting. It is true the Teas and Hybrid Teas and Chinas are rarely out of flower from June to November, but yet even with these there is a lull as it were during these dog days. It is not to place on record what is patent to every gardener that these lines are penned, but rather to offer a sugges- tion to remedy to a certain extent this dearth of blossom between the summer and autumnal display. What I would advocate is that a goodly number of the Tea-scented and Monthly Roses be planted as late in the spring as pos- sible. I have found the third week in April none too late provided the plants had been, as it were, prepared for such planting. This pre- paration consists in either lifting plants already in one's possession or purchasing some new stock, and then carefully heeling them in under a north wall or hedge until the time for re- planting, as already alluded to above. The heeling in must be carried out thoroughly. A trench should be opened about 1 foot deep and some nice fine soil must be in readiness to shake amongst the fibrous roots of the Roses. The roots, which are usually those of the seed- ling Brier, are often as long as Parsnips. It is a great mistake to mutilate them at this time of the year, reserving this operation until the spring. In heeling m, the roots must not be cramped in any way ; consequently a good deep trench is advisable. Apart from the advan- tages accruing from this transplanting, we have the plants under our control more eftec- tually should a severe winter .set in. Nothing is better than earth as a protection from frost. I should not object to bury the plants in it if I could be sure when a hard frost was coming, but, unfortunately, one has such little warning ; consequently the fine soil necessary is not always procurable. Where conditions of soil and climate are favourable to those Roses emanating from R. indica, I would not advise the whole quantity to be annually transplanted, but in order to obtain a goodly number of blooms in August, it would be better to pur- chase a sufticiency of plants for the purpose early in autumn and heel them in as advised, the established plants being taken in hand every third year ; or, what is better, transplant a third of the total number every year, not for what I will term the August display, but in order to keep the plants in a healthy condition. I have great faith in this transplanting both for standards as well as bushes. It enables the grower to properly enrich the ground, and the aiiration the soil perforce must receive is also beneficial. What a boon trenched land is in dry seasons ! I have had ample evidence uf it this summer, and I feel convinced that many of the insect and fungus pests would be in a oreat measure obliterated from our gardens if our Roses were more often rejuvenated by triennial transplanting. No better evidence could be obtainable than a specimen pot Rose. In this case it is annually disturbsd when re- potted, and what fine specimens such plants will make, yielding quantities of good exhibition blossoms. To be successful with late planting three points must ba remembered. (1) Never allow the roots to be exposed to wind or sun. When about to plant take a few from the trench as required, keeping the roots well covered with soil or mats until wanted. (2) Trim the roots slightly, then dip them into some thin mud or, as it is technically termed, puddle. This puddle can be prepared by digging out a hole in the ground close by ; throw into it some tine loamy soil, then add water until a moderately thin mud is produced. (3) Plant these Roses on a really good piece of land that has either been trenched not more than twelve rnonths before or a few weeks previous to April, and when planting, work in some well-decayed cow minure. Tha plants are moderately pruned before planting. Beyond this little pruning is needed, and as soon as roots become active some fine strong growths will commence to break from the base of the pknts that about the time stated are crowned with lovely heads of bloom, the more so if the surface is kept constantly hoed to conserve the moisture and occasional doses of water and liquid manure afforded. Philomel. Rose Celine Forestier.— I was very glad to sea "Grower's" note (p. 9.5). Like him, I have often wondered Celine Forestier is not more grown. We have no Rose like it in colour, none more useful in season, and the free-and-easy method of culture and training seldom fails m producing a long succession of fresh and pleasing blossoms. It looks superb in a sheltered border or lawn, with plants of white Aimee Vibert in tall bushes or pyramids behind. I agree with "Grower" that it is often a mistake to grow Celine Forestier on a wall. It is often grown there because of its supposad tenderness. As a Noisette there is something in that, but it is less tender than the Mirechal or Lamarque, and with a free head to protect it it seldom takes any harm. In exposed localities Celine Forestier does well, and looks, perhips, its very best running wild up Yew trees, the soft sulphur-yellow contrasting well with the dark green supporting branches of the Yew. In warmer beds and borders dwarf bushes, little or not at all pruned, yield a rich and long succession of soft golden blossoms.— D. T. F. Rose Caroline Testout.— Those who have only seen this Rose at shows shorn of its buds are probably at a loss to understand why it is praised so much, but they have only to see it growing as a bush, pillar, or standard when they will come to the conclusion that not one word too much has been advanced in its favour. I have never seen a really good bloom of it staged. Its form is some- what against its general adoption as an exhibition flower although it was much in evidence this year at the Crystal Palace Rose show, there being on that occasion something like 170 blooms ex- hibited. Only one other Rosa was shown in greater number.^, and that was Mrs. John Laing, with 370 blossoms to its credit. The lover of garden Roses cares very little about form. He can appreciate the vigour of growth, the delight- ful tint of salmonpink colour, the easy disposal of the exquisite and immense shell like petals, and the profusion and continuity of blossom It is a pity this Rose is not more fragrant. There is a perfume, but nothing like that of our ideal sweet-scented variety La France. Caroline Tes- tout is grand as a pot Rose. Under c )ol treat- ment its blooms develop so slowly that they assume very large proportions, equal in this respect to any varietv cultivated. It «ill prob- ably stand out as the Rose of the decade, and is 136 THE GARDEN. brids.— p. ^ ■^ [August 19, 1899. N-OTES AND QUESTI0NS.-R0SE8. Hose Tennyson.— I was pleased with this Bae novelty as shown at the hybrid conference atChis- wick. Not even in the torrid heat or the extra trial of being staged in a conservatory did its flowers exhibit signs of fading. Towards evening they appeared almost as fresh as they did in the morning. There are not many Roses that can stand such ex- treme heat, and it speaks volumes for the value of this Rose to the exhibitor. The flowers are of a lovely pearly white shade and the form superb, the outer petals pointed and the centre high and globular — Visitor. Kosa anemonseflora.— Distinct both in leaf and flower, this is certain to have many admirers. The foliage is elegant, loDg. lance-shaped and of an ash- green colour. There are many Roses worth growing for their foliage alone, such as R. lucida, R. Watsoniana &c., and the above kind might be included, but it has also a very interesting Anemone-shaped flower pure white in colour but very small, not larger than a six- pence. This variety grows well and is almost a climber. I cannot pronounce upon its hardiness Lommg from China, it may be too tender for our climate outdoors iu winter. — P. Kose Robert Duncm.— The weakest point in this is perhaps colour. This is usually a shade known as rosy lake, but at times, especially early in the sea- son the older flowers assume a rather objectionable dull magenta tint. Perhaps this defect is owing to the season. This Rose grows well and produces a splendid trass of bloom upon each shoot, averaging as many as ten buds and blossoms. This is rather un- usual for a Hybrid Perpetual, and I imagine that there must be some Tea blood iu the variety, for at the base of the petals a distinct yellow shading is visible As to form, Robert Duncan resembles a Oamellia. Rosa Wichuriana.— Although this is a creep- mi Rose, it nevertheless makes a delightful pillar variety During the first fortnight of August the plant) flowered most beautifuUy, having the appear- ance ot the pretty single white Macartney Rose A lovely feature would be to train Rosa Wichuriana over an old tree stump or conical-formed mound of roots in a conspicuous part of the grounds. The tiny shining Berberis-hke foliage looks cheerful at any time but when the white star-like flowers are open the foliage and flowers contrast most happily. It is yet tDo early to speak ot the hybrids of this Rose. They grow mn.t luxuriantly, and if they only flower as well they will be valuable. ^ „,K?ae Sir Rowland HiU.-This sport from Charles Lefebvre was thought much of when it received the gold medal of the National Rose Society about ten years ago. It is true the colour is verv novel, a rich velvety plum shade, but there is a ten- dency in the older blooms to die off' a dull purple that IS not at aU pleasing. Towards autumn, however this variety becomes le^s purple, then it is most beautiful It one cares tor this shade of colour I think he would bud .Jean Cherpin more interesting, and it yields some lovely buds w-hen it hrst opens. For e.xhihition Sir K. tlill 13 useful, being very distinct, and when the season is suitable to that grand dark variety Charles r,elebvr", the Rose under notice is sure to be in flne torm.— J:^. R6d Roses for Christmas.-Tbese would cer- tainly be highly valued at such a season, and it is .lu.te possible to tave some provided one has plants established m Pot.s. The best kind to grow to give long stems IS Ulrich Brunner. The plants should now be drid off for fave weeks and pruned at the ex p.ration oi, that time. A steady temperature should be mamtained at farst, increasing it as the plants advance in growth. Do not set the plants too thickly ;X»"''/l'"/"""fu^°^;''-''^'''^'" ^"'^ December all the light available must be given, removing the plants to a lean-to house with a southern aspect for this pur- nT;K„ Tt""'' "''T.''^ potupalotof this Rose in October. They would come in useful at different penodsof theyear butat no time are red Ros^s so much prized as at Christmas.-A Grower, Rose Duchesse d'Auerstadt. - This splen- did climber more vigorous than Rc-ve d'Or if that were possibe, although not such a profuse bloomer s very valuable for its intense yellow colour. Tli? buds are pure yellow when opening, but the full-blown flowers have a large amount of nankeen-yellow p-i" vading the centre petals, and the outer ones are of a ing luxuriantly the foliage is very handsome" and glossy. In favourable localities this fine Rose should find a place either on a south or west wall, preferably the latter, but I fear it would be too tender for a very cold district. Mons. Pernet-Ducher has utilised Duchesse d'Auerstadt as pollen parent for his new Rose Billiard at Burre. It seems a very promising climber, the seed parent being the Hybrid Tea Alice Furon. — P. Kitchen Garden. WINTER CUCUMBERS IN POTS Many are unable to grow winter Cucumbers, and if they are grown for profit it is certainly a crop I would fight shy of, as the produce is un- certain. Having to provide Cucumbers all the year round, I have tried various ways, but so far my greatest success has been obtained by pot culture. I do not advise pots in all cases. Mine succeed because I have a peculiar climate in the winter and much moisture in the shape of fogs, and very little sunshine. By getting the pots full of roots by say the end of October I can in a measure be independent of the weather. No matter how winter Cucumbers are grown, I find it essential to secure a strong plant before the short days come in. For winter work there is less choice of varie- ties than in summer, and so far I have found Syon House and Telegraph reliable. The latter is the better shaped fruit, longer and smoother, but not superior as regards cropping or quality! This year I hope to give the new Every Day Cucumber a trial. This was shown well last winter and promises to beat the useful Tele- graph. Cardift' Castle is also an excellent winter fruiter and very prolific. Many prefer it. Some large growers have selections or crosses from good kinds that are known to do well. The raising of the plants should not be deferred long after August is in, as there should be a fair season's growth before fruiting com- mences. I raise two sets of plants. One I crop freely in the early autumn, and from the other I take bub few fruits till November. This allows of the trellis being well filled with wood. When I begin to feed in the late autumn the plants respond quickly and fruit through De- cember to March— the most critical period of the year. Of course, for the early autumn supply pot culture is not advised, but much depends upon the locality and the houses. I do not use large pots ; 12-inch are suflicient. These I plunge in a warm manure-bed in addi- tion to hot- water pipes, as I find the manure encourages new surface-roots, and so long as these are produced freely the growth is strong and fruitful. The plants raised now will be ready to place in their fruiting pots a month hence— that is early in September. The pots are stood in position over the pipes on some thick turf-sods, and a little rough rubble placed directly over the pipes. The pots are about half filled at the start, and the materials are added to as growth increases. This is much better than having the soil nearly up to the rims, as the new roots made are surface-roots. By the end of October some rough turf may be placed round the pot rims just on the edge and new materials or surface-dressings given. I also grow some plants on a shelf at'the back of the house. These have no bottom-heat whatever. The crop from these is valuable, as when fruits are needed daily they are accept- able. Strange to say, these plants near the roof with much less heat pull through a Ion" period of fog better than those in a better position. This I attribute to their having been grown with more exposure and more air. For these I use 10-inch pots, this size being ample. I find a high night temperature harmful, espe- cially in foggy weather ; indeed then I lower the day temperature also. Seventy degrees is a good day temperature in midwinter, with 5° to 10° lower at night in severe weather. In pots a short-jointed growth is secured. The best food I find is liquid manure, with alter- nate supplies of soot water. Avoid crowding the growth at the start, it being an important point to get well regulated leaders to cover the allotted space, as from these later shoots in abundance will be needed to keep up a succes- sion of fruits. G. Wythes. Pea Sharpe's aueen.— I fully agree with the remarks of "H." (page 76) on the merits of this fine, but I think by no means generally known Pea. When living in South Notts I used to see very fine samples of it at the various local exhibi- tions. It was very much grown by cottagers, which is pretty good proof of its profitableness. I grew it myself, and found it not only first rate as regards cropping, size and handsomeness of pod and flavour, bub of just the height and habib of growth most gardeners like. As " H." says, it is of very branching growbh and must not be sown too thickly. Sharpe's Queen is, I l)3lieve, a great favourite throughout Lincolnshire, and I remem- ber judging at one cottagers' show where there were probably a couple of dozen dishes of it exhibited.— J. C. Tomatoes for market.— The present season has thus far been very favourable for the Tomato. I do not remember a season when the demand has been so brisk, that is, if the Tomatoes are of the right kind for sale. Unlike many other crops, the very large fruits are not nearly so much in demand as the medium-sized fruits. The pur- chasers want bright crimson Tomatoes, of smooth outline, rather under than over a quarter of a pound each. Those who have this class of Tomato have lately had a diflSculty in supplying customers, while those who have large, coarse fruits have a difficulty to find purchasers even at a lower rate. Those who have grown the much- vaunted Peach Tomatoes, or yellow- skinned ones, can hardly get purchasers at all. The one thing that Toma- toes need to ensure good crops, in addition to bright sunshine, is fresh soil, for they do certainly take all the nourishment Out of it to such an extent that simply digging in a lot of manure, as one does for other crops, does not have the desired effect. Outdoor crops are doing well, and I am getting some well-coloured fruit from warm spots. I find that Tomatoes set their fruit and keep much healthier, even in such dry seasons as the present, with very little artificial watering, for they have such voracious roots, that they seem able to extract every particle of nourishment from the soil for some long distance around the stem, the roots being nearly as strong as whipcord.— J. G., Gosport. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— KITGHEN. Potato Carter's First Crop.— Anyone requir- ing a first-class short-topped early Potato should try the ab^ve. I have grown it for two seasons and have been highly pleased with it. Another season I intend it to take the place of Ringleader.— T. Cockerill. Potato Ninety-fold.— This Potato is turning out well with me this season. There is an excellent crop of large tubers, and when cooked they are every- thing that could be desired. The only fault that I have to find with Ninety-fold is its having such a strong t ip. Thii season it has made a growth 3 feet high Tiios. Cockerill, Wirksworth, Derhyahire. A dwarf Ne Plus Ultra Pea.—" J. S." and no doubt other readers will be glad to hear that there IS a dwarf wrinkled Marrow Pea— the East Anglian growing about 2i feet— yielding capital Peas equal to Ne Plus Ultra, a Pea that has not been beaten for produce or quality. Any East Anglian seedsman could supply it true, and in fertility and quality it is so identic il with Ne Plus Ultra as to be sold l^or the dwarf strain of the same. — D. T. F. AUG0ST H), 1899.J THE GARDEN. 137 Trees and Shrubs. CEANOTHUSES. Altooetheu there are between thirty and forty species of Ceanothus known, all of which come from the New World and to the north of the Isthmus of Panama. The greatest aggrega- tion of species occurs in California, whence most of the showier species at present culti- vated in the British Isles have been obtained. There the Ceanothuses — according to Professor Greene, a well-known authority on the flora of Western North America — constitute a large part of that " almost impenetrably dense brush- wood called ' chapparal ' which covers the middle elevations of the Coast Range and forms a distinct belt between the herbaceous vegeta- tion of the foot-hills and the forest growth of the highest ridges and summits." Thus they constitute, especially when in flower, one of the most striking and characteristic features of The flowers of all the Ceanothuses are indi- vidually very small, but they are densely crowded on numerous racemes. A curious feature of the flower is the petals. These are narrowed to a stalk at the base, but the outer portion has the shape of a hood. Ceanothus is one of the comparatively few genera in which species with alternate and others with oppo- site leaves occur. The venation of the leaves is also a character that is used to dift'erentiate the species ; in one set the leaf is feather (or pinnately) veined, whilst in another it is dis- tinguiehed by three prominent veins running I. — Opposite Leaves. *Cuneatu3 Rigidus II. — Alternate, Three- veined Leaves. * American us *Ovatus *Azureu3 Thyrsiflorus Divaricatus Velutinus Integerrimus III. — Alternate, Pinnate-veined Leaves. Dantatus Veitchianus Papillosus C. ambricanus (New Jersey Tea). — Coming A group oj Ceanothus americanii,s in the Geo. the Californian flora. But the genus is repre- sented also on the eastern side of the conti- nent, and reaches as far south as Guatemala. What is, perhaps, the most useful of all the species (C. azureus) is one of the few shrubs native of Me.xico that can be grown in the open air in England. All the cultivated species are shrubby, although two species (thyrsiflorus and arboreus) are occasionally met with in a wild state as trees, and they are included as such in Sargent's "Silvaof North America." As gar- den plants Ceanothuses are valuable for the distinct and delicate beauty of their flowers ; being mostly of some shade of blue, they provide us with one of the rarest colours among hardy shrubs. They are valuable also for the season at which some of them flower. Of the shrubs in bloom at the present time (early August), the genus Ceanothus certainly fur- nishes some of the most beautiful ones. lengthwise. The greater part of the Ceano- from the eastern side of North America, this thuses are not strictly hardy even as far species naturally became known to European south as Kew, but all those mentioned below cultivators sooner than those of the western side, can be grown on a sunny wall. Even then a i* '^^^' '°f^^''' ^^® fi^t Ceanothus seen in winter occasionally comes which severely in- f "^P^,' ^°f ' ac<=°^dmg to Alton, was introduced ,, , •', mi . •' . in 1/13. As an ornamental shrub it does not jures the more tender ones The requirements i t^e best of the garden varieties and hybrids, of Ceanothuses under cultivation may, indeed, ^hich have, however, been partly derived from be inferred from the fact that most of them it. Still it is not without beauty, flowers freely, come from California. They revel in abundant and is quite hardy. It grows 3 feet to 4 feet warmth and sunlight, which is why under our high, and has ovate or heart-shaped, three-veined leaves 2 inches to 3 inches long, downy beneath, and toothed at the margin. The flowers are of a rather dull white, and are crowded on long - stalked racemes that spring from the leaf-axils near the ends ot the branches. It flowers from the latter part of June till the beginning of Septem- ber, and has an extensive distribution in Canada and the Eastern United States, frequenting open woods. During the re- volutionary war the American troops drank an infusion of its leaves, which possibly gave rise to the popular name by which it is known. C. ovatus (or C. ovalis) is nearly allied to C. americanus, but has smaller, more glabrous leaves, these being each 1 inch to 2 inches long, narrow oval, and not heart-shaped at the base. Flowers white. A native of Eastern N. America. C. AZURE0S. — On the whole it may safely be said that this species, if not the handsomest, has proved in Europe to be the most useful and important of all the wild Ceanothuses. It is quite hardy in the south of England, and to its influence more than to that of any other species is owing the beauty of the numerous garden varieties that have been raised, chiefly by the continental growers. It is a native of Mexico, where it is widely spread, one of its sites being the slopes of the volcano Popocatapetl. It is said to attain a height of 10 feet, but I have not seen it so high in the open ground ; as a rule it ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet, forming a compact bush. The flowers, of a charming light ' blue, are densely arranged on long racemes. In general appearance it bears a resem- blance to C. americanus, but even when out of flower it can be distinguished from it by the smaller oblong leaves, those of C. americanus being ovate and much the broadest towards the base. Under this species may be mentioned the garden varieties, which, as stated, have been in a great measure raised from it and C. americanus, either by selection or by hybridising with each other or the Californian species. Many of these varieties (of which there are scores already named) are great improvements on either azureus or americanus, and the flowers vary in colour from white to blue and rose. Some are dwarfer ; others have finer foliage. They flower between June and September. C. Gloire de Versailles. — This is one of the best and hardiest of Ceanothus, and at present perhaps the most popular. It is a seedling from C. azureus raised by Mons. Christine, of Ver- sailles. It bears laige clusters of rich blue flowers over a long season, and has tine foliage and a vigorous habit. C. ViRf.iNAL. — Not so strong a grower as some, this is useful for the whiteness of its flowers, which are purer than in any other variety I know. Royal Gardens, Kew. Chavvpion, From a, photograph by duller skies they are seen at their best on a sunny wall. At the same time, C. azureus and C. americanus, as well as the valuable race of garden forms that have been raised from them by selection and intercrossing, thrive admir- ably in the open, and are very useful for planting in large beds or masses. Those spe- cies and varieties that flower in spring or early summer should be pruned back as soon as they are out of bloom. The later autumn- flowering ones should be pruned in February. All of them can be increased by cuttings or layers. The following is a list of the species here mentioned. It includes most or all of those likely to be of value in gardens here, although others have been introduced. All except tho.se marked * should be given wall treatment in districts with a winter climate similar to that of Kew. 133 THE GARDEN. [August 19, 1899. C. Sceptre d'Azxr. — A strong grower, with line foliage and spikes ; blue. C. Ceres axd C. Cakmen-.— Both raised by Lemoine, of Nancy ; rose coloured. The names of Lemoine, of Nancy, and Simon- Louis frores, of Metz, are most prominent in connection with the raising of new Ceano- thuses. Their catalogues should be consulted by intending planters. C. cuNEATUs. — Except that it is quite hardy and evergreen, there is little to be said in praise of this species as a shrub for our gardens. In those parts of California where it most abounds it appears to be a pest. According to a Californian writer in Garden and Forest (Mr. G. Hansen), " it clothes hillsides for miles and gives them a greyish green tint. Wherever man has done any cultivating, cleared an old wood-road, cut a trail, ploughed a furrow in years past, or still keeps cultivating, this Ceanothus follows him like the Nettle or Chickweed." In a similar way Coriaria myrtifolia (which needs some care in this country) is the first plant to overrun the terraced vine- yards of Southern France when they are aban- doned. Ceanothus cuneatus is an erect, rather striggly-branched shrub 4 feet to 6 feet high. Tlic leaves are opposite (one of the few instances in this genus), half an inch or so long, wedge-shaped, rounded at the apex, and of leathery texture. The flowers are in short corymbs and are dull white or slightly tinged with blue. C. DEN'TATis. — Although allied to C. papillosus (being one of the species whose leaves are alter- nate and pinnately veined), this is distinguished b}- its leaves being smaller (quarter of an inch to 1 inch long), not warted, and in their margins being more re volute. The flowers, of a somewhat brighter blue, are in smaller roundish clusters. It blooms in May and June. William Lobb intro- duced it from California for Messrs. Veitch about fifty years ago, and it was figured in the Botanical Ma;ia~ine, t. 5Sl(i, as C. Lobbianus, but as in several other instances where plants were named in honour of that fine collector, this name had to give place to an earlier one. C. DIVARICATCS. — Like several other fine Ceano- thuses, this species first reached cultivation by means of the Horticultural Society, seeds havinc been sent to the garden in 1S41 by Mr. R. B. Hinds, at one time a surgeon in the Royal Navy. It ia a native of California, from the extreme south of which State it extends northwards up to Oregon. It is a nearly glabrous plant, and has oblong-ovate, three-nerved, very glossy leaves that are half an inch to IJ inches long. The flowers appear in slender racemes 1 inch to i inches long, and are pale blue or almost white. It is said to grow 10 feet high at Monterey, in California. In this country it has to be given the shelter of a wall. On an old wall at Kew it is quite 10 feet high, and its stem near the ground is quite 6 inches in diameter. It blossoms in May and June. C. iNTEiiERKiMus. — Discovercd by David Douglas in 1833, this species appears not to have reached cultivation until about twenty years after. It was, at any rate, raised from seed by the Royal Horticultural Society, and flowered at Chiswick in lS-56. It is a native of the Sierra Nevada of California and other parts of Western North America. It is said to average about 10 feet high in California ; here on a wall it is somewhat dwarfer at present. Its branches are terete (in some of the Ceanothuses they are dis- tinctly angled), and the short-stalked, dull, glau- cous leaves are each 1 inch to 3 inches long, three- nerved, ovate or oblong, the margins not toothed. The flowers are in cylindrical or roundish clusters, a number of which go to form a large panicle, terminating each branch : they are white or tinged with blue, and appear in June. It is not so hardy as azureus, but still survives all but the verV hardest frosts if given a sheltered spot. In some parts of California it is known as the Deer Bush, owing to the deer-feeding on it when driven down from higher altitudes by stress of weather. C. PAPiLLosns. — Like the preceding species, this was discovered by Douglas in California, but it was later introduced by Wm. Lobfe when col- lecting for Messrs. Veitch. It is a very distinct Ceanothus, and although not hardy in the open it is a singularly beautiful plant for a wall. There is on a wall at Kew a magnificent specimen 10 feet high and -20 feet in diameter, which is a glorious picture every year in May and June. Its branches are very downy and hairy, and its leaves are pinnate-veined, narrow-oblong, half an inch to 2 inches long, and render the species distinct by the numerous wart- like excrescences on the upper surface. Their dark green and very lustrous upper surface makes the shrub handsome and striking at all times. The flowers are clustered densely on short racemes and they are of a charmingly delicate blue. The species inhabits the coast ranges of California from Monterey to San Francisco. C. RIGIDD.S. — Although belonging to the same group as C. cuneatus and having, like that species, opposite leaves, this is a much more beautiful shrub. On the other hand, it is not so hardy and needs the shelter of a wall. It is a plant of erect growth with rigid, woolly branches and short, stiff', wedge-shaped or obovate leaves a quarter of an inch to half an inch long, coarsely toothed at the broad apex. The flowers are of a fine purplish-lilac, and appear on short, but numerous clusters during April, May, and .June. Hartweg when collecting for the Horticultural Society was the first to introduce this Ceanothus. It had, however, been previously noticed by David Douglas. It is a Californian species, and, like several others, is abundant near Monterey. It is one of the most distinct in general appear- ance. At Kew it is represented by a specimen 7 feet high growing against a wall. C. THYRSiFLORi's (Californian Lilac). — Of all the species that we can grow out of doors in Eng- land this is the one that attains the greatest size in a state of Nature. It is described as sometimes a shapely tree '25 feet or more in height. Climatic conditions will prevent it as- suming more than shrubby dimensions in this country (except perhaps in Cornwall and such like places), but it will cover a high wall, and e\en in the open grows with remarkable freedom till a frost comes that is too much for it. It was discovered by Eschscholtz in 1816, and was intro- duced in 1837 by the Mr. R. B. Hinds already mentioned. It is a native of the coast ranges of California from Humboldt County to Monterey. Its branches are distinctly angled, and the leaves each three quarters of an inch to IJ inches long, three-veined, strongly toothed, smooth and glossy above, greyish beneath. The flowers, of a charming bright blue, make a display from June till autumn ; they are borne densely on compound racemes. To be safe, wall space should be afforded this plant. C. Veitchianus.— This is one of the very finest of the Californian Ceanothuses, but seems to be one of the rarest, for although introduced by W. Lobb when collecting for Messrs. Veitch upwards of fifty years ago, it is still unknown in a wild state. Of the other species here mentioned it comes nearest to C. papillosus and C. dentatus, having alternate, pinnate-veined leaves. These are, however, shorter and comparatively broader than in papillosus, not warted, and from half an inch to 1 inch long. The upper surface is smooth and lustrous. The flowers are of a bright blue, and come in dense clusters on the end of the short lateral branchlets. So abundant are they, that on a plant in full flower scarcely any leaves are visible. A wall is needed to grow this spe- cies satisfactorily. C. VELUTiNr.S- — .A species rare in gardens, but grown and flowered by Mr. Gumbleton near Cork. It has large ovate leaves, whitish beneath and three-veined. The flowers are whitish and borne in large panicles. It comes from Cahfornia and Oregon, and is one of the more tender species. Both Douglas and Lobb sent it home. Arljoretum, Kew. W. J. Beas. TREES AND SHRUBS IN BLOOM IN JULY. Abutilon vexillarium grown against a wall has been bearing a profusion of its crimson, yellow-centred flowers, from which the maroon anthers protrude, on its slender arching shoots, and at the commencement of the month A. viti- folium had not entirely passed out of bloom. When grown in sheltered spots, as large pyramids 8 feet and more in height, the lavender and white- flowered varieties form charming pictures in the zenith of their beauty. The common Barberry has been thickly set with its golden blossoms, and the Strawberry Tree (Benthamia fragifera) was covered with its pale yellow flowers in the early days of July. The Allspice Tree (Calycanthus) has also come into bloom, and Carpenteria cali- fornica has borne its fragrant white blossoms well into the second week of the month. Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles is a cloud of palest blue, and many of the Cistuses have expanded hosts of their too fleeting flowers. Cratajgus Pyracantha, trained on cottage walls, has been covered with its white flower clusters, and the Golden Broom has gleamed brightly from the shrubberies throughout the month. Desfontainea spinosa has borne its pendent scarlet tube flowers amongst its Holly-like leafage, and the double Deutzia crenata has been white with blossom. Tall specimens 10 feet in height situated among deciduous trees along the margins of drives or standing in open glades are charming sights when enveloped in their snowy flower manoles. Dracana australis, though usually perfecting its inflorescence in June, was in some cases in full beauty at the commencement of July. Its fragrant flower-spikes are much appreciated by the bees, whose murmurous song pervades the surrounding air throughout the sunny hours. The Fire Bush (Embothrium coccineum) retained a few vermilion flower-clusters until the second week of the month, and plants of the Heath-like Fabiana imbricata have been pyramids of white bloom. Bushes of the Habrothamnus have flowered in the open, and Hydrangea paniculata is perfecting its massive, cone-shaped blossoms. In a particularly favoured garden Indigofera Gerardiana, Metrosideros robusta, Piptanthus nepalensis and Swainsonia albiflora have flowered. Kalmia latifolia has borne its clusters of flesh- white, cupped blossoms, and the Jew's Mallow (Kerria japonica), both single and double, are still producing flower. The double form is the general favourite, and may be seen blooming in mild winters almost up to the close of the year in cottage gardens, but the single variety carries oflF the palm in the grace of its simple flowers. Myrtles are white with blossom and the Daisy Bush (Olearia Haasti) is rapidly hiding its foliage beneath its myriad expanding star flowers. An Oleander that has lived for three winters in a sheltered nook in the open is bearing its first rosy blossoms. A specimen of Ozothamnus that I received a few years back as O. thyrsoideus, but which appears identical with O. rosmarinifolius, has now grown to a height of over 0 feet and has bsen a mass of fragrant white blossom, so thickly set that in the upper portion of the bush no leaf- age was discernible. Its flowers have the merit of retaining their freshness for a lengthened period, the inflorescence of the subject in question remaining decorative for quite three weeks. Of the Syringas, the charming Philadelphus mexicanus perfected its small cupped blossoms early in July, when the large-flowered P. specio- sus with snowy flowers over 2 inches in diameter was at its best. The New Zealand Flaxes (Phor- mium tenax), both in the green-leaved and varie- gated forms, have thrown up their giant flower- stems in many gardens, and in a sheltered spot the odorous Rhynchospermum jasminoides has been in bloom. The Kerria-like Rhodotypos kerrioides has continued to produce its single white blossoms, and the Venetian Sumach or Smoke Bush (Rhus Cotinus) is in bloom, and will soon enter upon the period when the feather-like August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 139 clusters that succeed the inconspicuous llowers will assume their attractive purple tint. Of the shrubby Spir:i>as, S. Lindleyana came into bloom in the third week of tho month, followed before its close by S. .ariLv^folia, whose blossoms last in perfection a much longer period than do those of the former species. It is only when these sub- jects are allowed to assume their rightful propor- tions and to grow, unhampered by encroaching evergreens or other shrubs or trees, in deep, moist soil that a just appreciation of their natural beauty can be arrived at. When growing in isolated positions under favourable conditions they will, in the course of a few years, attain a height of 1-2 feet with a br.anch spread of IS feet or 20 feet, and form exquisite pictures when every spray is tipped with an ivory-white plume. S. flagelliformis, a much earlier bloomer, was passing out of flower at the commencement of the month, when S. bella and varieties of S. japonica, such as Bumalda and others, were at their best. Great trees of Portugal Laurel, between 20 feet and .30 feet in height and more in diameter, were early in July smothered in their sickly sweet, white bloom-sprays, and are now decorated with flowering trails of Traveller's .Joy (Clematis Vitalba). The Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipi- fera) in the early days of the month still held a few fresh blossoms of tender fawn and green, and the \Veigelas were then still flower - laden. Veronica Traversi is a mass of pale lavender bloom spikes, while early in July the Japanese Guelder Rose (Viburnum plicatum) in partially shaded spots still held its snowy flower- balls. The great standard Magnolia is daily producing a fresh supply of its ivory-white perfumed chalices, and while it sweeps the ground with its lower branches has made such growth in it^ top- most boughs as to obliterate the disastrous effect of the blizzard of 1891 to all but those cognisant of its appearance anterior to that date. Torquay. S. W. F. BUDDLEIA VARIABILIS. Is 1894 M. Maurice do Vilmorin first introduced this shrub to the National Society of Horticulture of France as the result of some seed he had received from China, the sender being the Abb(5 Soulie. [n the same year the species was described under the name of Baddleia variabilis by Mr. Hemsley, of Kew. in the Bulletin of the Linnean Society. In 189.5 the Hfi-ue Jlorficole described in terms of eulogy a spscimen cultivated at the City of Paris School of Arboriculture at Saint-Mande. In the same journal in 1896, in describing some flowering specimens I had seen at Barres belonging to M. de Vilmorin and in M. Micheli's garden at Crest, I foretold that the plant would quickly make its way. Its vigour, fine leaf, and its numerous clusters of pale lilac flowers, lasting in succession throughout the summer, have, in fact, won for it favour. In 1898 an article appeared by M. de Vilmorin, accompanied by a coloured plate and an engraving, which enabled one to form a definite idea of the plant. B. variabilis, despite the vigour of its vege- tation, continuity of its bloom and the facility with which it is propagated by cuttings, is not so frequently met with in gardens as it deserves to be. One of the principal causes of this is that the flowers are open to the reproach of beingalittle pale. Nevertheless, I consider them to be more delicate in form and tone than those of B. curviflora : the habit also is mora elegant. Without having the fine deep violet of the flowers of B. Lindleyana, as a shrub it is decidedly superior to it. The branches of B. Lindleyana are too fragile and often ungainl)'. Some recommend a rather short pruning for B. variabilis in order to obtain larger leavesandfinerflower clusters. With my own plants at Lacroix I have tried the direct contrary plan, i.e., not pruning at all. The result has been a great number of branches and of blooms. At the extremity of every branch a well-formed cluster develops and flowers from base to summit. The flowers wither without falling. The faded cluster is cut away and is immediately replaced by those of the two lateral branches which accom- pany the terminal intlorescence. This is a sort of dichotomous pruning, to be carefully renewed every time the flowers fade. My object now is to ! to call the attention of gardeners to the possi- bility of hybridising this shrub with another, a description of which and coloured plate have ap- peared in the Ii< rue. Ilorticoh. I refer to B. Col- villei, without doubt the handsomest species of the race ; its large rose-coloured corolla has the happiest influence upon species hybridised by its means. The plant is now in my possession. I re- ceived some from Mr. Gumbleton, and have distri- buted them among a few friends. The plant which I gave to M. Micheli is now superb, but it has yet to flower. He will not fail after it has flowered to cross it with B. variabilis, which is so perpetual flowering. M. V. Lemoine likewise possesses, or should possess, a plant, and no Stove and Greenhouse. ACACIA CORDATA. Thk pretty little Acacia here depicted does not seem to be very much known, but is, I think, destined to become a favourite. It blooms pro- fusely in a very small state, and can be readily kept in bounds by cutting back, although natu- rally the shoots are somewhat long. The flowers difl'er from those of most of its con- geners in being nearly white, so pale is the yellow. The leaves are very curiously shaped, cordate, with sharp, almost prickly points, and clo.sely set along the stems. G. Pm. tUiH of a plant of Acacia cordata. From a photograph hy Mr. G. Pirn, Dublin. doubt will strive to be the first in this hybridis- ing race. I once saw in the Cordilleras of the Andes, on the high plateaux of Ecuador and Columbia, in soil said to be fairly cold, nu- merous fine species of Buddleia not as yet in- troduced into Europe. What handsome shrubs they would make in our gardens were it only on the Mediterranean coast ! Buddleia verbasci- folia, B. bullata, B. calycina, B. Jamesoni in- habit those regions, and then there are the B. grandiflora of Brazil and those of Chili and of Peru, the native land of B. globosa ; those of Argentina, and even of Madagascar, which gave us the beautiful B. madagascariensis. Let us hops we shall one day see all these handsome shrubs in our collections. — Ed. Avdke, in i?'-i!(i Jlorlicole. Cyrtanthi in flower. — Treated as greenhouse bulbs, many of the small-growing species of Cyrtanthus flower freely quite early in the year. Of these small kinds, espe- cial mention must be made of U. Mackeni, white ; C. lutescens, pale yellow ; C. angustifolius, light red ; and C. Macowani, crimson - scarlet. They all need the same treatment, that is, growing in deep, well-drained pans or pots, the soil consisting of a good sandy loam. They do not require any drying off, as many bulbs do, though, of course, during the winter less water i9 required than at any other time. They will stand for years without being repotted, and given much the same treatment as a Pelargonium will do well. Seeds ripen freely, and seed- lings make such headway, that if grown on without a check, many of them will flower in about eighteen months. — H. P. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums for cutting. — I find some of the newer varieties of this section very useful for furnishing cut blooms. If they are grown along freely through the sum- mer, getting them into 6-inch pots by the middle of August, they will fur- nish a lot of bloom in the following spring if wintered in a temperature of from 4.5° to 55° according to the weather. If shifted into 8- inch pots in May they will make large speci- mens, and it is surprising what a fiuantity of fine trusses can be taken from them if they are supplied with liquid manure once or twice a week from the time they become root-bound. The older kinds had foot-stalks too short to allow of their being service- able for cutting, but varieties that have been raised within the last few years have foot-stalks long and stout enough for any purpose for which cut flowers are required. The double kinds are, of course, much the best.— .J. C. B. Clerodendron fallax. — Young plants of this Clerodendron grown on freely without stopping, and each carrying one large head of bloom, make a goodly show at any season of the year. It is a native of Java, and is consequently a stove plant, but at this time of the year it may be kept in a cooler structure. In the greenhouse the flowers last longer than under any other conditions. lb is very easy of increase, as cuttings strike root readily, while seeds are often produced. They germinate quickly, and treated liberally make rapid progress afterwards. A nearly allied species whose ornamental qualities are about on a par with those of that just mentioned is C. Kctmpferi, of which a coloured plate was given in The CJardex, December 24, 1892. This is quite an old plant in gardens, having been introduced about 100 years ago.-H. P. Streptosolen Jamesoni. — This is a fine plant either for the conservatory or for summer bed- ding. To flower it well it requires to be grown 140 THE GARDEK [August 19, 1899. where it ig well exposed to the sun, and it is not until the wood is well matured that it will bloom well. Old cut-back plants started early in the spring soon come into bloom, and continue well through the season. Some time ago I saw several good plants in bloom in the conservatory at Offington, and I tind it has been flowering well in the Worthing Park. These plants are about 3 feet high, and when I saw them a few days ago they were full of flower and seemed likely to con- tinue for the rest of the season. I understand they have been flowering for upwards of a month. This useful plant is easily propagated from cut- tings, but these do not flower well the first year ; at least that has been my experience. Given the same treatment as Bouvardias they grow freely, but give very little flower the first year, while the older cut-back plants bloom freely from every shoot. — H. Hedychium coronarium. — This is now flowering in the stove at Mr. Goodliffe's nursery. Worthing. The plants are grown in tS-inch pots and have several strong growths in each, most of which are flowering this season. The terminal clusters of pure white flowers are very pretty, and emit a most pleasant perfume. The above and H. Gardnerianum are both well worth a place where room can be given. They succeed best perhaps when planted out, and to ensure flower- ing when grown in pots they must be divided from time to time before they get too much crowded, otherwise they do not make growths strong enough for flowering. They may be potted or planted in good rich loam with leaf mould and manure added, and during the time they are making their growth they should be liberally supplied with water. They may be kept cool and dry during the winter. When given a period of rest they flower better than when kept in heat throughout the year. The flowers, though not long-lived, are very beautiful. — Sussex. AUamanda grandiflora.— The habit of this species is quite different from that of A. Schotti and similar kinds, and it is better fitted for growing into loose bushes than for climbing over roofs or trellises. The shoots are more twiggy and shorter, the flowers smaller and paler yellow, making a welcome change from the deep yellow large blossoms of A. Schotti. The plants do best in a good sound yellow loam with a little peat and half-decayed manure added and a liberal sprinkling of sharp silver sand, all made very firm at potting time. This ensures a hard, solid growth that is more easily matured by sun and air than when the soil is very loose and rich. All through the growing season — indeed all the year round — this AUamanda likes to be exposed to the full sun and will never be free-flowering if kept in a shaded stove. Heat it likes in abundance and a moist atmosphere, but it must not be shaded. When starting in the spring the shoots should be allowed to make a little growth before being re- potted, or it may be diflicult to induce free root action, and a slight bottom-heat is useful in the same direction. Cuttings of half-ripened wood root readily in a brisk bottom-heat. Cassia corymbosa. — Many greenhouse .shrubs are greatly benefited by being placed out of doors during the summer, and those that bloom at that period may be employed for various decorative purposes. The practice seems to be greatly on the increase, especially in some of the public gar- dens, of plunging large plants either on the turf or in beds, where in the summer they yield a dis- play of blossom or of foliage totally distinct from any hardy subjects. The Cassia in question readily lends itself to this mode of treatment, as if kept during the winter in a greenhouse or con- servatory just free from frost and treated much as Fuchsias are, it will grow and flower profusely when turned outside in the summer, more par- ticularly during such a season as we are having. The prettily divided leaves, which are of a bright shining green, are very attractive, and serve as an admirable setting to the clusters of ricli golden coloured blossoms. It is a native of Brazil, but has been grown in this country for over 100 years. Many other subjects are available for the same mode of treatment, prominent among them being Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Heliotrope, Bougain- villea glabra, Browallia (Streptosolen) Jamesoni, Erythrina Crista-galli, Plumbago capensis, and others, many of which are so employed in Hyde Park.— H. P. BOUVARDIA HUMBOLDTI CORYMBI- FLORA. This is in many particulars widely removed from the numerous garden forms of Bouvardia that are so largely grown in many places. The flowers, which are borne in loose corymbs on the ends of the shoots and principal side branches, are as much as .'5 inches long and over an inch across, pure white, and deliciously scented. It also flowers much earlier than any of the others, numerous examples of it being now beautifully in bloom, their Jasmine-like perfume being much admired. Good plants may be grown in ."i-inch pots, but they must not be stopped too much, the object being to obtain a few stout, sturdy shoots, each of which will carry a huge head of bloom rather than a great number of weaker branches. It is difficult to obtain good flowering examples of a less height than IS inches to '2 feet. The exceedingly long tube is rather weak ; hence when the plants are employed for decoration, care must be taken in moving them abcu% otherwise the tubes will break. This Bouvardia will flower well if planted out of doors during the summer, as if the plants are large enough they will commence to bloom soon after midsum- mer and continue till the frost. This, of course, does not apply to those planted out during the summer and lifted in the autumn to flower in pots. There is a comparatively new form of B. Humboldti known as grandiflora, in which both the foliage and flowers are of greater substance and somewhat larger than in the variety corymbi- flora. It is a really good plant, and attracted a considerable amount of attention last autumn when it was several times exhibited. It received an award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society on November 9, 1897. H. P. Rhododendron Falconeri. — This fin© green- house species is not usually a success in gardens, as many persist in giving it too much heat dur- ing the growing season and after, this combined with a dry atmosphere predisposing the plant to insect attacks as well as causing it to grow out of season. Of course, in the small state that we are compelled to grow it to bring it within the limited capacity of our glasshouses it is not likely to be as free as the smaller growing kinds, but by judicious treatment it may be had in flower annually. Where possible it should be grown in a house that is never entirely closed excepting at night during very severe weather, but such structures are not always to be had. Rather than keep it cooped up in an ordinary green- house the year through it should be placed in the open air and well hardened after its growth is complete, and the most airy and cool quarters at command must be given in winter. This gives the buds time to form and develop properly, and even then it must not be hastened, but allowed to come on quite naturally and gradually, placing the plants in the open air again in April if no convenience exists for them under glass. Slight frosts do not harm the plants, especially in autumn ; in spring the foliage may be damaged by cold winds. Campanula Vidali. — This Campanula forms a very attractive feature in the greenhouse, and is also particularly interesting as being very distinct from any other species. It is a native of the Azores, from whence it was introduced in 18.31, and requires the protection of a greenhouse during the winter. It may, however, be planted out in the summer, under which treatment it will flower for a long time. In this way I have seen it very attractive in some of the London parks. A pro- minent feature of this Campanula is its half- shrubby character, as it forms a stout stem, which divides, as a rule, into several branches a little way from the ground. The leaves, which are principally clustered towards the points of the shoots, are narrow, deep green, and fleshy in texture. Standing well above the foliage, the long spikes of drooping wax like blossoms are seen to great advantage. They also remain fresh for a considerable time, while numerous buds develop from the same spike. It forms a few stout roots with little or no fibres ; hence it is very impatient of removal, as if shaken clear of soil and repotted it will frequently stand a long time before it makes a start. A single plant will produce a large quantity of seed, and as it germi- nates freely, this is the best method of increasing this Campanula. Being of a somewhat succulent character, it must, especially when young, be kept moderately dry during the winter months. A good illustration showing this Campanula flower- ing in the open border with great freedom at Ardcairn, Co. Cork, appeared in vol. liv. of The (Jakdex, page -299.— T. Propagating' Pelargoniums. — The regal Pelargoniums ought not to be kept any longer under glass, as they are best for a week or two in the open before propagating, especially where they have been shaded while in flower. The plants in this case must not be turned out directly to the full sun, but hardened a little previously. I always stand mine under the shade of an old Mulberry tree in the garden, where the wood hardens before being placed in the full sun in front of a Peach house. The roots are dried a little by degrees, but the water supply is never totally withheld as long as the growth is upon them. The cuttings are taken the first week in August, and the old plants stood quite in the full sun and kept quite dry until new shoots appear. When these are an inch or so in length they are thinned to the requisite number and the plants repotted into very firm soil. All flower-stems should be rejected as cuttings, and only half-ripened, hard wood with good leaves used. Three cuttings may be placed in a 4 inch pot, first removing the sheaths at the leaf bases and cutting clean with a sharp knife just below a joint. Stand the cutting pots in the full sun out of doors, and at first keep them well soaked with water. As the roots appear gradually give them less, and it is easy to see when they are well rooted by the leaves picking up. Any shoots with young points may be pinched at this stage, but a good many of the cuttings will not need this, as they will branch naturally. It is not often they can again be placed outside after potting singly, but with the old plants should be given a place on a light stage in the greenhouse and kept gently moving through the winter. — H. Hydrangea Hortensia in pots.— I was pleased to see the illustration of the fine speci- men of this showy plant at p. 19 of The Garden and to read Mr. Young's cultural notes. Many years ago I was employed in a garden where Hydrangeas were well grown in pots, very large bushes being required for standing in the front hall of the mansion. In three seasons from the cutting the plants attained to a large size and were objects of great beauty. The great point is, as Mr. Young says, to get the growths well matured by exposure to sun and air. When the plants have arrived at the desired size they may be kept in good health and vigour without repot- ting by annual mulching and liberal feeding with liquid manure. At this age it is not advisable to allow all the new growths to remain. Judicious thinning should be practised, this ensuring plump terminal buds and large trusses of bloom. A good holding yellow loam, a sixth part well rotted manure, and some coarse sand or road grit suit them well, ample drainage being m- dispensable, as established plants will take copious supplies of water during growth. The plants under notice had the protection of a cool pit or home-made unhealed glass structure dur- ing winter, the pots being plunged in leaf-mould to protect from frost. It is best also to be cautious in exposing the new growths to the open air in spring, a very sheltered corner being best, August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 141 or damage may be apprehended. When flower- ing is past the old stems should be clean cut out in order to give the new shoots the best chance of development. — J. C. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.STOVE. Alpinia mutica. — This may be treated in the same way as the Hcdychium. As a fine- foliaged plant it is worthy of a place where room can be given. The tall succulent growths attam to from 5 feet to G feet high, and when surmounted with large panicles of bloom they are very attractive. In a batch of plants grown in the stove there have been some flowers throughout the spring. — A. Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Mme. Crousse. —Despite the number of new kinds annually sent out, this old kind still maintains its hold. Win- dow boxes filled with it and white Marguerites are still common , and it is largely grown for the purpo?e both by market men and private growers. Like Souvenir de Chas. Turner in its colour, it seems to be impossible to get a better flower with the same excellent habit of growth and free-flowering characteristics, and it will be long before either is ousted from its position. — H. Costus igneus from seed.— This showy plant may easily be raised from seed. It should be gathered when nearly ripe and placed in a sunny, dry place to finish, eventually sowing at about a couple of inches apart in well-drained pans or pots of loose, rich soil. The seeds germi- nate quickly and surely. The seedlings should be lifted with a little soil attached to the roots, potting into 3-inch pots, and growing on as rapidly as possible in a warm greenhouse tempe- rature. The pretty fresh leafage of seedling plants alone makes them worth growing, being much deeper in colour than old leaves. The Market Garden. THE BANANA IN CULTIVATION AND COMMERCE. The Banana is, as is well known, one of the principal articles of food of the people that in- habit the intertropical zones. A pound weight of Bananas, according to Humboldt, contains as much nutritive matter as 44 lbs. of Potatoes. Crichton Campbell, 'one of its greatest advo- cates in the United States, estimates the nutri- tive value of ] lb. of Bananas to be equal to 25 lbs. of wheaten bread. The Americans im- port immense quantities of Bananas at the pre- sent day. The number of clusters imported in 189(j through the porta of the Mexican Gulf, New Orleans, Mobile, New York, Charleston, vtc, was not less than 2.5 millions, which were immediately absorbed by the markets. Each cluster brought from Central America bears 120 to 180 fingers, and weighs from 2 qrs. 5'8 lbs. to .3 qrs. 4"3 lbs., so that it is easy to comprehend what an extraordinary develop- ment must have taken place in the cultivation of the Banana in order to supply a consumption of such magnitude. For the present I will consider the regions of the east and centre of the United States only, California and the other Pacific States obtaining their supplies from the southern coast of Mexico and the Hawaian Isles. In all the favourable parts of the north coast of Central America, from the colony of Belize in 19° of lat. N. down to Santa Marta, in Colombia, immense breadths of Bananas have sprung up. .lamaica, San Domingo, Cuba and the Bahamas also produce great quantities, but of inferior quality. Large centres have been formed, towns even have arisen in tropical centres such as La Ceiba, Rama, and Bocas del Toro. The last, which 1 knew in 188:? only as a miserable, straggling, isolated village at the entrance of Admiralty Bay, in Northern Chiriqui, is to-day an important town, in direct communication twice a month with New Or- leans. In 1883 the district counted barely 500 inhabitants ; to-day it has close upon l(t,O0O. The department of Zelaya, in Nicara- gua, the ancient realm of mosquitoes, and not long ago quite overlooked by geographers, has now its Banana plantations, with a service of steamers putting Rama and Bluetields in con- stant communication with New Orleans. And what of Port Sinion and Costa Rica ? On both sides of the railway which unites the port with the capital, along the latter end of the route, is a forest of Banana plants, and to meet the steamer at the port there is an endless succes- sion of trains, discharging hundreds and thou- sands of tons of the fruit for conveyance to New Orleans. More south still. Colon, Carthagena and Santa Marta furnish also a considerable contingent ; but as at these ports the traffic is chiefly with New York, there is a considerable slackening oft' during the winter months, owing to the frosts that are met in transit beyond Cape Hatteras, which sometimes destroy whole cargoes of fruit. North there is Honduras, Guatemala, and the English colony of Belize served by a weekly line of steamers plying between Belize, Livingston, Puerto Barrios, Puerto Cortez, and New Orleans. On each voyage there is a complete cargo of Bananas. Another line communicates twice a month with the ports of Ceiba, Truxillo, and Roaton, and once a month another line places these ports in touch with New York. Another port of call for fruit vessels arriving is that of Galveston, Texas, which will eventually become a very important place owing to its direct communica- tion with the interior of the United States in the south-west, it being the terminus at the Gulf of Mexico for the South Pacific Company's railway. Varieties. The Banana belongs to the family of Musa, of which the species are very numerous. That cultivated in the regions under discussion is M. Paradisiaca ; this includes many varieties which have not, so far as we know, yet been scientifically classed, even Horaninow in his " Prodromus Scitaminearum " ( Petersburg, lS(i2) having renounced the task. The only variety which is now cultivated to a large extent, however, and the only one admitted without dispute in the American markets, is the variety M. sapientum, called Taita, or Tahitian. This is said to have been introduced to the southern coast of Mexico, at San Bias and Acapulco, by the galleons from Manilla, and to have been increased there first until it was transported to the north-west, where to- day it reigns supreme. It has the advantage of being more robust than the other varieties, of being easily increased by suckers, of the fruit clusters being compact, regular, and almost always equal in weight, thereby bearing carriage for long distances better than any of the others, and lastly, of the fruit being well formed, fat and succulent, and as fit for cooking as for eating raw. As in all the numberless planta- tions of the regions under discussion it is the only one grown for exportation, and we shall therefore consider only this variety. In the markets of New Orleans, Mobile, and generally in the Mexican Gulf there is a large species of Banana often met with called Plut- au-ciel, or Dieu le veuille, cultivated especially at San Domingo, which is only fit to be eaten cooked, and is rather insipid. Tlie clusters contain only a few fingers, from ten to twenty- five, but each of the fruits weighs as much as 2 kilogrammes. At New York there is also introduced, but in very small quantities, the Banana Fig (M. raensuaria, or Neina), a deli- cious fruit well known in the Antilles and in Central America, but the clusters are very small and barely exceed 2 kilogrammes ; it is a fruit (}e lii.re. Here it would be superfluous to describe the Banana from the botanic point of view. The elegance of its form, the beauty of its port, the size and the emerald of its leaves grouped around the graceful and supple stem, and moved by every motion of the breeze cause it to be used as an ornamental plant in our country. Rarely, however, do we see the Banana in bloom, its flower emerging first as a vigorous scarlet-rose bud from amongst the smaller leaf and more delicate green of the terminal shoot, next bursting into bloom. and displaying the concentric rows of little yellow- white flowers surrounding its floral axis, and shortly to be transformed into Banana fruit. In this particular varietj' it is rare that the sterile flowers, which first appear on the style or floral axis, are numerous, and hence those fine, compact clusters so much prized in the United States. The flowers are quickly over and the fruit appears, tiny at first, as it emerges from the ovulus, but it increases in length and grows in girth almost under the eye. Its weight causes the cluster to droop more and more from the soft bower of leaf that shelters it from the heat of the sun. The fruit thickens and the skin is now firm and light, and though not yet quite ripe, it is the time to cut away the cluster and despatch it to the port. Cut at the right time the Banana ripens easily in eleven or fifteen days. If, however, it is to be eaten on the place, it is left for some days more until the fruit has taken on the golden colour which is proper to the Taita Banana. The cluster hav- ing been cut away, it is the custom in all rightly managed plantations to cut down the plant which produced it to make way for another which in a few months will also produce its cluster of fruit. On the northern coast of Central America one Banana plant produces every year two, three, and even four or five different fruit-bearing shoots. This particular Banana varies in height according as the soil is more or less favourable to it. Uses of the Baxaxa. The Banana is used in different ways, raw or cooked. Raw, it is a savoury, floury, slightly saccharine, agreeable, rather astringent fruit, not easily digested by some stomachs unused to it, especially children, in whom it is apt to cause gastric troubles if not quite ripe or over- ripe. It is more commonly eaten raw in the United States. Cooked, it is prepared in a number of ways. In the tropics they cut it before maturity and remove the skin, which in this state is very acrid, and cook in the oven or under the ashes. Prepared thus it serves for bread. Also, after desiccation it is made into a flour by pounding in a mortar and kept in sacks or jars in a dry place : in this state it keeps for a long time. This flour, which is very nourishing, is carried by travellers, who make from it a very healthy and refreshing drink and a sort of thick gruel, which is sometimes eaten with sugar to deprive it of a certain insipidity. Cut into slices it is used in soups, and is one of the resources of the mctvajv, just as the Potato is with us. The ripe fruit baked in the oven is a very healthy and nourishing and at the same time very agreeable food. It is also made into fritters, cakes, bon-bons, ito. Its price in New York (one cent) places it within the means of all. Out of ripe Bananas fermented an eay da rl,> is distilled, but the amount of essential oil it contains imparts to it a disagreeable flavour, and being comparatively wanting in strength it Ui THE GARDEN". [August 19, 1899. is rather despised by topers and only used fail- ing other and stronger liquors. Its Cultivation on a large scale as practised on the north coast of Central America is the simplest and most rudimentary. The only obstacle to the Euro- pean who should risk to embark in it is the climate. The Banana, in fact, requires for its development and easy production a climate at once warm and moist. The lowest temperature it will stand is 22° Cent. In looking for the soils that are proper to it, the choice must be made in the littoral zone, where life for the European is certainly passed under unhealthy conditions : but, given certain precautions easy to be observed, it may be affirmed that the fears which are generally expressed in regard to this are, as a rule, greatly exaggerated. The choice of soil is of great importance ; it should neither be too dry nor too moist. A black loam or a red ferruginous soil is preferable, and a site raised rather above a river so as to be out of reach of the inundations that occur periodically. The best choice would be that of a site stretching for some distance along the banks of a river and where there is no great depth of soil. It would then be easy and not costly to convey the clusters to the riverside for putting on board boats and barges for con- veyance to the port of despatch. The chosen site should be protected from the north winds, which often blow in tempests on this coast from November to January. It is the custom in clearing land for plantations to leave on the northern side a belt of forest to give the neces- sary protection. The efl'ect of violent winds is to deprive the fruit-cluster of the adequate protection of the young leaves at the com- mencement of its growth and expose it to the fierce rays of the sun, under which it withers and becomes useless. After the choice of a site the next thing is to clear the ground, which in certain spots is no easy matter, owing to the forest being choked with the free growth of creepers, dwarf prickly Palms, and all the exuberance of tropical undergrowth, which, in the neighbourhood of rivers especially, often makes it a very laborious task. The axe and the knife are used to hew down all but the forest trees of mature growth, which it would be too costly to attack directly, and which are presently to be reduced to ashes by means of fire. The work of making clearings is under- taken at the beginning of the dry season — that is, November or December — after which the felled trees being sufficiently dry, the oppor- tunity is taken of a rather strong wind in the quarter most favourable for leaving intact the belt of forest left for the protection of the plantation from northerly winds to throw petroleum over the first of the felled trees and set it alight. The tire rages with the utmost violence and swallows up everything in a very short time, leaving nothing whatever of the great forest trees but the half-calcined stems, in which the fire continues to smoulder for several days. The work of clearing is generally done by contract with the natives of the country, who are used to it, and whose services are always at hand. The cost of clearing a single hectare of land is about 80 pesos, or a little less than 200 francs. The cost of the purchase or occupation of lands, whether government or private property, is so trifling as to be not worth mentioning here. The site having been cleared, the first light rains are waited for, when the planting of young plants cm be carried out. Young plants of the species or variety preferred can easily be had in the dis- trict, and ought not to cost more than ."> pesos the hundred. The ground having been pre- pared for them, the plants are set out, the space between each varying according to the locality and temperature. I think a space of about 10 feet between each is the best, yet I have seen plantations in which it did not exceed 7 feet and even 5 feet. In this case, however, after the first year or two there is the certain fear of overcrowding, which can only be avoided by sacrificing a number of the plants each year. That being so, I adhere to my opinion that a space of 10 feet is preferable, and this avoids overcrowding, and at the same time the plants are close enough to each other to prevent the sun drying up the adjacent soil. A plantation of one hectare under such con- ditions should contain 990 plants, but as in all these lands, even the best cleared, there re- mains a certain number of burnt stumps of old trees, I am inclined to put the real number of plants to the hectare as 800 only. The young plant is set in a hole prepared in advance, about 20 inches deep ; the hole is then covered up, and care taken to collect a sufficient depth of soil about the young plant to prevent as much as possible the action of the sun on the roots. The plantation having been made, it is neces- sary at the outset to keep down the growth of weeds and underwood which would otherwise choke ott' the young plants. This work is not of long duration, as the ]!anana grows very quickly and itself overwhelms everything that grows underneath it. Fkuiting Period. Generally eight months elapse before the Banana furnishes its first cluster of fruit ; this is generally of small dimensions, as not before the second year does the plant begin the regular production of clusters large enough for the American markets. From this stage on- wards the plantation may be left to look after itself, except that care mu^t be taken to cut the fruit at the right moment. When cut the fruit is taken down to the riverside, put aboard the boats and carried ott" to the port of des- patch. The fruit is generally sold at the port of despatch, sometimes on the steamers them- selves, sometimes to agents, according to (quality and weight at the rate of 30, 60, and even SO centimes the cluster, those of Bocas del Toro fetching the highest price. The labour needed for Working a Plantation of one hectare in extent in the producing stage is a very small item, and I advise anyone who thinks of taking up the business not to plant less than 10 hectares. In the latter case two gangs of ten men each are sufficient at the most, each gang being under a supervisor. The price of labour is generally 1 peso for a workman and 2 pesos or 2 pesos 50 for the supervisor. Labour is relatively very easy to get for this kind of work. On the other hand, the cost of transport by boat or canoe from the plantation to the port is rather high, whether the plantation possesses its own means of transport — which is the most practical way, but involves at the outset a considerable out- lay— or whether the work is done by contract, which is quite possible. On all accounts, there- fore, it is preferable to set up the plantation near to a port. On the Mosquito or Nicaragua side, on the river Rama, the steamers run as far as the plantations, the river being navigable for a long distance. At Port Barrios, Port Cortez, Port Sinion, Colon and Santa Marta the trains fetch the Bananas down to the wharves, nearly all the plantations being situated in these regions alongside the railway. In this case great eco- nomy is secured in transport. In any case and whatever the cost of transport, I consider the cultivation of the Banana as one fraught with the greatest profit to whoever devotes himself to it. It is necessary that someone should devote himself, like Crichton Campbell and others in the United States, to the ditiFusion of the Banana as an article of food. What is wanted in our markets is a Banana at once cheap and of good quality. The Banana as we know it in the Paris markets, for example, is small, flavourless and very dear in price. It occurs to me that in our colony of Senegal, and especially Rivieres du Sud, where the climate is analogous to that of the northern coast of Central America, the Banana known as Taita could be grown with excellent results ; and as its fruit is capable of standing a considerable length of sea voyage, it would be easy to bring it to our ports at a reasonable cost. — A. L. PiNART,in Bulletin dela Socicfe d' Aniimatafion. Garden Flora. PLATE 1236. L.ELIO-CATTLEYA DOMINIANA LANGLEYENSIS. (with a COLOURED PLATE.*) In The Garden, vol. liv., p. 465, will be found a figure of La^lio-Cattleya Dominiana langley- ensis. Accompanying it will also be found par- ticulars of the origin of L.-C. Dominiana and its varieties, including particulars of the accom- panying coloured plate. It was raised by Mr. Seden in the nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., at Langley, and was exhibited at the Drill Hall meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society on October 11, 1898, when it was awarded a first-class certificate. One of the most interesting points in connection with this beautiful hybrid was the fact of clearing up the uncertainty which had previously existed with regard to its parentage, proving it to be the result of intercrossing Ltelia purpurata and Cattleya Dowiana. As stated in the notes referred to above, there had been four varieties previously raised of this hybrid. L.-C. D. rosea was certificated in 1884. Mr. Law- Schofield exhibited the variety L.-C. D. tyntesfieldiensis at the Temple show of 1897, and Mr. J. Douglas exhibited a form as L.-C. Appollonia in 1896. This variety was very much inferior in colour and distinct in many ways from the other forms of L.-C. Dominiana. I have not the slightest doubt that this distinc- tion has been brought about by using C. Dowi- ana var. aurea instead of the old C. Dowiana from Costa Rica. Though much sought after, C. D. aurea has not the substance or the in- tense colouring that are found in the older spe- cies, though it will be found to possess a better constitution, and may be kept in perfection for an indefinite period, a desirable fea- ture which cannot generally be claimed for the old variety. Since the article referred to above appeared some other additions have been made by plants flowering in collec- tions in this country that have been raised on the Continent. One received a first-class cer- tificate at the Drill Hall meeting of June 27 last as L.-C. Dominiana var. Fire King, com- ing from the collection of Mrs. Briggs-Bury, Bank House, Accrington. A full description will be found in The Garden of July 1 containing the report of that meeting. Mr. J. Seden agreed to its being a form of L.-C. Dominiana in a conversation I had with * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in Messrs. Veitch and Sods' nurser.v at Chelsea. Litho- graplied and printed by J. L. Gotfart. CATTLEYA DOMINIANA LAN YENSIS August 19, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 143 him afterwards. On the following Thursday (June 29) another form of this hybrid, from the same continental origin, was exhibited at the Manchester and North of England Orchid Society's meeting by Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield, and was awarded a first-class certiticate as L.-C. Fire King var. Frances Mary. Surely such a name as L.-C. Dominiana Fire King var. Frances Mary is unnecessary. If the one had pre- viously been recognised as a form of L.-C. Dominiana, the other must be a form also of that hybrid. The complications are already sufficient in the nomenclature of hybrid Orchids. Such a system as herein illustrated can easily be avoided, and in this instance might have been. The fact of = being recognised as Fire King leaves no excuse for dropping the name of L.-C. Dominiana. That Mr. Law-Schofield's plant was a distinct form I am ready to admit, for I saw this in good condition. Its principal distinction was in the base of the lip and through the throat. Instead of the usual yel- low and purple longitudinal lines, the whole of as to be an ungraceful mass, which of course de- tracts from their elegant form. The exhibit in question required but one thing, namely, a bud peeping out here and there, which would have added to its natural appearance. — H. S. The WEEK'S Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Orchard hoisk. — In the orchard house there will now be need of constant attention with the watering pot, for the limited size of the recep- tacles, combined with the crammed state of the roots, makes frequent watering, with some things as often as three times a day, quite necessary, and stimulants in the form of liquid manure should be given almost at each watering to those trees still carrying fruits, and once a day to such as have been cleared of their crop, for these will still require help to plump up next year's fruit buds. As fast as the orchard-house trees are cleared of fruit they should be removed to the open, or, in the case of trees that have been plunged and have Lcelio-Cattleya Dominiana langleyensis. the basal portion had a suffusion of a peculiar shade of brownish purple. The remaining seg- ments also appeared to be deeper in colour than in Mrs. Briggs-Bury's plant. Since writing the above, I hear from Mr. Law-Schofield that the raiser asserts that the above-mentioned hybrids are derived from the intercrossing of L. purpurata and C. Mossiie. This would bring them to forms of L.-C. Can- hamiana, which they certainly are not. C. J. H. Exhibiting Sweet Peas.— At the Birming- ham Carnation show recently I noted a particu- larly fine exhibit of these flowers from Mr. .J. B. -Johnstone, Tettenhall. Not only were the indi- vidual flowers remarkable for their richness of colour and fine development, but they afforded a good lesson in arrangement. The blooms were cut with long stems and loosely tied at bottom in bunches, so that the whole had a very light appearance, ilostly one sees them tied so close rooted through, prepared for removal by severing the main roots which have escaped their bounds. This may be done by running a spade round the pots or by twisting the pots around and dislodg- ing the roots, which may be cut back afterwards. On removing the trees to the open, they should not be neglected either for watering or syringing, the latter being very helpful in retaining the leaves in good condition as long as possible. A good position should be found for the trees in the open — that is to say, they should not be crammed together in any outofthe-way corner, (five them plenty of room and a good exposure to the light, but provide some means of shading the pots either by plunging them or by surrounding them with litter. In the house, to do the best by late Peaches, Pears, Apples, Plums, &c. , ample venti- lation must be given day and night, and where birds, rats or mice are plentiful, this necessitates covering the front ventilating spaces at least with galvanised netting of sufficiently small mesh to exclude these vermin, though the mice are able to got through very small openings. Rats are most troublesome with Plums, and will soon spoil a quantity of fruit if allowed access to it, and a stray blackbird getting into the house is also capable of doing much mischief to fruit, which from the limited capacity of the system of pro- I duction costs a great deal to produce. Apples and Pears certainly finish up best if they can be removed to the open to ripen after they have reached full size, as they derive benefit from the night dews. Of course such removal is only advised where the trees have not been allowed to root into the inside borders, for cutting off the supply of nourishment by disturbing these roots would mare than counteract the benefits above spoken of. Trees put outside in this way will have to be protected from birds and wasps. It is late now to speak of top-dressing, but there is still time to renew it in the case of the latest crop, and it is astonishing how soon the roots and the fruits respond to a little generous treatment in this way, and I do not hesitate to recommend a further dressing of malt dust to any pot tree which appears backward in swelHng its fruits. Vineries. — Early Vines, from the great dif- ferences in outside and inside temperature during the time they are making their growth, are more subject to mildew than are the later ones, and wherever there has been the least sign of this pest during the season, I strongly advise now that the fruit is off, two or three good syringings at intervals of a week of water in which half an ounce of soft soap has been dissolved and two ounces of flowers of sul- phur mixed to the gallon of water. This will be useful as an insecticide and will kill the germs of mildew that miy be left behind. MtrscATS. — Muscat of Alex- andria Grapes which are not well coloured by the end of August stand a very poor chance of taking on the clear amber hue so much appre- ciated by lovers of this Grape ; consequently the treatment afforded from this time onward must tend to putting on this colour. Where the bunches run small there is very little difficulty in getting them to colour up well, but it is the finest bunches that give the most trouble, and if these are now at all on the green side it is advisable to increase the fire-heat given by night and to remove any shading that may have been given in those few places in which it is found necessary to shade at all. The Vines themselves will be none the worse for this additional fire-heat provided the necessary precautions have been taken to keep down red spider. The above conditions will be an advantage also to that excellent Grape Jlrs. Pince's Black Muscat, one of the finest Grapes we have when it is well finished. Among other Grapes which derive much benefit from fire-heat is Gros Colman, as under the influence of arti- ficial heat in which to finish it loses much of the flatness and muddiness of flavour which have brought it into disrepute among real lovers of Grapes. It will be necessary to look frequently over all bunches that have passed the colouring stage for damaged berries, as these should be removed before they carry decay to their neigh- bours. This is especially necessary with those varieties which are prone to berry-splitting, and in the case of Madresfield Court only a couple of days or so should be allowed to elapse between each visit, for if this is not attended to the evils of splitting will be more than doubled. In ex- treme cases where the splitting is very bad it may be necessary to cut partly through the laterals 144 THE GARDEK [August 19, 1899. to lessen the flow of sap, but the care in ventilating and other details which I advised in a former calendar note when dealing with such Grapes as these will probably have obviated the necessity of groing to this extreme. Pot Vines. — Pot Vines for next year's fruiting will now have finished their growth and will have become firm in the wood. Some growers who have plenty of glass at command can afford to allow these Vines to continue in the pits where they have been grown, and expose them by simply leaving the lights off night and day whenever the weather is fine, but practically the same results will be obtained by moving them now to a south wall and providing a few pieces of slate or board laid sloping on the pots to carry off any excessive rainfall. From this time onward the water-pot must be less freely used, but it is a great mis- take to withhold water altogether. Lessen the supply and give up the use of liquid manure, then well-ripened canes will be sure to result. Early ripening not being so necessary for younger stock, which will be cut back to the pots later on, these should still be kept growing and well fed for some time to come. Figs. — Keep the points of shoots on those trees trained near the roof well tied down to the wires, as the points extend much better when prevented from turning up to the glass. With the Fig it is possible to get the growths too short-jointed, and this will certainly follow if the shoots are not kept a moderate distance from the glass. Feed up those trees which are carrying fruit and ply the syringe freely on those which are without ripe fruit for the time being. The crop may be hastened at any time by closing the house early in the afternoon, but this should not be done when there is ripe fruit on the trees, more espe- cially if this has to be packed for travelling, as only Figs which have been grown in a house well ventilated night and day are fit for such a pur- pose. CORNUBIAN. KITCHEN GARDEN. Winter Cucumbers. — It is now time seed of hardy reliable cropping sorts of Cucumbers was sown for yielding fruit during November and December. Some gardeners sow a little later and are satisfied so long as the plants arrive at a fruit- ing stage by the beginning of the first-named month, but I think, however, timely sowing is pre- ferable, as although by reason of fine sunny weather the plants commence bearing before the fruits are really needed, the latter can be removed, and thus the plants are able to stand against the trying ordeal of cropping through the short, dull days. Syon House or a good strain of the old Telegraph cannot, I think, be surpassed for winter work, and the seeds should be sown in small pots, the plants being potted on in due course. Give them a light, airy position close to the roof-glass, yet out of draught, and by no means raise the seedlings in a house infested with either spider or mealy bug. Once allow this pest to get on the leaves of young Cucumber plants, they might as well be thrown away. If the house in which the plants are to fruit has had Melons or Cucumbers growing in it, a thorough cleansing must be given, well washing all woodwork with soapy water and coating the walls with limewash into which a little sulphur has been stirred. Plants now cropping and which are to keep up a supply of fruit till the winter batch comes into bearing must be well attended to, and as the summer declines and demand for salad lessens, these plants should only be allowed to carry a moderate quantity of fruit and receive a good, rich top- dressing of loam, bone-meal and road grit, followed by liberal supplies of liquid manure the colour of pale ale. Seed for supplying plants intended for fruiting at the new year may be sown from the middle to the end of September. A very light position while in a young state must be accorded them. Earliest Mushroo^is. — The season has now arrived tor all those who require Alushrooms at the end of October and early in November to collect manure for making the first bed. It is not advisable to use manure from grass-fed horses, such not being comparable to that obtained from corn-fed animals. Do not throw the manure into a heap as collected ; rather spread it out thinly in an open shed where it can be moved about now and then to keep it sweet. When thrown together carelessly or trom lack of conveni- ence, it frequently heats unduly before being noticed. A large bed is not imperative for a start ; therefore where material is scarce, a full-sized bed may be reduced to one half its dimensions by placing a board across the middle. As soon as sufficient manure has been collected let it be thrown into a heap and allowed to remain so for a few days, after which turn it over every morning, allowing the outside portions to come into the middle of the heap. When the bulk of the steam is dispelled, mound it up once more and allow it to remain untouched for a few days, then wheel it in to form the bed. Deep beds are not so necessary early in the season, shallow ones re- taining sufficient heat and ammonia to induce the spawn to run, and when once young Mush- rooms appear a gentle warmth should be allowed in the hot-water pipes. When making up beds lay on only a thin layer at a time so as to secure thorough firmness. Where sufficient head room exists 1 prefer treading the bed first of all, finally beating it very firmly with the back of a five- tined fork. Making completed, those who do not posses a bottom-heat thermometer may thrust in a stout testing stick. Examine this occasionally, and when the temperature has risen to its maximum, prepare a quantity of fine soil for surfacing. When the heat has declined to 90', spawning may safely be performed, there being no fear of any reaction in these shallow beds. When spawned at this figure and covered down the heat is retained ; whereas, when left to fall to say 80°, it will frequently run down to 60° and a considerable time elapse before young Mushrooms appear. After soiling, firm with the back of a spade, using a little chilled water if at all dry. Cover with a moderate thickness of oat-straw if obtainable, this being preferable to hay refuse, which so often becomes mouldy and offensive, making the surface actually colder than if it were not covered at all. As no fire-heat will be neces- sary for a time, so neither will be floor and wall moistening, these being commenced as soon as the pipes are warmed and a less moist atmosphere prevails. For inserting the spawn I prefer a flat-ended dibber, as a sharp-pointed one is apt to leave a cavity under the spawn. Some use no tool, merely making a hole with the hand about lA inches deep and pushing in the spawn, which should be in pieces about the size of a pigeon's egg. Re-beating the surface is necessary when spawning is completed. Some growers place the spawn in a moist plant stove for a few days pre- vious to use, thinking that it then breaks up more readily. I have known a few good early Mushrooms secured by levelling and moistening the surface of old exhausted beds in Cucumber and Melon houses, inserting the spawn, and covering with crossbars and mats or even loose litter, but this can of course only be done when the house is not required for young plants in winter. Amateurs who have only a Cucumber or Melon frame may, after the crop is over, moisten the interior, insert spawn, and duly darken, keep- ing up the beat when colder nights appear by building up linings of fermenting material round the frames. J. C. Cactus Dahlia Iiucius.— The first flower of this sort is open, and it quite comes up to the high expectations formed of it when seen last year at the exhibitions. It is an advance in form, being of light spiky arrangement. The colour is orange-yellow, rich and taking. In growth it is excellent, throwing the flowers well out of the foliage. The variety is one which should be noted as an improvement and one which is certain to become popular when less scarce.— S. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. SOUTHERN. Royal Gardens, Windsor. — Apples a good average crop, some trees heavy, others scarcely any. Same applies to Pears ; many fell off, especially on walls, during drought and great heat from May ;24 to June IS. Cherries a very heavy crop, clean, and of fine quality. I com- menced picking outside on June 10. Peaches and Nectarines heavy crops. These are thinned and crop left according to age, vigour of tree, and variety. I ought to state that our Peach walls are covered with canvas blinds on rollers ; this protection from spring frosts and wet invariably ensures a good set of fruit. Apricots rather thin ; they were in full flower early in March, and 10* of frost on March 5 and 6 thinned them consider- ably. Plums about half a crop. Raspberries a heavy crop, and finest fruit I have seen. Hornet and Superlative especially. The Raspberry is much appreciated here as a dessert fruit, and with cream is by many preferred to Strawberries. Strawberries generally a poor crop. This, I con- clude, is owing to the dry season last year, the foliage almost burnt up and crowns failing to mature. One variety that can always be relied on for cropping well here is Aromatic ; the flavour is good, but the colour might be better. The Countess, Waterloo, and V. Hericart de Thury are also good this year. Many of the new varie- ties are very poor, though Royal Sovereign and Noble were valuable as early crops, and being a dry time (middle of June) the flavour was deli- cious and colour very bright. Bush fruits are abundant : Walnuts cropping heavily ; Filberts under average. So far vegetables have done well, though late, as the nights were very cold till nearly mid- summer. Peas (early) were good, Gradus or Early Giant, Chelsea Gem, and Telegraph the best ; main crops of Peas and late varieties want more rain. Cauliflowers very fine from autumn- sown plants wintered in cold pits in single pots. Onions are looking well ; so are vegetables gene- rally since heavy rain on June 30. Potatoes looking well. Ne Plus Ultra is a good early out- door variety. Windsor Castle (now being lifted in fine condition) and late sorts are very promising. — Owen Thomas. Buxted Park, TJckfield. — This has been the most unfavourable season that I can remember for the production of first-class fruit and vege- tables. The winter was a mild one, the average maximum temperature for January being 50° in the shade. This, together with the heavy rain- fall, which was about 3| inches, caused things to commence growth. All, however, went fairly well till the third week in March, when winter set in with a vengeance, and from March 18 to 2.5 the weather was more like what is usually experi- enced in January, for on one occasion we registered as many as 24° of frost. This put an end to all fruit blossom that was at all forward. Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots suffered seriously, the former being less than a tenth of a crop, while there is none of the latter. Pears also suffered badly, and with the exception of two or three varieties I have no fruit. Plums, except those on a north wall, are a failure, for where I could gather a bushel last season I cannot find a fruit this. Strawberries are a very poor crop ; in fact, the worst I have known for the last twenty years. Raspberries, on the other hand, are abundant, particularly Superlative, the fruit being both plentiful and good. Black Currants are a fair crop, but Red are very scarce, and the same may be said of Gooseberries. Cherries, both on stan- dards and north walls, are good, but those on other aspects are very scarce indeed. Apples are partial, some varieties having an abundant crop, others none at all. This remark applies alike to standards and bush trees. Vegetables of all kinds have done fairly well, with the exception of early Peas, which with me were quite a failure, having been cut down by the frosts in March. It ia too early to say anything August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 145 about Potatoes, except the early kinds. These suB'ered so seriously from the frosts in May that they scarcely paid for lifting. The late ones, so far, are looking well. All other crops, considering the dry weather, are looking well and promise abundant returns. The weather has been very hot and dry of late, very little rain having fallen in this neighbourhood since April, so that the soil has become parched, and unless rain comes soon, all late crops will suffer.— H. C. Prinsep. Syon House, Brentford.— I fear the report of tlie fruit crops in this part of the country will not be a cheering one. Apples are a variable crop as far as I can ascertain. In some places there is an abundance of Codlins and early kinds ; in others the crop is very poor. I have not a heavy crop of any one kind. My best trees are the late-flowering varieties. These escaped the severe weather the others experienced early in May. Such kinds as Prince Albert, Alfriston, Newton Wonder, Sandringham and a few others have average crops. Of dessert kinds there are none too many. I notice the newer AUington and James Grieve have full crops. The Pear crop is far more unsatisfactory, and this I much regret, as this is such a useful fruit. I have a few Beurre Diel, Marie Louise, Conference, Louise Bonne of Jersey and others, but so few with so many trees that the results are most dishearten- ing. I never remember a better promise of fruit. The previous season having been a bad one, I ex- pected dirt'erent results in every way. Even on walls the same loss is felt. Cordon trees on all aspects are failures in spite of protection. This season my best crops are on a north wall, so that doubtless late blooming of the trees saved the crop. Plums are a total failure. I do nob think I have half a bushel of fruit in the whole garden. I admit this is not a Plum soil, but rarely has such a total failure been recorded. The trees were white with bloom ; this dropped in shoals after the fruit should have begun to swell. I am uoalile to name a single variety with a quarter of a crop. Damsons are very scarce ; all the trees are alike. Apricots with me are a poor crop; the trees promised well, but 17° of frost when in bloom was too much for them. This with hail and sleet combined destroyed all the first bloom. A few of the late buds that were close to the wall escaped. Peaches and Nectarines usually set so well with me on open walls that the ditficulty is mostly in thinning sufficiently to give the fruits a chance. But that is not the difficulty this season ; indeed some of the earliest trees have not a single fruit ; others, such as Dymond, the Nectarine Peach, Sea Eagle, Golden Eagle, and late kinds, are fair. Midseason kinds have a very thin crop. Nectarines are under the average. The trees of both Peaches and Nectarines look remarkably well and should make good fruiting wood for another season. Early Rivers Nectarine promises well, but this year such kinds as Pine-apple and late kinds have better crops than that useful variety Lord Napier. Cherries have been good. Doubtless owing to the protracted drought last season the trees have this year suffered more from loss of branches than usual, but in my light soil I always lose some in spite of frequent renewal of trees and assisting the roots. Most of the dessert Cherries were very good, and such kinds as Governor Wood, the Bigarreaus in variety, Early Rivers and Black Tartarian were the best in the black section. Morellos this year are not so good. They showed plenty of bloom, but being late the severe weather affected them. As regards Strawberries, this is my worst year on record. Bloom was abundant, the promise good, but not a quarter of a crop, as frost at the blooming period killed the earliest and, of course, the strongest flowers, and severe drought with a light soil prevented later bloom giving the results it would have done, and I fear the crop in this neighbourhood may be classed as a quarter of the usual yield. In my own case I have been able on a single occasion to gather by the hundredweight ; this year only by the pound. Raspberries are good, but need moisture badly to swell up the fruit. Superlative I find far ahead of all others for crop. Goose- berries and Currants have been good, the latter being more abundant than the former. The Gooseberries though late were doubtless affected by the late frost. Vegetables have been plentiful. Potatoes were much later than usual, owing to the cold weather. At the end of May growth was at a standstill, and it is surprising how cold affects some, such as the Ashleafs, more than the stronger growers. My earliest kind this year was Ringleader, but the best, though a few days later, was Ninety- fold. Most of the Ashleaf varieties are splendid this year as regards quality, but the tubers are rather smaller than usual. The late kinds look well and promise a large yield, and there is so far no sign of disease. Broccoli this spring, owing to a mild winter, was over sooner than usual. Cauliflowers were excellent, and though the heat and drought have affected later supplies, by having plants in diverse positions there has been no break in the supply. The early Pea crop was the best I have had, and in spite of cold weather when in bloom I gathered Chelsea Gem in May from open borders. Bountiful I find a splendid variety for sowing in pots and planting out. The plants of later kinds have been attacked badly with thrips, but so far I have kept pace with the pest and only a small portion of the plants suf- fered. Later crops will need the same care, and should be watered overhead in the evening to check the spread of insect pests. There was a bountiful supply of French Beans from pot plants, and those sown in the open are doing well, but need moisture to keep red spider at bay. I find the new climbing Beans of great value, as they are more robust than the dwarf kinds and not so quickly affected by drought and heat and nearly as early with fine pods. I consider this new Bean of great value where quantities are needed. Other vegetables have been plentiful and good ; salads abundant till mid- July. Since then special culture has been necessary to provide successional supplies. Most crops in this district at the time of writing need rain badly, and I fear in many gardens it will be a difficult matter to get out the winter crops. Every chance should be taken to do so, as when change of weather occurs the plants will soon make up for lost time. — G. Wythes. Swanmore Park, Hants. — The fruit crops here and in this neighbourhood generally are un- satisfactory. Apples are a very thin crop, and this notwithstanding the abundance of bloom. The late frosts experienced at the time they were in flower proved very destructive. Then, again, later on (.June '2S) a severe hailstorm visited the district, doing much damage, knocking some of the fruit off and bruising the remainder that were not protected by branches. Pears are likewise a thin crop. Plums are also a scanty crop. One of the largest growers in this district estimates his crop at about a quarter of the average. Here we have a poor crop with the exception of the variety Belle de Louvain, which is heavy. This appears to be a most consistent bearer. It is early, the quality good, and I should say worthy of more extensive cultivation. Damsons about here are almost a failure. Dessert Cherries have been fairly good ; Morellos promise well, but black fly has been troublesome and requires constant attention to keep it under. Peaches on outside walls are good considering the severe test they were put to from March 20 to March 2-1, when they were in full bloom, no less than 10° of frost being registered at that time. Fish netting placed four thicknesses proved only a slight pro- tection, but where canvas was employed and kept a considerable distance from the wall a much fuller crop was ensured. Blister has again been prevalent, but not quite so bad as last sea- son. Strawberries, although looking so strong and healthy in the spring and showing an abund- ance of bloom later, have been poor and much below the average. Prices have ruled high. Last season, when plentiful, good fruit was selling at Is. per gallon, while this season Is. Gd. and 2s. are asked for fruit of inferior quality. Royal Sovereign is the variety chiefly grown. Rasp- berries are a fair crop. These seem to withstand the drought better than many kinds of fruit. Superlative is the favourite variety, and it well sustains its reputation of being a consistent and good bearer. Gooseljerries, White, Black, and Red Currants are heavy, especially some trees trained to a north wall, which will keep up the supply after those in the open are done. Filberts are an average crop. Vegetables on the whole are a very good crop. Early Peas have been good, but rain is much needed to help forward the later kinds. Potatoes are excellent where the ground is in good tilth ; otherwise they have suffered from the drought. Greens have been much infested with green fly, an unique experience probably caused by the drought. — J. Lewis. Wrest Park, Beds.— The fruit crop this sea- son is anything but a satisfactory one, owing no doubt to the frosts we had when most of the fruit trees were in full blossom. The late Peaches and Nectarines suffered very much from the severe frosts experienced about March 20. Apples are not an average crop here this season, and will be small owing to the dry weather. The Strawberry crop was of very short duration. As far as I can ascertain it has been the same nearly all over Bedfordshire. The vegetable crops are very satisfactory on the whole, and good crops have been gathered of all kinds of early vegetables. The drought is beginning to be felt very much in this neighbour- hood, as the rainfall has been very poor since May ; consequently all kinds of late vegetables are showing signs of the drought, and Potatoes and a great many other crops will suffer accord- ingly.—George MacKinley. Battle Abbey. — Apples very good. Pears average on walls, none in open ground ; dropped during frost and winds in May. Plums light ; Peaches and ' Nectarines light ; Quinces and Medlars heavy ; Cherries light ; Strawberries heavy crop, very fine fruit, especially Royal Sovereign and Latest of All, which I iind treated as annuals are much the best for dessert. Rasp- berries, Currants, and Gooseberries heavy crop. Most of the stone fruit dropped during the cold we had in May. We had 4° of frost each morning from May 2.'? to 29. Strawberries were all covered up or we should have had none. Vegetables are remarkably good all round, especially Peas and Potatoes, which I have not seen better. The ground here being very heavy and deeply worked, dry weather suits it the be3t.--WM. Cajiji. Coombe Park, WMtchurch, Reading. — Fruit crops in this neighbourhood suffered very much from late spring frost, especially on the lower ground. Strawberries, except some of the late kmds, are quite a failure. Gooseberries, Currants and Raspberries are fair. Cherries are good, especially on the higher ground. Apples, Plums and Pears are poor with the exception of a tree hero and there. Filberts and Walnuts are good. Trees and all kinds of vegetation in this neighbourhood suffered very much last season from drought, from which many have not re- covered.— E. Tkollope. Widmore Court, Bromley. — Apples on bushes and trained trees are a very good crop ; orchard trees are rather light. Cherries in this garden are only a moderate crop, but there are splendid crops in the neighbourhood. Black Currants are a very fair crop and fruit fine. I think by what I have seen they are rather above the average. The mite is bad here. Red and White Currants are a splendid crop; in fact, one of the heaviest I have seen in this district. Figs outside are a very fair crop. Gooseberries are a fair crop and fruit fine. We seldom get extra heavy crops in this locality now, as the sparrow claims his share in the early spring. Plums on walls are a very fine crop ; on bushes and stan- dards there is a hght crop. Peaches outside are very poor. Raspberries very good fruit. Straw- berries have been very disappointing in this 146 THE GAEDEK [August 19, 1899. locality this year ; in private places the crops have been very fair. Vegetables.— Spring Cabbages have not been so good here, nor, in fact, in the whole neighbour- hood this year. Potatoes are only a moderate crop here, but very fine in the fields. — Alex. McGlashan. Walhampton Park, near Lymington. — I find Apples a good crop in general, Pears a fair crop. Plums bad. Peaches and Nectarines bad, Cherries fair. Pigs good, especially Brown Turkey, which always does well here. All small fruit a good crop. Vegetables have been in general a good crop, but owing to the long severe drought in this part are now almost a failure. — J. Souza. Beckett Gardens, Shrivenham, Berks. — The fruit crop in this neighbourhood is below the average. Apples and Pears are very scarce. Plums good. Damsons poor, Apricots (outside) moderate. Cherries good, Figs (outside) good. Currants, Gooseberries and Raspberries very good ; Strawberries h.ave been a failure. Vegetables are good. Early Potatoes are small, second earlies good. The main crops are looking well, but are in want of rain ; the same also can be said of the Peas and Beans'. The Onion crops are very good and quite free from maggot. The root crops are especially good. The winter greens are in want of rain to strengthen them, or else they will get another attack of the caterpillar, which did so much damage to them last year. — H. Wkicht. Loseley Park Gardens, Guildford. — All bush fruits are abundant. Gooseberries, Currants and Raspberries are a full crop. Strawberries are almost a failure, owing no doubt to frost in May. Plums are better than fcr some years past, but cannot be considered a full crop. Pears are much below the average. Apples are very satis- factory, although not up to the average. Nuts are plentitul. The vegetable quarters have suffered much from the drought and excessive heat. Peas are fairly good, but the season was soon over. Pota- toes are looking well. — H. Sawyer. Colworth, Shamtirook, Beds. — Apples are a good crop; Apricots none; Currants very heavy ; Cherries good ; Damsons light ; Gooseberries abundant ; Mulberries good ; Pears medium ; Plums good ; Peaches none outside ; Raspberries very good ; Strawberries very light. Ve(ietaeles.— Peas very good, but promise to fail soon from want of rain. Potatoes promise well.— J. HoAD. Bayham Abbey Gardens, Lamberhurst, Kent. — The fruit crops are on the whole satisfac- tory. Apples with us are thin, but better with others near. Pears are an average crop, and will, I think, be good. Plums are average. Peaches and Nectarines suflfered very severely from frost and later from blister ; Apricots are thin ; Nuts a fair crop. Strawberries, with the exception of Royal Sovereign and Waterloo, are not very good. Raspberries are an immense crop, as are also Gooseberries. Currants of all sorts are good. Cherries thin, except Morellos, which are a heavy crop. Vegetables are as a whole good. Early Peas are good, but main- crop ones are infested with thrips, which is very prevalent here, and if not checked entirely spoils the crop. Carrots are very scarce, a great part of the crop going off when quite young. Onions, Potatoes, Celery, &c- , are good. — G. H. Sace. Kingston House Gardens, near Abingdon. — Apricots are poor ; Peaches and Nectarines average ; Cherries and Plums poor ; Apples aver- age, the earliest Ijlooming trees loaded, later flowering sorts a complete lilank ; Pears poor; Strawliarries a light crop and soon over ; Rasp- berries good ; Gooseberries very light ; Currants enormous crops ; Nuts fair ; Walnuts thin, a good set, Ijut the majority have since fallen. Vegetables have liaen, and still promise to be, grand ; in fact, during the ten years I have had charge of these gardens I have never had such crops, though I must say we have been very fortunate as regards rain, many of our neighbours not having had a drop when we have had heavy thunderstorms. — A. J. Morris. Orchids. SOME RECENT ODONTOGLOSSUMS. The number of really good Odontoglossums that have made their appearance during the past six months is remarkable. Recent im- portations have been undoubtedly rich in superior forms of O. crispura. I recently visited a collection where Odontoglossums are a speciality, and I was surprised, among the number of plants blooming for the first time in this country, to find scarcely a poor-shaped flower or one wanting in substance. There were some hundreds of spikes expanded at the Odontoglossum crispum Franz Masereel. From a photoyraph sent by Mr. H, J, Chapman. when shown by M. Vervaet on November 13, 1894. It is certainly one of the most distinct and lovely varieties that has ever been seen. The outside of the sepals and petals is beautifully blotched with bright rose-purple, marbled with white, the front of these segments having a ground colour of white, through which is re- flected the purple from the back, giving each the appearance of having a rose suffusion. The sepals are blotched and marbled with rich maroon markings. The petals, as shown in the illustration, are more evenly marked, and the large blotch which covers nearly the whole of the centre area is slightly deeper in colour than are the markings of the sepals ; the band around the toothed white edges is of a similar colour, as are also the smaller lines and spot- tings towards the base. The lip is white, shading to yellow on the disc. The large spot in the centre and the smaller ones towards the base are bright brown. The cut raceme carried three flowers. On March 14 a lovely form was exhibited by M. Jules Hye as O. c. Sultan. It is a very brilliant form, and one in which the white, tinted rose ground colour has been almost obliterated by the deep reddish purple, large irregular blotches. All the segments have a very narrow margin of rose, tinted white. Through the big blotches the ground colour runs in irregular nar- row lines. The lip is large, white, with deep yellow disc and bright purple spots in front. The flowers- were nearly 3 inches in diameter, but the shape was somewhat loose, the segments not overlapping each other, as in the better shaped forms. It would be interesting if some of our Odontoglossum experts would give us the distinctive characteristics by which we might distinguish the difference between O. c. Sultan, O. c. Sanderianum, and O. c. Hyeanum. Mr. de B. Crawshay will, perhaps, be kind enough to give us what is desired here. On April 18 Mr. B. Ashworth exhibited and received a first-class, certificate for O. c. Ash- worthianum. In this the sepals and petals are almost wholly rich brown, marbled and margined with white. The broad lip has a wide margin of white, centre deep brown, mottled with white and having some yellow on the disc. The plant carried a raceme of six flowers. It resembles O. c. Baroness Schifeder to a great extent. The only distinction between the two- is that the markings in Mr. Ash- worth's plant are brown ; whereas in O. c. Baroness Schrteder the spotting deep purple. At the meeting on Mr. T. B. Haywood exhibited O. c. In this the flowers are almost pure a slight trace of rose in is of a May 16 Purity. time. The high prices also which good forms realise when oft'ered for sale give every en- couragement both to the importer and grower. , _ Odontoglossums were never in greater demand white, only a slight trace of rose in the than at the present day and sensational prices sepals and the yellow on the disc of the lip are often obtained for the best of the typical being apparent. The flowers are of remarkable form, more particularly for distinctly spotted , form and substance. At the same meeting was varieties. I propose noting some of the best ! also shown O. c. Raymond Crawshay. This propose have been exhibited during the forms that present year. One of the first to make its appearance was the subject of the accompanying illustration, Odontoglossum crispum var. Franz Masereel. This plant was exhibited at the Royal Horti- cultural Society's meeting on February 28 last by M. Jules Hye, of Ghent, when the Orchid committee awarded it the society's silver Flora medal. It had previously been certificated promises to be one of the finest forms of O. crispura in cultivation. It was not expanded when shovni, but on seeing the flowers later, I was surprised at its attractive and distinct char- acteristics. Particulars of this were given on page 44(1 of the last volume of The Garden. O. c. Arthur Brisco was exhibited by Mr. W. Thompson, of Stone, Stafl'ord, at the Temple show. It is a distinct variety of fine form and substance. The sepals are white, with some August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 147 indistinct purple through the centre. The centre area has several rich, large purplish spots. The petals, much toothed at the margin, have a pure white ground and several large blotches of purple in the centre. The lip" is white, shading to yellow on the disc, the centre area having several large brown spots. At the same raeeting^IM. Jules Hye showed O. c. Etoile du Congo, a pretty form. The sepals are white, having large blotches of brown in the centre area, the petals also white, with spottLngs of the same colour as the sepals tjwards the base, the lip white, with a yellow disc and some brown spottings in the centre. In M. Linden's group at this show was O. c. var. Jliss Linden, in which the sepals are white, sufl'used with rose, and thickly covered with numerous small brown spots. The petals are white with some purple in the centre, where there are also numerous small brown spots. The lip is white, shading to yellow on the disc, with some brown spots in the centre. At the Drill Hall meeting of June 27 two remarkable forms were exhibited. The variety O. c. Seraphim from Mr. de B. Crawshay is almost white ; only the faintest tint of colour could be traced on the bottom sepals of the lowest flower on the spike and the yellow disc of the lip. It also had some brown spottings on the column. The flowers were each considerably over 4 in. in diameter. O. c. purpurascens came from the collection of Sir T. Lawrence, Burford Lodge, Dorking. It is a distinct and desirable form of the O. c. Starlight section, the flowers being white, tinted with rose, the segments thickly covered with miniature lilac-purple spots, the lip having some large brown spots in the centre. Odontoglossum crispum Rochfordianum was recently noted in flower in the nurseries of Mr. T. Rochford at Turnford Hall, Broxbourne. It is by far the best of the many good things that has flowered among Mr. Rochford's im- ported plants. It may be well to mention that there are 100,000 plants of Odontoglossum crispum in cultivation here, and as the majority of these are un flowered there will no doubt be found many fine and valuable varieties among them. The sepals are about aL inch wide, the ground colour white, heavily sufl'used around the outer margins with deep violet-purple, the central area thickly covered with large yellowish tmted brown spots. The petals are of beauti- ful form, li inches across, much toothed on the margins, the ground colour white, with some violet-purple at the apex and spottings of the same colour near the margin at the base. The whole of the central area is one large blotch of yellowish brown, marbled and mottled with white. The broad lip is white at the apex and around the margin, the centre area covered with one large blotch of chestnut- brown, the bright yellow disc having several spots and lines of the same colour on it. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. As in O. c. Franz Masereel, the remarkable coloration of the segments can be seen from the exterior of the flowers. H. J. C. Masdevallia radiosa. — I consider this one of the best of the Masdevallias of the Chimiera sec- tion and a very distinct and interesting plant. The leaves are tall and strong, and the spikes pu9h out over the sides of the basket or pan in which it grows. These produce several blossoms in succession, one falling and another taking its place, so that it is often in flower. The tu^e part of the flower is bell-shaped, open in front, and in colour a brownish yellow, this part being covered with deep purple hairs, the tails purple. The lip is small, white, spotted wirh rose and black. A native of New Grenada, it should be grown in a hous9 where the temperac ture does not fall below .J0° in winter, with very cool quarters in summer. — H. Chysis bractesoens.— This plant is certainly much better grown than it used to be, and the improvement in the materials used in fumigation has helped towards this end. The ease with which insects can be kept at bay has much more to do with improved culture than many people are aware of, and I was reminded of this on see- ing a lot of very healthy plants of this Chysis recently. The plant does best in a fairly strong compost in whicli good loam figures largely. The structure of the roots seems to point to a lot of moisture being necessary both in the atmosphere and in the compost. Xot very much heat is needed, but the temperature must be high enough to induce free growth, which must be well ripened by exposure to sun and air in autumn, or flowers will not be forthcoming in spring. — H. SAGCOLABIUMS. Just at this time of year all Orchids with distichous leaves from a single stem are growing very freely and require considerable care. The principal dift'erence between these and the pseudo-bulbous division is that the latter may be dried ott'and ripened, so to speak, this process taking place more or less suddenly according to the likes of individual species. Witli dis- tichous-leaved plants this sudden change would not do, and in consequence the ripening must go on during the whole of the growing season, the leaves being consolidated as they are pro- duced by the action of sun and air. Ko genus in this section likes more light and sun than Saccolabiums, and it is especially necessary now to all the winter-flowering kinds, such as S. giganteum and its varieties and allied kinds. In the depth of winter, when the conditions under which the plants are grown are at their very worst, these plants have to perfect and produce long racemes containing an enormous number of flowers, and, if allowed, to carry them for several weeks. Unless the plant has plenty of stamina in it it will not stand this strain, and now is the time to prepare for it by exposing every leaf to the light and allowing as much as possible of the health-giving air to play about them. In winter this cannot be done, of course, and the fact of the plants mentioned flowering at that season is one of the most difli- cult points to get over in their cultivation. If this consolidating treatment is neglected now, it is very probable the plants will not flower at all ; while if they do, the blossoms will be poor and washy in colour and thin in texture. Again, the plants will show their weakness by the foliage dropping in spring, a certain sign that something is wrong and the most reliable symptom of distress. Turning to the S. Blumei section, the plants here are somewhat difterent. They have not the same great fleshy foliage that the kinds I have mentioned above have, and anyone unacquainted with Orchids may think that they were more difficult to grow on account of this seemingly weak habit. But it is not so, and with fairly good treatment S. Blumei and its allies can be grown on year after year in comparative cer- tainty of arriving at large specimen size, a very uncertain goal for S. giganteum or S. viola- ceum. At the time this ripening process is going on it is not feasible to reduce the atmo- spheric moi.'^ture as we do for Dendrobiums and other tropical Orchids. Doubtless in their native habitats they are exposed to conditions of climate quite as severe as the Dendrobes, but under cultivation this will not do, and it is necessary to keep up the atmospheric moisture or lose the foliage. All through the summer light dewings from the syringe may be given daily over the foliage, but these should now be discontinued, excepting on very bright days. The house being closed early, the temperature will run up rather high, producing just the con- ditions the plants like, especially the dwarf kinds, like S. Hendersonianum, S. miniatum, and S. curvifolium. These are usually grown in small baskets or pans quite close to the roof- glass, and though the larger kinds mentioned above like equally as much light, the receptacles should be rather larger, especially for S. gigan- teum, the immense roots of which will push through a fairly large amount of rough, open compost and drainage. S. Blumei does not require quite so much root-run, though when the plants are large and healthy they make a fair amount of root. All are beautiful plants that may with advantage be added to any col- lection of Orchids however select, and many of them flower during a dull season for Orchids. Lycaste lanipes. — This is one of the most free-flowering of Lycastes, and a good plant of it in bloom has a very fine appearance. The spikes crowd up around the large bulbs and each bears a single flower. The sepals and petals are rather narrow, the former greenish, the latter ivory- white, as is also the smgularly shaped lip. In a cool, moist house it may be grown in rather large pots, equal parts of peat, loam fibre, and Moss finely chopped making a good compost. Rather liberal supplies of moisture are necessary at the roots, especially, of course, when the growth is most active. Oncidium prsetextum. — Grown in a light part of the Cattleya house this fine Oncidium flowers well and freely, and is one of the best of the autumn-flowering members of the genus. In habit and manner of flowering it resembles O. crispum rather closely, the flower racemes arching and often branched, containing when strong a large number of bright yellow and brown flowers. A raft or very shallow basket suits it well, so that the roots may not be hampered by a lot of com- post, but push readily through it and into the air of the house. Plenty of moisture both at the roots and in the atmosphere is necessary, and in order to avoid distressing the plant, it is wise to cut the flowers after a week or so. The bulbs are not particularly large for the immense spikes that they produce, and it is a pity to weaken the plant just for the sake of another week's display. In order to avoid disturbance of the roots, it is well when placing the plants in the baskets or on the rafts to keep the leads as near the centre as pos- sible, using also the best description of peat and Moss for compost. These materials, in conjunc- tion with a few crocks and a little charcoal, will grow it well. "Watering Cattleyas. — Little as I believe in overwatering these Orchids at any time of the year, I am convinced that in quite a number of cases they get far too little now that the pseudo- bulbs are finishing and the roots ^'ery active. The eft'ect of lack of water at this time of the year is that the bulbs finish up prematurely, and in consequence break weakly in spring. These growths are more apt to damp ofi' than are those that start from fully developed buds and pseudo- bulbs, and though it seems somewhat of a con- tradiction, the lack of moisture leads to damping. Water with freedom, then, until the pseudo-bulbs are fully matured, and not until then reduce the supply a little. I have never seen the good effects that are supposed to follow the drying-off of Cattleyas in winter to such an extent that both leaves and pseudo-bulbs shrivel, and in the majority of cases the plants are quite free flowering without any such proceeding. It is as wrong to go to one extreme as the other, and the shrivelling can but detract from the beauty and strength of the flowers when they do appear. When Id is done with such kinds as C. aurea or C. gigas, certain plants of which do not always flower as freely as desirable, it is worse than useless, as 148 THE GARDEN. [AuGDST 19, 1899. t weakens the plant with no corresponding bene- fit.—H. R. Dendrobium Aphrodite. — In its native country this plant is found growing high up on the branches of tall trees in company with D. albo-sanguineum. It is useful in making a pretty show after the usual deciduous Dendrobes are over, and is rather more difficult to keep in health than the majority of these. The pseudo- bulbs are stem-like, swollen at the nodes like those of D. Findlayanum, and the blossoms look extremely pretty towards the upper ends of these. The sepals and petals are creamy white, and the lip has two maroon blotches, one on either side. In growing D. Aphrodite, it is well to see that whatever is used as compost is not likely to quickly decay, and very good results have been obtained by growing it on blocks of Tree Fern stems. Here, of course, the plants can remain for a number of years without dis- turbance, and this suits them much better than pot or basket culture. Baskets and composts decay and the roots sicken, but the natural roughness of the Fern stems suits the roots well. They are very light, too, and may be suspended as easily as a basket. Ample light is essential all the year round, and a good deal of care is necessary to keep yellow thrips in check. AN^CTOCHILI. Except in a few well-known places, the culture of these singularly beautiful Orchids is not at- tempted, some at least being extremely difficult to grow. But the beauty of the foliage, unsur- passed in some cases by any other plants, should tempt more amateurs to try and grow them, starting with some of the least expensive and strongest growing kinds, and gaining a little experience before going in for them largely. It is usual to grow them in a stove temperature under handglasses in order to retain atmospheric moisture, and a great deal depends upon the temperature being kept regular and always moist. The plan of watering overhead has been the cause of many plants dying. Although they like the atmosphere absolutely saturated with mois- .ture, this in the morning settling in the form of dew all over the plants or at any time when the glasses are not tilted, still they do not like water poured on t)iem from a syringe or even a sprayer. The roots, in fact, would probably be better not watered from the top provided sufficient moisture could be brought to them in any other way, say by plunging in Sphagnum Moss and keeping this always moist. But this makes the Moss grow so rapidly that it is diffiult to keep it in place, and by far the nicest specimens I have seen were grown in small pots simply standing on a bed of finely broken coke. The position was a light stove, and no sunshine could reach the cases in which the plants were grown. The lights were tilted a little for a couple of hours daily, and the air of the house kept as moist as possible while this was done. Beyond this the plants had no air except what filtered through the joints of the glass and woodwork. No peat was used, simply chopped Moss and a little half-decayed leaf soil, these materials being apparently sprinkled among broken pieces of crocks and bricks, which formed the bulk of the compost. A very small fine- rosed can was used twice daily, so that the coke was always moist, and the roots were only watered at long intervals, the moisture rising and keeping the crocks and Moss moist. The propagation of these plants is extremely easy when the rhizomes are strong enough to bear it, and simply consists in cutting olT the tops or any part that has a tuft of leaves and a few roots and setting the cuttings going on their own account. The temperature most suitable is about 70° by day and 65° night in winter, raising these 10° in summer and keeping them very regular. One would think in such a case as that described insects could not live, but thrips occasionally put in appearance and give a lot of trouble. Fumiga- tion is out of the question, and very careful sponging with a weak solution of tobacco water is the only safe remedy. H. Flower Garden. RUDBECKIA GOLDEN GLOW. We are all familiar with the Black-eyed Susan, the Rudbeckia hirta of the botanists. R. laci- niata is a near relative, and in its typical form somewhat resembles it, except that the disc flowers, those minute blooms covering the cone, are of a dull greenish colour instead of yellow, and the whole flower larger. In the doubling up of the Golden Glow, these disc flowers have it a double R. laciniata. Mr. Childs gave it the name Golden Glow, and I bought from him in order to compare it with those received from Mr. Jensen. They proved identical. Mr. Jensen had seen in the autumn of 1895 a large clump of it in the garden of a German in Chicago, who had received it a year or so before from a relative, and traded some Geraniums for a few roots. This traces it back to 1893 or 1894. At this latter date it was blooming both in Mr. Child's place and in Chicago. A writer in an English paper about a year ago claimed that it was introduced to English gardens nearly twenty years ago under the name R. laevigata. Mr. Wm. Falconer, of Schenley Park, Pittsburg, Pa., dispelled this Eudbechia laciniata flore-pleno (syn., R. Golden Qlow). changed into ray flowers. The Black-eyed Susan will thrive in dry soil, but the other, being indigenous to the borders of swamps and low meadows, requires a fair amount of mois- ture. The origin of this double form is yet unsolved. About 1894 John Lewis Childs found it in his grounds among some unknown plants sent him by some of his customers. From it he increased the stock that has, in the main, reached the gardens of the United States and Europe. While I bought three plants in the spring of 1896 from Mr. Childs, I had three given me in the autumn of 1895 by Mr. Jensen, the superin- tendent of Humboldt Park, Chicago, who called illusion in a clear and forcible manner. The mere fact that a plant so attractive in all its parts, so hardy in constitution, so readily grown and rapidly increased, was unknown in this country until within the past few years, even in the largest collections and among the most intelligent professionals and amateurs, is evidence enough that it was not known in English gardens twenty years ago. The group illustrated is composed of the three plants obtained from IMr. Childs which were placed in their present po.sition in the spring of 1895. Some young plants from the outside of the group have been taken away. The group is supported and protected from August 19, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 149 damage by the winds by an iron hoop 4 feet in diameter, placed about 4 feet from the ground, and fastened to four strong stakes set among the plants. This is put in place when the plants are some 5 feet high. The hoop — which is of round iron —is slipped over nearly all the plants. Enough of the outer row of stalks is left outside the hoop to hide it and the stakes ; these are then distributed evenly along the hoop and tied loosely, allowing each stalk 3 inches or 4 inches play. When a heavy rain accompanied by winds comes they are apt to become top-heavy and may break. In such cases I run temporarily a heavy but soft string around the whole group, well up towards the top, and draw it in quite closely, thus bunch- ing it as one would a sheaf of wheat. This is removed when the storm is over and the blooms dried off. In this way one stalk supports the other and damage is seldom done. It forms such a strikingly ornamental group upon the lawn that it pays to devote some extra care to it. The drip from a lawn hose connection is carried under this group by tiles, thus affording it an extra amount of moisture. Where plants are not given enough water the blooms are smaller. ^W. C. E., in American Florist. Acanthus mollis latifolius. — Buried among other parennials, each fighting for the mastery, this is not particularly showy, oat give it room to properly develop its fine foliage and sufficient moisture and food to produce large, vigorous spikes, and its beauty is beyond question. The rosy-tinted form is always a noble plant when grown in this way, and any of the varieties are singularly striking and effective in large, bold clumps. They also make a welcome change from Delphiniums and other well-known herbaceous plants, besides which they flower late in July and August when many of these are getting past their best. Tritoma grandiflora.— This is one of the few herbaceous plants that have a good effect in the landscape, the broad, handsome Aloe-like fohage and very bright red spikes of blossom showing up at a great distance and sure to attract attention. The upper portion is of the brightest red imagin- able, then a golden yellow, and lastly green. To grow it well, stations should bs cleared, and if the soil is poor, removed, filling up with good rich compost. This will allow of its making ample growth and throwing up spikes of noble proportions 6 feet or more high. The stations should be kept weeded for a time, and good manurial support in some form or another sup- plied annually, NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Galegi officinalis.— This and its white variety G. 0. albiflora are useful for catting at this time of year. Although in many cases they are left in the ground for a number of years, it is better to take up the plants occasionally, divide them, and replant in fresh positions. An open, sunny position backed by evergreens is best for them, as when in flower almost the whole of their own foliage is hidden. Potentilla formosa.— Very beautiful just now are large, loose clumps of this fine herbaceous plant There are hundreds of flowers produced in loose heads, the colour a pretty crimson, and it is as useful for cutting as it is pretty in the open. P. formosa likes a fairly stiff, not too rich soil, in which case it may be planted near the front, where in late summer and autumn flower is scarce, most dwarf plants being over. _ Iris Straussi.— This was first found in the en- virons of Sultanabad, in Persia, by M. Th. Strauss and grown by Herr llax Leichtlin. This little Iris belongs to the section Pogoniris (Iris barbatus). It is of low stature (under 3 inches), with narrow' leaves and a two-flowered stem. The flower is of fair size and of a brown-violet colour. It is weU adapted, from its dwarf size, for the rock garden.— Reuue Uoriicole. Iris assyrlaea.- Native of the Euphrates valley this was described by Hausknecht in 1896. It is a very handsome plant, 20 inches in height, leaves a fine green and undulating, sometimes 12 inches in breadth. The six or eight flowers, opening from the summit of the stem downwards, are close upon 4 inches in diameter, and generally of a very pale uniform lilac colour. It is robust and free-flowering. Out of doors under a frame it flowers about the end of March. Like aU Irises of the Juno group, it requires to be protected in winter, and, above all, requires a period of rest and absolute drought in summer. — Seime Horticole. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Adodst 15. For a mid-August gathering, the display both of fruit and of flowers brought to the Drill Hall on Tuesday last was highly creditable. The open- air flowers were excellent considering the ex- cessive heat and drought. The fine collections of herbaceous Phloxes shown at this meeting merited all praise ; indeed, had it been one of those moist or dripping seasons they could hardly have been better. Dahlias were on this occasion noteworthy for their freshness and general good form. Gladioli too were good, some especially so, yet here we would fain see what has long been needed in these things, a different mode of exhibiting them, even though the change were but a modification of the present straight- laced method, which is quite unrelieved by aught else, thus presenting a never-ending glare of rich colours to the eye. Some fine Caladiums too were shown, though these would appear to have reached a point of excellence beyond which they cannot pass. Roses also were very good, and the Orchids if not numerous contained some beautiful and interesting things. Some excellent fruit was also shown. Orchid Oommittee. A first-class certificate was awarded to — L.elioCattleya WiOAN.i: (L. purpurata x C. Dominianaj.^This is a lovely hybrid surpassing in beauty the lovely L.-C. Dominiana. The sepals and petals are of tine form and substance, deep rosy lilac in colour, the lip, upwards of 2J inches across, of a deep crimson-purple, veined with a darker shade of colour at the base. In front of the throat there is a large blotch of deeper purple, from which there run numerous veins of the same colour extending over the whole of the front sur- face. The side lobes are similar in colour to the front lobe, becoming suffused with a bronzy yel- low at the base and through the throat. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. From the collection of Sir F. Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen. Awards of merit were adjudged to the fol- lowing : — Cattleya Whitei. — A supposed natural hybrid between C. Warneri and C. Schilleriana. The sepals are deep bronzy, tinted and suffused with rose, the petals deep rose, of fine form and sub- stance, the lip flat as in C. Schilleriana, deep rose-purple, much fringed on the margin, the side lobes rose tinted with purple, shading to yellow at the base. It is in every way superior to the original form, each flower being upwards of 8 inches across. From Sir F. Wigan. ScHOMisuRGKiA Lyonsi. — In this the flowers are each about 2 inches in diameter, the ground colour white, thickly covered over the sepals and petals with deep plum-purple. The lip has some yellow around the margin, the central and basal portion white, suflused with purple. The plant carried a raceme of fourteen flowers. From Lord Rothschild, Tring Park. L.t;lioCattleva Bertha Focrs'ier (L. elegans Schilleriana x C. Dowiana). — The sepals are of fine form and substance, creamy white, tinted with rose, the petals white, mottled and tinted with rose, the broad lip rich crimson-purple in front, lighter on the side lobes, which are thickly covered towards the base with numerous yellow longitudinal lines. A cut flower came from Mrs. Mason, The Firs, Warwick. Stauropsis lissochiloides var. — This re- sembles the better-known Vanda Batemaniana, but it has smaller flowers. The sepals are yellow, spotted and mottled with dark Ijrown, the petals more heavily suffused with brown and with fewer spots. The lip is rosy purple, shading to yellow at the base. The whole of the exterior of the flowers is deep rose- purple. A cut raceme of some two dozen flowers came from Lord Roth- schild's collection. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. sent a very nice group. In the back row were several finely- flowered plants of Vanda carulea, a nice variety of Oncidium varicosum, and O. Krameri. Den- drobium Leeanum entieldiense is a delicate form with buff-yellow and rose-tinted flowers. Oat- tleyas were well represented by fine forms of C. Warscewiczi (gigas) and several good forms of C. Loddigesi. The beautiful C. superba was well represented. A good form of C. Dowiana and C. Eldorado were also included. C. Gaskelliana in both light and dark forms, the most attractive being C. Gaskelliana pallida, whose flowers had only the faintest tint of rose in the segments, was also shown. Odontoglossum crispum, O. Pesca- torei, and Cochlioda Noezliana were well repre- sented. In the rare Vanda Charlesworthi, which is supposed to be a natural hybrid between V. ccerulea and V. Bensonse, the upper sepal is rose, mottled with white, the lower sepals whiter, with only the faintest tint of rose. The petals are similar in colour to the upper sepal, the lip deep rose-purple, with some lines of white at the base. Lielia Amanda, Lailio-Cattleya elegans, and L. -C. Novelty (C. Turneri x L. Dayana) were well represented. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Mrs. Mason, The Firs, Warwick, sent Cypri- pedium Frau Ida Brandt (C. lo x C. Youngi- anum), Dendrobium McCarthiaj with three flowers, a good form of C. Warscewiczi and C. Fowleri, in which the sepals and petals are deep purple, the lip, as in C. Leopoldi, deep rose-purple in colour. Captain S. Julian, Plymouth, sent a light form of Cattleya Eldorado and the beautiful dark C. Harrisoniai violacea. The Rev. F. Paynter showed Lslio Cattleya Henry Greenwood (L. elegans Schilleriana x C. Hardyana), in which the sepals and petals are very pale lilac, the lip crimson-purple, the side lobes rose, shading to yellow at the base : Cattleya Harrisoni*, C. Gaskelliana, and a new hybrid, said to be be- tween Cattleya crispa and C. Warneri, but no trace of the parents could be discerned. M. Jules Hye, Ghent, sent a fine form of Cypripedium Moasianum. Mr. McDonald, Pitlochry, had a new hybrid belonging to the Cypripedium Roth- schildianum section. Mr. Norman, gardener to Lord Salisbury, sent a finely-grown plant of Aerides Lawrenceie var. Sanderiana with four spikes of flower, and Mr. de B. Crawshay showed Odontoglossum crispum Triana;, O. c. Miss F. M. Bovill, and a light form of O. Uro-Skinneri with an exceptionally large lip. Sir F. Wigan showed a distinct form of Cattleya Aclandia? and Cattleya Atalanta, in which the sepals and petals are bronzy yellow, suffused with rose, the whole of the front lobe bright crimson, the side lobes of the same colour at the apex, shading to white towards the base. The plant carried a raceme of seven flowers, each about 5 inches in diameter. L.-C. Aurora was also included. Floral Committee. A first-class certificate was awarded to Nepenthes Balfouriana. — A handsome form, having N. Mastersiana and N. mixta for its parents. In the newcomer the pitchers are very bold and well coloured, the inclination, par- ticularly in respect to size, being towards N. Mastersiana. The following obtained the award of merit : — Phlox Le Mahdi. — A very distinct kind with violet-purple flowers, quite the best of this shade that has yet appeared. From Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Waltham Cross. Rose Gross ad Toplitz.— A beautiful and showy Hybrid Tea, the flowers of a rich crimson- scarlet hue, in trusses containing twenty to thirty 150 THE GARDEK [August 19, 1899. buds. As a garden Rose this should prove of much value. From Messrs. W. Paul and Son. Gladiolus Burne-Jones. — A very fine scarlet, with flowers of immense size. From Messrs. Kelway and Son. Gladiolus F. Pay>ter. — The finest orange- scarlet we have seen : indeed, it is more vermilion in its intensity, and in the compact spike is showy in the extreme. From Messrs. Kelway and Son. Gladiolus Lady Montagu. — Here we have a lovely tone of yellow in a rather poor spike, yet a flower of great beauty and worth, the lower petals marked with crimson spots. From Messrs. Kel- way and Son. Gladiolus Hexri Vaudrier. — A striking flower of the G. Nanceianus type, or this mingling with some other form. The blossoms are of large size, spreading widely and crossing the tips of the segments to the next bloom. It is of a distinct amaranth tone, though the throat is white spotted. From Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Gladiolus Jan'e IJieulafoy. — This belongs to the Lemoinei section and is of a rose-salmon shade, the lower petals margined with the same colour and spotted with crimson on a white ground. From Messrs. Wallace and Co , Col- chester. CuPRESsus Lawsonian'A Wisseli. — A distinct and pretty plant, for which it is difficult to find any comparison. It is removed from the ordinary forms of this plant by the forked tendency of the branches that assume opposite directions. It is quite neat and compact in growoh and of a semi- glaucous tone. From Messrs. J. A'eitch and Sons, Chelsea. Dahlia (Cactus) Antler.— A very handsome flower of a crimson-amaranth hue throughout. From Messrs. Burrell and Co., Cambridge. Dahlia (Cactus) Sylph.— A brilliant orange- red kind, the tips of the florets well incurved. From Messrs. Burrell and Co. Dahlia (Cactus) Ajax.— This is of a silmon- orange hue, and not only distinct in shade from the last, but generally a larger and bolder flower. From Messrs. Burrell and Co. HoLLYiiocic Black Knight Improved.— This is a descriptive term, the flowers being of a glossy maroon and very full. From Messrs. Webb and Brand, Saffron Walden. Centaurea AMERICANA ALBA.— A very large and white-headed Cornflower of the annual class, though quite removed in size and appearance generally from anything we have before seen. The flower heads are each about 4 inches across and composed of long threadlike filaments, which are very numerous. From Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley. The Caladiums from Messrs. Laing and Co., Forest Hill, arranged on the floor, covered a very considerable space and contained all that is worth growing among these plants. Edith Lottrer, bronzy pink, with silvery blotches ; Charlotte Hoffman, small pure white foliage, with p.ale green stems ; Rt. Hon. .Jos. Chamberlain, blood- crimson, with green border ; Souvenir de Louis Thibaut, reddish rose, a long and distinct oval leaf; W. E. Gladstone, rich crimson, grass-green margin, very fine ; Aurore Boreale, dark red, spotted bronzy green, leaves of great size ; and Barillet, green, crimson centre, were among the best. The entire group had a background of t.all Palms, and was margined with the pretty C. argyrites and small Ferns (silver Flora medal). Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Crawley, had a fine lot of the newer Cactus Cihlias, many of which were remarkable for their beauty and colour. Of these. Ebony, blackish maroon ; Countess of Lons- dale, rich salmon - red ; Exquisite, a reddish apricot with long, claw - like petals ; Ranji, deep rich maroon ; Viscountess Sherbrook, terra - cotta, with apricot, were noteworthy. Among other things, Veronica salicifolia, Co- lutea arborescens, Glycaria spectabilis fol. var. and several Eulalias were noted. Messrs. Webb and Brand, Saffron Walden, had a superb lot of flowers of their well-kuown strain of double Hollyhocks, of which Leander, buff; Purity, amaranth ; Alf. Chater, rose ; Hercules, buff and rose ; and Black Knight, rich and glossy, were among the best (silver Banksian medal). A splendid lot of Dahlias came from Mr. Mortimer, Farnbam, Surrey, the group containing the finest of the Cactus and show and fancy kinds. Of the Cactus kinds. Countess of Lonsdale, Captain Broad, Ebony, Magnificent, Lucius, Firebrand, Ranji, The Clown, Radiance, E. J. Deal (the finest scarlet yet raised), Wallace (a bright amber), Arachne_, Mrs. J. Goddard, Starfish, Britannic, and Keyne's White were good. The show and fancy sorts were beautifully finished flowers, and were arranged on either side the Cactus forms (silver Flora medal). The group of Ctmpanula isophjUa Mayi from Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Line, Edmonton, was particularly fine, the plants even larger and better flowered than they appeared on a former occasion. More than this, the flowers now appear to have assumed their true character, as was seen in the more mature blossoms, which had a flush of reddish mauve at the tips of the lobes. The plants were splendidly grown, being a mass of flowers fully 18 inches high and nearly the same through. The plants were arranged amid a groundwork of Ferns, and in the mass made a very decided and attractive group (silver Banksian medal). The group of Ferns from Messrs. J. Hill and Son, Edmonton, was one of the finest ever brought to the Diill Hall, and was composed entirely of Adiantums, some sixty species and varieties being staged all beautifully fresh and clean look- ing ; indeed, it was remarked in several quarters hoiv well the plants were grown. Some of the finest and most distinct are Reginse, cuneatum grandiceps, elegans, Faulkneri, Victoria, Ca pillus veneris imbricatum (very fine in colour and in pinniv), curvatum, roseum (a pretty dwarf plant with rose-tinted fronds), Hendersoni, asarifolium, tinctum, Fergusoni ( perhaps one of the handsomest of all), tetraphyllum, Bessonianum (also a very distinct form), and many more of the better-known kinds, all in capital condition and certainly meriting great praise (silver Flora medal ). A considerable attraction too was the group of cut spikes of Gladiolus, though here we would pre- fer to see some change in the method of setting up, even it fewer spikes were shown and some other material introduced to act as a foil to the endless array of bright and beautiful colours. These latter too frequently cut each other, as it were, by the contrast of the flowers, and however beauti- ful in beds alone on the grass, scarcely show to the same advantage on the exhibition stand as now employed. Messrs. Kelway and Son, Lang- port, were large exhibitors of the^e, and though the flowers were good we do not hesitate to say we have in the past seen much finer spikes from the same source. Some attractive kinds were Sir M. Hicks Beach (salmon and white), Raladora (cerise and white), St. Gatien (crimson with lines of white), Bullion (yellow), Gallia (rosy white, freckled with scarlet), Princess Royal (satin rose and white), Zoe (blood-crimson), Wellington (maroon), Chopin (salmon - scarlet). Colonel Morgan (soft pink with spots). A silver Flora medal was awarded. A very great attraction, too, was the Roses and herbaceous Phloxes from Messrs. Wm. Pj.ul and Son, Waltham Cross, the former in vases and baskets arranged in groups, and the Phloxes in tall vases, in their great variety making a really fine display. Of the Phloxes alone some forty kinds were shown, and it certainly speaks volumes for the suitability of the soil and the district around Waltham Cross that in a season phenomenally dry these moisture-loving plants should appear so fine. Of these, the following are some of the best : Lumineux, salmon-scarlet ; Deroiche, deep lilac ; Meteore, salmon, white eye ; Beranger, soft salmon ; Etna, brilliant scarlet, very fine ; Esper- ance, rose, lilac, and white ; Coquelioot, orange- scarlet, a splendid colour ; Iris, violet ; Fiancee, pure white ; Embrasement, scarlet, &c. The Roses, too, were very beautiful, baskets and boxes of these in great variety, and indeed fine quality also (silver Flora medal). Another capital lob of Roses and Phloxes came from Messrs. Paul and Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt. Here many of the same kinds were noted, though of the Phloxes one or two excellent kinds call for mention. These are Bayudere, pure white ; Broxbourne Star, white and rose ; Jocelyn, very bright, colour of Etna ; Miss Pemberton, fine salmon ; Feodora, pale salmon ; and Mrs. Croft Murray, salmon-rose. Rudbeckia pur- purea, Statice latifolia, and a splendid spike of Veratrum nigrum quite 6 feet high were also here (silver Banksian medal). From Tottenham Mr. T. S. Ware sent a good batch of mixed hardy things, such as Tritomas, Tiger Lilies, Statice, Sunflowers, Agapanthus umbellatus albus, Delphinium chinensa album, Eryngiums of sorts. Cactus and pompon Dahlias, together with a fine lot of single and double Begonias, which, so far as single flowers are concerned, would take some beating (silver Banksian medal). Hardy flowers from Messrs. Wallace and Co., Colchester, were very fine, particularly the Liliums, which formed so large a part of their group. Of L. auratum and L, a. platyphyllum there was indeed a grand display, the spikes of flowers very fine and the blossoms massive in appearance. L longiflorum giganteum, L. tigri- num, and L. rubro-vittatum were equally good. Apart from these, a well-nigh complete collection of Montbretias was set up, these including the double-flowered form, though we confess to seeing more beauty in the single kinds. Some capital Echinops Ritro, blue and white Caucasian Sca- bious, Anemone japonica alba, Gaillardias in plenty, Coreopsis, and the finely-coloured Platy- codon Mariesi, which is ever an attraction in any group, were also shown. Charming, too, is Sidal- cei malvajflora Listeri, a pink flower deeply cut at the margin. It is a capital subject in the open or in a cut state. Basides these were hosts of Gladioli, many of which are very fine, those in particular which I elong to the G. Nancei- anus, Lemoinei, or Childsi groups being espe- cially strong, and, so far as the outdoor garden is concerned, valuable by reason of their greater general hardiness and freedom (silver Banksian medal). Another group of hardy flowers ca,me from Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, though in large degree it was apparent these things had suffered from the great heat of the year in conjunction with a soil hot, sandy, and dry. Lilies, Phloxes, Aconites, Sunflowers, Gaillardias, Pentstemon barbatus cocoineus, Hyacinthus candicans, and such things were freely shown. A soaall collection of flowers of single and double Begonias came from Mr. H. J. .Jones, and tesfiSed to the fine strain of these flowers. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co had a small group of the golden Acar (A. californicum aureum), a fine golden-leaved plant quite distinct from A. Negundo forms. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons hid a variety of in'eresting things, among which a huge example of Clerodendron trichotomum with white flowers attracted some attention, being of considerable age and a mass of its flowers. Pentstemons in pots well grown and in great variety were also shown, together with Clematis Davidiana, Apera arundinacea, Andromeda arborea (small white blossoms), Pha- rus guianensis albo-striata, a set of the javanico- jasminiflorum Rhododendrons, and several more or less double varieties of Begonia semperflorens, representing white, rose, and scarlet shades. A very handsome group arranged on the floor of plants grown within three or four miles of Charing Cross came frm Mrs. Abbott, South View, Regent's Park (Mr. G. Keif, gardener). The group in question was one of the usual order of such things, being composed of Palms, ttiU and dwarf, Crotons, Dractenas, Tiger and auratum Lilies, Pandanus, together with a great variety of Celosias in pots, the whole being margined with Ferns and other small plants. The group was of considerable size, too much and too densely crowded, as is most usual in such exhibits. A silver-gilt Flora medal was awarded. Another group of plants arranged on the stage came from Mr. P. Purnell, Streatham Hill. Here Fuchsias, August 19, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 151 single and double Begonias, Ferns, and small Palms predominated {bronze Banksian medal). Capital plants and blooms of Nerium Oleander, red and white, were shown by Mr. F. W. Campion, Cowley Manor, Reigate (gardener, Mr. .J. Fitt), for which a vote of thanks was accorded. Fruit Committee. There were some excellent exhibits before this committee in the shape of collections of fruit, but we fail to see why exhibitors should now stage Apples that are in season in winter. A first-class certificate was awarded to — Tomato The Chiswick Peach.— A very pretty fruit and of equally good i[uabty. It is a sport from the Red Peach and originated in the society's gardens. This was recommended for a first-class certificate by the committee at Chiswick some time ago. There being a full crop of fruit, seed of this new variety will be sent to the Fellows of the society. Awards of merit were given to — Apple Early Victoklv.— A very early Codlin with great bearing qualities. This will be a pro- fitable market fruit, bting firmer than the Keswick or Manks, but quite as early. This is the result of crossing Lord Grosvenor with Keswick Codlin. From Mr. J. W. Cros?, Wisbech. Melon (unnamed vak.). — This, a small, round, scarlet, netted fruit, was given an award of merit conditionally. It was stated to have been grown out of doors. On previous oc.-asions the committee have refused to give an award to an unnamed fruit. They did so in this case and asked for a name and particulars. From Mr. D. Harrison, Merrow House, C4uildford. Raspberry Blackberry Hybrid. — A dark fruit, very much like a Raspberry in shape, but different in colour. It is the result of crossing Raspberry Belle de Fontenay with the common Blackberry, and should make a delicious preserve, being of a brisk, pleasant flavour. The plant is a free bearer and grower. From Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. A very fine collection of fruit in pots and dishes came from Mr. G. Keif, The Gardens, South Villa, Regent's Park, N.W., the background being Plum trees well laden with fruit, the varieties Early Transparent, Cox's Emperor, and .Jefferson. The same kinds were also staged in dishes, with the addition of Kirke's, Golden Drop, but not ripe, fine Reine Claude d'Athene and Green Gages in variety, excellent Melons, Birrington Poaches very finely coloured, good Black Hamburgh and Buckland Sweetwater Grapes, Tomatoes in variety, and some dishes of cooking Apples (silver-gilt Banksian medal). Messrs. Veitch, Ltd., Chelsea, had a varied collection of fruits, mostly early Apples and Pears, with Cherries and Currants, some three dozen dishes being staged. The best Apples were Lady Sudeley, Mr. Gladstone, Kerry Pippin, Duchess of Oldenburg, Yellow Ingestre, Duchess Favourite, Devonshire Quarrenden, Oslin, Red Astrachan, White Transparent (a pretty fruit). Early .Julien, with several varieties of cooking Apples, such as Lord Grosvenor, Stirling Castle, Putts' Seedling, Dutch Codlin and Lord Suffield. Among the Pears were Summer Thorle, Doyennfe d'Ete and Beurre Giffard ; La Versaillaise and Lee's Prolific Black Currant, with Morello Cher- ries, were also included (siher Knightiaa medal). Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., The Royal Nur- series, M.iiJbtnne, staged twenty-five dishes of early Appl-^^. There were fine fruits of Beauty of Bith, Early Julien, Duchess of Oldenburg, Ecklinville Seedling, Gold Medal, Golden Spire, Grenadier, Lady Sudeley, Lord Suffield, Potts' Seedling, The Queen, Stirling Castle and White Transparent (silver Knightian medal). Messrs. Spooner, Hounslow, also staged a collection of Apples, but there were more late varieties than in the other collections. Red Astrachan, Iri.sh Peach, Yellow Ingestre, Stirling Castle, Ecklin- ville, Grenadier, Lord Suffield and Royal Jubilee were the best (silver Banksian medal). Mr. J. Miller, The Gardens, Ruxley Lodge, Esher, staged a very nice lot of fruit, including a splendid dish of Early Rivers Nectarine from open walls. Royal George, Alexandra Noblesse, and Violette Hative Peaches, Kirke's Plum, Brown Turkey Figs, Cherries in variety, including Bigarreau Blanc d'Espagne, a late white variety ; Apricots, Pears, Gooseberries, and a new Melon of nice appearance named A. Hen- derson (silver Knightian medal). Mr. H. Walters, Eastwell Park Gardens, Ashford, put up a nice collection of fruit, including Melons, Black Ham- burgh and Foster's Seedling Grapes, Pine-apple and Downton Nectarines, Sea Eagle and Violette HativePeaches,welldeservingthe silver Knightian medal awarded. Some very fine Oranges came from Mr. S. E Lamb, Forest Hill, S.E. Three new varieties of scarlet- fleshed Melons came from Mr. Wiles, The Rookery, Farnborough. Dwarf Beans Progress, Early Wonder, and Veitch's Hy- brid were sent by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, and Tomato A. H. Gibson by Mr. Gibson, Ben Moore, Pinner. The Royal Horticultural Society's cer- tificates.— VVe were astonished to find on perusing the official list of the awards of the fruit com mittee on Tuesday last to find that an award of merit had been given to a Melon without a name. Having known something of the working of the various committees for the past twenty-five years, we understood that in no case could an award be given to any flower, fruit, or vegetable which was not, on being submitted to the committee, named. This rule has now been broken in the case of the above Melon, and we should be glad to know the reason. If any doubts were entertained as to the Melon, why not, as has often been done, ask the exhibitor to submit it again, the secre- tary of the committee informing him in the meantime that it is necessary that a name should be given and that all particulars as to the culture should be sent. This in bygone days was always the case, and why not so now ? Notes of the Week. Nymphaea stellata ia the open air.— Nymplnci stellata, the sweet-seented blue Water Lily, lia? Howered in a .lake at Carton, KilJare, tliis year. It had four open flowers the other div and was much admired as seen alona: with tha best of M. Marli-.io's seedliiigs. This is the tirst time I have heai-d of its flowering without aided heat or shelter, and thiuk fie fact worth notins;. — F. W. BciiHIIM^E. Platyeodon. Mariesi. — This is undoubtedly of the lirst rank amoug the whole host uf hardy plants. In no sense is it an every. day-looking planr even prior to its flowering, and still less so when the richly coloured blossoms expand, for then it is one of the most valuable, as it is desirable aud ornamental in any garden of choice liarjy Bowers. Auy such p'ant is an adiuisitiou and as sach worthy of all care, as it i:5 deserving of all praise. 8v7eet Peas. — A week or two since tin present season's display of these flowers seemed to have co.-ue t ) an untimely end. but tlie cooler evenings and early morning dews of lite, coupled with the cooler hree/.i's recently experienced, have given us a further supply oi their welcome blossoms. Emily Eekford, Blanche Burpee, Aurora, Her Majesty, Blanche Ferry, and Cjuntess of Kadnor hive been aud are still miking a brave show, and if only still more suitable condition 3 prevail there is every prospect of tSis dispUy con- tinuing. Herbaceous Phloxes.- These usually hand some flowering plants have during the last two years or so had bnt a sorry time, not oue good head per plant resulting where the plants have iiad to shift for themselves, and where, to), they exist undsr quite ordinary conditions in the border. Spring-planted pieces have fared even worse in spite of the soil bjing deeply trenched and heavily manured. Root-watering, unless brought frequeutly to saturation point, is uf but little avail so long as the atmosphere remains parched and dry. Gentiana tibetica. — Though not one of the tallest or bald,estof the Gentian family ,'this ii yet one of the most vigorous and robust for its size. It is a strong-rooted kind, and noteworthy rather for its vigour and distinctness than for its showy character. It is a white-flowered species, too, and in common with other whites of this family does not impress one in the same degree as do the beautiful and ever- welcome kinds possessing blue flowers varying in their shades of colour and rich- ness. Campanula excisa.— In this pretty species from Switzerland we have a well-marked kind, particularly distinct in the finely-cut foliage and frail stems that support the dainty and rather pale blue bells. The plant is but a few inches high, and certainly worth a good position in the rock garden, where in a pocket or snug recess it will be content in a mixture of soil and stones or urit. Frequently a capital substitute for grit is the sandy or loamy gravel that abounds in many parts, while in others burnt clay earth forms a capital substitute and is frequently quite easily obtained. Tufted Pansy King of the Blues.— This has been one of the most pleasing and effective sorts throughout the recent dry weather, and at the present tima it still remains in gooi form. This is one of the few good miniature fljwered Tufted Pansies, and will prove effective where a Pansy with a deep blue colour is required. Un- fortunately, the variety is little known, but those disposed to take it in hind may do so with every confidence. The constitution is robust, and although the plant has a good habit, it is not quite so compact as some others. It is also a free- fl jwering sort. — D. B. C. Campanula isophylla Mayi.— Mr. Miy made a really fine display on Tuesdiy last with hi.s new trailing Gimpmula whgn he staged a graup of splendidly-growQ plants, a veritable mass of flowers, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. The plants, too, appeared in better form than previously, the flowers having attained their full to ae of colour, a charming shade of blue, with perhaps the merest su-ipicion of red- mauve towards the extremities of the lobe divi- sions of the corolla. This, hosvever, is only visible in a certain light, while the mass of heliotrjpe- grey, rather than blue, flowers makes it showy indeed. Heuchera brizoides.- 1 was pleased to read the note at p. SG by " H. S." on the above, as I recently saw it in splendid condition in the garden of Mr. Hindmarsh, Alnbank, Alnwick. Mr. Hind- marsh, who is a great lover of hardy plants and who has got a very fine collection, grows many of the beautiful alpiues much bet,ter than we see in the south. Heuchera brizoides promises to make a splendid decorative subject, as the increased length of spike makes it more useful, and it re- mains good so long alter being cut. The colour, though somewhat paler than in H. sauguinea, is of a pleasing shade and most effective in the mass. It is quite hardy, as Mr. Hindmarshjs plants are fully exposed on high ground.— G. WVTHES. Acer californicum aureum.— It is perhaps a drawback to such plants as attain to tree-like dimensions ultimately that they are exhibited in a small and, so to speak, immature state. This Golden Acer is a case in point. The exhibitors knowing and appreciating its worth, anl hivinr knowledge of the mora established original ex- amples, have the highest opinion of the value of the plant from a garden point; of view. .\t tho same time it is scarcely possible m such a case to do justice to the plant by exhibiting it in potj about 7 inches or so across. That it is quit3 dis- tinct from the well-known Japmese Acer Ne- gundo forms is certain, and, provided the present colour is maintained when the plants are in the open ground, this Acer will be a decided gain to our gardens in the future. Tufted Pansy Howard H. Crane. -The miniature-flowered Tufted Pansies for some reason havo failed to create the interest that they de- servo. First class sorts, it is well known, are limited in quantity, probably because sd few of the novelties sent out a foiv years since camo up 152 THE GARDEK [August 19, 1899. to the standard set by the parent variety — Violetta. The variety under notice has a robust constitution, is dwarf and compact, and at the E resent time is studded with its charming little lossoms, which are rayless and fragrant. The lower petals are rich yellow in colour, the upper ones being of a pale canary-yellow. Those who value Pembroke, one of the newer rayless sorts, will better understand the beauty of the variety under notice when it is stated it may be described as a miniature-flowered Pembroke. — C. A. H. Gentiana asclepiadea alba.— While I think the blue Gentians superior to those with white flowers, I suppose that taste for something out of the common run, which we all possess in a greater or less degree, makes us prize the white-flowered varieties. The white Swallow- wort Gentian is, although not absolutely rare, so little seen, that it is doubtful if it is known except to those with a wide acquaintance with hardy flowers. Here I find it a little less robust and scarcely so free in producing its blooms as the typical blue form, but it is free enough and robust enough to justify one in mentioning it and in bringing it before the notice of those who like such flowers. I grow G. asclepiadea and its white variety in sunny places, and they flower well in such, even if not so tall as one sees them in some gardens. I do not like to see the Swallow- wort Gentian grown to an excessive height such as I have observed in some places. — S. Arnott. Gentiana linearis.— The Gentians are such universal favourites, that any information regard- ing easily-grown species may be of service to some who have been baffled when trying to grow others less amenable to cultivation in our gar- dens. If I have this plant true to name, it is one which may be recommended as giving little trouble in the light dry soil here, and as likely to do well under similar conditions. I make the reservation as to name because, although I had the plant from a good source, the synonym of G. linearis in Nicholson's " Dictionary of Gardening," i.e., G. pseudo-pneumonanthe, makes one a little doubtful. The plant I have more nearly resem- bles G. asclepiadea than any other I can think of at present. It is, however, dwarfer in habit and deeper green in leaf-colouring. It is here a good bloomer, and now that it has bloomed once more it looks pretty with its blue flowers lined with white in the interior. I have had it on a rockery here for some time, where in sandy peat it does well with a large amount of sunshine until about 5 p.m. G. linearis is an American species. — S. Arnott, Car.seihorn, by Bumfric.i, N.B. Semper vivum Hookeri. — This is by no means one of the least beautiful or distinct of the Cobweb Houseleeks, of which S. arachnoideum is the type. Its claims to distinctness are in the shorter, thicker, and more decidedly blunt leaves, which, as in S. Laggeri, are of a pale green tint, and the inclination in the growing rosettes at least to spread in a sort of reflexing way. This, however, is more or less transient, and with age, as also in the small offsets, a more compact rosette is formed. All the same, the plant is a well-marked form of this group, and I am not sure that the web itself is not even more white and dense than is usually seen. This I hope to prove another year with three forms side by side, one of these being a plant that some twenty years ago created some discussion by being named S. Pomelli. This name was, however, given conditionally, the plant to which it referred having reddish coloured leaves for a long time in spring. This, underlying the white web that adorns all these kinds, resulted in a pretty effect when in a mass on rookwork. The difference in the colour of the flowers in these webbed forms is, not great, pink and reddish pink predominating in the hardy kinds at least. Echinacea purpurea.— This handsome Cone- flower is now very beautiful, and at the same time distinct in its way. Such really good and finely coloured things are by no means plentiful, for it has no equal in its own race and no com- petitor from any point of view. Being slow in growth and also in its spread at the root, are among the reasons why this fine plant cannot so quickly be formed into groups. Happily, how- ever, the plant offers few if any difficulties fiom a cultural standpoint, and in quite strong loamj' soil as well as in light, richly manured ground it grows well and flowers freely. As may be expected, there are inferior forms of this plant, pos- sibly originally the result of raising seedlings, and those seeking a reliable stock may do well to see the plant in flower. Perhaps the Winchmore Hill variety of this plant is one of the finest forms, not merely in the size and breadth generally of the flower-heads, but equally in the richer colour- ing in the ray florets. Three feet or rather more in height and usually quite self-supporting, this is a telling subject in any garden. At a short distance, or even at a distance of 100 yards, the richly-coloured heads will not fail to attract atten- tion. Campanula carpatica pelviformis. — As one who has grown this very beautiful Harebell for a number of years I may be permitted to ex- press the pleasure with which I read the short note which appeared in The Garden of August 12. It is one of the flowers of which one would like to know where it originated, if a chance find or a seedling raised by some one. One feature about it is its stiff, firm habit which is noticeable even among the varied forms of the Carpathian Harebell. I know that some growers have been disposed to consider it either a distinct species or a hybrid, but there seems to be little but mere surmise to support this view. It seeds fairly well here, but I have never been able to carry out my wish to raise a number of seedlings to see what results would follow. A chance seedling which has appeared has, however, gone back to the normal form of C. carpatica, not only in form, but also in the colouring, which is much deeper than the china-blue of C. c. pelviformis. I have here another variety of C. carpatica with saucer- shaped flowers. It was sent to me from Lanark- shire. The flowers of this variety are deep blue, such as we generally associate with the typical C. carpatica, and the plant is of a decidedly prostrate and not erect habit. The flowers are, perhaps, hardly so flat as those of the usual pelvi- form variety, but are much more so than those of the typical or other forms. — S. A. Veratrum nigrum.— Attention is directed by " S. A." to this striking plant as a flowering subject for the present month. As justly ob- served, the value of the plant does not rest in the brilliancy of its flowers, nor is it one of those everyday plants that can be strongly recom- mended for cutting, a point which appears to carry great weight in the minds of not a few at the present time. Happily for the garden, there are some things that are more or less ill- suited to cutting, and this handsome plant is one of the number. "S. A." also refers to the con- tinued attractions of the plant, when from its early days the handsome leaves can scarcely be seen without being admired. The reference to its non- flowering over a period of years would appear to suggest either an unsuitable spot or a soil too light and possibly too dry. Any such plants should now receive very heavy soakings of water if such be at all possible. Bold in aspect and possibly a trifle gross naturally, a rich and deep bed of fairly strong soil and abundance of moisture from the time growth begins are among the best aids to quickly form it into a flowering plant. Disturbance of the root should only be countenanced of necessity, as it causes a check that leaves its mark for a full season at least. Some years ago a group of this, planted in a semi-wild spot where the root fibres wandered into a trickling streamlet on its way to an artificial bog bed, attained fully 5 feet high, and after the third year flowered regularly for the most part. There is in the flowers a peculiar odour which is by no means disagreeable. Market gardens Judgment was recently given in the House of Lords in an appeal which raised the question whether market and nursery gardens, upon which are greenhouses and other structures used for productive purposes, can claim the benefit of the Agricultural Rating Act of 1896. At Worthing the overseers returned a market garden and the structures upon it as agri- cultural land, but the surveyor of taxes treated them as buildings. The question was carried by way of appeal through the Courts, and the Lords now affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal that a market garden with its buildings is not agricultural land within the meaning of the Act. The weather in West Herts. — Throughout the past week the days' temperatures have again been very high, but several of the nights proved cold for the time of year. On the 15th the shade temperature rose to 87°, which is the highest reading in shade as yet recorded here this year. On the other hand, on two nights the thermometer exposed on the lawn fell to within 8° of the freezing-point. The ground still remains very warm, the readings at 2 feet deep being 7°, and at 1 foot deep as much as 8° warmer than their respective averages for August. Half an inch of rain fell during a thunderstorm which took place on the afternoon of the 15th, and during the height of this storm rain was falling for three minutes at the mean rate of 2 inches an hour. No measurable quantity of rain water has, however, as yet come through either of the perco- lation gauges. The winds were again light, and came mostly from some point of the compass between north and east. During the four days ending the 13bh the sun shone brightly on an average for nearly twelve hours a day. — E. M., BerkhamiteiJ . Open spaca for Harumersmith — lu the Consistory Court, Hammersmith, Dr. Tristram, Chan- cellor of the Diocese of London, granted a faculty authorising the improvement and use as an open space of the portion of the old churchyard of St. Paul's, Ham- mersmith, which has been closed since 1851. The Dutchman's Pipe. — I enclose a leaf of Aristolochia Sipho, or Dutchman's Pipe, which seems unusually large. Several other leaves on the same plant are of much the same size. The plant is grow- ing aga'nst a house wall. — J. H. W. Thomas, Belmont, Carlow. *ff* The leaf sent measured 13i inches across its widest part, the length from the stalk to the tip being 1 foot.— Ed. Caterpillars on Dahlias. — There is no royal road by which you can destroy all kiads of cater- pillars except by haad-picking. From your letter I should imagine that your garden was infested by a gi-eat variety of diiTerent s --rts. but, unless I know the kind of caterpillars, it is impossible to tell you the best means of destroying them now or of preventing an attack next year. I can only suggest that you should spray or syringe your plants wi^h solution of paraffin emulsion, or a mixture of Paris green, lime, and water might be used in the same way with plants that were not intended for food in any way, as the Paris green is a rank poison, but if your garden is a large one this is no light taak. If you will send up a few specimens of the different kinds, giving the names of the plants on which they feed, I might be able to suggest something more practical. — G. S. S. H'ames of fruit. — .T. W. Shaw. — Your Apple is French Crab. Tbe fruit looks as if it had been scorched, no doubt owing to the trjing weather we have had of late. We should imigine the trees are dry at the roots- G. West. — 1, Devonshire Ci>aarrenden; 2, Early Julieu. IV. Kazaahoff. — Qaite impossible to name fruit from leaves only. Names of plants. — Subscriber. — Your Rose is Fellenberg.^— J. R. P. — 1 (if a small tree), Acer Ne- gando ; 2, must be sent when iu flower and with fuller material ; 3, Sedum Sieboldi ; 4, Aloe fruticosa. 6. B. B.—l, Bet Balm (Monarda didyma) ; 2, Solidago aurea (Golden Rod) ; 3, Echinops ruthenicus ; 4, Ane- mone japouica ; 5, Stenactis speciosa. F. /fimp. son. — 1, Sedum Lydium ; 2, the Thorn Apple (Datura Stramonium). Qitercus. — 1, Rudbeckia maxima; 2, Aster Shorti ; 3, Hypericum sp. ; 4, Statice latifolia ; 5, Ophiopogoa Jaburan variegatum ; 6, send better specimen. Watkins and Si*npson. — 1, probably a seedling of Chrysanthemum frutesoens ; 2, Pellionia Daveauana. T. Noivell. — BurUngtonia Candida. THE GARDEN. No. 1449.— Vol. LVL] [AUGUST 26, 1899. Flower :— Begonias, where they grow 153 Carnation Leopold de Roth- schild 155 Carnations, 1899 153 Carnations, yellow ground and fancy „ .. 155 Clove, the old Crimson . .. 154 Flower garden notes '.. .. 153 Flowers, hardy, at Summer- ville, Dumfries .. _ » 154 Hollyhock", single 151 Inearvilteas . . « „ 154 Lilium Batemannw .. .. 155 Lilium chalcedonicum, va- rieties of .. _ .. .. 155 Lily, the white, disease of . 155 Monarda didyma .. ., ,. 155 Ranunculus Lyalli 153 TuUpa Lownei 155 Kitchen : — Asparagus, itiarl-et bunch of 157 Asparagus, raising, growing and forcing 156 Beans, Broad ., .. _ .. 158 Cabbages, sowing spring ., 158 Celery, transplanting _ _ 159 Celery, watering .. .. _ 158 Lettuce Continuity . . 159 Ptja sticks and Dwarf Ne Plus Ultra 158 Peas 158 Peas, constitution in .. .. 158 Potato Sutton's Seedling — 158 Tomato Laxton's Open Air.. 158 Turnip beetle, the . „ „ 159 Tarnips 159 Trees &iid Bhraba i— Alth.'ea frutex.. .. « 159 Hypericum Moserianum -- 159 Rhododendron myrtifolium 159 Khododendron myrtij'oliutii _ 159 Fruit and Vegetable Crops « .. 160 Garden Flora: - Narcissi, new 162 Week's ffork:— Fruits, outdoor, work among 163 Kitchen garden, work in the 163 (niustratioiis in Italics.) Orchard and Fruit :— Apj.le Cellini 166 Apple CrI'ini 166 Apple White JuneatiDg ., 161 Aprit'ots, notes on ... . 166 Currants, Blac^, a moist root-run for 167 Fruit trees, cropping under 166 Gooseberry Pitina*tOQ Green Gage 167 Grajie Gros Guillaume., » 168 Grape Lady Hastings .. .. 167 Cherry trees, bush MoreUo . . 168 Insects and Strawberries .. 164 Melons, canker in 167 Peach Amsden Juns on open walls 167 Peaches and Nectarines, bud- ding 16i Pear Doyenne d'Ete .. .. 168 Pears adopted by the Con- gres Pomologique of France 165 PlumDymond 168 PlumTneCzir 166 Raspberry Baumforth's Seed- ling 161 Strawberry season, the . . 166 Strawberries Dr. Hogg and British Queen 107 Roses:— Climber, a beautiful .. .. 169 Rose Mme.de Watteville .. 168 RoEC Marie d'Orleans . . 168 Rose Souvenir de Mme. Joseph Metral -« . . . . 168 Rose Souvenir de Therese Levet 169 Roses in July « 169 Roses in New Zealand . .. 168 Roses on pillars and arches 169 Roses, pillar 169 Roses under glass . . . . _ 169 Roses SoJfaterre and Ctimhing Dtvnaiensis in a Xcw Zea- land garden ., ., « .. 168 Books :— "The Solitary Summer" .. 169 Societies :- " One and All " flower show 170 Royal Horticultural .. — 171 Notes of the Week :— Anomatheca cruenta .. .. 171 Campanula Henderson! „ 171 Campanula Profusion .. .. 171 Clematis Viticella alba . . 171 Clerodendron trichotomum 172 Gladiolus Lady Montague .. 171 Hyaeinthus candicans . .171 Kniphofia hybrida LachesiB 171 Plants, ordinary bedding, and the drought 171 Rose Gru^s an Toplitz . .. 171 Rudbeckia Golden Glow .. 172 Veratrum nigrum 171 Obituary :— Bergman, Ferdinand « .. 172 Rivers, T. F _ .. 172 Vihnorin, Henri . . » . . 172 Miscellaneous :— Clematises, a remedy for th> disease in 161 Fruit growing on overhang- ing tree, ownership of ., 172 Melon award — 172 Weather in W. Herts .. .. 172 Flower Garden. CARNATIONS, 1890. Now that the exhibitions are over for the year, a few suggestions may not be out of place, which, if followed, would, I think, tend to in- crease the interest in these annual competitions. Yellow grounds and yellow ground PicoTEES. — I agree with every word that "R. D." says in your issue of the 12th inst. on the sub- ject of the classification of yellow ground Pico- tees. A meeting was held upon this very subject two or three years ago, but it came to nothing. I have always advocated that some hard and fast rule should be formed as to what is and what is not a yellow ground Picotee. I should like to add to " R. D. 's" interesting notes that if the National Carnation Society laid down that such and such varieties were yellow ground Picotees, there should be power to add to their number, as, for instance, there are a few yellow ground Picotees extant that are as good as any that " R. D." mentions, but they are not in commerce, and owing to the fact that these varieties, or at least some of them, make very little grass, it may be some years before they are seen in public. These, if passed by the judges of the society as worthy, should be admitted into the charmed circle of true yellow ground Picotees and be certified by the society as being so. Scented Carnations. — We all know how the entire absence of scent detracts from the most beautiful of Carnations, and that we could put up with a less perfect form if the flower were only possessed of that exquisite aroma of Cloves that is so delightful. For some years the form has been improving, the edge has become more symmetrical, the petal flatter, and the small centre petals eradicated, but there are few of the best varieties tliat have any scent. How would it be if the National Car- nation Society established a class in which one of the principal (jualifications should be that the flowers should be all strongly Clove-scented, say of one dozen self-coloured varieties, all dif- ferent, three blooms of each, not dressed, but as cut from the plants in the open air on a 9-inch stalk ? This brings me to my third sug- gestion. Glass vers'ts open-air citlture. — Now that the Martin-Smith prizes have been withdrawn for plants grown exclusively in the open air and replaced by cups to be won by exhibitors who accumulate the greatest number of marks in the aggregate a difterent class of exhibitors is likely to win them ; whoever has the largest and best collection under glass is bound to win year after year. Now, is it quite fair that the grower in the open border should be placed upon the same level as the exhibitor that grows exclusively under glass ? The former has to contend against all variations of climate (a violent thunderstorm was this year fatal to most good blooms in this district that would have been cut for the Crystal Palace) ; whereas the grower under glass is subject to no such trials ; he waters and ventilates his plants as they require it, and can send up his blooms in a clean and compact state which the out-of-door grower cannot hope to rival. Should there not, therefore, be classes for both exhibitors ? I presume that a first-class judge would be able to see at a glance whether a bloom had been grown in or out of doors. In any case the out- of-door grower would have to sign a certificate, such as was in vogue at the time of late out-of- door prizes given by Mr. Martin Smith, that the exhibits were grown exclusively out of doors, and these should compete against each other, and the growers under glass should do the same thing amongst themselves. The question of the a5iateur is also in a very unsatisfactory condition. I was under the impression that, from want of a better, the line was drawn at anybody who published a cata- logue or excess list should exhibit only in the professional classes, but this rule does not seem to hold good in some places, and I think also that any grower of over and above a certain number of plants should be compelled to ex- hibit and take his chance in the larger classes — I mean those of twenty-four blooms — and not be permitted to sweep the decks of the twelves and sixes, thereby discouraging smaller growers. I have occupied already too much of your valuable space, so I will not enlarge upon the circumstance that it is quite possible to run up a larger score of marks by exhibiting a few single blooms at the National than can be attained by the more difticult exhibition of good boxes of blooms in the twenty-fours or twelves. H. W. Weguelin. Dawlish. Ranunculus Lyalli. — Back volumes of The G.^RDEN will show how keen was the interest taken in this fine plant when it was introduced to British flower growers. Yet one is, 1 think, almost safe in hazarding the remark that few plants have given rise to more disappointment from our inability to establish it in our gardens. This note is suggested by a conversation on the occasion of a recent visit paid to me by an autho- rity on hardy flowers who has wider opportunities than I have of finding out plants. We were talking about troublesome plants when 1 intro- duced the subject of this Ranunculus and said, "Where is it now?" The reply was, "In New Zealand," and was, if not literally, practically correct so far as regards its being found in British gardens. About a week or so ago another hardy plant grower, who is in the trade, when visiting me told me that he had it and hoped to succeed. I have never seen this Ranunculus in bloom, but saw it in the seedling stage after blooming in the garden of the late ^Mr. Charles Jenner, near Edinburgh, soon after the death of that regretted lover of flowers. I have never been able to learn what became of that plant, but can recollect that I was told that it had been there during the previous winter, and that it had been very fine while in bloom. Perhaps this note may catch the eye of some who are working with R. Lyalli and who may have been more successful than others. — S. Arnott. Begonias — where they grow.— I see a writer complaining of the climate of the south of England not being genial enough for these plants I mean the tuberous- rooted section usad for bedding. To see the Begonia in perfection in England one must go to the cool uplands of Yorkshire, but the Highlands of Scotland is their home. The first time I saw them in real perfec- tion was at Fisher's Hotel at Pitlochry, where they were simply magnificent, and the curious thing is that out of the south of England I never saw such fine examples for size of plant and flower as the Lilium auratum growing there also, planted out permanently in the open ground. The Be- 154 THE GARDEN^. [August 26, 1899. gonia is a great favourite in the north in gardens where a bright display is wanted late in autumn. Last year in October at Halyburton House, near Dundee, I saw more Begonias in one garden than I have ever seen before. They were all seed- lings, home-raised I believe, and nothing that I have ever seen in the London parks or elsewhere surpassed the gorgeous display of colour which they produced. Geraniums and Verbenas never approached the Begonia for mere bedding pur- poses, the colours are so numerous and varied, ranging from the softest whites, yellows, and pinks to the most intense scarlet-purple and crimson, and yet none of the shades are exactly alike. I have known the plant to generally flower best after midsummer, and mulching the beds in hot weather and dry soils is indispensable. Coolness and moisture are what the Begonia loves, but not too much shade. The tubers should be kept in sand in a cool shed free from frost during winter, and either planted out in the bed in April and well mulched or brought on in a cool frame and put out later. The Begonia is becoming a popular window plant, and is exceedingly easy to grow in such positions. I lately saw it in cot- tage windows in a smoky town in fine condition — S. HARDY FLOWERS AT SUMMERVILLE, DUMFRIES. TiiKRE is at Summerville, Dumfries, N.B., a nice collection of hardy flowers. A recent visit gave a considerable amount of pleasure, as not only were there a good many plants in bloom, but much could be seen of the comparative behaviour of those grown under other conditions than in one's own garden. There are a number of good alpines, although there are no elaborate rockeries, but only several raised beds divided into pockets. The welfare of the plants is the firpt considera- tion, and this is more frequently secured under such conditions than in ordinary rock gardens. The number of plants was too large to admit of much detail, but one may note some as either in flower or as showing some unusually good fea- tures. Onosma tauricum (the Golden Drop) was doing well, and a pretty little Statice named S. minuta was neat and pleasing. Oxytropis Halleri was also observed, with Anthemis Aizoon, the Edelweiss, and Tunica Saxifraga, pretty with its mass of lightly arranged little flowers. There is at Summerville an unusually fine plant of the quiet-coloured, yet pretty Teucrium pyrenaicum, a neat alpine, not easily kept everywhere and now little seen. Dianthus Napoleon III. was unusually good, and plants in bloom weremakin<» a quantity of " grass " which would cause many to envy Mr. Davidson his success with this brilliant mule Pink. Another flower doing un- usually well was Mazus Pumilio, whose little flowers looked well above their dwarf carpet of leaves. Gentiani Pneumonanthe was just coming into bloom, and the somewhat diflicult-to-grow Polygonum spbarostachyum looked flourishing with its spikes of bright red flowers. Erodium Reichardi was also good, and one saw nice plants of Aster Stracheji and the supposed hybrid Bryanthus erectus, the latter an exceptionally fine example. At Summerville the encrusted Saxi- frages and the alpine Dianthi are always remark- ably healthy. The border flowers were fine, although the eflfeots of the drought were begin- ning to be apparent in such moisture-loving sub- jects as Spirrea palmata alba. There were good plants of the effective Veratrum album and V. nigrum, while the large-leaved Groundsel (Senecio macrophylla) was very showy. The favourite Spiraji buUata was good, and Heuchera brizoides pleased one much with its sprays of graceful flowers. Coreopsis verticillita is always elegant, its light looking foliage associating well i with its bright flowers. At Summerville there is ' also the fine variety of C. auriculata named mon- strosa. Mr. WoUey-Dod's variety of Heliopsis l;«vis was also very good, while Ei-yngium alpi- num, a good plant in the district, was very attractive with its wonderfully carved and col- oured heads of blue. Spirtea gigar so fine as I once saw it in Rev. C. antea was not WoUey-Dod's garden at Edge, but still it was an efl'ective sub- ject at the back of a border. Not showy, yet pleasing in its own way, was Asclepias incarnata, another plant for the back of the border. Always good in this garden is Maries' Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorum Mariesi). The stock is unusually select, and one capital pure white form was specially noted. Some Liatrises were fine, and although out of bloom, one observed a good plant of the old double Siberian Larkspur which has been in the border for about eight years. An efi'eotive Rhubarb (Rheum sanguineum) looked very handsome in a broad border. Helianthus orgyalis, which, however, seldom flowers at Sum- merville, is one of the most elegant plants of the season. It comes into bloom so late in this dis- trict, that it may only be counted upon as a plant of fine effect because of its grace and lightness, combined with tallness of stature. My time was rather limited to take a note of the many good border flowers, but those named will give an idea of the variety cultivated in Mr. Davidson's garden. S. Arnott. INCARVILLEA.S. I STATED in the note that accompanied the plate of I. grandiflora (page -I-l) that the plant figured might be only a form of I. compacta. In the Kew herbarium there are specimens labelled I. compacta var. longipedunculata which agree both in leaf and flower characters with I. grandiflora. The type has leaves scarcely 3 inches long with pinn;c a quarter of an inch long, whilst the flowers are borne singly on very short stems, the corolla being 2 inches across and rose purple in colour. There are forms with larger leaves and longer flower-stalks up to the dimensions of I. grandiflora as represented in The Garden plate. Had I seen the plate in Gnrtenflora referred to by Mr. Gumbleton (p. 50), I should have been of the same opinion as Herr Max Leichtlin, viz., that there was some doubt as to the correctness of that figure. It certainly has no resemblance to I. compacta as represented at Kew. I have not, however, seen living exam[)les of the last-named, which, according to the infor- mation given by Herr Max Leichtlin, has pro- duced a llower-stem 30 inches high. Probably these variations in size are due to the conditions under which the plant grows. For garden pur- poses we may, I suppose, stick to the names grandiflora and Delavayi for the two plants repre- sented in The Garden plates. Surely Mr. Gum- bleton recognises the diii'erence in foliage and in the shape and size of the calyx in these two as drawn by Mr. Moon ? There are, according to French botanists, several other large-flowered species of Incarvillea worth attention. They are : I. lutea, leaves 10 inches long, flower-stems 30 inches high, flowers about "2 inches across, yellow ; I. principis, general dimensions as in I. lutea, with flowers in racemes, coloured bright red ; I. Beresowski, with tuberous root-stock, leaves pinnate, pinntt- an inch Ions', flower-stem (I inches, bearing a racemose cluster of about nine flowers. It looks like a form of I. Delavayi. I. Bonvaloti has the appearance of a small form of I. compacta, the leaves being scarcely 2 inches long, whilst the flowers are about 2 inches. The flowers in most of the spe- cies are borne sometimes singly, sometimes several on a stem. These are all natives of Thibet and Western China. W. W. The old Crimson Clove —I was as pleased as surprised recently to see in an amateur's gar- den quite close to Norwich several handsome beds of the fragrant old Crimson Clove. There were literally hundreds of full-sized, richly coloured blooms. I thought how many gardeners in private places where the air is pure and quite unimpregnated with smoke would only be too glad could they but induce this old favourite to grow and flower so well. As is well known, (his Carnation in many soils goes off wholesale either with spot, fungus, or dry rot. So much so is this the case, that many have substituted Uriah Pike, which, though a bright variety of strong constitution, is not, I think, equal to the Crimson Clove. I know some gardeners entertain the idea that to do the latter j ustice a rather strong loamy soil is necessary, but in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth both it and the white variety, Gloire de Nancy, grow and flower with great freedom in a very sandy soil, disease seldom showing itself. Many amateurs and cottagers, though passion- ately fond of their Carnations, do not seem to know their wants. One recently told me that he propagated his stock from cuttings taken oS' and inserted in the garden, but that a large percentage of them collapsed. He seemed gratified when I explained to him the layering system. Many of the choice, yet none too robust Carnations throw but few flowers and make only a limited quantity of grass the first season. The best way, in my opinion, is to layer the whole of the growths, when rooted transplanting a few, but leaving the rest untouched for flowering next sea- son ; a good display of bloom will then be secured. These shy bloomers ought also to be planted in twos or threes. Three of the most vigorous free- flowering Carnations in existence, and which ought to be included in every collection, are Pride of the Garden, bright rose ; Celia, deep pink ; and Burn Pink. — N. N. SINGLE HOLLYHOCKS. "A. D.'s" interesting notes on these good, but much neglected old-fashioned flowers remind me of a capital strain of single varieties I recently saw in a roadside garden. I could not help think- ing what a pity it was they did not occupy a position in which their beauty could have been longer preserved, as close by a dusty road near a busy town is about the very worst place to plant Hollyhocks. The single strains are, I think, the more showy, but, as "A. D." truly remarks, the lowermost blooms, or those which expand first, often collapse ere those higher up the spike are open. I think this evil may to a very great ex- tent be prevented by good culture, as old growers who used to exhibit preserved the long, gorgeous spikes intact. A deep, rich root-run and general all-round good culture produce corresponding stout stems and tlowers, the latter having suffi- cient substance to enable them to withstand wind and wet, so that the entire spike is in good con- dition at once. It is certainly strange that Holly- hocks should not occupy a more prominent place in private gardens generally where labour is sufficiently plentiful to afford them every atten- tion. Both the singles and doubles — for the latter are very attractive also — are surpassed by very few subjects for mixed border adornment or for massing in separate beds. What can possibly be more showy than a good sized bed of choice Holly- hocks, thoroughly well grown, properly staked, and in full beauty, occupying a site on a well- kept grass lawn ? There is something so stately as well as handsome, that even a novice is sure to admire them. But Hollyhocks want growing. Probably nothing will take so much rich food either in the form of soil or liquid ; indeed, I knew of one old grower who gave to his Hollyhocks a larder that he would have been frightened to give to his Vines. The ground, if the finest spikes of bloom are desired, should be prepared in good time, say several months previous to plant- ing. This would mean .January or early in February, as I am in favour of March or Aptil planting,according to the weather — I mean trans- ferring them from the nursery beds where they as seedlings were pricked out the previous summer. I know some maintain that large and good enough plants for flowering the same season can be pro- duced by sowing in warmth in spring, but my experience is that in the majority of cases such plants only carry indifl'drent spikes the first year, and are thereby greatly stunted for all time coming. I do not think thera is a better way than sowing the seed in a cold frame in a semi s-haded position about the first or second week in May. August 26, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 155 A bed of rather fine soil with merely a glass light resting on four flowerpots placed over it will answer as Mell, protection from heavy rains and parching winds being the main thing. Full exposure when able to take care of themselves and liberal supplies of moisture must be accorded. When sufficiently large, transplant to a well enriched piece of ground where protection can be given should the winter prove severe, putting them out very carefully the following spring. By this means grand plants and towering bloom- spikes will reward the cultivator. Frequently mulching is neglected, and the plants, which are very thirsty subjects, are insufficiently watered. It is unwise to plant Hollyhocks in exposed posi- tions, as high winds play havoc even if firmly staked. Rustic stakes answer the purpose, but the plants are set off to the best advantage when secured to strong deal stakes painted green. Since the dreaded disease made such inroads the majority of growers depend on seedlings. Norfolk. WHITE LILY DISEASE. An experiment made at Oakwood goes some way to prove that the disease which is so destructive to the old white Lily may be to a large extent conquered by liberal culture. In this locality it was this season difficult to find a plant that was free from disease, and in most instances the foliage was completely withered, although in some places there was a fair show of bloom, as the disease was late this year in declaring itself. The appearance of such long stems, however, clothed with rusty leaves, crowned with a few flowers, IS by no means ornamental, and I would much rather cultivate some other kind, such as pardahnum or tigrinum, which can be relied on to remain in good condition through the flowering period. At Oakwood every plant was when in bloom remarkably healthy, being well flowered and furnished with fresh foliage to the ground large clumps having the fine ornamental appear- ance which in former days characterised this Lily in gardens generally. This healthy appear- ance 13 attributed to judicious feeding in various stages of growth. The plants were top-dressed with manure when they came into free growth, and later on they were again dressed with guano, which was well washed in. It would be well if those who are desirous of having this grand old Lilly in good condition would experiment in the same way. It stands to reason that a well- nourished plant will resist disease better than one that has Ijeen starved into a state of weak- n^^^- __ J. C. B. Varieties of Lilium chalcedonicum.- 1 hough appealed to on p. l.!2, it is, I am afraid, impossible for me to throw much light on the lorms of L. chalcedonicum, concerning which a certain amount of confusion prevails. The forms 1 have met with are just as your correspondent describes, while the variety Heldreichi appears to suV^V'ph"^ ^'.f'^",'; ■ ^^^ yellow-flowered form suggested in the "Dictionary of Gardening," I rrnntl?!' ^T ■^°^ ^''''*> """"^ I l^a^e always T .#^ i"^"*"^ "^<'* °f ■' originated in confusing ako ttr •'''"° f ".'^ ^- PJ'^enaicum. Such was fiom« v« P""°" °^ ^\- •^- '^'^°°P' °f <-l^ent, who T^uM^'yTfT?-'^""^ a most exhaustive and va uable list of Lilies. This was published in liiE (rARDEx, February L'.j, 1885.— H. P. hp^hii"™ Batemannee.-This .Japanese Lily has been particularly attractive this season, as it anrinn?V°f^*^rt,'i''^ ^'^^'■^' ^^t the unspotted l^n\^\"u °^ "' blossoms has been even more trnn!n"l '^^''" "«"'''> Probably owing to the almost npHn^ T'^u'^l'" e'^Perienced during its flowering Thrvf II "'=''• '"'r^l''' ^'"^ the efllct of quickly ^hriyel ing up the blossoms after expansion, ni^nr? flowers, as a rule, in a satisfactory manner, yet the same cannot be said of the foli- age, as many of the leaves frequently turn yellow be ore the blossoms expand. This is not invari- ably the case but at the same time it is quite an exception to find the foliage retained uniniured till the flowering period. L. Batemann;e succeeds best in a sandy loam, and in heavy soils or in those of a peaty nature it is seldom satisfactory. It is also not at all a good Lily for growing in pots, the foliage then suS'ering even more than in the open ground. Apart from its beauty, it is also of interest as being the last of the upright- flowered Lilies to bloom. L. Batemannas is usually sent here in considerable numbers from .Japan, the Dutch growers having apparently not taken it in hand in quantity. The bulbs travel well in their clay covering and can be depended upon to flower in a satisfactory manner the first season, many of the largest pushing up two or three stems. — T. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Bamroos. — Although there may be some doubt as to the value of Bamboos for a prolonged spell of house decoration, they are certainly valuable for occasional work in this direction and also (I refer to pot plants) to assist in forming high and attractive groups for out of doors during the summer months. An intimation that a con- siderable amount of church decoration would be required this season led me to purchase early in the spring a batch of nice clumps of B. Metake. They were well delivered, that is they were very carefully lifted, matted, and had received a thorough soaking, and on arrival were severally potted into 14-inch pots and placed at the back of some sheds, where, given a spell of hot weather, they were not likely to dry out quickly. Since and including Easter these plants have been used in the church four times besides playing their part in occasional house decoration and forming out- door groups in company with Fuchsias, Helio- tropes, zonal Pelargoniums and other things. They are now consigned to the old quarters under a north wall and are in the best of health. The leaf dropping is over and the young growths are clean and vigorous. In all cases where a con- siderable amount of decoration is required and there is not sufficient glass to allow of the storing of large Palms, these Bamboos will be found very useful. I said above that they were effective when grouped with large Fuchsias or zonal Pelargoniums, and both the latter have been exceptionally good this year, fan- and balloon- trained specimens and naturally grown plants all flowering remaikably well, although a con- siderable amount of attention in the way of watering and feeding has been necessary to keep them up to the mark. When large plants are once secured, they can be kept going for several years by liberal feeding, and it is a good plan as soon as they start in the spring to turn them out of the pots, break off say a couple of inches from the base of the plants, and the same from the surface, replacing in each case by a compost of cow manure and good loam in the proportion of three to one. This is a won- derful help in dry season,", because when tho- roughly soaked such a compost is very retentive of moisture. Capital plants to mix with Bamboos, Fuchsias and Pelargoniums for outdoor grouping are Campanula pjramidalis alba and Francoa ramosa. I generally retain a batch of the last- named plant for this special purpose, and these throwing as they do eight, nine and ten spikes, make individually a very fine display. The remarks above as to the eft'ectiveiiess of Fuchsias and Pelargoniums from a pot plant standpoint are equally applicable to open beds : indeed, the much- maligned Pelargonium is at the present miment decidedly the brightest of garden flowers and has been so for some time, and this, too, at a minimum of trouble, for they have only received one soaking and that directly after planting. The plants were well rooted stuff in 4-inch pots and the beds were well prepared for their reception. It has always been my impression that if a little more care and discrimination had been used in the planting of Pelargoniums we should have heard little or nothing of the outcry raised against them. They were used, as many of us remember, in dense, flat masses witli absolutely nothing to relieve them, or if anything else was employed, it had often a tendency to accentuate rather than relieve the stifl'ness, as, for instance, Golden Privet, varie- gated Abutilons, or small conifer:u of severely symmetrical appearance. Instead of such things I would advocate occasional plants of Gypsophila, which, even when seeding, is light and graceful ; Statice, lightly staked to prevent the big heads from falling about ; nicely-grown plants of Euca- lyptus citriodora, or for larger beds, Tamarix gallica or Hydrangea paniculata. Associate with these, as the contrast may need, such Geraniums as Jacoby, Raspail, King of Bedders, Surprise, Olive Carr, Amaranth, or some of the best of the Ivy-leaved section, and I do not think there will be anything to complain of as to a bright display or an effective combination. E. Burrell. Clare7)iont. Lifting Lilium candidum. — I lifted a large number of my stock of this fine Lily last season ; indeed, I am gradually drifting to the opinion that it is not lifted sufficiently often in the majority of gardens. I picked out last year a lot of small trashy bulbs that certainly did not look strong enough to bloom and planted them cut very thickly, thinking that they may at least live and in time make flowering bulbs. Many of these have pushed up line flowering stems, and others have made nice bulbs. This they would not have done if crowded in clumps, but being able to reach new soil all the way round the roots have become more active and fed the new bulbs well. A good baking in the full sun is un- doubtedly a help towards keeping disease in check, but is not a cure for it, unfortunately. — H. R. Carnation Leopold de Rothschild. — Though scarcely up to the standard of merit laid down by many fanciers and growers of the Car- nation, this is not only of vigorous growth, but free flowering as well. It would appear also to have some leaning towards the Tree or perpetual section, notwithstanding that it is at its best at this time. The large and showy flowers create a fine display. Mr. G. Reynolds brought a large basket of well-flowered plants to the Drill Hall on Tuesday from Gunnersbury Park. The colour is a sort of rose-magenta, the petals large and the pod well formed. Far too many of our finest Carnations are lacking in vigour if possessing beautifully refined flowers, while here we appear to have a plant which, if lacking refinement, is neither wanting in freedom nor vigour, and therefore would be welcomed by not a few gardeners whose chief object is to maintain a long succession of flowers in the open beds. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Monarda didyma. — The pretty bright red flower. heads of this old-fashioned plaut are now in good conditiou, and there are many among hardy plants that are thought a lot more of but are not more worth a place in the garden. The leaves when bruised emit a pleasant aromatic fragrance, and it is from this circumstance that its name of Bergamot has been given. It is of the easiest possible culture, thriving in almost any description of soil or situation. Yellow ground and fancy Carnations. — Referring to the letter from " R. D." in your issue of the 12th inst.. I am glad to bL' able to assure him that steps will certainly be taken this year by the committee of the National Caruation and Picotee Society in the direction suggested by his letter. The inaction of the society in the past concerning this matter has been the result of a well-cousidered policy, not of indifference or supineness. — Martin R. Smith. Warren House, Hayes, Kent. Tulipa Lo^ivnei. — This small Syrian species, described by Baker in 1874, was only lately introduced in a living state. The plant is 8 inches high and has leaves of a yellow-green, which is rare among Tulips, the leaves of which are mostly glaucous. The flowers are of a peculiar shade, which arrests attention. The petals are of a light and brilliant lilac colour, and marked at the base with a broad briglit yellow stain. I know no other Tulip so coloured, and though not ami>ng the most beautiful, it certainly deserves atten- tion. This year under a frame it flowered in April. — M. Michel:, in Revue Horticole. 156 THE GARDEN. [August 20, 1899. Kitchen Garden. ASPARAGUS-RAISING, GROWING, AND FORCING.* The chief districts of England famous for grow- ing Asparagus are Cambridgeshire, Worcester- shire (especially the Evesham district), Essex (about Colchester), and in the Thames valley near London. The best home-grown outdoor Asparagus that is sent to Covent Garden Market is produced in these districts. In Scotland, the south-western parts, comprising the counties of Ayr, Wigton, and Kirkcudbright, are specially favourable. The soil in many places is a rich sandy loam, and the maritime situation, together with the influence of the moisture-laden atmo- sphere from the Gulf Stream, has a very bene- ficial effect. Its cultivation is, however, almost entirely confined to private gardens. On the cultivation of Asparagus in Scotland, it may be here interesting to quote from a paper on the supply of vegetables to the Edinburgh and Glasgow markets, read before the Scottish Horticultural Association by Mr. .J. Scarlett, of Inveresk. He says, "There is practically no Asparagus grown in Scotland for market. English, French, and Spanish have ousted home-grown to such an extent, that the one or two growers who used to bring anything like a quantity have discontinued its cultivation. This is due probably more to the lateness of the home crop, compared with that of other countries, than to any unsuitableness of soil or climate." Son,. Rich sandy soil of good depth is naturally the best adapted for Asparagus, and in such its cultivation is an easy matter. But in these days, whatever the nature of the soil of a gar- den may be, the cultivation of Asparagus is looked upon as an absolute necessity, and the fact is often lost sight of that if the soil be of a clayey nature and shallow, the produce under such conditions cannot possibly bear comparison with that from ground naturally suitable for the growth of this plant. With labour and mate- rials at command, heavy, clayey soil may be in time brought into a light, porous condition by the addition of sand of the best kind procurable —sea, river, or grit, sandy deposits from drains, road scrapingp, burned earth, and lime, brick, and rubble from old buildings, all these are excellent for rendering soil permanently porous. Whatever the soil may be, leaf-mould, peat, light fibrous loam, old liotbed material, sea- weed, and farmyard manure (especially that from cows), I have found to be the best ferti- lisers. The last-named is practically indispens- able, for the soil can scarcely be too highly manured, as good quality depends on quickness of growth, which is assisted by richness of soil. Asparagus is a deep-rooting plant. Frequently after doing away with old beds I have found the soil permeated with roots to the depth of 30 inches ; consequently in preparing the soil for planting it should be made 30 inches deep by trenching, adding, and mixing in the materials already named, from the bottom to the surface as the trenching proceeds, in quantities as required according to the nature of the soil. The advantages of deep trenching and increased depth of rooting medium are that the roots descend so that they do not suffer so much from want of moisture in dry seasons, and they also assist the free percolation of water in wet seasons. Al- though Asparagus is a seaside plant, it will not thrive in stagnant ground, and if the subsoil is * Paper read by Mr. Geo. Norman, Hatfield, before tlie Eoyal Horticultural Society, April IS. of a clayey, impervious nature, insufficiently drained, this defect must be remedied by drains, put in before doing the trenching, or a layer of a few inclies of old brick rubble or cinders will form an eft'ective drainage if placed at the bottom at the time of trenching. In considering the situation of the ground, the best is that with a slight fall to the south, well sheltered on the side whence come the prevailing winds. For climate, the southern parts of the country are the most favoured. Asparagus, like other things, to be in the fashion must be large ; size, which does not sacrifice quality, is due to soil, cultivation, and situation, and not to any special varieties, as there is believed to be but one. Red Topped or Dutch, and Green Topped, and the names of places famous for its cultivation have been given to supposed varieties of it, but variations in size and in colour are, in my opinion, due entirely to the conditions under which it is grown. The month of March, when the surface of the ground is dry, is the best time to sow the seed, thinly, in drills an inch deep, the drills a foot apart, at the rate of half an ounce to 15 yards run of drill. The trenching of the ground should be completed in autumn, six months before the time of planting, .so that the ground has time to settle, and in March, when it is in a suitable condition to work on, the surface should be forked over and made even, after which it will become friable and settled by planting time. Asparagus is a plant that is amenable to transplanting, provided it is done at the right time and reasonable precautions taken not to let the roots become dry. When the shoots have grown to a length of 3 inches or 4 inches is the best time to transplant, but the young shoots had better be longer than this than transplant before the vi':al powers have become active. Some growers continue the old beds, and some have introduced the plot system, adopting it from the French ; but, whatever the system, the rows should run in the direction of north and south. I have tried various modes of Plantinii. The one I have found the best and most expeditious is to cut out a trench with a spade by the side of a line, 0 inches deep and slant- ing, in the same way as for laying Box. The roots sliould then be spread out quickly and carefully covered with soil, leaving the crown of each plant about 2 inches beneath the sur- face. Care should be taken to separate the plants so as not to have two crowns where there should be but one. After planting, a good watering should be given to settle the soil, and further waterings must be given as often as required, according to the weather, until the plants are well established. The distance apart of the plants depends on the system followed. Both have their peculiar advantages The bed .system is the one generally employed, and it is the best where the soil is shallow and the sub- soil is of a cold, clayey nature ; but where the soil is light and rests on a dry subsoil the plot system is the best, particularly in dry seasons. A width of 5 feet for a bed, and 2i-feet alley between beds, is very suitable for the growth of the plants and for carrying out the necessary work in the different seasons. Three rows are planted in each bed, one in the centre and one on either side, leaving 18 inches between them. The distance between the plants in the rows should be 2i feet. With the plot system the distances between the rows should be 4 feet, and IS inches between the plants in the rows. These distances by some may be considered unnecessarily wide, but they are not so, for if good results are to be obtained the plants must have room for the tops to fully develop without crowding. The French give even more space than this ; they allow 4 feet from row to row and 3 feet in the rows. One-year-old plants are much the best ; if older, they do not trans- plant so well. Some recommend the sowing of seeds in the permanent beds or plot ; by so doing, the ground, according to my experience, is occupied by it one year unnecessarily, as one- year-old plants do equally well. During the season of growth, besides watering, attention to weeding is all that is required. In the autumn or early winter, after the tops are dead and cleared off, a dressing of decayed manure should be spread on the beds, a stake driven in the corner of each bed, the sides marked ott", and about .3 inches of soil from the alleys placed over the manure ; or, in the case of the plot, the manure is dug in between the rows. About the same time in each year afterwards a dressing of manure or sea- weed is required to be dug in and the surface left rough. In the spring, before the shoots begin to push, the surface should be made smooth with a rake, and this is the best time to apply a dressing of salt, not only for its saline qualities as a manure, but it also kills insects and weeds. Of artificial manures, I have found nitrate of soda to produce a marked effect when applied early in the spring to old beds past their best. Where the soil is not of so calcareous a nature as desired, a dressing of fresh lime applied early in the spring will supply the defect. On the Cutting of the Crop there is but one opinion of the time to begin on a new plantation, and that is not until the third season of growth ; and my advice is to cut but very sparingly, only taking about two early cut- tings of the strongest shoots. After the third year the plants may be considered in bearing order, and, with liberal and careful manage- ment, will continue so for a dozen years or more. Of how to cut, different rules have been advocated by different growers ; some cut all that rises above ground until the middle or end of June, others only take the strongest shoots and leave the others to grow up, and no doubt this latter is the best rule, only then more ground must be devoted to Asparagus, a matter which all growers cannot afford. Personally, I adopt a medium rule, by cutting all that rises till the middle of the season, i.e., about the middle of May, and after that only the strorgest shoots till June 15, and if by any chance emer- gency demands a cutting later, it is very reluc- tantly supplied. After the cutting season, growth must have time to develop and ripen before the autumn. On the vigour of the growth to a large extent depends not only the size of the shoots the following year, but even the life of the plants. Many beds are ruined through over-cutting. I have even heard a gardener say that to have good Asparagus, beds should be cut from only in alternate seasons. As so much depends on the maturing of strong growths, care must be taken to protect them against wind. A few Pea stakes stuck into the ground amongst them for the tops to lean against form a good wind guard. The taste in England hitherto has been for green Asparagus, and to have it in this condition it is allowed to grow 3 inches or 4 inches above the surface of the ground, and then cut 2 inches or 3 inches below it. The French prefer it blanched, and their method seems to be gaining favour in PjUgland. To have it in the French style a greater depth of soil is required over the roots, and the shoots must be cut when they are seen to be heaving up the surface of the soil. The plot system is the best for this ; the soil may be drawn over the rows on both sides, in the way in which Potatoes are earthed up, and the August 26, 1899.J THE GARDEN". 157 time to do this is just before tlie shoots begin to push. At Hatfield I usually begin to cut Asparagus outdoors abou'; April 15, a few days earlier or later according to the season. FOKCISG Asi>ARA(iUS. There are two systems in vogue in this country : one is to grow the roots outdoors for three years or more, and then to lift them and spring months. In fact it is looked upon as one of the gardener's necessary duties to pro- vide it. I have forced it in many dift'erent structures and positions — in garden frames, with the usual hotbed heat ; in houses over heated chambers, while Strawberries over them have occupied their usual position near the glass ; and under stages with plants upon Market ininch of Asparajus. From a jili'.to'jrajfh sent hy Mr.<. ]Vakeman-jS'i.ii:purt, Sandboume, Bewdley. force them under glass. The other method is to plant the roots permanently in brick-built beds, pigeon-holed. The former plan is the one most generally followed. Lifted roots are quickly excited into growth with very gentle forcing. This renders Asparagus very suit- able for forcing, and it is most valuable as a choice vegetable during the winter and early them. These are but makeshifts ; never- theless they have answered the purpose, and show how easy Asparagus is to force. The best structures in which to force it are pits or low houses, with hotbed material or pipes for bottom-heat and pipes for top-heat. Suitable temperatures are 65° to 70° Fahren- heit for bottom-heat, and 55° to 60' above. In these temperatures cutting begins in from three to four weeks from the start. The (juality from the beginning of cutting onward for a month is about the same, after which time it rapidly declines. To keep up a supply from December till the outdoor cutting begins, batches of roots must be lifted monthly, beginninp; early in November. When putting the roots into the forcing quarters, about 4 inches of light soil are laid over the chamber ; on this the roots are placed closely together, and about 4 inches of light sifted soil are spread over them. Liberal supplies of water must be given during forcing. The production of very early Asparagus does not so much lie in the forcing as in strong, healthy, well-grown roots, sown and planted out specially for the purpose, when one year old, on a plot of ground prepared in the same way as recommended for the permanent beds, or plot, in rows 2 feet apart, and the plants ] foot distant in the rows. After being planted the treatment is the same as for the per- manent beds. In the spring of the second season after planting a dressing of salt is given ; after- wards weeds are removed that have escaped the effects of the salt, but no cutting whatever must be allowed. During the second season after planting a sound watering occasionally during dry weather does a great deal of good, but, unfortunately, the water supply at Hat- field will not allow of this. When doing away with old beds and using up the roots for forcing, a few of the shoots produced may be stronger than those from the three-year-old plants, but they are not nearly so numerous, and, taken as a whole, they are not so satisfactory. The brick bed system has now been in use for many years, and the fact that it is so seldom met with is, I think, a proof that it has not many or great advantages. At the outset it is expensive to construct. One of its few advantages is that the shoots are thicker than from lifted roots, and they are in season for two months before the outdoor. The beds are usually about C feet wide and 4 feet deep, to allow a foot for drainage and 3 feet for soil. The alleys are 18 inches between, and the brickwork is 4i inches pigeon-holed, with jiiers for strength- ening it. Before forcing begins the beds are covered with several inches of leaf- mould and covered over with shutters. The alleys are generally filled with leaves for heating the beds. Mr. Wythes, at Syon House, forces Asparagus on this system, as also does Mr. Owen Thomas, the < Queen's gardener at Windsor, only that he has hot- water pipes to heat the beds instead of leaves. Asparagus is considered by some the finest vegetable grown. It is not only pleasant to the palate and can be used in so many dif- ferent ways in cooking, but it can also with ease, by forcing and outdoor cultivation, be had in season for seven months out of the twelve— - fi'om December to June. The most usual way to send it up to table is as a vegetable pure and simple, and for this purpose only the largest shouts are used, the small ones finding their way into the soup tureen and into many fancy dishes. Every shoot that rises to the surface of the ground can be utilised in some way. My remarks are, of course, more generally applicable to private growers than to market gardeners ; and whatever disadvantages some private gardens may have in producing it, they ought certainly to be surmounted, for to have Asparagus at its best it should be cooked and eaten as soon as possible after being cut, as it very quickly deteriorates in flavour when once cut. For market in this country it can only be grown at a profit under the most favourable conditions of position, soil, and climate. Where growers are so happily situated and 158 THE GARDEIS". [August 26, 1899. have experience in growing it, I believe they find it a paying crop ; but from time to time many have begun to grow it in places where soil and situation have not been suitable, and have been obliged to give it up. It is very largely imported into this country from the south of France, Italy, and Spain. In the early months of the year the largest and best comes from France. Prices vary according to size and demand, some giant shoots fetching as much in Covent Garden Market as from 10s. and 123. to 1.5 1. per 100. Many thousands of bundles are brought over daily, and every year the communication from the south of Fi-ance is quicker, and brings it over in better condition. The best home - grown outdoor Asparagus is sold in Covent Garden at from Is. to 43. per 100. Peas. — The hot, dry weather that we ha\e been having of late in this district has been all against Peas, which are simply eaten up with thrips. I commenced gathering the second week in June, the variety being Carter's Lightning. I have grown it along with other sorts .since it was first sent out, but nothing can equal it for earlinesa. Chelsea Gem came in ten days later. English Wonder I have grown for the first time, but it will have to go. Dickson's Fertility is the best midsea'^on variety, height 24 feet, a tre- mendous cropper, with nine and ten large deep green peas in each pod. It has resisted the drought the best of any Pea in the garden. Another good dry season Pea is Daisy. Dr. McLean has likewise done well. Autocrat, Duke of Albany, The Duchess, Dickson's First and Best, William I., and Ne Plus Ultra have been very poor. — Thos, Cockerill, Wirkfia-orth, Derby- ■■ihire. Potato Sutton's Seedling. — I am inclined to think that newer varieties are pushing this grand Potato out of cultivation, although I think that anyone who has thoroughly proved its merits will not readily discard it. For years after its introduction it secured more first prizes, I should say, than any other variety coming into use at the same season, but perhaps for this par- ticular purpose Windsor Castle has superseded it. I am. however, speaking of it as an all-round use- ful Potato, and maintain that, given good treat- ment, it will for cropping, flavour, and symmetry combined take a lot of beating. To those who prefer a particularly mealy, nutty - flavoured Potato I would say grow Sutton's .Seedling. My land was on the light side, and in dry summers none too moist on account of its porous subsoil, but this Potato invariably did well, its stout, vigorous haulm withstanding drought well. I used to grow it for a secondary supply in frames, and by pegging the tops down found it answer well. — Norfolk. Sowing spring Cabbages.— If this useful crop were sown a little later than usual and more pains taken to ensure the health and vigour of the plants after they are up, I think we should hear less of plants being lost in winter, if not of bolting in spring. A hard, well-developed plant is all right, but this is not secured by starvation treatment. I sow towards the end of July Ellam's Early and April, the latter a useful kind for succession. The seed-bed is made firm and not over-rich, and well soaked with water pre- vious to sowing in drills 6 inches apart. If there is any doubt as to the staple of the border, a little of a good quick-acting fertiliser may be sown with the seeds. A piece of ground cleared of early Potatoes is well trodden, and the plants are pricked out in this as soon as ready, going into their permanent quarters towards the end of September. Localities differ, and what is the correct time in one may not suit another, but there are few places where the seed need be sown before the end of July. Larger and later kinds are not sown here until the middle of August, and every care is taken of the plants by hoeing and watering in dry weather. The firm soil and open position ensure their being hard and well consolidatsd. — H., Suffolk. Pea sticks and dwarf Na Plus Ultra. — ".J. S.'s" note (p. 107) is suggestive, and his one stick to a plant deserves a trial where Pea sticks and labour are scarce. By keeping Pea tendrils so long idle, I fear we may have weak- ened their grasping or hold-fast capacity. There are other means of economising Pea sticks, which I practised for years, and which reduces the number one-half and renders the stakes more efficient alike for support and protection. In- stead of pliioing the stakes vertically, give them a long oblique angle with the ground. The stakes are stronger, too, if not placed opposite in pairs, but the stakes on one side to halve the distance between the stakes on the other. Of course, this oblique system of staking lowers the height, but this may save the labour of topping the stakes and render them available for shelter and support along the entire length of the row. Generally far too many stakes are used for staking Peas and the two rows are crowded far too closely together. More room and an occasional stake to connect the two lines reduce the quantity of timber used and give the growing Peas mora light. — D. T. F. BROAD BEANS. How is it that our hybridisers cannot produce a long-podded Broad Windsor Bean I Broad Beans are amongst the most useful and nutri- tious of vegetables, and anyone acquainted with the qualities of our garden Beans knows that the Broad Windsor is as superior to all other varieties as the true wrinkled Marrowfat Pea is to the little hard, early garden Pea which is so soon over. All the varieties of the common garden Bean are derived from one species, Faba vulgaris, but for garden purposes there are only two sorts in the nurseryman's catalogue — Long-pod and Windsor. The Long-pod is the exhibitor's favourite, and for a long period all the energies of raisers of new varieties have been concentrated on the lengthening of the pod and increasing the number of Beans within it. The Broad Windsor has not altered in any respect since I can remember. Long ago, Thomson described this variety as containing two or three very large Beans in a pod, as an excellent sort, highly esteemed, best for sum- mer crop, and remaining fit for use longer than most others. This character is deserved, only that there are usually as many pods with only one Bian in them as there are pods with the maximum number — three. Yet there is no reason, I believe, why the pods of this variety should not ba lengthened and the Beans in- creased in number. If we could only get an average of three Beans to a pod it would be a distinct advance, and that would appear to be only a matter of careful selection. It is certain that the first man who can produce a long- podded Windsor Broad Bean will make a good thing of it. J. S. ■Watering Celery. — I never had more pro- mising rows of Celery than this season, and this I attribute partly to early preparation of the trenches and partly to pricking the young plants straight from the seed beds into the trenches. The quick and vigorous growth made will have taken a good deal of the nourishment from the soil, so that watering and, where possible, feed- ing with liquid or other manures will be taken in hand at once. Old soot strewed about the rows and watered in is an excellent stimulant to Celery, and more lasting in its eflect than quick- acting chemicals. Water in abundance must be given if the produce is to be s'ood, and though it necessitates a lot of labour, this is well repaid by the increased quality and weight of the crop. If this is neglected now the outer stems and foli- age that are so useful for protection to the hearts later on are rendered soft and pipy. Insects, such as slugs, can more readily pass to the hearts, which, of course, will be less solid in character. Feed Celery well and keep the roots moist, and a stout, vigorous plant results. Watering should if possible be carried out in the late afternoon, or preferably on dull days. One thorough soaking of the trenches is better than half a dozen drib- lets.— A Grower. Constitution in Peas. — I was interested in reading your reply to a correspondent in respect to thrips and mildew attacks on Peas, because you aver that the newer Peas lack the constitution of the older ones. I should very much hesitate to support that statement, because in ordinary seasons I have seen plenty of the more recently raised Peas doing splendidly. All the same, in such a season as the present, when not so much mildew but thrips is rife, and great quantities of Pea plants are almost eaten up by these pests, it is evident that any variety passing through such an ordeal well and quite uninjured, fruiting freely, would seem to retain qualities not possessed by most other varieties. Very recently, going over a group of allotments on which I was called upan to select the best row of Peas, I found it in an admirable one, over .5 feet in height, of the good old Champion of England. This was clean, fresh and podding finely, although the pods were not large. Now it may be a question whether such a variety may not in some respects have more plant stamina because not required to expend so much force in pod production. Then again in this particular instance the row of Peas in question was found on one of the very best cultivated plots, where the soil had been deeply worked and well manured. The worst Peas I have seen this season were on rather poor, thin ground. Bub universally Pea3 seem to have been far more affected with heat and drought than last year. I have found in my own trials that the growth was very moderate, the crop short and the plants soon dried up. They are better in deep, rich soils, but in few cases are satisfactory, and unless rain soon comes the customary fine examples seen in August will, at least in the south, be missing. — A D. Tomato Laxton's Open Air.— One impor- tant thing in the cultivation of Tomatoes in the open garden is the selection of hardy varieties. Like Apples and Pears, some are much more hardy in the bloom than others and set their fruit in spite of cold winds and inclement weather, ilany a fine batch of plants has been put out as late as the first week in June, and although hav- ing the shelter of a south wall they have been sorely crippled by harsh winds. A variety that may safely be recommended for open-air culture generally is Laxton's Open Air. Though by no means handsome in appearance, being much corrugated, it is nevertheless well deserving of wall space, while for training market grower's fashion to stakes, I know of no better. At Earl- ham Hall, near Norwich, I saw on August 1 1 a grand lot of fruit in various stages of develop- ment, some of the lowermost trusses needing support to prevent their weight from breaking them oft'. At almost every joint for the entire length of the plants was a heavy cluster of fruit. The gardener stated that it was without doubt excellent for outdoor work where fine shape was not the chief consideration. The flavour, too, was very good. Amateurs should give this variety a trial. Even with the freest, most hardy sorts certain simple, though all-important, points must be observed in order to gain success. A weak, puny plant to start with is bound to disap- point. Dwarf, sturd}', gradually hardened plants are imperative. They may then be planted in their permanent quarters the first of June. Shelter from cuttine winds from all points is another necessity. Then a few evergreen 'ooughs should be inserted in the ground amongst the plants after planting, removing them say in the course of three weeks. They should be arranged so that while screening they do not unduly shade the plants. Amateurs and new beginners gener- ally often err as to the root-run. Some give too August 26, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 159 mnch rich food, others too little, planting perhaps in the same soil two years running. A good plan is to take out a couple of spits of the old and replace it with fresh compost. Actual feeding is best done when the plants begin to feel the strain of the crop. — Norfolk. Transplanting Celery.— Opinions differ a good deal as to the merits or otherwise of prick- ing off Celery plants before they are transferred to their permanent positions in the trenches. Where the trenches can be prepared early there is a great advantage in pricking straight from the seed-beds to them, but it is quite different in soils difficult to work where the trenches have to be prepared almost directly before planting. I much prefer pricking out in this case. As a rule I have had to hasten on the trenches and plant immediately, with the result that the Celery has been one of the most unsatisfactory of crops, but this season I had a piece of ground to spare and had it out at the beginning of the year. Rotten manure was dug into the bottom and abundance of burnt refuse forked and hoed into the surtace-soil, with the result that at the end sibly safely use some poisonous compounds on Tur- nips for the insects' destruction, but they could not be so employed on the Cabbage trilje. The best remedy would be found in good rains and ample moisture in the soil, as the beetle does not thrive in moisture. — A. D. Lettuce Continuity. — In face of the numer- ous and very favourable references recently made in The Garden by growers as to the e.xcel- lence of the above Lettuce, all I can say is that either soil or situation, climate or treatment accorded it here fails to develop the extremely high quality it evidently obtains generally. Mr. Burrell suggests I may, unfortunately, have got hold of an inferior strain of this variety. Pos- sibly it may be so, but in my case not, I think, very probable, for Messrs. Daniels Bros, (who were the introducers, I believe) very kindly sent it me for trial, and those I again grew last year were similar in every respect to the original stock, and both were discarded for the same defects, viz., lack of crispness and quality. The heat being so great, the journey long, and the rough usage which seems inseparable from Rhodode-ndron myrtifolium. From a photograph sent hy Herr Otto Forster, of May the trenches were in splendid order, and, notwithstanding the hot, dry weather since then, the plants have obtained a capital hold, the late welcome rains having given them a good start again. I have never, in fact, had the plants look so promising. I am referring, of course, to maincrop Celery, as Celery is rarely needed here before the end of October, and I do not grow any for early supplies. Under these circumstances the balance is all in favour of not pricking out the plants, but I can well understand that there are times when this is almost a necessity. — H. R. Turnips.— Unless there is an almndant rainfall during the present month, the prospect of getting Turnips good or plentiful during the winter is indeed a poor one. Not only is the soil so parched and dry that seed germinates badly, but all Brassic:u are terriljly infested with the Turnip beetle, which is doing immense mischief to Calj- bages, CauIiSowers, winter greens of all descrip- tions, and is decimating seedling Turnips whole- sale. Remedies are not easy to find in face of the abundance of the insect and the existence in any garden of so many host plants. We might pos- postal parcel service, together with the extremely brittle nature of the foliage, prevents my sending you a sample of what proves here an ideal sum- mer Cabbage Lettuce, to wit. New York. Even in this tropical and droughty season it is large, solid, and crisp. — .John Roberts, The Gardens, Tan-ij-hti'Jch, The Turnip beetle. — This tiny black insect, and one of the most active, is identical with the insect referred to by " H. H." as doing such h.arm to Cabbages. It is entomologically Haltica nemorum. It is also called the black flea, but is in reality a very tiny beetle. I have seen it very active largely this season on all the Cabbage tribe, including Turnips, especially where the soil is dry. The prevailing heat and drought assist to propagate the insect rapidly, whilst vegetation under these influences becomes stunted and incapable of resisting the insect attacks. Turnips suffer more than Cabbages generally because the leaf is thinner and softer ; indeed, it is most difficult to secure growth at all, as the moment the cotyledons appear they are eaten up. It has been recommended to sow the Turnip seed in drills, as then well broken, but fresh gaslime may be sown between the drills just as the seeds are germinating, and the smell will drive the insects away. Sand or sawdust soaked in paraffin will also emit a very offensive perfume. Still, it is doubtful whether the insects are troubled with discriminating olfactory nerves. Probably they are more susceptible to taste ; hence sprinkling the rows of seedlings with soapy water, then dusting with soot, is likely to be more effective. But whilst smotherings of soot, lime, or dust may be freely employed with Turnips, such may not be used over well-de- veloped Cabbages. Nothing is better for these than liberal overhead waterings, as then the roots benefit and growth is greater. It is the experi- ence of most gardeners that the beetle does most harm on poor or shallow soils, as with deeply worked soils well manured the growth is rapid. — • A. D. Trees and Shrubs. RHODODENDRON MYRTIFOLIUM. The true species was discovered during the travels of Sohott and Kotschy in Transylvania. The plant figured comes from a mountain near Kronstadt, in Transylvania, where it covers the north-western hillsides, flowering abundantly. The species does not grow to a large size. The largest plant I know is about 2 feet through, and grows on chalk in a sandy loam about 10 inches to 15 inches deep. The individual flowers are rather larger than in R. ferrugi- neum and hirsutum, and are of a pleasing rosy red, pure white varieties not being very common. — O. Forster. Mr. W. Watson, writing to us about this Rhododendron, of which there is a specimen at Kew, says : — Herr O. Forster's Rhododendron is one of the forms of R. ferrugineum. (See Kew Hand-list of Trees and Shrubs, p. 61.) We have never suc- ceeded with it at Kew. The other R. myrti- folium is a garden hybrid between hirsutum and ponticum. It is also known as ovatum and ovali- folium. This grows freely at Kew. Hypericum Moserianum. — This has been long enough now in cultivation to be well known, and it is fairly cheap as well. It is such a beau- tiful and useful shrub, that it ought to be planted freely in prominent positions. The trees and shrubs that flower at this end of the summer are all too few, and anyone planting cannot afford to do without one of this kind, which produces plenty of bloom over a much longer season than most things. In shrubberies fringed with her- baceous borders the lack of brightness is not so noticeable now, but between the early summer- flowering and late autumn leaf-colouring there is rather an uninteresting time in shrubberies pure and simple, and anything that blooms late, or by keeping in flower a long time keeps a bit of colour now, should be given a prominent place therein. Althaea frutex. — This in its many varieties is a showy and free-growing shrub that with ordi- nary care may be established, and will grow freely in any but the very worst of soils. The plan in vogue in many places of planting it against a warm wall is a good one, for it is very pretty, especially the bright red forms, and if given good soil at the roots will make a lot of growth in a season, thus covering a wall thickly and rapidly. Its only fault is the somewhat bare appearance until quite late in spring, and this is almost com- pensated for by the delightful fresh foliage and pretty blossoms at this season. Very pretty effects may be had by planting in round or other beds, allowing the plants to take quite their own way, pushing out an extra strong shoot here and there that later on is covered with flower. The lighter forms are not so striking as the deeply- 160 THE GARDEN. [August 26, 1899. tinted ones, but still they are very pretty, espe- cially when they become large enough to be effec- tive in the landscape. For this reason when planting is in progress the colours ought to be kept in groups, this being a far more effective plan than mixing them indiscriminately. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. SOUTHERN. ■Worth Park, Crawley. — On account of the severe frost that we had in the early spring, cer- tain classes of fruit. Pears especially, are almost a failure. Of Strawberries and Rispberries there are fair crops, but not so large in size as in pre- vious years. Gooseberries and Cherries are mode- rate, also Apples and Plums. Those who were fortunate to have their Peach wall outside well covered, thereby preventing the sharp frost from injuring the bloom, no doubt have a fair amount of fruit. It has been a very trying time for all kinds of vegetation, the nights being so cold through April and May when Peas and all other spring crops were in a young state. With heavy watering and a good mulching of rotten manure. Peas and Beans are very good. I find Chelsea Gem the best Pea for early work, being a very prolific bearer, of good size and flavour, and doing well on a warm south border. The Onion crops are very good, having escaped the disease which was very prevalent in many places last season. Carrots, Beet, Parsnips, and all kinds of Brassicas are very good taking into con- sideration the hot weather that we are having at the present time. — C. Allen. Castle Gardens, Arundel. — Fruit trees of all kinds bloomed very profusel3'. I also think the trees were very deficient of moisture, owing to til 3 drought of last year. We had cold easterly winds during that period, which of course were detrimental to the fruit setting. Apples are below the average. The following varieties are bearing crops here : Lord SuiBeld, Keswick Cod- lin, Ecklinville Seedling, Wellington, Beauty of Kent, Lane's Prince Albert, More de Menage, Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and Ham- bledon Deux Ans. Pears are very thin, as are Apricots. Peaches and Nectarines are an aver- age crop, but owing to the excessive heat it is difficult to keep the trees healthy. Cherries are an average ; Morellos heavy. Plums are thin. Early Rivers, Early Orleans, Green Gage, Trans- parent Gage, Pond's Seedling, and Victoria are bearing good crops. Bush fruits are an average crop; Raspberries good ; Strawberries bad crop ; in tome cases a total failure. The season in our light soil was very short. Nuts are an average ; Medlars abundant. Vegetable are suffering very much from want of moisture. I have only registered 1} inches of rain since May '25. Peas are getting badly in- fested with mildew. I think highly of Gradus as an early variety to follow Chtlsea Gem. — E. BURBURY. Adding'ton Manor, Winslow.— The fruit crop is a very poor one. Apples on old orchard trees are a failure, on young espaliers a moderate crop. Both Pears and Plums are light. Goose- berries and Currants are scarce, the blossom hav- ing been destroyed by frost. Strawberries are the worst crop I have had for years in this garden. In one of our gardens a quarter of a mile distant and 20 feet or 30 feet higher, sloping to the north and in an open situation, cultural conditions the same, I had an abundant and good crop. The first-named garden has a south aspect. Vegetable crops so far not so very much to complain of. Among Brassicas more plants have gone blind than usual and are in great need of rain. The different succes'^ions of Peas are soon over, and Scarlet Runner Beans do not set well owing to the great heat and drought. Early Potatoes are plentiful, but small. Sharpe's Victor is excellent in quality, and so is Snowdrop at the present moment and a fine crop. Late Potatoes in the field look healthy and strong and promise well for a good crop. — J. Mathisox. Wentworth. Gardens, Virg'iiiia Water, Surrey. — Of the fruit and vegetable crops in this neighbourhood I am sorry not to be able to give you a very glowing account, which I attribute to the very late spring frost and cold winds which have Ijeen succeeded by unusual great heat and drought. The fruit crop, taken as a whole, is about the lightest I ever recollect. Apples are very light ; Apricots none ; Peaches fair, but the trees have been badly attacked by blight ; Plums are almost a blank ; Pears the same ; Strawberries about half a crop ; Morello Cherries average crop ; bush fruits, excepting Goose- berries, average. Vegetables have been fairly good and plentiful up to the present. Potatoes are small and the late varieties have come very uneven. Late Peas, owing to the dry, hot weather, are looking very indifferent. Root crops are looking fairly well under the adverse circumstances — W. March.4m. Clophill, Ampthill. — From what I can gather and what I have seen the following is how fruit and vegetables stand this year in Beds : Fruit of all kinds is very scarce, no doubt owing to the late and very severe frosts we had. Carrots and Onions are good. There is a good supply, and all kinds promise well, but a good soaking rain is needed for the light soils, or the drought will do mischief. Early Potatoes and Peas suffered owing to the dry weather. — W. Joyce. The Gardens, Panshanger, Hertford. — In the gardens here Strawberries were very much under crop ; Black, Red, and White Currants are a heavy crop; Gooseberries a fair average ; Sweet Cherries fair average ; Morellos over average ; Raspberries over average ; Peaches and Necta- rines poor ; Apricots few ; Plums on wall fair average ; on standards few ; Apples fair average ; Pears on wall under average ; as standards under average ; Cobs are a heavy crop. Vegetables have been fairly plentiful, and with rain (which is badly wanted) will continue to give a good supply. — James Anderson. The Gardens, Laleham House, Staines. — The late spring frost was most injurious to Strawberry blossom. We registered 17" of frost on March 21. This proved too much for the blos- soms of Peaches, although I had a double covering of fish nets. I have had a good all-round crop of vegetables up to this date. With the short rainfall we have had crops are more or less at a standstill now. — T. Anderson. The Gardens, Wildernesse, Sevenoaks. — The fruit crop in this garden and neighbourhood is not so good as usual. Apricot blossom was spoiled by frost. Peaches are about half a crop ; Plums very few indeed ; Pears about half a crop ; Apples very good and very plentiful. Strawber- ries are a very thin crop, which I attribute to last year's dry weather rather than to this year's frost. Other small fruits are very good and plentiful. Vegetables are very good and plentiful, though Peas and Potatoes suffered somewhat from the dry weather in the early part of June and again in the middle of July. — H. Elliott. Kingston, Surrey.— My numerous visits to all parts of the county enable me to say that, so far as Surrey is concerned, fruit generally is but a moderate crop. The best of tree produce is no doubs found in Apples, of which there seems to be, if not a heavy crop, at least a plentiful one. Some trees are abundantly laden ; some are thinly so ; not a few have none. But with more rain the Apple crop should, all the same, be a very good one. All sorts are bearing, the season not having favoured one over another. Pears are very thin, the best crops being found on some- what inferior varieties, such as Autumn Berga- mot, Hessle, Windsor, and similar ones. The popular Williams' Bon Chri^tien has few fruits. Trees in gardens, whether bush or trained, have but few fruits generally. Plums are even scarcer. Judging by what I have seen, I should infer that Plums were very scarce indeed, whilst Damsons are almost nil. Cherries, both sweet and Morello, have been very good, as they have also been cheap, but Surrey is not a great Cherry county. Bush fruits have been a capital crop. Red, White, and Black Currents and Gooseberries having been very abundant and good. The great value of bush fruits for furnishing crops has been once more demonstrated. Raspberries were excellent at the outset, but the great heat and drought of July told upon them severely in shallow or dry soils. Strawberries were generally hardly more than half a crop. The frost destroyed much of the early bloom, and that was not too abundant, whilst the drought told upon the plants and caused the fruit season to be a short one. Walnuts are very abundant on some trees, and on others there is not a fruit. Small Nuts are not plentiful ; indeed, the crop will be but a very partial one. Vegetalile crops are very fair generally, tiut not all are satisfactory. Potatoes have seldom come so weak and irregular as this season, and in all directions both large and small breadths are seen that show great unevenness and weak- ness of growth. This is largely due to a mild winter first exciting undue tuber growth, fol- lowed on the planting by a spell of cold, un- genial weather, combined with numerous sharp frosts, that greatly checked and weakened top growth. Early Potatoes, though small, have so far been very clem, and little evidence of the usual disease is visible. Peas were, when at their best, a good crop, but still too short an one. The recent hot weather greatly promoted blindness and thrips, and late Peas have been scarce. Broad or Long-pod Beans were good earlier in the season, but became much blighted later. It is a poor crop for light, porous or shallow soils when heat sets in. Cauliflowers have not been satisfac- tory, the great he.at and drought evidently much conducing to cluli. Cabbages were excellent earlier, but now have become hard and blue. Still, there is little evidence of caterpillar. Parsnips seldom have looked cleaner or better than now. The maggot on that and on Celery has so far baen little seen. Carrots have suffered much from aphis, arising from spring cold and July heat. Beats are excellent ; so, to3, generally are Onions, but on light soils the plants are not strong, although autumn-sown bulbs are good. Vegetable Marrows where well done look well and are fruiting freely. In some few cases Let- tuces have been found good, but in most instances inferior stocks have soon bolted off to flower. Divarf Kidney and Runner Beans look well every- where, but all need rain to induce free setting of the flowers. On the whole the season for vege- tables is a very fair one. — A. Dean. The Gardens, Haynes Park, Bedford. — The fruit crops in this garden and neighbourhood are very light. Peaches, Apricots, Pears, and Plums are failures owing to early and late frosts in May ; Cherries on walls fair crop; Strawberries a failure ; Apples are very light ; Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Currants of sorts are fair ; Fil- berts a failure. Early crops of Peas, Cauliflowers, Beans, &c., are fair ; Potatoes very light. Autumn crops promise well if rain comes soon. Onions and Carrots are poor. This has lieen the worst sea- son I have experienced here during the last ten years. — C. Stewart. Hanger Hill House, Ealing.— Apples and Pears, taking them generally, are a good average crop. The fruit is clean, and promises to finish well. All stone fruit trees bloomed freely, but owing to the spring frosts suffered severely, espe- cially Peaches and Nectarines. These with me have barely one-third of a crop. The trees, how- ever, are looking well, and were subjected less to insect pests than usual. Plums are a small average crop. The same remark applies to Dam- sons. Apricots are nearly a failure ; Walnuts a fair crop. Strawberries were rather under the average. These, too, suffered from spring frosts. August 26, 1899.J THE GAEDEN. 161 The crop was very disappointing after promioing so well in early spring. Bush truit of all kinds, especially Raspberries, is abundant. All kinds of vegetables are plentiful and good, and are looking well for a good supply for autumn and winter. The late spring Broccoli was ex- ceptionally good this year and easily overlapped the early Cauliflower, thus ensuring a supply of one or the other— thanks to the mild winter. — D. CoorER. The Gardens, Englt field, Reading.— Apples, Pears, Apricot^ and Peaches are fair ; Plums poor ; Gooselierries and Currants good ; Raspberries poor. Strawbarries were not at all good, the soil about here being too light to pro- duce good crops of fruit. I (5nd the second year after planting I have the best crops. The dry season of late has greatly atfected our Strawberry crops. The vegetables in general look well, but are badly in want of rain. — J. Coombes. "Wycombe Abbey, High Wycombe.— Col- lectively the fruit crops will be below the ordi- nary average, and will, without doubt, be of a partial character. With the exception of Cher- ries, Currants, Raspberries, Walnuts, and Nuts, all other kinds are under the average, and Strawberries never so scarce as they are this year within my remembrance. The lighter crops of such fruits as Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines promise to be good, which they ought to be under existing conditions. The dry state of the weather at certain periods in this year has in some degree, where water- ing has not been carried out, shortened the season and supply of some subjects as Peas, Beans, Cauliflower, Lettuce, &c., but on the whole the crops look exceedingly well and generally are abundant and good. Potatoes are turning out well and good, with no disease here- abouts. Although not so large or so plentiful as in some seasons, there is at present but little cause for complaint. The early kinds are ripen- ing off very satisfactorily, and the main-crop of these should soon be hfted.— Geo. T. Miles. Dropmore, Bucks. — Fruit crops are fairly up to the average in this district. Apples promise to be very good, but require now some soaking rains to swell up the fruits. The majority of varieties both as orchard and bush trees are carry- ing full crops. Orchard trees of Blenheim Orange carried very heavy crops last year, and are con- sequently very thin this ; but, on the other hand, bush trees on the Paradise stock are cropping remarkably well. Nearly all other varieties are bearing freely ; therefore it is needless to give many names. Pears are almost a complete fail- ure on wall, bush, and orchard trees. In a few instances some varieties — Williams' Bon Chr. The more I have to do with fruit culture the more I am impressed with the fact that the earlier the trees — be they Vines, Peach trees, bush fruits or what not — are di- vested of fruit not required, the less risk there is of damage to that left and the better for the trees. I cannot claim to be versed in physiology, but that which I find leads to good results in culture I practise as far as possible, and can only advise others to do the same. I thoroughly agree with the pithy and concise remarks by " Rambler," and would like to see more of them in The Garden. H. R. Gooseberry Pitmaston Greeng'age.- This is, I think, the richest Hivoured of all Goose- berries, at least I find the fruits of this variety to be so much appreciated here for the dessert, that no other sorts meet with any favour so long as they are to be had. The fruits are but small I must admit, but this is no serious drawback, if any, as they are quite large enough for dessert. When fully ripe the berries are pale or greenish yellow, semi-transparent, and roundish in shape, and they hang a long time after arriving at maturity. The skins are tender and break easily, the pulp being juicy, sugary and richly flavoured. It is a strong growing sort, the bushes make plenty of wood, and they bear most abundantly. I grow a good many bushes of it, and would advise all who have to send quantities of Gooseberries to their employer's table daily for the dessert to give the above variety a trial. — A. W. A moist root-run for Black Currants.— An old gardener once said to me that, were he planting Black Currants for profit, he would, if possible, choose a somewhat low-lying situation close to a rivulet or marshes. He further added he would have two sets of trees, cutting one clean down one year and the other the next, such was his faith in young wood for producing heavy crops of fine fruit. I was reminded of his words recently by seeing, I think, the finest lot of Black Currant trees I have ever seen. They were grow- ing in the garden of a farmhouse in Norfolk, the position a low-lying one and not many yards from a narrow river. Moreover, the top soil, which was by no means deep, rested on a subsoil of white marl, with which this part of Norfolk abounds. No doubt the Currant tree roots had gone down into this cool moisture-retaining sub- stance, which seemed to suit them. The crops these trees yielded in average seasons, or when late spring frosts do not cripple growth, are astonishing, the fruit being extra large and of grand quality. The farmer, however, admitted that owing to the low, moist position late frosts did occasionally work mischief with the crop, and that is just what I thought might occur when a similar site was recommended by the old gar- dener already referred to. I impressed upon my farming friend that he would reap still greater and richer harvests of fruit if he would get out of the old groove and use the pruning-knil'e more freely, letting in sunlight and air, especially keeping the centres of the trees open. When, however, trees have been permitted to grow for years with but little pruning, the reduction of the wood must be gradual. The right way is to moderate growth from the tree's earliest days. — J. C. Canker in Mslons — Among the several causes responsible for canker in Melons I should put a rank root-run, coupled with insufficient room to enable the plants to go well away, as de- cidedly the mo»t to blame. There is very little head-room in the pits in which my Melons are grown — onlv sufficient to enable them to get a leogth of il inches from the collar of the plant, and, as a consequence, considerable curtailment is necessary to keep them within bounds. No bottom-heat in the shape of hot-water pipes is available, and so to procure this a bed of manure has to be made up. For some seasons I made mounds of earth on this bed of manure and planted the Melons thereon. The result was not altogether satisfactory, as the plants rooted into the manure before the fruit was sufficiently large to check the growth. Very rank growth fol- lowed, and the curtailment of the same was in- variably the prelude to canker, this being, I take it, the result of the inability of the plant under restriction to assimilate the ingredients taken in from the manure. This was the theory, and I resolved this year to put it in practice with the view of keeping the roots within bounds rather than allowing them to stray into the half-decom- posed manure. So the pit was filled as usual with a well-worked heating material of leaves and manure, and as the work progressed a large pot (inverted) used in Rhubarb forcing was inserted in the centre of each light. Clinkers, with coal ashes over the same, were put in the bottom and rammed fairly tight, the pot afterwards being filled up to within an inch of the brim with soil. I am glad to say that the experiment has proved an unqualified success in the prevention of canker, and now that two crops are over and cleared away I find on an examination of the bottom of the pots that the roots were only just appearing through the clinkers. Naturally this mode of cultivation necessitated a considerable amount of artificial feeding from the time the fruit attained a fair size until the ripening stage. I adhered to my old favourites Blenheim and Gunton Orange, with the addition of Gunton Scarlet, obtained through the courtesy of Mr. Allen, the raiser. It is a very fine Melon. — E. Bcrrbll, Olaremont. PfiACH AMSDEN JUNE ON OPEN WALLS. Mr. Wythes's notes on early Peaches on open walls at p. 74 will have been read with interest, more particularly so, as without doubt open- air culture is again receiving a considerable share of attention. My opinion is that if gardeners would only deal with the trees in the nick of time in spring, so as to prevent aphis from gaining a footing, the chief barrier to success would be removed. I know one gardener as far north as Retford who grows Peaches on walls with no other protection than that afforded by a narrow glass coping, and yet his trees are the picture of health and produce fruit of high excellence. Aphis is not allowed a moment's grace in spring, as he contends that if once the terminal leaves become curled it takes a whole season for the tree to recover. Mr. Wythes mentions the three American varieties, Amsden .June, Waterloo, and Alexander. I can recommend the first as a hardy, sure, and free-cropping outdoor Peach for first early supplies. On a south wall in a midland garden I grew it in company with Hale's Early. Amsden June never failed me, the fruit being large, rather flattened in shape, with a slight furrow. The colour was a black-red, and the flavour, if the fruit was eaten in time, good. I found it necessary to pick them directly they would part from the tree by the use of a little force. If left on until they dropped or left the wood with the least touch they soon turned mealy. If this last point is observed, Amsden .June may safely be planted by those who have failed with Alexander and Waterloo. Indoors, if forced gently, this early Peach succeeds well, but it will not stand high pressure until stoned. Like Mr. Wythes, I found it a somewhat weakly grower, but nearly every bloom get, and, what is more, the fruit did not fall. C. N. Grape Lady Basting's. — I was pleased to read that a first-class certificate had been awarded to the new Grape Lady Hastings. When at Melton several years ago I saw Vines of it in a bearing state and tasted several berries. I thought them delicious : indeed, after tasting both Lady Hastings and Muscat Hamburgh I pronounced the former the better. This is saying a good deal. The Vine is a good grower with luxuriant foliage, and the bunches, which are of good size, colour beautifully, having that Damson hue which all Grape growers like to see. It is particularly gratifying to know that this new Grape belongs 168 THE GARDEN. [August 26, 1899. tD the Muscat section, as additions of this kind have been few and far between of late years, the majority of the new Grapes having been of a somewhat coarse, thick-skinned nature. Quality is what is mainly wanted, and this in the highest degree is characteristic of Lady Hastings. — J. Ck.\wford. GRAPE GROS GUILLAUME. That is an interesting note (p. 67) on the above- named Grape. I have sometimes been surprised to see this Grape described as coarse and ill- flavoured. No doubt this description is true when the crop is brought on in too low a temperature and ripens foxy, but when treated to sufficient warmth and well coloured it is, I maintain, quite equal to Lady Downe's, as stated in the note referred to. Gros Guillaume is one of the few Grapes which improve by hanging in the fruit room after being bottled, and I have had it in January more like the Hamburgh in flavour than anything else, although best when ripened in August or early in September. It must not be thought that it will do with little or no heat. A maximum amount of heat, with abundance of fresh air, is what is wanted to do this fine Grape justice. A friend of mine near Epping grew the tinest crops of Gros Guillaume I ever saw. Beneath that portion of the border in which the Vine grew ran the hot-water pipes. This was compulsory, and the gardener feared failure in consequence, but, strange to say, that particular Vine outstripped all the others both as regards vigour and fruitfulness. If Gros Guillaume is planted in a rich border, growth is liable to be gross and bunches few, these being long, loose, and ill-furnished. On the other hand, given a rather poor root-run, growth is moderate, firm, and productive, bunches being borne on nearly every lateral, their size also being such as can be appreciated at table. Some little care is needed to secure a perfect set of berries, and in order that the bunches may be plump, the shoulders must not be thinned too much. N. N. Pear Doyenne d'Ete.— For very early use before the choicer kinds come in, this is one of the best and far superior in point of flavour and keeping to others in the early section. I saw some fine little trees of it recently covered with the pretty bright fruits, which are certainly very sweet. It does not possess the failing common to many early kinds of decaying at the core almost before it is properly ripe. With a view to hastening it, some growers give it the protection of a wall, but, unless very well fed, the fruit is smaller and inferior in quality to that grown in the open. — Grower. BusIl Morello Cherry trees. — These have borne heavy crops of fruit this season, the pro- duce being of tine size and exceedingly juicy. Of course, the fruits on such trees ripen in advance of those grown on north and east walls, but are none the less welcome on that account, as they come in extremely useful for cooking after the Kentish Cherries are over. It is astonishing the great (juantity of fruit bush trees are capable of producing if they are only kept well up to their work by judiciously feeding the roots from the surface. If this is not done they soon exhaust themselves unless the natural soil is very fertile in itself. If worked on the Mahaleb stock and planted from 6 feet to 9 feet apart, bush trees will, in the course of from two to three seasons, form (xuite a hedge, and will for years produce great quantities of fruit if given an annual mulch- ing of partly decayed manure. — A. W. Plum Dymond.— Although this is a very large and most useful cooking Plum, we do not hear about it so often as we might expect. Perhaps the fact of its being rather tender in the bloom has caused planters to fight shy of it. Like the majority of Plums, it is prone to make rank growth if planted in a rich, deep larder, barren- ness for a number of years resulting. I should choose for it a soil rather poor than otherwise, attention being paid to surface mulching during the hot summer months. It then bears freely and continues to do so annually. In the midlands Dymond is a favourite both amongst farmers and cottagers. The finest fruit I have grown has been from a tree on a due south wall. Here, if the tree is well nourished, the fruit swells to a great siza and lays on a bloom of great depth and baauty. All who have room should plant at least one tree of Dymond. It makes a delicious pre- serve.— N. Rose Garden. ROSES IN NEW ZEALAND. I HAD hoped to be able to send you some photo- graphs of New Zealand flora, but, although I have made several attempts, the wind, which is the photographer's pest here, has made the subjects but counterfeit presentments of their proper selves. I send you one of the failures, showing Manuka, Flax, and Cabbage Tree. The Manuka has flowered in great profusion this summer. The hillsides have been white and where button-hole bouquets are in request it is worth growing for this purpose alone, besides which it makes a very pretty bush in the garder. The plant is of a clean habit of growth and throws up large handsome clusters of flowers that are bouquets in themselves, and very fine for fill- ing large vases or bowls about the house. It is one of the very few Roses that look well arranged with Maiden-hair or other Fern in lieu of its own foliage. Rose Marie d'Orleans. — During the months of August, September, and October, and even if mild until Christmas, this beautiful Rose never fails to produce quantities of its charming flowers. Just now when many kinds appear scorched up this variety is very fine. If ever the Tea Roses are sub-divided into groups according to their vigour (and it would seem to be necessary for a proper arrangement when planting), then Marie d'Orleans will rank as one of the most sturdy non- I climbing kinds. As to hardiness, it is equal to any Hybrid Perpetual, and as a garden Rose it stands unrivalled among the coloured Roses. Unhke some of these, it is not a great success Eases Solfaterre and Climhing Devoniensis in a Neio Zealand garden. From a photograph sent by Mr. J. D. Crooke, Lawrence, Otago, New Zealand, with it. Most of the hardy kinds of flowers do well in this district. The soil and climate seem to suit bulbs admirably, especially Narcissi, Hyacinths, Gladioli, Anemones, and Ranun- culuses ; Roses and Asters also do well. The Rose season is fi-om the middle of November to the middle of May. How one cherishes the May Roses ! The view sent shows a Climbing Devoniensis and a Solfaterre in my garden. I fancy that birds sing longer here than in England. On June 2(j, IS'.lS, a thrush began to sing at daybreak from the top of a Deodar in my garden, and sang from that same spot every morning, starting at daybreak, no matter what the weather was like, continuing for an hour or more each morning ; and he kept this practice up until July ;!!. White, in his "Naturalist's Calendar," mentions January 6 as the earliest date at which tlie song thrush sang with him. J. D. Crooke. L(t)i-rence, Otago, New Zealand. Rose Mme. de "Watteville.— There are few prettier Roses when in the bud stage than this. under glass, the colour then being rather dull, but outdoors as bush or standard or on a low wall the charming tints of rosy crimson and salmon-pink, together with the pointed and re- flexed petals, make it a most attractive variety. When planting, a space of 2 feet each way should be allowed, even more if it can be spared. Do not attempt to prune it. Retain plenty of the new wood, thin out some of the growths more than two years old, and a fine healthy plant will be the result. It is far better to have a good- sized specimen plant of this Rose than a collec- tion of pretty Roses that will not grow well with- out a lot of coddling. Rose Souvenir de Slme. Joseph Hetral (Tea-scented). — It is possible that the cumber- some name is partly responsible for this Rose remaining in obscurity. I wonder exhibitors have not made good use of it ere now, for really the blossoms are quite up to their standard of perfection. The flower is so heavy and so double that the stem is too weak to support the bloom. The colour is pleasing ; just that soft rosy cerise tint that is far too rare among Roses. Bush plants flower freely at the ends of the long shoots , I believe many of these extra vigorous Rose' August 26, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 169 knoTvn as climbers would give much more satis faction if grown as bushes about 4 feet or ."> feet apart than they do when placed close to a south wall. I have this season a quantity of Marechal Niel plants growing as bushes, and they are now flowering grandly. At first sight one cannot see a bloom, but a search among the foliage will reveal some beautiful golden-yellow flowers, per- haps not so rich in colour as we obtain in spring under glass, but quite good enough for ordinary use. Gardeners would find this and other Roses such as rideal. Belle Lyonnaise, Mme. Moreau, Kaiserin Friedrich, Dr. Rouges, W. A. Richard- son, Alme. Pierre Cochet, Germaine Trochon, and even the old Gloirede D.jon very useful if grown as stated. Where the flower garden is too smiU, a row or so of each variety across the kitchen gar- den, planted upon land recently trenched and in good condition, would yield abundance of flowers, and as they come in when the other Roses are wan- ing their value is obvious. Doubtless more bloom would be obtained if the growths were pegged down or left alone, but I believe the best plan is to prune the shoots each year to within about 2 feet of the ground, then the quality of the bloom is well maintained. As the bushes increase in siz9 some of the older growths may be entirely removed, endeavouring as far as possible to retain none more than two years old. — Philomel. ROSES UNDER GLASS. NoTHiNii is so charming as fine flowers of Roses in early spring, and yet one may go into scores of gardens without seeing a single plant under glass unless it is an insect-infested old roof plant that is hardly looked at except to cut a few flowers when they appear. There are not many gar- deners, unfortunately, who can afford a house for Roses only, and their only chance is either to grow a few pot plants with other things in a greenhouse, or else to grow climbing kinds on the roof of a conservatory. Neither plan is really satisfactory, but the latter is preferable, for not only do Roses in pots do badly in company with other greenhouse plants, but they never look so nice as when growing alone. On the roof or side lights one may grow any of the stronger Teas as climbers and excellent results may be obtained ; or a few plants may be forwarded in early fruit houses, such as vineries or Peach houses, the gradual increase of temperature practised for the fruit suiting the Roses also, though great care will be necessary with the ventilation to avoid mildew and insects. Where a small span- roofed house can be spared for their culture it will prove most interesting in spring. The roof should not be heavily covered with climbing kinds, but a few will do no harm. Marechal Niel is usually looked on as the best climbing Rose under glass ; perhaps it is, but we do not want all Mar§chal Niel, and such lovely kinds as Citherine Mermet, with its large and beautifully tinted blossoms, or the charming small flowers of such kinds as Isabella Sprunt, Mme. Guinoisseau, or even Mme. Lambard ought not to be forgotten. Niphetos again and Tldeal are two eminently suitable kinds, and more than as many again could be named equally worthy. Any of these kinds that are not to be represented on the roof should be grown in pots, and as it is a well-known fact that many Teas do remarkably well on standard stems, a few of these should be ' included. Trained a little they have a better appearance than when allowed to grow wild, but tight training spoils their beauty and should be avoided. The time of year is rapidly approach- ing when it will be safe to lift plants from the open for potting up. By the middle of September have all in readiness for the purpose— some com- post consisting of good fibrous loam and partially decayed cow manure, with some lumpsof limestone, charcoal or some hard substance to prevent it run- ning closely together and becoming sour. A good sprinkling of coarse drift sand is also a help in this direction. Lift the plants carefully and pot firmly, using a blunt potting stick, and after all are potted, stand in a sheltered and rather shady I place for a few days, sprinkling them overhead twice daily in fine weather as long as the leaves keep on. They should be well established and may go under glass by the middle of November, and a little pruning may be necessary. The amount of this will vary according to the kind of Rose grown. Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas may be cut fairly hard back, and, when starting, disbudded to what seems the requisite number of shoots, according to the strength of the plant. Teas, on the other hand, need only be cut into good firm wood and the small spray en- tirely cut out. A thorough fumigation may be given before the plants are started, the house thoroughly cleaned, and a low temperature kept up at first with plenty of air. The routine treat- ment is simplicity itself, and the Teas will go on flowering more or less until the outdoor Roses are plentiful. Then — say the middle of .July— the plants may be thoroughly cleaned and re potted, cut back a little and put into shape for their season's growth. They will flower strongly and well for a number of years. Roses on pillars and arches. — I would like to thank "Philomel" for his courteous and in- structive reply to my note on this subject. I did not wish to decry Crimson Rambler on account of its habit of pushing strong shoots at the base, but simply to point out that this class is not quite suitable for the object I had in view. Crimson Rambler has been remarkably fine this year, and very beautiful are the great masses of brilliant blossoms, but I want something that will climb posts 10 feet high and run along a trellis another 10 feet or more without the thickening out at the bottom I spoke of. — H. R. Pillar Roses. — Will anyone give me the names of six pillar Roses of any class that will bloom freely in autumn ; also the names of three light crimson and three very dark HP. Roses for bedding which are free autumn bloomers ? — B. %* We think you will find the following first- rate for late - flowering : Longworth Rambler, Kaiserin Friedrich, Mme. Marie Lavall^e, Mme. Georges Bruant, Gruss au Toplitz, Ulrich Brun- ner, and the following for beddmg at that season : Light crimson : Alfred Colomb, Duke of Albany, Dapuy Jamain. Very dark : Xavier Olibo, Charles Lefebvre, and Victor Hugo. — Ed. A beautiful climber.- -A rambling variety with exquisitely shaped flowers each 3 inches to 4 inches in diameter, very double, and of the charming tint of Comtesse de Nadaillac would well describe that very fine Rose E. Veyrat Hermanos. It is not much known, for it is rarely if ever exhibited, being rather late. This partly accounts for so many of the delightful climbing Teas and Noisettes remaining in partial obscurity. Perhaps wall space is limited and what there is is already occupied, but one can resort to standards for this class of Rose. Worked on tall stems, say from 3i feet to 4 feet in height, they form grand heads, and in the case of the variety under notice the pendulous shoots produce fine blossoms at the extreme end and often some distance up the growth. Rose Souvenir de Theresa Levet.— This is a useful variety for cutting. Its pretty brownish-crimson buds have a very telling efiect in a bouquet, especially when interspersed among a variety like Mari'chal Niel. It is sometimes seen in exhibition boxes, for it may, by severely thinning the shoots and buds, be had of a good size. The average blooms upon plants not thinned are very little larger than China Roses, although of much more beautiful shape and of course very double. Souvenir de Thi-rese Levet is a very free bloomer. Just now upon standards there are large numbers appearing. It was when intro- duced some seventeen years ago called the Red Niphetos, and in the bud state it has a certain resemblance to that fine old kind, but the flowers are certainly not so deep in petal. It is a pure Tea with ail the slender wiry growth that dis- tinguishes this tribe from Hybrid Teas. For forcing it is very good, but not so useful as Papa Gontier, though of richer colour, and perhaps Francis Dubrieul is superior in size. The flowers of the last unfortunately droop. Roses in July. — Although, perhaps, the finest Rose blooms could have been cut towards the end of June, the bushes were loaded with fair flowers and buds in the early days of July. Hybrid Perpetuals, Teas, Hybrid Teas, and Chinas vied with each other for precedence, and, lovely as are the blossoms of all sections, the Hybrid Tea Viscountess Folkestone still bears the palm for exquisite beauty, the shell-pink petals of a half- expanded flower seeming to admit of no nearer approach to perfection. La France has borne some charming flowers, but the silvery pink blooms of Caroline Testout have been even more delightful. Adjectives are soon used up in writing of these fair blossoms, and as one studies them they all appear to merit superlatives ; at least this is the case with Souvenir de Catherine Guillot, Augustine Guinoisseau, G. Nabonnand, and Archduchess Marie Immaculata, Roses whose delicate gradations of colouring catalogue descrip- tions entirely fail to suggest. The large semi- double white, or almost white. Hybrid Tea Mme. Pernet-Ducher is a most attractive garden Rose, while the velvety crimson Princesse de Sagan, the deliciously scented Socrates, the glowing crimson single Bardou Job, and the China Roses Irene Watts, Laurette Messimy, and Queen Mab, flowers in which shades of rose, pink, salmon, bronze, orange, apricot, chrome, and sulphur are indescribably blended in varied proportions, are all of undoubted excellence. The white Mme. Plantier is a Rose not often met with nowadays, but a standard .5 feet in diameter in full bloom has a striking efl'ect. The single white Macartney Rose commenced to flower during the third week in July, and will now continue to produce its golden centred blooms, with their faint ripe pear perfume, without intermission until October or November, so that, though it is late in coming into flower, it fully atones for that disadvantage by the lengthened period during which it pro- duces its blossoms. The single whites R. mos- chata nivea and R. m. nepalensis have also been in flower. — S. W. F., Torquay. Books. THE SOLITARY SUMMER.* AfTER the lapse of a few months the authoress of "Elizabeth and her German Garden" has pub- lished another little volume, dealing with the same garden and its surroundings and written in the same fresh and spontaneous style. The soli- tary summer was spent in the man3'-gabled house set within the confines of the picturesque German pleasaunce, and although, according to the writer, the seclusion, as far as the anticipated growth of soul was concerned, was a failure, that it afforded scope for an appreciative study of Nature the pages abundantly testify. When "Elizabeth," for thus the authoress elects to be known to her readers, first introduced the public to her garden, she was struggling, and in the main successfully, to direct the doings of an incompetent gardener, but three years' untiring supervision proved too much for even her equanimity of temperament, and we accordingly now find the garden under the charge of an eflS- cient head, supported by an adequate staff of helpers. This, from the flower-loving reader's point of view, is perhaps to be regretted, since there is less concerning the garden proper than was the case when the writer had to rely on her own unaided discretion, and many questions one would like to ask remain unanswered. As regards Roses, we hear nothing of Laurette Messimy or Viscountess Folkestone, or whether Dr. Grill eventually became established. The contem- plated yellow border with its background of Pines is not alluded to, nor are we told if the Prim- roses ever became naturalised, while the Bird * "The Solitary Summer." London: Macmillan and Co. 170 THE GARDEN. [August 26, 1899 Cherries, that were such a feature in the opening pages of the former book, are unmentioued. There is, however, much to charm the lo\"er of Nature, and nob a few delicately-limned garden- pictures are presented to the reader's view. The following description of tlie evening of May Day is particularly felicitous : — The sky was full of stars and the garden of scents and the borders of Wallflowers and sweet, shy Pan- siee. All day there had been a breeze, and all day slow masses of white clouds had been sailing across the blue. Now it was so still, so motionless, so breath- less, that it seemed as though a quiet hand had been laid on tbo garden, soothing and bushing it into silence. The flowers shone in the twilight like pale stars and the air was full of fragrance, and I envied the bats fluttering through such a bath of scent with the real stars above them and the Pansy stars beneath. Elizabeth's idea of a garden is that it should be beautiful from end to end, and in the one of which she writes the endeavour has been made, and evidently with the best results, from the many peeps we are allowed at its charms, to make it " increase in loveliness, if not in tidiness," the further it recedes from the house until its boundary is reached, where, by the Silver Birch plantation, the Azaleas spread their blaze of colour in the early summer. The sentence " In a garden Nature ought to come first, and Art with her brooms and clipping-shears follow humbly behind," is one that will commend itself to all lovers of the informal in the flower garden, and one can enter into the writer's feelings when she prefers the blue He- paticas overflowing the shrubberies and the Ane- mones twinkling in the spring like stars in all the corners to the faultlessly trim and scrupulously correct) attractions of the conventional garden. The account of the chosen plot of fertile land of irregular breadth with its wealth of hardy flowers conveys the idea of a delightful mixed border, for here are the chaste Madonna Lilies, the tall blue spires of Delphiniums, towering Hollyhocks of tenderest pink. Irises, Carnations, Evening Prim- roses, glowing Oriental Poppies, and white Lupines, while in the dampest corner, hard by a trickling streamlet, the lovely Japanese Irises hold aloft their spreading falls. The surface of the ground is covered with Mignonette, Stocks, Pansies, white Pinks, and many other flowers, and groups of Sweet Peas, the writer's favourite flowers after Roses, provide a suave colour-har- mony. We are told of the Tea Roses with their undergrowth of Pansies, and of the Tulip beds surfaced with Forget me not, of the masses of China Roses and groups of Foxgloves, and of the spring garden in the glade round the old Oak, alluded to in the former volume, with the double white Cherries and Japanese Crabs, and with the surrounding sward tilled with Narcissi and Tulips that have taken the place of the purple Crocu'es. The garden is rich in Lilacs, white, purple, pink, and mauve, planted in faroft' years by a former owner, whose memory is ever kept green in Elizabeth's heart by the living beauty that appears with each succeeding spring, and which leads her to wish to substitute for the lengthy Latin platitudes that face this benefactor's monu- ment the simple epitaph, " He was a good man, for he loved his garden." The aspect of the September garden in the golden autumn weather, when its mistress is pre- vented, by the presence of thirty otiioers who are quartered in the house during manoeuvres, from paying it her accustomed visit, is feelingly sug- gested. I know how the placid hours are slipping by in un- charged peace, hnw strong the scent of the Raises and the ripe fruit is, how the sleepy bees droco round the flowers, briw still it i^ down there in my Fir wood, where the insects hum undisturbed in th-^ warm, quit t air; I know what the plain looks like from under the (Jak, how beautiful, with its rolling green waves burn- ing to gold under the afternoon sky, how the hawks c'rcle over it and the larks sing above it. Perhaps, however, the most sympathetic touch is given in the portrayal of a mid-June dawn. Yesterday morning 1 got up at three o'clock aud passed out into a wonderful unknown world. It was quite lii;ht, yet a bright moon hung in the cloudless grey-blue sky. The flowers were all awake, saturat- ing the air with scent, and a nightingale sang on a Hornbeam quite close to me iu loud raptures at the coming of the sun. There in front of me was the sun- dial, there were the Rose bushes, but how strange and unfamiliar it all looked and how holy. I went down the path leading to the stream, brushing aside the Rockets that were bending across it drowsy with dew, the Larkspurs on either side of me rearing their spikes of heavenly blue against the steely blue of the sky, and the huge Poppies like splashes of blood amongst the greys and blues and pearly whites of the innocent, new-born day. Oa the garden side of th^ stream there is a long row of Silver Birches, and on the other a Rye field reaching across in powdery grey waves to the part of the sky where a solemn glow was already burning. There were no clouds, and pre- sently, whde I watched, the sua came up quickly out of the Rye, a great, bare, red ball, and the grey of the field turned yellow and long shadows lay along the grass, and the wet flowers flashed out diamjnds. What a smell of freshly-m )wn grass there was, and how the little heaps, into which it had been raked the evening before, sparkled with dewdrops as the sun caught them, aud over there hnw hot the Poppies were already beginniog to look — blazing back boldly in the face ot the sun, flashing back fire for fire. Then I vf ent down to l:he Fir wood at the bottom of the garden, where the light was streaming through green stems, and everywhere was the same mystery and emptiness and wonder. Now here I have had an ex- perience that I shall not soon forget — a feeling as though I had taken the world by surprise and seen it as it really is when off its guard— as though I had been iiuite near to the very core of things. A vivid picture is drawn of the gorgeous dis- play afforded in the month of August by the yel- low Lupines that clothe the surrounding hills with gold and at sunset are dazzling in their splendour, and the writer's love of and sympathy with Nature is exemplified in many passages. Talking of the delights that await the receptive mind capable of reading and understanding the Earth mother's secrets, she says : — I am sorry for all the people in the world who miss such keen pleasure. It is one that each person who opens his eyes and heart may have. Anyone who chooses to take a country walk may have them, and there are thousands thrust upoa us by Nature, who is for ever giving and blessing at every turn as we walk. The sight of the first pale flowers starring the copses ; an Anemone held up against the blue sky with the sun shining through it towards you ; the first fall of snow in autumn, the first thaw of snow in spring ; the blustering, busy winds blowing the winter away and .scurryiug the dead, untidy leaves into the corners ; the hot smell of the Pines when the sun is on them; the tiist February evening that is fine enough to show how tlie days are lengthening, with its pale yellow strip of sky behind the black trees whose branches are pearled with raia-drops ; the swift pang of realisation that winter is gone aud the spring is coming; the smell of the young Larches a few weeks later ; the bunch of Cowslips .... Elizabeth loves books, and we are permitted to glance at the contents of the shelves that hold her especial favourites. All gardening books and books about gardens of recent publication are there, and " are an unfailing delight," while the wider aspects ot Nature have Thoreau, White's Selborne, and Iziak Walton for interpreters. In this category one is surprised and almost pained to miss the name of Richard Jefferies, the man who, to reproduce the appreciative and truthful epitaph inscribed upon the pedestal of his marble bust in Salisbury Cathedral, " Observing the work of Almighty God with a poet's eye, has enriched the literature of his country and won for himself a place amongst those who have made men happier and wiser"— the man whose touching "Eulogy "was written by Sir Walter Besant, and «ho, to quote another writer, wiis " no mere artist in literary expression, but a prose poet singing in the great temple of Natuie. ' Elizabeth professes herself enamoured of the charms of poverty, and in one paragraph aveis that if she were poor she would content her- self with "a piece of bread, a pot of (leranium and a book," and if the weather was fine enough for her to consume her repast under a tree and she could give a robin some crumbs, there would be " no creature in the world so happy," while in another she descants on the delights appertaining to the occupation of goose-tending, and, imagin- ing herself filling the ro/e of goose-girl, declares For six months of the year I would be happier than any queen I ever heard of. I would begin in April with the King-cups and leave off in September with the Blackberries, and I would keep one eye on the geese and one on the volunie of Wordsworth I should have with me, and I would be present this way at the procession c{ the months, the first three all white and yellow and the last three gorgeous with the Lupine fields and the blues and purples aud crimsons that clothe the hedges and ditches in a wond-^rful variety of shades and dye the grass near the water in great patches. Musing on the attractions of a penury that can never be experienced is a harmless and fascinat- ing conceit, and doubtless Elizabeth herself is fully alive to the fact that in this case, as in many others, " distance lends enchantment to the view." Ability to see the emotional side of things does not blind her to the practical, for did she not remark in a moment of candour in her earlier volume, "It is so sweet to be sad when there is nothing to be sad about." S. W. F. Societies and Exhibitions. "ONE AND ALL" FLOWER SHOW. Tuis extensive exhibition, which forms an impor tant part of a great co-operative festival, took place at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on August IS and 19. Horticulture played a some- what prominent part all the week, for, com- mencing with Monday the 14th, lectures were delivered daily by Alessrs. T. W. Sanders, George Gordon, D. T. Fish, Richard Dean, and W. Iggul- den on some aspects of popular gardening, and in addition there was a somewhat extensive exhi- bition of photographs relating to the garden, and prizes were awarded in several instances to these. The first two co-operative flower shows were held in the conservatory of the Royal Horticul- tural Society in ISS.S and 18S9, and the first exhi- bitors, drawn mainly from working men in different parts of the country, had at the outset somewhat imperfect notions of what constituted quality in flowers, vegetables, and plants. But they were quick to note the preferences of the judges as shown by their awards, and on the first occasion of the exhibition being held at the Crystal Palace in 1S90 a considerable increase in quality was observed, and now with but few ex- ceptions the level of quality is so generally good that keen competition ensues. New exhibitors are constantly being attracted, and though some may have hazy notions of quality in vegetables they are furnished with a series of instructive object-lessons of a valuable character. Despite the generally hot, dry character of the summer the entries, which in ls98 amounted to 4138, this year rose to 4703, constituting the largest show yet held. Only one halt ot the nave was avail- able, but lines of tables had to be placed in side walks. Altogether ib is computed a mile of tabling was set up. The schedule of prizes contained some 300 classes, and is divided into two competitions, one on Friday when the competitors are members and customers of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, or their gardeners and employes. This being so, a somewhat higher quality in some of the leading produce can be perceived because grown under glass. Collections ot vegetables are invited from four different districts. Salop sent some good produce, and so did Oxford ; one indi- vidual in particular named J. Holton being par- ticularly successful. Runner Beans were very fine, the varieties known as Oxonian and Ne Plus Ultr I were to the fore ; a dish of the former from J. Holton seemed to suggest the highest possi- bilities in this popular Bean. Canadian Wonder in good character was the leading dwarf variety. Lougpod and Broad Windsor Beans were, owing to the drought, past their best, and the long Beet August 26, 1899.] THE GARDBK 17 was wanting in shape, but the Turnip-rooted type was seen to good advantage. Cabbages, red and white, were few and sunburnt, but Carrots of the Intermediate type were long and shapelj', J. Holton again coming to the fore with hand- some roots. Cauliflowers were scarce. Celery, red and white, was of tine quality. There was plenty of Cucumbers, frame and ridge. Collec- tions of herbs were good and varied ; Lettuce poor owing to the heat. Onions were good, but there can be seen a tendency on the part of some exhi- bitors to evade the schedule by staging types which are not admissible in certain classes. Some very fine Tripoli Onions were exhibited, and Ailsa Craig and Improved Wroxton were of large size. Parsnips in a few instances were very fine, bat the majority, probably owing to the drought, lacked symmetry. Peas were largely represented by Autocrat, which is a valuable late variety. Potatoes were generally clean and bright. Satis- faction, Windsor Castle, &c., were the best rounds; in the white kidney classes. International Kidney, Snowdrop, and Up-to-dite were the best ; coloured kidneys were represented by Lord Raglan, Mr. Bresee, and Pleading Ruby ; coloured rounds bv Lord Tennyson, Reading Russet, and Vicar of Laleham. In the way of salading there were collections, also Radishes, Shallots, &o. Vegetable Marrows were in plenty, both white and green, though many of them too old. Turnips were somewhat poor and tough. Tomatoes in some instances were very fine. Bunches of annuals were very showy ; the favourites are Helichrysum, Lavatera, Migno- nette, Zninias, Phlox Drummondi, Asters, Stocks, Sweet Peas, Scabious, Lupines, Coreopsis, Lark- spur, &c. It seems necessary for judges to allow a little latitude in this respect, especially in the case of the working-men exhibitors, as they appear to be under the impression that Snap- dragons, Petunias, and such like biennials and perennials, if they can be sown in spring and had in bloom by August, are annuals for the purposes of the schedule. Some judges appeared to take this view, and admitted them ; others disqualified them. Bunches of annuals in colours were in- vited ; blue was represented by PtBony-flowered Asters, blue Cornflower, Larkspur, &c. ; red annuals by Nasturtiums, Sweet Peas, Zinnias, and others; yellow by Sweet Sultan, African Marigolds, Eschscholtzia and annual Sunflowers. Indian Pinks were very good, especially the double forms of Heddewigi and laciniatus. Phlox Drummondi and Sweet Peas made charming bunches, so did Zinnias and Asters. Among the Dihlias the pompon and Cactus varieties were remarkably good, the best types of the latter being shown. Pot plants of annuals were fairly good ; the difficulty appears to be to have them in good condition by a certain date. Asters in pots were good, and Petunias, both double and single, especially so, and there were good specimens of Musk, both the common and Harrison's. Begonias of the tuberous section, double and single, were represented by a few praiseworthy specimens ; Coleus was fair. Ferns, both as single specimens and in collections, were represented by well- grown examples of greenhouse Adiantums and hardy varieties. The best Pelargoniums were the zonal and Ivy-leaved, and there were nicely grown and flowered Fuchsias of good bush shape. In the way of fruit there were some very fine kitchen Apples, the best three dishes came from W. T. Stowers, and consisted of Peasgood's Non- such, Lord Suffield and Ecklinville Seedling, all very fine. The same exhibitor had the best three dishes of dessert Apples in Lady Sudeley, Hunt's Early (?) and Beauty of Bath. The best six dishes of fruit came from Mr. T. Osman, who had Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums and Melons. Open air fruits consisted of Plums, Cherries, Gooseber- ries, Currants, &c., and they were also shown as single dishes. Floml decorations were represented more largely on Saturday than on Friday, as many of the exhibitors on Saturday came from long distances. Plants were not so numerous as flowers, fruits and vegetables, which can be con- veyed long distances more cheaply thin plants. Saturday's exhibitors may be taken as very largely representative of an entirely new section of cul- tivators called into existenca through the agency of CO operative societies. They come from all parts of the country, travelling long distances by night, bringing their exhibits with them and tak- ing them back in the same manner. One can see by the garb and talk of these people that they are not dwellers in the metropolitan area. The ordi- nary tripper is not there and there is no noise or confusion. An intense human interest seems to hedge about this second day's show. The exhibits probably exceeded in quantity those shown on the first day by one half, but they were all arranged and ready for the inspection of the judges by eleven o'clock. Generally the subjects were similar in character to those shown on the previous day. Flowers and vegetables prepon- derated, and in many cases the quality was equal to that exhibited by gardeners. There are so many entries in some of the classes that it is an onerous task to select the three bast out of thirty or forty. Many of the exhibitors do not study their schedules of prizes as they should, and in cases where only two dozen bunches of Currants should be staged they put fifty on the plate, and judges were similarly at fault, for they awarded prizes to these. But in the case of so gigantic a show some oversight is natural, and in all cases the best subjects appeared to gain the highest awards. Some modifications appear to be re- quired in the schedule of prizes, and it can be truly said of the promoters that they are always ready to receive suggestions of a practical and useful character. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next fruit and flower show of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, August 29, in the Drill Hall, .James Street, Westminster, 1 to .5 p.m. At 3 o'clock a paper on " The Soil considered as Plant Food, and its Exhaustion," by M. (Jeorges Truffaut, will be read. Notes of the Week. Hyaointhus eandlcans.— The bold spikes of this tine bulbous phiiit are now makiug a capital dis- play in the garden, and if grown in deep and rieh soil tlie plant will well repay it by the vigour and by the increised show of flowers. It is a capital subject for mixing in a bed of dark Dahlias or the like. Clematis Vitieella alba. — For freedom of tliiwering aud purity of colour, it would be diflicult to tind the equal of this charming summer-floweriug Clematis. Of course, it is a well-known plant, though it is not every day in a hot season such as the present that it is seen covered with a perfect sheet of blossoms. Quite recently in a shaded recess against a dwelling-house we noted this in the finest possible condition, and were struck by the great dis- play of flowers, a space some 5 feet wide and 20 feet higli being covered by the plant. Campanula Profasion. — When a large number of the dwarf BellHowers are past, this pretty plant is one of the most conspicuous ia the garden or in any position in which it may be placed. Nothing can sur- pass it for its profuse flowering. It is not a rambler, but a really charming and beautiful addition to a group already rich in good aud free-flowering plants. In its colour it is also quite distinct, a sort of slate- grey with but little blue in its composition. Yet it is this very shade of colour that catches the eye and makes it quite a welcome plant in the garden at this season. Rose Qruss au Toplitz. — Notwithstanding there is a goodly number of choice and free-flowering Roses in gardens to-day, there yet appears room for others that are as good, it not indeed better. The above is at least of decided merit, and the rich crimson or almost velvet crimson flowers are very effective. It is (if tlie Hybrid Tea section, sending up shoots with a couple of dozen buds at the top in a more or less branching raceme. It was conspicuous when shown at the DriU Hall last week by Messrs. Wm. Paul and Son, Waltham Cross. Gladiolus Lady Montague.— This novelty in so far as colour is concerned, is one of the finest that has yet appeared. It is in the main a good shade of yellow, primrose rather internally and shading to a deeper more strictly yellow tone, while externally it is of a more decided yello^ and more uniform. The spike unfortunately is not a good one, but as this is more a matter of the corm from whence the spike was taken, and of the moment, so far as being ready for exhibition, little notice was taken, and an award of merit was secured. It is worthy novelties such as this that quickly catch the eye. Campanula Hendersoni. — The flowering each year of this plant, certainly one of the bast of the tufted Campanulas, is worthy of njbe. There is something so much batter than the usual run of the turbinate forms, to which at least it is most nearly related, that at least it must be re- garded as superior to most of them. It comes later, too. It is in its way quite distinct, and it is no drawback to it to add that in some gardens it is of slow growth. Good plants possessing this character are the more appreciated, for it is nothing in favour of any plant, however good in flower, if it is destined shortly to become a weed. Veratrum nigrum. — One quite agrees with the mode of treatment advocated in the note on page l.j'2 of The Garden. In many cases the non-flowering for years of this Black Hellebore ia due to unsuitable conditions. Yet it is, I think, naturally less free in blooming than V. viride or V. album, both of which I have observed to flower more frequently— more regularly one should, perhaps, say — than V. nigrum, oven in the same gardens and with similar treatment. There is a dwarf Veratrum, which I have not met with, named V. Maacki, which has dark brown flowers, but is dwarfer than V. nigrum. Perhaps someone who has grown this may be able to tell us some- thing more about it and its ways. — S. A. Kniphofia hybrida Lachesis. — Flame Flowers or Torch Lilies are generally appreciated, although the manner in which they are often staged at autumn shows does not tend to favour- ably impress the observer. Personally, I have a liking for the scarlet varieties, as we have usually enough of yellow given by other late-flowering plants. There has, however, apparently been a sustained effort to produce yellow-flowered Kni- phofias, and the success attained his been won- derfully good. The hybrid K. Lichesis — if hybrid it is — is very beautiful, basic! 3S having in its favour what is to many an important quality, that of being now moderate in price. The flowers are of a bright orange-yellow, and the heads are both large and symmetric J.1. — S. AuNCirr. Ordinary bedding plants and the drought. — A score of years ago or rather more?, when the tuberous Bagonia was coming into greater notice for the flower garden, it was freely predicted that the end of the scarlet Geranium or zonal Pelar- gonium was very near at hand. But if the un- biased mind will inquire carefully into the matter, it will readily be seen how utterly the Begonia fails as a summer bedding plant in these very dry seasons, and how abundantly the older plant flowers. The drawback to either one or the other is when the whole garden is given up to the one thing, and when we see only a glare of intense colour on all sides. There is yet room for a little of the scarlet Garanium when this is used in moderation, while the Bagoni;i may still mike a display in early autumn. Anomatheca cruenta.— This pretty plant, while deserving attention from those who grow miscellaneous bulbous things, is not seen so often as its merits justify. The specific name, sugges- tive as it is of a highly coloured flower, is not in the least degree misleading, seeing the blooms are of a rich crimson-carmine with a dark spot at the base of the lower segments. It is a charming plant, uc de I^mhant, Legiponl, Mid de Waterloo). — A chance seedling found near the village of Charneu, in the province of Liege, Belgium. The fruit is of fair size, in shape Bon Chri^tien. The stalk is thickish, of medium length, set in an oblique depression, the eye medium-sized and open, set in a wrinkled cavity, the skin thin, light green, shaded pale yellow, largely stippled tawny, and sometimes red on the sunny side. The flesh is yellow, deli- cate, melting, very juicy and aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening September — October. The tree is of middling vigour on the Quince, of medium or satisfactory fertility. In cultivation it is easily trained, affecting naturally the pyra- midal form. Double grafting and somewhat long pruning are favourable to its vigour and fertility. FoNDANTE DES Rois {'. Pescatorei, but they are remarkably handsome and distinct from everything else in the floral world. They last even longer than those of the crispum set without injury to the plants, for though, as a matter of fact, the latter hang on the longest, it is at the expense of their own substance and the health of the plants. The former may be left on as long as they will last without any fear provided the plants are healthy and the roots kept moist. The best known kinds in this section are O. grande, O. Insleayi, and O. Sjhleiperianum, and if a good number of plants of these three and their varie- ties are grown, they will flower from Augu.st until quite late in spring. As mentioned above, they are not fastidious as to temperature or structure, but the conditions they like best are mentioned below, and these should be followed as nearly as possiljle. From the end of May until the beginning of September it is impos- sible in an ordinary summer to keej) them too cool and shady. The atmosphere should be heavy with moisture, and the plants screened from the sun from 8 o'clock in the morning until C at night. Night and day the air should be freely admitted — thnmgh the lower venti- lators as much as possilile — so that the leaves of the plants are often blown about by the air currents. This will ensure a good and clean start, and by the time the sun begins to lose power in autumn, the young growths on O. grande will be getting well away and probably beginning to show flower-spikes. Just where these show there are loose sheaths and the top of the growth may be open, so that water is apt to collect there. For this reason it will be safest to stop syringing overhead, though at almost any other time this is useful when the weather is bright. The pots used may be of fairly large size, as the roots are apt to push further from the centre of growth than are those of many other Odontoglots, and the com- post, too, should be very rough and open. Root moisture is necessary all the year round, the most being required just when the bulbs are finishing and the flowers forming. Good peat fibre, with half its bulk of Sphagnum Moss, is the best for these Orchids, and the drainage must in all cases be carefully attended to. As hinted above, there are many varieties of each of these species, O. grande having several that bear much larger blossoms than those of the type and of brighter colour. O. Insleayi, again, is variable, some of the forms being very cheap and easily obtiined, while others are far from plentiful. O. Schlieperianum has many colour varieties, so there is no fear of sameness, and all are beautiful Orchids. plants, to do so in as small baskets as possible. It is easy enough to shift this entire into one of a larger size, but when given too large a size at first, the plants often fail to establish themselves, as they cannot reach the sides. The flowers of this species have long, twisted, emerald-green patals, sepals pure white, and a white lip with magenta-purple markings. — H. ■Warscewiczella Wendlandi. — In this we have one of the most attractive in the genus to which it belongs. The growth is fairly strong, and the flowers are each upwards of 3i inches across, of a chalky white tint except the lip, which is prettily marked with a bluish purple. In positions where it succeeds nothing is prettier at this time of the year, but, having no pseudo- bulbs to sustain it during a period of rest, it naturally requires very judicious watering, more especially in winter. Again, with regard to the roots. I know of a collection where a large quan- tity of loam is used in the potting compost, and the way the white, fleshy roots luxuriate in it proves that it is just to their taste ; but, again, unless a really vigorous root action takes place the loam would be simply poison to the roots. A strong plant enwraps the loam and the roots get the mastery of it, as it were, but a weak one would simply die from want of moisture or else be overcome by its closeness and the want of air. A little loam added to the usual peat and Moss will, as a rule, be safest and best for inexperienced growers to use, and the best position for the plants is one not far from the roof-glass in a shady, moist house with an intermediate tem- perature. Dendrobium d'Albertisi. — None of the Dendrobiums with the habit of this species are easy to grow, and this is no exception to the rule, though one occasionally comes across good speci- mens of it. The plants like ample light, in this coming near the species of another section, like D. Phal:enopsis or D. bigibbum. It is not so tall-growing as D. stratiotes, and this fits it better for basket culture, though when the plants are in flower they must come down. Over-watering at the roots during early summer is, I am convinced, a frequent cause of failure with this and many i others of the section that do not, as a rule, make much root or top growth at that season, and if only growers would study their plants and take note of their peculiarities, instead of treating all ' alike, they would not be nearly so apt to fall into these mistakes. D. d'Albercisi is not particularly strong-rooting, and it is best when establishing DENDROBIUM FORMOSUM. In spite of many different ways of treating this Dendrobium, very few growers can say they are really successful with it, and I am inclined to think that in many cases where the plants have gone on well for a time this has had more to do with the plants themselves than any special treatment to which they have been sub- jected. Plants collected at the proper time — and this, of course, varies with individual species — are always better the first season and lunger-lived afterwards than are others that have been collected too early, ( «., before the growths are properly finished, or too late. In the latter case the eyes at the base of the stems break into growth, and it is well known that secondary growths, or back-breaks as they are termed, never make such good progress as do the natural first-formed ones. This individual species does not usually arrive in bad condi- tion, but, as is well known, it flowers at once upon the new growths when made, and in many cases the plants are collected before this happens, and the first thing they do is to flower. The fact of the flowers being pro- duced and kept on until they fade before the plant has had time to esta'olish itself is enough to account for the plant starting weakly and never again taking a proper hold I of the block, basket, or whatever is used for it. The best plan I know of to establish D. formosura is to attach the plants to blocks of some kind and place these in a hot, moist house where they will obtain ample light. If flowers appear they should be rubbed ofl', and then the energies of the plant will be devoted to the production of good roots, which will esta- 1 blisli the plant and strong young growths. j Although the block treatment seems rather I poor, perhaps, after the first season, I am of opinion that if only plenty of moisture is pre- I sent in the atmosphere the plants are safer there than anywhere. On more than one occa- ' sion I have sunk the blocks in baskets or pots, filling up with compost, but I have nearly always found that after a year or two they go ! wrong, while others kept to the blocks alone keep going though the growths may not be ; so strong. D. formosum likes a good rest after I flowering, but, unlike the deciduous kinds, it does not need to be placed in very cool quarters. There is no need, in fact, to remove it from the house where grown if other tropical Orchids are included. Although the flowers of D. for- mosura are useful for decoration, they are not 1 so pretty as are those of many others in the genus, but they make a good display at rather ! a quiet time of year for Orchids. H. R. Oncidium undulatum.— When well grown this is a very fine plant, and one that certainly j should be included in all collections of cool-house 1 Orchids. After the prevalent tint of yellow in the I genus, beautiful as they all are, a change in colour I is very welcome, and in this we get a very distinct one. The sepals are brown, the petals white, with brown markings, and the lip has a bright rosy purple tinge tipped with white. It is not uncommon for the spikes to attain 4 yards or more in length, and they have a very pretty eftect if allowed to ramble .somewhat loosely about the foliage and stems of Palms or Tree Ferns in the September 2, 1899.J THE GARDEN". 181 conservatory. It will be necessary of course to I see that they are not exhausted, as the lonff flower-spikes take many months to form and con- stitute a severe strain even upon the strongest plants. The roots of 0. undulatum are large and I vigorous, they seem to delight in rambling about over rough lumps of charcoal and crocks, so in preparing the compost, let these be in plenty and i let the pots be large enough to take them easily. I When repotting set the leads rather low to counteract the habit the plant has of rising above the compost. When the younj;' roots appear from ] the base of the forming pseudo- bulbs, these should be covered up with a little fresh compost, or insects will probably find them out and eat the points before these reach the compost. It may be kept in the cool house all the year round and always moist at the roots. Cattleya Whitei. — This is one of the most beautiful of the natural hybrid Cattleyas. It is always interesting to note an additional form of a scarce plant wherever it may make its appear- ance. C. Whitei has been for many years one of the rarest of the natural hybrid Cattleyas. The original plant was sent to Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. from Brazil by their collector White, who is said to have found it growing on the same tree as C. labiata Warneri and C. Schilleriana. This plant afterwards passed into Mr. Gaskell's collec- tion, near Liverpool. The flowers were described i by Reichenbach as being of medium size. A < plant was recently noted in flower in the collec- tion of Sir Frederick Wigan at Clare Lawn, East Sheen. The flowers measured upwards of 8 inches across the petals, each petal being upwards of 2 inches broad. The sepals are of a deep rosy purple suft'used with a peculiar bronzy tint. The ground colour of the petals is similar to that of the sepals, with some white at the base, the whole surface heavily veined with a darker shade of purple. The lip is open in front, as in C. Schilleri- ana. The whole of the front lobe is bright crimson- purple with a heavily fringed margin, the side lobes rose-lilac tipped with the purple of the front lobe. At the base there is some yellow, which is suffused and longitudinally lined with brownish purple. The plant carrying a two-flowered raceme has the intermediate characteristics of C. Schilleriana and one of the C. labiata group. It may be noted that the plant differs not only in size, but also in the published description, from that of the original plant, but the general char- acteristics are undoubtedly the same. It is a grand addition to the Cattleya family, and it is to be regretted that such a fine plant does not appear more frequently. — H. J. C. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ORCHIDS. OdontogloBSum hastUabium— The flowera of thia are quite dis'inct from those of any other Odontnglot, and altiiough it ia not much grown at the preaent day, it is certainly worth a place in the best collections. From an almoat aphericil bulb it throws up spikes 4 feet and upwards in length, and these con- tinue in flower a long time owing to the blossoms not opening simaltaneoualy. The sepala and petals are greenish white, barred with purple, the lip white, atained with purple-rose. Zygopetalum Mackayi.— There are aome really tine specimena of this useful winter-flnweriDg Orchid in Colonel Heyworth'a garden at Chadacre Hall, the pseudo-bulbs finiahing up of immense size and flowering with freedom annually. There is no doubt that, in common with several other old-fashioned Orchids, this ia more frequently met with in good condition in places where no particular attention is paid to Orchids and where they are grown in plant stoves than when.' Orchida are specially cultivated. Masdevallia infracta.— Thia is a singularly formed and very pretty species, the tube and sepals varying in colour from yellowish and white to purple. It ia quite distinct from any of thoa" of the ahowy flowered kinds, like M. Harryana and its allies, and is not much grown. It is a BraziUan species, and is therefore found a long way from the usual Masdevallia country, and, like one or two others, it liRes a tem- perature a little higher than the c iciest house in winter, with the freest ventilation possible under the circum- stances and ample light. In summer it can hardly be kept too cool, aud must be acreeutd from the sun. Masdevallia leontr-glossa. — To lovers of quaintly formed and coloured species this singular and rare species will appeal. It is named from a likeness whioli the lip undoubtedly bears to the tongue of some of the lar^e quadrupeds. The leaves are about fi inches high and the flowers of mostly a pale yel- lowish green, with more or less confluent spots of purple on the lower sepals, the uppor triangular seg- ment lined with rosy purple. About the lip are many short hair-like papillEe of a deep port wine colour. Laelia elegana Maetersi.— In this variety, which is one of the prettiest of the light forms, the sepals and petals are nearly pure white, with a faint streak of rose only at the base of eacli. The lip is margined on the side lobes with violet-purple, which, iu addition to the usual bright blotch iu trout, gives the tlower a distinct appearance, the colour-marking being so well detined. La^lia elegaus in its many forms is one of the most useful of Orchids, and it cer- tainly keeps up a longer display than almost any other. Cattleya guttata Leopoldi.— Occasionally plants of this species throw up remarkably fine spikes of bloom, and when they do so there are few finer kinds in the section to which it belongs. The growth is erect and forms quickly, and the spikes often con- tain eighteen or twenty tlowers. The sepals and petals are brownish green, with crimson spots, and tlie lip is broad and handsome, bright amethyst -purple. It flowers at once upon the newly-forming stems, and should, if possible, be kept at rest after the floivere are past. Epidendrum aurantiaeum.— In habit this plant closely resembles a Cattleya, and under cultiva- tion it wi:l be found to thrive if treated as advised for these plants. The flowers appear from the apex of the laat-formed paeudo-bulb, on pedancles oontaiuing about twelve. They are small individually, but very bright and pretty, the colour orange-red, with a few greenish yellow markings. E. aurantiaeum is a strong-rooted plant, and if grown to a fairly large size should have abundant drainage, as well as rough lumps of crocks and charcoal in the compost. Oneidium maculatum. — Once very popular this old species is now very seldom met with. The branching spikes rise about 18 inches high and contain a large number of flowers, each about 2 inches across. Very variable in its markings, it is usually some tint of yellow or greenish ycUow in ground colour, more or less closely covered with chocolate-brown spots. The plants should he grown in a free, open compost in the coolest part of the Cattleya house or with the Mexican Lfelias. Plenty of water is necessary while the growth is active, occasional light syringings being helpful. Dendroehilum filiforme. — Those who have nice sppcimens of this pretty Orchid now in flower should be careful not to have them checked by being placed about in draughty passages or rooms, or by being dried at the roots. The pseudo-bulhs at the time of flowering are only partially grown, and any check in the nature indicated will of a necessity show itself in small bulba and weak flower-spikes another year. Very pretty are these little apikea of yellow bloasoms, and from their appearance when in bbom, the plant has been called the Golden Chain Orchid. The best position for it is one close to the roof glass in a warm house. A NOTE FROM MUNCHES, DALBEATTIE, N.B. Lying in a mild corner of S.W. Kirkcudbright- shire, near the Solway, and in a mild and equable climate. Munches, the estate of Mr. Wellwood H. Maxwell, has long been known for its trees, shrubs, and flowers. In the course of a long and busy life Mr. Maxwell has always had a keen interest in plants, and the result is now to be seen in the extensive and varied collection which I had recently the pleasure of visiting. Possibly only an expert in trees could do justice to the trees and shrubs, but anyone to whom gardens are familiar could not but feel keen pleasure in the many beautiful specimens to be seen. Many shrubs seen, as a rule, of small size have been so long at Munches that they have attained large dimensions and show their true character. Notable among these are some superb Retino- sporas, justly pointed out with pride. Sciadopitys verticillata, the Umbrella Pine, twenty-five years planted, is now 15 feet high, and flourishes in the peaty soil in which it is grown. Cryptomeria japonica elegans is very beautiful also. Very beautiful also was a good specimen of the white Douglas Fir (Abies Douglasi Stairi), raised originally at Castle Kennedy. It is rare, but, as Mr. Maxwell said, need not be so little seen, as a large proportion of seedlings comes true. Fine also was Picea Engelmanni. Some noble speci- mens of Wellingtonia gigantea gave one much pleasure, while a magnificent Scotch Fir of great age could not fail to impress one with its rude grandeur. There are many beautiful conifers, to which only the pen of a specialist could do justice. Among the noteworthy things are the Maples. Many forms of the Acer are represented, and the collection is especially rich in the Japanese Maples. Some were imported direct from Japan, and a number have now attained a good size, so , that their beauty can be more fully realised. The I silver variegated Maple (A. Negundo argenteum I variegatum) is represented by two of the tallest specimens I have ever seen. Space will not per- mit of further reference to the trees and shrubs I save a passing mention of the Cornuses, Vibur- nums, Birches, and to the fine masses of Parrottia persica, beginning to colour for the autumn. The collection is particularly rich in variegated, dark- leaved, and weeping forms of the various trees. The glass structures are particularly interest- ing to those who care for out-of-the-way plants such as one does not, as a rule, see outside botanic gardens. There are numerous out of- the-way flowering, fine-foliaged, and fruiting plants such as would take long to see and to write of. I observed the fine Datura Knighti on the roof of one of the houses with an Ipomaja, which appears to be I. Leari. It would, how- ever, take too long to comment upon a collection I which includes not only old and generally I neglected plants, but such as the recent Acalypha ' Sanderi. Indoor and outdoor fruit was plentiful and generally good, pleasing features being the I Pears in the orchard house, the Guavas, the ' edible Passion Flower, the Capo Gooseberry, and * a capital crop of Grapes. I The flower garden gives as much evidence of catholicity of taste as the houses. A small gar- den which occupies the site of the old house of Munches is planted with a good variety of herbaceous plants, supplemented in autumn with i annuals. As is general in the district, the hardy I annuals are poor, and they are much missed. ' Among the flowers grown are Alstriomeria chi- lensis and A. aurantiaca, which do well. Del- phiniums, Campanulas, Poppies, and other border flowers of merit share with choice and pretty I shrubs this small garden. I In the large garden one saw many Cactus and single Dahlias, some capital Asters (a little smaller than usual on account of the drought), t good Stocks, and a number of Gaillardias. Car- ; nations do not succeed well, but the Margaret Carnations take the place of the more highly prized named varieties. Sweet Peas were good in an open portion of the garden, but nearer the walls they were not so satisfactory. Among , the perennial plants was Gentiana lutea, which had given a grand spike of flower several feet I high and was in seed. It is, as is commonly the case, a shy bloomer at Munches. Rudbeckia laciniata Golden Glow was represented by a, fine plant, and in the woods Veratrums were giving good spikes and blooming freely. Gazanias were glowing in the sun, and a group of Crozy's Cannas was finely in flower. Perhaps the most interest- ing thing to a hardy plantsman was, however, a line of ten or a dozen plants of Incarvillea Delavayi. Raised from seed sown about five years ago, they seem to be yearly increasing in size and vigour. The plants have this year given an average of four spikes each. The bloom was over and the plants were in seed. A spike I measured was 52 inches long, and one can understand how well worth seeing these plants must have been. Munches is, indeed, one of those places which are difficult to tell about, not because of lack of 182 THE GAEDEN. [September 2, I'^Qg. material, but because of its superabundance. It is the result of long years of care— care inspired by its owner's love for the beautiful works of Nature as displayed in trees and flowers. S. Arnott. Stove and Greenhouse. HYACINTHS IN POTS. The foundation to a successful flowering of these, as with other spring bulbs, should be made in the autumn, by potting at the proper time, .so that a plentiful supply of roots may form before any kind of forcing is started. I have known the bulbs potted late in the season and plunged straight away into heat, with, of course, anything but good results. In such a case the blooms usually rot instead of grow, and if they do show signs of life, the trusses hardly push up clear of the bulb. September is a good month for potting Hyacinths, and those that are required for forcing should be so treated early, following with later batches. The soil used is loam two parts, not sifted, good dry, rotten manure one part, which may be passed through a sieve, and half a part of grit. I use road-sweepings obtained after a heavy storm in preference to sand, because they are coarser and tend to keep the soil open. This compost is prepared by being thoroughly mixed, and if very dry, watered to make it in a medium state of moisture, that it may be properly handled. Five-inch pots are used for one bulb, and three bulbs are also put into pots of 8-inch diameter. These latter make showy specimens for the conservatory. In this instance, too, I am careful to select each of the three bulbs about even in size, so that there shall not be an odd look in the spikes of blooms. The larger pots may be well drained, but one piece of crack is all that is required in the smaller. Fill these with soil and press the same down firm, but not extra tiglit, then scoop out a hole with the fingers to take each bulb. This is a small detail, but the pi-actice of pushing the bulb down into the soil is bad. The part under the bulb becomes too firm by so doing, and when it starts making roots it is liable to be forced out of the earth by that process. Do not water the bulbs after potting. This is not necessary when the soil is moist. Stand the pots on a sound bottom of ashes in a frame if possible. One might then easily put the lights on later in case of much rain. Cover the bulbs, pots and all to a depth of (! inches with cocoa fibre. This material is lighter and better than ashes and the latter may contain sulphur, which would be detrimental to growth. The Hya- cinths are thus placed in the dark to make roots and not tops, and they may be practically for- gotten for about six weeks. After that time examine them. Should growth be so forward as to exhibit the blooms in a small state in the cluster of leaves, remove the pots at once from the fibre ; if left longer there would be danger of rotting. Gradually bring tlie growth to the light. This may be done by placing inverted flower-pots over each bulb for a few days. An ample supply of roots should be noticed by their running out of the drainage hole and on the surface of the soil. If in this condition, one has obtained the secret, if any, in the proper development of Hyacinths. Many think that big bull)s must be had to produce large spikes, but I prefer medium-sized, well-ripened ones, and depend more upon plenty of roots. It is not advisable to allow frost to penetrate the frames. This cripples the growth, and for this reason it is better to remove the pots to greenhouses where fire-heat is only used in severe weather. The shelves near the glass are a good position. Here a sturdy growth is assisted. Little water is needed, although I would not let the soil become over-dry. Steady, cool progress is best for Hyacinths, and gener- ally they do not force well. A few kinds, how- ever, may be had in bloom so early as January. Blanchard and La Tour d'Auvergne, two whites, the one single, the other double ; Amy, red ; Charles Dickens, blue, also the pink variety of this, are a few kinds better than the rest for forcing. Use tepid water ; this even when not forcing, as the roots are easily checked. Also use no stimulant whatever before the blooms show colour, the object being to keep the leaves as low as possible. This period reached, I feed the plants at each watering with soot water and nitrate of soda alternately. What is required is something to quickly push out the bells to their utmost size. There is a great deal of waste in connection with spring bulbs. They can hardly be made to produce blooms the second year equal to the first, but very nice useful spikes can be had by not neglecting the bulbs when the flowers are past. We usually find the roots stood in some out of-the-way partof the garden and forgotten. If rain comes with regularity all is well, but when this is not the case the bulbs perish. Cut the flower-stems oft' the moment they have passed perfection, then stand the pots in a sunny position. Keep the soil regularly watered until the leaves die down naturally. The bulbs may then be shaken from the soil, dried, and stored for use again in autumn. The following are the names of a few sorts found most reliable. They are single. Double Hyacinths are less showy and useful. Whites, La Grandesse, Mont Blanc ; blush-white to rose colour, Princess Amelia ; pink, Charles Dickens, Moreno, Fabiola, Koh-i-nor (semi- double) ; light to dark red, Robert Steiger, Lord Macaulay, Vurbaak, General Pelissier ; blues, Czar Peter, Queen of the Blues, Charles Dickens, Lord Derby, King of the Blues, Grand Maitre. King of the Blacks, very dark, is always admired. Ida and King of Yellows are good of the last named shade. H. S. frequent supplies of moisture when in full growth. Some growers pass the soil through a rather fine-meshed sieve, but I prefer rubbing j it down with the hand, preserving all the fibre, as these plants enjoy a free, open root-run. A light fibrous loam, with a fifth part cow manure reduced to the condition of fine mould, leaf- mould, and coarse sOver sand will grow them well. An ordinary plant stove suits early batches best, but they must have a light position tolerably near the roof glass, a slight j shade being given from the full force of the sun. This shade is also necessary in order to . prevent scorching, which is very apt to occur by the sun coming on the moist foliage early in the day. Draught also quickly makes its mark, for which reason front air ought not to be given till June. Early closing, coupled with copious j overhead syringings, is essential to a free and rapid growth, and when grown for exhibition ' the young plants should be pinched when from 4 inches to 5 inches high. For exhibition, wide pans are the most suit- able, but for ordinary purposes pots 4| inches or G inches in diameter are best. When well established, weak raaimre water made by steep- ing a bag of sheep manure in a tub of water may be given three times a week. As soon as i the bloom shows itself, plants occupying a I warm stove temperature should be removed to a somewhat cooler one, as flagging and partial ! collapse will follow any sudden removal from a stove to an airy conservatory or exhibition tent. For later batches cooler treatment answers best, , and Achimenes may be retarded for a consider- ' able time by placing them in a house with a north aspect. C. N. Vallota purpurea. — The brilliantly coloured I flowers of llie Scarborough Lily come in most useful j for conservatory or room liecoratiou at a time when the variety of pot plants in bloom is rather limited, I and as it is of very easy culture it is surprising it is 1 not more largely grown. Some good turfy loam and a I little leaf-mould and sand are all it needs, and pots about 6 inclies in diameter with from live to seven I good strong bulbs will make a good show. The bulbs may be kept two or three years in the same pots, as they do not like too frequent root-disturbance ; in j fact, one finds old clumps that have not been repotted ■ for years flowering splendidly. — J. G., Qosport. ACHIMENES. Some time ago I was pleased when visiting Carron House Gardens, Norwich, to see such a fine batch of Achimenes there in full beauty. Unfortunately, they have of late years fallen into disrepute, a deal of time and trouble being expended on subjects far less useful and orna- mental. One used to see them exhibited in large bush form at the London shows, these being grown in pans. One of the chief points in their culture is preserving the corms in a plump condition during the winter. I have known them stored away in boxes of silver sand and kept in a cool place, the corms under this treatment keeping sound and plump till wanted in spring. Others turn the pots on their sides after the growth has died down in autumn, keeping them in the greenhouse through the winter. The time of starting must depend entirely on the date at which the plants are wanted to flower. If in May, jjlace them in heat in January ; if in June, February, and so on ; March and April potting securing flowering batches in August and September. Some growers place the corms in the pots in which they are to flower, others preferring to start them rather thickly together in pans or boxes and finish off afterwards. Both systems no doubt have their advantages. Thorough drainage is imperative, as Achimenes cannot endure a waterlogged condition, yet require Garden Flora. PLATE 1238. TALL-GROWING HYBRID HERBACEOUS LOBELIAS. (with a coloured plate.*) The beautiful free-blooming and almost hardy forms of hybrid Lobelias figured on the accom- panying coloured plate are hardly done full justice to as to size of their individual flowers in this illustration, as the flowers of most, if not all, of them are considerably larger in my beds this season than they were when the draw- ing was made last year. Monsieur Rivoire, of Lyons, has done more for the improvement of this class of Lobelias than any other raiser, though to Mr. Campbell, gardener to Lird Ardilaun, we are indebted for Firefly, one of the brightest and largest flowered in cultiva- tion. Of the varieties figured on this plate the one on the left is named Rivoirei, and is an ex- tremely beautiful variety and quite a new break as to colour ; the next is Ibis, (juite one of the most beautiful and free-blooming of them all. The dwarf one is a pretty little miniature form named Belle Bordure. The * Drawn for The Gakden by Miss Tisdall in Mr. Gumbleton's garden at Belgrovi», Queenstown, Cork. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goflart. 1395- SEPTEMIiKll 2, 189'J.] THE GARDEK 1S3 ■very dark one is atropurpurea, one of M. Rivoire's seedlings. The pure white form is a very free-blooming form of the syphilitica sec- tion of the family named Papillon Blanc. The crowns should be divided in the spring and 'iuickly increase. W. E. Gumbletox. The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. TrKNirs— LATK SOWING. — If the first sowing of ■Chirk Castle or other favourite variety was made when advised, the crop will now be ready for thinning. Allow ample room between the plants, as without a free circulation of air satisfactory results cannot be expected with Turnips which are to stand the winter. Crowded plants have flabby foliage, which is sure to suffer if the winter is severe. Make now a final sowing of Chirk Castle, and this will afford good useful sized bulbs during December ani January, and likewise tender green tops, these being esteemed in the dining-room for a change. Should the Turnip fly show itself when the seedlings appear above ground, as it sometimes does even at this advanced date, liberal dustings of soot and lime must be given ; at the same time a little guano may be added, which will stimulate growth as soon as rain comes. Cai;i5A(:es. — In large gardens where extra early sowings of spring Cabbage were made, the plants will by this time be large enough for transplant- ing. In dry seasons like the present the ad- vantage is seen of having a firm root run. On newly-turned ground plants do not become esta- blished nearly so soon, and drought very soon affects them. Where, however, the plot has now to be prepared, let it be deeply dug and well ■enriched with manure from the farmyard or piggery. I would not advise, even where ground is scarce, planting on sites recently occupied by Cauliflower, or attacks from the mite which so often injures the latter crop may be apprehended. It is a capital plan to sprinkle a little fresh lime on the surface, digging it in with the manure, also a little soot. Tliese ingredients will not only stimulate growth, but also assist in eradicat- ing the greatest enemy of autumn-planted Cabbage and Coleworts — the underground grub. If these early batches of Cabb.ages were pricked off from the seei-bgds on to a spare plot when large enough to handle they will now lift well, a good bil! to each being obtainable. On no account lift the plants without previously giving a good soaking with water through a rose. This should be administered the day previous. If the weather is dry and this precaution is not taken, the bulk of soil will leave the roots and flagging, with probable loss of lower leaves, follow. Plant with s. trowel, allowing a space of 2 feet from row to row and 18 inches between the plants. Plant in drills of moderate depth, water home, and draw a little soil round the collars to prevent evapora- tion. Some water the drills the day before, which is a good plan in dry summers. Plants resulting from eeed sown about August 20 will now be ready for thinning. When far enough advanced I would advise the pricking-off system even in the case of these successional batches. Michaelmas Cabeaoe. — This term is applied to plants grown in some localities for coming into use at the end of September and during October, secondary transplantings from the same seed-bed resulting in nice white heads during November, these bemg delicious after having been subjected to a few keen frosts. These batches should now receive one or two good waterings with liquid manure, no matter how copious the rains may have been, as at this stage they draw much nourishment from the ground. Keep the Dutch hoe moving between the rows not only with a view to eradicate weeds in their infancy, but to admit sun and air. Where old fly or caterpillar-infested plants are growing near at hand, they must be cut hard back and allowed to make new growth, or the pest will probably find its way to the younger | beds. Geserai. WdUK. — The Dutch hoe should now be put through all growing crops for the last time, as, in spite of absence of rain, night dews have induced many tiny weeds to spring up. If this batch of weeds is left alone and the winter proves mild, the probability is that the seeding stage will be reached, which is an evil. ' Any late-planted quarters of winter stuff if yet unearthed should ba done at once, for the double purpose of steadying the plants against rough winds and protecting from frost. Where prac- ticable, cut now a quantity of the common Bracken, and when by occasional turning it has become well seasoned, cart home and stack. This will prove invaluable in winter for covering Celery ridges. Globe Artichokes, and for pro- tecting Lettuce, Endive, and other crops in frames and pits. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. PE.ICHES AND NECTARINES. — Midscason housos will now be cleared of fruit, and every chance should be given to the trees to ripen off their foliage slowly and naturally by providing plenty of air night and day and by keeping off insects with a free use of syringe or garden engine, the latter for preference, as in houses of good size syringing is apt to be done in a slipshod fashion and with less force than a good engine will give. It is a great boon to Peach and most other hardy fruit trees grown under glass if they can be ex- posed for the few autumn months to full air and th3 night dews, which seem to greatly invigorate them, and to this end I would always recom- mend medium-sized houses from which the lights cjn be removed at this time of the year, provided the houses are so constructed as to be practically drip-proof when the lights are in use. If any planting is contemplated in the Peach houses, it will be advantageous to prepare a heap of com- post for the purpose beforehand, and sufficient should be got ready now, or as soon as the oppor- tunity to prepare it arises, to serve for all the planting that is to be done in any of the houses, as the ingredients used get better toned down when well mixed in bulk some weeks before the trees are planted. Recently when writing of early Pjaches I went rather fully into the subject of replanting and the soil which I preferred for the purpose, but I may repeat, in short, what the ingredients are, viz., good, sound fibrous loam chopped up into cubes about 2 inches square as the staple, mortar rubbish in quantities varying with the nature of the loam, but sufficient to ensure porosity, lime in the slaked, powdery state, and burnt earth from the garden smother. j I use no animal manure, but add a few crushed i bones when the border is made entirely inside. If turfy loam is only to be got in limited quantities, almost any ordinary garden soil can be used to make up the deficiency, provided it is sweet. Pot trees. — The present is an excellent time for potting on any of the orchard-house trees that may need it and which have been cleared of their fruit, whether these are Peaches or any other of the mixed occupants of the ordinary orchard house. Trees which have reached their limit as to size of pot or other receptacle need to be care- fully managed, as the balls must be slightly reduced in size and the roots carefully pruned in order to make room for new compost. Those which can be afforded more room will only need a slight disturbance of the soil round the outside of the ball, using for the purpose a pointed stick, which should be kept clear of any large roots. The crocks, too, should be removed carefully so that the ball may bo placed low enough in the new pot. Cover the drainage with tough turf, cut thin, and ram the new soil in round the ball as firmly as possible, as with the soil in good con- dition as regards moisture it is not easy to over-do the ramming. Of course, the old ball should have a good soaking of water some hours before potting takes place. If the newly-potted trees could be placed under cover, kept shaded and syringed for a few days, they will be grateful for the attention and will hold their remaining leaves without any assistance of water at the roots until the latter begin to be active again, after which the trees may be returned to the open air and treated in common with those left undisturbed. Pot Figs. — I like to pot up early Fig trees much earlier in the year than this, but those who intend adopting the usual practice of autumn potting should not leave it any later. Similar soil to that recommended above for other fruit trees will be found suitable for Figs. In the case of trees which have not well filled their pots with roots it will be advisable to remove a good bit of the old soil to make room for the newer and sweeter compost, which should induce better root action. All the pot stock of Fig trees should now be in the open air and in a good sunny position, but the pots should be protected from the full force of the sun- heat by covering them with litter or some other such protective material. Melons. — The bottom-heat in which the late crop of Melons is growing will now need careful regulating so that it does not drop too low, as a lowering of the temperature about the roots, risky ! at any time, is doubly so now, and would cer- tainly result in watery, ill-flavoured fruits, even if it did not stop them from swelling altogether. Very great care is also needed in watering as regards the temperature of the water used, which should be above that of the bad or the soil in which the plants grow, the method of its appli- cation, keeping it well away from the stems of the plants, and in the quantity used, which should only be sufficient to moisten without absolutely ] soaking the soil. After the Melons begin to net, heavy soakings are dangerous, as the fruits are almost sure to split before they ripen, and they ! will then be useless. Shut up the house quite ' early and avoid syringing late in the afternoon, j as the leaves ought to be dry before night. I Atmospheric moisture may be kept up by sprink- I ling the floor and walls as often as necessary, and this should be sufficient without any overhead ' syringing after mid-day. The things to be ] avoided with Melons, at this late date especially, are checks — on the one hand, by lowering the temperature about the roots, and on the other, sudden impulses by heavy waterings. Keep all j lateral growth stopped back closely and fre- quently, so that the foliage of which the plants are divested at any one time is thin. Weekly fumigations up to the time of the fruit netting are necessary to keep down fly. B.\NAXAs. — Those plants which are showing for fruit should be well fed with liquid manure at each watering, and excessive humidity of atmo- sphere must be avoided. Ventilate the house for a few hours daily, but always keep the tropical habitat of the plants well in mind. If any of the stock has reached what ought to be fruiting size without showing signs of fruit it will be best to keep them a little on the dry side for a week or two until the spikes appear, after which more liberal treatment is desirable. Where there is room for a fairly continuous supply of plants and it is thought advisable to pot up more suckers this year, these should be detached as soon as they get big enough and potted up, plunging the pots in bottom heat at once, so that a goodly quantity of roots may be formed before winter. Later stock, or that which generally gives the yearly supply of plants, may be left attached to the parent plants until after the turn of the year. A good sucker plant taken off when the parent has ripened its fruits and carefully treated until established will generally make a plant of the best sort for fruiting next winter or spring at a time when the supply of good home-grown dessert fruits is at its lowest ebb, and if this is the only crop of Bananas needed, forward suckers may be sacrificed with advantage. Corncbian. Leaves prematurely falling. — A lesson may now be learnt with regard to the manner certain trees and shrubs can endure the exceeding heat and drought. Lilac bushes, ever a dense mass of 184 THE GARDEN. [September 2, 1899. roots, are affected everywhere, and in thick shrub- beries still worse. The Horse Chestnut even in some isolated positions has been quite a wreck for a long time, shedding its leaves abundantly as though in mid-autumn. Black Italian and Lombardy Poplars also are great sufferers, though the chief among them all is the common Syca- more, and this is either dead or dying in many instances. Long ago the foliage was curled com- pletely up and now hangs lifeless upon the nlmost lifeless twigs. White Thorn, too, is suffering. Most serious of all, however, is the way many early Apples are suffering from lack of moisture, the fruit no larger or but little larger than it was some weeks ago. This, coupled with failure or partial failure in other kinds, makes a very disas- trous whole where much land is given up to fruit culture. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. WESTERN. Batsford Park, Moreton-in-Marsh.— For the past two or three seasons the Apple crop has been light, and this year it is even worse, most of the orchard and many garden trees being without fruit. There was by no means a profusion of Apple blossom generally, and frosts were very destructive to the flowers on many other kinds of fruit trees. Some garden pyramids are bearing satisfactorily, the best being, as in previous years, and which rarely fail to bear, Stirling Castle, Tower of Glamis, and Warner's King. White Transparent, Lord Suffield, Cockpit, Worcester Pearmain, and Ribston Pippin are fairly good, and a few others are bearing lightly. Cox's Orange Pippin and Blenheim Orange are this season almost failures, which is a great loss, the latter being much grown in the neighbourhood. Pears are scarce, excepting a few varieties which are bearing an average on pyramids, namely, Beurre Clairgeau, Beurre d'Amanlis, and Gratioli of Jersey. Clapp's Favourite, Thompson's, and Durondeau have a few fruits, but most of the other best varieties, including wall trees, have scarcely any upon them. Blossoms on wall fruit trees suffered a good deal from frost, especially the best and most prominent ones. Fortunately, some nearer the walls escaped, and the crops have proved better than could at one time have been expected. Peaches outside have for two or three years been much blistered and unsatisfac- tory. The best are Royal George, Bellegarde, and Princess of Wales ; and of Nectarines, Violette Hative and Pitmaston Orange. Apri- cots were rather small, possibly because of the best flowers having been killed, but of good quality, Large Early and Moorpark being the varieties. Plums in the open are generally very scarce. On walls we have to protect the buds with netting, and this may have helped to pre- serve the flowers from frost, as the crops on many trees are an average, notably Rivers' Early Pro- lific, Purple Magnum Bonum, Pond's Seedling, Kirke's, Nectarine, Victoria, Webster's and Purple Gages. Cherries are not a heavy crop, but fairly clean and of good quality, especially Morellos. The trees of dessert varieties do not succeed so well. Strawberries did well, but the ssason was some- what short on account of excessive heat and drought. Fortunately, the flowers escaped injury by frost and the crop was heavy and the fruit of excellent quality. Royal Sovereign, Keens' Seed- ling, and President are most largely cultivated, with Vicomtesse H. de Thury and Sir Joseph Paxton in addition. Monarch and Leader {the latter a compact grower and heavy cropper) and the Gunton varieties were also grown and proved very serviceable, the two first being early and the others useful for late supplies. Raspberries were better than was expected considering the very hot, dry weather when they were ripening. Gooseberries were plentiful where the buds were protected from birds. The crop is chiefly in demand here while green for cooking. Red, White and Black Currants were very good, the fruit clean and of a good size. Walnuts and other nuts fairly plentiful. Blackbirds and other birds have been very numerous and unusually trouble- some in the garden, finding their way through nets wherever there was fruit beneath, and doing a great deal of damage even to green Apples, Pears, &c. Possibly continued hot and very dry weather prevented them finding other food. Early Potatoes have been somewhat small, but clean and free from disease ; midseason and late ones also look well up to the present. Asparagus was an excellent crop ; Broccoli stood the winter well and was plentiful ; summer Cauliflowers suffered from drought and have been much injured by caterpillars. Early Peas did wonder- fully well, but a good many of the midseason ones were a failure, mildew and thrips attacking them during hot, dry weather. Globe Artichokes were early and very plentiful, the plants being favoured I by a mild winter. Tomatoes outside are promis- ' ing to bear heavy crops, and Celery. Brussels Sprouts and winter greens generally look much better than last year, though all will be improved by more moisture in the ground and atmosphere. — J. Garrett. Eatington Park, Stratford-on-Avon.— The frosts we had late in May made great havoc in many gardens, especially those near the water. The Strawberry crop was very light ; Rasp- berries, Currants, and Gooseberries average crop ; Apples average ; Pears scarce ; Apricots, Peaches, and Plums almost a failure. Vegetables in general are good. Beans (Kidney) are late, owing to having been cut down by frost ; early Potatoes are small : Peas abundant. — Wm. Havlock. Poltimore Gardens, Exeter.— Apples aver- age and good. Plums very thin, with the excep- tion of trees in sheltered positions. Pears in the open suffered from the frost, consequently a very light crop. Peaches and Nectarines are very good. The trees suffered much from blister, and some varieties not noticed before have suffered from mildew. Morello Cherries are good ; other kinds thin. All small fruits are abundant. Apri- cots very few. Cob nuts light crop ; others good. Potatoes are very promising at present, and early \arieties heavy crops. Peas so far have been remarkably good. — T. H. Sladk. Orchardleigh Park, Frome. — Apples are a very poor crop in this neighbourhood, in some orchards none at all. I have a nice crop of Keswick, Lane's Prince Albert, Frogmore, and Bramley's Seedling on some young trees in a sheltered part of the garden, but the majority of older trees are quite bare. Pears are a light crop, but of good quality. Apricots, where covered with glass and thick canvas when in bloom, are a good crop ; Peaches good ; Plums and Cherries much under average. Small fruits have been an average crop ; Currants good ; Gooseberries middling ; Raspberries abundant, but small, owing to drought ; Strawberries an excellent crop. Vegetables are up to the present excellent. I have had heavy crops of Peas ; Broccoli and early Cauliflowers have done well ; later sorts are suffering now from the hot and dry weather. Shallots have done well, but Onions have mildew badly. Brussels Sprouts and winter greens planted early are looking well. Potatoes, first and second early, are only a medium crop. Late sorts at present are looking well, and, if rain comes soon, likely to be a heavy crop. — F. Clark. Rood Ashton, Trowbridge.— The season has been fraught with many disappointments both as regards fruit and vegetables in this neigh- bourhood, but perhaps the most signal failure is found in Strawberries, which have furnished but a small supply, and the quality not up to the usual standard. Frost and drought both contri- buted to this failing, the latter probably the greater share. Apples in some cases havu a full ■ crop ; others a very partial crop. Stirling Castle, as usual, needs severe thinning so thickly has the fruit set, as also does Court Pendu Plat. Ribston Pippin, Golden Noble, King of Pippins, Cobham, Leyden Pippin, Cox's Orange, Tower of Glamis, Rambour Franc, Stirling Castle, Graven- stein, Bismarck, Cellini, Dumelow's Seedling, Annie Elizabeth, Duchess of Oldenburg, Courb Pendu Plat, Lord Grosvenor, Worcester Pear- main, Adams' Pearmain, Reinette du Canada, Peasgoods Nonsuch, Hoary Morning, Warner's King, The (.lueen. Beauty of Bath, Cockle Pip- pin, Syke House Russet, Ecklinville, and Cox'a Pomona are carrying the best crops. Pears are less satisfactory even than Apples, for though the trees bloomed splendidly and appear to have sob well, wholesale dropping has changed the aspect materially. What Pears there are have a contracted look about them and are undersized. Beurre Clairgeau, which was a mass of bloom, is almost bare of fruit, and the same may be said of many others. The most freely fruited include Emile d'Heyst, Fondante de Bihorelli, Soldafc Laboureur, Bezi de Veterans, BeurrS d'Amanlis, Dunmore, Ne Plus Meuris, Beurre St. Louis, Beurre Hardy, Doyenn^ Boussoch, Seckle, Countess La, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Althorpe Crassane, Brown Beurre, and Amandine de Rouin. Plums are the lightest crop I have known for several years ; the only sorts that can be said to be carrying an average number are Pond's Seedling, Grand Duke, Blue Gage, and Prince Englebert. Kirke's, Jefferson, Victoria, Coe's Golden Drop, Orleans, Early Prolific, and Wash- ington, as well as the Gages, are thinly fruited. Cherries, both Morello and dessert, have fruited well ; so have Peaches, despite the sharp frosts that occurred while they were in flower. Apricots are thin ; so are Figs, the fruiting points having been damaged by frost. Gooseberries are about half a crop ; Currants, both Red and Black, full ; and Raspberries above the average. Vegetables have gi\ en much trouble from the spring frosts and drought. Since the beginning of June the rainfall has been short and sun-heab considerable. Under thcsa conditions Peas have podded prematurely, and the late summer crops will be uncertain. Early sowings did re- markably well. Potatoes are much under-sized, and many are now ripening prematurely. Late Potatoes are healthy, but not so vigorous as usual. Disease appeared among the first earlies in June, but not to any serious extent. Onions are swelling freely, and as yet without mildew or maggot. Cabbages were late and singularly de- ficient in flavour and tenderness when cooked. Early Cauliflowers were good ; later ones with- out artificial watering are poor in growth. Dwarf and Runner Beans are making good growth, bub the latter are late in podding. Marrows are plentiful, as also are good Carrots. Asparagus was never better either in quality or quantity than this year, nor were Globe Artichokes. Lettuces were very fine in early summer, but are giving some trouble now. — W. Strugnell. Crichel, Wimborne. — Fruit much under average owing to late frosts. The following suffered, viz.. Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots, Strawberries, Red Currants and Cherries. Vegetables generally are good, bub have a tendency to develop prematurely, owing to hob and dry season. — P. Lsherwoud. Staunton Park, Staunton - on - Arrow, Hereford. — With but one or two exceptions there will be but a very light crop of stone fruit. On the other hand, Apples and Pears promise a very heavy crop. Strawberries have done well this season, especially Royal Sovereign, and bush fruits generally have been good. I found Asparagus rather later this spring, bub Peas are quite up to the standard, and I have no cause to complain about the vegetable department. On the whole, everything will be equal or better than last season.— Thomas H. WiN.sk ILL. Frome, Somerset. — On the whole this can- not be descriljed other than a most unfortunate season. Late frosts, cold winds and summer drought have all conspired against the poor fruib growers, and on all sides we hear complaints of the scarcity prevailing. Writing of the district generally, I may state that Apples are fruiting well in a few instances, while the crops are of the lightest in others. Cider fruib promises to be very plentiful in places, and if the rain comes too September 2, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 185 late to swell this to a good siz3 it is likely enough that the cider made will be less in quantity than anticipated, but superior in quality. In some gardens bush trees of Lord Grosvenor, Stirling Castle, Duchess of Oldenburg, Cellini, Ecklin ville and Warner's King are bearing heavy crops, and I have met with a few good trees of Cox's Orange Pippin, Newton Wonder and Ribston Pippin. In my own case the trees suffered from spring frosts, and there is only a sprinkling of fruit on any of the trees. Pears are much scarcer than Apples, and in low positions are a complete failure. In the orchards the commoner small varieties, including perry Pears, are carrying good crops, but of choice fruit there will be very few indeed to gather. Plums are quite as scarce as Pears, but it is worthy of note that those two old favourites, because the most reliable, Early Rivers and Victoria, are carrying good crops in places. Cherries have done well both against walls and in the open. Apricots are producing better crops than anticipated. Hereabouts they were in flower durinjj a very cold time, 14° and 15° of frost being registered, and it would have surprised no one if an utter failure had occurred. Peashes and Nectarines are also doing well, and good crops are borne on most of the trees. Gooseberries have been fairly plentiful, or a good average crop, and the dry weather has been greatly in favour of ripe fruit. Currants, Red and Black, were a good average crop, and Rasp- berries above the average, though cjuickly over. Strawberries were disappointing. All the early flowers were killed by frost, and as a conse- quence of this and hot and dry weather, early, midseason, and late varieties were being gathered from at much the same time. This meant a short season. No variety stood out pre-eminently good. A backward spring and a dry, hot, early summer have not been good for vegetables gene- rally. Potatoes have been somewhat undersized from the first, and the main and late crops are so much affected by the drought and great heat that the crops will be light. Most of the other root crops are beginning to fail. Onions raised in boxes and planted out being the most promising crop of all. Peas were late and are collapsing wholesale. Runner Beans are also in a poor plight, especially on poor, unmulched ground. There is every likelihood of the winter crops being much under the average, as not much planting has been done. Vegetable Marrows and Tomatoes are the most promising crops. — W. lOGULDEX. Longfords, Mincliinliampton, Glos. — The fruit crops here are the worst I have had for fifteen years. Peaches, Plums, and Apples aro very scarce ; the spring frosts played havoc with the blossom, but the trees are clean and healthy. Apricots and Figs are a failure ; Pears a moderate crop on Winter Nelis, Marie Louise, Glou Mor- ceau, Doyenne du Cornice, .Jargonelle, and Pit- maston Duchess. Small fruits were plentiful and good. Strawberries Royal Sovereign, President, and Scarlet Queen excellent; Raspberries Super- lative and FiUbasket, two prolific varieties, are good ; Black and Red Currants and Gooseberries also good. I have had a good supply of the following Peas : William I., Veitch's Earliest Marrow, Cri- terion, Autocrat, Telephone, and Ne Plus Ultra, still one of the very best main-crop Peas, but the dry weather is telling on them now. First and second early Potatoes are good and free from disease. — W. Driver. Kingston House, Dorchester, Dorset.— Fruit crops, with the exception of Apples and bush fruiti, are under average in this district. Apples are a heavy crop, and the quality good. Tom Putt, which is very much grown about here, has an enormous crop. Pears are less than half a crop ; very much cracked. Plums are a failure except a few standard varieties such as Victoria and Orleans. Dessert Cherries are fairly good ; Morellos very poor. Apricots are an average crop; quality good. Early Peaches and Necta rines were practically a failure ; midseason and late varieties average, (juality good. Brown Turkey and Brunswick Figs on walls seldom fail to give good crops here. This season there are not ten where there used to be a hundred. Mul- berries are a heavy crop, and Walnuts are good. Small bush fruits are over average ; Strawberries under average, and the season very short. Vegetables, in spite of the prolonged drought and a light soil, have been well up to the average, but the drought is beginning to tell on the Bras- sicas and late Peas. Potatoes are a heavy crop, the tubers rather small, quality excellent ; all roots heavy and clean. Early and second-early Peas have been extra good. Late Peas, notwith- standing deep cultivation and heavy watering, look far from promising. Tomatoes out of doors on walls and espaliers are ripening off heavy crops. I have tried over twenty varieties side by side, and find Chemin, Ham Green, Ladybird, and Conference in the order named the heaviest croppers and the most useful. — Ben. Campbell. Shobdon Court, Hereford. — The general outlook is very good. Small fruits, Nuts, and Apples are above the average. Strawberries have been abundant. Pears, Plums, and Apricots are not so plentiful ; still, many trees of these are carrying good crops, especially cordon Pears on walls. Peas, both early and mid-season kinds, have done well, and up to now no trace of mildew on the later varieties. Onions, Carrots, Beetroot, and, indeed, all root crops, could not very well look better, and all the Brassicaa are growing apace, giving promise of a good and bountiful supply for autumn and winter use. — Thos. Plumb. Inwood House, Henstridge. — The fruit crops in this part vary ; some are very fair, while others are poor. Apples are good in some gar- dens, while in others not faraway the crop is poor. Pears are good, and an average crop of tine fruit. Peaches and Nectarines are very good. Apricots are below average, owing no doubt to the frost when in bloom. Plums are also below an average. Nuts are a poor crop in most places. Strawberries have a fine crop and above an average. Royal Sovereign being the best. This is a fine Straw- berry for forcing, and also outdoors. Gooseberries are fair in most places, but not quite an average. Currants, Black and Rsd, are very good. AH small fruits are fair. The vegetable crops around here are looking well, Potatoes especially. Early Potatoes have been very good and of splendid quality. The late and mid-season ones are looking well, with no disease as yet. If disease keeps away there ought to be a wonderful crop, that is if we get one more soaking of rain to carry them through. The small local shows have caused labouring men and cottagers to take more interest in their allot- ments and gardens by looking after vegetables and growing them well and keeping them clean. — T. WiLKINS. The Gardens, Doddington, Chipping Sod- bury. — Fruit of all kinds is unusually scarce this season except Currants of all kinds and B.asp- berries, which are above average and good. We have good crops of Potatoes, and vege- tables of all kinds have done well. — W. Grbena- WAT. Batheaston, Wiveliscombe.— Strawberries, Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries have been very abundant. Apples are a good average crop. Plums and Pears are very scarce. — R. J. Cartek. Tregothnan, Cornwall.— The fruit crop here and in the district is in most cases good. Apples are plentiful ; Pears rather thin ; Cherries ( Mo- rello) good ; Plums, with the exception of Vic- torias, thin : Peaches good average ; Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, Red, White, and Black Currants all above average. Vegetables are suffering badly from want of rain. Early Potatoes are good ; Asparagus very fine ; early Peas and Broad Baans good, but later sowings of both are badly infested with mildew and the crop very poor : dwarf French Beans are good, but Scarlet Runners are dropping from want of moisture ; Onions, both Tripoli and spring-sown, are very good. Roots and green crops will be very poor showers. — Wm. Andrews. unless we got early Frampton Court, Dorchester, Dorset. — Apples are very thin in this neighbourhood. What there are on the trees are looking well and promise to be fine, the trees being healthy and clean. The same remarks apply to Pears. Cherries are con- siderably over the average ; Plums much under average, but promise to be good as the trees are perfectly free from insect pests. Peaches and Nectarines on south walls are quite a failure, but those on a west wall are fairly well cropped. Red, White, and Black Currants are all bearing good crops and of fine quality. Gooseberries are rather under the average, caused by birds taking the buds during the winter. Raspberries are bearing a good heavy crop, but the fruit is small ; BuUaces and Damsons are a failure ; Mul- berries and Medlars are bearing good crops. Strawberries have been an enormous crop in these gardens, but in the neighbourhood there is no end of failures, all stating the cause to be the frost which we had at the time they were in flower. — W. J. Harvev. Ashton Court, Clifton. — In the early spring when fruit trees were in bloom there was great promise of an abundant crop of all kinds of fruit. Unfortunately, it did not set, as nearly all fell to the ground. In this district Strawberries have been far below the average, many growers not hiving gathered enough to pay working expenses. I have seen some beds that were planted three I years ago that have not produced any fruit worth gathering; the plants simply dried up, not having recovered from the effects of last August and Sep- tember's drought and heat. Raspberries also are an under average crop. Many canes have died outright and the fruit is small generally. The 1 season for this fruit will be very short. Goose- berries and Currants are very plentiful, and in I some gardens the bushes are breaking down with ! the weight of fruit, which is of good quality. Apples, Pears, and Plums in this neighbourhood also are below the average. Codlins generally , have a crop, but other kinds are light. The season for vegetables has been, and still is, very trying. The early Brassicas were badly in- fested with blight. Turnips, Spinach, and many ! other crops have no chance of growing unless plentifully supplied with water. Potatoes up to the present look well, and the early kinds have yielded good crops. Parsnips, Carrots, and Beet also look well, but I am afraid they will all be small unless they soon have rain. Peas grow well, but their period of gathering will be short. Runner Beans are looking well, although the young Beans are beginning to fall off. — H. Noble. Mount Edgcumbe, Plymouth. — In this district the fruit crop is a very good one. Cur- ! rants, Gooseberries and Raspberries are heavy I crops ; Strawberries and Cherries good; Apples heavy crop, require a lot of thinning : Pears ' medium ; Peaches and Nectarines fair ; Apricots not grown, soil too light. All vegetables are good. Peas especially so, and where all crops are looking well it is difficult to select any as worthy of special mention.— S. J. ; Richards. Cowley Manor, Cheltenham. — Apples are very scarce ; the only variety I have carrying a crop is Keswick Codlin. All the other varieties bloomed well, but the late frosts caused the bloom I to fall. Pears are very scarce. A great many varieties have none at all. They bloomed well, but were also affected with the frost. We had frost as late as the end of May. The first bloom on the Strawberries was destroyed by frost, but ! we have had a very fair crop of what may be ' termed second fruit. Royal Sovereign, British Queen and Scarlet i^'ueen are the varieties I depend on ; Royal Sovereign forces well. Red I Currants, Black Currants and Raspberries are very good. Gooseberries were rather scarce ; I think the frost is the cause of it, as they bloomed well. Plums are almost a total failure. Vegetables have done well. I got most of my winter stuff, such as Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and all sorts of Kale, planted at the latter end of 186 THE GARDEN". [September 2, 1899.! f May, so it has got well established. My first spring-sown Cauliflowers (Early London) have done well. Onions, Carrots, Beet and Turnips are doing well. Potatoes are a good crop. Mv Peas have done better this season than ever.— Joseph Maddocks. Abbotsbury Castle, near Dorchester.— Fruit is generally scarce, owing to late frosts and very chilly nights. Apple, Pear and Plum trees were bedecked with blossoms, which failed to set. Early Potatoes were in many instances a failure, but with recent rains late crops promise an aver- age supply. Here in this somewhat favoured locality Chemin Rouge and Comet Tomatoes pro- mise well out of doors, the former setting very well. — Joseph Benbow. Trelissick, Truro.— The Apple crop is a very partial one, some trees carrying heavy crops while others have few or none. All the trees are, however, making most vigorous growth and in a fine healthy condition. Pears are a light crop. Pitmaston Duchess on young trees is truly grand, Early and midseason Peas were all that could be desired, but the abnormal drought has destroyed all chances of late crops, and I am afraid there will be a great scarcity of winter stufif from the same cause. — W. Sangwin. Ferns. good condition throughout the winter. I have found it one of the best to withstand the effects of fogs and damp atmosphere. A. H. ADIANTUM FORMOSUM. This beautiful Fern, which is well shown in the illustration, is a native of Australia and New Zealand, but does not appear to be widely distributed, being found in one locality only in each country. The large spreading fronds are of a deep green with a bright surface, and are produced freely from thick, spreading, under- ground rhizomes. Where space can be given it makes large fronds, and when confined to small pots forms a compact plant. It should be all trees doing well. Plums are a very poor crop. The Czar and Victoria are the only sorts that have done fairly well. Cherries of all sorts are a com- plete failure. Peaches and Nectarines are carry- ing heavy crops, which with a liberal supply of water to root and branch promise to mature well. I began picking Early Alfred on July 12, and shall finish with Sea Eagle about the second week of October, having a continuous supply from start to finish. Scrawb3rries were a moderate crop, Royal Sovereign bemg the best. Sir Charles Napier is a great favourite with me, but did not do so well this hot summer. Bush fruit is abun- dant and good. I am still (end of August) gathering splendid Gooseberries and Red Currants from under permanent wire-net protection, which I should not like to be without after ten years' experience. Vegetables have been exceptionally good, espe- cially Peas and Potatoes. Of the latter, MyaCt's Ashleaf, Windsor Castle, Syon House Prolific, Up-to-date, and Champion are my favourite sorts. AdianUim formosum. potted in a rough, porous compost consisting largely of fibrous loam and leaf-mould. For large specimens pans are preferable to pots, as the spreading rhizomes require more surface room than depth. It may be recommended as one of the most useful Ferns for the cool green- house. It also succeeds well in a higher tem- perature. Although nearly hardy, the fronds get blackened if exposed to a low temperature while in a growing state. I may add that it is one of the best for treatment under the patent process for preserving the cut fronds. Adian- tum Birkenheadi is a very distinct variety of garden origin. It was raised by Messrs. Bir- kenhead. The fronds grow more erect and the rhizomes do not spread so freely, otherwise it would suggest some affinity to the above, the fronds having the deap green shade and the pinnules the finely-serrated margins. It suc- ceeds well under cool treatment and SOWING FERN SPORES. If spores are sown during the autumn, a good- supply of seedlings for early spring work is ensured. Although Fern spores may be sown at any season and good results obtained, it is from, those sown either early in the spring or during the autumn that success is best obtained. It is during the summer and autumn that spores should be collected, for those matured during the bright sunny weather invariably prove more pro- lific than those produced during the dull, damp, winter months. As much depends upon collect- ing the spores at the right time as in the sowing and after treatment. It is not an uncommon error to suppose that the fertile fronds will hold their spores for an almost indefinite period, with the result that the fronds are often taken after all the best spores have escaped. Take Pteris argyrea as an in- stance. The true spores are black, and they drop from the fronds as soon as the spore cases- are open, but there still remain the spore cases, and when these are rubbed a lot of fine brown dust is obtained, which may bj' chance contain some good spores, but all the best will be gone. This applies to all Ferns in a more or less degree. In collecting Fern spores it is in- teresting to note the various, shades of colour. The Adian- tums vary ; some (as in A. scu- tum) are yellow, others vary from pale brown to black (A. cuneatum is brown and A. itmulum almost black). The true spores of Osmunda palus- tris are bright green, of Dick- sonia antarctica bright yellow, and if taken at the right time very abundant. In the Gymno- grammas (gold and silver) the spores are almost black. Gener- ally a good deal of the coloured powder comes off with the spores ; but if lightly shaken on a piece of paper the dark (true) spores will be found un- derneath the yellow or white powder. I might give other instances, liut the above will be sufficient to help those who have not had much experience or have not given this matter proper attention. Another im- portant matter is in collecting spores to take them from plants which have been isolated as far as possible from others- which produce spores freely. I like to take the fronds as soon as the spore cases begin to open. Although it is generally supposed that Fern spores will keep for an almost indefi- nite time and under various conditions, I am quite satisfied that they are very perishable, and although under favourable conditions they may retain their vitality for a considerable time, there is great risk in using spores which have been kept long, especially if they have been damp. I prefer to have new spores when possible, or for spring sowing those collected now may be relied upon, but they should be properly dried and then kept in a cool, dry place. If more attention were paid to collecting and keeping spores under proper conditions so many failures would not occur. Sowing the spores. — In preparing the pots, the chief thing is to get some good yellow loam> which should be quite free from worms and other insects, aUo from seeds of any weeds, for when these spring up they often damp off, and cause the damping to spread over the surface of the September 2, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 187 pots and destroy the spores. Five-inch pots are the best size to use. They may be filled firmly to within about an inch of the rims. Xo drainage is necessary ; in fact, ib is better not to use any, as the most important point is to keep a regular moisture. Filling the pots with loam and stand- ing in saucers of water will ensure this. After the pots are tilled they should be well soaked, and then surfaced over with powdered charcoal and crock- dust, or for the Aspleniums, Platyceriums, or others which root on the surface, some Sphagnum may be added. This should be carefully picked over, and all weeds, &c., removed. It must be chopped up very small, and then rubbed through a fine sieve with some sand. After damping the surface the spores may be sown. It is essential to avoid sowing the spores too thickly. If they have been saved with care, the slightest dusting over will ensure a good crop, as when sown too thicklj' they choke each other. If a number of sorts are to be sown at the same time, the pots for each should be removed from the others to avoid the spores spreading. If this is not done, all the pots will produce a crop of the free-grow- ing sorts. With due care most of the varieties may be raised comparatively true. When choicer sorts or those that are slow to germinate are sown, I like to avoid having any of the free- growing sorts about, for even with the greatest care it is impossible to avoid some spores spread- ing about. After the spores are sown, the pots may be placed in a shady position and covered with glass. Although the direct rays of the sun must be avoided, light is essential. This point must not be overlooked, for I believe failure often occurs through keeping the pots in a dark, heavily shaded position. I have frequently noticed when the pots have stood partly under a slope that the spores germinate freely where the light falls on the pots, while they remain dormant where they get less light. The glasses should be removed and the condensed moisture wiped off before the globules have got large enough to drop off on to the surface of the pots. No surface watering should be given after the spores are sown, but the saucers may be filled up from time to time as they require it. It is not necessary to keep them constantly full ; in fact, it is better not to do so, or the soil may become too wet. With a little e.vperience it is easy to tell when the pots are suflBciently moist. They must never be allowed to get quite dry. As soon as the pots are well covered with the prothalli, they may be taken off in small patches and pricked off into pots or boxes which have been prepared with a surfacing of more suitable soil for the young seedlings to root into. These will require dividing again about the time the first tiny fronds appear. Where Ferns are grown it will often occur that numbers of seedlings spring up under the stages and on the walls, or even on the surface of the pots. I now have a fine crop of Gymnogramma Alstoni on the surface of some pots which are suspended to the roof. Although this sort of thing may often occur, it is not safe to rely on it where a large stock is required, for it will generally happen that the sorts least needed are the most abundant. A. Hemsley. The double Gypsophila, when introduced, ought to find a place in goad gardens, not to the exclu- sion of the typical form, but as a novelty of con- ' siderable beauty and merit. — S. Arnott. Flower Garden. A double Gypsopliila paniculata.— Until a fortnight or so ago I was unaware of the exist- ence of a double variety of the graceful Gypso- phila paniculata. Such may previously have been in existence, but if so I have not heard of it. At the time alluded to a gardener near London who has charge of a large collection of hardy flowers wrote me, stating that he had raised a double form of this favourite flower. Tnis letter has been followed by the raiser kindly sending me a spray of tho flowers, which quite corrobo- rate what he said regarding it. The blooms are quite double, but although doubled are not so heavy-looking as to be ungraceful. Possibly they may not be light enough to take the place of the single form, so largely used for cutting, but their greater substance and more lasting properties will give them advantages in other respects. BURMESE LILIES. Within" the last ten or a dozen years several new Lilies have been introduced into our gar- dens, principally from China and from Upper Burmah. Of these, the one that has made itself most at home in our climate is the Chinese Lilium Henryi, which is rapidly becoming esta- blished in various parts of the country. The Burmese Lilies, on the other hand, must, in most districts at least, be regarded as green- house plants, under which conditions they are decidedly attractive, as they are so very dis- tinct from any others in cultivation. Interest in the Lilies from this region was aroused when on September 11, 1888, Messrs. Low, of Ciapton, first showed L. nepalense in flower. It is very questionable if any plant submitted to the floral committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society throughout the year excited so much interest as this Lily, which was then awarded a first-class certificate. No one seemed to know what Lilium nepalense was like (even our botanical authorities differed), and when shown by Messrs. Low and proved to be so distinct and withal so beautiful, the atten- tion of everyone was directed to this charming addition to our Lilies. The stem of L. nepalense is usually tall and slender, while the base thereof is more woody in texture than in most other species. Boots from the lower part of the stem are also pushed out but spar- ingly. The flowers in general appearance bear a certain amount of resemblance to those of L. Szovitzianum, but in colour they are distinct from those of any other Lily. The centre of the flower, that is to say, the basal half of the petals, is of a rich chocolate-purple tint, while the recurved portion is yellow. Individuals vary in their depth of colouring, while in some the dark portion extends over a greater part of the flower than in others. Lilium sulphureum, the next introduction, has proved itself the most amenable to cultivation of the Lilies from that region and the hardiest of this group. Besides the specific name of sulphureum this is also known as L. Wallichi- aiium superbura and L. ochroleucura. Under this latter name it was well illustrated in The Garden, October 1, last year, the specimen shown flowering in an open border in a Dorset- shire garden, where the bulbs had stood for over two years. In the neighbourhood of Lon- don I have not succeeded with it permanently in the open ground, but under glass it is a very beautiful Lily. It possesses so many distinc- tive features that there is no danger of con- founding it with any other species. The great number of its long arching leaves, the bulbils in the axils thereof, and its large, massive flowers, borne on the top of a stately stem from 5 feet to 7 feet high, combine to render it one of the most imposing of Lilies. The trumpet - shaped flowers are of a dis- tinct ochre - yellow in the interior, the re- curved portion of the petals being milk-white. The blooms are usually flushed hment of the greenhouse at this season they are also very useful, being easily grown into neat little bushes that will maintain a succession of bloom for a long time. They can be readily wintered in an ordinary greenhouse, and should be kept fairly dry during that season, but, given an intermediate temperature, many of them will bloom more or less at that period. The plants that are kept in that excited state throughout the winter do not, however, grow away in the spring with the same vigour as those that have rested during the dormant season. Their propa- gation is a simple matter, as cuttings of the young growing shoots strike root very readily in the spring, so that there is no difficulty in work- ing up a stock. There are numerous varieties whose blossoms range in colour from white, or nearly so, to pink, yellow, scarlet, and crimson. 188 THE GARDEK [September 2, 189&. The change in the colour of the floivers after expansion is very noticeable. In the tropics these Lantanas increase at such a rapid rate from seed, thah in many districts they form veritable weeds. — H. P. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Hardy flowers. — In common with everything outside, hardy flowers have suffered severely from the prolonged drought (exceptionally prolocged, I think, here in West Surrey), and had not Ijeds and borders destined for their reception been thoroughly well done in the autumn, the flowering season would have been very short. Experience of the soil and subsoil has led to the use of cow manure in large quantities at the autumn plant- ing, and this in dry summers is a wonderful help. In a recent note I mentioned a very pleasing effect produced by a mixture of purple Stocks with Sisyrinchium striatum. This lasted remark- ably well, and when the spikes of the Sisyrinchium were removed the pleasing grey of the foliage contrasted nicely with the Stocks. One of my very best beds this year, at any rate just at pre- sent, is a mixture of Montbretias with Gypso- phila paniculata. The contrast is wonderfully pleasing and there is nothing unnatural in the combination, two points, I think, that go very t'ar towards securing the best results in flower garden work. Both were autumn planted, the one .'selected corms obtained from a mass lifted on an outlying border and the other from seed sown in April, 1898. For the benefit of those who have not as yet tried the perennial Gypsophila from seed, I may note that seedlings throw the stronger panicles and are later in coming into flower, the season of this most useful plant naturally being more sustained. Pentstemon barbatus, also from seed sown at the same time as the Gypsophila, has also given a very pleasing display. Individual blooms are not large, about the size of tho-e of Cuphea plitycentra, but many spikes are thrown up from each plant and the flowering season is well sustained. Alternate batches of this and Statice latifolia make a charming bed. One of the best combinations I have tried is a mixture of the above-named Statice with plants of Tamarix gallica if a little special attention is given to the well-known seaside plant. It should receive ' similar winter treatment to that given Hydrangea ' paniculata — viz., all weakly growth should be cut clean away and strong shoots well headed back. I Long graceful shoots are thereby obtained, which will afford splendid material for large vases as well as being very ornamental on the border. Where the stock of Statice latifolia is short, a batch can be raised from seed, the seedlings varying considerably alike in size of panicle, size and colour of the bloom and in time of flowering. Another plant to associate with the Sea Lavender that is just now at its best is Galtonia candicans. All the above hardy plants noted as having aflbrded this year a very satisfactory display are fairly tall, and it may be mentioned that for large beds or borders they are more satisfactory than things of dwarf habit, especially as forming a good centre for borders or for isolated beds on turf, but if the latter are on a small scale there are many hardy things that may be used that cannot fail to give very pleasing results. A mixture of Geum cocoineum and the clear white Pink Albino made a very pleasing bed. The season, unfortunately, was against the long dis- play generally aflbrded by the Geum, and it was more quickly over than usual. A little taste in the planting of Carnations is always productive of good results ; thus a mixture of Hayes' Scarlet or King Arthur with JMrs. Eric Hambro makes a very bright bed ; so also do fancies of the Cardinal Wolsey and Lady Ardilaun types, apricots and buffs like The Pasha and Carolus X)uran, and the pinks in many different shades. Writing of Carnations reminds me to note that as the weather continues very dry, constant attention in the way of watering will be necessary, and it is advisable to see this is carefully done so that the soil is not washed away from the layers. Sweet Williams were short-lived, but the dwarf Antirrhinums in various shades last out well where attention is given to the prompt and con- stant removal of seeding spikes. This latter opera- tion has in fact been more than ever necessary this year with all kinds of hardy flowers. It was only in this way, coupled with occasional soakings, that a continuous display could be maintained. Claremonl. E. Burrell Iieucojum autumnale. — This delicately beautiful little Snowflake has once more come into bloom to make us feel how delightful are its simple charms when contrasted with the glow and luxuriance of ordinary autumn flowers. It is a welcome day when one sees its first blossoms open. Compared with those of the Spring Snow- flake — Leucojum vernum — they are tiny, but their beauty is more elegant and almost ethereal Eremurus Elwesi in Mr. HindmarsL's garden at Alnbank, Alnwick, in its charms. Here, in spite of its apparent want of robustness, it is certainly as reliable as any flower in the garden, and never fails to come into bloom very late in July or early in August. The silvery whiteness of the flowers is accentuated by the chocolate colouring of the flower-stems and by the little tinge of red at the base of the segments. One is always led to think that this autumn Snowflake is not sufficiently known, or it would never be absent from gardens, especially in those where the dwarfer flowers are prized. I believe the few failures I have heard of have arisen from the time at which the bulbs were obtained being too late, and that they had made top growth without emitting roots. Early in July is about the latest time to procure dry bulbs, unless they have been kept very cool. Leucojum autumnale is one of the bulbs which ought to be kept in stock by nurserymen in pots, so that it could be planted with safety at any time. I feel sure that a panful or a group of pots filled with it in bloom and exhibited at one of the leading shows would help to popularise one of our most exquisite autumn flowers. — S. Arnott. EREMURUS ELWESI IN THE NORTH. A FEW notes on Eremurus Elwesi as grown in my garden may interest some of your readers, more especially as it is apparent that it thrives with a little attention in a climate that one would think might be unsuitable to such a plant. The photograph, which was taken on June 16 last, shows two flower-spikes 8 feet high, the inflorescence covering the upper portion of 4i feet. The plant is growing in free loam in a sheltered spot, where it has been since the autumn of 1897. When planting, care was taken not to bury the crown, and the roots, being very much like a star-fish, are therefore necessarily close to the surface. It is somewhat peculiar in its manner of growth, as it dies down in August and shoots slightly in October. The crowns- are then covered with a piece of glass sup- ported about (i inches above the surface of the ground, but not closed, so as to keep the soil about as dry as possible without creating heat. In March the crowns, which have remained practically dormant during the winter, push upwards, and the massive- leaves, some (i inches in diameter, expand, forming at their bases perfectly tight recep- tacles for water, and in the centre of these the flower-spikes appear and rapidly extend in length. It is necessary to prevent any water collect- ing in these leaf cups. To avoid this 1 have adopted the plan of fixing up a cap glass, supported on the points of a tripod of Bam- boos and heightened as occasion required until the flower-stems are sufficiently grown and further precaution is rendered unneces- sary. As will be .seen, the plant requires attention, and this has been intelligently bestowed on it by my gardener (Mr. A. Law), and it is worth some trouble to suc- ceed with such a subject. Last year there was one crown only and one flower-spike. I hope next year there may be four. In. speaking of climate, of course it must be re- membered that there has not been a pro- longed severe frost during either of the two- last winters. W. T. H. Alnhank, Almmck. Omphalodes Lucilise. — From more than one point of view this is quite uni(iue — unique in the exceeding delicate beauty and charm of its blossoms, and equally so in the peculiar combination afforded by the pretty glaucous foliage. It is not easy to find a good de- scriptive term for the colour of the flowers of this fine Navel-wort. Possibly for its wonderful profusion of flowering for months together it is one of the most remarkable of alpines. It is, however, a plant that must ever be dealt with in a more or less stereotyped sort of way, particularly so in respect to division of the roots. At any time, however, this opera- tion is fraught with difficulty, and on no account should be attempted at all except in spring, the months of April or May especially, and the latter of these two if the season be late and growth backward. Far better than risk its increase by division — which in any case cannot be very great — would it be now to carefully watch for every seed that ripens, and so increase the stock this way. It is so good indeed and so rare, that it may well be worth while to fertilise it in order to secure a good crop of seeds, taking care not to September 2, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 189 gather them before signs of detachment appear. It is quite possible some of the seedlings will not retain the very striking glaucous-tinted leafage of the original, but, even bereft of this, they will assuredly prove both interesting and beautiful. Perhaps the nearest approach to its colour is the palest sky-blue, over which is a shade of silvery grey, and with age a suspicion of delicate lilac. It should be grown in deep gritty soil, loam, and good peat, quite free of manure, and be kept fairly moist in summer. — E. J. Park and Woodland. THE MOUNTAIN PINE. (riNUS MONTANA.) TuE Mountain Pine oflers the greatest diversity of habit. Sometimes its form is that of a very straight tree, of which the narrow, tapering, always pointed top is composed of branches in whorls, slender, and thickly covered with dark green foliage, making a thick covert. In this form it can attain in 1 01) to 200 years a height of upwards of 80 feet and a circumference of between 4 feet and 5 feet, but more often it stops short of these dimensions. Sometimes the branches which grow nearest to the ground take a verticil upward curve, and, like the branches of a candlestick, surround the prin- cipal stem with secondary stems, forming whorls like it and oftentimes equalling it in height. The result is a bushy, many-stemmed tree green from the base upward. In other circumstances the stem of the Mountain Pine remains very short, and its tortuous branches spreading abroad by interlacement with those of adjacent trees form inextricable under- growths. The root system is composed of several trac- ing main roots, and there is no principal tap- root. The bark in structure resembles that of P. sylvestris, except that it never exhibits in the upper portion of the stem the slender bright red-ochre-coloured constantly detaching scales characteristic of P. sylvestris. The bark of the Mountain Pine is, on the contrary, as thick in the upper part of the stem as at the the base. It is, moreover, of a uniform grey- black colour, and is thickly strewn with resini- ferous cells. The young plant appears generally with seven cotyledon leaves two or three weeks after sow- ing in the spring. Although its length of life is great, fructification begins at about the age of ten years and remains abundant and continu- ous. The Mountain Pine is spread over Central Europe, of which it never leaves the high mountain regions. It is met with in the Pyrenees at an altitude of 8200 feet ; very rarely is it found so low as 3772 feet in the Western Pyrenees, where it is very common, and where its lowest limit is as a rule .52-18 feet. Into the plains of northern regions it never descends. It inhabits a zone which succeeds to that of P. sylvestris and which blends in its upper limits with those of the Larch and the Swiss Pine. It grows in all soils whatever the formation, and whether dry, moist, marshy or even boggy. Although in the last conditions named the vegetation is sickly and very slow and the form of the tree generally defective and straggling, it is only on soils of this nature that it is met with (almost exclusively) in the Jura and (always) in the Vosges. In the Alps and Pyrenees, on the contrary, it grows in all kinds of soils, even those which are dry or only cool. Abundant rains in the season of vegeta- tion and an atmospheric humidity capable of imparting the necessary coolness to soils pre- disposed to dryness appear to be the principal conditions of vegetation in the Mountain Pine, which resists the most rigorous frosts and stands in no need of a very high summer temperature. The species is far from being devoid of in- terest ; it forms by itself alone on the high Pyrenean regions (Western Pyrenees, High Pyrenees, Ariege, and Haute-Garonne) exten- sive forests. It is a useful tree for planting at great altitudes, serving to form screens and to raise the level of forest vegetation, which at many points shows a ceaseless tendency to sink. The wood of the Mountain Pine much re- sembles that of P. sylvestris in northern regions, having the same white sap wood and light red- coloured heart. The annual growths are thin. Neither heavy nor hard, it is very soft to work, easy to cleave, and is much sought after for building and also as fuel. The timber of the military buildings at Mont Louis, which date from Louis XIV., is of Mountain Pine in a perfect state of preservation. The density of the wood varies between 0 441 and 0 625. Popular medicine makes use, in Germany especially — under the name Balm of the Car- pathians— of a turpentine taken from the Mountain Pine and resembling that of P. sylvestris. — Flore Forest iere. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. August 29. There was a marked falling off in the extent of the exhibits at the meeting on Tuesday last, and the same remark applies to the attendance, if in a less degree. Those firms who regularly sup- port these bi-monthly meetings deserve every credit ; without such, an occasional show might fall off to a serious extent. Just at present it is well known that the metropolis is not crowded ; many of the best patrons of gardening are away for the time being. Three notable groups were staged on Tuesday last, that from Messrs. Veitch and Sons com- posed of Pitcher Plants, grand specimens in the best of health, bearing a profusion of pitchers of large size for the varieties, being finely coloured too. An exhibit like this is an educational one from the standpoint of hybridisation. The ar- rangement, too, was good, the groundwork of Maiden-hair Fern being quite appropriate. At the end a choice selection of hybrid Orchids was grouped. Mr. May had another of his character- istic arrangements, in which Ferns and Cam- panulas with Abutilons and Acalyphas were taste- fully blended. Another group from Messrs. Wills and Segar, who seldom stage at these meetings, was composed of finefoliaged plants only. Choice Palms (seldom seen) with Alocasias in the finest varieties, and suitable carpeting material made a good display. Orchids were not, on the whole, numerous ; a few good Cattleyas, as Hardyana and its allied forms, were in evidence. Fruit was not largely shown by any means, and vegetables, too, were scanty. Orchid Committee. An award of merit was given to CvPRiPEDiDM Captai.v Holford. — A hybrid derived from the intercrossing of C. superbiens and C. hirsutissimura. It is fairly intermediate in its characters between the two parents. The dorsal sepal is white on the outer margins, shading to green through the remaining portion, with some tracings of purple in the centre. The whole surface is heavily veined with dark green and covered with numerous miniature purple spots. The lower sepal is greenish white, veined with numerous green hnes ; the ground colour of the petals pale green at the base, suffused with rose-purple on the margin and over the top half, the whole being thickly covered with prominent purple spots. The large lip is deep purple-brown, ' shading to green at the bise. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, King's Road, Chelsea. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons were awarded a silver Banksian medal for an interesting group of hybrid Lielio-Cattleyas, illustrating in most in- stances the usefulness of hybrids that are derived from crossing species flowering at various pariods of the year. Included were several forms of L -C. callistoglossa ignescens (C. Warscewiczi x L. purpurata), the sepals and petals pale lilac, the lip deep crimson- purple, veined with a darker shade. It has also some yellow markings through the base of the throat. In L -C. Nysa (C. Warscewiczi x L. crispa) the sepals and petals are delicately tinted with rose, the whole of the front lobe of the lip deep crimson-purple, heavily fringed and margined with white, the side lobes pale rose, shading to bright yellow, with numerous deep purple lines through the base. L -C. Phryne (C. Warscewiczi x L. xan- thina) has the sepals creamy white, suffused with yellow, the petals almost white, the front of the lip deep rose, suffused with a darker shade of purple in the centre ; the sile lobes yellow, with traces of purple at the bise. Phaio Calanthe Im- perator (P. grandifolius x C. masuca) is a dis- tinct hybrid, the sepals and petals deep rose, the lip of a bronzy tint, with some yellow and brown through the disc. Messrs. F. Sander and Co. sent a collection of Orchids, including a finely- flowered plant of Onoidium divaricatum, two good plants of Dandrobium formosum giganteum, a good variety of Aerides Lawrence.-e, and Cypri- pedium callo-Rothschildianum, derived from and having the intermediate characteristics of the spe- cies indicated in the name. In Laelia puloherrima the sepals and petals are pale lilac, the ground colour of the lip similar, suffused and veined over the front lobe with deep rose-purple, the side lobes pale lilac, with some yellow at the base. Sir F. Wigan sent Cattleya Warscewiczi (gigas) Prince of Wales. This is one of the most dis- tinct and beautiful forms of this species we have seen. The sepals aud petals are of fine form anl substance, deep rose, the broad lip rich crimson- purple, except the yellow discs and lines through the throat. The plant carried a four-flowered raceme. A good form of C. Hardyana was also included. Mr. G. W. Law-SchoSeld, Newhall Hey, Rawtenstall, sent a large-flowered variety of Cypripedium Juno and C. Veitchi-Morganse, a hybrid derived from the species indicated in the name. The petals are broader and more spotted than in C. Morganie. Mrs. Mason, The Firs, Warwick, sent a dark form of Cattleya Harrisona? and C. superba splendens. Mr. Cole- man, Gatton Park, Roigate, showed a fine form of Cattleya Hardyana, the lip exceptionally dark and the sepals and petals fine in form and sub- stance. Houlletia odoratissima came from the same collection. Mr. H. S. Leon had La'lio- Cattleya bletchleyensis (L. tenebrosa x C. gigas), a distinct and desirable hybrid, having the inter- mediate characters of the parents. The sepals and petals are deep rosy lilac, the lip rich rose- purple, suffused and veined with a darker shade, the side lobes similar, with some white lines at the base. Mr. H. F. Simonds, Woodthorpe, Beckenham, sent two good forms of Cattleya Hardyana. Mr. A. J. Keeling, Bingley, sent Cypripedium bingleyense (C. Charlesworthi x C. Harrisianum), showing the influence of both parents, C. Charlesworthi predominating. Mr. E. Kromer, Bandon Hill, West Croydon, sent a good form of Miltonia Regnelli. Mr. W. Cobb brought Zygopetalum Protheroeanum, a distinct form of Z. crinitum, with dark brown sepals and petals and a deep blue lip. Floral Committee. The following obtained the award of merit : — RoiiiN'iA iNERMis ALI50- VARiEi: ATA. — A pretty white variegated form of a well-known plant, possibly containing too much white and too little green to mark a strongly constituted variation or even to form a permanent variegation. As shown, however, the plant is distinct and good. From Messrs. Cripps and Son, Tunbridge Wells. 190 THE GARDEN. [September 2, 1899. Gladiolus James H. Veitch. — Evidently a vigoroua kind with handsome salmon - scarlet flowers, the throat lined with white and spotted crimson, with just a tounh of yellow beneath. From Messrs. Veitch and Son?, Chelsea. Dahlia (Cactus) Mrs. Stevhenson Clarke. — A very distinct and striking form, the base of the petals pale golden and the tips of an orange- scarlet hue. From Messrs. Cheal and Sons, Crawley. Dahlia (Cactus) Mrs. J. H. Luscombe. — A pretty rose-mauve shade with white centre, the florets strongly recurved and well fluted. From Messrs. .J. Cheal and Sons. Can.sa Beaute Poitevine. — An intense crim- son-scarlet, the petals of good substince. It is said to be very useful for the flower garden. From Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham. PoLYCdNUM BALDSC'HUANicuji. — This is (juitea recent introduction and certainly one of the most important of this genus. It is a free grower, quite hardy at the base. Even when the top is cut down it breaks away quite vigorously from below, and when established produces a veritable mass of its white flower clusters, that in a certain stage give a suspicion of pink colour. As a cut flower it is excellent. Its greatest value, how ever, is in the garden, where its neat, almost elegant habit will quickly render it a favourite among plants of semi-climbing tendency. Samples were shown both by Messrs. Barr and Sons and T. S. Ware, Tottenham, the latter also having small growing plants. Two of the most important groups at this meet- ing were Pitcher Plants from Chelsea and fine foliaged plants from Messrs. Wills and Segar. Both groups were very fine in their way, the examples choice and particularly well grown. In the former the Messrs. Veitch and Son^ brought some of their finest examples, the plants well grown, the pitchers particularly tine, and in several instances finely coloured also. In the majority the examples were veritable speci- mens, and created not a little admiration by reason of their general excellence. Some of the finest from a decorative stand point were Amesians , obtained from RatHesiana and Hookeri, a splendid piece carrying some thirty fully developed pitchers, which, hanging down on the extended petioles, gave ample evidence of the former as one parent. Another splendid example was a red variety of Mastersiana with three dozen fine pitchers. N. mixta, too, with seventeen, was very fine, and quite equal was N. mixta superba. Burkei was in fine colour, bearing nearly two dozen handsome pitchers, while an equal number of handsome pouches depended from Morgan*. The finely coloured N. Mastersiana type was in grand condition, almost blood-crimson. Curtisi superba, Wrigleyana.formosa, intermedia, Sedeni, Balfouriana, Chelsoni, l)icksoniina, and Hookeri ana with thirty pitchers were all in grand form. Not the least attractive was the well marked N. bicalcarata from Borneo, the pair of spines from which it obviously derives its specific name being quite prominent. The plant carried but two pitchers, but these and the broad extending foli- age were an ample attraction in this compara- tively rare kind. The whole of the plants were in large baskets or pots, and the splendid vigour and general condition are but another proof of how well the wants of these picturesque plants have been studied by the Messrs. Veitch. Arranged in a bed of Ferns the value of these things was enhanced. A silver-gilt Flora medal was awarded. The other group referred to, from Messrs. Wills and Segar, Onflow Crescent, South Kensington, was also very fine, the examples here being well chosen and of high order. The manner of arranging was in groups, small groups encircling a large Palm or the like, the effect being good. Among the best plants were Licuala grandis, a really noble piece, very dis- tinct in aspect generally ; Livistonia rotundifolia, acapital plant, well grown and furnished ; Sbeven- sonia grandifolia, and Martinezia caryot^ufolia ; all these were prima examples and of rare size. The group was singularly rich in Alocasias, A. Sanderi, A. Thibautiana, A. Rodriguesiana, A. argyr.-ea, A. Sedeni, and A. mortefontainensis being among those shown, and all more or less distinct. A fine piece of Curculigo reourvata variegata was in good colour, and, again, a capital group around one of the Palms consisted of l)ra csena Goldieana, nice plants 2 feet high or there- abouts. The remaining plants were Crotons — only sparsely used, however. As a rule the oppo site is the case, and too much of this colour the result ; such plants indeed require to be used sparingly, otherwise the brilliant tones usually seen run away with the real beauty and eflfect of much that is far more useful in decoration. We were pleased to see Crotons in the minority in this case, vet enough were used to light up the group. These, with Aralia Veitchi, Begonia Arthur Mallet, the variegate 1 Pine-apple (Ana- nassa sativa variegata), and a few smaller things in the margin, formed a most pleasing and really effective whole. Much taste was displayed in the arrangement (silver-gilt Banksian medal). Mr. H.B. May, Dyson's l.iane Nursery, Edmonton, again showed hia Campanula isophylla variety, this time, however, in its natural or trailing habit. In this way it is even more beautiful than when tied up, for the mass of flowers trails here and there in the most effective way. Quantities of this and the white isophylla were .shown side by side amid a considerable variety of small Ferns. Other plants included in Mr. May's group were .-Asparagus Sprengeri, the very showy and beau- tiful Abutilon Golden Fleece, also very finely flowered ; Acalypha Smderi, surrounded by variegated Eulalia ; the pretty Begonia Dregei, with its numerous nearly white flowers ; and Bouvardia Humboldti grandiflora, which is said to be an improvement on the old form so long grown. The variety mentioned has larger flowers certainly, but the same weakness attends both — the liability to fall over in the truss. A variety of this plant that would be proof against this would be an acquisition (silver Banksian medal). Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, had a nice lot of cut Roses in boxes, mostly arranged in batches of each. Those thus shown were William Allen Richardson, Mrs. Grant, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, the beautiful novelty Mr. J. B. M. Camm (a Noi.se'.te of exceptional form), Mme. A. Chatenay, Maman Cachet and the beautiful white kind side by side, Mrs. G. Dickson, Mrs. Laing, and Caroline Testout, many being in capital form considering the time of year and the great heat. A great variety of Althajafru- tex was shown, the many colours testifying to the beauty of this shrub. Kuheuberia paniculata, yel- low, and the Water Hyacinth (Eichorneacrassipes) were also shown (silver Banksian medal). Messrs. Sander and Co., Sb. Albans, brought plants of Acalypha Sanderi, Dipladenia Sanderi, a pretty kind so far as the flowers go, but apparently a poor grower ; D. atropurpurea, with very rich maroon flowers and very dark ; and Calla leucox- antha, cream, with a coloured base, not clear or generally attractive. It is said to have been raised from C. EUiottiana Rossi and C. albo- maculata. From Long Ditton the Messrs. Barr and Sons sent hardy flowers in variety, Phlox Toreador (salmon) and P. Lawrence (white) being good in their way ; Lilium speciosum var.s., L. Henryi, Spartium junceum, Statices, Torch Lilies, Lathyrus latifolius albus, Phygelius capen- sis, Gaura Lindheimeri, Hemerocallis aurantiaca major, Eryngiums of sorts, Gaillardias, and one or two of the Aster acris forms. Some good bold groups of Sunflowers were also seen (silver Bank- sian medal). A large group of hardy things, with I Dahlias of several sections, came from Mr. T. S. I Ware, Tottenham. The Cactus and pompon I kinds were very attractive, the former including ! , such as Magnificent, Mrs. Wilson Noble, Keyne's | ; White, Colonel Wilson, Firebrand, Standard- 1 bearer and others. Among hardy things we ! noted Erigeron speciosus grandiflorus, Cimici- 1 fuga racemosa, Phytolaccadecandra, Torch Lilies, '• , Heleniumurandifloruinstriatum, Pampas andobher i grasses, Sundowers, Heliopsis hei'is, some pretty r ' Bamboos, and a few Lilies of the auratum group. I Cannas were also very largely shown at one end and materially assisted the display (silver Bank- sian medal). A very interesting lot of New Zea- land plants was contributed by Messrs. Veitch and Sons. These were Senecio compactus, S. rotundifolius, S. Greyi, some half dozen species of Pittosporum (all more or less distinct), Olearia moscbata, 0 nummuIari;efolia, Alectyron excel- sum, Plagianthus betulinus (a graceful plant), Melaleuca ericajfolia, Aciphylla squarrosa, &o. None of the plants were in flower, but in many kinds the habit was very distinct. The Messrs. Veitch also set up two pieces of Diplopappus, D. leptophylla having a silvered look, and D. V^an- villiersi of a golden hue, approaching D. chryso- phylla. Mr. P. Fry, Addington, West Mailing, had a group of Fuchsias evidently raised from F. corymbiflora and F. fulgens, all the plants of very low stature as shown. A very beautiful go'den Retinospora, R. obtusa aurea Crippsi, came from Messrs. Cripps, Tunbridge Wells ; the plant is obviously distinct from R. o. aurea, but the committee desired to see it side by side with that form. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Dorking (gardener, Mr. Bain), came a beautiful lot of herbaceous Lobelias, including Crimson Gem, syphilitica rosea, ignea Firefly, Carmine Gem, British Maid, a pale salmon pink, much the largest flowered of any of these, though wanting in the spike, which does not fill up readily or well ; sessiliflora, a good and distinct blue ; and Queen Victoria, very fine. The last is the green leaved form and still one of the very finest, as it is also one of the most pro nounced of the whole group. Cut flowers of Clianthus Dampieri were also shown in some quantity. Another plant, one of the old-fashioned class of a semi-hard-wooded character in Crowea latifol'a, came also from Dorking. The example was finely grown and flowered, the axils being furnished freely with the purple pink flowers. Euphorbia coroUata, a Spurge with numerous small white blossoms, also came from the same gardens. It is scarcely a plant for cutting, but for mixing in the sub-tropical beds in the open it may prove of some service. Fruit Committee. From Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Maidstone, came a box of remarkably fine and well-coloured fruits of Lady Sudeley Apple from trees twenty years worked. It was remarked that as the trees age they become more fruitful and the siz3 of the fruit increases. From the .same source also came bunches of fruit of the Japanese Wineberry to shov its free fruiting and some preserve made from the berries, but seeds seemed to greatly pre- dominate. Mr. W. Cross, Wisbech, sent fine and fully ripe samples of his new Apple Early Vic- toria. The committee, however, thought the previously granted award of merit sufficed. A tine Melon of thick white flesh and handsome form came from Mr. Hurford, Catel, (Juernsey. The inner flesh was found to be too soft and the outer hard, also indifferently flavoured. Another fruit named Foster's Seedling came from Mr Foster, gar- dener to Mr. R. Neverson, Hendon. The flesh was scarlet, butbaingover-ripe, had becomeunpleasant. A dish of superb .Jargonelle Pears came from Mr. Neville, gardener to Lord Chesham, Latimers, Bucks, grown on a south wall and on clay soil on » i chalk. Mr. W. Mitchell, Farnham Royal, Bucks, y| sent a dish of a liie Blackberry. An award 1 of merit to it as Mitchell's Seedling was granted in 1897. He also sent a dish of Filberts as Mitchell's Seedling, but it was regarded as no better than other varieties in commerce. Very finely-coloured fruits of Peach Hale's Early, grown on a wall at Balmae, the Counte?s of Selkirk's residence, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, were sent by the gardener, Mr. "W. McGuffoy. They were of fair size, and considered to be ex- cellent examples of Peaches from the open wall so far north. Messrs. Harrison and Sons sent fruit and fruiting sprays of the so called Rasp- berry Strawberry, Rubus palmatus (sorbifolius), also some preserve made from the fruits. This tasted sweet at first, then later somewhat astrin- Septbmbbu 2, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 191 gent. The fruifcs, though fine, handsome, and richly coloured, seemed to be less palatable than are ripe Arbutus berries. Several varieties of Potatoes came from Mr. F. Escombe, The Gardens, Penshurst, Kent. They had been grown on a heavy loam. Most of the samples were much scabbed, and the sender desired to learn the cause and a remedy. It was agreed that the primary cause was less the presence of manure than the absence of lime in the soil, and a fungus created the skin excres- cences. It was advised that a liberal dressing of fresh lime be applied to the soil a few weeks before Potatoes are again planted ; also that soot and wood ashes be used freely in the furrows when planting. Mr. Eicombe was asked to re- port the effects of such dressing next year. A letter was read from Mr. Harrison, gardener to Miss Thrupp, Merrow House, Guildford, who gave as the name of the ilelon conditionally granted an award of merit at the previous meeting Harrison's Hardy Scarlet. He also gave information as to treatment, shewing that he had grcwa his plants quite exposed during the summer for several years. Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Crawley, sent heavily fruited plants in pots of an outdoor grown Tomato much resembling the Old Red. The fruits were of uneven and ungainly shape, and were not considered so good as some other popular outdoor varieties in commerce. It was, however, resolved to try the variety at Chiswick next year with others as an outdoor variety. Rather flit samples of what was named Chemin R&uge Tomato, but difforing from the recognised form of that variety, and, oddly enough, fi-om those on a bunch of green fruits sent, came from Mr. Broom (gardener to Mr. F. Lucas, New Barnet). Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Orpington, sent preserved Red Dessert and Golden Nugget Tomatoes, very rich, but over- sugared ; one half the quantity of sugar would have sufficed. Thirty-four varieties of Onions, nearly all of outdoor spring sowing, were shown by Messrs. Harrison and Sons, Leicester. The samples were, for the season, exceedingly good, and the varieties seemed to be fairly true to name. The globe-shaped varieties were fine, and included bulbs of Ailsa Craig and Excelsior from winter sowings, Banbury Cross, Bedfordshire Champion, Prizetaker, Straw Yellow, and Danver's Yellow, the richest coloured of that hue. The finest rounds and flats were Rousham Park Hero, Nuneham Park, The Aristocrat, and Yellow Rocca ; and of the Tripoli section. Pink and White Lisbon, Red Italian, Red Naples, and Globe Tripoli ; of reds. Market Favourite, Blood-red, Crimson King, and Crimson Rocca ; and of small or early white varieties. White Queen, Nocera, and Marsala. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. On the proposition of Mr. G. Bunyard, seconded by Mr. P. Crowley, the chairman, it was resolved to have forwarded to the relatives of the late Mr. T. F. Rivers, a vice-chairman of the committee, a vote of sincere condolence with them through Mr. Rivers' death, as also of profound regret from the committee with which he had been so long identified. It was further agreed that in relation to the lamented death of M. Henri Vilmorin, the council of the society be invited to submit to the Fellows at the next meetinp- a resolution of condolence, as the deceased was one of the most distinguished of continental horticul- turists. NATIONAL CHRY^S ANTHEM UM SOCIETY. O.v Monday evening last the executive committee of this society held its first meeting of the present season at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, Mr. Percy Waterer occupying the chair. There was a large attendance, and after the minutes of the previous meeting had been road, the secretary, Mr. R. Dean, announced that the society had to mourn the loss by death of several of its supporters, viz , Mr. George Fry, of Lowisham, Me. T. W. (iirdle- stone, and Mr. J. T. SUtmarsh. Mr. Harmin Payne also announced the death of one of the society's honorary Fellows, M. Henri de Vilmorin. I The chairman reported on the subject of a new ' design for the society's medals, and Mr. W. H. Lees having resigned his position on the classifi- cation and schedule committees, it wa3 resolved that Mr. Godfrey, of Exmouth, replace him on the former and Mr. Howe on the latter. Mr. P. Waterer and Mr. Harman Payne were elected as 1 delegates to the meeting of the horticultural : section of the British commission for the Paris exhibition of next year. A report was read from the floral committee containing several alterations in the floral regula- tions. A subcommittee was appointed, con- sisting of Messrs. Taylor, Simpson and Moorman, to conduct the details of the annual dinner, which will probably take place towards the end of November. Thirty new members were elected, and local societies at Bideford, Southend and Welling- I borough were admitted in affiliation. Notes of the Week. Diplartenia Sanie i. — Th> madium-sizad flowers of iliis species, while not equal to those of D. amabilis or the like, are certiiniy very beautiful aid delicite in CDlour— a soft rose-pink. It is unfortunate t'at the species, jujgiiig by a plant seen at the Drill II ill this week, is a poor and weakly grjwer. Boiivardi_ Hamboldti grandlflora. — Xi;e batches of this were brought to the Drill Hall on Tuesday by Mr. II. B. May, but, so far ns could be determined, the variety is scarcely so free-Sow^rlnsf as the older form. If this is characteristic, the slight increase in the size of the flowers will not prove a great gain. Abatilon Qolden Flaecs. — The golden flowers of this plant are of a very distinct hue, suoh as can hardly b3 c mpared with gold usuilly as a c ilour. All the same, it is a very beautiful shade and showy, while the g'eat freedom and profuse flowering of the variety in every way fit it for use in the cmservatory, the greenhouse, or even in beds in t'je op3Q air. Sanflovyars. — Xotwithstandin? the great heat there is pr >mi3e even now of a good display of these things now that a little rain has come. But there is a superior look in those plants tha*"- hive been either planted quite early this year or enly been in position for one year. Older clumps are greater sufferers, showing the wisdom of periodical planting with such of these as is possible either in autumn or quite early in the year. Tritoma TTvaria. — I enclose a photograph of a bed of Tritomas growing here There are four large groups, one in each corner of the c lach court, which maVea raagnitieent display when in bloim during ihe autumn. Tile severe winter frosts try these plants if left unprotected. In November I always give the beds a goad coveiinj of long stable litter, which is taken off in March and a gold dressing of half-rotttn miuure i given them. — G. J. Si^riEBs, L'angedivijii Hall, Lobelia Queen Victoria.— Since the intro- duction of this tine kind many varieties have been added to the group, and while many of these are pos- sessed of consideivible merit, few, if any, have sur- I passed this kind from au all-round point of view. This is particularly true of those ne^^ly allied in colour, for while many are distinct and even more vivid, few surplus the old variety in habit or in free- dom of flowering. Unfortunately, it has not been an ideal year for these moisture-loving plants, and in some gardens they are quite a failure. ' Tropaeolum speeiosutn.— One hears so many complaints of the difficulty of growing Tropaeolum specinsumthat it may interest some of your subscribers to learn how it will grow if left alone. A Spruce Fir hedge about 10 feet liigh and 411 feet long in my kitchen garden is covered with it. My garJener putin a small number of the roots at the back of the hedge some years ago and it has nevar been disturbed since. It has rambled all over it back and front, and when in flower is very beautiful. The blue berries later on are alsj very hnc. — H. Hamiltox, Pinmore, Daljarrock, Ayr, N.H. Thrips on flowers. —This season thrips have been unusually abundant, and in the dry weather which has been prevalent they have destroyed the beauty of a number of plants. Gladioli have been especially infested by them, and it is very disappointing to see how soon the flowers become spoiled bv the swarms of thrips which cover them. — S. A., l>iunfrii'<, N.B. Crowea latifolia. — This old-fashioned plant, which was brought to the Drill Hall on Tuesday last by Mr. Biin, gardener to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Dorking, in capital condition, served to remind not a few of the times when hard- wooded and allied subjects were freely and well grown. Indeed, this Crowea was usually among the exhibition plants of thirty or forty years ago, but, like not a few others equally good, it has been put aside for the time being. 'That such plants will occasionally appaar to refresh the memory there is little doubt, and if as well grown as the example now referred to, will be welcomed by old gardeners, if not indeed by those of the modern school. Nepenthes at the Drill Hall.— It is doubt- ful whether, from a cultural point of view, finer specimens have ever been shown at the Drill Hill meetings than those brought by the Messrs. Veitch on Tuesday. The plants were splendid examples of their kind, and ib mattered little whether species or garden hybrid, the same ex- cellence prevailed throughout. The pitchers were in not a few instancas like huge goblets. Great vigour and great freedom also appeared to go hand in hand with these striking and pic- turesque plants. Fine examples beiring twenty to thirty, and in one or two instances three dozen, fully - developed pitchers were noted in many cases. Polygonum baldschuanicum. — It is gratify- ing to see this b3autiful climber coming into notice. The neat and attractive habit, together with the mass of blossoms produced over so long a period, will suggest the varying uses to which it may be put. In two cDllections of hardy things the plant was noticed at the Diill Hall this week, and there is no doubt that a stock will be quickly forthcoming, most probably from seeds. The propagation of the plant by cuttings has hitherto in some instances not been a success, though it is extremely probable that layers would root and thus form large plants quickly. Should this prove to be the case, there is ample material pro- vided by a large plant to produce a hundred, and in this way a plentiful supply would soon be forth- coming. For covering balcon'es, rustic poles or the many ill-shapen or decrepit trees and shrubs one is constantly seeing, this plant is well suited. Notes from a Cornish garden. — GUdiolus Senateur Volland, flowering here for the first time, has attracted much notice. Eucomis punc- tata has given us nine flower-spikes and is greatly improved by having been shifted last autumn. The clump has been here some forty years, and seldom gives more than four fl iwer-spikes. Sene- cio pulcher has had forty-fi>o flowers on one plant, and Cyananthus lobatus over fifty flowers i on one plant. Rudbeckia Goldea Glow has main- j tained the character lately given it in The Gar- DEX, and now this week R. Autumn (ilory is out, and will take the place of R maxima. R. pur- purea seems likely to last in flower a long time. A Solanum sent here as arboreum is flowering for the first time. One or two visitors have told me it is not this, but no one has decided what it is. Callirhoe involucrata and Tournefortia helio- tropioides are flowering profusely in the rock gar- den.—C. R. The old Crimson Clove. — In reference to " N. N.'s " article about this being so rarely met with, I was surprised to hear hosv badly it does in most places and so little grown. Here at Llangedwyn it does well. I grow it in large quantities, and it flowers very freely during the. season. I am also ablo to save seeds from it every year and get some very pretty shades of crimson. Most of theseedlingscome true to theold ! stock. I think most of the failures can be attri- buted to late layering ami late planting, so that the plants have not time to get established before I winter sets in ; consequently they are lifted out ■ of the ground by the severe frosts and never 192 THE GARDEN. [September 2, 1899. pressed back into position when the thaw comes, and so they perish. I always finish layering by the first week in August, then by the end of Sep- tember they are nicely rooted and ready for re- planting. I prefer leaving some to flower the second year, as I get a greater profusion of bloim for cutting from two-year-old plants. — G. J. SvtJiBES, IJanqedwi/ii Oardens, N. Wales. Lathyrus latifolius albus.— Very few hardy climbing plants can surpass this for freedom of flowering. This is particularly true where the plants are old and well established. A very re- markable instance of this plant came under notice quite recently in a market nursery which runs beside a deep railway cutting. The limit of the company's property is marked by their usual four-barred fence and posts, and to make the most of the fence, or rather the space at disposal, plants of the Everlasting Pea had been planted at a few feet apart along an extensive line of some 300 yards or 400 yards. The plants were merely looped to the fence by strong cord, and have for many weeks in succession provided an untold wealth of blossoms, and of not a little value, see- ing the cost of production is trifling. The plant in question is such a favourite, that private gar- deners might imitate this method even if on a smaller scale. There are certain positions in almost every garden where a sort of floral fence such as this suggests would not only prove attrac- tive, but valuable, for long sprays of flower and foliage could be cut intact, and these of a pretty and useful kind. In such positions the plants if given room root deeply and give l)ut little trouble. Tritonia rosea.— One generally finds this catalogued as Montbretia rosea, and it has also bjen known as Tritonixia rosea in addition to other names. That given above is that now recognised at Kew. I think a note upon it as a hardy garden plant may prove useful to some. This remark is, however, made subject to the statement that its beauty is, perhaps, better seen as a cut flower than when growing in the garden, where its rather pendulous habit does not show the flowers to advantage, and where its soft rosy pink blooms are made less effective by contrast with the more gaudy hues of so many autumn flowers. In its general appearance it is not par- ticularly like our betterknown Tritoniasor Mont- bretias, as it is of much looser and more graceful habit. The flowers are of a pretty shade which I have ventured to call " rosy pink," although it has been described as " rose-red." It has been under my observation in South-west Scotland for several years, and appears to be hardy if planted with the crown of the corm about 3 inches below the surface of the soil. It has been in my own garden for about three jears without protection of any kind, and is now increasing at the roots besides giving plenty of bloom. Not its least recommendation is the length of time it flowers ; here it blooms some time before Tritonia Pottsi and the hybrid Montbretias, and continues to producers flowers aslongas they do.— S. Arnott, CarsHhorn, by Dumfries, aV.B. Helianthus decapetalus.— A dry season has, with all its disadvantages, the compensation of enabling us to see some plants under a new and more pleasing aspect. The Tenpetalled Sun- flower—rather a misnomer, as the number of petals is irregular— is one of those. It appears to revel in the drought and in the brilliant sun- shine which has of late been so overpowering to many. I have been particularly struck with the beauty and apparent happiness of a clump lifted in spring in the course of some garden altera- tions. A portion was replanted, but the re- mainder, with what soil was attached to the roots, was set down on the top of a part of the vegetable quarters so that someone might have it. It has remained all the summer, and is now much more beautiful than the plants which were properly planted in the borders. This has been a little surprising to me, as I have found that some of the Sunflowers not only resent drought, but are even much weakened by a continuance of dry weather. The flowers of H. decapetalus, although comparatively small when compared with those of H. multiflorus, are light and graceful. A few arranged loosely in a glass or vase look very well in the house. They last well in water if cut before the disc flowers have quite expanded. They are, moreover, so freely produced that one has no compunction in cutting them, as is some- times the case with plants which do not give a succession of bloom.— S. Arnott, Cai-selhorti, by Dumfries, N.B. Antholyza paniculata.— One is glad to ob- serve that this distinct-looking plant is gradually finding its way into good gardens, where it will do much to induce others to grow it in groups. Casual observers think it a Montbretia, and although those who notice plants more carefully see much difference in the general appearance, one is not surprised at the mistake. It belongs to the same natural order — that of the Iride.e — and those who wish for a full botanical de-crip- tion cannot do better than refer to Mr. J. G. Baker's "Handbook of the Iridese." It is not named in the "Dictionary of Gardening." Botanical descriptions do little, however, to bring home to those who care for flowers the effect pro- duced by the panicled Antholyzi. Its broad, plaited leaves are very beautiful and effective, and even when the plant is not in bloom almost invariably attract notice. Then when in flower che deep crimson blooms are so formed and arranged as to give a distinct character to the plant, that is to those who can detect the by no means small differences between it and the Mont- bretias. This Antholyza is a native of Natal, where, Mr. Baker tells us, it was first githered by Gerard. One has some difficulty in saying how far it is hardy in co'd districts. In such it would be well not to plant the corms until spring the first season, and to cover the place in after winters with litter, but in this district one does not find this necessary, and clumps increase almost yearly in size and in grandeur. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, by Dumfries, N.B. Obituary. M. HENRI DE VILMORIN. We greatly regret to announce the death (sud- denly) on August 23 of the bast known figure among the horticulturists of Europe, M. Henri de Viimorin, known to many of our readers for his public work as well as in the intimacy of private life. M. Viimorin was one of a family of several generations devoted to horticulture, and to whom we are much indebted for their publications as well as excellent cultures in their always interest- ing gardens at Verrieres and elsewhere. His father having died young, he himself took his place at the head of the firm at a very early age, and well he acquitted himself of that task. He also continued the scientific studies in agriculture and horticulture to which his father had devoted his life. These included the improvement of wheat, oats, beetroot for sugar, vegetables, hardy plants, &o. Among the numerous works left by M. Henri de Viimorin may be mentioned "The Best Wheats," the first important one published in 1880 ; a pamphlet, " The Best Wheat to Culti- vate," read at the Millers' Congress in Paris in 1887 and in the winter of 1890-91 ; a methodi- cal and synonymous catalogue of all the Wheats composing his collection; "Experience of Growth of the Different Wheats," communi- cated to the Botanical Society of France ; "The Best Potatoes," read at the general agri- cultural meeting at Paris in January, 1890 ; "The Methodical and Synonymous Catalogue of Potatoes," being the personal collection of M. H. de Viimorin ; "Vegetable Garden Plants," a very important and extensive work, in which vegetables of all kinds and varieties are fully described ; " Plants for Extensive Cultivation, with descriptive notices of the use, quality, and cultivation of different kinds of forage and cereals, whether for commercial or eco- \ nomical purposes." There also appeared a note from M. de Viimorin in 1879 on his " Experiences regarding the origin of vegetables." This was sent to the National Society of Agricul- ture in France. "Study on Wheat Mildew: its nature, favourable conditions for its pro- pagation, and the best means of fighting it ; " "The price Wheat cost the U.S. of America," a report of the mission entrusted to M. de Viimorin by the administrative council of the Agricultural Society of France; and "Flowers of the French Riviera," published in 1893 in the journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. "The Chry- santhemum : its history and culture in France and abroad ; " " Vegetables for cultivation on a large scale," paper read at a conference held at the Agricultural Congress of Troyes, in June, 1892. M. de Viimorin was an important member of the Council of the Society of Agriculturists of France, of which he was the founder. He was vice- presi- dent of the Botanical Society in 1881 and presi- dent in 1889. He received the laur^at and gold medal at the meeting of the agriculturists of France in 1882 for his researches on the cultiva- tion of the Beetroot for sugar. He also wrjte papers on " Temporary Meadows," on "The Cul- ture of Tobacco," " An Account of the Varieties of Oats," " Pasture Grounds," " Wheat Culture," " Choica of Plants for Pasture," " The Ameliora- tion of the Beetroot Industry," " Early and Lata Seeds of Wheat," "Potato Cultivation," "Culti- vation in America," and " A Study of Lathyrus sylvestria." M. de Viimorin was also a contributor to a large number of horticultural and agricultural journals in France and other countries. He was French representative of the Government at the International Exhibition at St. Petersburg in 1899, and a Chevalier of the Lagion of Honour. Like most of his family, he was a very good English scholar and a frequent visitor to our country. The weather in West Herts.— Still another warm week and the eighth in succession. On four days the temperature in shade rose above 80°, and on the 25th ult. reached 87°, or exactly the same reading as was registered by the same thermometer ten days previously. On the 29 th ult. the highest temperature was 67", which is only a few degrees below the average for the time of year. Nevertheless, so persistently warm has the weather lately been, that even this moderate reading caused that day to be remarkable as the first cool one for over five weeks. The ground is not quite so warm as it was a few days ago, but at the time of writing is still 0' warmer than the average both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep. Rain fell on two days, but the total measurement amounted to less than a quarter of an inch. No measurable quantity of rain-water has now come through either percolation gauge for a month. On the 25th ult. the air was singularly dry throughout the day, and at 3 o'clock in the afternoon the differ- i: ence between the readings of an ordinary ther- || mometer and one with its bulb kept constantly ' moist amounted to as much as 19°, indicating a very low degree of humidity indeed for so late in the summer. — E. M., Berkhamsted. BOOKS RECBIVBD. " Cultivated Roses." Illustrated. W. H. and L. CoUiugridge, 148 and 149, Aldersgate St., EC. Climbing Ro^es — Will someone kindly tell me if aay, or all, of the following Roses would climb posts 11 feet high and then run along 11 feet on an arch across a pith : Laura Davomt, Charles Liwson, Kaiserin Priedricb, Mme. Alfred Carriers, Re>fe d'Or, Vivid, Coupe d'Hebe, Gloire de Bordeiu-i, Djsprez il fleurs jiunes, Blairi No. 2, Mmp. Plantiir, Souvenir de Mme. Metral ? — S. Names of plants.— M. M.— Carthamus tincto- rius. -S. T. — 1, Rosa caroliniana; 2, Geranium Eadresi. Mrs. Wood. — Colutra cruenta. Name of fruit. — Oakenhead and Co.— Apple Hawthornden. THE GARDEN. No. 1151.— Vol. LVL] [SEPTEMBER 9, 1899. PI 0 War:— Clematis integrifolia .. .. 194 i>dhlia, Cactus, Fantasy .. 195 D'hlitis, Cjetu8, for garden decoration 104 Euiiliurbia corollata .. 195 Uer.iiii im Crystdl Palace Gem 19> LathyriM Drummondi . 191 Nyiuphiea atellata iu the open air 193 Petarg.iuium^, tricolor . .. 19) Petunias 19i Pltutp, fine fuliaged, in the flower garden 194 Vi-Tbena-, blue, and white yt ik< 194 Kitchen : - Aspan gu?, feeding .. .. 19G Beauf, dwarf Kidney .. .. 195 Ueans, runner 196 Br.'ccuU crop, autumn . .. 195 Cabbage, small early spring 196 I^ttucts, )ieHrtiog .. .. 196 Pe I D^aif Xd Plus Ultra .. 195 Pea inseetk-ide, a „ ., ,. 1S6 Peas, late 196 Potato Renown 196 Salads, scarcity of 195 Saladf", winter and spring . . 195 Tomatoes, forwarding open- air - ....... 195 Turnips, winter 195 Vegetable M arrows .. .. 196 Orchard and Fruit :— Aphis, the woolly iOO Fruit trees, summer pruning 200 HooxJirrri/ Grtai Champaijac 199 Gooseberriee, ripe . . . . 199 Grape Foster's fcieedling .. 200 Grape Gros Colman ^ .. 199 Peach Sea Eagle .. .. .. iOO Peach trees, red spider on .. 199 Phim Pershure 193 Plum Victoria 201 Strawberries, late 19S Orchids :— Aeridei multiflorum ,, ■« 201 Cattleya aurci, 202 (Illustrations in Italics.) Ctittleya Harri80nia3 ., ., 202 Cattleya Mondeli _ ..202 Epidendrum cuspidatum . 202 Odontoglossum Harry anum 20 1 Udotitoglossum Wallisi .. 201 Oucidium macranthum .. 202 Orchids, natural hybrid .. 201 Warrea tricolor ^ 201 Garden Flora:— Epiphyllum Makoyanum .. 202 Epiphyllums 202 Week's BTork:- Fruitp, outdoor .. .. 201 Kitchen gardtn, woik in the 203 Fruit and Vegetable Crops „ .. 201 Treas and Bhrubs t— Olearia Haasti ^ S06 O'xaria Haasti 206 RhusCotinus 206 Rubus phujaicolasiuB .. .. 206 Park and Woodland:- Plant, where to _ _ „ Roses:— Rose Climbing Kaiserin Au- gusta Victoria Rom Ulrich Brunnef Rose Violoniste Emile Le- vcque Rose Xavier Olibo . Roses at the Crystal Palace Roses, pegging djwn .. „ Roses, pillar „ Societies: - Dalili IS at the Crystal Palace Royal Horticultural Society Notes of the Week :— Ac dypha hispida .. „ Arundo conspiciia .. Baden-Baden, notes from Campanula pyramidalis Cholone obliqua Chrysanthemums, pot . Galtjnia cmdicins Helenium striatum „ 207 211 211 212 211 211 212 211 211 Helianthus rigldus semi- plenus — .. 211 Kniphofia Nelsoni .. ^. 211 Lilium speciosum Melpomene 211 Linaria vulgaris var. Peloria 211 Plums, Pershore .. ., .. 211 Sun Rose, the Carton .. ., 212 Verbena Ellen Willmott .. 211 Yucca filamentoea 211 Obituary :— Johnson, A „ 212 Miscellaneous :— Cordyliue ( Drac;«na) au^tralis 203 Cordi/lin^. i.i ^llo/rer.. „ .. 203 Cosmos, ncic geedlinij .. -- 197 Flower ere itions in California 197 Gardens, lock and ferry cot- tage ... 212 Hj/hrUi fruAt of Cureus coluhri- nut X Phyllocartux Aker- uuinni _ .. 197 Plants, names of 212 Shipley Hall, notes from .. 212 W. Herte, weather in .. .. 212 Flower Garden. NYMPH.EA STELLA-TA AIR. m THE OPEN 0^J page 151 of The Garden of August 19 Mr. Burbidge records the interesting fact that Nymph;ua stellata is flowering in the open air at the present time at Carton, Kildare, in Ire- land, without the assistance of warmed water or shelter of any kind. This is not, however, the first time that this has happened in the British Isles. Two years ago I saw N. stellata var. zanzibarensis in flower in the garden at Buckhani HUl, in Sussex, at the end of September or the tirst week of October. It had been flowering there freely without any protection of any kind during the summer, nor was the water warmed in any way. It was growing in a small pool in a position naturally sheltered and sunny, the sloping banks of a rock garden rising round the pool. N. s. zanzi- barensis has smaller flowers than the variety of N. stellata to which Mr. Burbidge probably refers as flowering at Carton, and it is also much darker in colour, even the anthers being shaded with blui.sh violet. It is a richer look- ing flower than N. stellata, though fine forms of the latter, such as the lovely pale blue Berlin variety, are probably more beautiful. It may be said that the forms of N. stellata and N. s. zanzibarensis that are met with dift'er very much in quality, particularly the latter variety. It is comparatively rare, I think, to find the rich intense blue with the violet anthers that we associate with the true form of zanzibarensis. Perhaps this may be explained by the fact that it is usually treated as an annual and raised year by year from seed, when, of course, deterioration frequently occurs. I saw quite recently a large batch of seedlings of this variety ; several were in flower, but one was decidedly superior to the rest, much richer in colour. It is not surprising to hear of the flowering of N. stellata in the open air in this country without assistance other than that aftorded by Nature when N. zinzibir- ensis has previously done the same, for the dif- ference in the conditions which are favourable to them correspond to the ditt'orences between the climates of the river Nile and Zanzibar respectively, or more generally to the difl'erence between North-east Africa and the eastern part of Central Africa, in which places these varie- ties are to be found. I only know of one other instance of the flowering of blue Nympha;as without assistance or protection on this side of the Channel, though it has been an ordinary occurrence for years past in Southern Europe. The second case has occurred in the garden of Burford Lodge, Dorking, where so many choice plants and flowers are to be found. Last year Mr. Bain planted N. stellata in a tub sunk in the ground and grew it in the same way as he grows the hardy coloured Water Lilies. It flowered well when treated in this way. This year Mr. Bain has gone a step further and has flowered N. s. zanzibarensis, treating it in the same way as the other kinds, no protection being afi'orded nor any circulation of warm water through the tubs being maintained, though the roots would derive a little addi- tional warmth from the fact that the tubs are sunk in the ground. Last year I saw Nymphjea stellata flowering fairly well in the pond at Kew, which has been specially constructed for the growth of the hardy Water Lilies, but I believe that this pond is provided with a supply of warm water from the pipes of some hothouses in the vicinity. At Gunnersbury House N. stellata has flowered in a tank in the open air both last summer and this summer. The tank is supplied with warm water from the pipes of an adjacent range of pits, so that a bottom temperature of about 70° F. is maintained. No protection is afi'orded in the summer, but a glass frame was placed over the tank during the winter months. Under these conditions the blue Nymph.'eas flourish exceedingly, so that more than half a dozen flowers may frequently be cut from a single plant. N. s. zanzibarensis rosea is flowering in this tank at the present time as well as N. stellata, and bears exceptionally large flowers. Last summer N. Daubneyana flourished in this tank, and continued to flower until Christmas under the glass frame. It con- tinued to grow in that position, until this year it was moved to the lake and placed amongst the hardy varieties, but it has not flowered yet. It is a very distinct variety, much paler than N. stellata, as we should expect from the fact that it is a hybrid between the latter and a white variety. Though we cannot from these facts conclude that blue Water Lilies may be grown success- fully during the summer months wherever the hardy kinds flourish, still it should encourage all enthusiastic growers of Nymphieas to make experiments to test the possibility in their own case. Strenuous e9"orts are being made to raise a hardy blue Water Lily, but it now ap- pears that, without waiting for this to be achieved, some at least of our beautiful water gardens may have their charms enhanced to a high degree by the culture of varieties waiting to hi used. Charming as are many of the new varieties given to us by M. Latour-Marliac, none are more beautiful than the better forms of N. stellata and N. s. zanzibarensis, both of which are very pure in colour. Except for the pretty little Forget-me-not that haunts the banks of our native rivers, blue is the colour most wanting at present in our water gardens. We have the Eichornias, crassipes and azurea, but these are so tender that their beauty is rarely seen, and Pontederia cordata is not a very eflective plant. This makes N. stellata all the more welcome, and it is to be hoped that it will prove as successful in many instances as it has already done in a few. — J. F. Hudson. In The Garden of the 12th and 19th ult. I was interested to see mention made of hothouse Water Lilies flowering in the open. Mr. Alfred Wallace states that he has heated the water artificially. I do not find this to be necessary, though in a tank in the Orchid house the fljwers of Nymph:ea stellata and N. zanzibarensis are larger than those grown out of doors, where there are flowering here N. stellata, the pale blue, N. zanzibarensis, the dark purple-blue, and N. Devoniensis, the crimson, all named as hothouse Nymphieas. These are put out into the open pond in May or June, and taken up in October or November, though during that long and severe winter about five years ago a plant of N. stellata left out by mistake lived through the cold and budded, but did not fully flower the following autumn. To- gether with these there are several kinds of 194 THE GARDEN. [September 9, 1899. hardy Water Lilies of different colours and the pretty little yellow Liranocharis Humboldti, which I brought from Madeira and have found to be hardy ; in fact, it spreads almost too much. I hear surprise expressed that Arum Lilies should do well in ponds in the open. I find them quite hardy, and they flourish and flower well. The three hothouse Lilies require a sunny situation even more than the others.— E. H. Thuklow, BiKkham Hill House, Uckfield, Sussex. Petunias. — These have gained much favour during the last few years. Thirty years ago named varieties were held in esteem by the majority of gardeners, buball at once they seemed to fall into the background. Though compara- tively easy of culture, there are a few important details which must be observed if success is to be achieved. I think better results are obtainable if the plants are not raised too early in the season, as when in full bloom at midsummer the flowers frequently become distressed from a tropical sun. The cooler dewy nights and morn- ings suit the plants admirably, and if the beds are mulched and well supplied with moisture, the root-run being rather poor than rich, a long succession of bloom will result. Too rich ground induces a gross, barren growth. A sandy loamy soil kept cool and moist by a liberal and timely mulch is what Petunias like.— C. N. Blue Verbenas and white Stocks.— There is one thing about seedling Verbenas which par- ticularly strikes me, and that is their vigorous habit of growth. The flowers obtainable from the best strains are very large and the colours good. A week or so ago I saw a grand bed com- posed of white East Lothian Stock and blue Ver- benas, the latter having a white eye. There was an entire absence of stillness about the arrange- ment, and the fragrance of the Stocks was deli- cious. I think Verbenas are often subjected to too much heat. It is all very well to place the seed-pans in a fair heat till germination takes place, but after this an intermediate house is the most suitable till the seedlings are fit for potting off. After this an ordinary greenhouse tempera- ture IS what Verbenas like until it is safe to harden them off either in cold frames or pits. Well treated. Verbenas not only bloom profusely, but over a long period ; indeed, till cut down by ffost.— B. S. N. Tricolor Pelargoniums I read with in- terest "A. D.'s" note (page i:?l) on this once very popular class of Geraniums. I have never grown Mrs. Harry Cox, referred to by him, but feel sure that it must be an excellent variety if, as " A. D." says, it surpasses Mrs. Pollock. The latter is a grand variety when well grown in a not too warm, moist atmosphere and fully ex- posed to sun. It should have an open, sunny position in the flower garden, and should not be planted in a very rich soil. A poorish root-run prevents grossness and secures rich colour. I lately saw Mrs. Pollock in a spoiled condition through being repeatedly fed with liquid manure, the plants being grown quite out of character and the colour very poor. Years ago in Essex I used to bed out Lady Cullum and Sophia Dumaresque, both gorgeous- leaved varieties, the former a good bedder, but I have seen neither of these for some years. At one time also there was a class for tricolors at most exhibitions, and a good deal of skill was needed to produce good-sized trained plants, but these were always much admired. — J. C. Clematis integrifolia.— The beauty of the more effective Clematis heracltefolia var. Davidi- ana, better known, perhaps, as C. Davidiana, is apt to cast still further into the shade the old C. integrifolia, already too little grown. This, should it happen, will be unfortunate, as the latter has many good qualities, although brilliancy of colouring cannot be included among them. One may go through a good many gardens without seeing it, and I find that a number of people who see this Clematis in flower have not met with it before. This is not due to its novelty, as it was in cultivation in 1596, but simply to the neglect into which many old flowers fell in the rage for bedding out. As already indicated, it is not brilliant in colour, yet one finds its deep blue hooded flowers with white centre appreciated in the garden as well as coming in usefully at times with other flowers when cut. It is one of the non- climbing Clematises with herbaceous habit, and is said in books to grow from 1 foot to 2 feet high. The type grown almost everywhere appears, how- ever, to attain to a greater height, and even in this dry soil and in a dry season it becomes con- siderably taller. This year — one not particularly thing, of course, but when joined with beautiful flowers the plant is all the more worthy. Cannas, again, are well known and beautiful plants for the purpose, and although it is a little outside the scope of this note, I would like to mention a pretty bed 1 saw recently. This was composed of rather tall well feathered plants of Grevillea robusta with a f*irly thick carpeting of the new Rudbeckia Golden Suoset, an inaptly named, but very pretty annual. It is necessary in all arrangements where large- leaved plants are used to make the soil good. A rich soil at first and repeated waterings until the plants are established are needed, then when favourable to the growth of plants— it is a little i the roots geb hold of this, progress is very rapid, over 4 feet high, and one has seen it at least a foot more in some gardens. When exposed to wind it requires staking, but is a somewhat difficult plant to fasten to a support without destroying its beauty in some degree. There are several varieties of this Clematis. One of these, raised by M. Lemoine, of Nancy, has been named pallida, and the same eminent hybridist has given us some hybrids of which C. integrifolia is one of the parents. There is, I believe, a white variety, but this seems to be rare, and I cannot at present find it in any catalogue I have at hand. C. integri- folia ma}' be grown from seeds or increased by division, but the latter is not an easy process, as it forms a very hard root-stock, difficult to divide without lifting the whole plant. Although not showy, C. integrifolia is a pleasing plant over a considerable period. — S. Aknott. md the summer sun brings out to the full the beauty of the leaves. Unless the plants are made self-supporting much of their beauty is lost, but this is easy, and the effect is much more lasting than the majority of floral bedding arrangements. FINE-FOLIAGED PLANTS IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. Besides what is termed sub- tropical bedding when Palms and other tender plants are brought out in summer, we have a number of very suitable plants for flower garden decoration that are much more quickly and easily grown. The flowers of many of these are quite inconspicuous, but that is a minor detail for their very striking foliage makes up the deficiency, while if boldly and effectively planted they are more lasting and equally as beautiful as the best of flowering plants. A plant that has fine foliage, a handsome contour, and very pretty flowers is the Thorn Apple, and the fruits are also very striking. Perhaps some growers have been afraid of its poisonous properties, but a good deal of this is simply alarm. I do not remember a prettier combination with the Stramonium than one I planted some years since and that was Gladiolus Brenchleyensis with a good scarlet kind of the gandavensis type to follow. How often one hears complaints from gardeners of all those large beds to fill and no big stuff to fill them with. The plant named is as pretty as anything for a large bed and the number of plants that go well with it is very great. It is simply a good green and white and its fine tubular blossoms alone would make it worth growing. Datura Stramonium is without a doubt a very much neglected plant, and worth a trial in places where room for wintering bedding plants is scarce. LATHYRUS DRUMMONDL " R. D." speaks of this as being related to L. rotundifolius. I hive always been under the impression that these names were synonymous, but, if not, can " R D." say in what way the two plants difler? The Pea I have grown for a good many years under the name of L. Drum- mondi is very bright in colour, but it cannot be called scarlet. It is distinct in colour from any other flower I am acquainted with, and for this reason I find that it invariably attracts the atten- tion of visitors who see it for the first time. My stock plant is about ■> feet across, and never exceeds 6 feet in height. It was planted about ten years ago, and would be twice the size it now is had I not used it freely for propagating from. Although this Pea blooms with great freedom, it yields seeds very sparsely, and unless these are sown at the right time they will not germinate. This i"? the reason why such a distinct and orna- mental hardy flower is not more frequently seen. When 1 first came into possession of this Pea I wished to obtain a good stock of young plants, and naturally had recourse to seeds, but I could not get enough and tried root cuttings, which I found much more satisfactory. The seeds of this Lathyrus are harder than those of any plant I am acquainted with. They are so hard that they might easily be mistaken for pebble stones. When kept until spring they remain in the soil until the following year before germinating, and frequently will not come up at all. If sown in September and kept in a frame or cool house, nearly every seed will come up in the early portion of the year. The young plants should remain undisturbed until the following spring, when if set out in good soil they will bloom the i following July. The first lot of plants I raised in this way I set out the first season and they would not go away into growth, many of them even- tually dying. Those of your readers who want something distinct for conservatory decoration in early spring should grow this Pea in pots. It will bear gentle forcing, and plants in 8-inch pots, 3 feet high and as much through, have a fine and where pretty and natural effects are liked : appearance when in full bloom. better than stiff or glaring arrangements. The Castor-oil plant is better treated by gardeners, but even it has not had the attention io deserves. It is more tender than the last-named, but the metallic- looking bronzes and steely greens in various of the named kinds are fine in positions where more showy plants would be out of place. To get the Byjhf-l. J. CORNHILL. Cactus Dahlias for garden decoration. — The small sprin<^-struck bits sent out by nursery- men and Dahlia specialists may be all very well for feeding up strongly and getting a few large show flowers from, but for garden decoration there is proper effect from a Ricinus, the plants should be nothing like splitting the old roots up into two carefully grown and hardened previous to setting , or three and planting these out into prepared out and never starved. Then, if planted sufh- stations after gently stirting them. The plants ciently far apart, they will make immense speci- \ make rich masses of foliage and flowers that are mens with rich lustrous foliage, quite different very pretty, though in some seasons the Dahlia from the lanky bits so frequently seen in season is short. The Cactus varieties are prettier flower gardens. The more recently-introduced far than the show or fancy section, and even tho Nicotiana sylvestris is, I think, going to prove I little pompon varieties have not the same grace- a very valuable aid to those who like the ful habit and flowers. But there is a danger that kind of gardening mentioned. Even on quite j in seeking after size our raisers will give us varie- a poor soil here its leaves are already of very , ties absolutely useless for the purpose. Some striking proportions, and all who have seen it in j five or six years ago a new half-dozen was sent out flower speak very highly of it. The foliage is the ' from a well-known firm who make the raising of September 9, 1899. THE GARDEIS'. 195 Dahlias a speciality, ami these came into my hands the next season. Not one would throw a BiDgle tlower above the foliage, but underneath the large leaves the blossoms were really magni- ficent. I am not one of those who think that a well-developed bloom of anything, be it a Chry- santhemum or Dahlia, is necessarily ugly, but I do think it is a mistake on the part of gar- deners who do not grow for exhibi!;ion to use these new kinds for garden decoration. I admire a well-grown, large Cactus Dahlia immensely, and this is more than I can say of either the show or the fancy kinds, which, no matter how large or well grown, can never be called pretty. But for making a display in the garden I never grow any a second time that hide their beautiful flowers under the leaves. — A Grower. NOTSS AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Cactus Dahlia Fantasy. — This variety pleases me morfl this year tbau it liaa done before. It is wantiug iu one thiuff — that is, a longer flower-stem. The arrangement of its petals is so litjht and distinct from that of any other, that in?a cut state it has (luito a dainty look surrounded by Fern. The colour is deep coral-red. — H. Euphorbia corollata. — If uot an attractive species to the eye at first sight, there is certainly a use for this free-flowering Spurge if arranged among fino- foliaged things in beds in the open ground. This is so not only by reason of the blossoms, but, perhaps, even more so on account of the greyish foliage and the general tone throughout. Geranium Crystal Palaca Gem. — This golden-leaved Geranium has stood the teat of time, and is still about the most popular of its class. It is a capital grower and has a very striking appaarance in a mass. True, the individuil flower-truss is small compared witli that of other sorts, but the colour is delicate, and on a tine sunny day the golden foliage shows off to advantage. — J. Kitchen Garden. WINTER TURNIPS. Owing to the protracted drought there will be few breadths of winter Turnips sown at this date, at any rate in the southern parts of the country, and in large places where quantities are needed some means must be adopted to secure a crop. It is an easy matter to get the seeds to germinate, but not so easy to assist growth afterwards. I adopt various means. Doubtless the best is to dump the plants over- head at night. The fly does not like moisture, and if it can be kept at bay there will be fewer losses. With August approaching the end we get cooler nights with shorter days, and the moisture will be retained longer. Should the fly make its appearance, ic is advisable to dust over after watering with wood ashes mixed with fresh soot. This mixture is distasteful, sticks to the plants and will keep growth active. A much richer soil may be used in such seasons as this for Turnips. I find that by using cow manure moisture is better retained in a light, porous soil and there is a gain in sowing in deeper drawn drills than usual. In deep drills the tender seedlings get more shade and are less affected by drying winds, and as the plants bulb it is an easy matter to fill in the drill by hoeing or raking. When once the land gets well moistened by an ample rainfall growth will be rapid owing to the great warmth in the soil, so that large sowings need nut be made in the way advised, merely small ones to keep up the supply. Land should be held in readiness for later sowings. I do not think Turnips are needed larger than a cricket ball, and if sown in September the roots will be large enough. Small roots keep better, are sweeter, and more solid. Should there be any deficiency, it will be well to sow a few rows of the Early Milan type for present use. These do not keep, but they provide roots weeks in advance of the winter kinds, and a small quarter can be covered over, so that germination is more rapid. Now is a good time to sow the yellow-tleshed Turnips, as these are hardier, keep longer, and the quality is equal, indeed often superior. One I grew last season named Yellow Perfection is of great value as a winter Turnip on account of its small top and quick growth. This sown early in September will be ready in (Jctober. (Jolden Ball and the older Orange Jelly are both good. In the white section for keeping, no variety I have grown is equal to Red (Uobe. In the north the (ireen-top Stone varieties find most favour for summer and the yellow- fleshed for winter. G. Wythes. Forwarding open-air Tomatoes. — Should rainy weather set in, plants bearing ripening fruit should be protected by means of odd spare lights in order to prevent cracking ; indeed, where the fruit is only in a half-developed state the same covering will be instrumental in hastening it on to maturity. From henceforth it will also be best to abandon the use of stimulants, this tend ing to promote growth rather than to hasten on the fruit. Keep all laterals closely pinched off, and thin out, though with discretion, the old foliage where at all crowded. It must be borne in mind that where lights are used no rain can reach the plants, so that regular supplies of water must be given, especially where the plants are in pots plunged in the border. — C. Scarcity of salads. — I never knew such a scarcity of Lattuce at this season of the year owing to the great heat and drought. There is no lack of Lettuces in the north, but, I fear, few of them reach the London market, as in shops a short distance away from Covent Garden good Cos Lettuces are selling at sixpence each ; indeed, even at that price they are difficult to obtain. In Newcastle I saw an ample supply of excellent Lettuces. We can grow Endive fairly well, and this is a boon in such seasons. This is best grown where sown in light land. Lettuce would be more plentiful if grown thus, as the transplanting breaks the tap root and the plants make poor progress afterwards. Anyone who can sow a quick-growing variety, such as Golden Queen, on a north border will have good heads for early autumn supplies, but the land must be well en- riched before sowing. — S. H. B. Pea Dwarf Ne Plus Ultra — Is this our old friend Omega, one of the late Mr. Laxton's very best flavoured Peas, that is posing in the eastern counties under the above title? Omega is 2Jfeet in height, and except in its dwarfness has always been regarded as a reproduction of the old and favourite Ne Plus Ultra. But the other day I heard some eminent gardeners referring to Omega as a late variety in the highest terms. But we may also class Autocrat, probably the most popu- lar late Pea in commerce, as a Ne Plus Ultra also, for the pods bear close resemblance to those of the old variety and have the same colour and sweetness. It is rather dwarfer than Ne Plus I Ultra and generally a better cropper, but in the I case of any of these high flavoured, sugary Peas I much depends on how grown. Deep soil, ample manure, plenty of room, frequent waterings, and mulching do wonders. — A. D. The autumn Broccoli crop. —Those who had land at their disposal and were able to plant this ! crop early will reap the benefit, as I note in the I southern part of the country there is a much 1 poorer lot of plants than usual where these followed other crops, such as early Potatoes or other ve 'etables. Those who have to double crop the land, and they are many, will in such seasons as this have had a trying time, as the Potato crop was later than usual. This delayed planting, and with the great heat and drought plants since that have made slow progress. I fear in the southern parts of the country there will be a poor supply of autumn Broccoli, as, though these plants have stood much better than the summer Cauli- flowers, both are much alike and are aff'ected by drought sooner than other vegetables. The plants on a firm soil are much healthier than on a looi^e one : indeed, in the latter they are poor and will not pay for labour. This shows the advantages of well working the soil in winter and planting when it has well settled down. The autumn Broccolis need a richer root run than those which have t3 stand the winter. — S. H. B. Dwarf Kidney Baans.— This has been one of the worst seasons probably ever known for these Beans. Literally everywhere they seem to have been of somewhat stunted growth and eaten up with spider. I made an effort to obtain in two diverse places trials of some twelve to four- teen varieties, but failure has resulted. Though not sown early, growth was remarkably slow, doubtless owing to the coldness of the soil and atmosphere. No matter what variety, all proved alike. Whilst the edible produce has been mode- rate, the seed crop should be a small one. I notice that Mr. Wjthes speaks highly of the climbing Kidney Beans as showing so much more of robustness. That is due fir^t it the fact that all these Beans are naturally cl mbers, and, being so, find natural help to grow h in the sup- port sticks furnish ; and second, be ^ause the foliage is so much removed above thi soil, it suffers less from radiated heat, and therefore less exposed to the attacks of spider. Even further, the foliage gets much more of light and air, and that, again, promotes robustness and health. Certainly a good row of staked Beans, if not sown thickly, once the plants have started climbing, get a good soaking and are well mulched with long manure, get help that cannot well be afforded to dwarf Beans. Almost always these latter are sown too thickly. For all ordinary outdoor varie- ties the seed should be (i inches apirt, and strong growers, like Canadian Wonder and Magnum Bonum, should be sown fully 9 inches apart. All the dwarfs are of very dense, branching habit, and sown thickly the plants soon crowd each other unduly. The climbing forms, whilst habitu- ally sown more thinly, do not branch materially, but run up into the light and air ; hence their greater cropping powers. — A. D. WINTER AND SPRING SAL4.DS. There is always a brisk demand for sa'ads in the spring, and to provide materials at that season we must sow now, and even then with our variable weather we cannot depend upon an open - air supply. As most growers are aware, Lattuce, the salad most in demand, is difficult to winter. Many growers have not glass at their disposal to winter plants, and if they hive not it is useless to try to keep Lettuce of any size after November. For a winter supply it is by far the test plan to lift full-grown plants, keeping them as cool as possible and just free of frost. Those who have fruit cases will find these structures useful, as though thrown open for the fruit trtes, there is just enough shelter to preserve the plants. For many years I planted in August a row of Lettuce between each row of late Celery and lifted these with a ball in October into a Peach case, placing the plants on the bed close together. They lasted for months treated thus ; indeed, the plants grew freely after housing. Of cour.ie, cold frames will do for the plants for winter protection, but here damp is their great enemy. I prefer to place the ! larger plants in the house or case, putting the later sown or small plants into the frames. Treated thus, growth is more certain and there is less decay of leaves. These plants will give an early spring supply and follow on thoso lifted from the open ground in the autumn. Many who do not shelter under glass forward a crop early in the year by sowing in January in heat and grow- ing on in frames, but the supply is much later than from autumn-sown plants, as, take the quickest variety I have grown, the Golden Queen, 196 THE GARDEK [Septembeb 9, 1899. it is the end of April or middle of May before the plants are large enough for use. I now come to the open-air culture, and would advise this in every case. Now is the time to sow. It is essential to get as sturdy a plant as possible, and to do so I advise an open border, sowing thinly. I put out a goodly number of plants in front of fruit houses in October, the largest plants from the seed-beds being used. They are lifted with a dibber, and in planting made as firm as possible ; indeed, the ground is trodden if at all light before planting (not dug). Here one may reckon on half the plants pulling through a reasonable winter, but those who have frames at command will do well to plant some out here, as they will have these to fall back upon in case of severe weather. Often the smaller plants in the seed-beds are not much injured when those planted out are killed. For earliest supplies the Cabbage varieties are the first to turn in, and for autumn sowing, Lee's Immense, Hammersmith, Hardy Green, and Brown Dutch are the hardiest kinds, and in the Cos section the Bath or Brown Cos, Brown Sugarloaf, and Hicks' Hardy White are among the best. For some years I have grown a small, compact Cos variety called Inter- mediate, a cross between the Cos and Cabbage, and a remarkably nice variety for winter work or frame culture, owing to its size and hardiness. In winter there is no lack of Endives. The Bata- vian Round-leaved is the best for winter work. Endive well repays frame or house protection treated as advised for Lettuces, though I have wintered medium - sized plants of this Tariety under walls. Endives, like Lettuce, force well early in the year under glass, the (ireen Curled being the best for this purpose. I have also licown Endive in pots and got a fair return, but there is less demand than for good Lettuces. Many could have tender Watercress by sowing seed in winter and growing on, finally planting out in the shade and giving ample moisture. G. Wythes. Vegetable Marrows. — Although useful as a variety, I can never understand why Vegetable Marrows are made so much of, especially at small local shows. Every exhibitor who has the least convenience must grow and show a pair, and no class is watched more keenly. With shows that occur in July it is a good deal of trouble for a cottager who has no frame to produce them, and yet their value as a food product is very slight. There is something very interesting in growing them, and this, I suppose, must account for their popularity among the class referred to. It is a pity that they do not go in for a nice shapely, small Marrow instead of immature specimens of large kinds. — H. Potato Renown. — "Norwich" writes very favourably of a I'otato under the name of Re- nown. Will he say whose Renown, as there are two in commerce V One was put into commerce some twelve years since from Bedfont, and the second one by Messrs. Webb and Sons. Both are main-crop varieties, both rounds, and, so far as my experience of them has gone, both excellent. Dean's Renown was raised by crossing Magnum Bonum with pollen from the handsome and ex- cellent Woodstock Kidney— of all varieties known for the past twenty-five years, probably the best to furnish pollen. "Norwich" seems to have been more favoured for rain than we have been in the south. Generally Potato breadths are very thin and weak, the tuber prospects being indifferent. —A. D. A Pea insecticide.— At a recent meeting of the fruit and vegetable committee Mr. J. Crook, of Forde Abbey Gardens, Chard, sent up a few plants of tall Peas in two small bundles to show the effects of an insecticide known to him as spinai in the destruction of thrips. These insects have been destructive to Peas this year beyond all precedent, and anything that would help to check the depredations of these pests would be heartily welcomed. The plants in both cases showed that for 2J feet in height and before the spraying took place the foliage was quite eaten brown, but for 3 feet above the leafage was very fresh and green, slight evidence of the solution on the foliage only being visible. I know nothing of this insecticide beyond Mr. Crook's statement, and do not know who is interested in it. But I should like to see it tested at Chiswick another year, for there Peas generally suffer very much from thrips, because the atmosphere is so heated. —A. D. SMALL EARLY SPRING CABBAGE. To have an ample supply of good Cabbage in March and April one must now sow for that pur- pose. The chief drawback with the very early plants is that some kinds bolt so badly if sown too soon. Again, sowing at this season is greatly influenced by the weather, as delay in planting will mean later cutting. Of course, at the early season named a large Cabbage is not needed in private gardens, and any variety that will closely follow the winter kinds such as St. John's Day is of great value. To obtain an early Cabbage, a few years ago I crossed a good type of Rosette Colewort with a spring variety and with good results, as though the produce is small, it is of excellent quality, very hardy, and does not run to seed. This may be sown at the end of June and will turn in the end of March, or, sown a month later, is earlier than the ordinary spring kinds. Sutton's April is one of the best I have grown for earliest cutting. This sown even in August will be earlier than some kinds sown in July. Few kinds have a more compact growth than the April, and it is well named, as all the plants raised the last week in July may be cleared in April and EUam's follow on, so that there is no break in the supply. In a severe winter the growth of the April is rapid. I plant it rather close — 15 inches apart always. This allows of many plants being placed on a small space, and it is wonderful how reliable this variety is, as scarcely one in a hundred runs. I have grown Little Gem, also Little Pixie ; both are good, liut of the three I prefer the April, as it turns in so true to time. Little Pixie is a little later, but of equal quality. Little Gem is more useful sown for autumn supplies. There are other kinds doubtless well worth a trial, but I have selected those named on account of their reliable qualities. G. W. S. Feeding Asparagus. — There is a great demand upon the manurial constituents in an Asparagus bed now that the stems are getting large and tall. This may be met by occasional soakings of liquid manure or by sprinkling at the rate of '2 ozs. to the square yard superphosphate and salt. I used this manure two years ago and again last year, and it seems to suit the Asparagus well ; indeed, there are few crops it does not suit. The better the stems of the Asparagus are nourished the finer the produce will be next season, and where growing in a very exposed place or in any position where the stems are likely to fall about, these should be supported in some way. A few Pea stakes thrust into the bed at the time cutting is relinquished for the season is a good protection, and a stout stake at intervals of 6 feet, with a line of tar string all round, is an additional support. Seed-bearing is weakening, and if time can be spared a little of this should be removed by taking the side branches off with a knife. Anything in short that can be done now to ease the plants and enrich the beds where they are growing will be well repaid by the increased size and earliness of the crop next season. Many growers mulch and feed liberally early in the summer, but now is the time to do so. — Grower. Runner Beans. — I have some fifteen varie- ties of runner Beans on trial this season, and so far the best seem to be Lightning, The Czar, Mammoth Scarlet, and Best of All, and if either of the two latter were selected to grow with the two first named, three finer runners could hardly be desired. Lightning is a stringless-podded variety almost round in shape and very fleshy. As its name implies, it does its work very quickly and is one of the first to come in. It also pos- sesses the merit — no slight one by the way — of setting well in dry weather. The Czar is a white- flowered variety of excellent constitution, very even in shape, and a large, handsome Bean. Mammoth Scarlet is, I think, the best scarlet- flowered variety on trial. All three are good croppers, but the fact of Lightning setting so freely puts it absolutely at the top from this standpoint. The season during the past fort- night has been very trying for runner Beans, especially on light, dry soil. The advantage under such conditions of sowing in trenches and giving a heavy mulching of manure is very appa- rent. This, however, in an exceptionally dry time is hardly enough to keep the plants going satisfactorily, and I have been compelled to resort to the water-barrel and the liquid manure tank. — E. BURRELL. Late Peas. — Late Pea crops are very pre- carious, owing to the variable character of our autumns. Good, tender, sweetly-flavoured Peas in October are so highl5- appreciated in the dining; room, that any extra trouble to secure such is well repaid. These late rows are often neglected, and where tall sticks are not forthcoming, the haulm is allowed to fall about. Such vigorous growing varieties as Ne Plus Ultra and British Queen will in dry seasons soon drain the soil of all moisture, mildew making its appearance. Where ordinary height stakes only are in use and the haulm has grown above them, I would advise cutting it o8^ at that point rather than allow it to fall down and thus smother the younger pods and blossom. By all means mulch liberally and give a good root drenching once a fortnight with farmyard liquid, and should mildew gain a footing, use some well- tried exterminator. Anyone possessing a few good fruitful rows of late Peas will do well to use means to prevent mildew making its appearance at all. To three pounds of unslaked lime and four pounds of sulphur add one gallon of water and boil all together for forty minutas. When settled pour off the clear liquid and bottle. Use in the proportion of half a pint to three gallons of soft water. If owing to the stakes having been placed too far apart the haulm is falling through, place some stout rods horizontally along the rows on both sides, securing them to one another here and there with stout twine. — J. C. Hearting Lettuces. — The passing season has been a very trying one for all descriptions of Lettuces. Not only did the heat and drought seem to favour early bolting, but there seem to ba many stocks of Lettuces in commerce that need very little help in that direction, for they bolt off even under favourable conditions. It is evident that in the matter of stocks there is much divergence, and it would be a good plan could we R have a thorough test made of all varieties in I commerce as to their hearting and standing pro- perties. Some years ago there was in commerce a stock of the Paris White Cos named Alexandra that stood long after hearting before it bolted off ■ to seed. I wonder whether that stock is now ^ existent. There was one grown at Chiswick dur- ing the present season under some other appella- tion that closely resembled the Alexandra. Whilst judging gardens in the Witley district of Surrey I came upon a remarkably fine stock of a _ Giant Green Cos, not the Giant White or Mam- ■ moth Cos, that hearted in finely. I have no- " where this season seen a better one of this type of Lettuce. Generally the Giant White Cos forms, although very noble looking, yet failed to heart in under the influence of the drought. Cabbage Lettuces generally have been more satisfactory than Cos Lettuces, but in many cases I found the stocks of these to have bolted early. Of course, cottagers cannot give their plants the same high culture and ample watering that gardeners do, but all the same I think few crops just now are scarcer in gardens than are good Lettuces. It is very unfortunate that in hot, dry weather when salading, and Lettuces especially, are most needed these best of all summer salads should be so difficult to obtain good. — A. D. September 9, 1899.1 THE GARDEN". 197 SOME RECENT FLOWER CREATIONS IN CALIFORNIA. MoEE than forty years ago a few nurserymen and gardeners in California began experiments in seed-raising, and propagated accidental seed- yellow species. For several years past Mrs. Shepherd's Cosmos beds have shown more decided breaks towards new shades and forms. She has a strain of dwarf and very early Cosmos ; another of giant and larger-flowered ones. The yellow Cosmos exhibits similar % *^ ^ New seedling Cosmos from Airs. Shepherd's garden at Ventura, California. From a photograph sent by Mr. C. fl. Shinn. variations, and especially fine are the newer and brighter shades of crimson. Her best success comes in many cases from self-sown seeds. In fact, Cosmos is as well adapted as the Godetia to natural- lings of merit. Some new Roses were brought out as early as 1860, I remember, and several growers produced excellent seedling Geraniums, Verbenas and Petunias, which were shown at state and county fairs. This summer I visited the noted Jlorse seed farms near Gilroy, isation here, as the where I saw many acres of Sweet Peas and springrains are enough other flowers. This company has brought out j to bring self - sown a long list of charming novelties. Such seed- ' plants to flowering. growers as the Blorses, of Santa Clara and ' Self - sown Cosmos Gilroy, such hybridisers as Luther Burbank, , often sprout by Sep- of Santa Rosa, such nurserymen as John Rock, tember 15, and of of Niles, and such collectors as Carl Purdy, of , course in the mild Ukiah, have made places for themselves high ! Ventura climate grow on the list of our horticultural leaders. It is an interesting fact that those who know most about California give Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd, of Ventura, who began this work in 187.'>, a very high place umong the raisers of new flowers. Her recent creations appear in many American and foreign catalogues, and her small but beautiful town garden on the cliffs of Ventura, hardly a bow-shot from the ocean, is yearly visited by many pilgrims. I have seen it at several seasons, and it is a marvellously crowded workshop. Mrs. Shepherd's local reputation as a florist became national mainly through her success with the Cosmos. The coast, not only Cosmos, but Coreopsis, French 6 feet. Olustration shows some of her new seedlings , Marigolds, and a number of other composites, of laciniated varieties and difi"erent colours. [ as well as Eschscholtzias and Salpiglossis, re The' dark ones at With proper thinning, such flower beds main- tain a brilliant display. One summer, while in Mrs. Shepherd's garden, she showed me a Cactus fruit of great beauty and superb quality. This very attractive novelty (shown in the illustration) ought to find a place in the fruit markets of the world. It was as large as a Peach, dark red in colour, and possessed a higher flavour than any other Cactus fruit with I which I am acquainted. The parent plant is the well-known Cerous colubrinus. Blossoms of this were hand-pollinated with the scarlet- flowered Phyllocactus Akermanni. Seedlings are being grown, and much is expected of this hybrid, though none have yet bloomed. Al- though this Cactus fruit is covered with spines, it breaks open when ripe, and is much easier to manage than the fruits of the Opuntias. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to give a complete list of Mrs. Shepherd's intro- ductions. One of her earliest successes was with Cannas, and her Canna hybrids continue to appear. She has sent out Carnations, Pop- pies, Dahlias, Roses, Chrysanthemums, and, in fact, good varieties of all the garden flowers. Her well-established reputation as a hybridiser rests in great measure, however, on a set of superb fibrous-rooted Begonias, which seem to possess a very high value for the flower garden in some districts. I have seen many of these, and have grown several of the best. Nothing else in the Begonia line out here is so stately and permanent. 3Irs. Shepherd writes to me from Ventura, under date of August 6, 1899, saying of her new strain of Begonias : — They are almost trees, with grand brilliant leaves and immense clusters of flowers, tropical in their splendour. A new one, Marjorie Daw, is a very rapid growing climbing variety ; parents, Begonia rubra x B. glaucophylla scandens. The latter is a much more delicate and creeping variety, yet its influence is seen strongly in the offspring Marjorie Daw is like rubra in cane like growth, size and shape of leaf, in the long stems and size of the flowers ; it is like glaucophylla acandens in its climbing habit, the red circle at the joints of stems, and partly in the shape of the leaf. The flowers of B. rubra are red and those of B. glaucophylla scandens are salmon-pink. Marjorie Daw has very large flowers, in spreading panicles ; in colour a sea- shell pink with white spot on the ovary. The flowers are much larger than those of either parent. It grows rapidly, throwing out vigorous shoots that in five or six month? reach a height of all winter, beginning to bloom by April, when spring - sown plants must be watered almost constantly. I should think that in the Channel Islands the Cosmos could easily be naturalised. At the little flower garden of the Santa Monica forestry station, on the Southern California ^^3^ ^■tm; Hyhrid fruit of Cereus colubrinus x Phyllocactus Akermanni. It branches freely, blooms profusely, and would, I believe, reach a height of 20 feet. A good deal of interest is now being shown in the left are of the small ' produce themselves freely from self-sown seed, the bulb industry, and California growers hope 198 THE GARDEN. [September 9, 1899. ultimately to supply most of the American trade with Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips, &c. Charles H. Shinn. Orchard and Fruit Garden. LATE STRAWBERRIES. What has become of our late Strawberries ? Why are they not found in the market ? To have them early seems to be the only aim of growers, and all the varieties come in with a rush for a week or two and are gone again. I was in a large provincial town lately when it was glutted with this fruit, and about eight days afterwards there was none. In good private gardens there are occasionally a few late varieties grown, but no crop to speak of, yet there need be no more difficulty in having late crops than early ones, and I have no doubt but that good dessert Strawberries in August and September, or even as late as October, would pay as well if not better than early ones. I noticed this season in one of the most reliable Covent Garden Market lists that on June 22 Strawberries per dozen punnets were priced at from 2s. to .5s., and at a proportionate figure by the peck from Kent and Middlesex. By July 15, when the season was approaching its end, the price had risen to 8s. per dozen punnets common sorts, and British Queen to 1.5s. By July 29 the price for ordinary kinds had risen to from 10s. to 15s. per dozen, and by August 5 Strawberries had disappeared from the market. And this in London ! In Paris the supply will be going on till September at | least with alpines, of which more further on. In Scotland the supply goes on later, and late districts in England have late crops, but, whether north or south, the crop may be prolonged much beyond the usual time by culture and the use of the right kinds. Many years ago I remember a plentiful supply of Strawberries being kept up in a large garden in Scotland all through August and into September with late de.ssert varieties, and after that the supply was prolonged by alpines on a north border. Strawberries were not wanted sooner, because the owner of the garden with his establishment did not arrive at his seat till the middle of August and left again in October, and the gardener had to meet the demand as well as he could. This he did by planting good breadths of British Queen Strawberry, Bicton Pine, and in greater quan- tity Elton Pine. Frogmore Late Pine is said to be an improvement on the latter, which is, | however, probably yet the best late Strawberry ' grown. It is a good grower, a prolific bearer, of large size, and good brisk flavour. In the garden I speak of it used to be planted between i the rows of the latest kinds of dessert Goose- berries, giving both plenty of room, and the same net covered both crops. To give an idea of the length of the Strawberry season, I may men- tion that in that garden the Black Prince variety, the best early kind yet produced, came in i about the middle of June or beginning of July, succeeded by Keens' Seedling, still one of the | very best and most dependable. After these came British Queen, and last of all the Pines, ex- tending the season into September, for it is a feature of the Elton Pine that the fruit ripens long in succession. Since then a generation of gardeners has grown up who appear to know not that there are such things as late Straw- berries, and who waste much precious time in running after the new and often useless sorts as fast as they come out. The other day a great Strawberry grower and raiser sent me his catalogue containing a list of some fifty varie- ties, including about a dozen new ones. I sent for sample runners of the Elton Pine, and out of all his acres and varieties he could not sup- ply me. One called Latest of All, a reputed cross between Helena Gloede and British Queen, does not deserve its name, and it can neither compete with British Queen for flavour nor with Elton Pine for lateness. It is much the best plan to discount all these much-praised new Straw))erries at least 50 per cent. Gar- deners will not soon forget the sort called j Noble that came out with such a flourish backed by the experts of the Royal Horticultural Society, only to be banished out of every good garden as soon as tested and tried. Now is a good time to plant runners of the Elton Pine or indeed any variety. British Queen I do not recommend as a variety to be relied upon to grow well, otherwise wherever it does grow it will also bear well, and for size and flavour it is still unsurpassed either for forcing or planting out. It likes a rather light, rich soil and a warm situation, but the finest crops I ever saw | were grown in the Lothians in the open quarter, but under high culture. It is very subject to j red spider, which destroys the foliage, and i hence it cannot endure a poor, dry soil. It is, however, well worth good culture, and the fruit would find a ready sale. Prep.akixi; the ground. — The best plan is to trench the soil two spits deep at least, as the Strawberry will send its roots 3 feet into the soil if they can get down, and in a dry season like the present it will set the drought at defiance because the roots are deep and within the reach of moisture ; in fact, this treatment suits all varieties. High culture of the Straw- berry, it is known, will nearly double the weight of the crop owing to the greater size of the berries. Early mulching is also almost in- dispensable in dry soils, and for that purpose there is nothing better than short litter or short grass from the lawn-mower, provided plenty is used. I have often seen a well mulched quarter of Strawberries produce a fine crop in a dry season when they were a failure throughout the neighbourhood. Any manure applied in preparing the ground should not be trenched in deep. It is lost when so applied because the roots are long in reaching it, if ever, and heavy rains carry its virtues away into the subsoil and drains. The ground should first be trenched, and then if farmyard manure is applied it should be dug or forked in after- wards in the surface spit, and after that arti- ficial manures may be applied to the surface in early spring. The constituents of the fruit of the Strawberry consist, according to the best analysis, of over 20 per cent, of potash and soda and a large percentage of lime, phosphoric acid, silica, and peroxide of iron. The three first named are of most consequence, and where they exist the others will generally be present. The lime should be thoroughly incorporated with the soil, and potash may be supplied in the form of kainit as a surface dressing. Manures that suit the Potato suit the Strawberry also, and a plantation of Strawberries may follow a crop of early Potatoes, which are usually off the ground in time for Strawberry planting. The kainit has, like salt, also the merit of attracting moisture from the air. With farm- yard manure, succeeded by kainit as a top- dressing, I have seen some remarkable results on Potato crops. Some six rows of Potatoes were dressed with kainit in the middle of a field of 12 acres, all the conditions being equal, and these rows could easily be distinguished from the highway a good distance ott' by their superior growth, and when lifted the crop was nearly one-third heavier than that of the rest of the field. DiST.wcK APART. — One important matter in Strawberry culture in both late and early crops is to give the rows plenty of room. Where the foliage of the rows meets during the summer the fruit is shaded, longer in ripening, never so good flavoured, and in wet weather great quan- tities of fruit rot, being soft. Thick planting also encourages slugs and black beetles (clocks), which hide under the foliage and destroy much fruit. I have seen immense quantities of the finest fruit destroyed by these pests in some gardens. They are the one objection indeed to the mulching of Strawberries, and they are always least troublesome in plantations where the rows are wide apart and where the plants have room all round. Varieties like the Black Prince, which has scanty foliage, may be in rows 18 inches apart, but with all other sorts the rows should be at least 2 feet 6 inches apart, and 3 feet is not too wide for some sorts. The plants develop fine crowns and foliage under such circumstances and the fruit gets the sun, but the rows should run north to south. In making plantations about this sea- son the plants may be put 9 inches apart in the row if they are expected to fruit the following summer, as they should do, but at the end of the first season every other plant should be re- moved and 18 inches allowed from plant to plant. It is a sheer loss to have the plants thinned the first year, as half a crop may be lost thereby. I cannot too much impress upon cultivators the importance of securing a crop the fir.st year. It is seldom one sees that in gardens, but it is just as easy to have the crop as not. Layer the Strawberry runners in July on a ridge of good soil laid between the rows, stop the runners beyond the layer as fast as they push, and plant out as early as possible in August and not later than September. At all times keep the runners chopped o3' close in to the stools when they are not required for fresh plantations. Alpine Strawberries. — These fruit during August, September and October in this country, according to the climate. In Paris they are plentiful in August, heaps of fruit being shown in the market. The largest fruits are about the size of a lady's tliimble and the flavour is agree- able and refreshing. The late Mr. James Mcintosh, gardener to the Duke of Buccleuch at Drumlanrig Castle, was the only one I have known who grew alpines extensively and suc- cessfully. The seed was sown about midsum- mer and the plants were planted out in August on a north border, but they will do equally well or better on an east or west border in cool localities. Care should be taken to get good new seed, which should be sown on a fine surface of light, nice soil and not covered too deeply. Regular watering is necessary till the plants are fairly up, and when they have made two or three leaves they should be planted out in rows about 1 foot apart. After culture consists in keeping the runners pinched ofl' as fast as they appear so as to secure good crowns on the plants, which will produce abundantly the following autumn. Seed may also be sown in spring in frames, and if the plants are put out in good time they will be strong by autumn, but will not fruit till the following year. Summer-sown and autumn-planted plants are best. At Drumlanrig, at the time I refer to, late and alpine Strawberries, late Gooseberries and late Raspberries used to be regularly sup- plied to the house for dessert. J. S. W. Plum Pershore.— Some tims ago a little friendly correspondence passed between Mr. September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 199 Crook, of Forde Abbey, and myself as to the merits and cropping powers of the above Plum. Just lately I saw and tasted a fine-looking sample in a fruiterer's shop in Norwich. The flavour, though by no means comparable to that of some other sorts, was decidedly better than that of the fruit I used to gather from a warm wall in South Notts. I was informed the con- signment came from Devonshire, and there is no doubt that soil and situation make as much dif- ference in the flavour of Plums as of any hardy fruit. Some time ago in a note on Plums in The G.\RDEN a Kentish grower criticised the flavour of Pershore, but having to-day eaten some in a stewed state, I am bound to pronounce them ex- cellent.—B. S. N. Grape Gros Coiman.— There is no doubt this fine Grape requires a long season to finish and colour propeily, and it must be kept going all the time — that is to say, it is no use to grow it in an early house with other quicker developing kinds, and when the latter are ripe to throw the house open under the impression that any kind of treatment is good enough for Gros Coiman when once colouring begins. No Grape is more liable to go foxy under such conditions and none is more trouble to get out of this state. The large berries require a lot of filling out, and to do the variety well it should be grown by itself, or else in company with a hard-skinned Grape like Ali- cante that is not averse to a long season. Such a house started early, say in February or earlier, will, I believe, produce Gro3 Coiman in the finest possible condition, and it need not be a lar^e house either. Some of the nicest looking and best quality Gros Coiman I have seen were grown at Norman Court, in Hampshire, some years .'go in a small house with almost upright lights of the Peach case order — not e.\actly the class of at rue- fure one would expect to be suitable. The Vines were liberallj' treated, had plenty of room laterally, and were grown all the season. — H. average seasons— and the health and longevity of open-air Peach trees ensured. Norfolk. RED SPIDER ON PEACH TREE3. The remarks by "J. C. B." (p. 114) on the above subject are well worth perusing by those having Peach trees under their charge. ",T. C. B." is ([uite correct in his idea that red spider com- mences its destructive operations at a much earlier period than many are aware of. In fact, I have seen numbers of the insidious pest on trees in full bloom under glass, that is when the trees had received no winter dressing. On takin;; charge of a fresh garden I once had such a colony to deal with, but of course nothing could be done till the fruit was set. By that time many of the tiny leaves had quite a brown appearance, and I never thoroughly conquered it that season. Doubtless after mild winters spider often exists on open-air trees, as frequently these do not receive any insecticide during the resting period. But why should wall trees be neglected in this matter any more than those under glass ? Then with the former many are afraid to apply the hose or garden engine so early in the season for fear of frost occurring at night while the foliage is wet, or lest the application should cause an attack of mildew, and so the remedy prove as bad as the disease. There is no need whatever at that early date to postpone syringing the trees until the after part of the day, as is the case later on in the season. If even in April a fine sunny morning is chosen and chilled water used, syringing may be quite safely practised im- mediately after breakfast, as scorching need nob be feared and the foliage dries before nightfall. ".J. C. B." informs us that his friend at Lake House, Byfleet, uses a mixture of soft soap and sulphur and finds it effectual. I have used quassia extract with very good results, following this with a good washing with clear water the following morning. If trees are in fairly good health and these preventives are proceeded with in time, and continued through the months of May and June at intervals of say ten days, the trees being also well mulched and watered, good crops are rendered pretty certain— at least in RIPE GOOSEBERRIES. Really good, thoroughly ripe Gooseberries are rarely to be bought, and the owners of the majority of gardens, large or small, are not often favoured with a supply. This is not quite as it should be, as it is certain no hardy fruit is more wholesome or more pleasing to the palate. Immense quantities of Gooseberries are grown in all directions, but the bulk are picked in a green state, and what are left to ripen are eaten by birds and wasps or they crack prematurely. A dry, hot summer suits Gooseberries left on the bushes to ripen, and I never tasted better fruit than were available in all too small 1 Gooseberry Green Champagne. quantities this season. Unfortunately, birds, notably blackbirds, made a dead set at ripe and ripening Gooseberries, and netting over in the ordinary manner proved of little avail against ! them. Bushes were cleared wholesale in a single day. Years ago I advocated the more general adoption of the plan of growing Goose- berries under light wooden or iron structures permanently covered with galvanised wire ; netting, and those who acted upon this advice ' have this season had good cause to be particu- larly pleased at their decision. It should be remembered that these Gooseberry houses if properly constructed not only save the fruit, but, what is even of more consequence, they preserve the buds from bullfinches and other small birds during the winter and spring months. Bullfinches were never more plentiful or destructive among fruit buds generally than they were this year, and in many gardens fruit bushes and trees were nearly cleared of fruit buds. The framework of Gooseberry houses should be moderately strong, as they will occasionally have to bear a great weight of snow. If one rafter has a flaw in it and breaks, the whole of the structure will most probably collapse. It is also of importance that small or three- quarter-inch mesh wire netting be em- ployed, especially along the fronts and sicles, small birds finding their way through larger openings. According to my experience, the netting and woodwork offer a certain amount of protection against frosts, and I have seen Gooseberry crops outside badly injured while those under the netting es- caped. There is no necessity to con- fine these permanent structures wholly to bush fruits. If formed against a wall lean-to fashion, the back wall may with advantage be covered with either Cherries or Plums, with cordon Gooseberries and Currants between them as long as there is room for these. If the house is built quite in the open, the sides should be suffi- ciently high to admit of all the uprights and supports gener- ally being clothed with cordon Cherries or Plums, while among the low bushes may be dotted standard Gooseberries and Cur- rants. The one drawback to this plan of permanently cover- ing Gooseberry bushes is their liability in some cases to be more over-run by the Goose- berry caterpillar than are those unprotected. This, however, is not a particularly strong argu- ment against the plan I am advocating. The cuckoo is the only bird I ever saw feeding on the obnoxious caterpillars, but it is just possible certain kinds of small birds may eat more of the egg-depositing flies than we give them credit for doing. These small birds can be ad- mitted from the time the buds are too forward till the fruit is ripening by simply provid- ing large netting - covered shutters for the sides and ends, taking these away till they are wanted for excluding the black- birds. There is also the other alternative of moving and burn- ing the surface soil down to the roots every winter, and with this taking away and de- stroying the greater portion, if not all the cocoons or fly cases. The surface soil being replaced by moderately rich compost, the double purpose of preventing a bad attack of caterpillar and of feeding the roots has been answered. Other remedies, such as mulching with tanner's bark, surfacing the ground with gas-lime, spraying the branches with quassia or hellebore extracts, and dusting with hellebore powder, are all open to the cultivator to adopt, and in any case it is better to run risks from caterpillars than from birds. Judges at flower shows will agree with me that as a rule really good Gooseberries are seldom met with on the exhibition table, but it 200 THE GARDEN. [September 9, 1899. Some cultivators also summer-prune the growths ntended to be laid in or reserved as leaders, it to a large Surrey garden where there are topping them when about 1'2 inches in length, does not follow that the smaller-fruited varie- I cleared. But the other day, having been invited ties are invariably the best. The best I have i to test the merits of a solution called Abol, I took tasted is, without exception, Whinham's Indus try. We have been apt to value th' principally for its reliability as an early gathering the whole or greater portion ot tue ^j^g ^p^j^^ ^j ^p^^^^ j p^^l^j ggg ^ taste of the liquid, ' of shoots may be rightly thought necessary in the crop in a green state. For the future let me | ^^^ jj settled them rapidly enough. It is but ■ case of dense bushes and pyramids is best done in advise those who appreciate good ripe Goose- | needful to follow up sprayings of this nature two ' the summer, or while yet the leafage is fresh, berries to leave a sprinkling of fruit on all the or three times and the pest is easily kept in ' Xot only can the operator then better decide bushes rather than a heavy crop on a few I check. But, after all, it gives little trouble in | which oug;ht to be removed, but the timely thin- bushes — a mistake often made with other varie- I this country, except where it is left untouched, ning admits sun and air to the interior of the ties, with the result that the fruits are under- The past two or three dry seasons have helped ' trees, benefiting what fruit may there be swelling sized, liable to drop prematurely, and poor in the insect very much, but damper summers will and also tending to develop more fruit-buds. Too - ^ '^ - •' . ' check it greatly, as they will many other insect , often these classes of trees fruit on the surtace (Quality. Keepsake, another variety recom- -A. D. mended for its heavy cropping and the quick . P^^ts growth of young fruit, is also of excellent I quality when ripe? Whitesmith, also a pdpular I SUMMER PRUNING FRUIT TREES. market-grower's variety, has always been re- j would be much obliged if you could let me I naturally grown trees ought to be more naturally only. The leading growths on trees that must be kept restricted in size may be topped at a length of 10 inches to 12 inches, and shortened somewhat • severely at the winter pruning, but those on more garded by me as one of the best for dessert, | know how to do the summer pruning of Apples, I treated, that is to say, should be left intact both and it properly thinned out the fruit attains a I ^f. ^11 the books I have, tell you to summer j now and next winter. Without the aid of comparatively large size.' The same remarks 1 prune, but do not say how or when. — R. W. M. i diagrams I fail to see how I can more plainly apply to Crown Bob and Lancashire Lad. Only ] , . g^^ly in the summer, or before the shoots ' describe summer pruning for the benefit of give a portion of the fruit a chance to ripen are many inches long, all wall trees ought to be " ^;. ^- ^I-, and other waders requiring mfor- properlj', and the results are bound to be satis- i gone over, and wherever lateral growths or shoots I "nation on the subject.— W. 1. factory. Snowdrop and Antagonist are both 1 from old spurs are numerous these ought to be I fine white varieties of excellent quality when I freely thinned out. The same with much-pruned , GRAPE FOSTER'S SEEDLING. ripe, and I can also strongly recommend the ! or somewhat dense, bush, pyramid, cordon, and | ^.- n ^ f „ „^ ^ot-^ crreenish vellow Leader It will thus be seen I espalier-trained trees, the effect of this being to ; For flavour this Grape cannot of course compete than is ursible t^arow ^"d otherwise benefit the reserved ' with such fine kinds as Muscat of Alexandria or tnat It IS possiDie to grow uooseoerueb loi & o j Mrs. Pearson, but there are many growers who profit and yet have some left for eating in a grc^wth Summe^^^^^^^ have not heat enough for these varieties and are ripe state, the quality of which cannot be sur- ^ y^^ thumb, doing this from the middle to glad to fall back upon a white kind of medium passed by many of the smaller-fruited varieties I (,^1^^^ ^f june-not earlier. Very hard topping quality easy to grow. In Foster's Seedling we of reputed superior flavour. ■ ^^g^ qo^ be resorted to, as this when done by too j ^lave a useful all-round kind that is as easily We ought not, however, to wholly dispense ' zealous pruners results in starting the basal buds ! grown as Black Hamburgh, easier to keep in with the smaller varieties, as we are not all ■ into active growth, the shoots formed being soft | pod condition and though not in the first flight market-growers, and there are some seasons ' and of the wrong character ; whereas summer I for flavour yet good enough to find a p^^^^^ when the larger fruited varieties rioen in- I pruning is intended to strengthen the basal buds, best collection of dessert fruit. No ^ne that 1 When tne larger-lruitea varieties ripen in y s ultimatelv develoninc into either l know will bring a heavier crop to perfection, and diflerently well, and also keep badly. Early home oj these ultmatel^^^^^^^ only fault of the fruit is'^a little muddiness Sulphur is a remarkably heavy cropping variety, | L^^lf ^ J Cto^ed &d^ /^^^ J^ iLf "? ! in colour, which, however, is not confined to this ripening early, while the quality is passable^ 1 |^^j^ ^j^^^^^^ ^^^ ;j ^^^ ^^^^ / ^i^^^^^^ ^^^^^.^ ^j,, i only. If good-shaped, well-shouldered bunches are '^"? be pushed from the fourth and fifth joint in e^•ery looked for, the wood must be fairly strong and Ail the Champagnes — red, white or green yellow— are good bearers, and the fruit, though ^^gg rj.^ggg second breaks should also be topped small, IS of excellent quality when ripe. By some ' beyond the first leaf, treating later breaks simi- authorities these are regarded as among the very larly. At the winter, or, better still, late autumn , best flavoured Gooseberries we have. Keens' pruning all these topped laterals must be short- Seedling, a medium-sized early form of Red ! ened just beyond the third bud from the base or Warrington, is very reliable and good, and I below where they broke after topping, leaving a must confes.s to a liking for the small-fruited ' short spur from which one, or at the most two Rouoh Red. Pitmaston Green Gage, another shoots wiUspring the foUowingsummer, fruit-buds variety with small fruit, is also of excellent developingfrom the rest If this treatment is perse- nnalitv The most valuable of all whether veredwith,all the main branchesof Apple, Apricot, quality, ine most vaxuawe ot all, wnetner q^^ pe,^r, and Plum trees will gradually be- compared with large, medium-sized or small ^ome furnished with abundance of fruiting spurs varieties, is the Red Warrington. No other ^j^i^j^ ^^e sufficiently short to derive the full sort hangs so long on the bushes, the quality benefit of the heat and protection from the walls being good till quite late in the season. I have ' or fences to which any of them may be trained, seen bushes red with fruit in September and This form of summer pruning tends to correct October, and, where a long succession of (jloose- grossness in trees, as when long and strong berries is required, at least half the bushes . shoots are allowed to develop, only to be hard under a netted-in structure should be of this I pruned in the winter, the principal result is often variety. W. Iggulpen. j a greatly increased quantity of sappy wood only. The older and more common form of summer- I pruning consists merely in cutting back all the Tlie woolly aphis. — I gather from Mr. Hay's shoots not required for furnishing after they have ' observations lespecting the woolly aphis in New | developed to their full size and become hardened. Zealand that there the pest most seriously operates Not unfrequently this is all the pruning the trees on the roots of the Apple trees. That is probably receive, and it is only done when those responsible due to the great dryness of the atmosphere there, think it is about time to admit more light to the One naturally wonders how the aphis would fare | fruit and to otherwise benefit this. Allowing the could the roots now and then be deluged with i trees to grow thus wild through the greater part water, especially strong soot water. But so far ! of the season means so much wasted vigour, and as my experience of the aphis is concerned here, ! is not conducive to productiveness. The least it attacks roots but little, and tree stems and I that can be done is to prune all the laterals branches much. That being so, it is ditJicult to [ directly the wood has become somewhat firm, or, j understand what benefit would result to the trees ; say, not later than the third week in July, | from the employment of Northern Spy Apple as shortening them to the fifth leaf, completing the , a stock, as it is most improbable that any pruning — shortening to the second or third bud ! deterring properties possessed by the stock would I from the base— either before the second leaves Peach Sea Eagle. — Though usually looked equally operate on the tree upon it. But one fall or soon after. This treatment has the effect j upon as of second-rate quality, this fine Peach is wonders why, with ordinary care, the woolly I of benefiting the current crop of fruit and also of ' not really so when well grown and ripened. Its aphis should become an appreciable trouble here, strengthening and developing the basal buds, ! fine form and handsome appearance are \ery well Anyone having trees suffering from it has but to some of which may become fruit-buds during the ] known, and there was a large number of good spray them once or twice during the season with following summer, fruit-buds in most cases not dishes of it at the recent show at Shrewsbury, some powerful insecticide and the trees will be forming in a single season. notably in the classes for dressed tables. There well ripened, and the Vine should not be pruned too long. Large bunches may be produced by leaving several eyes and pruning to a very prominent one, but they are seldom of first rate shape, and the beauty of a good bunch of Foster's Seedling lies not so much in its size as in the good shape, and well filled up shoulders are a great help in this direction. Foster's Seedling is a rather thin-skinned variety, and on this account should not be grown for keeping late in the season or when it is difficult to keep up a correct atmosphere in the vinery. It is very apt to split if kept either in too moist an atmosphere or a very dry one and watered at the roots, and though far from advocating a system of drying off the roots of any variety, it is a great mistake to let those of Foster's Seedling have a lot of moisture when the fruit is ripe. Provided the atmosphere of the house is kept at a nice equable state as regards moisture up till the time the berries are colouring, there will not be much fear of the latter going. It is when moisture is pressed in every day and the heat kept up until colouring commences, and then the dry air allowed to play about the bunches suddenly, that wholesale crack- ing takes place, and then it is difficult to cut even a fairly good bunch. The plan of tying the leaves back from white varieties has been often recom- mended, but it is only in exceptional cases that any need for it exists. All white varieties like ample light, and this should be kept in mind dur- ing the growing season and the laterals kept thin. The principal leaves then need not be interfered with, but allowed to carry out their proper func- tions undisturbed. H. September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEK 201 are few Peaches that will carry so heavy a crop to perfection as this, and I was reminded of this at Shipley, where a tree was carrying a very heavy crop, though the individual fruits were large and the tree grown on a cross trellis, not the most suitable place for ripening up late Peaches. It is, according to my experience, far before Princess of Wales, and a very useful kind where late fruit is needed. — H. Plum Victoria. — This deserves its popularity as a good standard kind, useful for dessert or cooking, and one of the most constant bearers in cultivation. The fruit is above medium size, and when properly ripened the flavour is superior to that of many kinds thao are thought far more of. In most years the fruit has to be thinned con- siderably, but there is none of that to do this year as far as this garden is cDncerned. Still it is the only kind that has a crop at all, and it rarely fails entirely. Moso of my trees of it were shifted last autumn, and the season has been rather against them of late, Ijut the trees have made a fine healthy growth in spite of this. This Plum needs a good amount of feeding owing to the immense crops of fruit it annually produces, but it is a mistake to plant it or any other kind on wbH manured, loose soil. It should contain the proper elements for supporting the tiees, of course, but the roots should be made quite firm, when planting and feeding should be done from the surface. Soils deficient in lime should have this added either in the form of rubble at the roots when planting or by top-dressing with newly slaked lime occasionally, lightly pomting this in before mulching the trees. — H. Orchids. NATURAL HYBRID ORCHIDS. Eastern Section. The first indication of the existence of natural hybrids amongst tropical Orchids was in 1853, when Lindley correctly indicated the parentage of Phalpenopsis intermedia. This was before any artificially - raised hybrid Orchid had flowered. Since that time Mr. Seden has proved its origin, as Lindley suggested by the intercrossing of P. Aphrodite (amabilis, as it was then wrongly called) and P. rosea. These seedlings flowered in 1885 and proved identical with P. intermedia. Other tropical hybrids have since appeared among importations of plants. In 188(i Dendrobium crassinode Wardi- anum flowered in Messrs. Veitch's nursery. Recently the well-known hybrid D. Ainsworthi has been recorded as having flowered amongst imported plants of D. nobile. \'andas, too, have produced their natural hybrids. In May, 1804, Vanda Charlesworthi flowered in Messrs. Charlesworth and Co.'s nursery at Heaton, Bradford. It is supposed to be a natural hybrid between Vanda cierulea and V. Ben- soni, and appeared among an importation of V. ccerulea. It would be difticult to distin- guish it from that variety when the plants are not in flower. A plant recently shown at the Drill Hall by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. I examined carefully, and failed to find the slightest trace of Vanda Bensoni. The habit of growth was that of V. cterulea. The flowers are very similar in shape to those of a small- flowered variety of that species, the colour dift'ering in having a peculiar tint of rosy purple suS'using the segments. In lSf»7 Vanda Moorei appeared with Mr. J. W. Moore, of Bradford. It is a well-known fact that V. Kimballiana and V. cierulea grow together, in Upper Burniah. In V. Moorei the charac- teristics of these species are so pronounced that there is no ditticulty whatever in identifying its origin. The leaves are nearly as broad again as in V. Kimballiana, rather fleshy, nearly flat, and about 7 inches long. The sepals and petals are pale lilac and most like those of V. Kimballiana in shape., but the general charac- ters of the flower are fairly intermediate. It is a very interesting addition. Cypripediums have produced natural hybrids. Some few years back Mr. Edward Low drew my atten- tion to a good form of C. javanico-superbiens that was flowering among a batch of imported plants. This was interesting from the fact of its giving some idea of the habitat of C. super- biens (Veitchi), which has long been sought after, the whole of the stock of 0. superbiens having been derived from two plants. C. javanico-superbiens was artificially raised by M. Bleu from the species indicated in the name. The appearance of the plant in Messrs. Low's nursery amongst an importation (I believe of C. javanicum) should give some idea as to where C. superbiens might also be found. C. Gode- froyiu also has been artificially raised in two collections by the intercrossing of C. niveum and C. bellatulum. Some years ago I was struck with the intermediate characteristics that existed between C. Godefroyje leucochilum, and suggested to one of our greatest authorities the possibility of the white ground forms being natural hybrids between C. niveum and C. bellatulum, the yellow ground forms being de- rived from the influence of C. concolor with C. bellatulum. This opinion was further strengthened by the face that among the first batch of plants of C. Godefroype leucochilum imported there were found C. niveum, C. concolor, C. bellatulum and typical forms of C. Godefroyie. The original importation was collected by inexperienced men, which seemed to me to further strengthen my con- tention, which I am glad to find has proved cor- rect where artificially - raised hybrids have flowered. I have also found C. nitens among imported plants of C. insigne, proving that the original parentage given of C. Sallieri is correct and that it is a natural hybrid between C. in- signe and C. villosum ; these species must undoubtedly grow together. There are other natural hybrids which might be mentioned, but their identity has yet to be proved. Cymbidiums also include two supposed natural hybrids in C. Traceyanum and C. eburneo-Lowianum. A plant of the latter, exhibited at the Drill Hall some time ago, was said to be, and it bore every trace of being, an imported plant. It came from the neighbourhood of Worthing. The identity of C. Traceyanum has yet to be deter- mined. I am assured by Mr. Boxall that C. Lowianum, C. eburneum, C. grandiflorum and C. giganteum all grow practically in close proximity to each other, so that there is no reason why natural hybrids should not exist ! among importations of these species. j H. J. C. Warrea tricolor. — In habit and manner of 1 flowering this plant very closely resembles a I Phaius and its culture is very similar, the plant I delighting in a sound compost of loam, peat, and Sphagnum Moss. It is not often seen, bub I noticed several fine spikes of it the other day. These were about 2 feet high with many flowers, the colour of the sepals a yellowish white, with a pretty bright purple lip. It is very pretty, and the flowers laot a long time in good condition, but it is probably not showy enough for present day collectors to trouble about. A moderate amount ; of heat is necessary, the plant being a native of Colombia. It has been occasionally imported since 1829, the date of its introduction by I Messrs. Loddiges, but has never been popular or very plentiful. ' Odontoglossum Wallisi. — Although the j flowers of this species are not so large or showy as , those of the majority in the genus, it is an interesting and pretty plant. It is easily distin- guished from any other kind by the narrow foli- age, the petals standing exactly at right angles to an imaginary line drawn through the top sepal and lip, and by its distinct colouring, the brownish tint being margined with greenish yellow. The plant does well in a moderately cool house and should be given rather more root room in accordance with its size than most other kinds. The plant takes no distinct resting season, but must be moderately watered all the year round, lessening the root and atmospheric moisture a little in the dark days. It is found growing naturally further north than most of the Vene- zuelan species and high upon the Sierras, where it was discovered by the collector whose name it bears in 18GS. Odontog'lossuni Harryanum. — It was, I believe, a constant source of regret to the late Mr. Horsman, of Colchester, that this fine Odonto- glossum, which he was instrumental in bringing to this country, did not do better. Had he seen the fine specimens in the Trentham group of plants at Shrewsbury he would have had little cause to complain, for they were very good, one especially having a remarkably fine spike, appa- rently a yard or more in height, with magnificent , flowers. In this form it is a splendid Orchid, but, unfortunately, newly-imported plants are often , allowed to flower themselves almost to death, and ! they never get over the check. It is best, even ■ in the case of the strongest plants, to remove the I flowers as soon as open, and even to reduce their number to two or three when flowering for the ' first time in this country. Later they make ' strong growths, and, being established, they carry the blossoms to perfection. The plant likes a little more warmth the first year or two than most Odontoglots, and should be given fairly wide pots or pans. I AERIDES MULTIFLORUM. There is a great advantage in growing these lovely Orchids, in that many of these flower at a time when there is little else in flower. In the season of gorgeous Cattleyas and .ehowy Dendrobes one is apt to forget these grand plants, but now when most of the Cattleyas are over and the house is conspicuously dull, the Dendrobiums daily getting less like plants and more like a bundle of dried twigs and sticks, the ample foliage and glorious racemes of flower are peculiarly attractive. A. multiflorum is perhaps the best known of all Aerides with the single exception of A. odoratum, and though all the varieties are very pretty and useful ; plants, .some of them are much finer in colour and form than others. Culturally, A. multi- ; florum is not usually such a success as A. ' odoratum ; its habitat is probably at a greater elevation and in a less sheltered position than that of the latter, but of this I am not sure. Certain it is that while A. odoratum can hardly ' have too much heat and moisture and thrives I in a shady house, A. multiflorum in all its I forms likes a cooler and drier house, in which ' the growth every season is well consolidated as it is made. Plants grown in this kind of atmosphere flower very freely and regularly, I but, on the other hand, if kept year in and I year out in a constantly moist and shady house, the flowers will be very few indeed, and those that are produced will be poor in texture and colour. A. multiflorum is a fairly free-grow- ing, but not very strong plant, and, like all such, is better treated to a moderate-sized basket or pot than a very large receptacle such as suits a plant of the habit of Vanda suavis or V. tricolor, or even Aerides odoratum, which can be given more material about its roots with advantage. Clean Sphagnum Moss, as usual with the distich(jus-leaved kinds, is better for this Orchid than any mixture, and all that need be added is a little charcoal and a few 2o: THE GARDEN. [September 9, 1899. crocks to keep the mechanical state right. In have noted it in bloom almost every month in the an amateur's collection near by, plants of this year. The pretty Brassavola like flowers, with species when they cet at all sickly are washed tte.r white fambriated lip and creamy yellow specieti wiieu LiiK:y ^cu »^ J sepals and petals, last a fairly long time in good quite clear of all material about their roots J^^.^.^^ ^^^ ^J,^^ ^^,i f JeuttJng for button- They are then laid out for a while to dry, and ^^^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^ .^ altogether a very useful afterwards all decaying or dead roots are cut ^j^^^. ^^ ^^^^ j^ j^ ^j ^.j^^ g^siest possible cul- off, the stem itself being shortened if at all j.^.^^ j,^^ ^^^^ growers have found it less free- decayed. In more than one case I have seen flowering than most. This is chiefly on account a marked improvement in plants of this class of its being grown in too much heat and moisture, brought about simply by cutting off this bad end I thus keeping it in a state of perpetual growth when repotting, for anything decay ingordecayed instead of allowing it to take its proper resting cannot but have a bad effect upon the plant itself ' season. A light position in a house that suits the as well as upon the compost. Careless watering labiata section of Cattleyas is best for E. cuspida- after the plLts have been repotted ha^ n^ch f„-- -f,- -^^/X^t^^ow^^^^^^^^^ Immature growths seldom flower freely, and the plants so grown get into an unsatisfactory state. It is a native of the West Indies, where it covers a large tract of country, and, like all such, differs in the size of the flowers in various plants. to" answer for with regard to an unsatisfactory and well consolidate the growth each season, state at the roots, and where good Moss, green and fresh, is used, there is little need of water- ing in a house where the atmosphere is kept correctly moist. Dead Sphagnum Moss loses its natural power of imbibing moisture from the atmosphere, as it were, and it is just this power that has made it such a useful adjunct to successful Orchid culture. But when the Moss is healthy it will keep just moist for several weeks by being lightly damped occa NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ORCHIDS. Cattlfya aurea.— Again this superb Cattleya is in flower, and the sunny season has ripened the gi-owth well. I noticed a few nice plants in flower at sionally, and in this state is just the very best Shrewsbury in one of the large trade groups, and rootinc medium that this class of Orchid likes they always attract a good deal of attention. Many when young. After they have obtained a good growers still keep_ Ihis on the stage with the _other :'".,':', i °; , "■,, c „„..„„ l^^ m,,^!, Cattleyas, but wherever there hold the water supply will, of course, be much . ■» . anum. According to Kegel, who published it in ISSI:, E. Gaertneri was introduced by Messrs. Haage and Schmidt from the province of ilinas Geraes, in Brazil. Though the two may be regarded as synony- mous from a botanical point of view, yet from a horticultural standpoint there are certain slight, but well-marked differences between them. In E. Gaertneri the flattened stems are broader and with a shorter distance between the joints than in the other, while the terminal joints are fringed with prominent hairs (a noticeable feature in the Botanical Magaune drawing), but, as may be seen on the accom- panying plate, they are almost, if not quite, wanting in E. Makoyanum. The petals of E. Gaertneri are also somewhat shorter and of a rather lighter tint. As decorative plants the two are, however, on a par, and very beautiful they are, whUe their cultural requirements are but simple, and, given ordinary care and atten- tion, they will flower profusely. EriPHYi.LUM TRUNX'ATOM. — This, the best known and most generally cultivated species, was introduced from Brazil in 1818, and quickly became popular. Numerous varieties after a time made their appearance, many of them differing widely from each other and from the normal form. Some of the brighter-coloured flowers are room the plants ^ , . ought to be suspended from the roof. The receptacle 1 particularly attractive, and a specimen in full increased and kept up as long as growth is j^^. q^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ j,o^ ^^g large, but perfect drainage j bloom is a very showy feature. This Epiphyl- but later on in the winter when ^he ^just be secured. Water very freely just when tlie ' j^,^ m^y be treated in different wajs. In the going on. plants rest much less moisture is needed. For growth is resting, and afterwards in accordance with reasons above given, the plants are best sus- the^weatji_er.-II. pended from the roof, but care is necessary '^--.^--- during sharp weather that they are not injured. Oncidium macranthum.— There were some extremely tine spikes of this Oncidium in the Trentham group at Shrewsbury shown in the way I have frequently advised in these pages, i.<., not tied in any way, but allowed to the fullest extent to show their natural scandent habit. The The flowers of A. multiflorum are small indi- vidually, but the spikes on good plants are re- markably fine. They are usually a pretty soft rosy tint, one of the best coloured varieties being A. m. Godefroyanum, or, as it is sometimes ,^^^^^ ... _._ _ ^^_^ ^^ ^^^^ „^^,. „„^^^..„^„ „..j„„ , labelled, Aerides Godefroy;^;, after a famous pjant up have no idea of its fine appearance when tain'ed. A particularly fine example of a grafted first place it can be, and generally is, grafted as standards on to the Pereskia, the stem being any height from 9 inches to a yard or more. Next, given a good stout stock, a plant may be built up by inserting several grafts at intervals throughout its length. In hanging baskets, too, it is very effective, in which case grafting is not needed, the object of this mode of propagation effect was remarkably good, and I was very much bgjng to keep the pendulous branches clear of the pleased with it. Those who tie this beautiful goil, so that when suspended that object is atj I shown this way. — H. R. Garden Flora. French orchidist whose name it bears. Of this kind I noticed a very pretty piant with several long spikes in the collection of Mr. H. Rider Haggard, Ditchingham House, Norfolk, recently. The variety Lobbi is also a very good one, that called roseum being smaller in PLATE 1239. habit and bearing shorter spikes than the type. ^t^tx^xt,,t x ttttc It is a very old Orchid, having first been dis- EPIPHILLUMS. covered by Dr. W. Roxburgh in Sylhet some ; (with a colouked plate of e MAKOYANUM.*) years before the present century opened, and ]y[j.j;.],ioj,. ^f tj^g ggnus Epiphyllum suggests at introduced to this country by Messrs. Loddiges ^^^^ ^,^g charming winter-flowering E. trunca- The species in 1837 H. R. Cattleya Mendeli.— This fine Cattleya is flowering on the imported bulb at Shipley Hall, and there are some very fine forms open in the way of C. M. grandiflora. The lip of this Cattleya is among the best of any in the genus, for though not so large as that of the better forms of C. gigas, it is very finely frilled and beautifully tinted. The Shipley plants are very fine masses, and Mr. Tal- lack tells me that most of those imported this year have turned out remarkably well as to variety. Some of the plants are being tried in the Belgian leaf-mould, as grown in various continental nur- series, but it is yet too early to speak as to results. Cattleya Harrisoniae.— This is a very pretty Cattleya, and I have noted it in good condition in several collections recently. Flowering fairly late in the season as it does, it is more useful than those which flower at the time the labiata kinds are at their best, while the soft rosy lilac tint of the exquisitely shaped blossoms renders it useful for various kinds of decoration when cut. C. Harrieoni* blooms upon the current season's stems, and after flowering should be induced to rest for a few months. At Shipley it does well on blocks suspended from the roof, but growing in this way renders a lot of atmospheric moisture necessary. The thin compost is an advantage. Epidendrum cuspidatum. — This species is not at all constant in its time of flowering, and I once tum and its numerous varieties, in the coloured plate to-day dift'ers widely therefrom not only in the shape of the flower, but also in the season of blooming, as its showy blossoms are produced in the spring, generally in April and May. E. Makoyanum was, accord- ing to M. Pynaert in the Revue HoiiicnU, intro- duced from Brazil by M. Makoy in 1888. On April 2.'1, 1889, it was awarded a first-class cer- tificate by the Royal Horticultural Society. There is, moreover, a very nearly allied plant introduced previously to E. Makoyanum, and known as E. Russellianum Gaertneri and E. Gaertneri. Under this latter name it was figured in the Botmiical Mwiccine, t. 7201, where it is by Sir Joseph Hooker regarded as synonymous with E. Makoyanum, for he I have retained the name of Gaertneri for this plant as originally proposed, though only as a variety. E. Makoyanum was a mere name in Makoy's catalogue, and was adopted by Pynaert under the impression that it was a different species from Gaertneri, which, however, he al- ludes to when speaking of Makoyanum, but gives no characters for either differing from Russelli- * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in Mesi?rs. J. Yeitch and Sons' nursery at Chelsea. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart. specimen standing, I should say, nearly 6 feet high and laden with blossoms was very attractive last winter in the succulent house at Kew. A few good varieties of E. truncatum are magnifi- cum, bright rose ; salmoneum, reddish salmon ; coccineum, light red ; purpureum, deep purple ; Ruckerianum, reddish purple, shot violet : vie- laceum superbum, purple, light centre ; bicolor, white and rose ; aurantiacum, orange-red, and Princess, the latest addition to this section and not yet distributed. It received a first-class cer- tificate last autumn, the only variety previously honoured being in 18C4. In Princess the flowers are lighter than in the forms generally met with, the petals being white, suffused with purple, which colour is deeper towards the centre than at the edges, while in the throat there is a ring of purple-lake. A generation ago the blossoms of E. truncatum and its varieties used to be brought into Covent Garden Market in considerable num- bers during the winter season and realised a fair price. At that time the pincushion-like bouquets were more popular than they are nowadays, and the peculiar oblique-shaped blossoms were often wired and distributed at intervals around the edge. Now, however, the public taste is dif- ferent and the choice of subjects so extensive, that they are little used in this way, though as specimen plants they are as effective as ever. E. RussELLiANTM.— This is by some regarded as a variety of E. truncatum, and by others as a distinct species. It was introduced in 1839 from the Organ Mountains of Brazil, and was named in honour of the then great patron of horticulture, the Duke of Bedford, whose collector, Mr. Gard- ner, first sent it home. He described it as common on the mossy stems of trees, and also occasionally upon rocks, among the Organ Mountains. The flowers are rose-coloured and borne during the spring months. There are two or three varieties, but they do not show that marked divergence from the normal form which we find in E. trun- catum. p 9 !89a 4 I September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 203 Pkopaoatiox. The Epiphyllums can be struck readily enough from cuttings put into sandy soil and given very little water till rooted, but for reasons above detailed they are usually grafted. The Pereskia, which is employed as a stock, strikes root readily, and should be grown on freely in order to obtain as stout a stem as possible. For grafting, the stock may be cut down to the height required, and, the upper portion being split, the scion, whose base has been fashioned wedge-shape, should be inserted therein and secured in position, either by passing two or three spines of the Pereskia through or by tying the whole securely with matting or graft- ing cotton. After grafting, the plants should be placed in a shady part of the stove, and if the weather is bright they must be lightly syringed three or four times a day. In about a month the union will be complete, and as soon as this takes place the plants had better be removed to a lighter and more airy structure. When inserting several scions on to one stock, and as it were building up a specimen, the clean inci- sions should be made in a downward direction in the stock at intervals of 6 inches or there- abouts. The scions being fashioned wedge- shape are inserted into the places prepared for their reception and fixed securely in position. The Epiphyllums are easily grafted, but at the same time they must be fitted together accu- rately. Grafting may be done at almost any time of the year except in winter, but I prefer to carry it out in the spring or early summer, usually about May. CULTUKE. The general culture of these Epiphyllums may be soon summed up. After the flowering season is over they should have a period of rest, being kept drier at the roots and in a somewhat lower temperature. Having flowered in an intermediate house, the warm part of the greenhouse will then just meet their require- ments. Potting is best done in March or April, a very suitable compost for the purpose being two-thirds good yellow loam to one-third pounded brick rubble and soft bricks, with a liberal admixture of sand. A little well-decayed leaf-mould may with advantage be added if the loam is of a heavy nature. In potting, the soil should be pressed down firmly, and great care must be taken to keep the plant well secured to a stake or stakes, as if this is not done, the weight of the branches is apt to cause them to snap ofl'. After potting, the plants must be kept warmer, with occasional syringings, in order to encourage a free growth, while the supply of water at the roots may be increased, but care should be taken not to overdo them in this respect, as an excess of water may cause irreparable injury. Apart from the open nature of the soil, the pots employed must be thoroughly well drained. As the plants in- crease in size they may be kept for years without repotting, provided precautions are taken when potting them in the first place to keep the drainage open. In the case of these old-established plants they will be benefited by a little feeding in the shape of weak liquid manure during the growing period, and also just before the flowers develop. After the growth is completed the plants may be removed to a sunny greenhouse in order to ripen the wood and set their flower-buds, giving them at that period somewhat less water than when in full growth. The earliest may be taken into a little heat by the middle of September, and if a few at a time are so treated, a succession may be kept up for a considerable period. For suspended baskets, plants on their own roots are the most satisfactory, as they are better without any clear stem. Grown in this way photograph was taken is growing close to ray tlie flowers are seen to very great advantage, house, which is covered with Wistaria, Passion and the fact that they do not require so much Flower, &c., which form an excellent foil to water as many other subjects is greatly in their the Cordyline. At Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow, favour as basket plants, for the watering of where there is a large number of old Cordy- them is not always an ea.sy matter. I have also lines, they flower every year, some bearing four seen the varieties of E. truncatum employed or five heads of blossom. G. P. for clothing a sunny wall in a warm structure, | . the wall being faced with network which held in position some rooting material, consisting | I HE WEEK'S WORKi principally of peat and Moss. Syringed freely ■ during the growing season, the plants under , KITCHEN GARDEN. such conditions both grew and flowered freely. 1 Early Celery.— In the case of the earliest The section of Epiphyllums that flowers during | batches of Celery, slight earthing up will now be the spring months is amenable to the same mode of treatment as E. truncatum and its varieties, except that when necessary they should be repotted soon after their flowering season instead of early in the spring, as recom- mended for the others. H. P. necessary. Where the least trace of the Celery maggot exists immediate hand-picking must be resorted to, as I know of no effectual insecticide, and if taken in time a lad can soon get through a few rows. When growth is huddled together for earthing up, the pest, if not removed previously, works sad havoc by November, and not only is the general quality inferior in consequence, but decay sets in sooner. Any extra early rows of such varieties as Sandringham White or Early Rose wanted for the dining-room in October may now CORDYLINE (DRACAENA) AUSTRALIS. This stately, almost tropical-looking plant has been m cultivation in the milder parts of Great | have the final layer of soil applied and be banked Britain and Ireland for a good many years, and up, and where copious rains have recently fallen, the moisture will by the process be preserved. I always set two men to each row. One can then walk backward and grasp each stick firmly with both hands, while the other brings up the soil. Some gardeners prefer tying up each plant with strips of matting. At any rate, the soil must not be allowed to find its way into the centre. Later rows will now need a little attention, suckers having in some insoances grown out of the base. These must all be re- moved, also all weeds and rubbish, and a thorough good drenching of farmyard liquid given. When earthing up late Celery, a very wet or a very dry state should be avoided. The former encourages early decay, especially should the winter be wet or snowy, while the latter condition is productive of tough, indigestible growth. Where any spare plants were put out in drills for flavouring, a reservoir should be formed by drawing up more soil on either side with the hoe ; this will prevent artificial waterings from running to waste. The same treatment should be ac- corded Celeriac, which, though by no means commonly grown, is a most useful vegetable, especially in hard winters. TiiiNN'ixG Spixach. — The plants resulting from the earliest August sowings of winter Spinach will now be fit for thinning. A too free hand, however, must not be used, as wireworm will sometimes attack the young seedlings between now and the final thinning stage. A distance of a foot should be left between each plant when growth is free and healthy. When sown on more exposed quarters a little less distance will suffice, as, being more hardy, the foliage is less liable to suffer from wet or frost. Even where a liberal quan- tity of soot and lime was dug in when the ground was being prepared, I would advise an- other sprinkling of the latter as soon as the first thinning is completed, mixing with it a little fish manure and using the Dutch hoe afterwards. This will give the crop a good start and a better chance of resisting grub and canker. Succes- however, easily protected by tying all the j gional sowings must be watched, and, if neces- leaves up into a bunch, the outer ones protect- I sary, cleaned as soon as the young growth peeps ing all the rest. The plant from which the ' through the surface. This crop repays any labour Cordyline in flotver. From a phntngraph by Mr. Qreenwood Pirn, DiMin. when strong and old enough frequently blooms, bearing one or more large, densely-branched panicles of small whitish flowers, followed by abundance of seed, as shown in the annexed illustration. It is nearly hardy, but a severe frost will damage the half-developed leaves, the very young ones, which are enclosed in the cone of older ones, usually escaping. It is. 204 THE GARDEK [September 9, 1899. that may be bestowed on it. I have previously referred to the wisdom of sowing both the prickly and round varieties of Spinach at this season, having proved the so-called summer variety equally as hardy as the prickly, and sometimes one will do better than the other. On heavy soils slugs often attack young tender Spinach, and quickly riddle the leaves if not noticed. A sprinkling of lime and soot or wood ashes occa- sionally 13 the best preventive. Where winter Spinach is much in demand and any vacant plots | of ground still exist, seed may yet be sown with ' a fair prospect of success, the produce, provided ' the winter is tolerably mild, coming in most useful at the new year. For these late sowings a sunny border is preferable. Do not draw the drills too deeply at this advanced date. AuTUM.v Cadliflowers. — These will now demand attention. On hot soils this season Autumn Giant has a very blue appearance, owing to insufficient root moisture. When in this un- satisfactory condition caterpillars often attack them, and the heads turn in prematurely and are deformed and poor in quality. To prevent this give at once a good watering with liquid manure, repeating it in a week's time. This stimulant will soon alter the colour and general condition of the plants. Where the plants are growing in narrow borders that can be easily reached, a good drenching overhead with the hose or garden engine will aid in cleansing filth from the leaves and cavities, benefiting the roots likewise. When the heads are developing, care must be taken to preserve the colour, this being best done by tying up the leaves over them so as to exclude light and sun-heat. Should there be any doubt that the supply will not last out till the reiiuired date, the plants may be lifted with as much soil attached • as possible and laid in by the heels behind a north ' wall, allowing a little space between each for a free circulation of air. Walcheren, where grow- ing on Celery ridges, may, if the soil is required for earthing up, be laid in in the same manner. Self-protecting Autumn is unsurpassed for follow- ing on the heels of Autumn Giant. It is well pro- tected by its folding interior leaves and comes in piecemeal, keeping in a usable condition in a cool place for some time. If care is used this valuable Broccoli may be had up to the time B.ackhouse's or other favourite winter varieties are tit for cut- ting. J. C. OUTDOOR FRUITS. Apples. — The Apple crop, taking it as a whole, is not a very satisfactory one throughout the country, and I hear very bad reports from the eastern counties. Generally speaking, early varieties appear to be giving the best crops, and this being so, it behoves all who wish to make their supply cover as long a season as possible to prepare for gathering slightly in advance of the usual i-eason. A very generally accepted but fallacious idea is that Apples keep best when allowed to hang on the trees as long as possible before gathering, but my experience is quite the reverse of this, as I have always found that most Apples, especially the early varieties, keep best when they are picked as soon as they will part from the tree with their stems intact, even if a fair amount of force has to be used in plucking them. Perhaps this may not hold good when the fruit room is not so cool as it should be, as then some amount of shrivelling will take place, but with a properly-constructed room that can be kept down to shade temperature and that is not over-venti- lated, one need not fear shrivelling, and the fruits come up to perfection and will last for weeks longer than they will if allowed to really ripen on the trees. A case that will go far to prove my point here is that for some years I wanted to keep some good dishes of Warner's King for the middle of Novem- ber, but always failed to do so until I adopted early picking, that is to say, picking when the fruits reached full size but were still quite green, after which I had no further trouble and always had some perfect dishes for the date mentioned. grand in colour and without the slightest tendency to shrivel. Manks and Keswick Codlins can be well kept in the same way, and that fine useful AppIeCrimson Queening, which is not nearly so frequently grown nor well known as it should be, will alone cover a season of four or five months if picked early and stored in a cool room. I have not found the colour of this or any other highly coloured variety suffer in the least from early picking. Of course I do not advocate getting off tlie fruits when they are palpably un- fit or all at one time, but what I wish to insist on is that the general tendency is to leave the early Apples too long on the trees, whereas they might be safely housed where they will be out of reach of birds and wasps. It is particularly necessary that no unsound fruit should go to the store, as these soon decay and spread decay to others in contact with them. Methods of storing have greatlj- improved of 'a.e years, and it is almost needless to mention that no fruit should be placed on straw, hay, or any other dried vegetable matter, as all such things soon acquire a musti- ness which is transferred to the fruits as they ripen and spoils them. The very best thing I have found for storing benches is slate, but as slate benches of sufficient thickness to bear a hea\y weight are expensive, the advantages gained by the use of slate can be attained in a more economical manner by covering the ordinary i lattice shelves of the fruit room with roofing slates; these will take up some of the moisture given off now by the fruiis and will remain cool, slightly damp, and equable in temperature — just the conditions which suit the fruits best. If board shelves only be used in the fruit room, they ' should be of some sort of white wood which does not contain resin or anything that would taint the fruits. For preference they should be close- boarded, as the sharp edges of lattice-work shelves frequently bruise and spoil one's best fruits. Pears, — These will require still more attention to gathering than Apples, for they vary more in their seasons of ripening, so that no hard-and-fast line can be laid down with regard to them, and only the experienced cultivator will know just when it is best to pick. Some of our best Pears, such as Marie Louise, may be greatly lengthened in season by being picked in batches of a few dozen at a time, the quantities at the first pick- ings being regulated by the demand. Duche-se d'Angouleme and a few others which ripen up naturally during September and October should be treated in the same way, while late varieties are best left on the trees as long as they will hang, or until the nights begin to get very frosty. PLU.MS.— Wasps and bluebottle flies, the latter especially, have been particularly troublesome this year, and Plums suffer a great deal from ' their attacks. Where the Plums are wanted especially for cooking it is best to pick them ofT before they become quite ripe, as many of the cooking varieties keep well if put in single layers in a dry and cool room, provided they are not over-ripe when picked. As regards dessert kinds, these must be allowed to ripen on the trees, and ! in a scarce season like the present it is worth j while to protect the best fruits individually by . enclosing each in a separate piece of very thin muslin, which should be big enough to hang ' loosely round the fruit, so that it may dry quickly I after a shower. Later on, as the fruits ripen, they should be picked on a dry day, and each sound fruit which can be spared for the time should be wrapped in a piece of tissue paper and put away in a drawer to keep till required. Coe's Golden Drop, Ickworth Imperatrice, and Reine Claude de Bavay are a trio that can be depended upon to keep well in this way, but they must be stored in single layers and kept quite dry and cool, having an occasional look over to remove any fruits that may be decaying. Prospeotive plantinu. — Though early yet to think about commencing the planting of outdoor tree or bush fruits, this is an excellent time to go to the nurseries and see as well as to order any ' stock that may be wanted, and where more than a dozen or so of trees are to be selected there is a great deal to be gained by being early in the field in this respect. I like to see the stock growing, as a much better idea of their fruiting capacity and general quality can be gained by seeing the trees in leaf, and possibly in fruit, than can be formed later when the leaves are gone. There is also the satisfaction of being able to make one's own selection, so that there may be no mistake aa to variety, &c. The long-continued drought has made ground operations almost impossible, but as soon as the soil is in fit condition it will be best to get the work in hand, double digging any ground that may be set apart for tree or bush planting. This is more satisfactory than digging pot holes, however big, for by double digging the entire plot well in advance of planting, the ground settles together and there are no hard sides — difficult for the roots to penetrate — left to the holes when dug. If there is plenty of burnt earth and wood ashes at hand, a heavy dressing of these before digging will be helpful, but it the supply is limited it will be better to reserve it for use near the roots when planting. No manure should be used except, perhaps, for bush fruits. CORNUEIAN. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. NORTHERN. Wythenshawe, Northenden.— Apples in this garden are very few, and in the neighbour- hood they are generally scarce, though some have fair crops here and there on Stirling Castle and Grenadier. Pears may be termed moderate, the frost we registered at the latter end of May and the ungenial, dry weather which extended into June being unfavourable for the setting of the bloom. Of Plums we have none, and which is general in this neighbourhood. Cherries in the open are a light crop, but on walls Morellos are better. Black and Red Currants and Rasp- berries are very good, and so are Strawberries. Gooseberries are mostly a light crop. Some com- plain of the birds as the cause, while in many cases the early blooms were caught by frost, and those whicb opened later gave a few berries, but only making a very light crop. Vegetable crops are now looking better since the rain came. Early Cauliflowers on good ground have done well, while later ones had nob made much headway before the acceptable rain. Peas are very good, especially where previously well supplied with manure. Other crops of vege- tables are looking well, except perhaps in some cases Carrots have had an attack of fly, and Celery, having been well supplied with water, is looking very well. — James Dale. Kirklevington Hall, Yarm. — The fruit prospects here are not so satisfactory as they pro- mised to be at the flowering season, particularly in the case of Apples, the late frosts and cold, dry weather having crippled the bloom. Apples are a light crop ; Pears moderate ; Plums quite a failure. Gooseberries are the lightest crop we have had in this district for many years. Straw- berries, Currants (Red and Black) are a good average crop ; Cherries are thin ; Raspberries are an abundant crop and good. Vegetables have done fairly well where water- ing has been attended to. Peas and Potatoes are turning out well. — Alexander Cunningham. Hurworth Grange, Darling'ton. — In the spring everything gave promise of a fruitful year, all kinds of fruit trees being laden with bloom, but late frosts and dry cutting winds have once more caused disappointment. Apples, Pears and Plums are very thin. Cherries, both dessert and cooking, are a fine crop. Peaches in case and Apricots that were protected with a good canvas sheet are both good. Gooseberries, Black, White and Red Currants are a good crop, the fruit fine, the rain coming at the right time for them. Strawberries were plentiful, but we got the dry weather when they were swelling and the wet when ripening, so that a great many rotted September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 205 before beinj^ ready to gather. K ispbtrnos ajo good. Tomatoes plentitul. i Early Potatoes are small ; early Cauliflowers i moderate ; early Peas did not fill well ; midseason and later ones look better. All kinds of summer j and autumn vegetable are doing pretty well. — J. j SiMl'SOX. 1 Broughton Hall, Yorks.— This spring was most disastrous to Peaches, Pears, Plums, and Cherries, not so much the frosts as the continuous parching east winds. Never did the fruit trees promise better. Peaches, Plums, Pears, and Cherries were exceptionally full of fine healthy blossom, and though well protected with fish netting and canvas at night the crops of all kinds mentioned are thin. Blister on Peach trees is very bad, but, thanks to a more congenial sum- mer, the trees are now in excellent health and vigour. Apples, Strawberries, and bush fruit are abundant. Black Currants excepted. For several years past I have never had the magnificent crops of Black Currants I used to have. Peas and Cauliflowers are very late ; midseason crops of the latter almost a failure : Peas excel- lent, thanks to timely mulching. Potatoes are excellent. The recent rains have improved vege- tables of all kinds. Midseason and late Peas are excellent. — J. Rainbow. Chillingham Gardens, Belford, North- umberland.— Owing to late frosts all the early blossom on the Apricots was killed, but a few late blooms were saved. They never looked better, but '28" of frost on March '21 was too much for them and a lot of branches died as well. Straw- berries have been a heavy crop, especially Royal Sovereign ; Raspberries a good crop and very fine : Gooseberries a failure ; Black and White Currants good. Red have often been better. Cherries are very light, also Peaches and Pears ; Apples a fair crop on some trees ; Plums a light crop. Wineberries are looking well, likewise Wilson's American Bramble. The Loganberry ' is but a light crop. Nuts are splendid. Peas, Cauliflowers, Beet, Carrots and Cabbages are all very good. Potatoes are poor, likewise Turnips, Lettuces, French Beans and Onions, as a lot of the seed never came up owing to the cold and wet. It rained less or more for ten weeks all but three days. — R. Henderson. Burnhopeside Hall, Lanohester, Durham. — We are at a disadvantage in this district com- pared to the more southern counties. Apricots and Peaches are very precarious unless they are well protected. Peaches and Nectarines inside are good ; Apples, Pears and Plums are thin ; Morello and Sweet Cherries are a fair crop : Strawberries and Raspberries are good. Vegetables are doing well, the late rains suit- ing them well. — Charles La(EV. Edenhall, Langwathby. — The fruit crops in these parts are, I think, a good average. Straw- berries and Raspberries are very heavy and the fruit fine. Apples and Pears are a good crop, but Plums are a failure. Apricots and Peaches are good, as also are all bush fruits. All vegetable crops look very promising. — Arthur Smith. Naworth Castle, Carlisle. — In this neigh- bourhood the fruit crop is below the average. Apples, Pears, and Plums being scarce. Black, Red, and White Currants have been plentiful, also Raspberries and Cherries. Strawberries have also been a heavy crop, but owing to the severe drought in .lune their season has been short, though on a late border Eleanor and Elton Pine are still (August 14) carrying a nice crop of fruit. Vegetables on the whole are now doing well. The earliest sowings of the Brassica family, espe- cially Cauliflowers, were more or less ruined by grub. Carrots in most places are almost a failure from a like cause, and early Turnips were severely checked with drought and fly. Onions are doing well, and though the maggot is again with us, nice crops will be saved, especially those raised inside and transplanted, they being quite free from grub. Early Peas did well ; midseason varieties not so satisfactory, and birds have made matters worse, even nets failing to ward oil' the tomtits and other small birds. Potatoes are a splendid crop all round, with up to this date no appearance of disease. — .J.vmes Hilson. Harewood House, Leeds. — Apples are on the light .side, but promise to be of good quality. So far the trees are clean and healthy — at least the young ones and those that were lifted and root-pruned some years ago. I find the young trees that were planted on entirely fresh ground doing best. Further experience teaches me that it is a waste of time bothering with old trees, even although they look as if they could be improved. The following varieties have borne well for the last four years and promise to ripen fruit of fair quality this year ; Alfriston,Lord Derby, Warner's King, Ecklinville (this and Stirling Castle seldom if ever fail here). Winter Hawthornden, Lane's Prince Albert, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Potts' Seed- ling, Lord Suftield, Cellini and Northern Greening. Pears are to be a very light crop, the best being Williams' Bon Chretien, Jargonelle, Clapp's Favourite, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Souvenir du Congrfes, Brown Beurre and Pitmaston Duchess. The last, grafted on the top of a horizontal- trained tree of Beurre de Capiaumont, promises to ripen some excellent fruit, veiy large for this district and perfectly free from blemish or spot of any kind. Plums are light ; Apricots fair ; Cherries good. Peach trees have suSered from blister and the crop is very poor. Strawberries are a fair crop. Royal Sovereign is certainly the best sort grown here either for forcing or outside work ; next come Keens' Seedling and President. Small fruits (except the Black Currant) are a good crop ; Red Currants are a heavy crop ; Goose- berries also. No caterpillars so far have made their appearance on the Gooseberry. The worst enemy here this season is the American blight on the old Apple trees. Vegetables have done very well, Peas in par- ticular. May Queen and William I. were sown end of February and ready to gather second week of June, which is considered early here. Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, Talephone, Ne Plus Ultra and others promise well. Cabbages, Cauliflowers, and Broad Beans are healthy and doing well. Potatoes (late sorts) look very well ; early sorts have been very small, but of good quality. Spinach, of which there have been many complaints of not doing well this season, has been grand here. Lime has been freely applied in the gardens here and we are seldom troubled with either Onion or Carrot pests. — J. Jeffrey. Kimbolton Castle, Kitabolton. — Apples, Pears, and Plums are a very poor crop, though there was plenty of bloom, the fruit falling off after setting. Peaches are an average crop, but Apricots are quite a failure. Gooseberries, Cur- rants, and Raspberries were very good and fine. Strawberries are an average crop, but fruit very small owing to the frost, which cut all the earliest and finest blooms. Morello Cherries are only a fair crop ; Nuts are very scarce. —J. Hewitt. Abney Gardens, Cheadle, Cheshire. —The fruit crops here are very poor. This is about one of the worst years we have had for a long time. Strawberries certainly have been well got, but the crop is short and a lack of fine fruit. This could not Ije otherwise, as a large proportion of the early blooms was killed by frost, as we could see them black in the heart when the flowers were open. Raspberries are a good crop ; so are Black Currants. Red Currants and Gooseberries were very much injured by sparrows taking the buds. There are no Plums, very few Cherries, scarcely any Pears, and Apples are not a general crop. Grenadier, Cellini, Lord Grosvenor, and Potts' I Seedling have good crops ; many of the other trees I have scarcely a fruit on. Lord Suftield that here usually does well has scarcely a fruit on. Potatoes have done well, and these generally hereabouts are looking well. Puritan I find still our first early, then Sbarpe's Victor. I have had I some very good early Cauliflowers, Dean's Snow- ball first and then Early London. I transfer them two in a pot to the open ground and leave them so, as nice moderate-sized heads are quite tight for the kiiohen. Eirly Pea-' urj over ; they were William I. and Gradus. The former was the better with me. Later Peas, Ne Plus Ultra, are looking well. Onions, especially those raised under glass in January and planted out in April, are in very good condition. Brussels Sprouts for winter arealso looking well. — Robert Mackeixar. Abbotswood, Furness Abbey. — The Apple crop here is a very heavy one, much above the average, but Pears are very scarce all over the district and Plums under the average. This is a bad locality for stone fruit. There is a good crop of May Duke Cherries, also Morellos. Strawberries Eleanor and President are cropping well, with finely coloured fruit. Gooseberries, Currants, &c., are heavy crops. Vegetables are not so good owing to the cold, wet spring ; some varieties of Peas are bearing a heavy crop, — I. Sincleton. Birdsall Gardens, York. — I consider it one of the worst fruit seasons we ever had. Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, and all kinds of bush fruits are under the average. Strawberries have been very good from plantations made last autumn, which says much for annual plantations of this useful fruit. Old beds have been good, but not equal to the new beds. There are exceptions in the new beds ; for instance, -100 strong young plants of Laxton's Monarch have not shown a truss. My best varieties are Black Prince, Royal Sovereign, Noble, President, Sir J. Paxton, and Gunton Park. The last is one of the very best for packing and sending a long dis- tance, and excellent in quality. Apricots on out- side walls are a failure. I have a good crop in the Apricot shed. Peaches on outside walls usually carry good crops here, but this season we have none. There are some trees of Victoria Plum in this district carrying heavj- crops, also large old trees of the old Hessle Pear with good crops. Early Potatoes were damaged by the late frosts in May, and consequently are very small but good in quality. Asparagus is very good. Peas have done well. We have a good early variety in Thomas Laxton, excellent in colour and flavour. A sowing of this variety was made here on April 3, and they were in condition for gathering on July 1. Other varieties that do well here are Veitch's Early Marrow, Maincrop, Prodigy, Auto- crat, British Queen, and Champion of England, still one of the best. Late Potatoes are looking well. — Bailey Wadds. EASTERN. Bloxholm Hall Gardens, Lines. — Our fruit crops here are generally very scanty this year. During the flowering season Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches and Apricots were laden with blossom, and an excellent fruit year seemed inevitable, but late sharp frosts quickly did their destructive work, blasting our hopes of a fruitful season to a great extent. Cherries, both sweet and Morello, are an average crop and of good quality. Of Apples, Keswick Codlin, Lord Suf- field, Stirling Castle, Bramley's Seedling and King of Tomkins Co. are average crops, of good quality, but these few embr.ice all the varieties that we have anything of a crop on at all. Pears are still worse, and I cannot name a single variety on which there is anything approaching a crop. The same remark applies to Peaches and Apricots. Of bush fruits Gooseberries were a failure, whereas Red and Black Currants were both heavy crops of fine quality. Strawberries were poor. Early and maincrop Peas have been excellent both in quantity and quality. Early Potatoes very fair; main-crops give good promise. — W. LUMSDEN. Shrubland Park, Ipswich. — The scarcity of bloom on fruit trees this spring, which in some instances had in consequence of the mild winter been forced on before its usual season, did not give hope of heavy fruit crops, but, all things con- sidered it is surprising to see as much fruit as we have. We have fair crops of the following sorts of Apples : Court Pendu Plat, Cox's Orange Pip- 206 THE GARDEK. September 9, 1899. pin, Ribston Pippin, Warner's King, King of the Pippins, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Gloria Mundi, Eok- linville Seedhng, Blenheim Orange, Manks and Keswick Codlins. Pears are under the average, but a few trees are carrying good crops, notably Doyenn^ du Cornice, Emile d'Heyst, Pitmaston Duchess, Louise Bonne, Marie Benoist, Vicar of Winkineld, Knight's Monarch and Catillac. Damsons are a good crop, but other stone fruit is scarce. Apricots are an entire failure. Red and Black Currants, Gooseberries and Raspberries are plentiful. Strawberries were a good crop, but the fruit was small ; that I attribute to the drought last season and the consequent weakening of the plants. All vegetable crops are doing well. Peas, where good cultivation has been given, are a good crop, and as yet the later varieties are not show- ing the slightest trace of mildew. Early Pota- toes have been good. The later varieties are doing well and rain has fallen just in time to help them forward — G. Taylor. The Gardens, Gunton Park, Norwich. — In this part of Norfolk, along the coast, Apples and Plums are a very bad crop. A few trees of Czar and Early Violet are fair ; other kinds a complete failure. Late-flowering Apples, like Court Pendu Plat and Colonel Harbord, escaped the bad weather and have set a fair crop ; other kinds miserably thin. Pears on walls are very fair ; most of the kinds required some thinning ; trees fairly healthy and clean ; Pear slug not so troublesome as in former seasons. Cherries are good, especially Bigarreau Napoleon, Elton, and Black Tartarian. Morellos set well, but have turned yellow to some extent and fallen, owing to the intense drought and heat. Strawberries, Rasp- berries, and Gooseberries are good crops. Straw- berries lasted a shorter season than usual, owing to the great heat and drought. Currants, White, Red, and Black, are under average and small on light soils. Walnuts very plentiful. The most reliable and latest Strawberries are Latest of All, Waterloo, and Lord Suffield. There is a great demand for late Strawberries here, near the coast. Potatoes, although smaller than usual, are wonderfully good in quality. First and second earlies are ripe, or nearly ripe, and may be lifted out of harm's way, as, when the rains come, disease and second growth will be sure to follow after this extremely dry and hot period. — W. Allan. Huntingdon and St. Neots.— Apples nnly half a crop, after a splendid promise. Pears are good on walls ; on standards a failure. Peaches and Nectarines are poor : trees badly mildewed : Apricots a complete failure. Plums are poor ; Victoria and Gages fairly good crop ; Morello Cherries excellent ; sweet Cherries do not succeed in this locality. Raspberries, Currants, and Gooseberries are heavy crops, and all clean and good : Strawberries about half a crop and rather small, owing to early blossoms being cut by frost. Filberts and Walnuts are thin, scarcely half a crop. Our crops upon the whole are much under the average. Potatoes are good, but rather late. I still con- sider Ringleader the best early Kidney in culti- vation, followed by Duke of York and Ideal. Cauliflowers good, but soon over, owing to dry, hot weather. Early Peas and Beans were good, but late crops a failure. Onions raised in heat and transplanted are excellent, while the spring- sown are very small and poor. Carrots excellent, also Cabbage and French Beans. Flixton Hall, Bungay.— In this districc, with the exception of most of the small fruits, the crops are very unsatisfactory. In the early part of the year the trees looked very promising, but severe frosts during the week from March 19 to 25 destroyed all the strongest blossoms, both open and in bud, on Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricot?. During that week we had from 20° to 2.3° of frost. With so much frost, three and four thicknesses of fish netting afforded but little pro- tection. Pears are only a light crop and Apples the same. The latter were late in coming into blossom, and I have always observed that if the trees are in blossom and nearly in full leaf at the same time we rarely get a good crop of fruit. Cherries, both on standard and trained trees, are fairly good. Plums are partial. Gooseberries nearly all dropped off in a young state owing to continual frosts, the foliage at the time not benig sufficiently forward to atford the young fruit pro- tection. Strawberries, Raspberries, and Cur- rants are plentiful and good. All kinds of vegetables are looking well. Peas have been and are still abundant. Potatoes on heavy land look well and the crop promises to be very good, but on light land they are not quite so satisfactory, for, owing to the want of rain, the haulm is turning yellow and the tubers are small.— H. Fisher. Babraham, Cambridge. — The fruit crop in this neighbourhood is not a good one this season. Apples are very uneven. The Codlins seem the most plentiful. Ribston and Cox's Orange have a crop, and King, M^re de Menage, Newton Wonder, Peasgood's. Wealthy, Queen, Prince Albert, and a few different Pearmains are also bearing. Plums are scarce, except on walls ; Pears the same. Cherries are a very fair crop. Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines are the thin- nest crops I ever had. The severe frost on March 20 (.33° at 2 feet from the ground) was Onions are excellent this season. Most were sown in boxes and pricked out into their quarters. — .T. Hill. Trees and Shrubs. OLEARIA HAASTI. This bids fair to become — in some districts at least — nearly as common as the ubiquitous Privet, for it occurs in most gardens large or small, and very few evergreen shrubs hold their own so well within the smoke and dirt of London as this New Zealand Daisy Tree, which is just now producing its tiny white flowers in great profusion. The fact that it does not bloom till the month of August, when few other shrubs are in flower, is a great point in its favour. In several places along the embank- ment at Chelsea it is laden with blossoms. This Olearia forms a dense-growing, somewhat lumpy bush, clothed with deep green Box-like leaves. It is not nearly so graceful as some other species, but as a set-oflf is far hardier and more indifl'erent to soil and situation than any of the rest. JIany only succeed in favoured ulearia Uaasti. From a pliotpjrnph sent by Mr. F. Rossiter, l:alh. more than any blossom could pass through al- though heavily protected. Trees that were not in flower at the time are all right. Sea Eagle, Princess of Wales, Goshawk and Barrington Peaches, and Lord Napier Nectarine have suf- fered the most in consequence of their being earlier to bloom. Gooseberries in this garden are nearly a failure, but in some places near are good. Raspberries are a fair crop. Black and Bed Currants are good. Strawberries are a very short crop. Nuts are scarce. The season has been very indifferent. Cold winds and drought with late frosts have been all against good fruit crops, without taking into consideration the drought of last year, which must mean failure on light soils for the next year's fruit. Vegetables were late, but very good and plenti- ful. Peas were late. Sutton's May Queen is very early, but too tall for borders. I still rely on Chelsea Gem and Sutton's Marrowfat Seedling for the earliest crop on borders, and Earliest Marrow for the open quarter. On some damp ground I had Criterion and Duke of Albany — a better lot no one could wish for. Potatoes will be small this year. I grew on an early border Veitch's Improved Ashleaf. No one need wish for a better kind. The crop was very heavy and the tubers smooth, white, and of good flavour. districts, such as the south of England and Ireland, and in many places need the protec- tion of a greenhouse. Olearia Haasti is readily increased by cuttings from 4 inches to (i inches long, put into pots of sandy soil, and kept in an ordinary garden frame till rooted. If taken about midsummer tliey will be struck by this,^ but the present is also a very suitable time, as they will produce roots before winter. Of course, the frame must be kept close and shaded during bright sunshine. H. P. Rhus Cotinus. — I noticed a very finely feathered plant of this in a Nottingham garden recently, the long fluffy tendrils very bright for a town garden. It is very effective when grown singly on a lawn and allowed to spread naturally, the plant having a very distinct habit that,^ though it cannot be called elegant, is quite suit- able in such positions. Propagation is effected by- cuttings of ripened wood and by suckers, that in some soils spring up very readily. A light, open soil, a high and dry position, and not too much exposure suit it best. — H. R. Rubus phoenicolasius. — This interesting berried plant is much in need of improvement so far as its fruits are concerned, whilst as a Bramble J September 9, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 207 it is the most ornamental of all the fruiters, yet the fruits are small, though most profusely borne, and are much inferior to those of an ordinary Blackberry. Possibly an infusion into it of ^ood Raspberry blood might add to the merit of the fruit appreciably. That crosses between Brambles and Raspberries have produced some fine results, as also some worthless ones, we have had evi- dence. Golden Queen Raspberry and The Mahdi, a very black Raspberry, are capital and make valuable additions to our stocks. Of these fruits, Rubus laciniatus under good culture is the most prolific and profitable of all Blackberries, and Mitchell's Selected, a very fine form of our common Blackberry, shows what can be done by patient selection. Some day, perhaps, we may secure both red and white or yellow Bramble- berries. — A. D. Park and Woodland. WHERE TO PLANT. Latituhe. Latitude, as we all know, affects vegetation all over the world, and it is one of the conditions that the planter has the least control over. By latitude I am here referring to the distance of any point from the equator. That the influence of latitude on vegetation is marked within cer- tain wide limits is certain, but within say a line of 1000 miles long, or about the length of the British Islands, it is not so marked. One may travel pretty well from the Grampians to a point a good distance beyond Paris without seeing much dift'erence in vegetation, but much depends on the configuration of the country. This is true particularly of Great Britain as regards forest trees and farm crops. It has often been said that the Scotch Fir, Spruce, and allied species are the only trees fit to plant in the north, but the assertion is far from the mark, for whereas these trees, where the local conditions are suitable, thrive just as well south as north, while the species regarded as tender, like some of our broad-leaved timber trees, do as well in the north as in the south, and in some places better. If a distinct e.tcep- tion can be made, it is the Oak. It certainly does not grow so fast anywhere in Scotland as it does in the midlands and south of England, and the quality of Scotch Oak is, as a rule, inferior, being more subject to ring-shake and frost cracks. According to accounts of the members of the R.S.A.S., the Oak in the south of Scotland has been found to be so badly ring- shaken as to be wholly worthless as a crop. This was on an estate near Peebles. Further north, in Aberdeenshire, I was shown fairly well-grown Oaks the trunks of which had been rent by frost. The proprietor told me that in severe winters the cracks were so wide in some trees that he could push his fingers into them easily. Such cracks close again in summer, but in some trees they bleed freely when the sap begins to move. I have often seen cracks in the Elm in Yorkshire that I could shove the blade of a knife into, Vmt mature Oak shaken in that way is not very common. With exceptions like these over the whole of Britain, from north to south, I should venture to say that the forester might plant with every prospect of success nearly the whole of our British forest trees regardless of latitude, pro- vided he chooses his species according to aspect and elevation. I am of opinion that no greater mistake has been made in Scotland within the last 100 years than that of planting too many Firs, exclusive of Larch, and too few broad- leaved species — hardwoods. I had last year to report on the woods on an estate north of the Tay, and could not help thinking how much the estate had lost in value by the planting of the wrong species, Scotch Fir and Spruce pre- dominating everywhere, which could not at the present time be given away, and which it has always been known would never be of much value ; whereas Ash, Elm, Beech, and Syca- more, it was equally well known, could be grown to perfection and to a large size in less time than the Firs, which they over-topped wherever mixed, while making also grand park and hedgerow trees. A reference to the estate books showed that nothing but the last-named species had been sold for many years, and the prices got were exceptionally high, especially for the Sycamore, which was sent (good butts) to England. These remarks apply to many spots in the north of Scotland. A few degrees of latitude is hardly felt provided there is natural shelter, and the forester may often do much by choosing his situations. Many gar- deners, foresters, and especially gamekeepers, who have never crossed the Tweed have a notion that Scotland is a region of snow and ice during a large portion of the year. It would surprise them to find parts not unlike Kent as far north as Forfarshire. The Vale of Strathmore is an example. This great tract of almost level land, sheltered on the east and west and protected by the Grampians on the north, is a paradise of the farmer and gardener. The soil is also rich, and crops of all kinds are excellent. Peach Royal George on open walls I have seen well over in Septem- ber, Plums dead ripe, and Apples (fine sorts) the same. Hardwood forest trees equal any- thing found in the most favoured parts of England. The farming is of the highest order, and the farm-steadings are probably not sur- passed anywhere. The Carse o' Qowrie, Cirse o' Stirling, and many other places might be mentioned equally favourable to agriculture and forestry. Even in Ross-shire and beyond the Moray Firth the climate is delightful, al- though the exposure is eastward, while the mildness of the west of Scotland and its islands where the cittle are pastured all the winter is proverbial. Brown, who knew just as much about the climate of Great Britain as he did I about forestry, professes to speak with the greatest confidence on the suitableness of the soil and climate of Great Britain to the growth of trees, and tells us things that have not a leg to stand upon. For example, all that part of the country between the river Tees and the Firth of Forth is, we are told, "fourth-rate" both in respect to soil and climate for hard- i wooded trees, whereas both are generally first- ' class. Beyond that from Edinburgh and Glas- gow and further north the conditions are fifth- , rate, while the greater part of the country "to the north of the central plain of Scotland " is I generally unsuitable to any trees except Pine I and Fir. That, we are told, is the Pine-grow- ing region of Britain (" Forester," page 11), England has long been a Pine-growing region, especially the south, and before long it will probably have more Scots Fir in Hants, Surrey, Sussex alone than there is in all Scotland. The Germans say the Scots Fir is eminently a low country tree, preferring warm situations, and the Dutch allotment holders grow crops of it for deals in their small plots. Also on the warm, sandy lands near the Maine you may travel for miles through Scots Fir alone, and islands of Scotchlogsfloat down the Rhine past Bingen every day. It was such teachers as Brown that led unquestioning, well-meaning Scotch proprietors to go on dibbling in Firs in the belief that nothing else would grow, and who now find their estates of much less value than they might have been. Travel over Scotland anywhere you choose, up the eastern and down the western side, between the borders and the Caledonian Canal, and without leaving the train, it may easily be seen how far wrong we have hitherto been about the climate and trees. Some of the finest examples of Ash, Elm, Sycamore and Beech I have even seen have been in the high- lands of Scotland, in the gullies and glens where nothing else would grow. There are or were some remarkable Aslies at Dunkeld. At Bel- mont Castle, Forfarshire, the hardwood trees for their size and height are a feature, and one patch of Beech in the park called the " Straight Beeches," and much thought of for their tall, clean, cylindrical trunks, are the finest specimens I ever saw, except in the Beech forests near Louterburg. I took their height and girth last year. At Monymusk, a little beyond Aberdeen, there are also fine examples of hardwoods, and, if I remember rightly, several large Walnut trees. Aspect. So much for latitude. Throughout Britain I think it may be almost ignored, and conditions of aspect and exposure only considered. These mean far more than soil. Three-fourths of the solid substance of trees come from the atmo- sphere through the leaves, the rest from the soil. The agents, therefore, that promote the growth of the leaves, the main timber-producing agents, must be of most consei^uence, and these are heat, light and moisture at the root. Supply these, provide a root-hold in a medium where the few mineral substances required from the soil exist, and they are rarely absent in the poorest soils, and all the necessary conditions of tree life are present. By heat here is meant full exposure to the sun and shelter from cold winds and currents. The late Mr. John McGregor, of t)unkeld in his evidence before the forestry committee said that the value of the Larch crop on one hill varied to the extent of £80 per acre, or thereabout, between the top and the bottom, that at the base of the hill being worth £100 and at the highest point £20. He told me the same thing himself when I was at Dunkeld. This dift'erence was not due to soil, but to altitude and exposure. Numberless examples of this kind could be given, in some of which the difference amounted to 50 per cent, as regards bulk and value. Situation is indeed a question of the very first importance to all planters of trees, because it may far more than turn the scale between profit and loss. In some parts of Yorkshire the Wellingtonia has ceased to exist wherever the situation was ex- posed, but where planted low down in sheltered spots it has done well. I lately cut boards nearly 1.J feet long that measured about lo inches in the middle out of one tree that I saw planted just over thirty years ago. Grown in masses, I believe this tree will yet come to the front as a timber tree of quick growth. The Douglas Fir and all the Spruces love deep declivities facing east or west or, in the south, north, but shun exposed knolls and dry soils. For some reason or other planters in the past have often preferred mountain-tops or high elevations on the plea of shelter, but I much doubt the utility of such schemes. For cattle shelter it would often be better to buQd dry stone walls. The time that such exposed plantations take j ust to become established is wearisome, and the Government has found that out, I believe, in their plantations near Baroole, in the Isle of Man. What a contrast these plantations att'ord to the forest of Glen Ellen, not far off Peel, in the Isle of Man. This was a lonely, bare glen when the proprietor conceived the idea of planting it from end to end, and now it is a forest of tall Larch, Scotch 208 THE GARDEK [September 9, 1899. Fir and other trees, and one of the most popular places of resort for visitors in the island. The soil is poor, lying upon the silurian formation, but the glen is a sun-trap. Every- where in the forests of the Hartz Mountains the effects of altitude and exposure are visible, and the range is from 1000 feet to fully 3000 feet, the base of the mountain range being, I believe, about 1000 feet above the sea. Of course, at such altitudes Beech and Spruce plantations in time become trees of consider- able height, through close planting and dense nursing, where they would otherwise be mere scrub, but the difierence between the highest and lowest compartments is just as conspicuous as in Scotland. In planting at the highest points, 10,000 or 15,000 trees to an acre are put in in order to establish the overhead canopy quickly, and thinning is long delayed and the rotation period has to be extended propor- tionately. In planting hills the tops are usually planted in preference to the lower parts, because, we suppose, the soil is believed to be better lower down and of more value for other purposes, but that only applies to the soil of the valley proper which it is not proposed to plant. The denudation of steep hills goes on from top to bottom wherever the slope is at all steep ; hence the soil is much the same all over, and as far as that goes it is j ust as wise to plant at the base and proceed upwards, clothing the hill as planting goes on. At any rate the returns from the lower levels will be much earlier and better. This is demonstrated every- where in parts of the country like Derbyshire and parts of Scotland where narrow glens alter- nate with low hills that have been planted with trees at different periods. J. Simpson. Rose Garden. what a grand lot of blossom may be secured by pegging them down. The system briefly is this : In the month of March one, two, or more of those fine shoots that are found upon healthy plants of the vigor- ous growing kinds must have their points slightly removed. The small twiggy growths in the centre of the plant, also very old wood, should also be removed, the object being to encourage strong basal growths to succeed those now about to be pegged down. The ground should be forked over, burying the manure that has been applied in the autumn. Some strong galvanised iron pegs are then thrust into the ground so that about 1 foot of them is left above, and the long growths already alluded to bent down and attached. If there is any fear of late frosts it is advisable to delay the bending down for a time, for, naturally, as shoots are in flower these younger growths will have reached a considerable height. After flowering, every encouragement .should be afforded the new wood, and it is a good policy to remove the flowering growths imme- diately they have ceased blooming, unless an autumn crop of bloom is anticipated. This would be possible from .some kinds, but with others there would be little hope of a second blooming ; consequently the growths are best removed. The new growths will often be crowned with bloom, and will succeed those from the pegged-down shoots, but should they appear blind then, it is a good plan to stop them early in September, an operation that ensures the well ripening of the wood. Sup- posing new growths do not start very early (and this sometimes is the case), then I would advise the retention of the pegged-down growths for PEGGING DOWN ROSES. In advocating the pegging down of Roses I am not suggesting anything novel ; indeed, our forefathers adopted this method of culture on ' a far larger scale than is done at the present day. One need not go far to find natural exhi- bitions of the system. They are to be found , in any hedgerow where Dog Roses abound. Perhaps a long growth has been caught by some ! neighbouring branch, and consequently held in a horizontal position, or the weight of the shoot has caused it to bend of its own accord. In any case the result is the same — viz., long growths smothered with delicate and fragrant blossom. Every gardener must have noticed upon a fine standard of Gloire de Dijon where the knife is almost a stranger at pruning time, how the long growths swaying in the wind are studded all over with buds and blossoms. It is entirely against the laws of Nature to prune Roses in the reckless manner now adopted. I believe in removing old worn-out wood, but the fine new growths if well ripened should be either very slightly cut back or bent down and pegged. The illustration of some plants of Ulrich Brunner pegged down shows better than words what is possible in this style of Hose culture. It is pitiable to see the tine growths of this noble Rose rising some 5 feet or C feet high and to know that next spring more than half of this wood wUl be cut away. These growths contain some three dozen eyee, that if pegged down would yield certainly two dozen sprays of blossom ; whereas with the usual mode of cul- ture not more than half a dozen would emerge from the growth when pruned. Supposing one has two or three of such growths upon a plant. Rose TJlrich Brunner pegged dotvn. soon as the upward flow of the sap is checked, the eyes or buds upon the shoot commence to swell and eventually break out into growth, perhaps to be crippled by frost, which results in malformed and green - centred blooms. Therefore in districts where danger is feared from these late frosts do not be in a hurry to peg down the Roses. While all Roses require liberal supplies of liquid manure during the growing season (and even in winter it is bene- ficial), those pegged down can do with a larger amount, not only to support the quantities of breaking growths, but also to assist the new wood from the base. The very fact of bending down the long shoots compels some strong eyes at the base (that perhaps would under orduiary conditions lie dormant for some time) to start into growth, and by the time the pegged-down use in the second year. If the plants are in a really good Rose soil, well cared for, and budded upon the Brier stock or on their own roots, there will be very few cases where the flower- ing shoots may not be removed after they have borne their blossoms. Roses for pegging down need a lot of room. I consider 4 feet apart none too much, and in order to fill up the appa- rent waste of space it is a good plan to inter- sperse some dwarf standards of the same or different kinds. This has the effect of filling up and also relieves what might appear a rather formal mass of Roses. Again, many kinds such as Gloire de Dijon, Grace Darling, itc, are a great success if partially pegged ; that is to say, one or two growths are bent down and the remainder allowed to remain in the usual manner. This is a very commendable style. September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 209 for it frees the plant of undue crowding and a much larger quantity of blossom is obtained. Many people have found the Penzance Briers splendid for pegging down, or rather for forming low hedges. By the aid of some galvanised wire and a few uprights here and there, these lovely Roses of such delightful tints and with delioiously scented foliage may be formed into a hedge anywhere from 1 foot to 3 feet in heiglit and as much through. When established three or four years such hedges will be telling features in the garden during the early days of June. Again, many of the old-fashioned Roses growing in borders or in front of shrubberies may be rendered much more attractive if the growths are pegged down or even layered. By thus layering them, one plant will become surrounded by a quantity of smaller plants, all of them flowering most pro- fusely, induced by the pegging down. I have seen such beautiful old kinds as Mme. Hardy, common Moss, de Meaux, Spong, Copper Austrian, Harrisoni, Coupe d'Hebe, Rosa Mundi, Celestial, and a host of others a perfect blaze of bloom when grown on this system. Many Roses may be caused to flower in this way where other treatment has failed. Of course, one would never think of pegging down Roses of the type of Baroness Rothschild, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Etienne Levet, &c. P. Pillai* Rosas. — I can strongly recommend Mme- Alfred Carriere and Gloire Lyonnaise to "B." as good pillar Roses which bloom freely in the autumn. From the former 1 have cut good blooms even io November. The blooms grow on nice long shoots, and are very valuable for cutting on that account. Mme. Alfred Carriere is a strong-growing white Rose, with a pale pink flush, and Gloire Lyonnaise white, with a lemon-coloured tinge. — B. A. Thornycroft. Rose Violoniste Emile Leveque. — Many of the later additions to the rapidly increasing tribe of Hybrid Teas have peculiar and attractive yellow and orange shadings. In this case the centre of the flower is flamed with orange quite as intensely as in a very pretty, but little-known R3se, Madeleine d'Aoust. It has also the same rosy flesh colour of many of the Hybrid Teas. It is a good grower. The flowers, though not large, are freely produced. This variety, together with Mme. Eugene Boullet, appeared in the same year, and it was thought both kinds were not wanted. But further acquaintance with them has disclosed the fact of their perfect distinctness, and I look upon the two Roses as being pro- mising.— P. Hose Climbing Kaiserin Augusta Vic- toria.— This is a great acquisition. When one considers the usefulness of the dwarf form, the full value of this vigorous sport will be apparent. It will make growths from 5 feet to 6 feet long in a season, and thus would quickly cover a wall or roof of a greenhouse. It is remarkable that we have extra vigorous sports of recent novelties like the above, whereas we had to wait years for the same occurrence with kinds such as Niphetos, Devoniensis, Perle des .Jardins, and Meteor. Apart from the value of these extra vigorous sports for the greenhouse or conservatory, I ^^„„,„„„„ ^.^^^^^.^..^^.:, ^. ...,«..v^...i welcome theoQ for the glorious heads they make ' Bes"s^e"'BrownrH^"nrich Sch^rtheVs"' Marie bTu- remain where budded. I believe this is the only successful plan to adopt in order to retain the plants in a fairly vigorous condition beyond the first year. It would even be worth the extra trouble to bud a dozen or so of this fine Rose each season, for I consider it one of the best darks, and it certainly is the freest bloomer. This, one would naturally expect, knowing the Rose to be a de- scendant of General Jacqueminot. It was intro- duced by Lscharme in 186-t. — P. ROSES MOST POPULAR AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE SHOW. This season has proved the futility of exhibitors depending too much upon maiden plants for their blooms, at least for the early shows of which the Crystal Palace is the chief. I believe the majority of the flowers in the champion stands were from cut-backs. Some years this is just the reverse, most of them coming from maiden or one-year- old plants. This probably accounts for the paucity of many first-rate Roses, such as the rich crimsons of the Horace Vernet type, which are always best as maidens. Indeed, I do not re- member a season when what one may term the popular Roses were so badly shown. One could not meet with a La Prance worth looking at, and Marie Baumann, the queen of red show Roses, was almost entirely absent, only about twenty- nine flowers being staged in the whole exhibition. I think every amateur exhibitor should grow a certain number of maiden plants every year, more especially of kinds only good in that form, but this year's experience will prove to him that it will not do to curtail the number of cutbacks. Taking the forty-two most popular Hybrid Per- petuals and Hybrid Teas exhibited, Mrs. John Laing heads the list again with a total of some 370 blooms. There is a big drop from this quan- tity to the next three favourites, namely, A. K. Williams, Caroline Testout, and Ulrich Brunner, there being only about 140 to 170 blooms of each shown. It is very gratifying to find that the last named still maintains its position, for unquestion- ably it is one of the best red Roses for the garden, and it seems to be diiiicult to beat as an exhibition kind. According to numbers shown, the following seven varieties take precedence in the order given, from 100 to 150 specimens of each being staged : Margaret Dickson, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Mme. Gabriel Luizet, Mar- quise Litta, and Her Majesty. As Great Britain is generally well represented at this National Rose show (although the northern growers were not very strong on this occasion), the above num- bers sufficiently demonstrate that the kinds named are very popular all over the country. The fol- lowing seven indicate somewhat the character of the season by their diminished numbers : Gustavo Piganeau, 80 ; La France, 86 ; Captain Hayward, 07 ; Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, 64 ; General Jacqueminot, 50 ; Charles Lefebvre, 52 ; FranQois Michelon, 50. Of the remaining twenty-two varieties, from thirty to forty blooms of each of the following were staged, namely. White Lady, Dupuy Jamain, Tom Wood, Earl of Uufiferin, Marchioness of Londonderry, Helen Keller, Alfred Colomb, Etienne Levet, Marchioness of Down- shire, and from twenty to thirty of the under- mentioned : Marchioness of DuS'erin, Mrs. Paul upon standards. It is well known that Climbing Niphetos is the best form of this grand Rose for outdoor culture upon a standard, and I suspect it will be the same with the Rose under notice. —P. Rose Xavier Olibo. — This excellent Hybrid Perpetual has been very beautiful lately, no variety of this tribe save Victor Hugo being more rich in colour, which is a dark velvety crimson. Unfortunately, it is rather a poor grower and requires renewing frequently. No amount of mann. Prince Arthur, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Camille Bernardin, Horace Vernet, Countess of Oxford, Victor Hugo, Pride of Waltham, Abel Carriere, Louis van Houtte. There were some 140 other kinds exhibited among the Hybrid Per- petuals and Hybrid Teas, but in lesser numbers than twenty of each ; indeed, in the case of some few of them only one specimen could be seen in the show. The Teas on this occasion were very good, although I have seen them much finer and of greater substance. I was quite prepared to extra trouble, however, is too great in order to find the flowers rather flimsy, but generally speak- have this superb Rose in perfection. Many of ing this was not the case. From an exhibitor's these poor growers are best budded upon the : point of view, the twenty-four varieties enu- Brier, either seedling or cutting, and allowed to ' merated below are the most reliable. There are two or three recent novelties that must speedily take a high place in this section, but this article is more concerned with kinds that were actually exhibited in quantity. The Bride has this year sur- passed its parent in numbers shown, the respective numbers being 100 and 11.3. I believe it will nob long retain this proud position, for, unless I am very much deceived. White Maman Cochet will rank first favourite. From 100 to 120 of each of the under-mentioned were exhibited, exclusive of any shown in bunches as garden Roses : MarSchal Niel, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Mme. de Watteville, Mme. Hoste, Souv. de S. A. Prince, and Maman Cochet. Of such old favourites as Hon. Edith Gifford there were 97 specimens ; of Innocents Pirola, 88 ; Mme. Cusin, 80 : Cleopatra, 06 ; Souvenir d'un Ami, 65 ; Souvenir d'Elise Vardon, 61; Bridesmaid, 55; Medea, 53 ; CaroUne Kuster, 48 ; Niphetos, 41 ; Golden Gate, 30 ; Ernest Metz, 30 ; Princess of Wales, 28 ; Muriel Gra- hame, 24 ; and Ethel Brownlow, 21. Although it was rather late for the so-called garden Roses, I was gratified to find such an excellent display. The style of putting up these Roses has consider- ably improved during the last few years. I think all Roses should be admitted into this class whether they are Hybrid Perpetuals or Monthlies. Any kind that is decorative and produces band- some trusses of blossom should be eligible, for I take it these classes are intended to demonstrate what kinds are most suitable for garden decora- tion, and surely Gloire de Margottin and the like are of that number. Taking the kinds most generally exhibited in bunches upon this occa- sion, W. A. Richardson comes out first with a total of fourteen, followed by Crimson Rambler with ten bunches. Eight bunches each of Rosa Mundi, rideal. Ma Capucine, Reine Olga de Wurtemburg, Marquise de Salisbury, and Gus- tavo Regis testified to their popularity, and Bardou Job, Mme. Falcot, and Mme. C. Guinois- seau were close behind with a total of seven each. Of Macrantha and Mme. Pernet-Ducber six bunches each were staged, and five each of Poly- antha grandiflora, Mme. L. Messimy, and Hebe's Lip. One would have expected to find more than four bunches of Camoens and common Moss, but it was not so. This number was also the total of each of the following : Crested Moss, Anna Marie de Montravel, Cecile Brunner, Perle dOr, Claire Jacquier, The Garland, and Homfere. It must be remembered that amateurs were restricted to not more than twelve bunches of these garden Roses, which explains the reason why so few bunches were shown of what we look upon as some of our best garden varieties. Although the exhibits were first-rate numerically, there was certainly not half so many as there should be. I should like to see the competition as keen for these garden Roses as it is for the trophy classes. Nob more than three bunches, and in some ca=es only two, were seen of such lovely gems as Mme. Pierre Cochet, Blanche Moreau (Moss), Papa Gontier, Mme. Hoste, Rainbow, Souvenir de Catherine Guillot, Alister Sbelhi Gray, Paul's Single Wbibo Gloire des Polyantha, Carmine Pillar, Marie van Houtte, Andersoni, Blanc Double de Courbeb, Ma Surprise, Lucida plena, Mme. E. A. Nolte, &c. What appeared to me inexplicable was that not a single bunch was shown of Gloire de Dijon, Cramoisi Sup§rieur, Viscountess Folkestone, Grand Due de Luxembourg, Perle des Rouges, Armosa, Princesse de Sagan, Princess Bonnie, and only one bunch each of G. Nabonnand, Mme. E. Resal, Mme. P. Perny, Aglaia, Beaute Incon- stante, and Mme. Abel Chatenay. It cannot be said that it was too late for these, although this may account for the almost total absence of Blairi No. 2, Celestial, Austrian Copper, Austrian Yel- low, and Little Gem. But there is this to be said of exhibiting : each individual brings what he has best at the time. If we had more compel;ition then we should find more variety. As it is we must be content that these Roses are advancing in popularity, knowing, as we do, that their cul- ture will tend to increase rather than diminish the votaries of the queen of flowers. Philomel. 210 THE GARDEK [September 9, 1899. Societies and Exhibitions. DAHLIAS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The National Dahlia Society's exhibition was held at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, on the Isb and 2nd inst. It was announced that the entries were more numerous than usual, but the hot, dry weather must have kepti some exhibitors away, as there were many vacant spaces of tables which detracted from the effect of the exhibition as a whole. It is to be regretted that the authorities of the Crystal Palace do not provide more appro- priate tables for an exhibition of cut flowers. They are much too broad for Carnations, Dahlias, or Roses ; they are painted of a colour which by no means harmonises with the tints of the flowers, and they are not in the least degree draped, as they should be, with baize or some such material in order to hide the yawning nakedness below them ; and then there is the added fact, which cannot be gainsaid, that the very loftiness of the building dwarfs cut flowers out of all proportion and minimises their effect. These impressions were brought home to many on Friday and Satur- day last. If the public is to be attracted to flower shows, there should be some attempt at effective arrangements, and that is just what was missed at Sydenham. A general survey of the exhibition showed that the larger show and fancy Dahlias fell much below their ordinary average of quality. The blooms were generally undersized, wanting in depth, and defective in form. As long as the practice of exhibiting blooms of Dihiiag in this way is maintained, the old standards of quality in the flowers must be observed ; at the same time the judges on this occasion ware bound to take into consideration the drawbacks of the season, the prolonged drought and the heated, dry atmo sphere day and night. Mr. Cbas. Turner, of Slough, usually a foremost exhibitor in these classes, could not compete in any one class, and he was not the only exhibitor who found himself in this predicament. But all who could exhibit did their best, and the exhibition on the whole answered expectations. The Cactus type of Dahlia was advanced in bloom, through the very causes which militated against the show varieties ; they bloomed earlier than usual and with considerable refinement of character. At every flower show at which we have seen Dahlias exliibited this season the Cactus types have been exhibited in excellent character. D. Juarezi, the Cactus Dahlia, and its earlier varieties were tall in growth and late in flowering. The present race, greatly improved and extended in several quarters, are dwarfer in growth, much earlier in blooming, much more free of bloom than some of their ancestors, and better adapted for garden decoration. Among the newer sorts, Britannia and Magnificent are deserving of special mention. Thelate flowering, tall-growing, spare- blooming type is rapidly disappearing before im- proved forms. The very causes which assisted to present the Cactus varieties in such good form operated also in the case of the pretty pompon varieties. They have been shown generally in a small compact shape, even, and of excellent quality, and with the Cactus varieties they were seen to great advantage at the Crystal Palace. Their bushy growth of moderate height and their remarkable floriferousness constitute them invalu- able border plants, while a dozen or two varieties could be named that are perfect in form and petal and varied in colour. The single Dahlias are a declining quantity. It is their fragile character which tells so much against them. Not a few of our best varieties are of tall, ungainly growth and by no means so free of bloom as might reasonably be expected. These are defects which time can remedy, but the fleeting character of the blooms is a property that is a part of the nature of the flower. The single Cactus varieties have not been given a place in the schedule of prizes of the National Dahlia Society, but they were exhibited at Brighton by Messrs. Cheal and Sons in very winsome character. Taking the show Dahlias in the order of the schedule,Jthere were four collections of sixty, dis- tinct, and all had a prize. Mr. John Walker, I nurseryman, Thame, who has been exhibiting finely all the season, was placed first, Mr. M. V. Seale, nurseryman, Sevenoaks, second, and Messrs. Campbell and Son, Blantyre, N.B., third. A few of the best blooms in Mr. Walker's stand were Harrison Weir, Vice-President, Diadem, Frank Pearce, T. S. Ware, David Johnson, William Powell, one of the finest yellow selfs ; Maud Fellowes, Shirley Hibberd, J. Hickling, Rosamond, Virginale, Colonist, John Walker, the best white self ; Duke of Fife, Mrs. Glad- stone, the best light variety and very constant ; .James Vick, Victor, a fine dark variety, and J. C. Vaughan. The foregoing may be taken as repre- senting the leading varieties in all the stands. Mr. Walker was also first with forty-eight blooms. The leading blooms here were the R^v. J. Godday, R. T. Riwlings, Prince of Denmark, Dr. Keynes, a very distinct small-petalled variety ; Diadem, W. Rawlings, Mrs. Gladstone, &c. Mr. Seale was again second, and Mr. S. Mortimer, Swiss Nursery, Farnham, Surrey, third. With thirty- six blooms, Mr. W. Treseder, nurseryman, Cir- diff, was first, having in fine character such varie- ties as Pleasaunce, Willie Garratt, Eclipse, Mrs. Gladstone, Frank Pearce, Goldsmith, W. Powell, Duchess of Albany, J. T. West, D jchess of York, and Mrs. Morgan. Mr. George Humphries, nur- seryman, Chippenham, wag second, and Messrs. Keynes, Williams and Co., nurserymen, were third. With twenty-four blooms, Mr. Gaorge Humphries took the first prize, and in that for twelve blooms, Mr. J. R. Tranter, nurserjmin, Henley-on- Thames, wag first, and Messrs. J Cheal and Son second. A class for twelve fancy Dahlias is still retained in the schedule of prizes. The fancy type includes all tipped as distinct from edged flowers and all stripad and flaked \arieties. The fancy Dihlias are shown in the pr seeding classes, but there is one class in which they alone can be exhibited. Mr. J. Walker was again first; his leading flowers were the Rev. .T. B. M. Camm, S. Mortimer, Donovan, Alatthew Campbell, Duchess of Albany, Frank Pearce, and Emin Pasha. Mr. Seale was second, and Mr. Mortimer third. Next in the order of the schedule came the Cactus varieties, and stands of eighteen bunches, six blooms of each, made an imposing display. Mr. J. Stredwick, Silverhill, St. Laonards, had the first prize, showing generally in fine character, among them being Countess of Lonsdale, Viscoun- tess Sherbrooke, Stella, Britannia, Mary Service, Emperor, Magnificent, Eclipse, pile sulphur-yel- low, Keynes' White, Charles Woodbridge, W. T. Balding, &c. Messrs. J. Burrell and Co., nur- serymen, Cambridge, were a closa second. They had some highly promising new varieties in Elsie, Olive, Ibis, Whirlwind, Auburn, Imperator, also Britannia and others. Messrs. Keynes, Williams and Co. were third, also staging some excellent varieties. There were five competitors in this class. With twilve bunches Mr. S. Mortimer was first, having Mrs. J. GoddarJ, Magnificent, Starfish, Keynes' White, Ebony, Mary Service, Britannia and Lucius, all in good character. Mr. Seale was a good -second, having distinct from the foregoing Island (J leen, Charles Woodbridge and Fantasy. Mr. G. Humphries wag a close third. A class for twenty-four blooms, shown on boards in the same way as the show Dahlias, brought several exhibits. Messrs. M. Campbell and Son were first and Mr. Seale second. Pompon Dahlias were shown in very fine character, small, even and very bright in colour. Mr. M. E. Ssale was first with an excellent selection admirably staged, the leading varieties, Donovan, Ernest Harper, Red Indian, Capt. Boyton, Nerissa, Ganymede, Ciimson Gem, Lilian Douglas, Cherub, Snow- flake, Demon, Tommy Keith, Distinction, Emily Hopper, Phu'be, &c. Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons were a very close second, having, in addition to the foregoing, Adrienne, Dr. Jim and Mars. Third, Messrs. Keynes, Williams and Co. With twelve bunches, Messrs. .T. Burrell were first. They had Isabel, Mabel, Geo. Brinckmann, Bacchus, Eury- dice, Distinction, <>cc. Second, Mr. J. Walker, and third, Mr. Geo. Humphries, both with charm- ing blossoms. Glorious bunches of single varie- ties were staged by Messrs. Cheal and Sons and Mr. Seale. The former gained the first prize with twenty-four bunches, having such fine varieties I as Columbus, Damon, Violet Forbes, Miss Roberts, j Puck, Louisette, Polly Eccles, Leslie Seale, &<:■ Mr. Seale was second. As 240 blossoms had to be staged in each collection, the task of exhibiting was by no means an easy one. Mr. J. Walker, though the only exhibitor, was awarded the first prize for twelve bunches, showing in good form such leading varieties as Beauty's Eye, Eclipse, j Leslie Seale, Miss Roberts, Victoria, Polly Eccles, l&c. Next followed eighteen classes for the amateur members of the society. Of show Dahlias, the best twenty four blooms came from Mr. F. W. Fellowes, Pubteridge Park, Luton. This in- cluded some promising seedlings, such as Bella, lilac; Prince Rinji, dark; Lilian Mary, flesh colour, suffused with pink ; Tim, Kits, &o. Mr. T. Anstiss, Brill, was sacond. With eighteen blooms the best came from Mr. Thos. Jones, Ruabon. Mr. R. C. West, Salisbury, was second. There ware classes for twelve blooms and six blooms also. The b3sb twelve fancy Dahlias were shown by Mr. West, and included Peacock, one of the most distinct ; Dizzier, Goldsmith, Mrs. J. Dovvnie, Duchess of Albany, Matthew Cimpbell, &c. Mr. F. W. Fellowes was second. Mr. R. Burgin, St. Neots, had the best six varie- ties. Ciotus DahliEs were shown by amateurs in twelve bunches of six blooms each. Mr. R. Keeble, Twyford, was placed first with very good examples of Alfred Vasey, Ste'la, Lidy Penzance, Fantasy, Charles Woodbridge, Mary Service, kc. Mr. James Hudson, Gunnersbury House, Acton, was second. With nine bunches, Mr. H. A. Needs, Horsell, Woking, came in first, showing in \ery fine character. Mr. Jas. Bryant, Salis- bury, was second. Mr. E. Mawley, the treasurer of the eociety, was first with six bunches, and Mr. Bryant again second. In a class for six bunches, the prizes offered by Messrs. Cheal and Sons, Mr. Keeble was first and Mr. J. Hudson second. Pompon varieties were shown by ama- teurs in two classes. The best twelve bunches, six blooms of each, were shown by Mr. .J. Hud- son, and Mr. W. Prtters, St. Leonards, was second, in both cases unnamed and contrary to rule. Mr. R. Burgin had the best six bunches. Mr. Hudson was first in the six bunches of single varieties, ten blooms of each, and Mr. W. Mist second, in both cases unnamed. With six varieties, .six blooms of each, Mr. E. Mawley, the only exhibi- tor, was placed first. He had charming blooms of Victoria, Demon, Northern Star, Polly Eccles, Beauty's Eye, and Miss Roberts. Two classes, one for six show and fancy Dahlias and one for six bunches of Cactus varieties, were set apart for those who had never won a priza at a previous exhibition of the society, and there was a very good compatition. It is an excellent arrange- ment, as it brings in new growers and exhibitors. The classes for six blooms of any ona type or colour of show Dihlia are always interesting. The best dark Dahlia was Prince of Danmirk, from Mr. Seale. Mr. Walker was se'.ond with the same. The best light was Mrs. Gladstone, from Mr. Walker. Mr. West was second with the same. The bast yellow was William Powell, also from Mr. Walker. Messrs. Cheal and Sons were second with Mabel Stanton. The best red or crimson wag Duke of Fife, from Mr. West, Mr. Mortimer coming second with Arthur Raw- lings. The best white was John Walker, from Mr. Walker, shown very finely. Mr. Mortimer wag second with the same. Mr. Seale had the best flower of any other colour in Duchess of York, Mr. Mortimer coming second with Sun- beam. The best tippad Dahlia was Miss Brown- ing, from Mr. J. W^alker, Mr. Mortimer taking the second prize with Peacock. The best striped was Prince Henry, also from Mr. Walker, Mr. Sea'e coming second with Mrs. J. Downie. The best edged flower was Miss Canaell, from Mr. Seale. September 9, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 211 Special prizes were offered for eighteen varieties of fancy single Dahlias, the flowers to be tipped, striped, or edged. Mr. Seale was tirsb, having excellent illustrations of Dorothy Seale, Jean- nette, May Sharp, Phyllis, Miss Glasscock, Trilby, The Sirdar, Duchess of Marlborough, Gaiety Girl, Folly, &c. Messrs. Cheal and Sons were second, they having Princess Pebula, Muriel, Folly, Lord Rosebery, Shamrock, Flame, Daisy, Duchess of Marlborough, &c. Floral decorations formed of Dahlias were shown in a few classes. Mr. J. F. Hudson was gain much from the inclusion of this Yucca among the flowers they contain. As a foliage and flowering plmt it has much in its favour. — S. A. Pershore Plums. — Having some time since read in Tub Garden a note about Pershore Plums in which the writer was anxious to know the experience of those who had planted these Plum trees out of Worcestershire, I write to say in 1896 I planted four young Pershore Plum trees in my garden near Bembridge, Isle of Wight, and both last year and again this year I have nad a very good crop on these young tree. One is fi...,^ ™;^u r. J <- /-I " \ ' ** vtsry i^uou crop on coese yount; ireo. \_riio is a nnn Z^^ epergne composed of Cactus, pom- ■ bugh and the others standards This seems to \Tr ' R rZi r'" ' «''tt/PP™P'-"?tefol.age. : ^^ow that Pershore Plum trees will fruit in other hid fhp^^r was second. Mr. E Mawley U,„„„t,i6s besides Worcestershire. The fruit is Cactu, vvn«tv Zh f 1^ ^^ m"""^' '4°T^/ ■°°3' excellent if cooked when green, bub if wtt^coTl L w e'h ^^:,. ''^^•, A ^Zllt ?"owed to become quite ripe lose! flavour and was second, also with a Cactus. Mr. R. Edwards was first with three vases of Cactus Dahlias, and Mr. J. F. Hudson second. Mr. W. Treseder, Cardiff, had the best shower bouquet of Cactus Dahlias, a very artistically arranged one. Mr. Seale was second. Mr. Tresader was also first with a floral design, staging a harp formed of white and red Cactus Dahlias and white pompons. Mr. Seale was second with a cross of white pompons, with foliage at the base. As many seedling Dahlias were staged, some notes of these shall be given next week. Mr. .T. Green, nurseryman, Dereham, had a tastefully arranged collection of Dahlias, including a large and striking bright crimson variety named Red Rover ; Zephyr, soft pinkish-rose ; Green's White, a very fine new white. Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons, nurserymen, Swanley, had some 2()it i bunches of Cactus varieties arranged on a long table, among them some new decorative forms. Mr. T. S. Ware (Ud.), Tottenham, had a large collection of Cactus and other Dahlias in great variety. Messrs. J. Laing and Sons, Stanstead Nurseries, Forest Hill, had two large tables filled with plants of various kinds, includmg Caladiums and other showy foliaged subjects, hardy flowers. Dahlias, &c. , and also a ground group of various hardy ornamental plants, and Messrs. J. Peed and Sons, Roupell Nurseries, Lower Norwood, Dahlias and various other flowers. becomes rather woolly — at least that is my experi- ence here. — B. A. Thornycroft. Lilium speciosum Melpomene. — No variety of L. speciosum is finer in general effect than this, the rich crimson-scarlet with which the flowers are kind if good colour and freedom are points of importance. Galtonia candicans.— The Galbonia is one of the noblest of our autumn blooming bulbous plants. When well grown its exquisite effect can hardly be equalled at the season in which it blooms. This year, probably on account of the prevailing drought, it has in many gardens been hardly so fine as in former years. Its growth has been less free and its flowers smaller than its wont so that it has not been seen to the best advantage. I have been in the habit of consider- ing it a perfectly hardy plant, but of late years I have occasionally come across it in gardens where it is unreliable if left in the ground all winter. This is in those gardens a defect which tells against the Galtonia and prevents it from finding its way into some others. It appears that the name of Hyacinthus candicans is that by which it is more frequently met with than the authoritative one of Galtonia. — S. A. Chelone obliqua.— There are a good many crowned rendering the plant always conspicuous j admirers of the Turtle-head among the ranks of even if grown singly. Still finer then will they ' growers of hardy flowers, yet it has an almost appear when whole beds are filled with the i equal number of despisera, by which is meant variety in question, for then we get an effect well nigh unique, and with the richly-coloured flowers the massive, thick and heavy leafage is wonder- fully consistent, giving the entire plant that touch of superiority that doubtless belongs to it by those who think little of it as a garden flower. Yet it is often seen on good exhibition stands, though when it is bunched, as often shown, its distinctive characters are not so well seen as when it is growing in the garden. As much ma,y Boyal Horticultural Society.— The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, September 12, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. At 8 o'clock a lecture on " Lessons from the great drought of 1S98" will be given by Mr. E. Mawley. Notes of the Week. nature. And when these qualities blend in one i be said of the so-called white form known as C " ■ ' - - - . . „ . obliqua alba. It is not really white, but has a considerable addition of the crimson or purple, which is the colour of the type. The shade of the ordinary coloured form varies cDnsiderably. Some plants are brighter than others. This may either be due to the soil in which they are grown or to there baing soma variation from seeds. The Chelone is most at home and is longer-lived on a good soil than a poor, dry one. — S, Arnott. Helianthus rigidus semi-plenus.— This is not a new variety of the well-known Helianthus rigidua, yet grown in many gardens as Harpalium rigidum. It is, however, not very generally known, and the other day a grower of long ex- perience, who had it in bloom, asked the writer if he had ever seen it. Although not at present grown here, it was in my garden for several kind, as in this case, the material effect is one that cannot be passed by even by the moat casual observer. To the Lily grower this beautiful form has always been a great and decided attraction. Acalypha hispida (Sanderi). — This has proved a fine decorative subject. Most frequently it has been presented at exhibitions in the erect form, without much pinching or stopping save in a few bush-like plants seen at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. At Gunnerabury House, however, Mr. Hudson is trying it as a standard with a large degree of success. The plants are not of the regulation 3 feet or so given to standard Roses, but are nearer .5 feet high, some possibly a good deal more. At this increased height such things will be invaluable for indoor decoration. Pinched at first rather closely, but less 80 with each succeeding break, a good head years, and %vas admired while it waa grown, and has been formed, and the crimson inflorescence preferred to the type. It grows a little t^ler drooping at various heighta will assist the effect and blooms rather later than the latter. The materially when arranged among other plants. | flowers are semi-double, and come in well for Campanula pyramidalis.-Very few of the 2"'''^'°" '^ the stems are not left t°o lo"g and the Campan'ulas can^Iqual well-grown p^lants of .the ' ,!^-era -e "0\ °o fu ly e standjong ^lanT^f rhrofd^^;plll^;°/r"arda?i h\Tbe"ln H- rigidus and some othef perennial Sunflowers flowering for weeks in the open border with but TT"^ ""^^'''^ ^^ r^^ ? I, «n.VTtn the ■ The whits'^ variety has been ^«°^«"7 t%™°°P°l"^ *%°V"t %^^^^ has come within reach of the destruction of neighbouring flowers. -S. Arnott little attention better where it garden hose pipe occasionally, for here the plants have been very effective in ordinary soil and with equally ordinary culture. A mixed bed, say a dozen feet across, of the blue and white forms of this Campanula with a few small or medium-sized plants of Humea elegans interspersed is distinctly Arundo Oonapicua.— Very probably this plant, if lacking the finer plumes of the better-knowu Pam- pas Grass, would prove the better kind in not a few of the colder parts of Britain wher.i the Pampas for v.arioua reasons dooa not thrive. Both plants require a good deal of moisture to grow them to perfection in a season such as this, and, indeed, at ordinary times a good soaking of moisture is not lost upoa them. 'effective. The effect of these grouped'inVhe ' writing this note at present is that those who may Verbena Bllen Willmott.— This is, perhaps, greenhouse is not unknown, yet there is little i see poorly coloured specimens this season may one of the tinest of tlie modern bedding Idnds tbat lias doubt if transferred to the open garden the same ' not be thereby led to think that these show the been mtrodnced for a long period. It deserves this thing would create a surprise. ! plant under its proper aspect. In my light soil oT^irbbTsor'hore^reXw^V^^^^^ Nelsoni. -This is one of the I 'he flowers are small on _ account, of .the long of green grass, and when bedded on the lawn, and finest of garden plants from a variety of stand- given more freedom and less of the rigid pegging that points. Many varieties, and some of the new ones sj) severely cripp'ed these things for years, it is an among this number, are not devoid of a certain extremely fine pUnt. We are reminded of its excel- clumsiness, so short and so blunt is the inflores- lence by the free manner in which it is u=ed at \ ence, but it is nob so with Nelson's Torch Lily Gannerabury House, where Mr. Hudson has it in fine ■ which is the happy medium between short and I tall, thick and thin, and very profuse. Indeed, so I condition. Helenium striatum. — One is not disposed to enter upon the question of the true name of this plant, which is considered by good authorities to be H. nudiflorum. It was introduced as H. grandicephalum striabum, but has also been named H. autumnale striatum. My motive in drought, but the colouring is much brighter than any I have seen of late, with the exception of one plant in another garden. I am rather sorry that this Helenium has been represented in some nur- serymen's and other exhibits at shows by flowers in which there was so little crimson that they were only made less beautiful than those of H. S. Yucca fllamentosa.— This still remains the I light in appearance is this kind, that it may be I ^"tumnale, and were poor substitutes for the high- beat of the Yuccas if we are to take as our stan- justly called an elegant plant, and the graceful i coloured flowers of H. striatum when at its best, dard hardiness, freedom of flowering, and useful- I foliage is equally deserving a similar mark of I Those here have at present the almost fiery-red ness. Its freedom of blooming is one of its : approval. Ids bright colour too will find it many marked characteristics in most gardens, and one ' ' ' " " ' " can find few people who cannot admire its spikes of white bell- like flowers. It is not a rare plant, and is, indeed, absent from few of the best gar- dens, but on the other hand it is as yeb unknown to many owners of small garden.s, which would colour one sees in some of the Gaillardias. admirers, and as^t flowers on into the autumn | ■^''Nutt, Carser/(or»,, ?»/ Dum/Vic.s, .V.B. months it will be welcome in those gardens that are Linaria vulgaris var. Peloria. — Apart bedded out largely with such things as Michaelmas I from the interest it poaaeases from a purely Daisies and Sunflowers. Anyone requiring a botanical standpoint, because of its being, we good free-flowering Torch Lily in large garden or | have been bold, an attempt of an irregular flower small will make no mistake in selecting this to become a regular one, the Pelorial Toadflax is 212 THE GARDEN". [September 9, 1899. a flower worth growing. Its singularity of form, coupled with its soft yellow colour, leads it to be observed by many. I was reminded that a note upon it might be useful by having several inquiries addressed to me at a recent show as to what flower it was. A good bunch of this Toadflax- was included in a prize stand of herbaceous plants shown by an experienced competitor, and a nam)>er of people who, one would have thought, ought to have known its name did not. This leads us to think that it is rarer than we had expected, or, at least, not so generally cultivated as a plant bo readily increased ought to be. Like the type, the common Toadflax, the Pelorial variety runs freely at the root and requires to be kept within bounds. It is quaint and almost grotesque in its form, but has been found useful as a cut flower as well as in the garden. — S. Arnhtt. Notes from Baden-Baden.— From Dr. Hans Meyer, of Leipzig, the famous conqueror of Mount Kibo, I got seeds of three new Helichry- sums which look very promising ; the leaves are covered by a silky white tomentum and the flower-heads, according to specimens at hand, con- sist of six to twelve big blooms of a shining white or pink colour in the way of H. Manni figured in Jiotauiral Matjaziue. Thus far they have done very well, and as they are said to stand 14° F. on the Kilimanjaro, I will try to grow a portion outside for testing their hardiness. Among flowers I must mention (Eaothera for- mosa, a splendid novelty, flowers freely produced and 3i inches across, pure white ; a fine plant for sunny rockwork. (Enothera Howardi is about the same, but has sulphur-yellow, slightly smaller flowers. (Enothera flartwegi, having brilliant citron-yellow flowers, which are produced in large numbers, is also very attractive. Liatris gramini- folia var. dubia is by far the best of the whole genus : the flower-stems rise to 6 feet, 2J feet of which are beset with flowers of a deep bright and shining lilac. — Max Leichtlin, Baden-Baden. The Carton Sun Rose.— When I first visited Carton, some three or four years ago, I saw a very pretty double red Helianthemum called there the Carton double Helianthemum. This I have had the privilege of growing since, and yearly it grows in my estimation. It may exist elsewhere under another name ; if so, I have not met with it. The Carton form is superior to other double red varieties, because of its long continuance in flower and of the way in which its fair-sized double blooms are displayed to view. One does not expect to find in a double Sun Rose the lightness and free-blooming properties of the single forms, which are so exquisitely beautiful on a sunny morning in early summer. The single Sun Roses are, however, as is well known, so fugacious that the flowers shed their petals in a few hours at the most. Some of the double forms have the bad habit of producing their flowers on such weak stalks that they hang down, and the bloom cannot be properly seen unless lifted with the hand. This is a fatal objection to a plant such as the Helianthemum, which ought to give a good display observed of all. The Carton double Sun Rose shows its flowers well up and blooms for months in succession. If it has a fault, it arises from its want of compactness, but for bold rockwork this can scarcely be considered a disadvantage. — S. Arnott, Carselhoi-n, by Dum- frien, N. B. Chrysanthemums— standing the pots on grass. — In a scorching summer like the present the advantage of having a cool bottom for pot Chrysanthemums is apparent. I saw some tine plants lately at The Pines, Woking, growing in a meadow near the garden. The pots were placed upon boards in the first instance to keep the drainage perfect, and the grass has been allowed to grow among them ; thus a permanent shading is provided. It is next to impossible in my Rise, for example, to keep the foliage perfectly green and healthy from bottom to top of the plants when the sun beats straight on to the pots in an open position on exceptionally dry soil. I do not, how- ever, grow for show blooms, as the plants noted are, or one might look upon them with an envious eye, so fine are they. It will indeed not be risky to predict that later on flowers will be produced so fine in development that they will reach a, high position at exhibitions where they may be placed. With the pots naturally shaded watering is more easy, and where the convenience exists it would certainly be wise to use meadows or the like another year. Shading the pots with boards is a plan I have somewhere seen recommended. This seems clumsy and unsightly — something akin to placing inverted flower-pots on sticks among Dahlias to trap earwigs, a system I could never adopt. — H. S. NOTES FROM SHIPLEY HALL. The fine collection of Hollies in the pleasure grounds at Shipley Hall, Derby, the seat of Mr. E. M. Mundy, is undoubtedly the feature of the place. Most of the plants are very large speci- mens, but so perfectly grown that the lower boughs are close on the lawn, and Hollies of large size have a very fine appearance when so nicely feathered. The collection includes all the better known green and variegated kinds, and the latter when grown to such noble proportions as at Shipley are most striking and handsome, quite putting in the shade such variegated things as Retinosporas and other conifers. The showy Ilex Shepherdi is one of the best, the large, handsome deep green leaves showing up very distinctly, and when it has grown to a similar size, the beautiful I. Mundyana will be even better. Some of the smaller leaved kinds of the crenata and myrtifolia type were noted, and it is surprising that these compact, low - growing evergreen shrubs are not more grown. The distinct habit characteristic of each species is well shown, as the plants are all a good distance apart and not crowded, as is so frequently seen. The magnificent collection of Anthuriums is worth going a long way to see, for not only are the plants splendidly grown, but the varieties are exceptionally good. Most of them are of the A. Scherzerianum type, A. S. Shipley Hall variety being a magnificent form, with immense brightly coloured spathes and the plants over 6 feet across. In the same house there are some lovely plants of a form of Nephro- lepis exaltata, the long fronds drooping from the large baskets in which they are grown to the length of a couple of yards or so. In this way it is an extremely fine Fern for large houses. Inside fruit was getting over at the time of my visit, but a large quantity of Peaches, Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandria and other Grapes was hang- ing, and I also noted some beautifully shaped, wall-finished bunches of Gros Maroc. Orchids are rather largely and very well grown, but naturally the amount of flower open just now is somewhat meagre. The hybrid Water Lilies are healthy and flowering freely in all the best forms, but the plants are growing in round tubs, and have not therefore the natural and pretty appearance that plants have when growing in natural water. An artificial pond is about to be made, and when this is completed and the edges planted with Irises and other plants, it should prove a delightful feature in these fine gardens. A pretty arrangement of Maiden's Wreath and a few other white flowers with small Ferns was noted in one of the corridors, and further on some fine specimens of Cymbidium Lowianum planted in a rockwork with Ferns were doing well. Good crops in all the depart- ments in the kitchen garden were noticed, some grand rows of that useful Pea Autocrat being especially good. The soil is heavy and unkind, but does not appear to crack badly with the heat, though rain is badly wanted by the green crops. H. R. Lock and ferry cottage gardens. — Prizes have this year been offered by the Thames Con- servators to their lock-keepers and ferrymen for the best-kept gardens and floral displays at the lock and ferry cottages. For the purposes of the award the river is divided into five sections, with four prizes in each section. The judging duties are carried out by a specially-appointed commit- tee. The awards in the two upper sections have just been made known. In Section I. (above Oxford), .J. lies, Shifl'ord Lock, takes first prize ; W. Curtis, Pinkhill Lock, second; and F. Havell, Grafton Lock, third. In Section II. (Oxford to Bisildon) the prize-winners are G. Yeates, Goring Lock, first: W. Butt, Cleeve Lock, second; and J. Bossom, Clifton Lock, third. The weather in West Herts. — Another very warm week and the ninth in succession. On the .5th the shade temperature rose to 86°, which is the highest reading I have yet recorded here in September with the exception of two days in the same month last year, when the mercury rose to 88° and 90° respectively. On that day the black bulb solar radiation thermometer exceeded 134°, which is the highest reading registered by this thermometer in any previous September except that of 1890. The ground is still remarkably warm for the time of year, the temperature at ■2 feet deep being about 6°, and that at 1 foot deep T, warmer than is seasonable. Rain fell on four days, but to the aggregate depth of but little more than a quarter of an inch. The past month proved a very exceptional one in many respects. Taken as a whole, it was the warmest August of which I have here any record (fourteen years). On eleven days the shade temperature exceeded SO", and on two of these rose to 87°. The heat received from the sun as shown by the black bulb solar radiation thermometer was greater than in any previous August during the eame fourteen years, the mean maximum reading for the whole month being 12.3°. The mean temperature of the soil at 2 feet deep was higher than in the warmest previous August by as much as 3°, and at 1 foot deep by nearly 4°. Rain fell on six days, or on a smaller number than in any August since 1880, and to the total depth of rather more than three- quarters of an inch, which is also the lowest fall during the same nineteen years, and about one- third of the average quantity for the month. The winds were the lightest yet experienced here in August, and for 480 hours, or twenty days, the direction was some easterly point of the compass. The atmosphere was not only calm, but also exceptionally dry. The sun shone on an average for nearly eight hours a day, or for a longer period than in any previous August. — E. M., Berkhamsted. Obituary. MR. ALFRED JOHNSON. Tuis well-known and widely-respected townsman of Boston, the managing director of the large firm of W. W. Johnson and Son, Ltd., seed growers and merchants of that city, died on the 3rd inst. at the age of fifty-nine years. He was a man of remarkable industry and energy, and in the course of his life had been largely instrumental in building up an extensive seed- growing industry in his native town. A few years ago, mainly for family reasons, the business was converted into a limited liability company, of which Mr. Johnson was the managing director until his death. i TRADE NOTE. I Messrs. Stsvans and Co., Covent Garden. I — We daily have evidence of the growi ig importance of the horticultural sales held in London, aud we now learn that Mr. J. C. Stevens, of the old-established rooms at King Street, Covent Garden, has taken into partnership Mr. D. Pell-Smith, who has been for I some years connected with Messrs. -Jas. Veitch and I Sous, Ltd., nurserymen, Chelsea. ITameB of plants.— X. Y. Z., Sus,«e,5.— Schu- bertia graudiflora. "Iris," Bucks.— Yon attach no numbers to your specimens, which gives us additional trouble in referring to them. The woolly-leaved plant is Gnaphalium sp. The other, send fuller speci- men with buds that will expand. J. H. P. — 1, Sedum Telephium Borderi ; 2, S. spectabile ; 3, S. quadritidum ; 4, Anthemis tiuotorLi. Q. 8. S. — Tiger Liiy ; Tecomaradicans. THE GARDEN No. 1452.— Vou LVI] [SEPTEMBER 16, 1899. Orchids: — Cwlogjiie otellata 21S Cypripedium Parishi .. ,. 213 Pendrobium chrysanthum . 213 Epidendnim falcitum . . _ 213 Livlia anceps ,. 213 MssdevalUa Baekhousiani .'. 213 Masdevillia Chimiera .. 213 Odontoglossum cordatum .. 213 Vanda suavia _ 214 Vanda tricolor . . .. _ „ 2H Tveea and ShFaba i— Trees and shrubs, floweriog, in August 214 Flower:— Arenaria and Cypripedium 217 Arenaria monCana and Ci/pri- pediuiii monlanu)!! in the rorl.- 'jarikn, Kitr . . 217 Begonias and dry weather . 218 Climbers, flowering, in De- ™n ..216 Dahlia Mrs. Stephenson Clarke .. _ .. .218 Dahlias at the Crystal Pakce 2 17 Dahlias, Cactus . . „ „ 215 Flower garden notes .. -. 216 Fuchsiasin the flower garden 215 Helenium autumnale super- bum .. .. .. _ 216 Lilium cindidum, lifting .. 218 Marigold Silver King .. .. 218 Narcissus cyclamineus major 217 Pinks, alpine .. . 214 Sweet Pea novelties in America .... 218 Tabern.-^^montanas and Eu- phorbias planted out ., 218 Vallota purpurea 215 Roses :— Rose M.ne. B^igene Risal 219 Rose SoQveair de la M..1- maieon .. .. .. .. 220 Roses, some good China .. 219 Victor Verdier group, the .. 2L9 Kitchen : - Carrots 222 Onions, storing 222 Onions, thinning autumn- sown 222 (Illustrations in Italics.) Pea Autocrat) 222 Toraatoe", early „ .. .. 222 Garden Flora :- Daffodils, two Dutch .. .. 222 Narcissus Mme. de GraafE and N Apricot 222 Week's HTork:— Fruits under glass 224 Kitchen garden, work in the 223 Fruit and Vegetable Crops _ .. 224 Orchard and Fruit :— Apjih Mruit.! Co'llin _ .. 2:6 Apples, reliable early » .. 226 Filbsrt, the purple .. .. 227 Fruit tree borders, loose .. 2^7 Grapes, early and late .. 227 Grapes, outdoor, in Eist Anglia .. ... 227 Strawberries, failure of . . 226 Strawberries, notes on . . .. 225 Societies : - Royal Horticultural Society 229 United H. B. P. Society .. 231 Notes of the Week :— Aster Mrs. W. Peters . .. 231 Aster Ni,vi - Belgii Parker nanus 232 Aster fchorti .. 212 Asters failing 23 J Begonias at Kirkc.mnel .. 2i2 Bramble, Parsley -leaved .. 232 Chryfauthemum maximum Triumph .... 232 Chrysanthemum P i e r c y's Seedling 232 Dahlia Mrs J. J. Crowe .. 231 Dahlia Red Rover .. „ 2il Hibiscus californicus .. .. 231 Hibiscus Manihot 232 Lilium speciosum album no- vum 232 Montbretia Bayon d'Or - 231 Pansy Endymion _ .. ... 231 Pansy Florizel _ 232 Pansy White Beauty . . . . 231 Pentstemons at Klrkconnel 232 Plants, Japanese, grouping 282 Primula floribunda Isabel- Una 232 Retinospora obtusa aurea Crippsi . ... 232 Tritonia imperlalis in Scot- land 232 Zauschneria calitornica splen- dens — •- 231 Miscellaneous :— August in S. Devon Belladonna Lily and Peru- vian Swamp Lily Belladonna Lily and Zephyr- anili-.A at Ki:if - — — Budd, Dr , death of -. -. Forgit-me-not, .Vffr Zealand Myosotidium nobUe Plants, names of .. Ramondia pyrenaifa Ramondias W. Herts, weather in 220 223 2 8 232 £28 228 232 228 228 231 Orchids. CYPRIPEDIUM PARISHI. This is a very beautiful plant, though not so large as some similar habited kinds, and I have never been able to understand why such a pretty thing has not become more popular. It comes nearer the South American section of the genus than most of the Asiatic species, and at first sight the flowers remind one somewhat of a gigantic C. caricinura. The stout spikes attain a height of about 18 inches and bear in some cases four to six flowers. Each one is about 3 inches across and the sepals are yellowish with green veins, the petals elongated and prettily undulated, greenish at the base with purple markings, the pouch similarly coloured. In habit C. Parishi is very vigorous, and the deep green leaves are striking and handsome even when the plants aie not in flower. Its culture, therefore, is comparatively easy provided always that ample heat and atmospheric moisture are present in the house wherein it is grown. The compost may be made up of equal parts of peat, loam and chopped Sphagnum Moss, a few large lumps of charcoal and crocks being mixed with it to ensure aeration. The liking the roots have for charcoal is seen by the way they run through and over any chance lump that may be in the compost, and this material may be freely used. As to the manner of potting, there is no need to elevate the plants, as is usual with the majority of epiphytal Orchids. This C'ypripe- dium, it is true, is usually found growing on trees, but nearly always, I believe, surrounded with vegetable matter. The roots then may be allowed free play by giving moderately large pots, and the base of the growths may be a little below the rim of the pot. It is only in the case of established plants though, for newly-imported crowns always seem to relish being above ground, so to speak, and if the long green leaves are tied up to stakes set in the pot and a little lighter material brought up to their base, there will be no fear of damping either of the young growths, the roots or the base of the leaves. Single growths of C. Parishi often come away well and soon make nice healthy little plants, rooting freely into the material named above and filling their pots. This is the class of plant that takes a lot of watering, the small amount of compost left after the roots have run all through it drying up very rapidly. Moisture is necessary all the year round, especially when dry, hot weather prevails. The flowers of C. Parishi, like those of several other Cypripediums, open during a dull season for Orchids, and are all the more valued on that account. They last well in perfect condition, and though, as mentioned above, the plants require ample heat to grow them well, they will not be much harmed by a week or two in a warm room or conservatory during the time they are in flower. A rather shady position in the East India house suits it well, or in a house where Phakenopsis thrives on the roof, this may be grown on the stage. C. Parishi was first discovered by the late Rev. C. S. Parish, who found it in Moulraein in 18.59, but it was not generally grown until 1868, when plants of it were imported by Messrs. Low and Co. Lselia anceps. — By far the finest grown plants of this Orchid that I have seen for a long time I noticed this week in Mr. Rider Haggard's collection at Uitchingham House, Norfolk. The pseudo-bulbs were immense, and each new growth had its spike— a very satisfactory state. The plants are large and growing in broad, flat baskets suspended from the roof in a light span- roofed house, where they must be exposed to a good deal of sun. This is undoubtedly what this useful winter flowering plant delights in, ample light and not too much material about its roots. — H. R. Epidendrum falcatum. — Though not as free- flowering in many places as is desirable, this is a distinct - looking and interesting plant. It is easily known by the thick drooping foliage, which occurs rather widely apart on the creeping stems. The flowers are like a very large Brassavola, the plant, in fact, being sometimes labelled B. Pes- catorei. The sepals and petals are narrow, brownish or greenish white, the lip yellow, with a long pointed centre lobe. It is a native of Mexico, and plants of it are now flowering at Ditchingham House. It should be suspended near the glass in a light, sunny house. Coelogyne ocellata. — This pretty plant I have noted in flower during the week, earlitr than I ever remember seeing it, as the flowers do not usually open for several months. It is a pretty Orchid that merits attention from its fine erect spikes of white flowers with yellow blotches on the lip. Coming from a considerable altitude at Sikkim, it does better in a cool intermediate temperature with ample air and a shady position than in the warmest house, and may be grown in baskets or pans. The compost may consist of equal parts of peat fibre, leaf mould, and Sphag- num Moss, and the roots should never be dried. Odontoglossum cordatum.— Though often flowering in early spring, the flowers of this plant seem more welcome now that the cool hou^e is not so gay. The species is as variable as any, some forms being much superior to others. The plants are very free-flowering, the spikes arching and containing a large number of blossoms, the sepals and petals of which are a deep golden yellow, with blotches of chocolate ; they are elongated, almost like those of a Brassia. The heart-shaped Up, from which the species takes its name, is white, with rose spots. Masdevallia Chimsera and M. Backhousi- ana.— These two plants are very much alike, so much so, that, distinct as they may be botanically, the ordinary observer sees little diS'erence in them. Both are interesting and peculiar plants, the weird- looking flowers of which are produced in abund- ance now. Both are well in flower in Mr. Rider Haggard's collection at Ditchingham, where cool Orchids of most kinds do well. These kinds are found to do best with rather warmer treatment in winter than the majority of the genus, and should never, in fact, be in a house below 50^ in winter. The plants at Ditchingham are very fine ones, in large baskets suspended from the roof. Dendrobium chrysanthum. — I recently noted a magnificent specimen of this very pretty Dandrobium, the long pendent pseudo-bulbs hang- ing in profusion from a large basket and covered with flowers. These are a pretty tint of yellow with maroon centre and are produced all along the stems in bunches of four or five. A very fine display ia thus secured, but, unfortunately, the blossoms are rather quickly over. D. chrysan- thum, though strictly deciduous, flowers upon the young green wood, often before the leaf falls, and until this occuis the plants must not bo much dried at the roots. A short resting season is then necessary, but the plant begins to grow away very soon after, often in the early part of winter, so that part of its growth has to be made during the 214 worst time of jear. It is not wise to Lurry h plants then, but just to keep them gently moving and in spring, with the increased light and advancing temperature, progress will be more rapid and satisfactory. This is when a little more warmth than usual may be allowed, the plant at other times doing best in an intermediate house. The compost should be very rough and open, as the roots of this species are much larger than those of the majority of species. Fairly large receptacles are also necessary. — H. Vanda suavis and V. tricolor.— There is a good deal of confusion existing in the nomencla- ture of these two fine Orchids, and on several occasions recently amateur growers have asked me what is the difference. Structurally there is little, if any, but as garden plants they are dis- tinct enough, V. suavis having in almost every case a pure glistening white ground, which makes it in my opinion a far more chaste and handsome Orchid than V. tricolor, which is usually some tint of yellow. There are, however, intermediate forms, and some of these are pret- tier than others, but none can come up to the better forms of V. suavis, one of the most noble of all Orchids. In the Ditchingham House col- lection both are doing remarkably well and flowering freely, the long white roots shooting out in all directions, showing how well the treat- ment they get suits them. Most of these plants, Mr. Haggard tells me, have been cut down and re-rooted within the past few seasons, yet they are flowering freely, showing plainly enough that the absurd plan of leaving the plants to get un- tidy and leggy for fear of cutting them down is not only absurd, but quite unnecessary.— H. R. Trees and Shrubs. FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS IN AUGUST. Abutilon vexillarium against a wall has borne its arching wands studded at intervals with pen- dent crimson blossoms, from which the pale yellow corollas and brown stamens peep. Aralia (Fatsia) japonica, of which some immense speci- mens exist in the south-western counties, plants 8 feet or 10 feet in height and IC feet or more in diameter being not unknown, has perfected its Ivy-like inflorescence, while tall examples of A spinosa are crowned above the layers of their deeply- pinnate leaves with ivory-white plumes of blossom. In a sheltered garden Cassia corym- bosa has expanded its golden flower clusters, while Catalpa 1 lignonioides has perfected its pyra- mids of bloom. During the month of August I passed through a village in East Devon in the main street of which some young trees of this Catalpa were in fine bloom. The Mexicm Orange Flower (Choisya ternata) has here and there given a second crop of fragrant blossoms, and Caryo- pteris mastacanthus, which has grown into a fair- sized shrub, has been thickly set with its lavender flowers. Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles was in fine bloom early in the month, and in a southern exposure Clethra arborea has blossomed. Cytisus arboreus has also been in bloom, and the Holly-like Desfontainea spinosa has produced its scarlet and orange drooping tubular blossoms. Escallonia macrantha is in bloom in some places, and E. montevidensis is smothered in its white flower-clusters, whose sweetness is much appre- ciated by the insect world. On a sunny August day a large bush of this Escallonia presents an attractive sight, not alone on account of its floral beiuty, but also by reason of the varied insect life that haunts its blossoms. Flies of many descriptions are there, while the air is murmurous with the subdued monotone of the hive and humble bees. Of the butterflies, the red admiral, its jetty wings barred with vermilion and spotted with white, is present in by far the greatest numbers, a dozen or more expanding and closing their brilliantly marked pinions on the ivory-white flower-heads at the same ime being no uncommon sight. Now and again a pea- THE GARDEK cock butterfly displays its chestnut brown wings, each bearing in is centre the large many-hued circle from which it takes ts name. Now a fritil- lary with orange-brown black-marbled wings sails slowly over the summit of the bush, or painted-lady or tortoiseshell, the latter's bright- ness tarnished by its summer-long volatile gaiety, poises lightly on the flowers, or the sober tints of meadow-brown or wood argus meet the eye. Early in the month I noticed a Beschornerla bearing a red-stemmed flower-panicle some 4 feet in height. The Habrothamnus has been produc- ing its deep crimson bloom-clusters throughout the month, and the Syrian Mallow, which shares with the common St. John's Wort the title Rose of Sharon, has flowered profusely. The most attractive variety of this shrub is Hibiscus syriacus totus albus, the flowers of which are of a snowy purity. The Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is adding another tint to the grey- green of its leaves as its clustering berries assume an orange hue, and Leycesteria formosa displays on its drooping racemes of maroon-purple bracts its whorls of white flowers. The great standard Magnolia grandiflora is blossoming with even more than its customary freedom, a dozen or more fragrant white chalices expanding with each succeeding day. For four months in the year this tree is never flowerless, and during the past two seasons of 1897 and 1898 its first bloom was cut in the second week of May and the last early in November, thus giving a flowering period of six months, while in 1894 on December 2, just previous to the severe weather that marked the opening months of 189.), I cut a large Magnolia bud which opened well indoors. The only year of the last seven that this tree did not flower satisfactorily was in 1895, when all the early buds were killed by the frost, the first flower of that year not expanding until the end of September. The tree in question is a fine specimen, sweeping the ground with its branches which have a spread of .35 feet, while in height it exceeds 20 feet, and has borne some hundreds of blossoms every year with the exception of 1895, when the number of blooms that expanded was limited to thirty-two. The Venetian Sumach (Rhus Cotinus) is now covered with the feathery clusters that succeed the inconspicuous flowers, the flossy plumes assuming lustrous tints of purple and metallic- brown, while the shrubby hybrid Veronicas are becoming purple and pink with bloom. Torquay. S. W. F. Flower Garden. [September 16, 1899. ALPINE PINKS. We are in the habit of seeing all kinds of alpine Pinks called by all kinds of names, but it is quite true that a rock garden may display some very neat and ornamental kinds for which it is very difficult for a botanist to find a genuine name, because some of the species hybridise so readily and many of the hybrids are fertile, so that the progeny departs further from the type in every generation. Setting aside the cluster or bunch- bearing Pinks, there are hardly a dozen kinds in common cultivation which can be distinctly referred to a wild type, and can also be easily mul- tiplied by cuttings or come generally true from seed in gardens. I am going to mention the best of these as I have grown them in Edge garden. DiAN'THUs ALPiNus. — Very good and bears seed sparingly, which comes true and flowers the first year and spreads to a large breadth the second year, after which it often dies or becomes patchy. It likes moist peat, and if the soil is well drained by nature, does as well on the flat border as the rockery. D. r.LACiALis. — I mention this here because it is so well known to tourists as one of the flowers they see at the highest alpine elevations, but the type when cultivated does not make a good rock l^lait. The leaves are too long and too dense in proportion to the flowers, and unless recently raised from seed collected wild the plant is seldom seen true in cultivation. The best of all rock Pinks, however, goes by the name in nurseries of D. glacialis. I cannot trace it further back than Robert Parker's Tooting nursery, from which I got it twenty-five years ago, and I believe the original plant is still alive with me. Backhouse, of York, has kept up the stock, and I believe still sells it as D. glacialis. It is the earliest of the rock Pinks, beginning to flower at the end of April. It is rather difficult to propagate, and though I have searched all my many plants annually I have never found a seed. In habit it is inter- mediate between D. glacialis and D. alpinus, perhaps a hybrid of these two, and is well worth any pains bestowed on it. D. NEGLECTUs flowers all June. It bears dense and very acute leaves. The flowers are lighter in colour and rather larger than those of D. alpinus, and have the under side of the petals of a pale apricot colour. It is long lived on the top of a rockery, growing in very little soil, but in deep, fine stone riddlings, and spreads to 6 inches across, plants of that size often bearing from fifty to 100 flowers. It seeds pretty well, and seed- lings are always with me true to type, though they vary in height, the best having stalks of 4 inches to 6 inches long. It is easy to cultivate if the roots can penetrate deep without encounter- ing fcny stagnant moisture, but if they find their way into sodden soil the plant turns brown and dies the first winter. D. c.-f;sins is very different in habit from those already described, which do not assume a pen- dulous habit as this dees, being never so happy as when growing in a wall or in the crack of a rock. The Cheddar Rocks, from which it takes its name, the walls of (I think it is) Magdalen College at Oxford, and se\eral parts of the Alps have distinct varieties in size of flower and stature, and any favourite form must be propa- gated by cuttings, which is very easily done. Unlike D. neglectus, D. ciesius hardly ever comes true from cultivated seed where other species are grown near it. It is often ditlicult to determine the pollen parents of its hybrids. Sometimes they seem to approach what is commonly called D. plumarius, having a dark eye like small single forms of the garden Pink. In others the grey of the leaves, which give its specific name, is en- tirely changed to dark green, and the flower is dark crimson — characters which I attribute to a cross with D. deltoides — but whatever their his- tory, the crosses are often worth perpetuating. D. ARENARirs (of Linnjeus) has a very good portrait in Botanical Marjazine, 2038. The leaves and stalk, about 6 inches high, are small and slender for the size of the flower, which is more than an inch across, very deeply fringed, white, with an ill-defined brown eye, and very fragrant. It comes for the most part true from seed. D. OALLicus (of Persoon) is confused with the preceding, though quite unlike it, one of its sy- nonyms being arenarius, a name it deserves by its habit of growing in pure sand. It is mentioned here because the name is far commoner than the true species, which has rather thick, solid leaves and a strong stem more than a foot high, and a fringed flower of uniform pale pink. There is an excellent portrait of it in Wooster's " Alpine Plants," tab. 40. It is mostly a maritime plant, being abundant in the warm sands on the coast near Biarritz, from which I have several times brought it home to cultivate. Though I have given it a warm situation and deep sand to grow in, it has always flowered very late, if at all, and has shown signs of tenderness, never ripening seeds. D. DELTOIDES. — Nothing more need be said of this purely native species than that it seems con- tented with any situation and soil, that it is easily pulled up if its room is wanted for anything better, that it contributes its pollen to hybrids, though seldom producing them from its own seed, and that the white pink-eyed variety comes in a large proportion true from seed and is very pretty. September 1(5, 1899.] D. svLVESTRis is a good rock pUiit, though not long-lived. It produces seed freely and is easily raised ; the leaves are long and drooping, and the stalks weak and incapable of holdingup the large pale pink flowers. Though I raise it every year from seed saved in my garden, I do not know that it has ever produced a hybrid there. The flowers are not fringed, and are not unlike the type of I). Carjophyllus, hut paler in colour. D. CALLi/jiNus, so well grown at Kew, the flower of which resembles a magnified D. alpinus, I have never been able to keep more than a year in spite of two or three trials. D. FRAGRANs.— This species has a small in- dented flower on an upright stem 0 inches or 8 inches high. A pleasing character is its very strong fragrance of Jasmine. There is a double form of more robust habit than the type which belongs to this, though formerly distributed as D. petneus. This form is very easily propagated, and 13 deservedly a favourite in alpine beds. D. PKTR.EUs resembles D. fragrans in stature and in its white indented flowers, which are rather larger. There are other botanical diflfer- ences, but as the two species certainly mi.x with one another and with others in cultivation, those who wish for accurate definitions of them are referred to the Botani-rd Mwjazine, where there are portraits of both, or to the monograph of Dianthus in the Journal of the Linnean Society. D. siTERBi-s — This well-known and wide- spreid spscies extends from near the Xorth Cape to Spain and from the extreme west of Europe to Japan. It may be expected to vary much. The best-known type in Europe grows nearly 2 feet high, has large, much fringed flowers, recalling those of Clarkia pulchella in form and size, rang- ing in colour from pale lilac to white. The scent is strong, but hardly agreeable, and the duration of the plants seldom exceeds two or three years. It is mentioned here chiefly because it is even more prone to form hybrids than D. c»siua. Its hybrids become very tufty and .spread into large breadths, and are much dwarfer in stature than the seed parent. They root so densely that they may generally be easily divided with a trowel, but are mostly of second-rate merit. D. Knappi is cultivated by me for its unique colour— clear pale yellow— not for any merit of habit. It is said to be either identical with or a variety of the older name, D. liburnicus. It has small clusters of small flowers on weak stalks 15 inches high which cannot bear up the flowers. If a dozen plants are planted together the flowers cover the ground pretty thickly and make a show. lb ripens seed sparingly and comes quite true. D. .MASMEN^EOs, named after a mountain in Cappadocia, and one of my best rock Pinks, flowering freely from a small base, with flowers nearly the colour of D. deltoides, but larger. I have had the species for twenty years. It was given to me by the late Mrs. Lloyd-Wynne, of Coed Coch, who told me she found it wild either in Sicily or Palestine, the latter country only being within the range of the species. For several generations it has always come quite con- stant from seed, so I became convinced that it was a true species, but I could not get a name for it until I sent a good specimen to the Hcrbier Boissier at Geneva, from which it was returned with the above name. Besides the.se I have grown many other spe- cies of alpine Pink, but they were either de- facient in merit or of uncertain identification, and my experience of seed saved in my own garden and of bought seed and plants of this tribe convinces me that the names are seldom trustwortliy. C. Wollev-Dod. hrlje Hall, Malpas. THE GARDEN. 215 first week in September) the plants are a mass of flower, and form a most pleasing contrast to the more formal subjects by which they are sur- I rounded. The old Fuchsia Riccartoni is very graceful wherever seen in rude health, and flowers so freely, that the long growths are I weighed down. Some of the larger flowered varieties are just as vigorous, and as they come into full beauty just when nights and mornings are getting cooler, they remain in that condition until spoilt by early frost. By this all the year- ' round exposure these hardy sorts beccme hardier still, though in winters of more than ordinary I severity a covering of some short litter or leafy material is necessary ; indeed, it is best given in I November as a safeguard. Some of the cottagers cover the crowns with coal ashes. — J. C. Vallota purpurea.— "J. G.'a" note on this showy old plant is opportune. Twenty years ago it was very generally met with, but one may now inspect many greenhouses without seeing it. Its value does not altogether lie in its brilliant colour, but in the period at which it comes into flower, being, as "J. G." says, at a season when pot plants in bloom are none too plentiful. The mixture named by ".J. G." cannot be improved upon, good drainage also being very necessary, as it is not advisable to disturb the plants too often. At one time it used to be well shown in collections of stove and greenhouse plants in the north of j England and it always made a mark. A number of bulbs were placed in a rather large pot and I surface dressings given each year that potting , was not performed. The plant is much benefited during growth by liberal supplies of weak liquid manure. Ripening is an important point, the foot of a sunny wall being a good position for a time after flowering. — J. C. CACTUS DAHLIAS. Fuchsias in the flower garden.— I think it was Mr. Mnlyneux who last autumn h.ad a note on the fine Fuchsias he had seen in the neighbour- hood of Cromer growing in the open air." Here- abouts showy spreading bushes are common in villa and cottage gardens. At the present time (the In spite of the drought these are making a brave show. Too much cannot be said of them as beau- tiful garden plants. Few plants have been so quickly improved by the introduction of new varieties as have these, and kinds which but three years or so back were thought wonderful stand no chance against the latest types. In colour, lightness in arrangement of the florets, freedom of bloom, and in the general habit of the plant's growth changes for the better may be noted. They will undoubtedly oust the stifle, formal Dahlias out of cultivation. In some shades of colour we do not yet possess perfect sorts, notably in whites and yellows, but in time these will probably come. The best white is Keynes' White. This is in every respect, except that it has a creamy shade, a very fine variety. Free- flowering and constant, it throws its blooms well out of the leaves, while the leafage is ample, and the plant not over 4 feet high, a capital height for a Dahlia. Miss Webster and Salisbury White are sorts which bear the purest white blooms of any, but neither has the form now most esteemed. The last named is especially useful where a quan- tity of cut bloom is required. .Mrs. A. Peart is uncertain, otherwise when good this is excellent. I find the flowers come better on old plants than on those raised each year from cuttings. Lady Penzance is the only yellow kind worth growing for a fine type of bloom. Its only fault is that the stems of the flowers are short, and they are thus somewhat hidden among the leaves. By well thinning the growths, especially those which spring from under the bloom-buds, this fault may be less noticeable. Blanche Keith is a good yel- low, and so is Mrs. Turner. Both have heavy- looking blooms, but the plants are striking in the garden on account of their freedom in flowering. Daffodil, which was thought highly of when first exhibited, is not with me an improvement in yellows. The habit of the plant is certainly desirable, but unless severely thinned the blooms do not come full to the centre. A. Cactus Dahlia that will only produce a very limited number of perfect blossoms is hardly worth troubling about. Delicata has blooms of a lovely shade of salmon- rose. Its flowers, however, are hidden among the leaves. A mujh belter kind of a similar shade is Loreley, a pretty kind, rose, shaded white to the centre. The b'ooms are well formed, borne free'y on long stems, and the plant is about 3 feet high. Its foliage is v^ry dark green. This sort will, I fancy, become popular. Arachne is the first of a fancy type of Cactus Dahlia. The ground colour is white, each petal being more or less striped with red. The stems are long and weak, so that the blooms become pendent. This, however, does not detract from the merits of the plant as a whole. The Clown is a newer kind, having flowers with distinct markings. In this case half of each petal is a buff shade, the other part white. The habit of the plant is sturdy. When better known this sort will be much admired. Starfish is quite the best of those with scarlet blooms. Every flower comes perfect and it is very free. The habit of the plant is somewhat loose and requires more tying than many of the improved sorts, otherwise no fault can possiVily be found with it. Standard-bearer has blooms less bright and not so well finished, but with a dwarf, close habit of growth. J. E. Frewer is a scirletcoloured variety that must not be discarded yet. Gloriosa produces blooms most rich in the shade of red, but it is heavy looking as types go now. The plant, too, is rather tall. For planting in front of shrubs, it has, however, a bold look. Night has very dark maroon flowers, almost black, and is a first rate improvement. Match- less, so long favoured as a dark kind, is quite superseded by this. One of the most free to bloom and every flower perfect in form, it is a singularly handsome bush. Ranji, now grown for the first time, is disappointing, the flowers being so rough shaped and theircentres faulty. It isdark- coloured and free blooming, that is all, but unless it gives better blooms in moist weather I shall discard it. Cinderella has blooms of a purple shade, deep and rich. The form is excellent, but the plant requires to be thinned, otherwise all the flowers do not come double. Eurl of Pem- broke is someweat heavy in shape of flower, but for freedom of production and general habit of the plant it is quite the best of the plum-purple hue. Charles Woodbridge is, perhaps, the hand- somest of Cactus Dahlias. It has blooms of a rich crimson colour, large and perfect in shape. It is less free in flowering than many, but withal a type one would like to see in other colours. Mrs. John Goddard has dazzling light maroon blooms of the most approved formation. It is free and takes a long time to opsn, but each flower also Usts a considerable time even when fully out. Beatrice bears flowers of a distinct rose-pink shade. The plant must not be thinned, or its blooms come coarse. It is a tall-habited kind. Island Queen resembles it somewhat in colour. This, on the other hand, must be well thinned. If this be not done its blooms aro small. The first is a desirable garden plant ; the other fit only for exhibition. Bridesmaid is a capital sort, so unlike any other in its combination of colours — primrose, shaded pink. The plant is very free-flowering and the blooms long-stemmed. It must not be thinned, or the petals are too numerous to properly open. Mrs. Wilson Noble is not the least charming of Dahlias. The salmon- pink blooms have a tint quite their own, and the shape IS excellent. It is dwarf and very free ; so much so, that the buds should be reduced con- siderably. Countess of Lonsdale is a new va- riety of great merit. In habit of growth the plant is first rate. The blooms are not wanting in any way, and are borne well out of the foliage. Its colour may be described as rosy salmon, very delicate and charming. Alfred Vasey has flowers of a salmon-red tint, and its spiky petals are formed-in a perfect way. The plant is short and especially free flowering. A large bed of this kind alone would form a most .'triking object. Britannia, on account of its dwarf habit and free - blooming qualities, would make a splendid bedding Dahlia. The light buff blooms all come of capital form. Altogether it is one of the really improved types. Capstan has blosSoms 216 THE GAEDEK. [Septembbe 16, 1899. of a terracotta-red shade of nice form. The • plant is dwarf, bushy and free-flowering. This j will become an esteemed kind. Mary Service is i delightful in its many tints. Heliotrope and red would describe them. The blooms are of good shape and especially light, making it a desirable variety. Dwarf and free, it needs but little thin- ning and the blooms last well when cut. Fusilier, ', coral-red, is now well known as a very excellent i variety. It is free, but in a year or two will pro- bably be superseded by a sort lighter in formation of blossom. Lucius is a pretty type. The orange shade of colour is one wanted, and in all respects it is an improvement. Magnificent as yet I am not so pleased with. It may be that I have not thinned the blooms enough, for the centres are faulty. It is very free and dwarf, and if later flowers come better than the present ones the name will be thought deserving. Harmony, Harry Stredwick, Miss A. Nightin- gale, Mrs. Barnes, Cycle, Mabel Keith, and Mrs. Kingsley Foster are worth growing perhaps, but are behind those kinds more fully described, which are now noted as they are in the growing state. At exhibitions many new kinds will doubt- less be seen for the first time and much admired, but it is only after a trial in the garden that one can really judge of their merits. H. S. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Daffodils. — If existing breaks of DaS'odils are to be strengthened or new plantings formed, it will soon be time to see about them. Given favourable conditions as to soil, they may be planted in almost any position except in extreme shade, but it is very little use attempting to j naturalise the Daffodil in uncongenial soil, where, j for instance, it is very light and sandy, unless . special preparations can be made, which are I naturally somewhat opposed to one's idea of bond fide naturalisation. Here with sand close to the surface and going to a great depth the result of planting in the turf is disappointing, but if a bit of old shrubbery is cleared away I can secure capital results by digging deeply, working in a compost consisting of one half road sidings and i one half well decomposed leaf manure, and put- ! ting the bulbs well down. If an enduring dis play at each clump is a consideration, different varieties of the trumpet and star sections can be used. Dry wkather annuals. — It is interesting in a season like the present to note anything in the way of flowers that stands the prolonged drought fairly well, and that holds its foliage and con- tinues to flower when other things have practi- cally succumbed. From this standpoint there are few annuals better than the Sunflower known under the names of Stella, New ^Miniature, and ' one or two more that do not occur to me at pre- sent and which are not important, as they are practically the same thing. On a rather poor border and fully exposed to the sun, plants of this Sunflower have not gone so high as usual, but they are in the best of health and covered with the bright-coloured blooms, the black eye and the rich yellow of the petals forming an effec- tive contrast. Another excellent dry-weather plant is Cosmos bipinnatus and its varieties, an annual with Fennel-like foliage and lignt grace- ful flowers. The latter look flimsy, but stand much longer, both on the plant and in a cut state, than their appearance would seem to indicate. A deeper and more pronounced shade of purple would be a decided acquisition. Marigolds, both tall, medium, and dwarf, as represented respectively by African, Calendulas, and French, flourish amaz- ingly in heat and drought, only under these condi- tionsdecaying blooms have to be promptly removed in order to prolong the display. Petunias also do well, growing freely and blooming profusely, only they want a heavier and more retentive soil. Antirrhinums, of course, revel in the heat. I class them for the time being with annuals because they are treated as such ; a sowing is made in slight warmth early in February, and they are grown along quickly to secure nice sturdy plants by the beginning of May. The tall section is much the more enduring. I have been surprised to find the Marguerite type of Carnation doing so well, and am pleased to recommend them as thoroughly good dry weather plants. They were planted on a rather poor border facing due south with a wall as a background, a border that dries out both fast and deep, and yet at the present time they are looking well, not so vigorous as usual, but nice stocky plants that are throwing some very good flowers. Summer eeddinc; arrangements. — It is some- what late in the year to write on this subject when the clearing of beds rather than the plant- ing is under consideration, and yet in one respect it is the best time of the year for the purpose, because any alterations in the planting that may be deemed necessary for another season can be provided for by the increased propagation of those things likely to be required. The taste for mixed beds is becoming yearly more apparent, and, as in the case of other styles, is very pleasing when thoroughly well done. There is, however, a tendency to overcrowd and to push the number of species and varieties employed to an extent that is apt to make the mixture somewhat incon- gruous. The overcrowding is objectionable be- cause the capabilities of individual plants are not given a chance, and what would under more favourable circumstances be a well-furnished bush is a weedy-looking plant of straggling habit, whilst the mixing together in the one bed of perennials, annuals, and bedding plants seems to me quite out of character and antagonistic to true garden- ing. It is aleo well to note that in the case of small beds too many colours should be avoided. Even with the same species, as, for instance. Verbenas, Petunias, or Phlox Drummondi, a good breadth of one shade is desirable, but when a lot of different things, as Lobelia, Echeveria, tricolor Pelargoniums, Iresine, or Coleus, are planted in a narrow strip either in lines or blocks, we get into a style approaching carpet bedding, one of the things, happily, fast dying out. There are plenty of things of dwarf habit, as Golden Harry Hieover and Manglesi Pelargoniums or dwarf Ageratum, that can be utilised for small beds, filling each with one variety and relieving the same slightly with a few plants of taller habit either in flower or foliage. E. Burrell. Claremonl. FLOWERING CLIMBERS IN DEVON. It is not often that in this country such a re- splendent display is afforded by Bignonia radi- cans as is so frequently to be seen on the Mediterranean shores, so that when this rare occurrence is met with it becomes all the more noteworthy. In a secluded village at the head of one of the tributaries of the river Dart the southern side of a house is covered by an old plant of this creeper. The specimen in question is said to be seventy years old, and its stem has a circumference of IS inches near the base. It is growing in the red clayey loam of the neighbour- hood and is evidently in the most vigorous health, its yearly shoots averaging 5 feet in length. In the month of August the effect pro- duced by this plant was one of surpassing bril- liance, the whole side of the house being a sheet ; of glowing scarlet with its abundant flower- j clusters. This Bignonia is possibly better known under the title of Tecoma radicans. The Virgin's I Bower (Clematis Flammula) is smothered in a wealth of ivory white, scented star flowers that ! perfume the wandering breezes with their luscious sweetness. Many cottage porches are embowered I in the profuse wreathings of this plant that shrouds ! trellis and lattice windows with its odorous flower- trails. Clematis Jackmani has retained the rich purple of its blossoms well into the month, and here and there the early-flowering C. montana has supplemented its spring display by a sparse autumnal blossoming. C. Vitalba, the Old Man's Beard or Traveller's Joy, is garlanding tree and shrub with its greenish white seed-clusters, soon to assume the smoke-grey tint that renders them so decorative when wreathing the topmost Ijoughs of some old Portugal Laurel or Ilex. Cobfea scandens is bearing its bell-shaped purple blossoms, and Eccremocarpus scaber its racemes of orange blooms, and in the hedgerows the Honeysuckles are flowering. On a sheltered wall Mandevilla suaveolens has produced its fragrant white blossoms, Lophospermum scan- dens has borne its rosy flowers, and Mina lobata, threading the growths of other climbing plants, is showing the scarlet and gold of its bloom sprays. The Morning Glory, though a troublesome plant to eradicate when once esta- blished in borders containing subjects of less rampant growth, is a beautiful sight when rele- gated to a position where it may swathe a rocky spur or envelop rough poles with its twining greenery and widespread, snowy blossoms. The blue Passion Flower and its white variety, Constance Eliott, are in flower, and their earliest fruits are in some cases already commencing to colour. Physianthus albens has also been in blossom, and in the same garden a laige plant of Plumbago capensis that has lived in the open against a perpendicular cliff, sheltered from the north and east, for the past three winters without experiencing any injury is bearing its pale blue flower-heads. Solanum jasminoides is a lovely sight, being thickly starred over the whole of its greenery with countless white bloom clusters, which, though they shed their petals until the underlying ground is white as with snowflakes, are reinforced by fresh flower sprays in such quantity, that week by week the plant becomes a picture of more perfect beauty until it reaches the zenith of its display in mid September, pro- vided that up to that time it haply escapes being devastated by some unseasonable gale. In hard winters the Solanum is usually more or less cut back by the frost, but during the past three mild seasons it has received no check, and has in con- sequence made unrestricted growth, a specimen on one house that reached the eaves some five years since standing out to a depth of over 6 feet from the wall. The vivid scarlet flowers of Tropjeolum speciosum are now things of the past, but are succeeded by the purple seeds. Late- sown plants of T. canariense (the Canary Creeper) are still bright with their golden blossoms, and T. tuberosum is daily becoming more decorative with its orange and scarlet flowers, which, on their long foot-stalks are held well clear of the foliage and create a brilliant autumnal effect. A climbing variety of T. Lobbianum of a par- ticularly bright scarlet, which has covered a little cottage from ground-level to eaves, is now a won- derfully striking sight, the glow of its innumer- able vivid flowers being apparent from a con- siderable distance. Early in the month the Wistaria provided an unlooked-for addition to the charms of the garden by bearing an autumnal crop of perfumed flower tassels, which, though not as lavish as its spring display, was almost equally charming. S. W. F. Torquay. Helenium autumnale superbum.— This is one of the finest late-flowering hardy plants of recent years. Just now the fine pyramidal trusses are delightful, especially where the plants have been well watered and mulched. I have found it best to divide in spring, giving the young plants plenty of room. "The immense pyramids of bloom are really marvellous. Some of those divided, which I should say are single stems, rise to a total height of 5 feet. The mass of bloom is fully 3 feet deep and 2 feet 6 inches through. Upon one I counted forty small branches, each one bearing from ten to twenty-five buds and blos- soms. There could not have been less than 600 buds and blossoms upon this one stem. The colour is of the shade of yellow known as gam- boge, being rather paler than H. pumilum. This Helenium would make a grand subject for a bed where something imposing is desired, and if inter- spersed with Tritomas a charming effect would te produced. — Philomel. September 16, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 217 ARENARIA AND CYPRIPEDIUM. A VERY pretty effect is secured frequently in quite a haphazard sort of way in gardens by the association of one or two plants of distinct habit and flowering that happen to blossom at one and the same moment. It is so with the Mountain Sandwort (Arenaria montana) and the Mountain Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium raon- tanum), as shown in the accompanying illustra- tion. The former is, perhaps, one of the most free growing of all white spring-flowering plants, and for such there is ample room in many gar- dens quite regardless of their extent. As a free-flowering plant, however, the example in the picture is by no means a fair specimen of what this plant will accomplish, and it would appear in its present position rather in the light of some quick free-growing subject employed for the express purposes of furnishing the rockery stones. As a rule, in the early spring months this beautiful Sandwort is quite a sheet j of pure white flowers, with usually only enough green to make an adequate foil for the mass of flowers. In the present instance the much ex- I tended growth is the outcome of the particular position occupied, and in this way serves to in- dicate how much a plant owes to environment and the like. By comparing the present photo- graph with one of the same plant in the "English Flower Garden" (edition 4, p. 296), the result will be clearly seen. One plant is grown in the open ; the other is subordinate to j other and stronger plants near that obviously j rob it of its true character. On an open or sunny bit of rockwork this Mountain Sandwort would quickly cover a square yard by its growth, which in the ensuing spring would be a mass of snowy blossoms. | The Cypripedium which forms so pretty a I group in the foreground is one of the prettiest of the Lady's Slipper family. The blossoms, however, as represented are exceptionally large , for this kind, but as the plants have also made a 6ne leaf growth, it is obvious the crowns or tufts of plants must have been more than usually strong. A capital idea of the plant, however, may be gathered from the illustration, while the flowers are of an extremely delicate rosy white, veined and shaded with a deeper rosy j hue. The sepals are of a brownish purple, and i the yellow column is freely spotted with crimson. | This pretty kind is also known as C. occiden- tal, and where the plants are strong, one to three flowers at intervals on the stem are fre- quent. Several of the Kew plants have pro- duced two flowers on a stem, which may also be noted in some instances in the picture. The plant comes from the mountain regions of Cali- fornia, but is perfectly hardy in this country. In peat and light vegetable soil, as, for ex- ample, leaves half decayed, the plant does quite well, and, given a shady place with a fair amount of moisture, may be grown with success in British gardens. For two years in succession this pretty plant has figured freely in the hardy Slipper flowers shown by Messrs. Wallace at the Temple show, the plants having been grown in pots and generally with two flowers each. At Kew the shade is provided by a large block of rock, while the Sandwort trails overall this, as shown in the picture. For companions this Slipper flower has Epipactis, .Swertia, and probably a few of the British Orchises, which in any case would be quite at home. Other plants suited for such a spot are Claytonia sibirica, Ompha- lodes verna, Pratia angulata, and the vernal and Bavarian Gentians. Many other things would be equally happy in a spot so perma- nently as well as uniformly cool, and good companionship is a thing to be aimed at in this style of gardening. E. J. CACTUS DAHLIAS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. New varieties come on apace, and pretty well a dozen received certificates at the hands of the committee of the National Dahlia Society on the 1st inst., although some of these got such awards rather by the skin of their teeth, one especially securing the coveted honour by seven votes as against six. Such voting shows that awards of this nature should be made only by a majority of fully one third of the members present. In another case three hands were held up in favour of a variety and none against. But in most cases the voting was practically unanimous, and when this is the case it is evident that the variety as presented is a good one. But the committee's requirement that for such purposes flowers and seedlings shall be shown as grown, and without support, seems absurd, as not one in twenty have other than weak stems, and hang down in a dis tressingly looking desp indent way. One only Arenaria tnontana and Cypripedium montanum in the rucli garden at Keiv. From a photograph by Q. A. Champion. seemed to have really stout flower-stalks, and that was the most striking one of the novelties, Green's White, which is the best and purest white Cactus variety yet seen. So far as relates to the others, no one seemed to make it a requirement that the stems should be stout and the flowers erect, and for that reason showing the flowers as grown seems absurd. Amongst other novelties shown were Zephyr, colour rosy salmon, tinted with mauve, a new colour, and singularly charm- ing ; Mrs. J. J. Crowe, large pale yellow, petals much incurved ; Innovation, after Arachne, but here not yet good ; W. Treseder, white, flushed pink, certainly not good at present, but a pretty colour; Olive, petals thickly set and much twisted, colour coral-red, flushed lilac, a charming variety ; Elsie, rather large, but a charming colour, yellow, heavily flushed with rosy mauve; Whirlwind, one of the Fantasy type, but better, the petals more dense, incurved, but many of them placed as though under the effects of strong wind, colour reddish carmine. Ajax is another of this type, very like the preceding, but is of paler hue. A very quaint variety is Mayor Tuppenny, as also is its name. It is large, petals twisted and incurved, but still rather thinly placed, centre vellow and outer petals reddish apricot. Two Emptrois were staged, one a rich crimson-scarlet, one a ro?y purple. The former seemed to be the better, Ijut which of the two was certificated no indication was given at the time these notes were taken. The varieties here mentioned comprise the best of the present season's novelties so far, but all did not receive awards. I venture to think that tliere are too many trade growers on the committee, for these are all more or less interested in getting certificates awarded to novelties as a matter of trade. It is hoped that some so honoured will be seen in better form later on. It is but need- ful to look over the fine varieties now in commerce to see how fine in form and how beautiful in colour the best are. For this reason in selecting novelties for certificates, only those showing distinct advance, especially in form, should be thus honoured. It is to be desired that at all future shows small award cards should be placed on the selected varieties by the committee as they go round, and thus assist both the Press and the public in seeking for needful informa- tion. Of varieties in commerce, the following were shown in beautiful condition, and novel- ties must be good to excel them : Laverstock Beauty, red- dish terra-cotta; Charles Wood- bridge, rich crimson ; Capstan, reddish salmon ; Keynes' White, so far the best ; Countess of Lonsdale, salmon, flushed mauve ; Magnificent, buff ; Mary Service, a lovely variety, coral-red, much flushed mauve ; Island Queen, soft lilac ; Coun- tess of Gosford, scarlet : Alfred Vasey, soft rosy pink ; Starfish, bright scarlet ; Lucius, orange- red ; Fantasy, coral-red, much incurved ; Ebony and Ranji, both black-crimson and the best of that colour ; Harmony, apri- cot ; Lady Penzance, yellow, and Britannia, pale buff. Any- one having this collection of named varieties will find them very hard to beat. Looking over the other day the large collection of varieties growing at Chiswick, I could bub note how very little has been yet done by raisers in the direction of getting dwarfer habits and flowers well thrown above the foliage. It seems as if a long time must elapse ere Cactus Dahlias can be made effective for garden decora- tion. In that respect the pretty pompons greatly excel them. A. D. Narcissus cyclamineus major. — As I was the first person in England to whom the Baron de Soutellinho, of Oporto, then Mr. Alfred Tait, sent the long-lost N. cyclamineus after its rediscovery by him, I am naturally interested in the plant. I therefore wish to know what is N. cyclamineus major. English bulb catalogues have for the most part ceased to offer N. cyclamineus, and only ofter N. c. major, though this new bulb does not seem to have reached the Dutch growers, as .Messrs. Roozen, Tubergen, Krelage, and others who favour me by sending their catalogues, make no mention of the major, though they all offer N. cyclamineus. I have not been regular of late in my attendance at the meetings of the Narcissus committee, so do not knoww-hether any certificate has been given or registry has 218 THE GARDEK [September 16, 1899. is equal to that of those now supplied by the bulb dealers. It is true that several of my seedlings have produced enormous flowers as large as those of the ordinary wild N. pseudo-Narcissus, and I at first thought these might be the major deve- lopment now ofiered by the English dealers, but on further comparison of the characters I con- cluded that they were spontaneous hybrids with some large form of N. pseudo - Narcissus. — C. WoLLBY-DoD, Edge Hall, Mafpas. been authorised for this new variety, but I have Mrs. Dovedale (Eckford) and Burpee's Ameri- reached the pinnacle of excellence so far as the grown N.cyclamineus ever since I first received | can novelty Fashiox are two varieties which florist has set his ideals, and the only hope now is It, and believe that the average size of my flowers run very closely together, and one will no doubt for new and distinct colour breaks. This kind have to go under. The general effect is in has a base of gold, while the tips of the florets are favour of Fashion for depth of colour, while the orange-scarlet, the two shades being more decided other leads in brilliancy. Both these varieties are than in any other we remember. It should prove of a rich rose tint, fi faint suspicion of primrose an attractive garden plant. appearing occasionally on the standard of Mrs. ; Marigold Silver King.-Compared with the Dovedale whilst a bluish cast slightly over- better-known Legion of Honour, this Marigold is shadows the wings and to a less degree the of dwarfer, more spreading hab't and the colour S-vnTr Rnf* "■ f .., .1,-. . , °f the blotches On the petals is even more clearly Sadie Burpee is of the purest whrte, perfectly defined than in that kind. The outer tint is a oI?l'" tV,P"^f of the flower. The form is pale sulphur yellow, the blotches a brownish t^Ttl' st^°dard being very full and maroon. Grown side by side in the same border broad the wings large, expanding well, and so at Shipley Hall, Derby, they are abundantly dis- displaying an unusual amount of surface giving tinct and make a very bright and telling edging, an Idea of solidity that is very remarkable. It Another interesting plant is a variety of the col- comes in both black and white seed, and is ex- mon Feverfew, with bright yellow button-like pected to prove of extra constitution, a feature " ' & J . . " that hitherto has been lacking in the whites. I am inclined to think that this variety will at once become the standard in its colour. In closing these notes it will be well to ; notice two other American novelties of merit. The first is PEA ECKPORD'S AND OTHER SWEET NOVELTIES IN AMERICA. It is very pleasing to record that the Sweet Pea novelties of Eckford's raising which were offered in the States this year through W. A. Burpee and Co., of Philadelphia, Pa., have afforded much satisfaction. The colours of this latest set of novelties are decided and distinct. Of late years there has been a noticeable weak- ness in the famous English raiser's introduc- tions so far as decision of colour was concerned. It is not disputed that they were different from others already in cultivation, but that alone will not satisfy the American critic ; our horti- cultural standard is not ruled by association nor by sentiment. The rarity of a variety or the mere fact that it is new does not enter heavily as a factor in regulating its selling value. There must be intrinsic merit, and in- trinsic merit in a florist's flower surely should be its possibility of appealing to the taste of and captivating the attention of the million rather than drawing notice from the specialist. Countess of Cadocan, with standards of violet- blue and wings of deep sky-blue, gives a very pretty ett'ect in the mass, as the two colours blend vvell at a very short distance. This is a qualifica- tion that does not receive enough attention in many plants. The colour impression of a single flower closely looked into will often give a very false idea to the observer, and therefore close analyses should be accepted simply for what they are. This variety has to meet here a much better, richer, and deeper blue Sweet Pea of the same type in Navy Blue (Burpee). True, it is not navy blue, but it is so named : it has a consider- able amount of violet in its flowers, especially in the standards, but the distant efl'ect is a true blue, several shades deeper than in Countess of Cadogan. I learn that some English growers of the two varieties report that the two are identi- cal, but whatever that may be with you, they are very clearly distinct here. Lady Grisel Hamilton is assured a leading place as a flower of clear light lavender- blue or greyish blue. It is a true self, and although slightly hooded, is of a satisfactory form. Othello is a dark flower, but, as frequently happens from Mr. Eckford's descriptions, cannot be recognised. I quote from the catalogue of the introducer : " In reality the flower is a very deep tone of an intense, very intense shade of ma- genta-lake, the slight bluish cast being more noticeable in the wings than in standard, which by transmitted light shows up as a clear deep magenta bordering on a port wine colour. It is a glorious flower, of fine form, size and substance." Ddke ok Westminster is intermediate between the roses and the blues. The well - rounded standard is rosy lake, heavily veined with a more intense tone of the same colour, giving almost the efl'ect of the self. The wings are of the same character, but having a violet cast. The form of the flower is good and well expanded and fine in substance. Hon. F. Bouverie gives the effect of a delicate salmon-pink and is superior in its colour to the older Peach Blossom. Lady Skelmersdale is a somewhat hooded ' flowers that show up very prettily against the deep green foliage. BEGONIAS AND DRY WEATHER. Some have gone as far as to say that the Begonias would oust the Geraniums from the flower garden. Pink Friar, a pink variation of the well-known ^^^> S°o<^ as the former are in their many shades of Grey Friar ; hence its name. The petals are of colour and ornamental foliage, they lack bril- the faintest pink tint, a little streaked in an 'iancy and cannot be seen to advantage unless irregular manner with a more intense tone ; alto- '''<"^6 at hand. Not only so, but unless special gether a very exquisite flower. Last, but by no attention is bestowed on them they make but poor means least, comes headway in a tropical summer. A drippy season Gorgeous, which fully comes up to the high '^ supposed to suit them best, and this is detri- standard that one would expect from its name. ™sntal to the majority of summer bedding sub- The standard is pure orange-red and of dazzling j^cts- Much may, however, be done towards brilliancy. It is of the character of Meteor, but ™aking the Begonia a success even in the hottest surpasses it in all respects. The large wings are ^"'^ driest summers by giving a suitable root-run of a bright orange-crimson colour. The stems ^""^ judiciously mulching and watering. Only a are very fine and the individual blooms well dis- ^®"' 'i'ays since I inspected several large beds in played. It is certainly the brightest in its class. It lights up wonderfully. Leonard Barron. TABEBN.EMONTANAS AND EUPHORBIAS PLANTED OUT. As a general rule Taberniumontanas are grown in pots, and thus confined and given good attention they grow and flower fairly well. It is when planted out, however, that the best results are obtained. I recently saw some healthy produc- tive bushes in a span-roofed house at Carrow. a private garden. The gardener complained of the season being unfavourable to a free growth, but I could plainly see that had the beds, which, by the way, were of a lightish, open character, been well mulched as soon as planting was com- pleted, the plants would in all probability have been twice the size, as so much of the moisture escapes from unmulched ground, and Begonias naust have plenty of moisture. Some shun mulch- ing from a labour point of view, and are constantly wasting time by administering dribbling waterings; whereas when once mulched what water is given is retained, and half the after labour suffices. A fairly deep moisture-retaining though well drained The plants are old and have been regularly cut I root mn suits Begonias best, and when the same back each season early in the year. This treat- site is used year Ster year a free incorporation ment they stand well, breaking away into new of some entirely fresh material of tL above nature growth freely and blooming profusely. When I ; should take place at least everrthirdy^^^ saw them they were thickly studded with flower- ' treatment, together with a |radua/and hardy Tr.T\fh •^'""'frS'^ "^^"il"? ?"■'« ^.? ^'J, system of starting the bulbs intf grow h in spring^ •^° reVotef/v rbi ''V-f-. .?'!.ir"^^,i^^ - '^^ -'y .-y J —ing a regular and sat'isfa?' to the house having been kept too cool. He had reduced the artificial heat as the season advanced by way of experiment, but it had taught him a lesson. An equal quantity of loam and peat, with plenty of grit to secure an open condition, was what the plants were rooting in, and that it just suited them was evident from their appear- ance. The roots are kept somewhat drier in winter, and particularly for a week or two pre- vious to cutting back in January. I do not tory growth. One amateur I know always starts his bulbs in cocoa-nut fibre, giving cool quarters, and plants with a small wig of this material attached to the roots. They seem to root freely in the fibre. He also mulches the surface with the same material, and digs the old mulch into the bed in spring. B. S. N. Liftiner Lilium candidum.— The notes both think Tabern;emontanas are so liable to attacks of " ^' ^- ^nd ".I. C. B." at page 155 are in- mealy bug as Gardenias, although that is their f^'^'J^'^j^',.-^' "'^^'^ ''° ^^ thought that lifting the chief enemy, and their fragrance is very similar ""^"^ °' '"'s old Lily, or, indeed, disturbing them to that of the Gardenia. Growing in the same '" ^"y ""^y- ^"S very harmful, and it must be house and occupying the opposite bed was a I confessed that one often sees grand clumps in healthy lot of the brilliant and useful Euphorbia I '=°"age gardens where they have stood un- jacquiniivflora. The treatment accorded is exactly ™°'®*'^^'* '°'' y<^ars, but I think the let-alone similar to that given to the Tabernfemontanas, and ^y^'^^'" "5^,1^^ carried too far, for, as " H. R." no one after seeing the plants at Carrow would ' . ^ proved, the younger bulbs arrive at a flower go back to pot culture unless compelled. The long healthy growths are tied to a wire trellis, similar to the way in which Cucumbers are done, about 1 foot or 18 inches from the roof. C. ng stage sooner and make better bulbs when lilted and replanted in new soil than they can possibly do if left crowded together in a semi- starved condition. I was much troubled in one garden by the disease, and never really mastered it. It seemed worse in excessively hot seasons. I quite believe with "J. C B." that well-nourished Dahlia (Cactus) Mrs. Stephenson Clarke. , - ,. —This kind is at least distinct from many of its ' bulbs are less liable to attacks than weakly hulf fellows, and as such should be of value on the starved ones, but I have known no end of trouble flower, the standard rosy lake, with much paler ' exhibition board as well as in the garden. Like taken with a view to eradicate the disease but ^'"S**- i>ost florists' flowers, the Dahlia appears to have without avail. I once destroyed all my own stock September 16, 1899.J THE GARDEN". 219 and procured new bulbs from a nursery, planting them in new Icam, but, although growth was very vigorous, it fell a victim to disease the first summer. — J. C. Rose Garden. SOME GOOD CHINA ROSES. Amon S'^l"S I wood, so that it has to be cut back very hard the a selection of some good China Roses tw^l ^^^ I shall not attempt to name all pretty kinds cannot be omitted, albeit they | the vanities thit compose this tribe, many hav. have more resemblance to the Polyantha group t ing long since passed out of English lists. The than to the Chinas. They are, however, true | most important are Etienne Levet, Countess of Monthlies if one accepts the term as applying j Oxford, Mile. Eugenie Verdier, Mme. Bois, to real perpetual Roses. These two kinds are Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, Mile. Marie Finger, White Pet and Red Pet. The former in flower ! Hippolyte Jamain and Belle Lyonnaise. 1^ an exact counterpart of the rambling Rose , closely related to the type either as sports from Felicitc-Perpetue. It is however, dwarf, and jtg progeny or by cross-fertilisation we have such yields immense trusses of bloom. Red Pet is I kinds as Captain Christy. Paul Neron, Duke of somewhat similar save in colour. In summer Fife, Pride of Waltham, Pride of Reigate, Mar- 220 THE GARDEN. [Skptembeu 16, 1899. guerite Boudet,La Fraicheur.and probably Queen of a wooded hill, and the Meadow-sweets filled the of Queens. Perhaps the best use Victor Verdier surrounding air with their fragrance. A tiny was ever put to was when the late Mr. Bennett orchard in the recesses of a deep coombe, whose cross-fertilised it with Devoniensis, and by this steep sides were clothed with woods, was literally means gave to the world a glorious Rose in Lady full of Meadow-sweets, and the tall mauve-pink Mary Fitzwilliam, which, although a wretchedly flower-heads of Hemp Agrimony, fringing an over- poor grower, somewhat makes amends for by grown streamlet which meandered between the seeding freely. Some of the crosses obtained gnarled and Lichen-covered trunks of the few from it, such as Mme. Abel Ghatenay, are, to say neglected Apple trees that remained, with their the lease, quite robust in habit ; in fact, this , serried ranks of blossom on which peacock butter- lovely Bose is strong enough for a pillar, and, ' flies flaunted their many-hued spots and the great moreover, it is very sweet, a distinct departure. Fritillaries unfolded their orange-brown, black Other good kinds obtained through somewhat the striped wings, ever and anon displaying the same channels are Souvenir du President Carnot, ' silver-green reverse as they closed their pinions, Souvenir de Mme. E. Verdier, < lermaine Trochon, i while the vermilion-banded red admirals hovered White Lady, Antoine Rivoire, and Alice Furon. I aloft or poised lightly on the bloom-tips. On That these partake of the Victor Verdier charac- some high embankments by the roadside the ter is distinctly apparent in the huge seed-pods Fennel grows in quantity and is now in flower, they will yield ; the latter kind I have seen almost its aromatic odour assuming an almost pungent as large as Nonpareil Apples. Yet another Rose character in the hot afternoon sunshine. By the to be included in this is Mrs. W. J. Grant, river-sides the berry-clusters of the Mountain reputedly a cross between Mile. Marie Finger Ash make vivid spots of colour, a brilliancy that and \j3, France. Perhaps no better tribe exists the birds do not permit to remain long in evi- for pot culture than the one under notice, their dence, since they commence their attack on the stiff, solid flowers lasting well, and the habit of berries immediately they ripen, growth enables them to be exhibited upon the Acanthus moUis has thrown up a dozen or more plant to the best advantage. A number of the tall flower-wands to a height of between 6 feet kinds strike freely from cuttings, their smooth, and 7 feet, and A. spinosissimus has produced its solid wood being distinctly favourable for this smaller bloom-spikes. Though the deeply-cut purpose. PiilLOMEL. | foliage of the latter is interesting as a change, it ^ ' lacks the noble grace of the great arching loaves Rose Souvenir de la Malmaison. — In his of A. mollis, whose upper ones curve outward at recent remarks on a memorial garden, Mr. a height of 4 feet from the ground, while the Ewbank refers to the longevity of the above Rose lower leaves have a spread of over 8 teet. Other as proved by the one in his own possession. I handsome foliage plants particularly decorative have often wondered why this good old Rose was during the month of August are the Bamboos, of not more generally met with. Probably the desire which Thamnocalamus Falconeri can scarcely be to possess Roses of the finest symmetry has been surpassed for grace, Gunnera scabra and G. instrumental in banishing some of the old | manicata with their giant leaves seen to the best favourites. The largest bushes I ever saw were of advantage by the waterside, the Plantain Liliee, Souvenir de la Malmaison. They grew in an old 1 the blue-green foliage of Funkia Sieboldi being Esse."! garden where large quantities of cut flowers i far more attractive than that of other members of were in constantdemand, andthesebushesyielded I the family, Arundo conspicua with its slender quite a wealth of bloom during autumn. So far arching, plume shafts, and the giant Reed (A. as I know, there is no other variety so floriferous Donax) with its pennoned lances, while of annuals. at that season. The colour is very beautiful when the Roses are cut in the right stage, and arranged loosely in vases they have a very chaste and elegant appearance. If I remember rightly, the bushes in question, which must have been of con- siderable age, were on their own roots. — J. C. Ricinus Gibsoni, Zea variegata, and the common Hemp (Cannabis sativa) are valuable owing to their grace of contour. Achillea Ptarmica fl. -pi. The Pearl is still blossoming bravel)'. In the garden and in the house this little flower, though small and inconspicuous in its individual blos- soms, is by no means to be despised, since its profuse flower heads create a snowy breadth in the border from early summer until autumn, and remain fresh for many days when used for indoor decoration. The Monkshood (Aconitum Napel- lus) has borne a second crop of tall flower-spikes, AUGUST IX SOUTH DEVON- TiiE glorious summer weather that marked July prevailed unbroken, sive for an occasional local . _ thunder-shower, until the concluding days of and the blue African Lily (Agapanthus umbel- August. On the 25th a fresh south-westerly wind j and a cloudy sky gave promise of a change, but the two following daj-s were dry and sunny. Early ' in the morning of the 2Sth heavy rain storms occurred, but from noon the remainder of the day was bright. A strong southerly wind and drench- ing rain ushered in the morning' of the 29th, and continued with but little intermission until night- fall, but the two remaining days of the month latus) has afforded a delightful picture when naturalised on a gently sloping lawn and bearing on lofty stems numerous wide-spread flower- clusters above its drooping, strap-shaped foliage. The white variety of this flower is particularly charming, but, as a rule, its bloom-umbels are smaller than those of the type. A very pale blue variety, which I brought from the Cape more than ten years ago, has also been in flower. It is were fair, the bright sunshine being broken only , in warm localities like the south-west, where these at long intervals by brief showers. The long- subjects can be planted out, that their beauty as expected change is doubtless near at hand, but the barometer is still high and steady, and has as yet given no warning of any alteration in the atmospheric conditions. The swifts have already left for more southern climes, but the swallows and martins are later in arranging for their departure, and had not, up to the end of the month, congregated on the housetops in their usual numbers, as they generallv do in the latter garden flowers can best be appreciated, but colder districts where this method of culture is out of the question fine eflects are obtainable by growing them in tubs and large pots, which may be afforded shelter during the winter and ar- ranged on terrace walks in the summer months. Agatha^a ccolestis still bears its soft blue flowers, and Alstrameria aurantiaca at the commence- ment of the month held its orange blossoms aloft days of August, essaying short flights in company on 4 feet-high flower-stems. A dry and almost ere they undertake their long migratory pilgrim- \ perpendicular bank is crowned with a deep fringe age. No tint of yellow is perceptible in the foli age of the trees, as was the case in 1807 before the opening days of September, and the grass, though of Alyssum maritimum, the Honey Flower, as it is often called by the villagers, which was sown along the edge of the bank four years ago, and considerably burnt up on dry hillsides, has , though usually treated as an annual, has assumed not assumed the universal yellow-brown tint that a perennial habit and now forms a penthouse roof was so apparent during the summers of 1897 and a foot and more in depth over the steep verge. 189S. In the early days of the month the Willow Seed has fallen freely at the foot of the bank, and Herb was still bright in a marshy spot at the foot . here another thick line of Alyssum is in full flower. The past three winters nave proved so mild that the plants have remained uninjured from year to year, but doubtless such a visitation as was experienced in the opening months of 189.5 would effectually destroy their vitality. About mid-August the form of Amaryllis Belladonna known as A. blanda commenced to flower. Its blossoms are of the palest flesh tint, and are far more gracefully formed than those of A. Belladonna, the petals recurving, as in the case of Lilium Harrisi, instead of merely sweeping outward, as in the type. A. blanda has green stems, generally about 2 feet in length ; whereas those of A. Belladonna are chocolate-coloured, and the former sometimes bears as many as four- teen flowers on a scape. I brought the original bulb from the Cape some fifteen years back, and have now a dozen full-sized bulbs. I find it quite as hardy as A. Belladonna, and, if anything, a freer bloomer. I also have some crosses between the two varieties, which have stems of a brownish green and petals of a colour intermediate between those of the two forms, while they are less re- flexed than in the case of A. blanda. These usually come into bloom about a week later than A. blanda, but rather earlier than A. Belladonna. The latter expanded its first blooms before the close of the month. Anemone japonica alba Honorine Jobert is in fine flower and is in much request for indoor decoration, its white, golden ■ centred flowers being models of grace and simplicity. An arrangement of these and bloom sprays of Salvia patens form an eS'ective colour contrast for daylight use, but as the Salvia's deep blue turns to black, or almost so, under artificial light, it is inadmissible after sundown. In good soil the Japanese Anemone makes exceptionally vigorous growth, and I measured a large plant a few days since that had attained a height of almost (J feet. The pure white Antirrhinums are amongst the most valuable of annuals, since, if they are not allowed to seed, they remain in bloom for a lengthened period. Many of the plants passed through the last winter uninjured and are now large bushes. Antirrhinums will flourish in a surprisingly small amount of soil, and during the summer I noticed some plants, evidently seedlings, about 18 inches in height and blooming well, growing on an outside ledge of a greenhouse wall where about an inch of soil had lodged. Arums have been flowering profusely where planted out by the waterside, and the earliest of the Starworts to come into bloom, the beautiful Aster Amellus bessarabicus, expanded its first blossoms at the commencement of the month. This is one of the most satisfactory of all the Michaelmas Daisies, since it bears its large mauve, golden-centred blossoms through many weeks, and does not possess the spreading habit that renders many Starworts unsuited for borders limited in breadth. A. Novi-Belgii Harpur-Crewe has begun to produce its white flowers, and some of the earlier Starworts are also in bloom. The Plume Poppy (Bocconia cordata) has afforded a fine effect in the wild garden, having attained a height of nearly 9 feet, some of its spires of inflorescence ranging in colour from ivory-white to burnt-almond colour, being almost 3 feet in length, its large, deeply-cut, blue-green leaves, with their white reverses displayed by the passing breezes, adding a pleasing note of soft colour to the picture. The tuberous Begonias have been brilliant in the extreme, and old bushen of golden Calceolaria, growing in light soil on sloping banks, some a yard and more in diameter, have been sheets of yellow. Of the Campanulas, the Chimney Bellffower (C. pyramidalis) hag borne its tall flower-spikes, (J feetand more in height, studded throughout their length with white, purple, or pale blue blossoms, while C. c;e3pitosa, forms of C. car- patica and other dwarf-growing Campanulas have been in bloom. The large-flowered Cannas, with their brilliant vermilion and orange blossoms, have created gorgeous effects in gardens, while the less insistent charms of C. Ehmanni iridiflora, whose large Musa like leaves and arching spike of cerise- pink flowers offer an eflfective contrast to Sepiembeu 10. 18ii9. THE GARDEN. 2il the more erect foliage and brighter colours of the imwer race, have met with equal appreciation. -Marguerite Cirnations are already bright in many gardens, and Chelone barbata has borne its tall spikes of flower along which the pendent orange- scirlet blossoms are set at intervals of a couple of inches. C. mexicana is very similar in habit, but bears flowers of a pink hue, both this and the former plant being now classed under the genus Pentstemon. Cflrysanthemum maximum is bear- ing its large white stars in profusion, but the dwarfer form, known as C. m. grandiflorum, which is far more compact in habit and bears larger flowers, had well nigh concluded its period of bloom before the type commenced to expand its flowers. Clematis Davidiana has formed a ' good-sized bush studded with corymbs of pale purple flowers, and the autumn Crocus (Colchi- cum autumnale) has revealed the faint lilac of its fragile chalices, while Cosmos bipinnatus has its deeply pinnate Nigella-like foliage thickly set with its single white and pale pink flowers in the case of specimens raised under glass and subse- quently planted out, though where seed was sown in the open ground the plants, already o feet in height, are showing as yet no signs of flowering. Coreopsis grandiflora is still bearing its rich golden blossoms, and late-sown seedlings of the blue Cornftower are in good form. Crinum capense is flowering freely in some gardens, a dozen fully-expanded bloom-scapes in one bed produc- ing a most ornamental efiect. C. Moorei and C. Powelli are also in bloom. Crocosmia aurea was in full beauty early in the month, its golden- orange blooms being most attractive. It thrives well in sandy soil, but, unlike the Montbretias, spreads considerably underground, often throw- ing up shoots at a distance of 2 feet or more from the main clump. Cactus Dahlias, although per- haps at their best during the month of September, have been decorative throughout the whole of the past month. A good three dozen are : Alfred Vasey, reddish crimson, shaded amber ; Arachne, white, edged crimson ; Bridesmaid, rose, shaded primrose ; Beauty of Arundel, crimson-lake ; Blanche Keith, rich yellow ; Charles Woodbridge, bright crimson, shaded purple ; Cinderella, claret, shaded crimson and rose : Cycle, ruby-red ; DaS^o- dil, canary-yellow ; Delicata, pink, shading to pale yellow ; Eileen Palli.iier, yellow ; Ebony, black-maroon ; E. J. Deal, scarlet ; Francis Humphries, bright orange ; Fusilier, deep salmon; Gloriosa, crimson - scirlet ; Harmony, reddish bronze, shaded yellow : Harry Stredwick, crim- son-maroon ; Island Queen, light mauve ; J. E. Frewer, vermilion ; John H. Roach, soft yellow ; Keynes' White, ivory-white ; Lady Penzance, yellow ; Magnificent, buff ; Matchless, dark maroon ; Mary Service, heliotrope, shaded yel- low ; Mayor Haskins, glowing crimson ; Miss Annie Jones, crimson-scarlet ; Mrs. A. Beck, salmon-red ; Mrs Francis Fell, white ; Mrs. Peirt, white ; Mrs. Wilson Noble, salmon- pink ; Night, very dark maroon ; Professor Baldwin, orange ; Starfish, orange-scarlet, and Tillie, salmon-rose, shaded mauve. Here and there a few late light blue flower-spikes of Delphiniums are visible, and Dianthus Napoleon III. was still bright with its crimson blooms at the commencement of August, while a stray golden star marked the spot where eirlier in the year the Doronicums were a blaze of yellow. The Globe Thistle (Echinops Ritro) is bearing its spiked blue flower-spheres ; the Alexican Daisy (Erigeron mucronatus) is set with a profusion of its pink and white stars ; E.- speciosus, perhaps more commonly known as Stenactis speciosa, is still producing its mauve yellow-centred blooms ; the Sea Hollies (Eryngium), with their me;allic-blue flower-bracts, have been decorative throughout the month, E. Oliverianum being the best of those usually met with in gardens and being very generally sold for E. amethystinum, the true form of which plant is rarely to be met with. The Coral Tree (Erythrina crista - galli) has thrown up its crimson flower-spires to a height of 6 feet, some of its bloom-spikes being fully 3 feet in length. When in full flower and bearing from one to two dozen heads of blossom it presents a gorgeous sight in the garden. As a rule the plant dies down to the ground level each winter, but I am acf]uainted with one specimen in the county, planted against the wall of a hothouse, which has a woody stem about ."> feet in height with a cir- cumference of IS inches close to the ground. Eschscholtzias are brilliant in roadside rockeries and in cottage gardens, where great bushes, in some cases almost trees, of Fuchsia gracilis and F. Riccartoni are in profuse bloom. The Gaillardias' crimson and gold still brightens the garden, and at the commencement of the month the mauve Galega officinalis and its white variety were smothered in flower. The Cape Hyacinth (Galtonia candicans) held aloft its tall spires of ivory-white, pendent bells, and where m-assed in quantity presented a chaste and gracious efl'ect. In one garden a colony of considerably over 100 bulbs was in full flower, the purity of the white bloom-spikes, ranging in height from 2 feet to almost 6 feet, enhanced by an evergreen back- ground, while the noble form of the wide, taper- ing leafage gave an artistic finish to the picture. These Galtonias are also exceedingly useful for arranging as cut flowers in tall vases. The Gazanias' golden glow is still present, and Geum coccineum shows here and there a spot of crimson. Gladiolus brenchleyensis has dowered the gardens with its vivid colour, while varieties of the G. Childsi, G. Lemoinei and G. Nanceianus sections have displayed their tall spikes of beautiful blossoms. Godetias have afforded a breadth of bright colouring where the individual plants have been given room to assume their rightful dimen- sions, a little garden on the edge of the moor being especially remarkable for the excellence attained in the culture of these attractive flowers. Gypsophila paniculata has spread its billowy flower-lace over the verge of the pathways, and is in constant request forfurnishing indoor decoration — so much so indeed, that unless plants are grown in the spare garden for the purpose of affording cut sprays, the occupants of the borders are apt to lose much of their attractiveness before their blooming psriod is past. In cottage gardens the great Sunflowers stand with their brown discs largely patronised by the banded humble bees, a specimen or two of the primrose-petalled variety being sometimes observable among the ranks of the oli-fashioned golden-flowered type. Many of the perennial Sunflowers are also in bloom, such as varieties of Helianthus multiflorus and its double form, H. hetiflorus, and H. rigidus Miss Mellish. The Heliotrope beneath the windows perfumes the surrounding air. The Day Lilies (Hemerocallis Kwanso and H. aurantiaca major) were in bloom in the opening days of August, when the Hollyhocks were attractive in their robust comeliness, their tall shafts of bloom thrown into high relief by whitewashed cottage walls, and now, at the close of the month, the Hydrangeas are at their best, and great bushes, 7 feet high and of twice that diameter, standing on either side the wooded drives are bearing a wealth of massive blossoms almost Forget-me-not- i blue in colour. The white Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius albus) has covered the trellis ] with its snowy blossoms, and Lavatera trimestris j in its three colours, pink, white and red, has been I most decorative. Of Lilies, the handsome L. auratum, the scarlet Turk'scap (L. chalcedoni- cum), with its vivid blossoms, L. Harrisi, L. Hum- : boldti, with orange-yellow, lake-spotted flowers, L speciosum album and the deep coloured L. s. j Melpomene, the Swamp Lilies {L. superbum, L. pardalinum and L. canadense), and the Tiger Lilies ( L. tigrinum splendens and L. t. Fortunei) j have all been in bloom, while in a garden not far distant I was shown the most vigorous specimen of L. nepalense that it has ever been my lot to see, which, on a stem fully 6 feet high, was bear- ing three fine flowers, chrome-yellow where the petals reflexed and deep purple in the interior, and emitting a most delicate fragrance. The leafage was intact and was all of a dark green colour. In the first week of the month the green- leaved Lobelia cardinalis was in fine flower, while towards its close the varieties of L. f ulgeps and L. rosea were at their best. In deep, moist soil L. fulgens attains a height of 5 feet and passes through the coldest winters uninjured in the open bed. Lychnis chaloedonica, L Haageana and L. diurna rosea have flowered well into the month, and by the waterside the purple Loosestrife (Lythrum) has blossomed, while the Torch Lilies (Kniphofia), with close-set, orange-scarlet spear- heads, blaze from an evergreen setting. Mesem- bryanthemums are still bright in light soil in proximity to the sea, and the crimson Bergamot (Monarda didyma), as well as its white form and the unattractive - coloured M. hirta, bloomed throughout the month, as did the Montbretias, with their orange- scarlet flower-scapes, the latter having an extremely pretty effect when seen spangling the grass of an open wood. Late plants of Nicotiana attiuis in the twilight hours distil their fragrance far and wide, and the tall Evening Primrose ((Enothera Lamarckiana) still holds its heads of wide-spread yellow blooms, and Oxalis floribunda rosea is yet bright with flower. Pan- cratium maritimum I saw coming into bloom in a neighbouring garden the other day. In moist and partially shaded positions the Tufted Pansies have flowered through the entire month, and of the Poppies, the apricot-butf Papaver pilosum, the Iceland Poppies (P. nudicaule), and the Welsh Poppies (Meconopsis cambrica), though not pro- fusely floriferous. have borne a good sprinkling of blossoms. The Paris Daisies have been covered with flower, and the Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums have been increasingly decorative. Of these, Mme. Crousse and Souvenir de Charles Turner are two of the most acceptable in colour, and in some in- stances may be seen trained for a distance of many feet up a cliff-face or house wall, where they create a charming efiect when in full flower. During the past month I was afforded the opportunity of in- specting a collection of seedling Ivy-leaved Pelar- goniums raised by an amateur in the neighbour- hood, and amongst them saw a very perfect scarlet of good habit, producing large trusses of double blooms that should be of great value in the garden. At present the raiser holds the whole stock in his own hands. The herbaceous Phloxes were very ornamental in the early days of August when growing in deep, rich soil and afforded an early summer mulching of well-rotted manure, but in poor, shallow soil these subjects are sorry spec- tacles in a dry summer. Phygelius capensis has borne its tall spikes of pendent scarlet blossoms, and the Winter Cherry (Physalis Alkekengi) and its newer and larger form, P. Franchetti, are already showing colour in their calyces. Plum- bago capensis, a large plant of which has lived in the open for several winters against a cliff-side sheltered from the north and east, is covered with its pale blue flower-clusters, while in the rockwork P. LarpentiB is bearing its blossoms of a deeper blue. Polygonum capitatum and P. vaccinifolium have been in bloom, and towards the end of the month Pyrethrum uliginosum expanded the first of its narrow-rayed, white star flowers. The old double white Rockets were in bloom early in August, and Rudbeckia Newmani and R. purpurea came into flower before the month was many days old. A fair sprinkling of Tea and China Roses have been available throughout the month, and the single white Macartney Rose has daily expanded a fresh instal- ment of fair blossoms. The Salpiglossis in its varied shot-silk hues has nobly sustained its posi- tion as one of the most decorative of our garden annuals, and the deep Gentian-blue of Salvia patens, so telling when employed in masses, has again proved so valuable as to justify the making of an exception in the case of this plant by utilis- ing in the herbaceous border a subject that stands in need of winter removal and shelter. S. coc- cinea and S. fulgens are both in flower, and have passed through the last three winters unscathed. Late seedlings of Scabiosa caucasica are in flower, and the bloom-clusters of Sedum Sieboldi are gathering colour, while Senecio pulcher and the Golden Rod (Solidago ambigua) are in bloom, and Statice latifolia is bearing its branching f 222 THE GARDEK [September 16, 1899. flower-sprays of minute lavender blossoms. In a sheltered spot Sparmannia africana is blooming, and late-sown Sweet Peas are still bright with flower. The Tigridias have made a gorgeous display with their great Orchid-like blossoms of scarlet, rose, yellow, and white, marvellously mottled at the bases of their petals, whose splendour seemed a fitting sequel to the tropical effulgence of the sunshine. Tradescantia vir- ginica still produces its blooms of violet or white, and brilliant effects are created by beds of Ver- benas and scarlet Zinnias. Some of the Yuccas have also commenced to blossom, and Zausch- neria oalifornica is becoming scarlet with flower. S. W. F. Kitchen Garden. EARLY TOMATOES. For some years I relied upon cuttings struck in September for the early supplies, but at times the plants failed, as with dull weather and fogs I found the rooted cuttings wintered badly, no matter what variety was grown. Of late years I have obtained much better results by growing from seed sown now or earlier. I am not in favour of sowing too early, as a large plant is not necessary. It is somewhat late for sowing, but there is ample time if two or three seeds are put into a pot and when well above the soil the weaker seedlings removed, leaving only the strongest. This is a great saving of time, as the pottingoff out of seed-pans gives a check. Pro- vided there is ample time, I like to grow my plants in cold frames from the start. There is no harm done in starting the seed in a warm place, removing to a cold frame near the glass. When ready to be potted off into G-inch pots, the sashes may be left off the plants at night ; they will benefit by the night dews. In potting up at the start I would adi'ise a liberal compost, as growth must be made in a short time. Bone-meal mixed with good loam and some wood ashes is an excellent compost, as this favours root-action and a short- jointed growth. After potting it is necessary to keep the plants close for a few days. Fruit is not wanted before the new year, as though a few will set at the base of the plants dur- ing October, they will not make much progress. These fruits will be acceptable the next spring, as when the plants are planted out or potted into their fruiting pots early in the new year they will swell and mature quickly. Sixincb pots will be large enough to winter the plants in, but there is no gain in crippling them, and I do not hesitate to give a small shift in October if the plants need it. The plants are removed from the cold frames at the end of October or early in November and placed on shelves near thelglass, and all the venti- lation given in favourable weather. Here they will be forming their trusses, and, though sturdy, they will be much superior to plants from cut- tings. Early in January they are placed in their fruiting quarters. I both plant out and grow in pots. From pot plants I get the earliest fruits, but those planted out yield the heaviest crop. I have one house of each. The pits are low struc- tures and hold two dozen plants at the front of the house. They are trained up the rafter within 9 inches of the glass. It is necessary to set the flowers early in the year. I advise a low night temperature — not more than 60° — with plenty of air in fine weather. In planting out very little soil is needed, as I top-dress after the first fruits that form in the new year begin to swell. Early kinds such as Conqueror, Conference, or a good selection of the Old Red set better than the large smooth-fruited kinds. U. Wythes. Pea Autocrat. — Besides being one of the finest flavoured Peas in existence, this variety has the merit of flowering and bearing continuously, as pods are produced quite low down on the haulm as well as higher up. The colour when cooked is a very bright green, and, taking all its good points into consideration, I am very doubt- ful if there is such another in cultivation. If there is, I should like to hear of it. Not only is it useful for late work, but sown it March it gives grand gatherings in July and early in August. 1 like it better every season, and have largely in- creased the quantity sown this year. Thinning autumn-sown Onions.--Where several sowings of Tripoli Onions are made, the earliest lot of such varieties as The Qaeen, White Lisbon and Leviathan, the latter the largest of the white section, will soon be ready for partial thin- ning. The sooner this is performed when once the seedlings are large enough the better. Some gardeners wisely sow a row or two extra for use in the salad bowl, as then the main batch can be thinned to an inch apart at the second and final autumn thinning. If the ground is dry and hard a good soaking of water should be given the day previous, and, although by no means a common practice, I have found mulching between the rows even at this early date an excellent practice. Moisture, either from rains or artificial waterings, is thus retained, and the plants become sufficiently sturdy to withstand a sharp winter. A gross growth is undesirable, as frost soon cripples it, and on that account those who make several sow- ings, and if possible in different positions, reap the benefit of the extra labour incurred by pre- serving at least one batch. Especially is this so where the ground is rich. Give another moderate broadcast sprinkling of soot, and afterwards use the Dutch hoe to work it in beneath the surface. — N. Storing Onions. — If any Tripoli Onions, in- tended either for cooking or for seed, are still lying exposed on the open ground, let them be removed to a dry, cool store at once, as they lose much of their solidity and quality by too long exposure to wind and sun. In southern localities the earliest lots of spring-sown Onions will soon be fit for harvesting. Where the quantity is not large it is a good plan to place the bulbs in large flat hampers, which allow of their being easily removed under cover in case of rain. When allowed to remain on the plot until stored, the bulbs should be moved occasionally. My plan is first of all to throw the bulbj from one half the plot on to the other, then clean off all weeds, afterwards serving the other half in a similar manner, and finally spreading the Onions equally over the whole area. This is far better than leaving them among weeds and rubbish, which hold the dew and moisture, preventing a free circulation of sun and air among the bulbs. Any thick-necked or otherwise deformed bulbs must be stored separately to be used quickly. When stored, the best shaped bulbs, if wanted for seed, should be strung on ropes in the old- fashioned way and suspended from the roof of a cool, dry shed or out-house, a little frost being beneficial rather than otherwise. — B. Carrots. — I regret to observe so much encour- agement given to very long Carrots at vegetable shows. But the other day at the great show at the Crystal Palace the well-known Long Surrey, but, of course, under some other appellation, roots fully IS inches to 20 inches long, because they had such long, thin, and utterly useless tails, had classes to themselves and were awarded prizes in proportion to their length apparently. I find such classes elsewhere, and think they are very undesirable. These very long Carrots are very wasteful, because so large a portion of the roots are uneatable. What good results from encouraging the growth of such things ? In the same way Parsnips are more regarded for inordi- nate length of tail than for fleshiness of shoulder, the very best portion of the root. When we have in Carrots such superb fleshy roots as are fur- nished by Nantes, Favourite, Champion, and Intermediate, roots if not coarsely grown that are all soft succulent flesh, why favour long woody roots that are not one half so good ? Some of what are described as Improved Intermediate stocks are too large. They have been grown on yearly from the largest, though doubtless hand- some roots. But no large Carrots are so good for table as are smaller ones. No doubt cut up small they do very well for flavouring soups or the stock pot, but no gardener would send his largest roots to his employer's table. He knows that no Carrots are so much appreciated as those com- paratively small and quite young. Hence the most delicious roots of all are the early Short- horns pulled small and cooked whole, also in the winter smallish roots from a July sowing of some one of the blunt-rooted or Intermediate varieties. There is yet much room for Carrot improvement, both as an exhibition and an edible product. We want in the stocks not so much of size, but more refinement, bright, clear, rich colour, perfect smoothness, and very soft, succulent flesh. These are points that in judging need to be emphasised. — A. D. Garden Flora. PLATE 1240. TWO DUTCH DAFFODILS. (with a coloured plate of n. hme. de graatf and n. apricot.*) The two Daffodils represented in the coloured plate are both very remarkable in different ways, and were originally raised from seed at Leyden, Holland, in the well-known bulb nur- series of MM. de Graaft", as also was the great yellow Glory of Leyden and many other good kinds. I happened to be at Leyden in April, 188.'), when the first bloom of Mme. de Graaff opened, and saw at once that it marked an epoch in the seedling history of white Daffodils, and I believe that even to-day there is nothing quite so chaste and shapely in the white- flowered section to which it belongs. Its size and the peculiar rolled-back margin of the pale sulphur trumpet are well shown in the illustra- tion. To my mind, it is in purity and in form a point or two ahead of Weardale Perfection, though not quite so large as is that variety. N. Mine, de Giaati' and Glory of Leyden were originally ottered at £'7 10s. the pair, i.e., one bulb of each, and most of those who bought at that price found the investment a profitable one, both being good growers and the present- day prices being remunerative. Mme. de Graaff has appeared in most of the winning stands at the Narcissus shows of the past ten years or so and has been certificated by the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Narcissus committee and also at Birmingham. Its exact parentage is un- known, but from its characters one may assume that it came from N. albicans (Dutch moschatus) and some one of the bicolor forms. The second variety on the plate, N. Apricot, is of more recent origin, having attracted public notice only in 1898 when exhibited for the first time. It is most remarkable for the peculiar coloration of its trumpet, and it is thought may ultimately prove to be the forerunner of a new section of Daffodils having more or less red in the corona. An old white variety called Mrs. Thompson sometimes shows a trace of colour in this way, and even old flowers of the wild N. moschatus of the Pyrenees now and then die ofl" with pale rosy trumpets. The Rev. G. H. Engleheart has raised seedlings, espe- cially in the Leedsi or Incomparable sections, which possess exquisite rosy salmon or apricot shades in their cups, but this seedling of MM. de Graaff's is, so far as I know, the first seed- ^- — Daffodil in which the tendency to a suffu- lin sion of red in the trumpet is absolute certainty. In size and form Apricot is behind many other older kinds, but it will always be looked upon as the first real advance towards the red * Drawn for The (Jarden by H. G. Moon from flowers sent by MM. ,].■ Graaft', Leyden, Holland. Lithographed and printed bj J. L. Goffart. X2. September 16, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 223 trumpeted Daffodils that have often been pre- dicted as future possibilities. F. W. BUEBIDGE. BELLADONNA LILi" AND PERUVIAN SWAMP LILY. The charming picture herewith gives a phase of gardening at once among the most beautiful, if the least frequently seen. It is, however, so simple in itself and so easy of imitation, that sucli displays, instead of being regarded as somewhat rare, should be of the most frequent occurrence in those gardens where hardy subjects find a more, or less congenial home. Narrow borders, as shown in the picture, are frequent in gardens, and especially so, as in the present instance, where greenhouses are devoted to the cultivation of tropical or sub- tropical plants. _ In certain instances the latter, therefore, call into existence in some gardens not a few plants whose perfect hardiness in times of severe frost is open to doubt. But even without the latter there is scarcely a garden worthy the name in which a suitable position for the plants indicated could not be found. The base of a wall having a south aspect will be the main thing that is required from a cultural point of view and so far as position alone is concerned. It is, however, a point in its favour when such a position may be found within the limits of the flower garden. This will sa\'e such beautiful subjects being rele- gated to the vicinity of the kitchen garden, a position where at flowering time they would be much less seen. The leafless character of the Belladonna Lily at flowering time may from an artistic point of view be in the nature of a drawback when it is planted entirely alone. In the present instance, however, we see a good deal in a small space. A narrow border, less than 2 feet wide, it yet contains a couple of very beautiful hardy flowering bulbous plants, each of which is exactly suited to the environment of the other. It is an excel- lent object - lesson on the one hand, while it also displays a mtdtina in parvo style of gardening on the other. Surely it was no haphazard idea that caused so pretty and so useful a foil to the leafless stems of the taller Amaryllid to be planted in the foreground. The result is an extremely pretty one. The value of such an arrangement is enhanced by the manner in which the wall is furnished. In all this the value of these beautiful illustra- tions is apparent, displaying as they do in detail what is either impossible or all too in- adequately expressed in words. Of the plants themselves a few remarks will suffice. The Bella- donna Lily is without doubt one of the mo.st handsome of hardy bulbs, while its freedom to flower when the bulbs have become established is almost proverbial. Once planted, this handsome subject is best when left entirely alone. This is not merely true of it for a year or two, but for a •dozen years, provided the position be a good one and the bulbs thoroughly well planted in the first instance. Old plantations will, how- ever, be greatly benefited by a mulch of decayed manure each year. This is best given imme- diately on the decay of the flower-stems, the object being to strengthen the ensuing growth. Select a warm, sunny position at the foot of a south wall, and clear out the original soil for at least 2 feet deep. This i is best done in a deep, wide trench, and one ! 18 inches wide will be ample. How much or j how little preparation of the soil is needed will largely depend on the condition and quality of the original soil. What is preferred by the | bulbs intended for planting is a good sandy i loam to which plenty of decayed leaf-soil and some well-decomposed manure may be added, j Where a sandy soil naturally exists, the addi- tion of leaf-soil and river grit or mortar rubbish will suffice, at the same time enriching the whole. Where clay soil is the staple, it may be advisable to descend C inches deeper in the trench with a view of inserting ample drainage, this to be covered with rough turf and made firm. Briefly, with plenty of good sandy, holding loam and rotten cow manure, these things may be grown to perfection. In making a new border for such things, it will be found best to give an advance order for the bulbs, as it is not usual for bulb dealers to lay in large supplies unless previously ordered. Where good dry roots are obtain- able, such may be planted over a somewhat extended season. The safest time, however, is with the decay of the foliage, and a special order to this effect will secure the bulbs for plant- ing within reasonable limits. Bulbs of these things may sometimes be seen in the dry state — too dry, unfortunately — so late as December Belladonna Lily and Zepliyranthes in a U'arm harder at Kew. and January, and because of the large size are regarded as fine. If put to the test, however, it is highly probable such bulbs, compared with the time when lifted, would be greatly diminished in weight. In the former month the established roots are breaking into leaf, and with a mild season make good headway in the early part of the year. When occasion arises, these bulbs may be transplanted from esta- blished quarters in June or early in July. Firm planting is always necessary, and equally so rather deep planting, that is, keeping the entire bulb below the surface. In seasons of great heat and drought a thorough deluging of water may be given the first week in August just before the flowering spikes break the soil. The other plant shown in the front of the picture, Zephyranthes Candida (Peruvian Swamp Lily), otherwise known as Amaryllis Candida, is a native of Buenos Ayres. This is an evergreen species, or nearly so, the pretty white Crocus-like blossoms appearing in plenty during the early autumn months. A closely- allied species is the Atamasoo Lily (Z. Atamasco). This flowers in spring, and has somewhat channelled leaves, whUe Z. Candida has decidedly flat surfaces to its leaves, the latter also very polished and smooth. Both kinds increase rapidly by offsets. Too frequently, however, the position and soil afforded are too dry for their require- ments, and a decidedly moister and heavier soil would give better results. In very sandy soils these are not always a success, but in rather heavy loam or clayey loam are more successful. For forming edgings these are well suited, and the former in conjunction with the lovely Belladonna Lily makes a very delightful picture in any garden. The pretty group in the photograph was for a long time an attraction in the Royal Gardens, Kew, during the autumn of 1898. A very congenial home, judging by the results attained, has been found for these handsome late summer and autumn flowers beside the wall of the Orchid house. The pro- fusion of spikes from some of the larger bulbs, the offsets of which have now obviously in- creased to flowering size, is remarkable. E. J. The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. Plants in frames. — Success or otherwise in frame culture largely depends on the way in which the beds are prepared for their reception in October. When either Cauliflowers, Cabbage, or Lettuce are planted in light soil of considerable depth, lifting is invariably attended with much ball-breaking, many of the most useful fibres being destroyed, the check occasioned ending in premature hearting in or running to seed. The best way is to place a shallow frame on quite a hard bottom of coal ashes, covering this with a lajer of rotten manure, and finally laying on from 6 mches to 8 inches of loamy compost, making ib firm when in a semi-dry condition. From such quarters the plants if not too thickly planted will lift with good balls, a portion of the underlying manure clinging to them. The frames being ready, leave the lights off day and night to get the soil well moistened. Previous to planting make all very firm. This early preparation for frame plants is advantageous, as when they are pricked out into a newly-made loose root-run a greater check is given than when such is firm and settled by a week or two's standing. Early Pea borders. — It may seem full early to speak of these yet, but as in all large gardens work is always too plentiful after frost sets in, it is well to take advantage of a slack period to pre- pare any early borders — at least where Peas are sown in November. If these borders have not a natural fall towards the pathway, success in early Pea culture will be made more certain by adding friable soil in such quantities as will not only produce that, but secure also perfect drainage. Burnt refuse, potting-shed refuse, and the sweep- ings of walks are all suitable for the purpose. Winter Ccci-mbers. — If former directions have been carried out, plants for winter fruiting will now be fit for planting out. Providing the house has been well cleansed, no fear need be enter- tained of attacks from red spider — at any rate before the plants become well established. If the house is well furnished with hot-water pipes, all that will be needed is to three parts fill the bed or pit with good sound leaves, firm them well, and surmounting them with mounds composed of good fibrous loam, rather light in texture than otherwise, a free addition of fresh horse drop- pings, and some old mortar rubble, the latter securing a free escape of superfluous water from the roots. Do not place manure beneath the roots at this season. Small mounds will suffice to start with, as these can be easily enlarged as the plants increase in growth and emit new fibrous roots. Place a neat stick to each and water home, pre- serving a rather close atmosphere for a time and syringing the foliage twice daily in sunny weather, closing the house at 2 p m. and well damping walls and pathways. Where evaporating pans exist it is a good plan to fill them with diluted 224 farmyard liquid manure, the ammonia arising from this not only assisting growth, but acting as a check to red spider. The laterals which form between the bed and the lowermost wire of the trellis must be pinched back to the second leaf. January fruiteks. — Seed may now be sown where house-room is at command for a succes- sional batch of plants for fruiting during January and February. Sion House, Telegraph, and Car- dilf Castle are all good sorts, and as soon as the young seedlings appear raise the pots well up to the roof-glass and in a position free from draught. Use great care in watering, as the base of the stems sometimes cankers at the time of year. Tomatoes for winter. — Where these have been growing in frames or pits, removal to comfort- able quarters must now take place. This is necessary not only to hasten on the crop, but to ward off mildew, which is apt to come on as the nights get cooler. Where 6inch pots have become well filled with roots, a shift must now be given into the fruiting size, the most suitable being those 10 inches in diameter. Drain them well and add plenty of opening material to the soil, pot firmly and give the plants a position near to the glass. Supply atmospheric moisture by means of sprinkled floors and walls, rather than by over- head syringings, and give air liberally, avoiding front air after the end of October, as this is liable to produce mildew. Use clear water only until the crop is set, except in the case of any weakly plants, which may have a little assistance two or three times a week. Remove all side growths and train on the one-rod system. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Late Grapes. — With me there has been a per- fect plague of bluebottle iiies, which together with wasps are calculated to do a great deal of damage to hanging Grapes and have to be circum- vented in some manner. I do not find that the wasp destroyers sold have any effect on the flies, and I have had to go to the old-fashioned plan of hanging wide-mouthed bottles partially filled with beer and sugar among the Vines. In this way I have trapped many hundreds, but there has been no very appreciable lessening of the number that infest the houses, and we shall pro- bably have to wait for colder weather to clear them off, the only available way of preventing them being to cover the ventilators and all open- ings with hexagon netting, which is effective, except in houses where the glass does not fit close at the laps. As a note of warning, I may say that at one end of a long range of vineries the outer walls are covered with Ivy, and it is in the houses at this end that we are most pestered with the flies ; indeed, at the other end there are very few indeed. The great attraction which Ivy has for flies at this time of the year should prevent any being planted near the fruit houses. Some years ago I had a similar trouble in a place where the Muscat house was only separated from an Ivy hedge by a narrow walk, and during the autumn vre had a great deal of trouble to save the Grapes. Covering the ventilators with netting is an evil, as it prevents the free circu- lation of air so necessary to prevent damping, but it is greatly to be preferred to the system of enclosing each bunch in a muslin bag, as one has the bunches directly under one's eye and anything wrong with the berries can be easily detected, while there is also the advantage of preserving the bloom on the Grapes, which bagging tends to destroy. For the present it will be necessary to try and preserve the driest possible atmosphere about the Grapes without much use of tire-heat (except in the case of any Grapes not yet ripened), and all damping down or swilling out of the houses should be entirely suspended, a dry brush through daily being sufficient to preserve tidiness. Dropped leaves should be removed daily and a few of those turning yellow may be taken off, leaving the stems to drop ; a final look over, too, should ba given to remove any sub-lateral growth, as any of this would be superfluous now, and would attract and hold condensed moisture where the THE GAEDEK Vines are thick. All hanging Grapes should be carefully looked over for bad berries twice a week at least, and this is specially important where the pests alluded to above have managed to establish a footing, as one injured berry left on for a few days will spread decay to three or four others and create a disfiguring gap in the bunch. Earlier houses. — As these are cleared of fruit they should have the ventilators thrown wide open and left open day and night, a free circula- tion of air being conducive to ripening the canes in a natural manner, preserving a healthy tone in the Vines. A splendid opportunity is afiorded of helping the winter cleaning by heavily hosing or syringing the Vinos frequently now, say once a week. Hot water, up to 120", in which a little soft soap has been dissolved is one of the finest things that can be used, and will dislodge it not kill bugs and many other insects. Those who depend on a winter dressing alone generally get their Vines pestered with insects before they have done their season's work, and this is only natural, for the insects or their spawn find secure resting- places in various crevices long before winter comes on, and it is then difficult if not impossible to reach them. Now as they spend their time I in more open (juarters from which there is | no difficulty in dislodging them, the chances ' are all in favour of destroying them entirely by > removing later on an inch or so of the surface of the border on which they will have dropped. The autumn is by far the best time too to renew any borders that may require it, and where the houses are not to be used for storing Chrysanthemums, the sooner the work is taken in hand the better it will be, but I should prefer leaving it until the Chrysanthemums are over rather than to stand these on a new-made border. Cut flowers are such an important item nowadays, that one has to sacrifice some of one's most cherished tenets in order to meet the present demands. Those who are in the fortunate position of having plenty of room for plants, without encroaching on the vineries, should commence at once the renewal of borders. The quality of soil used should govern the amount of porous material, but in no case should the latter be so limited as to prevent a quick drainage of the border after watering, as the possibility of frequent waterings during the growing season goes a long way to produce high quality fruits, and where the soil is very heavy in itself, and not well lightened, frequent waterings are impossible. In relaying the roots every en- deavour should be made to render the soil about them very firm ; this requires care to prevent injury to the roots themtelves, but is imperative for the formation of wood of the right sort. Loose and rich borders are frequently responsible for over-grossness and softness of the wood, and such wood can never be satisfactory. Pines. — Cooler nights and less sunshine now to be expected will necessitate a sharp look out being kept to see that both bottom and top heat are well kept up. The laxity of the sum- mer months is often continued too long, with the result that plants get chilled and the roots inactive, a state from which it is diffi- cult to move them. Early closing of the houses and husbanding the sun-heat will do much [ good, but, the nights being longer, too much dependence must not be placed on this, and it is, of course, useless as regards any action on the roots which must be kept warm by other means, either by fire-heat — by far the best method -or by fermenting material. The latter gives a good ; deal of trouble, and Pine-growing under such circumstances is not by any means pleasant work, for one must be always on the watch and ready to add fresh tan to the beds whenever there are j indications of a lowered temperature. With young stock growing in pits that can only be worked by lifting off the lights, favourable oppor- tunities when the weather is warm and fine must be chosen for such renewals. Continue to give manure water to plants swelling off their fruits, and clear soot water to younger stock when water J is needed, but the water-pot must now be used , with increased caution, as the plants will not [SEfTE-MBER 16, 1899. I assimilate so much water as they have been , taking during the summer ; plants carrying fruits which are changing colour should now be allowed to get quite dry. Pot Strawberries. — By this time early layered plants potted up when advised should have filled or almost filled their pots with roots, and where this is the case, the crowns will be strengthened by feeding with manure water given alternately with clear soot water for the next month or five weeks. I do not advise this except in the case of well-rooted plants, for giving manure water to soil that is not well filled with roots does more harm than good by turning it sour. If the plants have grown so that they overlap each other, they should be stood further apart at once, as crowding is bad for them, and I always set mine out at a good distance from each other directly they have got over the check of potting, so that no further moving, except to prevent rooting through, is needed until plunging time comes. CoRNUBIAN. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. EASTERN. Abney House, Bourne End.— Wall fruit very scarce; all the choice kinds, such as Apri- cots, Peaches, Nectarines, and Figs, quite a failure. Bush fruit in enclosed gardens is good, but in the open market gardens only half a crop, owing to the late spring frosts. Strawberries are a fair crop, but soon over owing to the excessive heat ; Pears about half a crop ; Cherries very plentiful ; Apples a full crop. Vegetables on the whole are very good con- sidering the late spell of drought. Late Potatoes look very promising. Early Peas have been very fine, especially Early Giant, which is the best early Pea I have ever grown. Later varieties in some gardens are suffering from an attack of thrips. — J. G. Goodman. Coldham Hall, Bury St. Edmunds.— The Apple and Pear crops in this garden are decidedly bad. I have never had so short a supply, and in a great measure I attribute this to the hot, dry autumn. Unless abundant rain falls when the trees are perfecting their growth and fruit buds, the latter are never properly developed, and I anticipated this state of things during the dry period complained of. Again, I never knew sparrows to attack fiuit blossoms so persistently as during the present spring. Cherry and Pear trees were almost cleared of the buds where not netted, and this, of course, has made matters worse. The late frosts entirely spoiled the flowers on all the wall trees except one old Necta- rine growing on the house. A few of the Codlin type of Apples will bear a small quantity of fruit, Hawthornden, Irish Peach, and a few more young trees have some fine promising fruit upon them, but out of some hundred or so of young, healthy trees there will not be a bushel of fruit. In some neighbouring gardens it is not quite so bad, but the crop, I fear, is a very long way below the average. Of Cherries, May Duke and Elton are the best. Strawberries have been a very fine crop and extended over a fairly long season. Every year increases my good opinion of that fine late variety Dr. Hogg, and I could now (July 20) gather dishes fit for exhibition. Latest of All is also fine, but the flavour is not nearly so good as that of Dr. Hogg. It has ripened to the points much better than usual. Royal Sovereign, Monarch, and Leader have been badly attacked by insects. Raspberries are an excellent crop ; Currants distinctly good ; and Gooseberries, perhaps, the finest crop of the year. I have never had such splendid berries of the large richly flavoured kinds, which are ripening fast now. Under gla.ss, crops, on the whole, are very favourable, but a bad attack of bud-dropping in the early Peach house thinned the crop on Waterloo and one or two others. The second early varieties are just getting over and have been magnificent. Early Rivers Nectarine September 16, 1899.J THE GARDEN". 225 amply deserves the great praise that has been bestowed upon it, and has proved itself a boon to those who require choice fruit in abundance. Grapes liave been and are very good, young Vines planted last season having produced splendid crops. Melons are not doing so well as usual. Vegetable^ are on the whole very good indeed. The cold spring delayed early gatherings of small crops, and, followed by a short and sharp period of drought, checked the early crops of Peas. Afterwards rain fell in plenty, and the second early and midseason crops were excellent. Late rows look very well. Potatoes have been very good up till now, but disease has necessitated lifting several kinds rather before their time. Late Potatoes were looking well, but the tropical weather of the last few weeks will probably cause the field crop to be small. There is yet time to save them if rain comes, but the sky is like brass and so is the soil, the heat being almost unbeatable. Luckily, I was able to get the winter greens of various kinds planted early and they have never looked back; now they also want rain badly. Onions, Parsnips, Carrots and Beet were never better, and salads of all kinds have been abundant and good. The autumn-sown Onions have been very much better than usual this year, not a single plant having bolted out of many hundreds. No difference can be noticed in the rows that were transplanted and those that were thinned in the seed drills. — H. R. Richards. MIDLAND. Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent. — The fruit crop is very satisfactory in this district. Most kinds set well, and there is every appearance of a heavy crop. Apples are very plentiful and are swelling fast. The best cropped varieties are Lord Sutlield, Lord Grosvenor, Ecklinville, Bramley's Seedling, Stirling Castle, Grenadier, Ribston, and King of the Pippins. Pears are rather patchy, the best being Marie Louise, Glou Morceau, and Louise Bonne of Jersey. Small fruits are good. Strawberries exceptionally so. Royal Sovereign was excellent, carrying an enormous crop of large fruit of first-class quality. Cherries are better than they have been for some years. Some varieties of Plums are very fair on walls, while bush and orchard trees are quite a failure. Damsons vary, some trees bearing well, and others just a sprinkling or none at all. Nuts are very scarce about here. Vegetable crops are fairly good on the whole, but early Potatoes are very late and small in this district, owing to the drought we experienced in June, and the check given them has in many instances caused the young tubers to sprout when the rain came ; this is especially so in light and shallow soils. — E. Gilm.\x. Bradgate Park, Leicester. — Apples, Pears, and all stone fruits are very light and below the average. Bush fruits are good. Strawberries are neither so good nor so heavy a crop as last year, but the fruit is finer and of good flavour and later. The vegetable crops are very good, and have much improved since the recent rain. — G. H. Parkatt. Barkby Hall, near Leicester.— Most kinds of fruit are scarce in this neighbourhood, owing to sharp frosts ai; the time of blossoming. We had 11" of frost, which also killed most of the young Gooseberries which were not sheltered by top fruit trees. Apples are very scarce. Trees on high i.round in exposed positions have good crops in some case^, while those in low-lying places and somewhat sheltered have very light crops. Pears are almost a failure. We jhave a fair crop on the walls, which were all covered witli three thick- nesses of fish-netting, but a great number of the blooms were destroyed. Plums are also a failure on standard trees. Those on walls have a fair crop here. Apricots are very light. Those that were close to the wall were saved. Peaches are almost a failure : Cherries a good average crop. I cannot account for these escaping so well. Gooseberries are very light in the open, but good under trees. Currants did not suffer quite so much as Gooseberries. There is a fair crop of Red, but Black Currants are very light. Rasp- berries are a good crop, although the first blooms were destroyed. Of Strawberries the crop was only moderate. Royal Sovereign, being early, suffered more than the later ones. Latest of All was not in flower, and the crop has been heavy and good. Potatoes were all cut down by the frost and the tubers are small. Early Cabbages did not run to seed so much as usual and were good. Onions and Carrots are good. Peas have not done quite so well.— J. Lansdell. Catton Hall, Burton-on-Trent. — Fruit crops in this garden and neighbourhood, if not up to some of the best seasons, are generally good. Apples in following varieties on standard trees are a full crop : Alfriston, Blenheim Pippin, Golden Noble, Maltster, Domino, Gravenstein, Lord Sutiield, Greenup's Pippin, Lane's Prince Albert, Irish Peach, Worcester Pearmain, and King of the Pippins. Bush trees, of which we have many, are indifferent. Only Potts' Seed- ling, Grenadier, Bismarck, Beauty of Bath, and Stirling Castle carry full crops. Pears are a failure, Beurr§ Diel being the only variety having anything like a crop. We have some fine bush trees which invariably carry grand crops. Plums and Damsons are a partial failure ; the same applies to Peaches. The latter are clean, and have been no trouble compared with other seasons. Apricots are about half a crop. Cur- rants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Straw- berries are all good and abundant. Royal Sovereign, 1 think, is the best Strawberry sent out for years, and ranks with President for use- fulness. Dr. Hogg from one-year-old plants is generally very fine here. There are few good orchards in this neighbourhood. Apples and Pears (the latter poorly represented) are carrying good crops ; old trees of Blenheim are carrying by far the best crops. The dry weather has checked all ve<,'atable crops. Potatoes, I think, will yield fairly well. The rains in May and June were a great help, but the excessive heat has entirely dried up the moisture, and on light soils the tubers will be under-sized, but should, owing to rains coming later, be better than last year. There were many diseased tubers in early sorts. I have found none, however, in lifting a patch of Windsor Castle. — W. J. Novell. Shipley Hall, Derby. — This is far from a good district for outdoor fruits, and the report from the neighbourhood must be a meagre one. In the orchards Apples are cropping very irre- gularly, more than half the trees being barren and only a few have a heavy crop, the individual fruits promising to be but small. On espaliers in the garden things are better ; one or two early varieties, such as Lord Sutiield and Warner's King, are heavily cropped and the fruits fine. Pears, on the other hand, are best on orchard trees and very scarce on wall trees, but I do noD imagine that the former will come up\j'ell, though growth is free and the trees healthy, but we lie too long in the lap of winter to expect good dessert Pears in the orchard. Neither Apricots, Peaches nor Nectarines are grown outside here. Plums and Damsons are but a poor crop, the scarcity being due to spring frosts, I imagine. Cherries, too, are very po3r. Currants, Black and Red, are a good crop. Gooseberries grown in the open as bushes lost many fruits through frost, but cnrdon-trained trees under a wire protection are heavily cropped and promise very well. Medlars are a fair crop. Raspberries are the best crop of the year, and canes which have been treated to good soakings of manure water have borne fine fruits, which the dry weather now being experi- enced has allowed us to gather in good condition. Strawberries on young plants have been very good, Royal Sovereign and James Veitch both very fine. On older plants the fruits have been small, but plentiful, and Vicomtesse H. de Thury has provided excellent fruits for preserving. Filberts are very scarce, but Walnuts are really well cropped in the district. Blackberries pro- mise remarkably well and apparently grow well here, especially the Parsley-leaved. Potatoes are very irregular in the fields. Other vegetables are good. Peas especially so. Brassicas are now growing well, but it was the worst seed-raising season I ever knew, the ground cold, deluged with heavy rain, and not a glimpse of sunshine through May until quite the end of the month, so that things started very slowly indeed. The earliest-sown Beet and Turnips bolted badly, but later sowings are better. — J. C. Tallack. The Gardens, Chatsworth. — Apples are only a moderate crop ; Pears and Plums scarce ; Cherries an average crop ; Red and White Cur- rants an average crop; Strawberries good crop and fine fruit ; Raspberries and Black Currants moderate ; Gooseberries under average. Potatoes are a good crop, and no diseased ones at present. All kinds of vegetables are growing freely. — W. Cukstek. Orchard and Fruit Garden. NOTES ON STRAWBERRIES. There seems very great unanimity among growers as to the shortness of the supply of I Strawberries this season. " H. R.," Suffolk, complains of slugs and of another enemy that takes tlie seeds from the surface of the fruit. Unless by mice, I have never had seeds eaten off the fruit in the manner described, so that there must be a new enemy in the field. Mice, unless promptly trapped, will quickly spoil a 1 quantity of Strawberries by simply eating ofi' the seeds, this rendering the fruiting useless ' for any purpo.se. Slugs are not alike trouble- : some every year ; in some, particularly in wet ! summers, they are very numerous and destruc- ' tive ; in dry ones they are not so much in evi- j dence. Millipedes, of which there is one kind very partial to Strawberries, are common in any I kind of weather when the fruit is ripening. I . quite agree with " H. R." that the kind of ! mulching or the time of its application makes no difterence to slug interference. I can- not quite agree with " H. R. " that "the ■ longer the ground between the rows lies open ' the better, as the moisture caused by the litter is an attraction to slugs." In soils of medium ! or light tendencies there is a difficulty in keep- ing the plants growing, and even with mulching applied, the drought this season was so search- ing, that many crops either succumbed or had a very short existence. The mulching of Straw- berries in such land recjuires to be done for a two-fold purpose if any useful return is ex- pected. In heavy soil the case is different. Applied early it arrests evaporation and retains moisture for a period when the plants require more to sustain them, and are often supplied with less, at any rate, from natural sources. Grass, whether long or short, is very bad as a mulch. Both rot quickly, and the latter clings to the fruit and gives much trouble in cleaning it off the berries wlien gathered. In fresh litter from the stables there is .some manure that gets washed in by rain, and when clean atibrds sufficient to keep the fruit untainted. I always make an effort to get the Strawberry plantations manured early every spring, and for this reason I had not noticed that un- inulched plants when in bloom suffered less from the frost than others which had strawy material around them. It is quite possible that it might be so, as " H. C. P." suggests, in a dry time, for the arrested moisture would be to a certain extent stored in the strawy mulch. It has scarcely been a year when comparisons could be usefully made bearing on the merits of 226 THE GARDEK [September 16, 1899. new kinds. I have had Monarch and Leader growing side by side. The spring frost made the crop very light in both cases, but Monarch was so poor, that it has raised an unfavourable impression, and will only be retained in sufficient numbers for providing for future trials. Royal Sovereign does not maintain the high reputation it had everywhere. In soil which suits it there is no doubt it is a tine variety, but there is no soil that can be said to be suitable to every kind, and this is true of Royal Sovereign. With me there is both in yearling and older plants too much leafage, and in the former not sufficient protection to the flowers by reason of the length of stalk carrying the leaf beyond the flower trusses. As " H. C. P." points out, the crop was very late from the loss of the early flowers, and was rendered short from the same cause. There have been many cases where in point of size, quantity, and early or late supply the Straw- berry crop has been a failure. Thanks mainly to Latest of All, tlie crop here has ex- tended from June 2.'i to July 24, a more lengthened period than others in the neighbour- hood have been favoured with. It is only by timely mulching that it has been obtained here, and without such aid I am quite sure the Strawberry crop would have been reduced in bulk and length of season very considerably curtailed. Not only did exposed soil become dry, but very hot, conditions that surface-root- ing plants like Strawberries cannot endure long. As it was, great quantities of Straw- berries failed to swell beyond the size of peas, and the loss to the market grower, whether it extended into scores of acres or measured only by perches, must have been considerable. My crop this season I estimate was less by two- thirds than that of la'st year from the same extent of ground. " H. C. P." notes the un- favourable effects of ])eat moss litter for mulch- ing. I have had proof of its poisonous quali- ties for the land, and rejjorts from others who have used it substantiate this. No doubt there are some soils which may benefit from its use for a time, but a continual use is sure to end badly. Unfortunately, the gardener has not always an independent opinion he can exercise in the case of manure supplied him, but is the victim of circumstances. In preparing for the planting of Strawberries it is well to bear in mind the time over which they are expected to remain without any manure placed beneath the surface to benefit the plants. Deep trenching does not benefit them much, but deep digging does, and so does a fairly good dressing of decayed manure well buried. W. S. Wilh. Failure of Strawberries. — I read Mr. Groom's remarks on the above subject at p. 115, and agree that the main cause of barren- ness which has been fo general this season is the parching ordeal the plants passed through last summer when growth should have been vigorous. Gardeners in private establishments, having only a limited area planted with Straw- berries, might prevent the collapse, at least of young plants, by timely and liberal mulching. After dry springs the moisture is permitted to escape from the ground before any mulch is applied. Then frequently the so-called mulch consists of a very thin layer of straw or litter, barely sufficient to keep the fruit clean, and quite incapable of preserving moisture about the roots. I have had good results, even on light porous soils, by applying a good thick mulch of short manure from the pig-yard in January. This, when washed clean, keeps the fruit free from dirt and the root-run remains cool and moist. Com- paratively few gardeners think of thoroughly soaking their Strawberry plot previous to plant- ing in August or of mulching the plants, yet both these operations pay. I have sometimes used spent Mushroom manure for the newly- planted stock, and at others rough leaf-mould. Anything of this nature answers well, and those who neglect the above apparently trifling details must expect neither sturdy fruiting plantations the following summer nor healthy early runners. Dealing with two or more year-old beds in hot dry summers is a more difficult matter, but much may be done by plan above referred to towards preserving vitality and ensuring profitable crops of fruit.— N. N. RELIABLE EARLY APPLES. In spite of an unfavourable season, the weather from the time the trees were in flower till now being very trying, there are yet large quantities of Apples in the market, and many private gardens are also well supplied with them. This satisfactory state of affairs is largely due to the fact that fruit growers are now content to plant numerous trees of a few varieties only, and those thoroughly reliable croppers, instead of, as heretofore, a few trees each of many varie- ties, the greater portion of which cannot be relied upon. As far as early cooking Apples are concerned, we need not expect any improve- ment on the varieties already available, and it is in the direction of improving on the later has been erroneously classed as a cooking and dessert variety, but I should describe it as a good cooking Apple only. Duchess of Olden- burg or Russian Transparent might be classed aa a never-failing variety — at any rate, I have never known it to fail completely. As a rule the long and somewhat slender branches are so- heavily laden with large fruit as to require sup- port to keep them off the ground. It is an early-maturing, striped Apple, somewhat soft, therefore not a good traveller, and, though often sold for eating raw, is best in a cooked' state. Manks Codlin, of which an illustration is given, we find classed as an August and Sep- tember Apple, but of this excellent, reliable variety the season may be said to also include July, October, and November, so early does the fruit cook well and so well does it keep after gathering. Owing to its heavy cropping tendency, large trees are rarely seen of Manks Codlin, the majority being somewhat compact and .stunted in appearance. The fruit lays on more colour, is firmer and crisper than is the case with most other Codlins, and we some- times find it used for dessert accordingly. It is really one of the best cooking Apples w& have, half • grown fruit making good pies. Keswick Codlin still proves profitable, but is not much planted now-a-days for the simple Apple Manks Codlin, sorts that our pomologists should go to work. , Since the introduction of several comparatively new varieties, the value of Early Julien has been much overlooked by the majority of planters, yet I am credibly informed by an I experienced grower, buyer, and salesman that ' where this old variety succeeds no other Apple pays so well. It is the first fit for use, and though classed as a cooking Apple is not to be despised for eating. Unfortunately, it is not so generally reliable as other sorts that will be named. It should be first given a trial, and if it prove a fairly reliable bearer be planted on a large scale. The most profitable trees I have yet seen of this extra early variety were hori- zontally or espalier-trained in a palace garden, but I know where there are both standard and I bush trees that prove nearly as reliable. Gather- , ing can commence early in August, sometimes in July. Should White Transparent prove as gene- I rally reliable as it does in the few instances which , have come under ray notice, a great future is ' before it. Both bush trees and pyramids crop very heavily, and doubtless standards will prove equally productive. The fruit is large, with a clear pale greenish yellow skin, and the first gatherings, taking the form of thinning out, may be made with advantage in July. It reason that, good as this old favourite may be, there are other Codlins more reliable. Lord Suffield is a grand Apple where it thrives, but it is not nearly so reliable as either Lord Grosvenor or Grenadier, both of which possess better constitutions and produce very heavy crops of large Codlin-shaped fruit somewhat more ribbed than is the case with Lord Suffield. Potts' Seedling, another of these robust Codlin Apples, is equally reliable as regards bearing, and if the thinning is timely the fruit becomes larger than Lord Suffield even. From what I have seen and know of Gold Medal, this is a fine companion for Pott's Seedling, these two forming a good natural succession to Lord Grosvenor and Grenadier. The Apple of this, and in fact most years, does not, however, belong to the Codlin section. In Stirling Castle we have the most generally reliable Apple in cultivation. This belongs more to the Ilawthornden type, possessing all the good qualities of the old Hawthornden and none of its bad ones. Trees, principally on low stems, are to be seen of Stirling Castle in all directions literally breaking down with medium-sized, well-formed, clear-skinned fruit, which may be used direct from the trees or stored for a few weeks. For small gardens this Septejiber 16, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 227 variety is invaluable. What about Ecklinville , pa3sing the best Alicantes I have tested. It is Seedling ? some of mj' readers will ask, and in ', particularly refreshing, invalids not tiring of it anticipation I admit that this is undoubtedly a quickly, and instead of the skins being tough they most reliable variety, but, all thinM considered, are actually tender, breaking up and disappearmg it is inferior to Stirling Castle. It forms a larger ^^^ !''<: P"'P; ^s far as quahty .s -."--^--^-^ tree in most positions, but it is not so heavy cropping nnr is the fruit so valuable either for market or for temporary storing. In the Spital- fields Market, where immense quantities of early Apples are sold, Ecklinville, Duchess of Olden- burg and other soft, bad travelling varieties are largely bought at lower rates by Jewish dealers. W. loGL'LriEN. As far as quality is concerned, ros Colman'is far ahead of either Gros Maroc or Alnwick Seedling, with which it is sometimes classed. Those who have failed to grow Gros Colman satisfactorily on its own roots should give it a trial on Foster's Seedling stock before wholly condemning it. Alicante is equallj' variable. More often than not the berries when ripe are known as Jews' Apples, owing to their being mere bags of sugar and water. The best I have EARLY AND LATE GRAPES. Would you kindly give me advice as to what Vines to plant in early and late vineries, each 25 feet long ? There are inside and outside borders. The flavour is the first consideration. —J. R. *,* Although "J. R." states that flavour of Grapes is to be the first consideration, I \enture to think he means that only varieties of good quality are wanted. Some af the most pleasingly flavoured Grapes are most insignificant in appear- ance, and very few gardeners can afford to devote space to them. It is possible to have Grapes both richly and pleasantly flavoured and also of im- posing appearance, such as most employers like to have on their tables. Supposing the houses ' second or third bud, a good choice of bunches is are lean-to in form, eight or, at the most, nine I afforded, those responsible early removing the Vinesor fruiting rods are ample for each. In the I ''^''g'^'' " sbows " if smaller, more serviceable earliest compartment I would plant three Muscat > bunches are desired. Appley Towers is on trial, of Alexandria, one Muscat Hamburgh, two Black *"'^ appears to be an easily grown autumn Grape, Hamburgh, one Madresfield Court, and one I ^'ack m colour, and of moderately good flavour. Foster's Seedhng. In the late house room should ^^>^^^ Hamburgh never fails under ordinarily ■ ■ " " " ' ' good treatment, and is the least fickle of all Grapes. Although I have only advised planting two Vines of this variety, the time may come when "J. R." will find it advisable to devote more space to it, to the exclusion of those less reliable. This can easily be done by mixing them with the others in the first instance, and then if necessary he can lay in young rods of ever tasted were cut from Vines rooting gravellj' loam, and were ripened early. Lady Downe's may be said to be fast losing whatever popularity it ever gained. Pity it is that this should be so. With me it has always done well in strong loam, and the crop of neat, well-set, and perfectly ripened bunches never failed of appreciation any time from January to June. Before I succeeded in bringing out the good qualities of Gros Colman, Gros Guillaume was considered the best midwinter black Grape. When medium sized to small bunches are selected these become closely furnished with well-set berries, which swell to a good size, colour per- fectly, keep fairly late, and are crisp, juicy, and pleasing to the palate. Long young canes of this variety are apt to produce a limited num- ber of sensational bunches, weighing, say, from 6 lbs. to 9 lbs. each ; but worked on the Black Hamburgh stock, and the laterals pruned to the with plenty of sucker shoots and dividing it, thus securing a few roots to each divided portion, which 18 not always possible when getting at them without taking up the plant. Still for all purposes of a private place it is usually easy to get them, the lifting being only necessary when it is required to propagate in fairly large quantities. It is equally as strong and almost as free bearing as the common Hazel ISTut and well worth a place in the fruit garden. The best time to plant is in early autumn, and it will thrive I in any moderately good soil. Loose fruit tree borders. — One of the worst cases I have seen of the lU-eft'ects of soft tree borders was some time since in a garden in Surrey. The houses had been erected about two years, and the Peach trees chiefly planted at the same time. In every case the growth was quite outrageous, literally like Bean rods, and I without the least prospect of producing fruit. I I advised the gardener to lift his trees directly the leaves began to colour, to greatly solidify the i soil, add plenty of mortar rubbish and wood ashes, and then replant. I do not know whether : he did so, but he seemed to think fruit would come in time, of which I saw no prospect. It was easy to force a stick down 2 feet into the borders. How often do we see young Vines ruined for all permanent purposes in the same way, growers being delighted with the excessively J luxuriant growth made. Market growers, by far the most successful of Grape producers, have their borders uch as this has been, is not very favour- able to the full development of florists' flowers. Perhaps Phloxes, which naturally like a good deal of moisture, have suffered as much as any. Pent- stemons have also been much the worse for the drought, and in many gardens, despite every care, have done badly. The fine collection at Mrs. Maxwell-Witham's was, however, in capital con- dition the other day when I had the pleasure of seeing it. The first spikes thrown up were quite spoiled by the dry weather and bright sun, but these were removed, and those which followed are now a grand sight indeed. The spikes are a little shorter than usual, but the individual flowers are as large as they are in ordinary seasons. It is quite a treat to see a collection such as this, which contains what one may call the dlite of newest florists' varieties. Where there are so many of equal worth it is superfluous to single out individual flowers by name. With the Pentstemon, as with the Antirr- hinum and some other flowers, the strains of seeds have been so much improved, that the time is approaching when few will care to grow named varieties. The old type of flower with its narrow tube has been superseded by the new varieties with open throat, nearly as large as a Gloxinia and beautifully marked. At Kirkconnel there are several large beds and in the sun they were most magnificent. They are principally from Forbes' and Irvine's strain. — S. A. Dr. S. P. Budd died, we regret to hear, recently. He was one of the most successful private B,ose growers in the west of England. Names of plants. — Randolph Symons. — You did not number your plants, and therefore we could not indicate their names. L. C. Foster. — Lycium barbatum. B. — Bignonia (Tecoma) radi- cins. A. E. W. — 1, Kerria japonica fl.-pl. ; 2, Elseagnus sp. ; 3, Erjthrina crista-galli ; 4, Skiouuia oblata. Crotons being so variable in leafage are very difficult to name with absolute certainty, but the specimens sent appear to be as below: 1, Baronne James de Rothschild ; 2, picturatus ; 3, Schom- burgkianus ; 4, Chelsonl ; 5, Youngi ; 6, Lady Zet- land. 0. H. B. — Your flower is Dendrobium bigibbum. "The English Flower Garden." — r?io- roughly revUed, irith full descriptions of all the best plants, their culture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, los. 6d. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, Src. THE GARDEN. No. 1453.— Vol. LVI] [SEPTEMBER 23, 1899. OFOtaard and Fruit :— Apples, late, falling „ _ 235 Cherries, the _ 233 Fruit, exhibiting 235 Fruit trees, corrugated iron fence for „ 235 Grapes, exhibition 235 Melon Best of All 233 Melons, canker in 233 Peaches on back walls . . . . 235 Peaches, three good eiirly _, 236 Pears adopted by the Con- gres Pomologiquo of France „ 234 Raspberries, cutting back newly -planted . . . . 236 Vine?, grafting and inarch- ing 233 ChpyBantbainainB :— Chrysanthemum Lady Fitz- wygram 236 Chrysanthemums — season- able notes .. « ,, „ 236 Flosffar:— Anemone alpina 237 Anemone alpbia ., ,, _ 237 Canna Alemannia . . ^ .. 210 Carnations, autumn, plant- ing 240 Crinum Powelli . . . . 237 Dahlias, awarding certifi- cates to new.. ., ,, 238 Lilium Humboldti, varieties of _ 237 Lilium speciosum „ » 238 Lilium Wallichianum .. .. 239 Nicotiana sylvestris .. .. 237 Pansies, Tufted, propagating 238 Pelargoniums, tricolor.. .. 238 Physalis Franchctti and P. Alkekengi 237 Ranunculus Lydlli 240 Romueya CouUeri 239 Romn: mi Vov.Ucri _ .. _ 239 Violet California .. .- „ 238 Orchids :— Anguloa eburnea . „ .. 210 Calanthe veratrifolia .. .. 241 Cypripedium grande . . . 240 Deodroliium Dalhousianum 240 Dendrobium superbiens — 241 Qaleandra Baueri 241 (niustratimia in Italics.) Ltelia pumila . . Odontoglossom L o n d e a • boroughianum .. » -- Oncidium luridum . -. ... Peristeria elata Pleurothallis Roezli .. .. 240 241 240 240 240 Kitchen : - Lettuce Alexandra White Cos 242 Onions, giant 241 Potato Renown . ..242 Potato Syon House Prolific . 212 Potato Veitch's Maincrop 242 Things, some, better ooiitted 242 Tomato All.)srt Victor _ . . 242 Garden Flora:— Rhododendron Little Beauty 242 Week's Vork:— Fruits, hardy, work among . 243 Kitchen garden, work in the 243 The Market Garden :— Fruit farming in Scotland . . 244 Ferns :— Adiautmns for the cool fernery .. .. » .. 246 Adianlums on a mall « ,. 246 Fern spores 247 Gymnogramma schizophylla 247 Fruit and Vegetable Crops — .. 247 Stove and Greenhouse:— Bfij'y'aia, liera'-lHfolia .. .. 248 Begonias, winter-flowering . 248 Cyclamen seed, sowing _ 249 Societies:— National Dahlia 249 Royal Horticultural . . . . 251 Notes of the Week :— Aster acris at Whitting- hame .. ^ •* -^ 251 Asters, single 251 Atriplex hortensis purpureas 251 Cannas in tuba 252 Catalpa syringafolia fruiting 225 Dahlia Green's White _ . . Eucomis punctata • Garrya elliptica In East Lothian Heliopsis Pitcheriana _ . . Hemerocallis aurantiaca ma- jor locarvilleas in Cornwall _ Kniphofia R. C. AfTourtit „ Kniphoflaa at Biel, East Lothian Lobelia Carmine Gem .. .. Polygonum baldschuanlcum Punica Granatum Romneya Coulteri in North Wales .- Salvia splendens grandiflora Zephyranthes Atamasco — 251 252 25X 251 251 251 251 251 251 251 251 »1 252 251 PubUa Gardens i— Hampstead Green ... ., « Stt Ilford, oi»ning new park 8^ IW Miscellaneous :— Drought, breaking up of the 249 Garden, claira to produce of 252 Weather in W. Herts .. -. 252 Orchard AND Fruit Garden. THE CHERRIES. Next to Strawberries, Cherries at midsummer are the popular fruit, only, as in the case of the Strawberry, those who do not possess a garden do not know what a real ripe Cherry is like. They are usually gathered before they are ripe and are fleshless and hard. I have often wondered why food inspectors are so ready to drop on the vendors of over-ripe fruit and allow the bad unripe fruit to pass. At the present time, in the provincial towns, they are hawking perfectly green and utterly sour foreign Grapes about the streets at 2d. per lb., and they have apparently a good sale. One of the best Cherries for quality and crop is Knight's Black Heart. There are a number of Black Hearts, but this is the best one. I saw it some years ago dead ripe in June under a glass screen where the ventilation was always on, and the crop was not hurried in any way, and thought I had never tasted a perfect Cherry before. The May Duke Cherry is a well known kind, but why it should be called May Duke when it is at least a second early, coming into the market in July, I cannot imagine. One fruit merchant I know secured a lot of it this .season only half- ripe in July. This is a red Cherry, but rather hard unless it is fully ripe and well grown. The White Hearts are also popular, at least in private gardens, but the fine black varieties are most popular for market. On the Rhine, between Frankfort and Bingen, miles of Cherry orchards seem to consist almost wholly of the black kinds of large size, which get ripe there about the middle of June. Bigarreau Napoleon is a White Heart, and said to be one of the best, if not the best, of its kind. All the Cherries are not abundant bearers, and the shy bearers are not worth planting. The Morello Cherry comes under a diflerent category, being fit for preserv- ing only, but a tine fruit for that purpose. It will also grow and bear in any position on a north wall or as a standard. The culture of the Cherry is simple. It needs lime in the soil, but there are few soils that do not contain enough for its purpose, and I have seen good crops of Cherries in soils supposed to be almost destitute of lime. The training is simple, especially as a standard. The trees need not be allowed to get crowded with branches, but shortening of the shoots is not necessary. Left alone they become a wreath of fruiting spurs, and there is no fear of the trees getting bare in the centre. I have grown trees that covered a wall about 40 feet by 15 feet in a few years. There is no fear of the Cherry as a wall tree getting thin at the bottom like the Peach. The long wand-like shoots inwardly break regu- larly their whole length, and if only disbudded and cared for become fruitful their entire length. The extension system should be adopted with all varieties, and a knife should not touch the leading shoots except to maintain balance. In this way a wall 20 feet high may be covered with standards with dwarfs between in about four years, and fruit may be expected the second year. Root-pruning is really the only kind of prun- ing the Cherry requires, but it does not require much of that except in heavy soils, and the work should be done at the end of summer or in early autumn so as not to interfere with the next year's crop. It is bad, too late root-prun- ing that does that. In the fine German Cherry orchards the soil appeared to be sandy and light, and the standard trees were models, standing widely apart with other crops between. The heads of the trees were round and sym- metrical on not very tall stems and the branches rather thin, but long and well spurred, the fruit hanging thick from every branch. ^ ^ [ J. S. W. Helon Best of All. — I fear this good Melon, like many others, is likely to be pushed into the background, as I do not now meet with it as frequently as formerly. Probably scarlet and green-fleshed varieties are more popular than the whites, but there are those who are partial to the latter ; in fact, do not mind so long as the flavour is rich. For a few years one could scarcely go into a garden where Best of All was not grown. One sometimes wishes there were fewer new Melons, as the rage for novelties has a tendency to push really meritorious older sorts on one side. Best of All is a medium sized, handsomely netted, brilliant yellow Melon, and, given good treatment, a certain cropper. It has taken many first prizes for flavour in strong competitions, and no variety secures a readier sale. — J. N. Canker in Melons.— Mr. Burrell's note on canker in Melons is well worth reading ; indeed, I have no doubt that many who have hitherto been troubled with canker will be induced to give the system Mr. Burrell recommends a trial. No doubt the theory that Melons the roots of which have free access to fermenting material which forms the bed often become gross before the fruit is sufficiently large to check it is correct, and this is the reason of so many fruits turning yellow when the size of hen's eggs. I have known other gardeners use Seakale or Rhubarb pots for growing Melons, and although, as Mr. Burrell remarks, a good deal of attention is needed in the way of watering and feeding when the crop is swelling, this is well repaid.— N. N. GBAFIING AND INARCHING GRAPE VINES. Ha VINO had considerable experience in grafting and inarching Grapa Vines, a list of experiments which have proved successful may be of service to readers of The Garden. One of the first was inarching Madresfield Court on to Bowood Mus- cat in an early vinery where ripe Grapes were expected at the end of May. This stock proved most suitable, growth being vigorous and the bunches large, heavily shouldered, and of first- rate colour and flavour. Madresfield here never cracked, though no special dryness was preserved in the atmosphere, and I am of opinion that to be proof against cracking this fine Grape should be ripe not later than July. A second early vinery suits it well. I also grafted Madresfield Couit on to Black Hamburgh in a late house, but alwajs had more or less trouble with the berries bursting and decaying wherever they pressed each other. I have found Golden Queen a capital stock for Duke of Buccleuch, and I would advise those who happen to possess a Vine of the former which is neb satisfactory to graft it with the Duke. With ordi- nary care there will be very little spotting or crack- ing. With me Alnwick SeedUng, a Grape which does not set well with everyone, seemed well suited with Trebbiano as a stock. The bunches set sufficiently thick to need a good deal of thinning, the only assistance given being a dusting over at noon with a hare's or rabbit's tail. Foster's Seed- ling is very suitable as a stock for (iros Colmar. This should be noted by those who have failed to colour it on its own roots. The finest berried and 234 THE GARDEN. [September 23, 1899. coloured bunches of this noble (J rape I have ever seen were on Vines inarched on Foster's. Foster's Seedling usually gives satisfaction on its own roots, but some of the largest bunches I ever grew were on a rod bottle-grafted on to Mrs. Pearson. That delicious Frontignan-flavoured white Grape Royal Vineyard, which many have been unsuccessful with, grew, fruited, and ripened most satisfactorily with me worked on Gros Maroc, setting being accomplished by draw- ing the dry hand down the bunches in the early part of the day in order to remove the watery globes, and dusting with a rabbit's tale at mid- day. This grafting or inarching one variety on another is often of great advantage where the vineries are small and room cannot be found for individual Vines. Sometimes I have had only a few laterals of another kind, and at others have cut the laterals clean off the parent rod to half its length, those of the grafted rod taking their place. Norfolk. PEARS ADOPTED BY THE CONGRES POMOLOGIQUE OF FRANCE. (Continued from p. 175.) ''■'La-Castemne (■■<>jii., Cn^ldline). — Originally ob- tained in 1835 by M. Florimond Castelain at Etaimpuis, near Tournay. The fruit is medium- sized, swollen at the base, slightly embossed in contour, the stalk of medium length, slender, curved, set rather obliquely in a narrow, deepish ribbed cavity ; the eye large, open, in a wide, shallow depression ; the skin rough, pale green, stippled and stained grey, rarely shaded red on the sunny side ; the flesh yellowish, deli- cate, and pleasantly aromatic. A good fruit, maturing October — November. The tree is moderately vigorous and scarcely of average fer- tility. In cultivation easy to train in all forms, it only makes medium - sized trees. On the natural stock it is more vigorous, but the fruiting ia too much retarded. L.\ France. — Originally obtained in 18G4 by M. Claude Blanchet, nurseryman, of Vienne (Isfere). A fruit of medium or fair size, rounded conical, irregular, much embossed in contour. The stalk is stout, straight, in a deep, wide, and irregular cavity. The e3'e is medium, compressed, half open, in a narrow, deep, wrinkled and em- bossed cavity. The skin is green, or sometimes pale yellow, stippled grey, with smooth bronze stains at top, bronzy green on the sunny side. The flesh is white, very melting, and aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening October — November. The tree is vigorous and fertile. In cultivation this variety is suitable for all forms, especially on walls, owing to the profusion of slender branches. Graft on the Quince. Lk Brun ( inches apart. ' The wires if you wish may be closer, but much depends on the kind of trees you grow. We certainly do not advise cordons for either Plums or Cherries. We think these are the worst kind I of trees for this mode of training— for this reason, that unless young wood is laid in annually there is a poor crop of fruit, and this refers more to the ! EXHIBITING FRUIT. j There can be no doubt that well-grown fruit I always commands a greater share of attention I at the hands of the public than any other part I of a show. It is to be regretted that in bo I many cases very little trouble is taken to stage \ it in an attractive form. Grapes are among I the most badly treated of fruits in this respect, I and dozens of boards in long rows with their I bunches hanging quite destitute of a vestige of j leaf is not the best that can be arranged. It is on a par with the boxes of Chrysanthemum ; blooms, especially of the incurved kinds, that so often disfigure our autumn shows. Good fruit ' is so much more attractive in itself than the flowers referred to, that the mode of showing it is left to go on without protest, while in the case of the Chrysanthemums, exhibitors seem to be waking up to the fact that there ia a more excellent way than that so long in vogue. In the collections of fruit, again, we get usually a couple of Grape boards at the back, a Pine and Melon possibly, the former often stuck into an inverted flower-pot covered with white paper, and the other fruits stuck about on plates. Nothing is done to make the whole attractive as a rule, while in such cases as the prizes for dessert tables at Shrewsbury the vases of flowers, small plants, and other accessories make too much of themselves, so to speak, and from a visitor's point of view the fruit takes a secon- dary place, and the individual dishes are packed up, each Peach and Nectarine exactly upright and looking as though turned out of a mould. ! There are many better ways of showing fruit . than these, and it would be well if the managers [ of shows would offer their fruit prizes contin- ! gent on collections being shown without papered Grape boards and dishes, leaving it to the ex- I hibitors to arrange them as they thought best. Carefully carried, the Grapes could either be ! laid flat on a suitable base of leaves or sus- : pended from stands, the latter being covered ' with Vine foliage, and where possible some of f the wood of the Vine should be used. A little more trouble would be involved, of course, but the station each exhibitor has to fill could be worked out beforehand, the size, of course, being the same in every case and distinctly mentioned in the schedule. Any fruits from which wood and leaves can easily be spared should be always shown with thiir own foliage, and well-coloured leaves of Vines or Virginian Creeper with trailing pieces of Bryony or Ampelopsis Veitchi suggest very pretty effects. Wood wool could be used for making an undu- lating surface for the various fruits to rest on, and these could be displayed something in the 236 THE GAEDEK [September 23, 1899. way they grow, not piled up like heaps of cannon balls. Figs often look messy when shown in a heap, but laid thinly at intervals, with trails of Bryony about them and green Vine or Fig leaves underneath, they have a much fresher look. I hope exhibitors will for- give me for mentioning anything chat will add to the burden of show day. H. CUTTING BACK NfiWLY-PLANTED RASPBERRIES. From experience I am convinced that the prac- tice of cutting back newly-planted Raspberries close to the ground is a wrong one, more espe- cially when the canes are received from a nursery in a semi-dried condition. Many old gardeners used to leave about 2 feet of last year's cane when planting, and I believe if this were always done fewer failures would be heard of. It is also neces- sary, and particularly after a dry autumn, to well soak all purchased stock the roots of which are at all dry, as if planted in tliat condition they often go from bad to worse before rain comes, and either fail to start into growth or make weak, puny canes the following season. Instead of say a 2-feet length being prejudicial to a good and vigorous start the next spring, it really encourages it, as the eyes starting into growth induce root- action. As regards summer pruning, I am atone with " G. W." (p. 176). To those opposed to it I would say, why not cut out the old canes from Raspberries as well as that from Peach trees, the latter now a general practice, as soon as the crop 18 gathered ? Not only does the foliage of the old canes throw off rain from the roots, but also obstructs sun and air, two necessary agents in thoroughly maturing the wood for next year's work. " G. W." mentions crowding even the new canes as a great mistake. Canes so treated may produce a quantity of fruit, but the size and general quality are sure to be inferior, besides which wet plays havoc by inducing rot in the fruit, the foliage where crowded remaining wet for perhaps several days together after heavy rains. Three or four to each st?ol is a good number, according to the variety grown and the richness of the root-run. Raspberries to grow and produce well must have plenty of moisture, and where liberal mulching in winter or early spring IS neglected, partial failure is inevitable should the season prove dry. In limited plantations where watering is practicable, nothing pays better for liberal waterings twice during the growing season with farmyard liquid. Norfolk. and unsurpassed for forcing. In an old-fashioned house where the crop was expected to ripen at the end of May I used in trying, sunless seasons to experience some difficulty in securing a good set on some varieties, but with nothing more I than a rap of the trellis to disperse the pollen, a capital set was certain on Stirling Castle. Its size, perhaps slightly less than Royal George, together with colour and flavour, is such as to please the most fastidious. Mr. Coleman once said to me Stirling Castle cannot be planted in the wrong place. Early Grosse Mignonne may be relied upon by " R. K." to come in at the date he names, and for all-round good quality would be hard to beat. I have never heard a fault found with this Peach, but planters must be careful to distinguish between this and the old Grosse Mignonne, which, although a splendid Peach, richer, perhaps, than its namesake, is a shyer bearer and less suited for early forcing. Bellegarde is a grand forcing Peach, a regular and sure cropper, the individual fruits reaching a good size, which take on a dark, almost black- red colour, and are rich and delicious. Were I planting an early house, Bellegarde would cer- tainly be included. No doubt Hale's Early, which failed to satify " R. K.," is a most useful Peach where it is at home, but there are gardens in which it has an annoying habit of casting its fruit. J. Crawford. Chrysanthemums. CHRYSANTHEMUMS-SEASONABLE NOTES. THREE GOOD EARLY PEACHES. " G. W. S." does not agree with " R. K., "a Russian correspondent, in his condemnation of Amsden June, neither do I think anjone will who has given it a fair trial, has forced it gently, and gathered it in the nick of time. But, if I remem- ber rightly, "R. K." asked for the names of a few 1 eaches that could be thoroughly relied upon to ripen at the end of May or beginning of June, in which case it is not necessary to have recourse to the American varieties at all, as some of the largest and very best-flavoured Peaches may easily be had in a ripe condition by then Of course, the trees will have to be started sooner than either Amsden June, Waterloo, or Alex- ander, but very little heat is needed in well-glazed houses during December and January, and the labour is well repaid. For ripening at the date named I would place Early York, Stirling Castle, Early Grosse Mignonne, and Bellegarde in the first rank I know some complain about the liability of Early York to split just when on the point of ripening, but for some years I had charge of a fane old tree which annually bore immense crops, only a fruit here and there splitting. When m full flower the tree was a perfect picture with Its large, delicately-coloured blooms. The fruit is of medium size, thin in the skin of delicious flavour. Stirling Castle is of the most valuable Peaches ever By the end of September it is well to get the plants under glass. This refers more especially to those cultivated for large specimen flowers. If once the buds get damp after they have advanced so that the embryo florets are notice- able the blooms are liable to be damaged. In most seasons a few sorts will be inclined to show colour thus early, and even now at the beginning of the month I have seen some Chrysanthemum blooms intended for exhibi- tion quite advanced. These early blooms I have invariably found the most difiicult to open, free from damp spots, and they require con- siderable care when placed under glass. Later there is not much trouble — that is, if ordinary care be given. Hot sunshine in the day and cool nights have something to do with damping in the case of early flowers, for it is really not yet the season for them, but in the desire to obtain large size a long time must be allowed for development. If, then, blooms are open- ing now, I would stand the plants so that the flowers are as far as possible from the glass, and also well shade the latter. The doors and ventilators should be open night and day, the roots also kept moist. In housing the bulk of Chrysanthemum plants the arrangement will be according to the convenience of each grower, and it is as- tonishing what positions one sees them in at times. Airy span-roofed greenhouses suit the blooms when opening best, because such houses can be kept cool and dry. Often the plants are overcrowded when put under glass. This should be avoided as much as possible. When stood close together in groups for efl'ect the plants soon lose the lower leaves, which must have some detrimental effect on the opening blossoms. I would take away all decaying foliage at the time of housing, and examine each plant as to its freedom from disease. Mildew is usually observed at that time. If so, the parts affected may be dusted with sul- and i phur, and if possible all structures should be one I fumigated when the plants are all under introduced glass. There is sure to be aphis lurking about, and this must be destroyed before the flowers are advanced. If left, this pest has a habit of coming in such numbers later when fire-heat is employed that it is not easy then to deal with efl'ectually. The blooms open best with plenty of air and little fire-heat. The latter may be used to dispel moisture, but not for the purpose of forcing the flowers. If so, it is at the expense of colour as well as sub- stance. Shade is necessary, more especially in regard to kinds with white, crimson, and bronze flowers. These appear to damp the most readily. It is in the early part of the day when the mis- chief is done. 'The sun is apt to come into contact with the florets whilst they are cool and moist through long hours of darkness ; there- fore make it a rule to shade Chrysanthemums coming into bloom quite early in the morning. Nothing conduces so much to well - finished blooms as encouraging top roots. This may be done by sprinkling some fertiliser on the sur- face of the soil during showery weather and by continuing the practice after the plants are under glas?. Guard against an over supply ; little and often is the safer rule. Why growers should be more liable to overfeed Chrysanthe- mums than other plants I do not know, but certainly a great many mistakes are made in this direction. Another error is likely to be made just at the time a wealth of fine flowers is looked for — that is, roots are lost through bad watering when under glass. A good soaking must be given when watered at all ; not surface moisture only, which deceives the cultivator and causes the lower portion of the ball of earth to become dry ; hence loss of valuable feeders. Recent showers have helped early-flowering kinds, and a fair display of bloom will yet be had. Some of these early kinds make admirable subjects for lifting and placing into pots. The flowers, of course, come cleaner under cover, and the specimens may be employed for greenhouse decoration. Mme. Desgrange and G. Wermig, white and yellow, are two kinds suitable, because they sulTer little by the process. Bushy-habited sorts like these produce their roots in an equally bushy way, and a nice ball of earth clings to them. This rule of bushy top growth pertains to all Chrysanthemums that lift well. I have found those of a loose - growing nature useless for the purpose. I plant out a number of all sorts for providing cuttings ; some give a capital crop of bloom, too, after being lifted, whilst the majority refuse to open the flowers at all. Harvest Home, Mme. Marie Masse, Flora, Blushing Bride, and the bronze variety, be- sides the two kinds already named, are the most satisfactory September Chrysanthemums with me this year. Others will follow later, provided early frosts do not spoil them. H. S. Chrysanthemum Lady Fitzwygram. This chaste flower seems likely to find favour as a pure white sort for market work as well as for cutting, judging by the quantity and quality of the blooms now seen in so many florists' windows. It is sturdy and of dwarf habit of growth, capable of developing some ten to a dozen capital blossoms on plants in small pots. In some establishments this season the plants were potted up into 5-inch and 6inch pots, and afterwards plunged out- doors. These plants made rapid progress, and were quite recently lifted and placed in a cool house with abundant ventilation. For the past few weeks the display of blossoms has been very welcome. Growers of this variety make a mistake in growing it in a manner similar to that followed with Mme. C. Desgrange, and, given such treat- ment, the result is not so good as when the plants are disbudded to about a dozen flowers. — 1). B. C September 23, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 237 Flower Garden. ANEMONE ALPINA. The alpins Windflower is withouc doubt one of the rarest of all the Wiudflowor family to be seen in British gardens in anything like good established examples '2i feet high and as much through, yet it is not a dilticult plant to culti- vate. The real difficulty lies in the establish- ing and in making good plants of the scrappy material which is from time to time furnished. The collectors of hardy alpine and such plants doubtless find a difficulty in digging up this plant with anything like an adequate amount of root fibres attached to it, and without these it is ditticult to succeed in making the plant even live out the first year after having been col- lected. These small, unsuitable pieces, which in reality are but the crown and the root stumps attached, all the more surely perish if planted at once in the garden soil. No matter whether this is specially prepared or otherwise, the plant will seldom come through its first winter in this country alive. To attain success I know of no better way than by bedding the imported root- stocks in damp cocoa-nut fibre and coal ashes or the first named alone. In both these I have secured a far larger proportion of living plants than whan the plants have been put into soil in the garden. To those desirous of establish- ing this handsome subject in their gardens I would suggest giving an order early in the year for a supply of a dozen or two or more accord- ing to their rec|uirtments. Not that all may be reciuiied, but with a view of establishing at least a few. When the plants arrive, take some cocoa fibre and coal ashes, equal parts, and fill a ."j-inch box, inserting the tufts of plants quite firmly in rows in the boxes at a little distance apart. Do not in any way bury the crowns, but rather let them appear well above the surface. Give one good watering to thoroughly soak the whole body of material and afterwards a little once or twice a week. The plants should remain in the boxes all the first winter, placing them together and sur- rounding with ashes in a good open position If a large number of plants are received it will be best to separate into two or more sizes, for the largest pieces are the most likely to perish if unaccompanied by fibrous roots. These latter, indeed, are best treated at once as root cuttings, placing them in a close, warm and shady position in the greenhouse. It will, however, be best to take away the top if this at all shows signs of decay, which will if left only follow downward to the root itself. Insert these root pieces again either in boxes or pots in the same material as above suggested. It is the medium-sized plants with a few root fibres that will be more likely to grow ,-ind succeed in our gardens, and this irrespective of soil. A very good plant of this handsome Windflower was- among the good things brought to the recent Temple show. This had something like a dozen flowers upon it. The finest example I have ever seen, however, was growing in the specimen border at Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, nearly twenty years ago. This must have been fully 2i feet high and quite as i much in diameter while teeming with its hand- | some flowers. Of course such a specimen must i have been some years in the position, for the tuft alone was a giant, to say nothing of its development in full growth. As a rule, how- ever, the most we see of this fine hardy plant is a small scrap in a o-inch pot with a single flower or so, though occasionally plants of this and the sulphur form may be ssen with two or three. 1 To those who can att'ord to wait, the raising of seedlings is a good way, perhaps the best way, to secure vigour, and if freshly gathered seeds were sent home by those visiting the mountain pastures where this plant luxuriates, much less ditticulty would be found in obtain- ing supplies. The seeds may be sown— indeed are best sown — early in autumn quite thinly in drills in the open and in well prepared soil. E(|ual parts of loam and leaf soil, with a fourth of finely sifted and old manure, with plenty of grit, will do well. Select a rather sheltered place where the seed bed will not suft'er extremes of dryness, and with the same object when the seedlings appear place a few boughs over the bed. Many seedlings will appear in the spring following, and these when eighteen months old should be transplanted to a permanent bed, given at least 2 feet of soil of a similar character, though rougher and it may be richer. Abundance of root moisture for the growing season must be secured to these lovely alpines to ensure in so far as is possible the great mantle of ever-melting snow that in their mountain home keeps them at all times Anemone alpina. From a photograph sent by Miss White, Duhlin, cool at the root. It is in this respect that we fail with many of the choicest — albeit they are often the dwarfest — of the gems of alpine regions. A good plant of this alpine Windflower is given in the illustration. Internally the flower is white, and externally it is covered with a silken down of an azure-blue tone. This and the larger and more deeply cut leaves render it distinct from all else in the Windflower family. E. J. Physalis Franchetti and P. Alkekengi Both these are very useful in their way, but P. Franchetti, though bearing larger flowers, is not so deep red in colour. Too frequently these winter Cherries are grown too thickly, which is one of the very worst things in connection with their cvUture. Crowded growth prevents the ingress of light and air ; the lower portions of the stems are consequently bare of flowers, or the ber- ries that do set either rot away through excess of moisture or fail to colour well. A good loamy soil of fair depth, plenty of room between the indi- vidual plants, restricting the number of shoots to some four, or at the most five, on each plant, liberal mulching and abundant moisture are the principal cultural details to be observed in order to ensure tall, well furnished stems and brilliant ; flowers. A good efl'ect is produced by mixing them with white Honesty. — N. Nicotiana sylvestris. — This handsome Tobacco is mentioned at p. 19-i of The Garden, but I think its full value has as yet hardly been ascertained by the writer of the notes referred to. In my own opinion, both for foliage and flower this recent introduction surpasses all others. It is handsome in its foliage and also one of the grandest flowering members of its race. Quite recently I saw it in splendid condition at Gun- nersbury House, where Mr. Hudson has a line some 70 feet in length, the plants being in prime condition and forming quite a sheet of white flowers. The foliage is of great proportions, and the plants naturally break into several strong shoots from the ground level. This is so con- spicuous and so helpful to the plant where grouping for efl'ect is the chief aim, that I won- dered whether all the stems had sprung from a solitary seed. Indeed, it occurred to me that two or possibly three small plants, having been pricked off together in one pot, had been thus transferred to the ground without more ado. I found, how- ever, that all the plants were solitary examples, and as such bedded out in their present places. Now there are perhaps an average half - dozen stems to each. The long tubular white flowers, which droop slightly in the daytime, but do not close, as in some other species, appear in the greatest profusion. To this testimony of its worth may be added the fact that the Gunners- bury plants are about 6 feet high. Easily grown, yet enjoying liberal treatment, it is obviously a plant that will be grown extensively in the near future. — E. .J. Crinum Powelli. — If only the fine, handsome proportions of this plant and its way of taking care of itself in a suit- able border were better known it would surely be more often grown out- side. The tubers are — as most people are aware — very large, and natur- ally the tops of these should be kept a little below ground, so that a fairly deep border must be made for it, unless such a one exists in the natural soil. I remember seeing a number of bulbous plants of this class in Canon Ellacombe's fine garden at Bitten, near Bristol, some years ago, and I should think that the deep loamy soil of the neighbourhood there had something to do with their success, while the sheltered position was also doubtless in their favour. C. Powelli is equally useful as a fine greenhouse subject ; in fact, the Crinums as a whole are sadly neglected, and if offered for sale, as they sometimes are, they seldom fetch any- thing like a fair price. I saw a very pretty Crinum recently with Mr. H. Rider Haggard, at Ditcbingham Hall, Norfolk, an unnamed plant that he received from the Cape, and there are many more equally good. But those with a sheltered garden and good deep sod may get beautiful efi'ects by their use outside. — H. R. Varieties of Lilium Humboldti.— I have in The Garden several times called attention to the marked difference in the behaviour in cultivation of the varieties of Lilium Humboldti, and my experience in my Lyons Valley Lily garden this season only emphasises my opinion. The condi- tions in my garden in the mountains seem to suit all Pacific coast Lilies, and I may say all other 238 THE GARDEN. [SjtPiEviBER 23 1899. Lilies that) I have so far tried. This year I had threo lots in parallel rows, a thousand or so of each. Soil and situation were as nearly as pos- sible identical, and healthy bulbs of various sizes were planted. The typical L. Humboldti col- lected in the northern and central portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains was planted in Novem- ber last. A little later L. Bloomerianum or L. Humboldti var. ocellatum went into the ground, and in December a lot of L. Humboldti var. magnifioum of all sizes, from 4 inches to 10 inches in circumference, was planted. From the typical L. Humboldti I had not one bloom, and I can say further that of fully 3000 planted last autumn and winter not one flowered. L. Hum- boldti var. ocellatum is a dwarf variety, seldom over 2 feet high, with circles of red around the dark spots on perianth. The bulb is very small. It flowered very well ; probably 40 per cent, were in bloom by .July 5. Of the L. Humboldti var. magnificum fully 90 per cent, flowered. The stalks were stout, perfectly healty, 3 feet to 6 feet high, and as many as twenty-five flowers to the stalk. In another part of my garden there were rows containing 2000 L. Humboldti type, very fine bulbs, planted in the autumn of 1807. These flowered splendidly, but did not produce any greater percentage of bloom than strong plants of var. magnificum planted in March last. — C. PuKDY, Ukiah, California. , TUFTED PANSIES. Propagation by Cuttings fob Spring Planting. Throughout September and October propaga- tion of the Tufted Pansy may be carried on with every prospect of success. At this season, there- fore, readers should be busy making preparations for the insertion of cuttings of a desirable kind, and these are obtained on plants which were cut back a few weeks since and are now 2 inches to 3 inches in length and nicely short-jointed. Any reader who has seen the display that a few massed plants are capable of making will at once appre- ciate the array of colour which a larger number of plants will produce, especially if a wise choice of colours be made. Although recent summers have been exceedingly hot and dry, and the dis- play made by the Tufted Pansies has been more difficult to retain, this fact should not discourage prospective growers. A little more than ordinary thoughtfulness in the selection of a suitable posi- tion for the Pansies is amply repaid by the display they will make. There are very few subjects, especially of a hardy character, that can compare with the Tufted Pansy, both for its long and continuous blossoming propensity as well as the charming variety in which this beautiful flower is now obtainable. The Tufted Pansy may be kept in a healthy condition, and in the autumn i each plant will give numerous cuttings by which : the different varieties may be perpetuated if they ' are planted in garden soil which has been deeply i dug and well manured in the winter or early spring. If, in addition, the soil is constantly stirred by the freiiuent use of the Dutch hoe, and a good mulching with some light gritty material given during .Tune, the display is pretty certain to exceed the grower's expectations. During long periods of drought an occasional watering, and this of a copious character, may be applied with advantage. ; At this season the cutting bed or cold frame should be placed in a warmer position in the gar- den than that selected for the earlier propagation. A southern or south-western aspect is the best position for autumn propagation, as then the 1 frames obtain whatever influence the sun may impart. In very open, cold and bleak situations ! the use of cold frames offers many advantages, i The Pansy will root in almost any soil, so hardy is j its constitution, but the rooting process is much more readily accomplished it a nice depth of light j gritty material be made up for the purpose. 1 Place in the fr.ame, to the depth of say 6 inches, loam, leaf-soil and sand in equal proportions, tho- roughly mixed, after being passed through a , sieve with a half-inch mesh. This should be care- fully levelled all over and slightly firmed by plac- ing boards over the surface, gently pressing these before removing. Some few hours before the cut- tings are to be inserted, the soil in the frames should be thoroughly watered by the aid of a fine- rosed can. Left thus for a few hours the soil comprising the cutting bed becomes nicely moistened and the work of propagation may then be carried out easily and expeditiously. It may be impossible for some readers to obtain the in- gredients for the cutting bed as laid down above, and on this account they may be deterred from taking the Pansies in hand. By the addition of coar-e road grit or sand to the ordinary garden soil, however, the cuttings will be found to root readily enough for most pur- poses. If in addition to the last-mentioned soil the siftinga of the potting shed accumulations may be added, a satisfactory mixture may be made. Cuttings should be made about 2A inches long, and these should be sturdy, short-jointed, and free from in?ect pests. Clean, healthy cuttings root very quickly during the cool weather. To make a cutting, the stem should be cut through with a sharp knife immediately below a joint, and the leaf adhering to the latter carefully trimmed off. The cutting is then ready to be inserted. These should be dibbled into holes about 2 inches apart, and nicely firmed at the base by a gentle pressure. They also should be inserted in rows about 3 inches apart, this afford- ing ample space to lift them with balls of earth when bedding out in the spring. When com- mencing, first place the label at the head of the row, and repeat this as each variety is taken in hand ; thus confusion of names and varieties is avoided when planting out. It is useless to in- sert stem cuttings. These rarely root satisfac- torily, and even when they do, the plants lack the vigour which cuttings of recent growth in- variably produce. Should warm weather un- expectedly prevail, the cuttings must be shaded by the use of tiffany, &c., removing this in the late afternoons. I do not advocate keeping the frames close, as it should be the aim of the grower to accord it hardy treatment. The cuttings may be sprinkled overhead occasionally to freshen them, and the soil between the rows also stirred from time to time. D. B. Crane. sphere, with rather more warmth than the other sections of Pelargoniums. A minimum of 45", to run up another 10° or so during the day, will suit them well. Plants that are thoroughly established in comparatively small pots will pass the winter in the best condition. As pure air and a good light are very essential to the tricolor-leaved Pelar- goniums, it follows that they are not seen at their best in the immediate neighbourhood of London ; indeed, the difference in colour between the leaves of such plants and those grown on the open downs of Surrey, Kent, and Sussex is so pronounced, that they might be mistaken for dis- tinct varieties. — H. P. Violet California. — Violets seem to be one o^ the specialities in the gardens at Terregles, Dum- fries, N. B. , and Mr. Mackinnon, the head gar- dener, grows them well. All were the picture of health, but I was particularly struck with the vigour of California, which is grown in quantity. The flowers are largely used. The plants are lifted and put into frames in October and give flowers over a long period. — S. A. Tricolor Pelargoniums.— With a few such summers as the present it is very probable that some of the tricolor Pelargoniums would figure more prominently as bedding plants than they have done of late years, for in many instances they have acquired a brilliancy of colouring such as we seldom see. The variety Mrs. Pollock, which thirty years ago attracted so much atten- tion as a bedding plant, still holds its own as one of the best for the purpose, being more robust in constitution than some of those with richer tints. Some of our nurserymen were not slow to lake advantage of the craze for these Pelargoniums, the catalogue of a nurseryman for the year 1870 containing no less than seventy names, but the number of distinct varieties is at least doubtful, , for the tendency then, as now, was to publish too long a list of names of any popular plants. While many of the richest coloured proved too delicate for bedding purposes, they became popular for exhibition, and classes for "both gold- and silver- [ leaved tricolor Pelargoniums used for years to [ figure on many schedules. The plants needed very careful treatment, light, air, and sunshine being very necessary to success. To grow these Pelargoniums at their best it is necessary to be careful with the water-pot. During the winter they need a light position and a fairly dry atmo- ' LILIUM SPECIOSUM. This Lily has, of course, flowered earlier than usual during the present season, and while the blooms have in most cases been well developed, they quickly lost their freshness and dropped, owing to the great heat. The first variety to open with me was album novum, a white flower much in the way of the better-known Krrt-tzeri, but with bright yellow anthers, while those of Kra^t- zeri are brown. The album of the Dutch culti- vators— that is, the form with mahogany-coloured bulbs and chocolate-tinted buds — has the flower sometimes slightly tinged with blush. I think this feature has been a little more pronounced than usual during the present season. Of the Japanese importations the variety Melpomene holds its own as the most beautiful of all tire deep coloured forms, being in richness and depth of colouring much superior to any other. The rounder and more massive leaves, with their depth of colouring, are also characteristic of this variety. The form sold as rubrum by the Japan- ese, which is taller than Melpomene and the j flowers rather larger, is also much lighter in colour. The leaves, too, are thinner in texture, and are far more liable to die off at the base than those of Melpomene. Huge numbers of these j varieties imported direct from Japan are sold every year in this country, but those disposed of at the large auction sales cannot always be depended upon to be true to name. The bulk, as a rule, consists of the variety as sold, but with Melpomene there is generally a sprinkling of , rubrum, and the reverse also holds good. A great many may be selected with almost absolute cer- tainty by means of the bulbs, which in Melpomene show a much greater tendency to divide up in'o two or three crowns, and they are also deeper tinted than the other. Intermediate forms, how- ever, crop up among the bulbs, and for these it is necessary to wait till growth commences. The roundish deep-coloured leaves of Melpomene are then very different from the long pointed ones of rubrum. H. P. Awarding' certificates to new Dahlias. — I note the remarks of "A. D." (p. 217) in refer- ence to new varieties, and I think with that writer some better method should be adopted by the National Dahlia Society than that which obtains now. In the first place it would be well if the deliberations of those persons selected to award certificates could be done without the public looking on. A looser way than that followed by a large committee of not disinterested persons standing together and voting, as was done at the Crystal Palace, could not well be imagined. Of course, trade growers have excel- lent chances of knowing individual varieties, but it would be possible to get three, or say five, keen amateur cultivators to do the work in a way that should benefit the general buyer of new kinds. When five certificates are awarded to the same raiser at one time it does appear that im- provement is going on at a rapid rate. But at least from past experience I have found no end of disappointments in growing varieties through such hai'ing obtained that hall mark of excel- lence. Like your correspondent, I saw the new kinds, and did not note more than two or three distinct enough to be added to our collections. There are many others, however, who must follow September 23, 1899. J THE GARDEN". 239 the records in gardening papers. It is they who will eventually be tired of buying so many new flowers only to find them inferior to the old. New types like Whirlwind, and distinct colours as in Zephyr, are those which want encouraging. Red Rover, too, passed as being over large, is a new variety that will not require a certificate to make it a popular garden plant. — Visitor. ROMNEYA COULTERI. There is no more lovely flower in the July garden than this exquisite Californian Bush Poppy. Tlie snowy petals of the large single blossoms, many of them over 6 inches in dia- meter, with their delicate creases, put one in west of England and in the south of Ireland, and I have seen it in the best of health as far nortli as Herefordshire. Perhaps the most suital)le situation that can be chosen for it is one in a deep border backed by a high wall, althougli it may often be seen doing well in the open border. It also forms handsome speci- mens when grown in tubs, but as it is most im- patient of root-disturbance, great care is neces- sary in shifting the plants into larger recep- tacles. Especially is this the case with seed- ling plants, which often succumb to the opera- tion of potting-on, however carefully this is carried out. For this reason it is well to sow the seeds, which often take a long while to White Busk Poppy {Romneya Coulteri). mind of the finest white crepe and flutter at the slightest breeze, while their purity is enhanced 1 y the superb bosses of golden stamens from wnich they radiate. When a large quantity of these striking blossoms is expanded ai the same time, as is seen in the accompanying illustra- tion, an elfect is produced that will not soon be forgotten. Beautiful as are the flowers, they possess another attraction besides that of love- liness, since they are dowered with a subtle and delicious fragrance, which, added to their refined form and purity of tint, renders them especially acceptable for indoor decoration. The plant generally does well in the south- germinate — ten months elapsing in one case that came under my notice before any sign of growth appeared — singly in small pots, so that as growth advances they may be shifted on with the ball of roots intact. Even in putting pot plants out into the open bed considerable care has to be exercised not to disturb the roots unnecessarily, lest the plants receive a check that they may take some time to recover, some specimens losing a great proportion of their leaves even where the ball of roots has been left undisturbed. When once thoroughly established in the open ground, however, the plants soon make rapid headway and often attain a stature of 9 feet or more. Plants that have occupied the same position for two or three years often throw out shoots a yard or more distant from the parent stem . In severe winters a certain amount of protec- tion is necessary, and it is always advisable to mulch the roots with some light and porous material, such as Pine needles, rough cocoa- nut fibre, or, failing these, ashes. During hard frosts a temporary covering with an Archangel mat will generally aflbrd sufficient protection to preserve the ripened shoots from serious injury, but sappy, autumnal growths from the base of the plant usually succumb to the eflfects of continued severe weather. Under no circum- stances should the plant be closely surrounded with heavy mats, hurdles surfaced with straw or Bracken, or with other materials that have a tendency to become sodden and create a moist and stagnant atmosphere around the specimen, or the foliage will be apt to become a prey to mildew, which will eventually afleot the shoots and root-stock and result in the death of the plant. During the severe weather in the early part of 189.'> not a few specimens were destroyed, the loss of certain of which was undoubtedly due to the coddling system already referred to. In the summer months the Romneya is bene- fited by copious supplies of moisture, while occasional applications of weak liquid manure and soot water will be found to promote vigorous growth. Romneya Coulteri may be propagated by root cuttings and layers, though even by these methods its increase is far from easy, while cuttings of the shoots almost in- variably refuse to strike, although they will i often remain green for a lengthened period. S. W. F. LILIUM WALLICHIANUM. About five years ago, so far as I can remember, I received a consignment of bulbs from a friend — Captain Grant — in Upper Burmah. Amongst the number there were several good specimens of Lilium Wallichianum superbum (see page 187). As it was not then convenient to grow them in a greenhouse, I put these Wallichianum bulbs in a Rhododendron bed and hoped for the best. I remember having a good deal of misgiving about the result, but I could do nothing else. Contrary to expectation, however, in a great degree these Lilies have done splendidly; they have been objects of great admiration and they have shown themselves — at all events in the Isle of Wight — to be hardy enough. I have been away from home so much during the last eighteen months, that I do not know so very much about them. My idea about them has been that there are few Lilies which are so very handsome and at the same time so easy to manage. I have also read with interest what your correspondent " W. J. H." says about Eremcrus Elwesi at Alnwick. He is to be congratulated on his success, but I cannot quite follow him when he speaks of his " being a climate which is unsuit- able to it." If the climate of Alnwick is at all what I imagine it to be, there is no ground for surprise. Eremuri manifestly do well in some- what cold and bleak places. Their headquarters in England is in the garden of Sir M. Foster near Cambridge— in his hands they are indeed a sight to see — and also they do extremely well with Mr. Carrington Ley in a cold part of Kent. A part of the world which from one point of view does not suit them is the Isle of Wight, and the reason for it is because they are excited into growth far too soon and have but a short time to rest. The only way to obviate this is by deep planting, and I can quite understand that they would like Alnwick better than Rjde. Mr. Hindmarsh seema to be on a level, so far as they are concerned, with Sir Michael Foster and Mr. Carrington Ley. I notice Mr. Arnott's recommendation of Leu- cojum autumnale, and there is plenty of room 240 THE GARDEK I [September 23, 18i,\ for it ; but I should like to recommend him another Leucojum which, in my opinion, throws his favourite into the shade— I refer to L. roseum, which is one of the sweetest, daintiest little plants I have ever seen. It blossoms at Rjde in July, and has a most bewitching appearance, which cannot easily be forgotten. I have only seen it once in my life, and the tender pink markings of the little bells are so very striking, it stands quite by itself. I can only express what I mean by saying that I should call Leucojum autumnale— very nice though it certainly is— commonplace by its side. But now comes the difficulty. L. autumnale is very easy indeed to manage in the lele of Wight. L. roseum I find to be excessively difficult. Though a good deal of care has been lavished upon it, once, and once only, during the last fifteen or sixteen years has it blossomed in my hands— it was soon after I got It— but since then I have not been able to make I anything of it, though I believe I still have it in a i frame. Leucojum roseum stands so very high in my esteem, that I should be immensely obliged to ! Mr. Arnott, who seems to do many things so well, if he could put me on the right track with regard to it or help me in any way. H. EWEANK. I inexperienced growers attempting it. Some years azo J 1 procured a plant and gave it a sheltered and prettv [ dry place m the border facing south. It never seemed I at home, did not flower, and next year was dead I had not a very good plant to start with, but Mr I Chapman, at East Duddingstone Lodge, had a very good one. It flowered splendidly and seeded also but next spring was dead too. I twice had seed from ^ew Zealand, but, like other seeds from that country it refused to germinate. The Lily grows in stony places in its native country, but it must either be an annual or else we liave not yet found its proper treat- ment.—J. L., Hannck, N.B. Orchids. CARNATIONS— AUTUMN PLANTING. I \\onLD advocate autumn planting in preference to waiting until spring, unless the layers are potted up and protected by glass during winter. Last year I allowed many of the layers to remain on the old stools and planted in spring. They were severed and every care taken to remove them with a good ball of earth, but neither in the matter of flowering and in the ultimate strength of the grass did these boar comparison with others that were removed in October. I came across an article recently penned by an old florist wherein it is stated that one may mutilate a Carnation as one wishes up to January, but after that time the plant will resent any disturbance at the roots. There is truth in this. In the spring of the present year plants of choice Picotees were purchased from the north out of pots, and when they arrived I was delighted with their healthy appearance. After duly potting and nursing the same they absolutely refused to move, but instead gradually went from bad to worse until all have died. With the more hardy kinds there is nothing gained by potting, but I have not seen a locality yet where it is safe to leave the more tender ones, such as yellow ground and white ground Picotees and the bizarre Carnations, in the open ground all the winter without risk of spot. This is doubtless caused by damp, and the same danger is with us if we coddle the plants in frames. To have all about them dry during wet weather is what Carnations need. I am sure, however, that, whether for planting or potting, it IS best to get the layers rooted early and sever them from the old stocks in autumn. This summer has been none too favourable for layering. Mine were watered twice a day, but since the welcome showers have come rooting has taken place with great rapidity, and capital young plants are obtained before the autumn is far advanced. Nor has the maggot been noticed. This pest should be watched, for as winter comes upon us there is pretty certain to be some sort of an attack, and it rests with the cultivator whether or no much damage shall be done. H. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Canna Alemannia.— This new variety is a uoble-looliing one. It grows tall, throwing lon» spikes ot flower upwards of 6 feet high. The tiowers are unusually large for a Canna and are circular in torm It 13 richly coloured, crimson and yellow being well blended. I saw plants of this in bloom arranged liere and there among Palms in a conservatory, and most effective they were. This sort should become widely known. — H. RanuneulUB Lyalli.— In regard to Mr. Arnott's note about Ilanunculus Lyalli, if he has not succeeded with it I am afraid there is little use in some of us L.ELIA PUMILA. This is well known to be a variable kind, but all the varieties are pretty and effective, lasting well in flower and blooming, moreover, at a use" ful time. Their culture has been attended with a good deal of uncertainty, many experienced growers doing little good with it, while occa- sionally one came across fine specimens. One of the worst mistakes in the culture of L. pumila was, I believe, the placing of the plants in such receptacles that they could never reach the outside of. It is useless to treat such plants as L. pumila as if they were L. purpurata or L. elegans. Their individual wants have to be studied and catered for, and one of the wants of L. pumila is a thorough and eft'ective hold upon the home of its adoption, no matter whether this is a piece of Tree Fern stem, a pot, basket, or what not. To obtain this it is necessary in the first place that everything in the way of compost and drainage is thoroughly clean at the beginning. To place a healthy plant in semi-decayed peat is useless. Having, by means of suitably sized receptacles and good compost, given them this hold, they are all right in this respect, and will probably not need serious disturbance at the roots for several years to come. Then the question of temperature comes in, and I believe it is a mistake to keep L. pumila in either a hot or a cool house all the year round. After flowering and finishing its growth it delights in a good rest without a doubt, and then, to give it a start in spring, an appreciable rise in temperature. Say, for instance, the plants during winter were kept in a compart- ment with the Mexican species of the same genus. As soon as the basal eyes showed signs of swelling, let them be at once removed°to where the Brazilian Cattleyas and Lielias are grown. They will grow rapidly and flower freely, and may be returned to the cooler structure immediately the blossoms are past. Ample light all the year round is of the utmost importance. L. pumila, considering its dwarf habit, takes a good deal of water when well I established and growing freely, but during the dull, wintry days the less the better if the pseudo-bulbs have been thoroughly ripened by exposure to sun and air. But on no account should shrivelling of the stems or leaves be allowed, as this weakens the plants consider- ably. I should always advise growers, when 1 commencing the culture of this species, to , obtain newly-imported plants if possible, select- ing those that have not unduly sufiered in tran- sit, but that have green, fresh foliage upon j them. The initial vigour of these is very re- imarkableand is kept up over a long series of I years, and thus they are in most cases superior 1 to even the healthiest of established plants. L. pumila seldom produces more than one I flower on a spiki, this in a good form being I about 4 inches across, the sepals and petals rosy purple, the lip having a fine maroon or crimson-purple blotch in front and a yellow throat. It is a native of Brazil, near Santa Catenna, where it grows at considerable alti- tude, and it first flowered in this country in 1838. H. li Anguloa eburnea. — This is a delightful Orchid and it is not often seen so late in the season as this. I saw a plant in flower last week that was imported last year and flowering for the first time. One blossom only was produced, but this was a magnificent specimen 5 inches across and of the purest white, save for a few reddish bars in the hp which seem to enhance the purity of the sepals and petals. A cool intermediate tempe- rature with ample moisture suits this beautiful New Grenadan kind.— H. R. Dendrobium Dalhousianum.— This is a very fine Dendrobium when well grown, and pro- duces a large number of flowers. Just recently I saw a large old specimen that was flowering for the second time this season, and though, of course, somewhat out of its time in blooming, the growth was going on all right. This is the point where many go wrong with it; they will not allow the plant to finish its growth before at- tempting to dry it off, as in the case of the smaller deciduous kinds. — H. R. Pleurothallis Roezli.— Though not a &howy plant as Orchids go, P. Roezli is an interesting and handsome species, its dusky spikes of deep red-purple flowers, which only open in part, being as showy as most in the genus. It was first dis- covered by the collector whose name it bears, but It is said that all the living plants he collected perished miserably." This was about 1874, but It was quite unknown to British growers until 188,5. It thrives best in a cool house, such as suits the Masdevallias, and should be always moist. Only a very thin surfacing of compost over good drainage is necessary. Cypripedium grande.— This is an unmistak- ably hne Cypripedium, a hybrid raised from C. caudatum and C. longifolium, the good points of each of which it possesses. It is of the same vigorous habit and flowers as freely as the latter kind, and its blossoms are equally as beautiful as those of C. caudatum— a useful combination, especially when it is considered that the flowers occur over a long season and that too when Orchids are scarce. Its culture does not differ materially from that of C. caudatum and it is less likely to decay at the base of the leaves than it prande was raised by Messrs. Veitch and Sons and farst flowered in 188.3. Peristeria elata.-The likeness to a white dove is so striking in this pretty Orchid, that any- one seeing it for the first time is sure to be interested and attracted thereby. The beaked column aptly represents the head, and the side lobes of the lip the wings. It used to be more popular than now, and was often exhibited at shows in August and September, but now one seldom sees it shown. P. elata delights in ample root moisture and a somewhat substantial com- post, equal parts of peat, loam fibre, and Sphag- num Moss suiting it well. During winter the roots may be kept drier, and the best time to re- pot is when the young growth is about 3 inches or 4 inches in height. Oncidium luridum.-This is not a popular species, yet it is difficult to say why, for it is of easy culture and the long, graceful spikes of bloom last a very long time, the individual flowers being very pretty. In grouping with other Orchids, 0 luridum should not be tied up, but the spikes allowed to hang as gracefully as possible, suspending the centre of lach with a fine piece of rafiia if necessary. The plant has no pseudo-bulbs but the thick fleshy leaves tZf^^^ T''\ ^'"' ''■""« P"'-P°^« *° so°^e extent, and though not requiring a long season of abso! lute drought, the roots may with advantage be kept well on the dry side from the time the flowers are past until signs of growth reappear. i> wi?l 3°f ' ^ '^''""^ '"^'^^■"P i^ best, so thai rZl ^i "^"^f^'^y to disturb the roots often. I Clean Sphagnum Moss, with a third of peat and Septemder 23, 1899.] THE GARDEK. 241 medium-sized pots will suit it. Gron- it in the intermediate house, and if possible let the atmo- sphere be a little dry towards midday in late summer and autumn, this consolidating the tissues of the plant and rendering it more free- flowering. There is, perhaps, no more variable species of Oncidium than this, some of the forms being almost as deeply coloured as a good O. Lanceanum. issue. The flowers are pretty, the sepals and too deeply worked, for the particular portions of pet;ils greenish brown, the outside of the lip ground set apart for their culture are annually white, the front expanded portion purple. Its worked to a depth of .3 feet ; neither can it well be culture is not difficult if the house wherein it is ■ made too rich. Whatever may be one's estimate grown is kept moist, but in a dry house it is | of the value of these giant bulbs, some liking sure to be immediately overrun with red spider them— and they have many uses— and some de- OUONIOGLOSSUM LONDESBOROUGHI- ANUM. This is by many considered a difficult plant to cultiviite, and rightly, for it is seldom seen in really good condition after the first few years in this country. When newly imported it comes away well enough and throws immense flower- spikes from bulbs that increase in size annually for a few years. But there usually comes a time when this comes to a stop, and instead of increas- ing in size they get smaller annually. The first signs of anything wrong, it may be, will be the ends of the roots from a new bulb refusing to enter the compost, or possibly a growth will go blind and the plant remain at a standstill for a season, only partially recovering itself by back-breaks the next season. Insects may attack it and make matters worse, and the plant soon passes out of a profitable state. The usual impression is that O. Londesboroughianum is quite a cool-house plant, but although I have seen it doing well there, I am sure that a temperature similar to that of the Cattleya house is much the best — at least for the first few years. After this it may perhaps be longer-lived than other Odontoglots, but I doubt it, as the plant has a lot to do in the season to finish up the large pseudo-bulbs, push up its spikes, and often flower in the middle of winter, when the cool house is not a comfortable place for it. I recently saw some of the best-grown and strongest plants of it that have ever come under my notice, and I was pleased to see that these were growing as I have often advised, not in a cool, shady house, but high up and close to the roof, where Cattleyas and evergreen Dendrobiums were their nearest neighbours. The plants were growing in long trellised blocks or rafts with only a small quantity of compost about them, and this naturally suited the ramblin t habit of the plant. The roots in many places were twisted quite round the rods, and the whole affair was taken down regularly while growing and dipped in a tank, besides being damped occasionally with tepid water. The immense spikes now pushing are ample evidence of the liking that the plant has for this treatment. The flowers of O. Londes- boroughianum are really more like those of an Oncidium than an Odontoglossum, and are very prettily marked with brown on a yellow ground. They occur on erect spikes, those on strong plants being a yard in height. It is a native of Mexico, and first flowered with Lord Londesborough in 1876. H. R. Dendrobium superbiens. — Good forms of this species are not uncommon, but in addition to these there are many of a washed-out-looking tint that is far from attractive. The flowers occur on loose terminal racemes and are individually about 2 inches across, a pretty rose-purple in colour, which is much intensified on the lip. As in some other Dendrobes, the colour of the flowers on newly- imported plants is often much superior to what shows in later years, and it is rather dis- appointing to have a fine deeply-coloured form the first year and then to have it dwindle away into mediocrity or worse. Though fairly strong in growth, it is a mistake to treat D. superbiens to too much compost, and baskets of small size may be used for it, suspending these at a short distance from the glass. Galeandra Baueri. — It is late for Galeandras, but I noticed a small plant of this in a neighbour- ing collection during the week. It is a rather low-growing kind with pseudo-bulbs about 1 foot high, from the top of which the flower-spikes or thrips. K^ep these insects down and a brisk moist temperature, and there will be little diffi culty in growing it well. Drain the pjts well, and use a little fibrous loam in the compost. Keep the roots thoroughly moistened while growth is going on, and afterwards, when they have done flowering, remove the plants to a cooler and drier house. Calanthe veratrifolia This is more often seen in old collections of stove and greenhouse plants than in Orchid collections proper, but years ago at the summer exhibitions no one ever thought of showing a dozen Orchids without in- cluding it. And though for size of flower there are many to be.at it, yet it is pretty and very free- flowering, added to which it is among the most easily grown kind^ in existence. It likes plenty of loam in the compost, and I have noticed some fine growths of it recently where loam, dried cow manure, and coarse silver sand formed the whole of the compost. But for my own part I should prefer loam, peat, and chopped Moss, without the sand, as the growths would be more likely to continue good in this. Ample root moisture is necessary in either case when the roots and growth are active, slackening the supply con- siderably in winter. The large green leaves are very apt to be attacked by scale, and this must be kept under if good results are wished for. C. veratrifolia produces long, vigorous flower-spikes often over a yard in length, the upper part of these covered with small flowers of the purest white. It is a native of various parts of India and Australia. Kitchen Garden. GIANT ONIONS. BEiSf; rather sceptical as to the distinctions found between four of the largest Onion varieties, three of which have been recently put into com- merce, I obtained seed of the respective stocks from the recognised sources, and had plants raised during the winter and planted out in a good gar- den in Surrey. I saw these plants in the summer, when it was too early to note differences, if any existed, but have not yet been able to see the resultant bulbs, and therefore withhold criticisms respecting them for the present. But just re- cently I have seen some of the varieties growing in two Hampshire gardens under the highest pos- sible form of culture, and therefore feel at liberty to s.ay how these new ones have presented them- selves under what may be regarded as the most favourable conditions. It is one of the curiosities of Onion culture in relation to their product for exhibition that four of the most able growers, and certainly of the earliest to produce them, reside in North Hants. These are respectively Mr. Bowerman, of Hackwood Park ; Mr. Kneller, of Malshanger ; Mr. Pope, of Highclere Castle ; and Mr. Lye, of Sydmonton. Other great growers are Mr. Wilkins, of Henstridge, Dorset ; Mr. Beckett, of Aldeoham House, Herts ; and Mr. Fyfe, Lockinge Gardens, Berks, all of whom produce wonderful bulbs. My opportunity to note the newer as well as the older stocks was found a few days since at Highclere and Hack- wood, both of which fine gardens I visited expressly to see how the Onion stocks had thriven. Certainly in all cases the bulbs are wonderfully fine this year, the deeply-worked and well enriched soils furnished enabling the roots to go very deep, and thus obtain ample moisture and food, whilst the surface warmth has helped to develop very solid and fully ripened bulbs. Probably cleaner or firmer bulbs have rarely been seen than the present season furnishes, bull-necked ones being very rare. Everybody now knows how to grow these giant Onions, but it does seem as if the soil cannot be crying them, at least it is now conclusively proved that until the higher order of culture was introduced we had no conception of the capacities of Onions to produce fine bulbs. But now that we see them weighing from .3 lbs. to 4 lbs., hand- some as bulbs can be, or as solid and substantial as they can be, also when well ripened capital keepers — for bulbs of giant dimensions have been easily kept nine months after being ripe — we can but admit that in no other \egetable has there been made during the past twenty years such cultural strides as there has been with Onions. Probably the largest of all the varieties now in commerce is Ne Plus Ultra. This as I saw it in both the gardens named is a reddish form, and most likely a selection from the famous Ailsa Craig. Its redness gives it distinctness, whilst selectors of the true Ailsa Craig have rather rejected that coloration. I fear it would be a coarse and worth- less Onion in a wet season, as it ripens later than all others and seems rather softer. Indeed, I think it possesses some Red Tripoli blood, which is far from being a good thing to get into our Onions. A badly selected stock of Ailsa Craig will show this red and somewhat late form, but the best selected stocks, of which there are none in the kingdom superior to the Hackwood one, have nut-brown skins and much more evenness and refinement. It is assumed that Ailsa Craig originated in a selection from Cranston's Excel- sior, the bulbs of which when well grown give probably the handsomest globular form produced. But the general stock of Ailsa Craig is larger. When first put into commerce, and for several seasons afterwards, beyond having a broadish globular form, the bulbs always displayed a bulge on one side of the base that was a feature of the variety that has, by constant selection from the handsomest, been practically eliminated now, and the variety closely resembles large bulbs of Excelsior. But stocks of Ailsa Craig, and indeed almost all varieties, except where seed be saved specially from a few select bulbs every year, exhibit so much diversity, that it is easy to select from them three or four that may be regarded as distinct. There are the Ne Plus Ultra reds, the true Ailsa Craig, the slightly smaller and paler Excelsior, and the flattish round Lord Keeper, or any other of the score of so-called \arieties of this type. That fact shows how great is the need for very keen inspection by the trade of their seed stocks. That some houses do take superhuman trouble in this matter there can be no doubt, but under that or some other local name Ailsa Craig is sold every- where now with results none too satisfactory. Another new Onion put into commerce with glowing description is Aristocrat — certainly a very foolish appellation. This, as I saw it grown under the best possible conditions at Hack- wood Park and Highclere Castle, where the bulbs ripened rather early, is but a Lord Keeper, Banbury Cross, Exhibition, Maincrop, or indeed any other Onion of the flattish, round form, the bulbs not much exceeding 20 ozs. each, if so heavy. Some satisfactory reason should be given for putting into commerce a variety that so far has shown no distinctness. A stock of the Wildsmith Onion, a selection from the White Spanish made some years ago by Mr. Wildsmith at Heckfield, was at Highclere, as at Chiswick, far too irregular and mixed. In both the Hamp- shire gardens Cranston's Excelsior was good clean stocks. Lord Keeper was very good, Cocoa-nut rather irregular, and it is certainly an unreliable variety and not at all wanted. Mr. Pope is trying hard to set a stock of his Tankard, the bulbs of which have flattish bases and broad shoulders, but Onion-selecting and setting are almost a life-long labour. We see that in such old stocks as Danver'e Yellow, James' Keeping, Bedfordshire Champion, and others grown in 242 THE GARDEN". [September 23, 1899. many gardens, all of which give 25 per cent, of variations. However, Onions are now big enough in all conscience, and beyond size we may well ask for beauty, solidity, good keeping, finish, and, not least, consistency in them. A. D. Potato Veitcli's Maincrop.— This Potato was, I believe, first introduced to public notice last spring, as I do not remember having heard of it before. I purchased sufficient seed to plant one good long row on purpose to test its merits, and the produce has been lifted within the past few days. In the first place, when the nature of the season is taken into account the crop is a good one, the tubers being quite large enough for table use. In shape they are inclined to be flat and roundish, and have a rough or netted skin. It is a handsome Potato to look at, and, as is generally the case when a Potato has a rough exterior, the flavour is also extremely satisfactory when cooked. The flesh is whitish-yellow and floury without breaking to pieces, and such being the case, I intend growing the variety again another season. As regards its season for use, it is, as its name denotes, a main-crop sort, but the forthcoming winter will decide whether it may not also turn out to be a good late-keeping kind as well.-S. E. P. Potato Devonian.— During the past few days I have been having a good many Potatoes lifted, and among them the new variety named Devonian, sent out by the Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, last spring. But a limited quantity were planted, or only sufficient to ascertain how the variety would succeed here. The result is very satisfactory both as regards crop and quality, for when a sample was cooked the tubers were found to be both tender and floury, and at the same time they do not break to pieces when dished up. Since the introduction of Syon House Prolific I have not tasted a Potato that has pleased me better, and shall accordingly reserve the whole of the stock I possess for planting next season. At present Devonian may be described as a main crop variety, but it may prove a good late keeping kind, which matter has yet to be put to the test. The tubers are medium in size, kidney shaped, with shallow eyes and the haulm is rather tall- growing. Those who have not yet grown it should make a point of doing so another season, when if the results prove as satisfactory as they are here, Devonian, will, I predict, be largely grown in future. — A. Ward. Potato Syon House Prolific— A very heavy crop of tubers of this most excellent Potato has been lifted here during the past week from a border facing due east. The haulm was quite green, and lifting would not have been performed for some few weeks to come had it not been found on examination that they had commenced to make fresh growth. Now, considering how dry the soil has become during the past few weeks and the fact that rain has not fallen here in sufficient quantity to moisten the ground for any distance down for a long time now, this is rather remark- able. It can, therefore, only be attributed to the soil having become so heated that the tubers were forced to make second growth without the aid of moisture beyond that contained in them- selves. I think they have been caught just in time, but had they been left in the ground but a few weeks longer great numbers of young tubers would have been produced and the original crop spoilt. This would have been unfortunate, as I have grown a sufficient quantity of this sort to last for some considerable time during the winter months. Some other late varieties have been found to be similarly affected and were at once promptly lifted.— S.E. P. Tomato Albert Victor. — When looking round the gardens at Longford Hall, near Man- chester, quite recently I was agreeably surprised to find a house nearly filled with plants of this variety of Tomato which were in splendid con- dition. The remainder of the space was taken up with a few plants of Lord Kitchener, which, although good, was not to be compared with the first-named either for crop, size, or quality. Albert Victor is of dwarf habit and is exceedingly fertile, a large bunch of fruit being produced at nearly every joint. The fruits are from medium to large in size, bright glossy red in colour, and I was told that in all other respects they are equally satisfactory. The plants are growing in narrow raised borders composed principally of loam, which are built near to the front walls of the house, the house itself being a span-roofed one. They were planted about the middle of May and have now nearly filled their allotted space, and at the time of my visit were literally loaded with fruit from base to tip. It is quite the best house of Tomatoes I have seen this sea- son, and, not having either seen or grown the variety before, on quitting the house a note was made of it with the view of testing its merits personally another season. — A. W. Lettuce Alexandra White Cos.— At p. 196 "A. D." in his notes on hearting Lettuces refers to the above variety, and wonders whether that stock is now in existence. I believe it is. I first grew it some twenty years ago in a Worcester- shire garden, my employer telling me when I took charge that it was his favourite Lettuce. I had had no previous experience with it, but was so pleased with it the first season, that for fifteen subsequent years I was never without it. I used to sow it in the Carrot frame in February, the plants succeeding autumn- planted batches of Brown Cos and Hardy Hammersmith, and at intervals all through the summer, having even in the most tropical seasons grand heads on the ridges between the rows of Celery. It not only stood, as "A. D." says, a long time before run- ning to seed, but, owing to its fine constitution, grew in seasons when other sorts failed. It has a splendid self- protected heart, crisp and of superb flavour. Two years ago I grew the true strain, having obtained the seed from Messrs. Veitch. Many judges are in the habit of cutting the Lettuces which come under their scrutiny at exhibitions, and this in reality is the only way of arriving exactly at their merits, few things being more deceptive. I can only say that those who exhibit Lettuces, whether gardeners or cot- tagers, should give Alexandra a trial.— B. S. N. Potato Renown.— In answer to "A. D.'s" inquiry at p. I'M), I beg to say that Potato Renown, to which I recently referred, was sent out by Messrs. Webb and Sons a few years ago. I had it under field culture, and thought very highly of it, not only on account of its fine round shape and general appearance, but its cooking qualities also. The soil it grew in was rather light, and in it Schoolmaster, which I consider a very fine Potato, did not seem quite at home in dry seasons. This induced me to try Renown, and I had no cause for regret. It grew and cropped well, had very few small, useless tubers, kept firm and sound till late in spring, and when cooked with care was very mealy and nutty in flavour. So many of the so-called round varieties are pebble-shaped ; whereas Renown as grown by me was almost as round as a cricket ball. If grown clean in the skin it would make a grand exhibition Potato. "A. D." refers to that "at one period " generally grown Potato Woodstock Kidney. I grew it many years ago, and found well-grown samples very hard to beat on the show table and of good quality ; but, if I remember rightly, it was not a very abundant yielder and rather prone to disease. Mine was a lightish soil ; in deeper, moister mediums it might be more prolific. There can be no doubt that where quality is the chief consideration it would answer in the case of those possessing sufficient ground to grow many of the old and perhaps somewhat capricious varieties — the Fortyfold, for instance, though I daresay it would be difficult to obtain it true. The liability to disease was, I believe, the chief reason why gardeners turned their backs on it, but I have never eaten a better Potato than Fortyfold. — Norwich. Some things better omitted.— I should very much like in relation to summer exhibi- tions of garden produce, especially those so plentiful in the country that they may be counted by hundreds, which are devoted to cot- tagers' and allotment holders' produce, the omis- sion from schedules of classes for Rhubarb, tap- rooted Beets, long Carrots, and Parsnips — at least up to the end of August. Whilst waste does not of necessity occur in connection with Rhubarb, because the best stems can be easily seen, it is not so in the case of the roots named, and distressing waste often results in seeking for the best few roots to the injury of many not good enough. But Rhubarb is so much out of season in July and August, when true fruits are usually abundant, that few, if anyone, then think of using it. After the autumn rains come and new growth takes pl.ace, then nice young stems are available for cooking. I notice, however, that the old craze for huge stems is dying out, judges prefer- ring to select those which most nearly approach to fitness for domestic uses. Long Beet is never ready for use until September, and any good stock of the (illobe is for .luly and August far superior. The bulbs of these are easily seen, and not one need be pulled wastefuUy. There are no better or more desirable summer Carrots than are the Short Horn, Nantes, Champion, or Favourite types, as these are then fully grown and of the highest quality. Long Carrots are at their best in the autumn, and to pull them in the summer is sheer waste. As to Parsnips, inviting roots of these in the summer is folly. It is difficult to impress these things, however, on rural show committees. — A. D. Garden Flora. PLATE 1241. RHODODENDRON LITTLE BEAUTY. (with a coloured plate.*) By the crossing and intercrossing of seven dif- ferent species of Rhododendron, all natives of the various islands of the Malayan Archipelago, we have now a splendid group of charming garden varieties which are particularly valu- able, not only from the beauty of their blos- som', but also from the fact that they flower more or less continuously throughout the year. Of the seven species, the one that has played a part in the production of the least number of varieties is R. malayanum, which, however, in conjunction with the variety Monarch, has given us that charming form herein figured — Little Beauty. R. malayanum is a small, com- pact-growing shrub that was introduced by Messrs. Veitch from the island of Sumatra. The pointed leaves are each about a couple of inches long, while the tube of the flower is little more than half an inch in length and about the same across the expanded mouth. The colour is a kind of crimson-cerise. The seed-bearing parent was the variety Monarch, with orange - yellow blossoms. This resulted from crossing the blush Princess Alexandra with the orange-crimson Duchess of Edinburgh. The variety Little Beauty has, apart from the interest attached to its pedigree, much to recom- mend it, as, unlike some of the older hybrids, it is of a particularly dwarf, bushy habit of growth. The flowers, which are produced in clusters of six to nine, are of a uniform glow- ing carmine-scarlet tint, the tube being some- what less than an inch long, the segments of the limb spreading, with a diameter equal to the length of the tube. It received an award of merit from the floral committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, December 15, 1896, thus showing its value fur winter blooming. It was, however, raised and flowered some years pre- * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in Messrs. J. Veitch ami Sons' nursery at Chelsea. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goflfart. September 23, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 243 vious to that date, as Professor G. Henslow, in his paper on " Hybrid Rhododendrons," read at a meeting of the society on May 12, 1891, refers to and describes it. Besides its value as a flowering plant, the variety Little Beauty will doubtless be made use of by the hybridist, possessing as it does the desirable features of compact habit and brilliantly -coloured blossoms freely produced. Its cultural requirements do not differ from those of the other members of this group which have been so frequently dealt with in the pages of The Garden. H. P. The WEEK'S Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. Late summer vegetables. — Where regular at- tention in regard to mulching, watermg, and feeding has been given, late supplies of such vegetables as Marrows, French Bsans, and June or July-sown Peas will now be invaluable. At any moment, however, a sudden and complete change in the weather may be looked for in some places ; indeed, frost has already been recorded on several nights. Such being the case, those who would preserve Beans and Marrows in a bearing condition must be up and doing. Little frost is needed to completely paralyse the latter, yet it is surprising how much frost a thin cover- ing of canvas will resist. Do not cover up until late in the evening, as the dews tend to recoup the foliage after hot, sunny days. Walker's Per- petual Bearer Pea deserves more general cultiva- tion, as it is not only a good quality Pea, but resists mildew better than most varieties. In large establishments where the demand for French Beans is constant, a sowing, or even a pot raised batch, transplanted into a cold frame or pit at the end of .July will now te coning into yield, and will be sufficiently protected at night by simply drawing on the lights, covering with double garden mats by the middle of October. Care must be taken not to over-water these extra late batches, as rotting at the base of the stem, owing to a fall in the night temperature, will probably occur. Avoid administering frequent driblets, rather allowing the soil to get fairly dry, and then give a thorough soaking with diluted farmyard liquid, choosing a fine sunny day and doing the work in the forenoon. The value of these Beans consists to a great extent in their filling up a blank which always occurs between the destruc- tion of the latest open-air lots by frost and the supply from the first pot-grown plants indoors. i"he early part of November afTorc". ing a none too varied assortment of choice vege- tables, those who sowed a row or two of Scarlet Runners at the end of June, and, instead of treat- ing them in the orthodox fashion as regards sup- ports, allowed the haulm to grow to a height of 3 feet and then pinched out the leads as advised, will not only have found that so grown better all- round autumnal pickings have been obtiined, parching sun and drying winds doing less damage both to rood and top, but that with a minimum amount of labour protection may be given to at least one row by a simple home-made framework and canvas or mats. Forwarding Seakale. — After such a tropical season the probability is that extra early- planted beds of Seakale intended for forcing in Novem- ber will, where occupying sloping south or west borders, be sufficiently advanced towards ma- turity as to need no aid to the same. On clay soils, however, where the ground is level and more rain has fallen, crown ripening may be hastened by thrusting a spade in on one side and severing the lowermost tap roots. Extra vigor- ous beds may also have a portion of the leaves reduced with a knife. Winter Spinach. — Although in most places rain has recently fallen, winter Spinach sown early and in shallow soils will, I fear, have a somewhat hard time of it, and must be carefully looked after as soon as the young plants appear. Especially is this so where the seed was sown on sites previously occupied by crops which sapped every particle of moisture out of the ground. I have practised mulchingjbetween the rows with old Mushroom manure or any similar material, this proving of great service by preserving the mois- ture communicated by artificial watenng. This treatment will often keep the crop just merely on the move till copious autumn rains fall. I have before recommended sowing several lots in diffe- rent positions, thus having several strings to the bow, as winter Spinach is in many places of such importance. Be diligent in the frequent use of soot and wood ashes, stirring them in with a Dutch hoe previous to watering. This will also aid in keeping the dreaded wireworm at bay. Nitrate of soda is also beneficial when used with dis- cretion, as it promotes a certain amount of mois- ture in the soil. Preparing Pea pits. — It is not wise to post- pone the preparation of pits and deep frames intended for the reception of early Peas in Novem- ber and December, as one is never sure what the weather may be like later on, and if the compost is got in in a semi-dry condition, a great point is gained and the seed does not rot. 1 have always grown Chelsea Gem and other dwarf early sorts in cold pits, and like to get them in readiness by the middle of October. I take out trenches annually and replace with new soil, first of all treading in the bottom a liberal quantity of well- decayed manure. The soil in which Pines and Tomatoes in pots have been grown is suitable, as it contains much rich food, the result of artificial feeding throughout the summer. If a little quite new loam can be added, and the compost after being duly mixed thrown in in a semi dry condi- tion, no rotting need be apprehended, and the Peas after sowing can be exposed to a good rain or two to ensure perfect germination. I prefer this system to merely digging the frames over and working in manure or even to going to the labour of entirely replenishing all the soil. J. C. OUTDOOR FRUITS. Wall trees. — Walls which have been covered for many years with big trees are often found to be in a very neglected state as regards pointing up, and the crevices formed by the falling away ot the mortar form convenient hiding places for most insect pests that infest the trees themselves during the summer months. Pointing up such walls every few years pays for itself by the extra cleanliness gained, and the present is an excel- lent time to do the work, as the mortar used has time to set thoroughly before sharp frosts, which would disintegrate it and cause it to drop away, set in. To allow room for working, the branches have to be brought away from the wall and sup- ported in some way, the best method being to fix upright stakes, to which the branches may be tied in loose bunches, or singly if time can be spared. In any case the trees should be fixed firmly enough to resist the force of high winds, whicli may be expected during the late autumn. Before pointing is begun some of the old mortar should be picked out from the joints in the brick- work, so that there will be room to allow for a fair quantity of new material, as it is only in this way that the facing material can be induced to stand well. The new mortar should be carefully mixed, with just enough cement in it to harden it fairly without making it too hard to allow of driving nails when required ; this is a matter frequently overlooked, and nailing becomes a misery when both bricks and joints are over-hard. The removal of trees from the walls gives an ex- cellent opportunity for thoroughly syringing Cherries, and other trees much troubled with insects, from behind ; this will remove filth and insects, not easily reached when the trees are fastened back. One or other of the various in- secticides should be used, and, as the leaves are now well hardened, may be used at full strength, i Before the branches are again fastened back the older and more rugged portions of them should also have a good dressing of Gishurst or of what- ever else may be used as a winter dressing, the opportunity of doing this being too good to be lost. Trees of all kmds on walls that do not re- quire the drastic treatment recommended above for those in bad condition should have a final look over, with a view to releasing any ties or shreds that may be crippling or causing undue pressure on the shoots, as it such shoots are re- leased now the bark will not have been much injured, and will harden nicely before frost comes, and this hardening will prevent the gumming that so often leads to badly-wounded branches. Root pruning. — There can be no doubt but that root-pruning is a very great help to fertility in the case of trees whose roots have got out of bounds and, possibly, into the crude and ungenial subsoil. The well-doing of trees is not regulated by the immense spread of root which some of them have, but by the number of feeding roots which can be produced in a given space where food is plentiful, and root-pruning is one of the greatest possible aids in the production of such roots. Some people are very particular to care- fully lift and relay every root that can possibly be saved, but it has been proved over and over again that, provided root-pruning be done pro- perly— i.e., each root severed with a clean cut at a point close to the junction of a lesser root, and not too close home to the bole of the tree— the loss of a portion ot each root is immaterial, and the work is greatly facilitated by getting rid of the trouble of relaying the uncovered portions. In this matter I make a great distinction between the trees to be simply root-pruned and those to be replanted. In the latter case I carefully try and preserve every possible bit of root, as I know that all will be required to assist in re-establish- ing the tree, but the case is very different where no lifting is intended, as the roots are then ready to produce feeders, and plenty of them, imme- diately. When root-pruning, a good broad trench should be taken out round the tree at a distance from the bole corresponding with the spread of the branches, or nearly so, and if there is a sus- picion of gross growth and unfruitfulness pro- ceeding from one or more tap-roots, the ball should be undermined and such roots severed, for if they are allowed to remain the severance of any spreading roots will l)e of little av.ail in inducing a more fruitful tendency. When refilling the trench, be careful to incorporate with the soil a plentiful supply of mortar rubbish and burnt earth or wood ashes. It some good turfy loam can be added, so much the better, but whatever may be used should be well trodden or rammed horns, as firmness in fruit borders is a very desir- able condition. If on examination the subsoil is found to be wet or sour, the excavation made should g J to a depth of from 30 inches to 36 inches and the bottom be filled up with brick rubble several inches in depth before replacing the soil. Raspberries. — The autumn - bearing Rasp- berries will now be in full bearing, and may be assisted to swell up quickly by giving good soak- ings of liquid manure as opportunity offers. With me the advantages of cutting down all the canes of these varieties in spring has been well exemplified this year, for those so treated have come into bearing much earlier than those which have been allowed to carry a double crop, and the weight of fruit is aho very much greater. I have before alluded to this and am convinced that those who give the plan a trial another year will not go back again to the old system, as one can always, or nearly always, depend on a good crop from the summer-bearing varieties, but the others are not so sure unless given this special treatment of treating the canes as annuals only. The canes ot the summer bearers which have borne fruit should now be cut away entirely, as those for next year will be getting nicely hardened and will derive no further benefit from the protection and sustenance given by the older canes. All the weak canes made this j-ear should also be cut away, saving only the strongest and best of those farthest removed from the old stools with which to make new plantations. A fortnight back I wrote of the preparation of land for prospective 244 THE (JlARDEK '[September 23, 1899. fruit plantinfj, but made no especial allusion to the Raspberry, so I may now add that ground for Raspberries should be well manured and trenched deeply ; the length of time over which a bed so made will last in good bearing being ample repay- ment for the extra work of preparation. If this is done now, the plot will have nicely settled for planting a month hence. Strawbekries. — Since the rains with which we have been favoured, Strawberry plants have made good growth and runners have again been freely produced. The beds and pots should now have a final look over, removing all runners and hand- weeding among the crowns of the plants, after which a dry day should be chosen for running the hoe through all plots ; this will kill a lot of seed- weeds if the rake follows the hoe and is plied freely among the plants. Corncbian. The Market Garden. FRUIT-FARMING IN SCOTLAND. The great centres of fruit cultivation in Scot- land are the Clyde valley, Perthshire, and, to an increasing extent, the neighbourhood of Aberdeen. The farm with the working of which this article is chiefly concerned is situated in Perth.shire, and the observations as to the cultivation, picking, and despatch of the fruit apply more especially to that district, though the system is much the same in the other districts. Moreover, since the cultiva- tion of Gooseberries and Currants has not hitherto thriven there — growers being dis- couraged partly by the length of time elapsing before the bushes become productive, and partly by a blight which has attacked them — these fruits may be dismissed with the re- mark that the enterprising grower who can afford to wait a while for his harvest will, if he can successfully combat the blight, reap a rich harvest, since the limited supply of both fruits, and of Currants in particular, ensures good prices being obtained. To grow Strawberries and Raspberries pro- fitably on anything like a large scale there are three things essential. The farm must be situated within a sufficiently short distance of a station, to admit of the fruit being easily transported to the markets ; it must be near enough to a town to ensure a constant supply of labour on a large scale ; and, finally, it is obvious that the land must be well adapted for the culture. It is a somewhat curious fact that our ideas as to suitable soil differ materially from those of our southern friends. Here it is thought that the best ground for growing Strawberries is a light gravelly soil — for choice, reclaimed moor or woodland — which to the Kent or Hampshire farmer would appear most unlikely to produce good crops. Reclaimino Land. The process of reclaiming moorland is, as may be supposed, a costly one. The first operation consists in what is known as trench- ing, that is, turning over the ground with spades to a depth of 2 feet or 3 feet, according to the character of the soil, great care being taken to avoid breaking through the crust into the subsoil proper. Trenching is usually done by piecework, at the rate of not less than Is. per pole ; and the cost per acre is therefore at least £8. The result of the trenching is to leave a most unpromising-looking surface, which to the eyes of the casual observer resembles nothing so much as a shingly beach. The next step is to try and equalise to a certain extent the balance of power between earth and stones by gathering up a few tona per acre of the latter. Having spent as much money as he' chooses on this business — and, in our opinion, the less the better, since, do what he will, at least half the soil consists of stones — the farmer proceeds to get rid of .some of the superfluous weeds by planting a crop of Potatoes — one of the best patent weed-killers known. The ground is then ready for planting with Strawberries, which should, if possible, be done in autumn, but is often deferred till spring — the middle of March or April, according to the season. The ground must first be thoroughly manured — no small item in the farmer's expen- diture, the proper amount of manure being from 30 tons to 35 tons per acre, at an esti- mated price of 6s. per ton. There is a very considerable degree of skill required in the apparently simple operation of planting ; and, as the whole future of the plant depends upon it, the utmost care must be taken. It used to be the custom in this district to use a dibble. With this the planter made a hole in the ground, and he then proceeded to insert therein the roots of the plant wrapped closely together. This was a barbarous method of planting a Strawberry, with its spreading fibrous roots, and has been generally abandoned in favour of the orthodox method of using a trowel. It is usual to leave a space of about 10 inches between each plant, and of not less than 30 inches between the rows, and even with this interval it is heartrending to see how many berries the pickers crush into a pulp. It might be thought that, having once planted his fruit, the farmer had only to sit down and enjoy the profits. The reality is very different. There is hardly a month in the year in which he must not be working among it. The ill weeds, which proverbially grow apace, seem to increase with lightning rapidity in a Strawberry field. In the autumn and spring large gangs of workers are employed for weeks in weeding. The weeds are collected in baskets and burnt, and you flatter yourself that never another will dare to show its head in the field. It is a fond delusion ; at the first shower there spring up as if by magic Chickweed, Bindweed, Thistles, Docks, and all other abominations. And so the weed- ing process is repeated again and again, and unless it is constantly and efficiently carried out, good-bye to the hope of having a remunerative crop. In addition to the labour just mentioned — since this form of cultivation afibrds a good example of the survival of the fittest, and many plants fail to survive the inclemencies of the season — the vacancies in the rows have to be filled up, which is usually done by training the runners of the survivors over the vacant spaces. ! The chief enemy which growers have to face, apart from weeds, is frost. Hardly a year I passes in which the crop of the early varieties is not decimated by late frosts, and it is occa- sionally almost totally destroyed. In the even- ^ ing a field is white with strong healthy blos- soms, as if it were sprinkled with snow, and next morning a careful examination reveals that most of the blossoms have brown and shrivelled centres, which will never develop into fruit. The varieties of Strawberries which are prin- cipally grown in this district are two : the I Rifleman, a small early berry, deliciously sweet, which is said to make the best jam, and the Elton Pine. The latter is a late variety, pro- ducing much larger fruit with a slightly acid flavour. The size sometimes attained by these berries is remarkable, and it is said that six or seven selected at random have been known to weigh a jioiind. Other varieties, such as Garibaldi and Royal Sovereign, are also being cultivated, and it would appear from the : marked falling ofi' in crops of late years that some new variety is badly wanted. It is an unfortunate fact, which is certainly true as regards the reclaimed moorland, that when ' once there has been a crop of Strawberries taken from the ground it will never bear to much advantage again. Apparently they ab- sorb some substance out of the ground which cannot by any known process be replaced. Kxperiments have been tried by taking a five years' rotation of other crops oft' the ground and then replanting it in Strawberries, but the result has never been satisfactory. Of course, the small grower must be contented with the inferior results produced by repeated planting ; or when his plot of ground has been exhausted for Strawberry cultivation, he may plant it in j Raspberries. The yield per acre from the I virgin soil used formerly to be most astonish- j ing. From 2 tons to 3 tons per acre were no ] uncommon crop ; and in those days of big prices the profit was very large in spite of the fact that the productive life of the plants is so short. But now-a-days, for some unknown , reason, which cannot be wholly ascribed to the inclement seasons of the last two or three years, the yield per acre has diminished to a remark- able extent, and is very often less than a ton. I It must not be assumed that all or even the greater part of the fruit grown in this district is grown on the virgin soil redeemed in the manner described above. A great deal is grown on agricultural ground which has been reclaimed at some remote period, but certainly the best results have been obtained from the new land. Whether it is worth while to go to the expense of reclaiming ground which, after bearing its one crop of fruit, is practically use- less for other agricultural purposes is a ques- tion open to doubt, more especially as it is almost impossible wholly to eradicate Broom and Whins, and if left to itself the ground will in an incredibly short time lapse from civilisa- tion into savagery. Raspberrie.s. Turning to the Raspberries, the lot of the grower would at first sight appear to be a far more happy one. Raspberries possess this great advantage over Strawberries, that the bushes are more or less permanent. How long they will go on bearing if properly cared for is hardly known. In gardens bushes of thirty or forty years old may be seen producing as good crops as five-year-olds, and the cultivation in fields is still too young to estimate what is their limit of profitable production. The expenses of growing them are, however, greater, and go far to reduce the margin of profit, and, more- over, they take longer to become productive. While good results are obtained in the light gravelly soil so well suited for Strawberries, Raspberries thrive better on a richer alluvial i soil. It is usual to plant them after cleaning the ground with a crop of Potatoes, as in the case of Strawberries, the young plants or suckers being cut away from the old bushes in autumn. They should be planted at intervals of 3 feet in rows about 5 feet apart. This space is necessary not only to enable the pickers to move freely about without treading down and breaking the young canes, but also to admit of the passage of a horse for cleaning. When only grown in small quantities it is per- haps best to train the bushes on stakes, as in a garden ; but the expense and trouble of doing this on a large scale are so great, that the large farmer usually trains them on two galvanised wires, the top one being at the height of 4 feet to 5 feet from the ground. As in the case of Strawberries, the farmer's labours have only begun when he has planted his Raspberries. September 23, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 245 The weeding has to be carried out with the same uuflinching perseverance. After the fruit has been picked, the old canes and some of the young ones are cut away, and such of the latter as are to form the bushes for next year are tied to the wires, the number left in each bush varying, according to the fancy of the grower and the strength of the plant, from tive to ten. This operation, as may be easily supposed, requires judgment and skill. An ei-ror in not selecting the best canes or clumsiness in tying may ruin the whole crop. The smaller canes are simply trained upright against the wires, care being taken not to tie them so loosely as j to admit of their "waggling'' too much (in which case a gale of wind may do great damage by snapping them oil" when heavily laden with fruit), or so tightly as to interfere with the free passage of the sap. As regards the treatment of the taller canes, opinions differ. In some years they grow so luxuriantly as to attain a height of 7 feet or 8 feet, and manifestly they cannot be treated in the same fashion as their smaller brethren. Some cut off a foot or two of the canes and train them straight up the wires, and think that thus shorn they bear as well as when left their full size. Others — and theirs is probably the better course to follow — have a system of arching, or "bowing," as it is technically called ; but this again is a process requiring great skill. You must humour the cane, comraenciag to curve it gradually from the root in such a manner that the bush re- sembles the shape of a fan. Too often the un- fortunate canes are trained straight up for 3 feet or -i feet, and then roughly bent and twisted horizontally along the wires, so that the stem ultimately becomes gnarled and dis- torted. Insect axd other Pests. Every three or four years the Raspberries must be treated to a plentiful dose of manure, and an allowance of 40 tons per acre is not too much to give them. But even with the best treatment they too often disappoint expecta- tions. It is true that, thanks to their long tap- roots, they do not feel the efl'ects of summer droughts so much as Strawberries. Nor does the frost affect them to any appreciable extent. A far greater danger is that the young canes will flower and even fruit in autumn. The canes which do so are usually the strongest and comeliest ; and if the farmer is careless enough to select them as his mainstay for next season he will have but a miserable crop. There may often hi seen in a row of bushes thick with foliage and hanging with fruit a number of withered, dried-up sticks. These are the canes which have wasted their strength and energy to no good purpose in flowering the previous year. But, apart from this danger, there are others and worse to be apprehended, for which there is practically no remedy. There are at least three insect pests which too often destroy the promise of the season. The first of these is the Raspberry moth or borer, which, when in the form of a small caterpillar, pierces the eoft, juicy part at the base of the buds, and prevents the shoots from expanding. There can be no doubt that the harm done by this caterpillar is sometimes very great. It may be somewhat alleviated by forking into the ground at the roots of the bushes a mixture of soot and lime in the autumn or early winter, but the only real remedy is the somewhat drastic one proposed by the Board of Agriculture — namely, cutting down and burning the infected canes. Another enemy which does less real mischief, though his appearance is more alarming, is the Haspberry beetle, which employs itself in eatin» out the heart of the berries while still in bud and in flower. But since these beetles only attack the individual flowers and their capacity for food is not inexhaustible, the mischief done by them is less than it would appear to be, though at times they are seen in such myriads that it would seem likely they would destroy the whole crop. Spraying with paraffin appears to discourage but not to destroy very many of them, owing to the fact that they have wings, which they use with considerable agility on the approach of danger. The beetle is in appear- ance something like a dark and rather dissi- pated-looking ladybird. Last, and worst of all, is the much-dreaded Raspberry weevil. It is a clay-coloured animal of about 3A lines long with dark red legs, and is said to have pitchy, twelve-jointed antennre furnished with clubs. Its character is as bad as this somewhat formidable description of its appearance would lead one to conjecture. These weevils in the daytime live in the earth at the bottom of the bushes, whence they come out at night in immense numbers to feed. They are not content with nipping off individual berries, but bite half through the stem of a cluster of ten or twelve, so that the damage they will do in a single night must be seen to be believed. No remedial measures are of much avail. They do not come out by day, and if you hunt for them in the earth they either pretend to be dead, when they are practically indistinguish- able from the surrounding soil, or burrow (juickly out of sight. Some growers send out men at night to hunt them with lanterns and cloths soaked in paraffin. These they hold under the bushes and tap the wires, whereupon the weevils fall down into the cloths. The Fruit Market. It may be seen that the cultivation of both Strawberries and Raspberries is itself no sine- cure, and that it is no easy matter to produce a good crop of either fruit. Having got his crop, however, the further question remains, how is the farmer to pick and dispose of it ? His difficulties with regard to the latter point are by no means small. The small grower, with his acre or half-acre of ground, can always reckon on finding a market for the comparatively small quantity of fruit which he can supply. He can either sell it for eating, in which case it is usually sent to be sold on commission in the markets of the large towns, or he will have no difficulty in finding a sale for it with the jam- makers. But the large grower, who despatches every season from 80 tons to 100 tons of fruit, has a more difficult task. Accordingly, every year before the fruit is ripe the grower, the I boiler and the ubiquitous middleman begin to ] haggle over terms. There is perhaps no com- j modity of trade which is subject to such i fluctuations in price as is fruit. The last three ' or four years have aflorded an excellent illustra- tion of this. The price of Strawberries in these ' seasons has varied from £10 to £30 per ton, and that of Raspberries from £15 to the ' phenomenal rate of £40. At the former prices the cultivation would not pay its expenses, while at the latter the profit would be hand- some. How can the grower decide what price he is to hold out for ? He cannot wait, with his fruit rotting on the ground. He is perfectly sure that if he stands out for a higher figure prices will go down, and he is equally sure that if he sells at the prevailing rate they will go up ; and he has excellent examples from former years illus- trating the truth of both his convictions. The ■ mere fact that his own crop is a poor one is no criterion as showing that others are equally ' poor ; and it is the most difficult thing to obtain anything like a reliable report as to the char- acter of the general crop, it being the interest of growers to depreciate and of boilers to exaggerate its size. Another difficulty is to determine the quantity of fruit which he is safe in selling. He meets this as far as possible by selling a certain amount which experience shows him should be well within his margin, and disposing of the remainder as a balance. But since the amount of his balance is neces- sarily uncertain, ttio price obtained for it would be lower than that which he would get for a fixed quantity, and the temptation to sell with- in a very few tons of his estimated crop is strong. A shower of rain at the critical time may make all the difference between ability and inability to fulfil his contracts, and the sanguine man who trusts to luck may find himself with his contracts unfulfilled and not a berry left to supply the deficiency, while the timid man is gnashing his teeth at finding that he has a large and comparatively unremunerative bal- ance. Fruit-picking. As, year by year, the area under fruit cultiva- tion increases, there is an increase in the difficulty of picking the fruit. It is absolutely essential to be within reasonable distance of a town ; but even so the supply of pickers is no longer equal to the demand. A farm of seventy or eighty acres in fruit will require a constant supply of from 150 to 250 pickers ; and even the latter number, in the height of the season, when the Raspberries and late Strawberries are ripe together, cannot cope with the fruit, tons of which are sometimes lost from inability to pick it. The pickers are divided into gangs of from 30 to 70, and are under charge of an overseer. The work begins at about 6 a.m., and is continued, with an interval of an hour for dinner at midday, till 4 p.m. Wages vary from about Is. 8d. to 2s. per head, irrespective of the quantity picked. It would appear to be a far more satisfactory arrangement to pay them by the work done, at so much per basket ; but in this district no one has yet been able to intro- duce that system. When the crop is in full swing, each picker should be able to gather something over three-quarters of a hundred- weight of late Strawberries and half a hundred- weight of Raspberries. It may easily be seen that the small grower, who is able both to weed and to pick his crop with the aid of his family and perhaps half-a-dozen hired hands, has not to meet the difficulties of the large farmer, and that his profits are proportionately larger. In picking fruit for eating, the pickers either carry baskets holding from five to seven pounds, in which the fruit is sent direct to the market, or else gather it into those small punnets contain- ing about a pound, the appearance of which in shops is so familiar to the eye. These punnets are then packed in crates or boxes containing four or five dozen. It is only fair to the retail fruiterer to say that the mysterious law, by which the large berries invariably gravitate to the top of the basket, appears to hold good when the fruit is gathered by unsophisticated rustics, to be sent to market, almost as surely as when it has been prepared for retailing to the public. Fruit for the Jam Factory. The method of picking to send to the jam- maker is the same with both Raspberries and Strawberries. The pickers carry a large basket slung round the neck, which they partially fill with fruit and empty into pails brought round by men specially detailed for the duty. The fruit is then transferred to juice-tight kegs or barrels, and in them is sent to the jam- maker. These vary in size, but are usually constructed to hold about one hundredweight of fruit. It may come as a shock to the consumers of 246 THE GAEDEN. [September 23, 1899. bought jam to learn that the fruit out of which it is made is treated in this cavaHer fashion ; but it is astonishing to see how fresh and sweet a cask of good honest Scotch fruit will be on its arrival after a journey of thirty-six hours — that is, if it has been picked dry. Unfortunately, it is not always dry in Scotland, and a hundred- weight of wet fruit, after being jolted over three or four hundred miles in a goods train, is apt to present a somewhat uninviting appearance. Still, if used before fermentation sets in, it makes very nearly as good jam as the dry fruit. If only Scotch or English fruit were used by the boilers the consumer would have no reason to complain. If he were to see the quality of the foreign fruit with which too many of them doctor up their jams, he would certainly hesi- tate before eating. To save a few shillings, a boiler will use barrels of foreign fruit, which he still and await their convenience at the begin- ning of the week. The grower naturally does not see the reasonableness of this, and hence arise many bickerings, and much profit to the telegraph department of the revenue and occa- sionally also to the legal profession. At the end of a day spent in struggling to extract a reason- able amount of work from lazy pickers, in despatching numerous telegrams to obstinate boilers, and in wrestling with the intricacies of the trathc systems of railway companies, who refuse to guarantee connections, the unfortu- nate farmer is inclined to wish himself well out of the business. Fortunately, the season is not of long duration ; six or seven weeks see the end of it, and he may then sit down for a short time and count his proiits, if he has any to enjoy. Profits. It cannot be denied that these profits in some fruit farmer is not altogether a happy one. The truth of the matter is that this trade, like every other in the country, is being overdone. It i& only under very favourable conditions that it can at this date be carried on profitably on a. large scale. In short, fruit-farming, while it still ati'cirds an opening to a man who will count the cost before he takes it up, is no longer— if it ever was — the farmer's panacea ; and the wise man will pause and reflect before following Mr. Gladstone's advice to rush into fruit growing. — Chdmbers's Jimnud. Ferns. picks up at a low price and which is nothing j^^i^ij^^, ^^e large, and 'in such they more nor less than a seething mass ot lermen- tation, no more fit for human food than any rotten fish condemned at Billingsgate. That some strong measure is required to meet this ever-increasing abuse is certain, in the interest not only of the home grower, whose margin of profit grows smaller year by year, but also of the consumer, who has a right to expect that his jam shall not be adulterated with this poisonous stuff. Any attempt at obtaining farther legislation on the subject is met by the old parrot-cry of protection ; but it is surely not demanding very much to insist that jam made either wholly or partly with foreign fruit should be marked as such. If once the public would realise the nature of the stuff which they are sometimes called upon to eat as "home- grown jam " the evil would not be tolerated for a moment. Even if the provisions of the existing Merchandise Marks Acts were more thoroughly enforced, a great deal might be done to check the evil. Much might be done by railway companies in cheapening their freights, so as to enable home-grown to com- pete in the market with foreign fruit ; and it is only fair to them to say that in the last year or two they have shown some disposition to do this. It must be understood that this indict- ment is nut intended to apply to all jam- i makers ; but it is an undoubted fact that it does apply to many, and that the quality of the , foreign fruit thus used has in no wise been exaggerated in the present description. 1 Losses and Crosses. j The quantity of fruit which is despatched ; all over Scotland, to the north of England, and to Ireland in the manner described above is enormous. Given 300 pickers, picking their proper quantity, one grower will send oft" his 7 tons or 8 tons a day. With so great a quan- tity, each barrel having to be separately ad- j dressed, mistakes must sometimes occur ; and, in dealing with such a perishable commodity as ] fruit, a misdirected barrel may be a total loss to , the grower. The picking season is indeed an , amply repay the trouble and expense of cultiva- anxious time for him, and every day brings its j tion. They are, however, by no means so large cares. One boiler telegraphs to say that his ' or so regular as they would appear to be to the works are closed for a week owing to holidays, casual observer, who notes that the farmer may and that he cannot take fruit during that time ; ADIANTUMS FOR THE COOL FERNERY. Of all the Ferns which will succeed well under cool treatment, the Maiden-hairs are the most appreciated. It is sometimes difficult to esta- Adiantiims on a wall. another that he can only take fruit despatched by an early train ; and a third that he has already more on his hands than he can boil, and that he can take no more at present. They one and all, with surprising unanimity, try to avoid taking fruit gathered on Friday or Saturday, and seem to be entirely oblivious of the fact that it will go on ripening and going to waste on both these days, and even on Sundays also, as much as on any other days in the week. As they have only a short day at their works on get his ton or two of fruit per acre, and cal- culates that with reasonable prices he should have a gross return of £'ll.l or £50 per acre. The expert who has made an accurate study of the trade— who estimates the expenses of planting, weeding, and picking, and who realises the constant anxieties and heart-burn- ings which accompany the cultivation, the losses resulting from the inclemencies of the season and the insect pests, and, lastly, the uncertainty whether anything like a fair price will be obtained for the crop— will be disposed to agree Saturday, the boilers expect the fruit to stand \ with the writer of this article that the lot of a blish them, but once they get a good start they soon spread. In a cool house where the walls are moist, seedlings will often spring up and cover large spaces without any assistance, but, of course, it is only where the conditions are par- ticularly favourable that a wall can be covered without any assistance. A beautiful eflect may be made by covering a shaded wall with Adian- tums. Some rough peat and Sphagnum Moss may be fixed by the aid of wire netting, the size of which should be regulated by the plants intended to be used. While larger plants may be used, quite small ones are the most desir- able. After the wall has been properly covered and moistened, small seedlings may be pricked in at regular distances. If put in rather thicker than it is intended for them to remain, it will September 23, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 2i\ allow for a few that may die off, or they may be thinned out after they have made a start. Those with the spreading rhizomes are the most suitable for the purpose, one of the best being A. assimile. When ouce this gets esta- blished the rhizomes spread freely and soon cover a large space. It is a native of Australia, and can be recommended for the above purpose and also for suspended baskets, the slender drooping fronds being of a sjft pale green. Of A. Capillus-veneris there are some very dis- tinct varieties, all of which do well in a cool house. The ordinary form, which is found in this country, is one of the best for walls, and where spores abound they will often cover large spaces on damp walls without any assistance. I have seen walls entirely covered, the result of self-sown spores. Of course it is only where a certain amount of atmospheric moisture is regu- larly maintained that they succeed well. Of the nearly allied varieties imbricatum is the most beautiful, having large deeply-cut pin- nules, which closely resemble those of A. Farleyense, and it is sometimes called the hardy Farleyense. I have never raised spores of this, but it has the peculiar feature of pro- ducing small bulbils on the margins of the pin- nules, and younw plants may bo established from these, besides which it may be readily increased by dividing the spreading rhizumes. A. Mariesi, also known as A. Raperi, is a distinct variety from .Tapan. The erect fi-onds are of a rich olive-green and the stout stipes have a peculiar bluish metallic hue. This is more suited for pots or the rockery. A. O'Brieni, from South Africa, closely resembles the above, but has smaller pinnules and more spreading fronds. None of the Capillus- Veneris varieties have any coloured tints in the young fronds, and all succeed better in a more shaded position than those with the red-tinted fronds. A. elegans, by some given as a variety of colpodes and others as a variety of cuneatum, is certainly hardier than cuneatum and the best Maiden-hair for a cool house. It comes freely from spores, and grown side by side with cuneatum I have invariably found it to keep its fronds better and make better growth under cool treatment than cuneatum does. A. rubel- lum is the best of those with tinted fronds for a cool house, (irown well exposed to the light, the young fronds have a rich almost crimson tint which is retained longer than in most of the tinted Adiantums. A. Hemsley. duce distinct varieties, or if there be but the one variety present, that variety only is reproduced. I should very much like to learn whether Fern raisers artificially aid cross - fertilisation, or wliether thoy sow spores of diverse varieties in combination and leave the rest to Nature. Cer- tainly we have myriads of beautiful Ferns in commerce the product of cross - fertilisation. — A. D. Gymno^ramma schizophylla.— There are few stove Ferns that equal this species in its beat 1 forms, for it is an extremely handsome kind, easily grown if sufficient heat is at command, and an exquisite plant for baskets. It looks well on a pedestal or some similar arrangement, its long pendent fronds like showers of green, but it is easily checked and should not on any account be kept long in a cool or draughty room. The spe- cies may be easily propagated by means of the i young plants that occur at the ends of the fronds, these being pegged down into small pots and cut ! off the parent plant when well rooted. The small I pots may be allowed to get fairly full of roots I before shifting into a larger size, for this Fern is I impatient of a lot of loose material about its I roots. On the other hand, it is not wise to allow ' the little plants to get badly pot-bound, or they j will not start away freely. The best compost is one a little finer than that suited to the stronger- growing Ferns, and plenty of good coarse silver sand should be mixed with it. Drain the pots or baskets well and cover the crocks with a little rough peat or bog Moss. There is a fine form of this species (gloriosa) which is much stronger growing than the type, with longer gracefully arching fronds. It is a garden variety, obtained probably by selection. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. Fern spores. — "Another important matter," writes Mr. Hemsley at p. 186, "is in collecting spores to take them from plants that have been isolated from others which produce spores freely." That passage seems to need some explanation, as it is very well known that no cross-fertilisation, or indeed any common form of fertihsation, takes place during the formation of spores on Ferns. Practically these spores have no organs that admit of oross-fertilisatioa, neither are they pro- duced by flowers, as is the case with all ordinary plants. Tbat being so, I do not quite under- stand what may be Mr. Hemsley's reasons for giving the above advice, unless it is that he thinks varieties of Ferns that are free spore-pro- ducers may, if in contact with other varieties, cause those spores when the cases burst to be- come attached to other Fern fronds, thus when spores are sown furnishing them in a mixed state instead of quite separate and true. It is very odd, but yet instructive, to learn from botanists that the real fertilisation of Ferns takes place after the production of the prothallium, the first product of the germinated spore. These pro- 1 thalliums are bisexual and produce, as it were, both male and female organs, and cross-fertilisa- tion, which can take place only when prothalliums of diver-e varieties are in contact, then may pro- ' MIDLAND. Gopsall Hall, Atherstone. — The fruit crops this season in this neighbourhood are below the average, with the exception of bush fruits. Applet and Pears looked at one time most pro- mising, the show of flower being abundant, but the cold, inclement weather, coupled with the superabundance of bloom, has been the cause of a show of Apples and Pears far below the aver- age. The only Apples we have this season are Lord Suffield, Tower of Glamis, Cellini, and Warner's King. Pears are more disappointirg, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Diel, and Winter Nelis being the exceptions. Plums are a failure. Apricots are good, also Peaches and Nectarines, althougn somewhat small owing to the pro- longed drought ; Moreilo Cherries moderate, also Strawberries ; bush fruits average crop. Rain is badly needed for all outside trees and crops. The effect of the drought is most apparent on many vegetables, especially Peas, Beans, Turnips, and like crops, it bemg impossible to keep things free from thrips owing to the dry and arid atmo- sphere, the rainfall beirg below the average of several summers past. — .]. Lee. Hopton Gardens, "Wirksworth. — Red, Black, and White Currants have very heavy crops of fine clean fruit. Gooseberries are very heavy. Cherries promised well, but the fruit dropped before coming to maturity. Pears are a failure and Plums are scarce. Apples are good, there being heavy crops on Cellini, Potts' Seed- ling, New Northern Greening, Ecklinville, Bram- ley's, Newton Wonder, King of Pippins, Duchess of Oldenburg, and New Hawthornden ; moderate crops on Warner's King, Alfriston, Gascoigne's Scarlet, Lord Grosvenor, Bismarck, Worcester Pearmain, Royal George, and Margil. Straw- berries are good ; Raspberries an excellent crop of fine fruit. Old Apple trees sawn down broke strongly, and the shoots are carrying a lot of fruit thi« year. — Geo. Bolas. Ossington, Newark. — Strawberries have been very good, especially the early varieties, the later kinds falling off from want of rain. Currants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries have heavy crops ; in fact I never saw these more plentiful. Plums are abundant in the neighbour- hood. Apples and Pears are very fair, but not so early as in previous years. Apricots and Cherries are very fair. — A. Wa(;g. Aston Hall, Aston-on-Trent, Derby. — The fruit in this garden is exceptionally fine this year, particularly Strawberries Royal Sov- reign and Latest of All. The stone fruit is an average crop ; Apples and Pears very good ; Raspberries and Currants extra good. Vegetables have turned out well as far as the season has gone. — James Law. Worsley, Manchester. — Taken altogether, the fruit crop is not at all satisfactory. In bush fruits Currants are the only abundant crop. Gooseberries are very scarce, and Strawberries, though fairly good, were soon over. Raspberries are a good average crop. Pears are practically ni/, a few fruits on early varieties being the ex- ception. Early Apples are fair, but late ones scarce and the fruit poor ; indeed, the trees seem to make no foliage. Stone fruits are a complete failure. Vegetables are doing well generally. Summer crops of Cauliflowers, Broccoli, &c., I had a difiiculty in starting during the dry, scorching i time, but they are now fairly established. Peas and Bsans are producing well and promise better i for the future. Our humid climate seems to suit '. late Peas. They are seldom attacked with ; mildew, and usually fruit till killed by frost. I Runner and French Beans revel in the heat and '; are making a great show of fruit. Potatoes look , exceedingly well ; those I am lifting are good in size and flavour and quite free from disease. — I W. B. Ufjohn. ! WALES. j Bodnant Gardens, Tal-y-Cafn, K..S.O.— Fruit, with the exception of Pears, is very fair in I this neighbourhood. Small fruits have been fine ; Currants a heavy crop ; Strawberries average. ' Stone fruits are a fair crop ; Apples average, some , trees very heavily laden, chiefly cooking varieties ; Pears almost a failure. — J. Sadnderson. The Hendre, Monmouth Apples, both in orchards and upon pyramid and bush trees, are more than an average crop, and the fruit pro- mises to be of excellent quality. The heaviest bearers upon pyramids are Cox's Orange, King ; of the Pippins, Sturmer Pippin, Duche."* of Oldenburg, Wealthy, Worcester Pearmain, P.elle Pontoise, Bismarck, Biamley's Seedling, Cellini, Dumelow's Seedling, Grenadier, New Haw i born- den, Lane's Prince Albert, Lord Derby. Lord Grosvenor, Seaton Houee, Sandringham, School- master, The Queen, and Warner's King The Pear crop is under average. It is best upon walls, although some pyramid trees carry gcod crops. The best bearers upon walls are Louise Bonne of 'Jersey, Durondeau, Clapp's Favourite, Snnvenir du Congro-', Easter Beurre, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Beurri5 Diel, and Prince Consort. Apricots and j Peaches when in blossom were much damaged by ! 16° of frost, although protected by fish netting ; I their crops are thin in consequence. Plums are ! also very thin upon walls, and the crop is below I average, although some bushes of Victoria, Early ■ Prolific, Early Transparent, and Jefferson carry good crops. Cherries are under average, but May Duke upon bushes is bearing heavy crops of fine fruit. Strawberries suffered from drought last season and did not crop so well as usual, but the quality was good. Royal Sovereign, Leader, Gunton Park, and Latest of All were the best. The last always does well upon our heavy soil. Bush fruits are abundant and fine, particularly so Gooseberries and Superlative Raspberries. — Thos. CoOjIEER. Castle Gardens, Cardiff. — Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees flowered luxuriantly this year and gave every promise of an abundant crop, but Pears and Plums set badly, and the crops of these are almost a complete failure in this dis- trict. Apples, with the exception of a few varie- ties, set well and are a heavy crop. Many of the 248 THE GARDEK [September 23, 1899. trees have had to be propped up to prevent the branches breaking under the great weight of fruit. AH the fruit trees in the gardens here were mulched early in the season with a good thickness of rotten manure, and on that account they have withstood the long-continued heat and drought experienced here since the beginning of June with impunity. The Apple trees in par- ticular are now making vigorous growth, which is free from insect pests of all kinds. Last year Apple trees suffered much from the attacks of aphis in the early part of the season, and the leaves and shoots in consequence of this were much honeydewed and had to be cut off and burned. Strawberries have been plentiful and good, but of shorter duration this season than usual on account of the drought. The fruits of Royal Sovereign were large, highly flavoured, and the crop heavy. The plants now are much in- fested with red spider. Peaches, Apricots, Goose- berries, and all kinds of Currants are bearing good crops in this district. — A. Pettigrew. Penrhos, Holyhead. — Stone fruits are very scarce ; Apples and Pears imder average ; Straw- berries have been very good ; Red, White, and Black Currants are heavy crops, also Goose- berries ; Raspberries are under average ; Plums are good generally except in very exposed posi- tions. Vegetables are very good in quality with the exception of Carrots, which have been infested with grubs. — T. Maish. Wyastone Leys, Monmouth.— Apples are a good general crop ; Pears are under the average. The sorts doing best are Beurre d'Amanlis, Ber- gamote d'Esperen, Doyenne Boussoch, Doyenne du Comice, Josephine de Malines, and Pitmaston Duchess, all trained as espaliers or on walls. Apricots are very thin. Gooseberries, Rasp- berries, and Currants have all been good, espe- cially Black Currants. Peaches are a fair average ; Plums a very light crop. Straw bsrries have been excellent ; King of the Earlies, Vicomtesse Heri- cart de Thury, Latest of All, and Jubilee were very good. Royal Sovereign was by far the best. Walnuts and Filberts are above the average ; Quinces and Medlars average crop. Cider and perry fruit is plentiful in this neighbourhood. All vegetable crops have done well. Early Potatoes are very good, especially Sharpe's Victor. Late varieties until lately looked ex- tremely well, but are now suffering from want of rain, "6 in. being the total for the month of July, and 06 in. on the 3rd ult. Reading Giant is taking the place of Magnum Bonum in this locality as a general crop. Peas have been exceptionally good. Runner Beans are bearing well, consider- ing the drought. Early Cabbages are small ; Cauliflowers, Savoys, and Broccoli are much in need of rain. Fully 50 per cent, are blind. — Geokoe Phillips. Gog'erddan, Aberystwith.— In this district Plums and Cherries are almost a failure ; Apples and Pears are a very thin crop ; Gooseberries very good ; Currants, Red, White, and Black, aie a good crop ; Raspberries are also good ; Straw - berries have been a fair crop. Vegetables of all kinds are doing well in this district, the weather being favourable for all growing crops.— James Vearey. Fowls Castle, Welshpool. — A very fair crop on the whole. Apples are an average crop, the best bearers being Lord Grosvenor, Warner's King, Stirling Castle, Ecklinville Seedling, Annie Elizabeth, Pott's Seedling, Bismarck, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Lane's Prince Albert, Bramley's Seed- ling, Flanders Pippin, and Gascoigne's Scarlet Seedling. Pears are an average crop, the best being Doyennfi du Comice, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Brockworth Park, Bergamote Heim- bourg, Beurri? Diel, Beurre Rmce, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre d'Anjou, Souvenir du Congres, and Glou Morceau. Plums are the only crop we are short of, Victoria and Rivers' Prolific being the only two bearing a fair crop. Damsons are scarce in this district, except in sheltered places. Peaches and Nectarines are bearing the best crop outside for the past eight years, and yet we had sharp frost at the time of blooming. Apricots are fair ; Strawberries good ; and all small fruit abundant. Fruit trees in general are clean and healthy, and free of insect pests. Owing to a wet, late spring, vegetable seeds did not germinate well, several kinds having to be sown twice. Potatoes are free of disease so far, early and late varieties included. The dry, hot weather is now beginning to tell on the Peas and all surface-rooting vegetables. — J. Lambert. Stove and Greenhouse. WINTER-FLOWERING BEGONIAS. A SELEcriox of the best flowering kinds of the shrubby evergreen Begonias will, if properly managed, be of good service both for the con- Begonia 'heracleifolia. servatory and for cutting during the dull i months of winter. Although not so brilliant in colour nor so large in size of their blossoms as the tuberous-rooted kinds, yet there is much to admire in the large drooping bunches of white, ro.se or scarlet flowers which are borne by the winter-blooming Begonias. In addition to the true species of shrubby habit, from which many useful garden plants might be selected, we have the more or less popular hybrids, of which B., ascotensis, B. Knowsleyana, B. Ingrami, and B. insignis are familiar examples. Some of the numerous forms of B. semperflorens are also favoured, because of their free-flowering and ornamental characters, and in the several recently distributed kinds, of which B. Carrier! is one, we have other useful plants for service in winter. Other good useful plants, such as B. Lynchiana (Roezli), B. Listeri, and B. soco- trana, have recently been added to the cultivated species of this genus. The following is a selection of the best kinds for growing as flowering plants for the winter : — B. ASCOTENSIS. — A tall-growing plant, with large terminal drooping bunches of bright red flowers. A fine autumn and winter-flowering kind. B. coRALLiNA. — A woody-stemmed species with leaves green above and purple below, and bright red flowers in long pendent racemes. This species may be grown so as to flower either in winter or sum- mer. B. Carkieri. — This is the result of a cross be- tween B. semperflorens and B. Schmidti. The flowers are nearly as large as those of B. semperflorens, pure white, and produced in abundance. It is a com- pact grower and flowers freely during the greater part of winter. B. Dicswelliana. — A hybrid raised from B. odo- rata crossed with B. fuch- sioides. It is a short, robust grower, with me- dium-sized leaves and pale pink flowers. B. DIPETALA.— A thick succulent - stemmed plant with pale green white spotted leaves and axillary drooping racemes of two- petalled large pink flowers. It does not thrive if kept longer than a year. Should be raised from summer- sown seeds. B. FucnsioiDEs. — This may be included here, as it flowers not only in sum- mer, but on through the autumn and winter if favourably situated. The tall handsome habit and large branching pendent panicles of bright scarlet flowers are well known. B. HERACLEIFOLIA (see cut). — A stemless species with long -stalked Hera- cleum-like leaves and very tall flower scapes bearing^ a large bunch of pale rose- coloured flowers. In early spring this plant is a hand- some object. B. INCARNATA. — A smooth red-stemmed plant, which is represented by several well-marked varie- ties. They are all large-flowered, rose-coloured,, handsome, and useful for winter. B. Ingrami is hardly distinct from B. Digs- welliana, being of the same parentage as that kind. It is a pretty flowered plant, and blooms freely in winter. B. Lynchiana.— The immense heads of bright* scarlet blossoms borne in winter by this species September 23, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 249 are of great service both when cut and when allowed to remain on the plant. It is easily grown, and should become popular. B. LiNDLEYASA. — A fleshy, hairy-stemmed spe- cies, with rather large foliage and drooping panicles of white flowers. B. MACULATA, also known as B. argyrostigma, is a stout grower, with oblong green leaves marked with silvery spots. The flowers are coral-red, and are borne in large drooping panicles. B. NATALENSis. — A tuberous - rootcd species which dies down in summer and should be started in heat in autumn. The soft green of its thin papery foliage and the numerous cymes of large pale rose flowers which it bears in winter are attractive and useful. B. NiTiDA. — Everyone knows this useful old plant, its large shining leaves, borne on stout fleshy stems, and its terminal and axillary panicles of large, roie-coloured, sweet-scented flowers being frequently met with in conservatories dur- ing winter and spring. B. roLYPKTALA. — A singular and handsome species, which grows about a foot high, and bears hairy leaves and several terminal flowers, which are red, the whole flower having the appearance of a small single Dahlia. B. ScHMiDTi. — A dark green-leaved plant of compact habit, bearing numerous small white flowers, which are abundantly produced all over the plant, and form a pretty contrast to the foliage. B. SEMPERFLORENS. — This is always in flower both winter and summer. By pinching out the flower-buds in the summer handsome specimen plants may be grown, and these in winter will flower freely. The flowers of the type are white, but there are also varieties of this which bear rose-coloured or pink and white blooms. B. socoTSANA. — A pretty peltate-leaved plant with bright red flowers. It is a deciduous species, going to rest in spring to start again into growth in the early autumn. B. suAVEOLENS is closely related to B. nitida, from which it differs in having smaller flowers, which are pure white and fragrant. It is also known as B. odorata. B. wELTONiENSis. — An old garden favourite raised from B. Sutherland!. Its graceful bunches of pink flowers are freely borne en the numerous branches of which the plant is composed. Those beautiful varieties of the tuberous- rooted stction, embracing the varieties B. soco- trana and the hybrids raised therefrom, as B. John Heal, B. Adonis, and B. Winter Gem, are all extremely useful, lasting so long in good condition. The duration of the individual flowers is also remarkable. Sowing Persian Cyclamen seed. — I prefer the month of August — about the loth — for sowing seed of Cyclamen persicum, but it is not yet too late for those who favour autumn sowing ; indeed, such has been the heat that slightly later sowings will perhaps this season germinate better and more quickly. A nice shady corner in an inter- mediate house I find the most suitable quarters until the plants are up, by which time no harm need be anticipated from sun-heat, and the pans or pots may be raised near the roof-glass and treated to all the light available. Loam of a light fibrous nature rubbed down fine with the hands, a fifth part leaf-mould, and some silver sand form an excellent medium for early root- age. Ample drainage must be provided, as Cycla- men roots resent the least approach to sourness in the soil. Great care is needed in watering the seed-pans, as a soddened surface is fatal to germi- nation ; in fact, it is safer to err on the dry than on the wet side. An intermediate condition is really the one to aim at. Cyclamen seed is some- what slow in starting, but if more than, say, three weeks elapse before growth is discernible, the quality and age of the seed may be questioned. 1 have found the young seedlings do well in the above-named position throughout the winter, as here they will grow away slowly ; whereas, in an ordinary cool greenhouse the plants remain almost stationary till the longer days arrive. Potting off' has generally been done in March, or, if the plants make good headway, in February, a temperature of from 65° to 70°, accompanied by a moist atmosphere and slight shade, being given till they become established in the small pots, when a gradual hardening off' is necessary until they find a home in a cool frame turned towards the north. — Grower. THE BREAK UP OF THE DROUGHT. The hot, scorching weather has at last broken up, and instead of clear skies with the heat of the sun pouring down from morn till eve we have had cloudy skies and a much cooler atmosphere. The change here took place on the 6th inst. when the sky became overcast and thunder could be heard in the distance. The storm, however, passed by, but during the night several heavy showers of rain fell, and the morning of the 7th was ushered in with a heavy fall, which continued until the day had well advanced. After this it abated, and by midday it was nothing more than a drizzle, and in the afternoon the clouds cleared away and it became quite fine, when the air was deliciously cool and formed a very marked con- trast to the hot, stifling atmosphere of the past few weeks. The dry, thirsty land, the burnt pastures, and scorched lawns sucked up the rain as it fell, and it was only on the hard paths and roads that any ran to waste. The pastures and lawns had previously presented a very woe- begone appearance, and looked, as a visitor from Australia remarked, hke that country does after a pro- longed drought. The grass is now, I am glad to say, beginning to recover, and already looks greener than it has done for weeks. The pastures have not as yet shown much sign of recovery, and they really need another such a soaking of rain as that they had last week. The root crops have greatly benefited by the rain, and already look much greener and healthier-looking than they did. In the garden the same beneficial eff'ect is observable among all green crops, and both Broccoli and Cauliflowers, which have been quite at a standstill for the past six weeks, have now begun to grow again. The fruit crops are also looking much the better for the change, and the fruits have swelled considerably the past few days. It will not, perhaps, be out of place while writing on the subject to note what effect the drought has had on the vegetable and fruit crops. Brassicas in general, as has already been men- tioned, were brought up by the drought soon after the great heat set in, and Cauliflowers in particular refused to grow in spite of water being plentifully supplied to the roots, and in conse- quence there has been a dearth of these for the past month. Having become stunted, these latter, also Broccoli and Cabbage, will take some little time before they can recover. Advantage has been taken of the moist state of the ground to get out a large quantity of Rosette Coleworts and Little Pixie Cabbage, so as to be prepared in cise such a contingency as a dearth of green vegetables should arise later on through the afore- said Cabbages and Cauliflowers being too far gone to be of an}' further use. Scarlet Runners which were sown on a cool and somewhat shady piece of ground have not taken so much harm, and with the advent of cooler weather and the accession of a good supply of moisture at the roots, they should go on bearing until overtaken by frost. French Beans have tared much worse than the preceding, and it has only been by dint of hard labour in keeping tbem supplied with water that they have been kept in a growing condition at all. The Onion crop, per- haps, ripened up rather prematurely, but the bulbs are firm. There is, however, one advan- tage attending this, inasmuch that it has thrown the plot at liberty much earlier than would have been the case for the planting of spring Cabbages, the first batch of which will be got out shortly. Carrots and Parsnips do not appear to have suffered in the least from the great heat and look remarkably well, but Beetroot, on the contrary, has been greatly distressed. It is feared the crop will be greatly affected in consequence, as the roots are but as yet in many instances very small indeed. Turnips have also had a trying time of it, and it has been owing to nothing else but the fact that I grow the summer crop of these on borders having eastern and northern aspects that I have had any fit for use. Peas have also sufl'ered greatly, and have had to be watered assiduously to be able to obtain anything like a supply. Lettuces and Endive on a north border have done well, and, being in almost daily demand, they, as a matter of course, have had a watering every day. A large break of Seakale grown for forcing looks remarkably well, which is mainly attribut- able to the fact of the soil having been deeply stirred and very liberally manured. Celery had to be watered frequently, and is in consequence looking none the worse for the ordeal it has passed through. With regard to late Potato crops, these are good ; but, owing to the tubers having commenced to make second growth in many cases, lifting has had to be done earlier than usual. Among hardy fruits the principal sufferers are Strawberries, particularly the older plantations, which have been badly attacked with red spider. Younger plots have been much less affected and will now quickly recover, but the older plants mentioned will have no time to lose if they do so before winter sets in. Fresh-planted beds look well. These plants were got out about the middle of August, and have since been kept watered. Heavily laden Apple trees have begun to shed some of their fruits. These are mostly early kinds, but the drought no doubt has aff'ected them to a certain extent. Peach trees have been kept well watered and are, with one or two exceptions, in a very healthy condition. In the latter case a little red spider appeared, which made headway while the fruit was ripening, but has now been dealt with. Pears have a little spider also, but beyond this, both in their case and that of other fruits, there is nothing to record. In conclusion it may then be stated that the effects of the drought are, taking everything into consideration, not nearly so disastrous here as they were last year, and if we are only favoured with rain again, and that before long, the vegetable supply from now and onwards will be a much better one than that of the latter part of 1898. A. W. Societies and Exhibitions. NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY. Septe.mber 19 AND 20. The exhibition of the National Society on the above dates at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, was excellent. Although the National Chrysan- themum Society, for reasons best known to them- selves, decided to discontinue their September show, it is gratifying to know that a ready re- sponse was m.ide to an appeal for subscriptions for a special prize fund and an exhibition held in its stead by the society mentioned above. Only eight classes were provided in the schedule of prizes, these being equally divided between nur- serymen and amateurs, each affording a capital display, in which the Cactus Dahlia was to the front. A spirited competition also took place in a class for seedling Dahlias, several first-class certificates being awarded. It was to the miscel- laneous display, however, that the success of the venture was largely due. Gladioli were exhibited as usual by the Cambridge firm, and the fountain at the southeast end of the building was pleas- ingly decorated with a variety of plants. In past years it had been contended that a Dahlia show could not be held so late as the dates of the present exhibition, but the charming display of colour in the many forms on the dates in question proved conclusively this was not correct. Nurserymen. The leading class in this section was for twenty- four blooms of show and fancy Dahlias, distinct, 250 THE GARDEK [Skptembbr 23, 1899. and there were eight competitors. The even form, bright and varied colours were beautifully represented bj- the leading stand, which came from Mr. John Walker, Thame, Oxon, who had a very handsome lot of bloomB. Those calling for special notice were John Hickling, a very fine yellow ; Harry Keith, rosy purple ; Dorothy, self ; John Walker, pure white ; Mrs. David Saunders, a lovely lilac ; Florence Tranter, blush white, edged rosy purple ; Mr. Glasscock ; Gold- smith, one of the best fancy flowers, yellow, striped and edged crimson ; Duke of Fife, cardi- nal ; Frank Pearce, rose, striped crimson ; Queen of the Belgians, and Eclipse, a remarkable flower of the lirightest orange scarlet. Mr. Charles Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, was placed second with smaller, but even flowers of good form, but not so bright as those in the first-prize stand. Specially good were Wm. Rawlings, crimson-purple ; John Standish, heliotrope ; Earl of Ravensworth, lilac ; Arthur Ocock, reddish orange ; Mr. J. Downie ; Chieftain, another beautiful lilac, and Alice Emily, a bufl', with yellow edge to petals. The Cactus type flowers made a grand display in the leading class for twelve varieties, in bunches of six blooms. In this division Mr. James Sfcredwick. Silverhill Park, St. Leonards-on-Sea, took first place. This stand was undoubtedly a very hand- some one, being by far the best of the kind in the exhibition. The blossoms in each bunch were of magnificent form and beautiful in colour, and they were also very nicely set up. Several handsome seedling sorts were included in this exhibit. The varieties v/ere : Magnificent, a beautiful rosy salmon of exquisite form ; Mary Service, Mayor Weston, deep reddish plum ; Mrs. Sanders, soft yellow ; Eclipse, the best of the yel- lows ; William Jowett, Uncle Tom, Mayor Tup- peny. Viscountess Sherbrooke, reddish terra- cotta, shaded apricot, and others. The second prize fell to Messrs. Keynes, Williams and Co., Salisbury, who also had a very nice lot of blooms, including several pleasing variations, and, pos- sibly, hardly considered so valuable as those of the truest form for exhibition. All the same, they were a very handsome lot of flowers. Those worthy of special notice were Britannia, Chas. Woodbridge, Loadstone, Mrs. J. J. Crowe, clear yellow, of good form : Mrs. Carter Page, a new sort, rich reddish crimson, and Lucius, a beauti- ful deep orange flower. Not the least interesting section of the show was that devoted to the pompon type of the flower. These were, indeed, exceedingly pretty, well staged, and embraced a number of delightful little flowers. .Judging b}' recent awards, it appears size is an uncertain quantity, and the exhibitor is no doubt entirely at the mercy of the individual taste of the judges. In the present instance the prizes were awarded to blooms rather smaller than usual, yet in this form their true character is undoubtedly exempli- fied. The first prize was awarded to Mr. M. V. Seale, the Nurseries, Sevenoaks, Kent, who had a charming display of neatly arranged bunches, twelve in number, each bunch containing ten blooms. Those worthy of notice were Sunny Day- break, pale apricot, edged rosy red ; Douglas, deep maroon ; Phcebe, deep golden - orange ; Spitfire, very effective scarlet ; Nellie Broom- head, lovely soft lilac ; Hypatia, bright terra- cotta with golden centre ; Nerissa, soft rose, very fine ; Ganymede, amber ; Ernest Harper, coral-red, and Snowflake, white. A good second was found in Mr. Chas. Turner, who also had a beautiful lot of bunches Bacchus, Mars, Capt. Boyton and Tommy Keith were each represented in grand form, and the exhibit was also charm- ingly arranged. There were no less than five exhibitors in this class. Singles were not so well shown as usual ; the exceptional blooms of the late Mr. T. W. Girdlestone, who was unsurpassed in the way of arranging these fragile blossoms, were sadly missed. Only one exhibitor was forth- coming in the principal class for twelve varieties in bunches of ten blooms each. This came from Mr. Seale, who had a pretty lot of blossoms neatly displayed. His best varieties were the Geisha, a pale terra-cotta and crushed strawberry beau- tifully blended ; Beauty's Eye, hlac, crimson ring at base of petals ; Phyllis, Demon, blackish- maroon ; Yellow Perfection, Polly Eccles, fawn with red disc, and Leslie Seale, silvery- lilac, base of petals forming a crimson ring. Amateurs. For twelve blooms show and fancy Dahlias, distinct, there were five competitors, the leading position being secured by Mr. Thos. Hobbs, Easton House, St. Mark's Road, Bristol, who had a very pretty, neat and even lot of blooms of good form and colour. Notable among them were Warrior, intense scarlet, very fine indeed ; Jas. Cocker, deep purple ; Mrs. Gladstone, Eldorado, Harrison Weir, primrose-yellow, and Duchess of York. Second honours were secured by Mr. F. W. Fellowes, Putteridge Grange, Luton, Beds, whose Bella {beautiful lilac). Chieftain, Warrior and Banji were much admired. No less than eight competitors were seen in the class for nine varieties Cactus Dahlias, three blooms in each bunch. Mr. Robt. Keeble, gardener to Mr. F. W. Sharp, Waltham St. Lawrence, Twyford, Beds, was first with a very nice lot of blooms, clean, of even form, and also of rich colour. Starfish, Harry Stredwick (dark velvety maroon), J. F. Hudson, Viscountess Sher- brooke, Stella, andsomebeautifulexamples of Mary Service. Mr Fellowes followed with a good exhibit. Night, Mary Service, Britanniaand C. Woodbridge calling for special mention. Six exhibitors made a display for six varieties of pompons, six blooms in each bunch. These again contained many charming little blossoms. Those securing first prize for Mr. J. F. Hudson, Gunnersbury House, Acton, W., were very small, but neat. This ex- hibit was a picture of neatness in the setting up, and the blossoms were beautifully finished. Eve, Nerissa, Orpheus, Phiebe, Douglas and E F. Junker were those exhibited. Mr. W. C. Pagram, The Whim Gardens, Weybridge, was second with larger flowers, though lacking evenness and bright colours ; Arthur West, Bacchus and Phcebe, however, were especially good. Mr. Hudson was again first among four competitors for six varie- ties, single, six blooms in each bunch. The stag- ing was also good in this instance, and an even lot of flowers was represented by Donna Casilda (grand colour and form), Naomi Tighe, Phyllis and Jack Sheppard. Mr. E. Mawley, Rosebank, Berkhamsted, Herts, was second with a less even lot of flowers ; Beauty's Eye, Cleopatra, Polly Eccles and Miss Roberts were in good form. A from a lovtly group of about 100 Cannas, re- ceiving a silver-gilt medal for the former, and a silver medal for the latter. The display made by this firm was certainly one of the very best in the building, and as a whole was largely admired. A silver-gilt medal was awarded to Thos. S. Ware, Ltd., Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, who made a handsome display on a large table of Cactus and pompon Dahlias. This exhibit represented most of the new varieties as well as those well known for their high merit. The pompons were very pretty, and these were disposed pleasingly at each end of the table. Mr. John Green, Norfolk Nurseries, Dere- ham, also staged a meritorious exhibit, arranging diS'erent varieties of Cactus Dahlias on tables in small triangular banks. This was very effective. The new Cactus Dahlia Zephyr, a cerise-pink of good form, seems destined to achieve distinction. A number of pompons were also staged (silver medal). Messrs. John Peed and Sons, of Rou- pell Park, Tulse Hill, S.E., set up a table of perennial Asters, their new Aster Mrs. W. Peters being represented in large numbers, also numer- ous other plants with Cactus Dahlias inter- mingled, for which a silver medal was awarded. The usual display of Gladioli from Messrs. J. Burrell and Co., Howe House Nursery, Cam- bridge, was forthcoming, and this is always in- teresting. The season has been a bad one for these plants, but notwithstanding this fact the spikes of blossoms were very handsome, and un- doubtedly welcome. A few boxes of Tea Roses in bunches were also shown by this firm (silver medal). Mr. M. V. Seale, The Nurseries, Seven- oaks, secured a silver medal for a display of eleven dozen boards of Cactus, decorative, and show and fancy Dahlias in great A-ariety. A similar award was made to Mr. J. T. West, Tower Hill, Brentwood, Essex, for a large repre- sentative table of Dahlias. The pompons here were particularly fine, and the display altogether was of a distinctly high order. Messrs. Carter, Page and Co., London Wall, E.C. , also made a brilliant show, their system of staging each variety of the Dahlia in rows calling for special notice. This display was representative, and secured a silver medal. Bronze medals were awarded to the Devon Chrysanthemum Nursery, Teignmouth, for several stands of Cactus Dahlias, and to Mr. J. Williams, 4a, Oxford Road, Ealing, W., for a pretty table decoration of perennial Asters and single Cactus Dahlias The Icthemic Guano Co., Lawes' Chemical Manure Co., Ltd., Messrs. D. Dowell and Son, Hammersmith, and class was provided, open to all, for seedling Dah- Sam Deard, Harlow, made interesting exhibits, lias, and many received a first class certificate. It completely shutting out the north-western foun- was difficult in many instances to trace the name I tain, of the respective exhibitors owing to cards being misplaced ; we cannot, therefore, give details respecting these. Miscellaneous. NEW DAHLIAS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Theke was no lack of seedling Dahlias at the Crystal Palace on the occasion of the National Dahlia Society's exhibition. That they were composed largely of the Cactus type was to be As already stated, the miscellaneous exhibits composed by far the larger display on this occa- sion, and quite transformed the dreary aspect which this building usually presents. Dahlias, of ^ ^ _ course, were most largely shown, and their rich i expected, for there are now many raisers of seed colours, combined with their varied forms, en- lings and hundreds of new kinds are annually hanced the beauty of the exhibition. A gold I grown. It is necessary the standard of the Cactus medal was awarded to Messrs. Dobbie and Co., i Dahlia as an exhibition flower be set very high, Rothesay and Orpington, for a very large exhibit | because if a highly-refined flower like Charles containing huge bunches of Cactus, decorative, Woodbridge be taken as a type, it is at once seen I and pompon Dahlias. These were set up in that high quality is necessary to reach it. To ' bunches containing no less than seventeen blooms award certificates of merit to second-rate flowers and were very effective, although the form of the is a mistake. A dozen of such awards was Cactus blossoms left much to be desired. A made at the Crystal Palace last week, and there similar award was made to Messrs. John Laing is reason to fear there was not enough of several and Sons, Forest Hill, S.E., for the decoration of of these varieties submitted to enable a correct the southeastern fountain. This was surmounted I conclusion to be drawn. ' by a fine Araucaria, Ivies, Euonymus, Golden j The following Cactus varieties received the Privet, Crataegus, Chrysanthemums, Heaths, i National Dahlia Society's certificate of merit : and a great variety of other plants being Mrs. Sanders, pale yellow, of a pleasing tint of arranged in a pleasing manner in suitable positions. Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons for some reason or other had their large table of some colour, good Cactus shape : Mayor Weston, bright crimson, with a darker centre, a brilliant variety; Mayor Tuppeny, salmon-red, with yellow centre. ■200 bunches of Cactus and other Dahlias, and a novel and distinct variety, of good Cactus these pleasingly set off with Gypsophila panicu character ; Augustus Hare, rich orange-red, very i lata and Eulalia macrantha, judged quite apart bright ; and Uncle Tom, shaded maroon, with Sbptembkr 23, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 251 darker centre, fine Cactus build. All the fore- going five were raised and exhibited by Mr. J. Stredwick, Silver Hill, St. Leonards. William Treseder, the basal petals blush, the other portions of the flower tinted delicate lilac, came from Mr. \V. Treseder, Cardift". Innova- tion, a very distinct and striking variety, the centre fluted petals red, with a slight tip of white, the basal petah deeply tipped with white j Em- peror, ruby, flushed with purple and dark centre (it may be described as a purple Gloriosa, and is said to be of excellent habit); and Mrs. J. Crowe, delicate yellow, of good Cactus form, were shown by Messrs. Keyne?, Williams and Co., Salisbury. Elsie, slight yellow ground, the petals suS'used with a pleasing shade of magenta - purple, was shown by Messrs. J. Burrell and Co., Cambridge. Green's White, as shown, is decidedly the finest white Cactus yet character ; and Zephyr, delicate soft rosy pink, is a charming variety. From Mr. .T. Green, Norfolk Nursery, Dereham. Why the brilliant red Cactus Red Rover, a large number of finely developed blooms being staged, was passed over it is diflicult to say, beyond the fact that it was considered by some too large, which is scarcely a recognised fault. The same award was made to two pretty single Dahlias— Girlie, cream, with narrow side edgings of pale red, of excellent shape (from Miss E. J. Girdlestone, Sunningdale), and to Flame, pale orange, flaked and pencilled with orange- crimson, good shape (from Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Lowfield Nursery, Crawley). Boyal Horticultural Society.— The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, September 26, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to .5 p.m. At ;? o'clock a lecture on "Instructional Fruit Stations" will be given by Mr. E. Luckhurst. The Royal Horticultural Society's great show of British-grown fruit will take place at the Crystal Palace on Thursday, September 28, and the two following days. Entries should reach the Royal Horticultural Society's office, 117, Vic- toria Street, S.W., not later than September 21. On each day of the show, after 10 a.m.. Fellows of the society (on producing their tickets) will be admitted to the Palace free. The first notice on p 3 of the schedule will be strictly carried out. It runs thus : " All fruit should bear its natural ' bloom ' ; any polishing process disqualifies." Notes of the Week. Inearvilleas in CornwaU.— Of tlie tlnee Incar\-illeas growing here, I. variabilis is flowering this week, and I think its l/ooma the best shade of the three — a ver» good light rose colour. The Turkestan Incatvillea 01ga_' seems more robust in habit, and Incirvillea Delavaji has seeded well this season. All are at the foot of a south wjll. — C. R. liObelia Carmine Gem.— This is the finest of the herbaceous section. Its distinct colouring aud its free and abundant flowering are points of importance. Though never perfectly at home without ample root moisture, these plants may still be thrown with much success where attention is paid them and watering done with a liberal hand. This and a partially shady spot will assist in making the plant much more a success than would be the case otherwise. Zephyranthe? At imaEcq is one of the prettiest of small bulbous plants wl en in flower. A closely allied form is Z, Candida, which has, perhap?, a purer white flower, slightly larger in the buds and mote dis- tinctly an autumn-Wonming plant than Z. Atamaseo. Z. Candida, also hnowii as the S.vamp Lily, is not in- frequently well grown in this country witliout the aid of much moisture. It is better, ho.vever, where abundance of water cm he given if, and this, accom- pariied by shelter or shade from some adjacent build- ing, favours the flowering of the plant. Panica Qranatum.— ( )n the terrace at Gunners- bury House are several tti-.uiJ plants of the Pome- granate growing in huge tubs, or rattier specially designed boxes. These pUnts have been flowering this jear with considerable freedom, the almost sjlid wax like blossoms rendering the plants conspicuous. Their present free-flowering is the result of a_ series of experiments, such as pruniog hard, then lighter, and again more lightly still, till finally abandoned altogether. While pruning was adopted no flowers appeared. X ow with the let-alone principle a good flowering is secured, the brilliant flowers making a fine display. Romneya Coulteri in N. Wales.— I enclose a photograph of this beautiful plant as growing in the herbaceous border here. It is over (i feet high and has had as many as fourteen fully ex- panded flowers at one time. The chief point about its culture is the protection it requires dur- ing the winter, after which it throws up strong shoots in the spring and commences flowering in June, and continues to do so until September. With care a plant will last many years without being disturbed. — G. J. Svuibbs, Llanijeihri/n, N. WaUs. Kniphofias at Biel, East Lothian.— The terrace garden at Biel, in East Lothian, has long been known as one which presents some brilliant effects as well as showing how such gardens with southern exposures lend themselves to the growth of some beautiful, but tender shrubs. Very effec- tive in September was a long line of Kniphofias along the fronti of one of the terraces. Either from above or from the beautiful turf beneath, this long row of the scarlet heads of the Torch Lily was very showy. K. Uvaria appears to be a favourite in the Lothians, as it was frequently seen in quantity. — S. A. Polygonum baldschuanicum. — A plant of this eighteen months old flowered as usual in the early summer, and now, although the leaves are mostly shrivelled owing to the drought, it is flowering again even better than before. I do not know whether this is the ordinary behaviour of the plant, but if it were, I should have expected that MM. Lemoine would have mentioned it in their description. I have not noticed the "beau rouge " fruits they speak of, though there was a quantity of what appeared to be black seeds. Some of these were sown when ripe, but they have not yet germinated. — H. S., Derby. Atriplex hortensis purpureus. — In the Earl of Haddington's gardens at Tynninghame, I East Lothian, there is a little garden laid out in ^ small beds filled with old-fashioned plants and herbs. Among the others seen in the middle of September were some fine plants of the purple- leaved form of the Sea Purslane or Oraohe. They must have been about 5 feet high, and their appearance suggested the thought thab such easily raised plants might well be more largely used in place of others which require glass pro- tection in winter. The purple-leaved Orache was very effective and rich-looking in appearance. — S. A. Heliopsis Pitcheriana.— In very few of the composite family do we see the rich, indeed ' almost intense, orange gold that renders this plant so telling. Yellow in its many and varying shades abounds, but the intense colour of this plant is not nearly so frequent even among the Sunflowers and allied things. If only for its fine, distinct and rich colouring this plant deserves a conspicuous place among the best of autumn flower.s. At present, however, it is only rarely seen, but employed in groups near to the Sun- flowers its merits w ould be quickly seen. It may be that its size is against it, for it is not so large ; as the usual run of the perennial Sunflowers. Dahlia Green's White.— In the Cactus sec- , tion this is a promising flower. Apart from the I flower there is much that is needed to make this, or indeed any variety, an improvement on the best kinds that have preceded it. Other good white flowers have come to the front with a great flourish of trumpets, but in not a few instances are found wanting when put into general cultiva- tion. The Cactus Dahlia today is so much a garden plant, that it is by no means all-sutlicient that a few good flowers may be cut upon a certain day for the exhibition board. If the above can lift its flowers aloft on stout stems it will certainly prove a welcome addition to the group, and like- wise merit the awards that have been given ib of late. Kniphofia B. C. Affourtit.— Undoubtedly this is one of the grandest of the Red hot-poker family that has yet been distributed. It is stated to be a seedling from K. corallina, itself a hybrid form, but whether the present plant is a chance seedling raised from K. corallina, or whether the result of hybridisation is not clear. This, how- ever, is of little importance. The rich and bril- liant colour, so long retained that the uppermost pips have assumed much colour before the old ones have faded, is even conspicuous among many good forms of this group. It flowers late, and is therefore a fine companion for Sunflowers, the earlier Michaelmas Daisies, and such plants. Single Asters. — The Drill Hall on the occa- sion of the last meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society was enlivened by a variety of colours of the single Chinese Aster. Some of these were rather attractive, and it is more than likely would prove of considerable service from a cut flower point of view. Despite the fact that the original has been so long uncultivated here, it would be interesting to learn in what particular this may differ from the single forms that occi- sionally appear among the double kinds and which are as promptly discarded. Seeing the rage for single flowers of all classes, it is signifi- cant that these Asters have been overlooked till now. Aster acris at Whittinghame. — Among the perennial and annual plants in the bold groups in the beds at Whittinghame, the Eist Lothian pro- perty of the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P. , is a fine form of Aster acris. Soil and situation do as much to modify the size and colour of Star- worts as those of other flowers, so that one can hardly say with certainty whether the form was that known as Aster acris var. dracunculoides or not. It was, however, very like it. It was very effective in the middle of September, the bushes being a mass of large, deep-coloured tlowers. In the beds at Whittinghame hardy perennials are largely used, but none were more worthy of remark than this Starwort. — S. A. Origanum Tourneforti. — The tenderness of the Dittany of Crete (Origanum Dictamnus) has made one rather doubtful about growing a few of the other species which may be more amenable to our climate. One is led to think that we have rather neglected the distinct-looking Dittany of Amorgos (O. Tourneforti). This I faw a few days ago in the interesting collection of hardy plants grown at Cunningham, Fraser and Co. 's nursery at Edinburgh. It is of sub-shrubby habit and grows about a foot high The flowers are pink and are more thickly arranged on the spike than is the case in O. Dictamnus. It seems to be hardy in the Comely Bank Nurseries, and as a rock garden plant is worthy of the notice of those who care for alpines of this kind. — S. Arnott. Garrya elliptica in East Lothian. — At j Tynninghame, theseit of the E.irl of Haddington ' in East Lothian, there are some fine specimens of Garrya elliptica in the open. The truth is that this Galifornian shrub is much hardier than some have supposed, and many who have been deterred from growing it through fear of its tenderness may safely try it either on walls or in the open. It is mostly grown as a wall shrub, but those who have seen good specimens in the open will be disposed to agree with the passage in " The Eng- lish Flower Garden," which says : "If planted in a shrubbery near the path and nob allowed to become crowded, its beauty can best be enjoyed." All the specimens observed at Tynninghame were fine, but one was exceptionally so with its deep green leaves and its elegant light green catkins in great numbers. Tynninghame is close to the sea, bub on bhe easb coasb that does not mean much in the way of higher temperature. — S. A. Hemerocallis aurantiaca major. — It may be welcome news to not a few who have invested in this first class perennial to know that it promises to be a good doer, if not quite so free as some other kinds in its mode of increase. The slowness of growth is, I take it, rather a gain 252 THE GAEDEN. [September 23, 1899. than otherwise, as the plant will in no sense be sufficiently prolific to become a weed for a long time to come. The rapid increase of such as H. Kwanso, H. fulva, and others is such, that con- stant reduction of the clumps or replanting is a necessity in light soils. The heavier soils are capable of providing more food for the plant for a longer period, and in this way the flowering does not suffer. The above plant, while possessing a good constitution, will be found quite at home in a fairly heavy soil, and perhaps nob less so for the time being in lighter ones as well. Perhaps in growth this fine subject more nearly resembles H. disticha than any other, save, of course, the typi- cal H. aurantiaca, of which so little unfortunately is known. Not in habit merely, but in the pro- gress of its growth is it like this kind, and is therefore less abundantly tufted than all else, and quite distinct in its well-archinK leaves. — E.J. ^ Catalpa syringsefolia fruiting:. — While large examples of this handsome tree are not un- common in this country, the instances of its fruit- ing abundantly are by no means plentiful, par- ticularly so in and around London or in northern districts. .Just now, however, a fine specimen of the tree in question is literally loaded with its pods of fruit in the gardens at Gunnersbury House. So numerous indeed are the pods, which hang from seven to ten in a cluster, that the tree is quite an attraction, the bunches of pods hang- ing over each other in remarkable profusion. The pods, the longest being 8 inches or more and not unhke those of the Vanilla, completely cover the tree for nearly one half on the sunny side, another portion inclining to east having bub few pods. This, however, may have been due to an earlier flowering on this side and a subsequent frost damaging the blossom. The fruiting of the example in question is not unique in any way, though the present crop is regarded as the heaviest yet noticed. The colour of the pods is dark green, and is only varied by a slight coloration at the stalk. Salvia splendens grandiflora.— Among the good plants that display themselves to advantage in early autumn is this modern improvement on Salvia splendens. The brilliant colour, the large blossoms, and the well-furnished extended spike are all points of importance in this excellent plant. By successional propagation it is possible to get a display for a very lengthened period ; then with pinching and stopping far on into the season a good batch of plants can be re- tarded till quite late autumn for mixing with Chrysanthemums and other plants indoors. It should be borne in mind, however, that the cut- tings must be secured when quite young; if at all hard, there is a possibility of their going early to flower without being half developed. In these circumstances, a few plants bedded out in a re- serve plot and cut hard back will yield the reiiui- site shoots, or the same plants may be kept in pots for the same purpose. It is a good plan, instead of keeping the old plants through the winter, to root a goodly batch of cuttings each autumn in amanure frame, and propagatefrom these again in spring. The old plants, however, make a fine array of colour in open beds, and where the latter are large, some may be retained for this purpose. Cannas in tubs. — Replying to your inquiry re the treatment of the Cannas you noted in tubs at Mereworth, I did not disturb them last autumn, but placed the tubs in a frost-proof shed and withheld water. About the middle of February the plants were divided into pieces sufficiently small and potted into 6inch pots, putting them on a shelf in an early Peach house, where they remained until the middle of April, removing them then to a cold pit. I planted them in the tubs the first week in May ; by that date they had one strong growth from 1'2 inches to 18 inches, and other smaller growths pushing from the base. After planting I place the tubs against a south wall and cover with lights at night, or during rough weather until the end of May, when they are well established and ready for placing in their summer quarters. Liquid manure is given freely as soon as the tuba are full of roots, occasionally substituting some other fertiliser. The compost used consists of fibrous loam (lumpy), spent hotbed manure, adding sifted lime rubbish and sand sufficient to keep the whole open. The two varieties grown areAmiral Avellan and .Joseph Bichon. Last year I had Duchess of York and Queen Charlotte equally good, but, being of dwarf habit and green, these kinds are not nearly so effective in tubs. — J. Warren, Mereworth Castle Gardetis, Kent. Lobelia Tupa.— The very distinct and un- common Lobelia Tupa was well represented by a large bunch of cut flowers in the stand of Messrs. Cocker and Sons, of Aberdeen, at the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's show the other day. One does not often meet with it in gardens, and when seen it is generally represented by very small plants. Its comparative rarity is probably due to two causes. For one thing it has the reputation of being only half-hardy, and for another it is a remarkably difficult plant to break up without losing even a large specimen in the process. It is thus but seldom seen in such quantity as was shown by Messrs. Cocker and Sons. I made particular inquiry as to the hardiness of L. Tupa at Aberdeen, and was assured that it is hardy there, although the "granite city " is associated in people's minds with a somewhat unkindly climate. It does quite well in the S.W. of Scotland, like many other Chilian plants, and ougho to be more generally tried, al- | though it is said to be very poisonous. It is at times spoken of as Lobelia Feuillei and Tupa Feuillei. L. Tupa has flowers of reddish-scarlet and sessile, ovate-lanceolate leaves, clothed with whitish down. When established it will grow 6 feet or more high. The Tupa is a distinct and effective plant in its season. — S. Arnott. Eucomis punctata. — There was a nice spike of Eucomis punctata in the table of plants sent for exhibition to the Edinburgh autumn show by Mr. John Forbes, of Hawick, N.B, It had a prominent place among the other cut flowers and attracted some notice, although those who care only for plants with bright colours could not be expected to admire it. It is, of course, an old plant, having been grown for many years as a greenhouse flower. One would not like to say that it is hardy everywhere in Great Britain, but from what I have seen of it in the south of Scot- land I think it might be more largely taken ad- vantage of in outdoor gardening, even if it had a slight covering of ashes, dry leaves, or litter dur- ing winter. I grew it here for several years, but it was lost one very dry summer from want of atten- tion in the way of giving it a soaking with water. It has been grown in a neighbouring garden, where the soil is stiffer and where there are a few degrees more of frost, for a longer time, and is still doing well. One is confident that in mode- rately mild localities it might be grown with ad- vantage. Eucomis punctata was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope more than 100 years ago, and appears to have been more popular a number of years ago than it has been of late. The long, channelled, oblong- lanceolate leaves are hand- some, and the cylindrical scape bears a number of small green and brown flowers, which are topped by a tuft of bracts, whence is derived the name of Eucomis. Eucomis punctata appears to like a rather rich soil, where it will produce handsome spikes, which are, if not brilliant, very interesting and pretty in their way. The flowers have a peculiar sweet odour, no6 so pronounced as to be disagreeable, which attracts numbers of small flies to them. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, by Dumfries, N.B. depth of less than half an inch. The sun shone on an average for 4j hours a day, which is a good record for the time of year. I find that the past summer (June, July, and August) was the hottest and sunniest I have recorded since I came to Berkhamsted in 1885. The total rainfall was 3 inches below the mean, hut exceeded that in the same three months in 1898 by about 2 inches. — E. M., Berkhamsted. Claim to produce of garden. — I made an agreement (verbal) with a builder who bought some gardens that I should have fruit and produce for finding labour and watching it, the builder to have the ground when he wanted it for building. After spending about £10 on wages, etc., he says I am not to get any more fruit, as he wants to sell the ground. Can I recover in county court for value of fruit?— A. *,* The contract between you and the builder was, that until such time as the ground was wanted for building purposes you were to expend labour, &c. , upon it and were to have the produce for your reward. You may, if you choose, take all the fruit that is now on the land, whether the builder wishes to sell or whether he has sold it or not, and if he forcibly prevents you or himself removes the fruit, or if ib is removed by any person claiming through him, you may sue him in the county court to recover damages for breach of the verbal contract, the existence of which can be readily proved, and which, seeing that there has been part performance, cannot w ell be denied. — K. C. T. Public Gardens. Opening of a new park at Ilford. — On Saturday afternoon the new Central Park at Ilford was opened by the chairman of the Urban District Council, Mr. W. W. Gilson. The park, which consists of 47 acres, contains a large lake and is prettily laid out with flower-beds and shrubberies. Hampstead Green. — The Tree and Open Spaces Committee of the Hampstead Vestry have issued a report stating that they have carefully considered a letter from Sir Henry Harben, the chairman, intimating that upon his recommenda- tion a lady had bought for £7500 the Hampstead Green property recently put up to auction for the sole purpose of enabling the vestry to make up their minds what they will do with regard to the green or paddock in front of the houses stand- ing on the property, and thab if the offers were sufficient she would dedicate the paddock to the public in order that it might be preserved as an open space for ever. In the opinion of the com- mittee the opportunity now afforded by the generous and public-spirited action of the lady of maintaining the present picturesque and sylvan approach to Hampstead from London should not be lost, and they recommend that the necessary steps be taken for the acquisition of the green and the dedication thereof to the public. It is expected that the owners of property immediately adjoining and facing the green will subscribe towards the purchase, and the lady referred to, who wishes to remain anonymous, has said that she will herself make a contribution to the acquisi- tion of the green. The weather in West Herts.— Yet another warm week, and the eleventh in succession. At no time, however, did the shade temperature rise above 70'\ At 2 feet deep the ground is still about 2° above the September average, but at 1 foot deep it is about 1° colder than is season- able. Rain fell on four days, but to the total Names of plants. — B. ^' S. — A, Eriophorum angustifolium ; B, Phragmites communis. — -W. 0. T. — The Campanulas are C. rhomhoidalis and C. lati- folii van Houttei. Please send better specimen of the j other. ./. M. S. (Colchester). — 1, Polvgonum am- plpxicaule ; 2, Ceanothus azureus ; 3, Clerodendron ' fallas ; 4, send fuller specimen, with spike of comiug flowers; •">, Statice speciosa probably. P. Bosan- quet. — Probably Quercus Ilex variety, but a fruiting branch is nPcessary to accurately determine. Yorhi^t. — 1, Begonia, send better specimen ; 2, Hyperi- cum sp., flower too shrivelled ; 3, PolygoDum sphtero- stachyum. A. C. — Impossible to name without flowers. Name of fruit.— ff. Lode.— Plum Pond's Seed- ling. THE GARDEN. No. 1454.— Vol. LVI.] [SEPTEMBER 30, 1899. RosQs :~ Rofe, a pretty Polyantha .. 254 Rose Duchess of Albany _ 254 Rose Earl of Pembroke ., 254 Rose Gennaine Trochon .. 253 Rose Manaan Cochet . . . . 253 Rose Mme. C. P. Strassheim 25i Rose Mrs R. G. Sharman Crawford „ 254 Rose Wm. Allen Richardson in bush form 254 Roses in September . . «, 253 Roses, malformed 251 Roses, Montlily 253 Flower:— Bougain%-Ulea glabra in Hyde Park .. -. 256 Clematis La France . . 257 Dahlia, Cactus, Magnificent 256 Dahlia, Cactus, Mary Ser- vice 256 Dahlias, a feast of . . „ . . 255 Dahlias, Cactus 256 Dahliap, Cactus, at the Crys- tal Palace 256 Geranium Magenta Queen - 256 Leucoj um roseum 256 Lilium rubellum 255 Lily, the Madonna _ „ 255 LU^y the Madonna, in a Sus- sex fjai-dtn ^ 255 Lobelias for stock 254 Nympha'-a Froebeli . . - . 256 Nymphwa stellata in the open air . . 254 Pelargonium Beauty — .. 257 Tropajolum speciosum . .. 255 Orchard and Fruit :— Apple Peapgood'a Nonsuch 259 Apple Washington - .. 260 Apples, burnt refuse for ., 260 Apples, gathering 258 Birds and the Apple and Pear crops . . _ . . . . 259 Figs, open-air — 257 Gooseberry Whitesmith .. 257 Gooseberries, late .. „ 257 Grape Foster's Seedling .. 258 Melon Gunton Scarlet . .. 260 Melon Scarlet Premier.. .. 257 Peaches and Nectarines, budding 258 Pear Clapp's Favourite . . 259 Pear Doyenne d'AIencon 260 Pair Pitmaston on a south wall at Insch, N.B 257 Pear, the Pitmaston .. .. 257 Plum Denniston'a Superb .. 260 Plum Early Violet 257 (Illustrations in Italics.) Plums, scarcity of . _ .. Strawberry St Joseph.. .. Strawberries, flavour in Strawberries, late — .. Strawberries, late, on north borders .- Vine borders, loose Vines, firm soil for .. .. Vines, raising young ., .. Garden Flora:— Violets, the new giant .. .. 258 260 260 258 259 259 260 253 260 Week's Vork:— Fruits under glass, work among .. .. 261 Kitchen garden, work in the 261 Kitchen : - Beans, climbing . 263 Beets _ , 263 Insecticide, a good .. . . 262 Kales, the vagaries of . . . . 262 Leeks . 263 Lettuce White Chavigny . . 262 Peaa and drought . 263 Potatoes in the south „ , . 263 Potatoes, soil for « „ . . 262 Vegetable Slarrows .. . . 264 Stove and Greenhouse:— Allamandas 265 Aristolochia gigas . . . . — 264 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine 264 Chironia ixifera 265 Crimim roseum 264 Cyclamens, repotting _ — 265 Eucharis amazonica . . _ 264 Medinilla maguifica .. ., 265 Plants, winter -flowering ., 265 Plumbago capensis .. ^ 264 Portlandia grandiflora . „ 264 Portlandia grandiflora .. . , 264 Schubertia grandiflora . ,, 265 Statice profusa 265 Witsenia corymbosa .. ,. 264 Trees and Bliraba t— Mountain Ash, the .. .. 266 Spir;ea Anthony Waterer . . 266 Tecoma radicana 266 ]Vistaria, whtte^ at The Larch':8, East Qrinste September 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 261 has been claimed for this Violet that it is the largest up to date, and I think the claim will probably be upheld, and that it will also prove most prolific. The French varieties, LnxoNNE, L'iNErnisABLE, and Exploratedr Dybowsky, have not yet been sufficiently tested in this country to form a definite opinion as to their general utility, but they are robust in habit and have successfully resisted the red spider during the past exceptionally trying summer. Ajiropos of the red spider, many Violet growers must be sadly disheartened by the ravages which it has already made, and a cheap and eflectual insecticide which can be relied upon to dispose of it will be welcome. Whilst the culture of Violets is not so diffi- cult as many would suggest, they certainly call for care and patience right through their career from the cutting-bed to the rubbish-heap. Briefly, I root the cuttings in September either in frames or sheltered borders. If they make much growth before winter, I lift and line them out in nursery beds, taking care to plant suffi- ciently deep. A slight protection from the frosty winds of February and March is advis- able, although in many localities nothing in this way will be required. Plant out from 12 inches to 15 inches apart in April or early in May and use cow manure as a dressing, especially in light soils. The trying months are July and August, and it is then that Violets will give out unless they can derive substantial assistance from beneath, and that in spite of overhead water- ing. The shade afforded by large fruit trees has been very beneficial, and some such posi- tion should be secured for planting in where quantities of Violets are indispensable. This is especially desirable where the clumps will be removed into frames in September. Much has been written about the culture of Violets under glass, but one point calls for attention, viz., the necessity for plenty of light and air even during a severe winter. A little frost will not injure Violets half so much as the unreasonable nursing and coddling which they often get in frames. I am sure that this remark especially applies to the rank-growing giant Violets. Much water is also injurious. Pick off the decayed leaves and keep the soil fresh and sweet. When the plants have done flowering they may as well be thrown away, as it is presumed that plenty of cuttings will have been rooted from the runners which the plants have supplied during the previous August and September. James C. House. The WEEK'S Work. Peat - moss litter as manure. — Various opinions have been offered from time to time as to the bad and good effects of this material as manure. Of late years there has been a growing tendency to use it in stables instead of straw, and consequently gardeners in many establishments have found themselves in the awkward position of having to use peat-moss litter manure or nothing. Compared to good straw litter manure, I do not consider it worthy of the name, and have come to this conclusion after using it on a somewhat retentive soil. In itself the manurial properties contained are very small. After lying in the ground for a whole season I have seen it turned up in exactly the same condition as when dug in. I can also substantiate the statements made by several correspondents on the ill effects of peat-moss when used as a mulch for Straw- berries. It may answer fairly well if the weather happens to be dry during the fruiting period, but let it come wet, and wholesale rotting is almost sure to be the result. There may be some in- stances where peat-moss is apparently beneficial, but I fail to see how bog peat, in which nothing grows naturally to any perfection, can eventually prove to be of lasting benefit. — H. H. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pkickink odt Cabbacks. — After the required number of spring Cabbage plants has been planted on the various quarters from the second sowing, the mote weakly that remain over may well be pricked out closely on very firm ground not over-rich. This is the safest plan, as one is never certain what the winter will be. If mild and much bolting occurs in the main plantations, the latter are often the more valuable of the two, and if severe weather should be the order of the day, the nursery plants can easily be protected with litter. Bracken or some such material ; and should they survive, their constitutions are better than of those wintered in frames or pits and the plants go away better when transplanted in March or April. If not required, the labour is not much, and it is gratifying to know one is on the safe side. Cauliflowers may be treated similarly, so that dry leaves or evergreen branches may be used for pro- tection. I have had such varieties as Snowball and Erfurt, also Early London, stand through a moderate winter planted at the foot of south and west walls like Lettuce. In districts where early Cabbages occupy hot, dry sites the present is a trying time for first early spring Cabbages, as the amount of rain that has fallen has made some, but not sufficient impression on the root-run. Where flagging has been excessive, owing to an arid atmosphere or violent winds, evening sprinklings overhead by means of rosed watering-pots are beneficial, enabling the plants to assert themselves by morning. The same remarks apply to Endive. Batches of the latter, owing to lifting time approaching, must, where growth is not vigorous enough, be assisted with liquid manure. Mushroom house. — In a former calendar I gave instructions concerning the preparation of an early bed, which will by this time have been spawned and soiled over. Hitherto, the tempera- ture has been sufficiently high without the aid of artificial heat, but with colder nights a gentle warmth in the pipes may be allowed, 55° being a suitable figure to aim at. Later on, when it is discovered that the spawn is actively operating, a fall to .50' or .52° will be advisable, as suiting secondary and main-crop beds best. In the event of the heat of the earliest bed falling lower than is desirable, give a liberal covering of dry litter. I prefer oat-straw, as this lies loosely on the bed and does not become mouldy like hay. Provided the material is fairly moist, do not apply water to the surface until the young Mushrooms appear. For making successional beds, manure from corn- fed horses should be collected every morning, for, as a rule, by the time sufficient has been collected and gently sweated it is time to make up another bed. Much carelessness is often displayed in the preparation of the droppings. Some allow them to be thrown into and remain in a heap for days together in order to save time, but the practice is a bad one, as by such violent sweating when the material is in a moist condition much of the ammonia required for producing and sustaining the crop is lost in evaporation, neither do such beds last so long. Throwing it into a ridge and turning it every morning is by far the best plan. The long straw should be removed as the material is collected, the short being left in to assist in keep- ing it open and thus encourage a free working of the spawn. Saturating the walls and floors of Mushroom houses every morning with water is not good practice, as it creates a close, steamy atmosphere, which soon turns the tiny Mushrooms black and prevents them swelling. The best way is to slightly syringe the paths and walls each morning, and no more. Insert the spawn when the heat of the bed has fallen to 90°. Some spawn nearer 80°, but sometimes the disturbance of the surface and opening and shutting of doors cause a sudden drop of 5' or even 10°. PiCKLiNc Cabbages.— Most gardeners like to secure large, heavy specimens of red Cabbages, but these extra large heads are not at all times i the most profitable. Not infrequently when the plants are raised say with the earliest lot of ordi- nary spring cooking Cabbage they grow vigorously if the winter is mild, and the succeeding spring favourable, monstrous Cabbages are formed by early autumn, and as they are not usually re- quired for pickling until well into November, bursting and decay take place. Of course they can be pulled up and suspended by the stem in a cool, dry outhouse. I have grown excellent solid heads from plants raised in a frame in spring. At any rate, too early autumn sowing is not advisable. General work. — After a very dry summer we often get a succession of heavy rains in autumn ; therefore the sooner a good-sizad heap of soil is got in readiness for use in forcing early batches of pot and box-grown French Beans the better. It can then be stored away in some convenient corner where it will not become too dry, and can be covered with boards or thatched to protect from drenching rains. A good friable loam, with a small percentage of horse droppings or a little artificial manure, should be added to the soil. Those who force in shallow wooden boxes — a system which has much to recommend it, especi- ally in mild winters — should take advantage of wet days for the repairing of the same, or making new ones if required. Everything will then be in readiness for a start in October. Those who are venturing on Bean forcing for the first time and are unacquainted with the best varieties will find Osborne's, Sutton's Dwarf Forcing, and Syon House reliable. J. C. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Figs. — No other fruit tree grown is so prolific as the Fig, and there seems to be practically no limit to its continuous cropping while growing conditions can be maintained. It is advisable now to prevent any further development of fruit or growth on trees intended to be forced early next year. Late or third-crop fruits are never so fine as the earlier ones, and they may well be sacrificed with a view to building up the trees for next year. With me the wood is apparently ripening up well and little fire-heat is being used ; free ventilation night and day and a drier con- dition of the soil will do all that is necessary in order to finish up the growth in a satisfactory way. Where bug has established itself, the leaves, as they turn yellow, should be picked off by hand and carried away to the fire heap instead of being allowed to drop on to the borders. If the stems are left to drop of themselves no harm will be done by taking away the leafy portion, and at the same time removing all fruit that has formed. If replanting is contemplated, no time could be better than the present, and in the case of trees that have been making gross and unfruitful wood, I would suggest, as the very best possible remedy, that the borders be opened up, removing the rich soil and substituting a very much poorer rooting medium, but one that contains lime and broken brick in large quantities, giving plenty of drain- age and ramming the soil as firmly as possible. The Fig is not a delicate tree, and it does not object to an amount of root-disturbance that one would not like to employ with many other trees, so no fear need be felt that the loss of a few roots will do the trees any harm, and in many cases it would be a great benefit to cut them away freely and to curtail the borders considerably at the same time, so that the new roots shall be confined to a very limited space and fully occupy that space before any additions to the border are made. By pro- ceeding in this way the trees will be induced to make wood of the right sort for fruiting, and the fear of the first crop turning yellow and dropping when half grown will disappear. Peaches. — Early-forced trees will now have cast most of their leaves and may be pruned at once, first of all loosening them from the trellis and getting rid of all old ties. Whatever system of pruning may be used, the operator should bear in mind that the general tendency is to leave far too much wood in the trees. Probably this may arise generally from an anxiety to secure a good set, but there is always far more need to fear bud-dropping from trees that have been 262 THE GARDEN. [SEPTBMBte 30, 1899. thickly trained than there is with those which have been allowed ample room for the full deve- lopment of their leaves. Personally I adopt the extension system of pruning and training and cut away all spurs that form, retaining only as much new wood as will clothe the trellis at about 5 inches apart. These shoots I rarely shorten, except, perhaps, a few of those which have encroached beyond their limits, and which must be curtailed owing to want of room to extend them. In shortening such shoots it is necessary to be able to recognise the wood buds and to prune always to one of these, as, unless there is a wood-bud at the end of the shoot, it will die back. The old axiom that the centre bud of three on the same cluster is sure to be a woadbud is a mistake, and holds good only in eome cases, as many Peach trees carry young shoots with very few wood-buds, and bunches of three flower- buds are by no means rare on these ; conse- quently the man entrusted with pruning should be able to recognise wood-buds at a glance. This is not difficult, as they are i|uite different in shape from the flower-buds, being long, thin, and pointed instead of being plump and round. Where the trees have had due attention paid to them in the matter of disbudding during the growing season pruning is an ea^y matter, as there will be but little to cut away except the wood that has borne fruit, leaving to replace it the young shoot that has been retained at the base of each piece of fruiting wood. If more than sufficient wood to furnish the tree has been laid in, it is advis- able, for the sake of retaining the trees in good shape, to cut away the new shoots that have been laid in on the undersides of the older wood and retain those laid in on the upper sides. When pruning is finished, the roof, glass, wood- work, and walls should be syringed and washed down with hot water and soft soap, using con- siderable force in syringing, so that the water may be forced into the crevices and drive out insects that may already have secreted them- sehes. Whitewash the walls with hot lime, and then turn attention to the trees, which should have the older wood thoroughly gone over with a solution of Gishurst compound, applied in accordance with the directions, and well worked into all cracked bark and other crevices. The young wood may be gone over with a weaker solution, but it is very susceptible to injury from strong insecticides of a solvent nature, and as the smoother bark on this wood ofifers no hiding- places, there is not the necessity to be so particu- lar with it. The next process should be to re- move the top 2 inches of soil from the borders, not forgetting those portions situated under the pipes and other places not easy of access, for these places are apt to be passed over unless their clearance is insisted upon, and neglect of these odd corners means undoing all one's good work by leaving a stock of insect life behind. It may be objected to this stripping the face of the bor- ders that it exposes and injures fibrous roots near the surface, but the injury caused is more than counter- balanced by the good done in replac- ing the soil removed with fresh material. It is not yet too late to plant trees in an early house ; indeed, those grown and prepared out of doors will now be in the best condition for planting, and if they are carefully dealt with they will carry a moderate crop the first year. Melons — From now onward it is not advis- able to use the syringe on the plants in whatever stage they may be. Atmospheric moisture must be kept up in houses carrying fruits still in the swelling stages, but this may be done by keeping the evaporating pans filled with manure water and by frequent damping down of walls and other surfaces ; this will be sufficient to keep down spider. Over-ventilation should be carefully guarded against and fire-heat kept on night and day, so that the temperature shall be kept fairly high and steady with only the usual fall at night. A few hours of a low temperature will probably spoil the crop. Whatever water may be needed by the plants should be given in the morning, and the soil near the collars should be kept dry I without fail, for at this late date canker may be j readily set up by wetting the stems, and it is not j so easily checked now as it may be in the summer. To assist the fire-heat and to prevent ; cold winds from blowing in on to the plants I through the laps of the glass, the pits or houses should be covered with frigi domo or mats, the former for preference if it can be put on in a dry condition each night. Corjjubi.vn. Kitchen Garden. SOILS FOR POTATOES. Many who grow Potatoes never trouble about any special preparation of the soil for them, and it is not at all unusual to grow them on a dirty fallow where the necessary hoeing and cleaning will kill some troublesome weed or another that has established itself. This is, of course, wrong, and is at the bottom of a lot of our Potato troubles. Time after time during the present season I have received samples of Potatoes from growers in different localities with the request that I should tell them what was wrong with them. In nine cases out of ten poverty and unsuitability of soil have been evidently the cause, for the tubers have been exceedingly small for the kinds sent — so small in some cases as to be quite unrecognisable — and bear that stunted look that shows plainly the want of suitable plant food in the soil. Fresh farmyard manure planted with the sets cannot really be of great service to the crop, and owing to the soil having lain close and inert all the season there are injurious acids formed that damage the tender skin of the growing tuber. Nature trying to remedy this fault, the flesh of the Potato grows out at that point, making either a very ugly-shaped or a scabby tuber. One of the greatest aids to successful culture of Potatoes is preparing the land as far as pos- sible in autumn. Whatever crop they follow should be oft' the ground by September, and as soon as the ground is sufficiently softened on heavy lands or directly the crop is cleared from lighter ones, let it be as deeply ploughed as possible or well dug as the case may be. If farmyard manure is to be used, it should be spread thinly and regularly before digging, and the soil left as rough as possible. But there are other materials that may often be got that are more suitable for Potatoes, and a heap of well-prepared compost applied either now or in spring is a valuable aid. The cleanings of ponds and ditches, odds and ends of soil, verge clippings, and coal ashes with a good sprinkling of hme when it is being turned, are only a few of tlie materials that a careful gardener may gatheron most estates, thesehelpingout the often very short allowance of manure and suiting this important crop exactly. About burnt eartli and charred garden refuse it is hardly necessary to say much. This material is so well known as a valuable aid to Potato culture that little of it is likely to be wasted. This may, however, be kept dry and oft" the land until the final pre- parations for planting are in progress, as it is quick -acting in a chemical way when rains fol- low planting, and is also useful for placing along the drills and furrows, the tubers always turn- ing out very clean afterwards. But even the fact of exposing the land to frost and rains in winter is a great help. It purifies and cleanses it, besides making it work very much better in spring, and it is always a sign of very bad management when you see a farmer ploughing old land, or a cottager or gardener digging it and planting at the same time. The effect of such dilatory work is worse in a dry season than a wet one, especially on heavy lands where the ground turns up lumpy and dries hard, and one has to wait for rain before hoeing or mould- ing up can be done. The Potato is a long-suf- fering plant, and takes care of itself in a most remarkable manner against very long odds, but no one who wdl give it proper cultivation on practical lines is likely to lose by the experi- ment. H. 11. Lettuce White Chavigny. — Many notes have appeared recently on Lettuces, but I have seen no mention made of this Cabbage variety. Duubtless most growers will agree that any kind that will give good tender heads in a season like this should be known. I consider this the very best for a summer kind for coming in in hot, dry weather. I have grown it the last three seasons and prefer it to any other kind. My plan is to sow it on Celery ridges through the early part of the summer, allowing the plants to remain where sown. In this position they receive good sup- plies of water and manure water occasionally. When treated thus it grows wonderfully quick and is very tender. 1 grew Continuity many years ago when first put on the market, and although praised by some growers, I consider it poor beside this kind. I am convinced Chavigny will remain as long before running to seed ; added to this, it is devoid of that dark colour which is against Continuity. — Dorset. A good insecticide.— In a recent issue of The (Jakden "A.D." refers to my using a solu- tion for spraying Peas affected with thrips, and also to my showing the haulm and Peas at the Drill Hall, stating he knows nothing of it, but suggesting it should be tried at Chiswick. I consider this a capital idea and hope it will be carried out. I used this insecticide (the name is Improved Spimo, not Spin;i*, as written in The (Jarden) on three long rows of Peas with the best results. Had I not used Improved Spimo I should have lost all my late Peas early in July from thrips. One evening I resolved to try this, having just obtained a gallon. Accordingly I had these rows, which were Ne Plus Ultra, Chelsonian and Walker's Perpetual, sprayed over with a weak solution, just warm. Although the tops and young leaves were curled in and eaten badly, in four or five days it was clear it had a good effect. A second application was given. This arrested the pest, and green leaves with elongation of shoots were visible. I then resolved to water and mulch the roots, with the result stated by "A.D." at page 19G. Undoubtedly this is a splendid insecticide. Another advantage is that that being cheap it is within the reach of all. — J. Crook, Forde Abbty. The vagaries of Kales. — I shall be glad if anyone who, like myself, has experienced the difficulty, or rather the impossibility, of doing any good with some of the types of Kales will offer a suggestion as to the probable cause of failure. I grew Asparagus Kale successfully for several seasons until it went off in the mysterious man- ner chronicled last year in The Garden pages, and as this was repeated for three years it was expunged from the list. This year the oppor- tunity ofiered of trying many varieties of Kales, and two forms of Asparagus with Labrador were included. Two rows of each, half a dozen in all, were planted in the centre of the plot, and at the present time (September 10) there is not a plant left of the two hundred that were put out. On either side of them the dwarf curled types, both green and purple, Reid's Hearting, Scotch Kale, Cottager's and many different forms of garnishing Kale, are in the best of health, have completely covered the ground, and will make some splendid stuff. So far as the root is concerned, there is absolutely nothing the matter with the Kales that have collapsed. It is simply an above-ground question, as the foliage in the best of health to day droops to-morrow, then withers and finally dries up, the last being accompanied by the rot- ting of the stem. I have entered somewhat fully into the particulars of the disease with the view Sbptkmber 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 263 to ascertain if other growers are in a similar plight, also to solicit notes from any contributors who may possibly have found the cause of the disease and, it may be, a remedy for the same. Failing to obtain the latter, I shall avoid all Kales of this type and rely solely on the green and purple curled and Cottager's. — E. Burrell. POTATOES IN THE SOUTH. Anyone who has travelled from the southern to the northern counties will have noticed the different aspects that exist owing largely to the amount of rainfall. The season everywhere has been dry and south of the Thames excessivelj' so, and this no doubt has been the cause of the early harvesting of most crops. For weeks past it would have been almost impossible to find a green field in Kent, and before August was out the majority of the corn was safely harvested. Potatoes, too, have come along at the same rapid rate, and in many gardens the lifting of the main crop was effected during the opening days of September. The same may be said of Onions, and with me the crop has been harvested several weeks ago. From observations made in different localities all of which have suffered severely from drought, I am of a stronger opinion than hereto- fore that Potatoes do not necessarily suffer to any great extent in a dry season, supposing, of course, that they have been subjected to fair and reason- able cultivation. The early varieties were perhaps a little dis- appointing, not on account of the quantity so much as the smallness of the tubers, and this I attribute to the rapidity with which the tops ripened. In digging Potatoes this season we have had a good illustration of the value of autumn or winter manuring for this crop in preference to ap- plying it in the spring, as in cases where the latter was done the manure, except being more hard and dry, came out much the same as when put in. Neither have I been able to see much difference in the results obtained from farmyard manure and artificials, as in the case of a piece of ground treated with kainit and superphosphate the crop was as heavy as where farmyard manure was used, and the application in both instances was made some time prior to planting. In referring to varieties one approaches a wide subject, for their name is legicn, and everyone knows how widely they vary according to locality. In spite of this, however, there are so many varie- ties of Potatoes in cultivation, and more are annually being added, that one would naturally expect that classification of Potatoes would be in a state of perfect chaos. But such is not the case, and it appears to be explained from the fact that out of the great number of varieties of Pota- toes on the market only a very few possess really good all-round qualities, and, by the law of the survival of the fittest, these are well known and widely grown in most localities, while a great many sorts of inferior quality are only grown long enough to prove them, and then they sink into obscurity. Amongst early Potatoes, Im- proved Ashleaf, Sharpe's Victor, Early Puritan, and Harbinger, the sorts on which I depend and all well known, came out well except for the smallness of tuber, to which I have already re- ferred. With stronger-growing main-crop sorts it does not need the eye of an expert to tell to a little from the appearance of the haulm how the crop is going to turn out, and though a good deal is urged against vigorous-growing Potatoes, it is quite impossible to get good tubers without healthy tops, and my heaviest crops have this season been lifted from rows where the haulm was the most vigorous. Over and over again I have had opportunities for observing patches of Potatoes where here and there could be seen a plant ripening oft' before the rest, and almost without exception these roots gave the lightest crop of tubers. Second growth is very prevalent this year, and in all cases where the haulm retains an exceptionally healthy appearance it is advis- able to lift the crop, and it is almost certain that second growth will be found as the cause of it. Disease showed itself a little both on the early and late crops, but with one or two exceptions no trace of it was found when lifting the tubers. Taken all round, the yield of main-crop sorts has been as good as need be, and I append a few remarks on some of the varieties Hfted. For the second successive season I have grown Snowball, and I am more than satisfied with it. Though one of the most robust kinds I had, the crop turned out to be a very heavy one, and the tubers, which are of an even, white, round character, are of excellent flavour. I do not hesitate to recom- mend Snowball as a high-class variety for main crop. Though strictly speaking a second early sort, I should like to say a word in favour of Pride of Tonbridge, a comparatively new variety, and one that will be sure to work its way to the front. Grown side by side with the popular Snowdrop, I am so favourably impressed with it as to give it preference to the latter sort. From several years' experience I am doubtful whether any better white round Potato exists than Uni- versal. This variety, which has already been favourably mentioned in these columns, is some- what rough in the skin, perfectly round, free from deep eyes, and of very superior flavour. Since growing it I have never come across a diseased tuber, and even late in the spring it boils with that white, floury appearance which charac- terises a good Potato. The much- vaunted Up-to- date has toned down somewhat this season, the tubers not being nearly so large as heretofore. The crop is fairly heavy, and though from my soil the flavour is fairly good, I have tasted tubers from other mediums of a very watery character, and have come to the conclusion that the quality of Up-to-date is best when grown in a fairly dry aspect. I have a good word to say for Crawley Prizetaker, which has a wide reputa- tion as a white pebble-shaped variety. The first consideration in choosing a Potato is qualitv. Unfortunately, this is by no means a general rule, nor will it be, I am afraid, so long as there are sorts which have only appearance to recommend them, and in view of the fact that at present there is no other mode in vogue of judging Potatoes at shows except by appearance. (i. H. H. green. It ia so far satisfactory to find that so much distinctness really exists in these varieties. — A. D. Climbing Beans.— How well these Beans re- pay generous culture is evidenced in good gar- dens. At Hackwood Park, Highclere Castle, Forde Abbey, and other gardens recently visited I found what seemed to be remarkable rows of the best scarlet and white runners, but scarlet chiefly, of great height and luxuriance and fruiting abundantly. At Hackwood the growths were 12 feet in height, carrying splendid crops. Such varieties as Ne Plus Ultra, Best of All, Hill's Prize, and others of the new long-podded section are wonderful croppers, and it is folly for anyone to assume that these are less productive than are the old stocks of runners. Rjally they are far more prolific. It is doubtful whether, allowing 5 feet space across a garden quarter for a tall row of runners, any other crop could give such profitable products as one of these rows does. But, apart from variety, which is of some importance, this fine product is a question of culture. Trenches are opened 2 feet wide, and the ground broken up and liberally manured fully .SO inches deep. The seeds are also planted thinly, from 9 inches to 12 inches apart, and the result is seen later in remarkable growth and productive- ness, the crop being at the end of the season measured by many bushels. Shopkeepers, unfor- tunately, never get such Beans as are thus pro- duced. The average town runner Bean this sea- son has been hard, dry, stringy, seedy, and a tasteless product. No matter what the vege- table, this season deep cultivation and liberal manuring have been abundantly rewarded. — A. D. Beets. — It is interesting to find how good Beets are this season in spite of the drought. It will be a good thing if scarcity in other directions should lead to a greater consumption of these t^ • i i." j -u j i ^t t^, roots than has hitherto been the case, for we have ' J* '® °'^^^ described as an improved Ne Plus PEAS AND DROUGHT. Those who have had an ample supply of green Peas during the whole of the summer must be regarded as fortunate. In the south of England I never had a more trying season. Although the dry days were fewer than was the case in JubUee year, the drought was more serious. The continuous easterly winds, accompanied by the fierce heat, quickly dissipated any land moisture there might be within I foot of the surface. For years I have trusted to a variety that does not appear to be much known out of the county of Devon — one named Goldtinder. none more wholesome or nutritious. But I have specially noted that the Turnip-rooted variety has done on very dry soils even better than has the tap-rooted varieties. That has been specially my Ultra, or perhaps it would be more fitting to say an enlarged form of that sterling variety. Goldfinder will grow and crop heavily early and late, and I never yet saw it attacked by mildew. own experience in a trial of a dozen varieties, | It has one fault, perhaps, although I do not re- where the Crimson Globe, the best stock of the j gard it as such— viz., it grows 8 feet high in Turnip-rooted forms in cultivation, has made i some seasons. I prefer tall-growing Peas, as capital bulbs of rich colour and delicious quality, better crops are obtained than from dwarf ?r1 ,n^?rt^'Jtni? «t A / It'^'T^'^ ?'%'' I" «orts, and what I regard as the main point dry soils to grow yet. As to the best out of the 'i,I.-d a ■ i.ii- ■ eleven others, I find it very difiicult to say where i f ^,r P^^^^-A^^""''-/^. ""^ '^'^'^'"S m many all are so good. None of the varieties selected ' ^""A'^T™" 1° 1 certainly not in Goldfinder. are coarse, all being apparently equally good for garden culture. — A. D. Leeks. — It is needful to see Leeks grow strongly, as the various vegetable exhibitors do to enable distinctions to be determined. These are less seen in the stems when exhibited, as all being blanched white as high as possible, the chief distinction is found in length and compara- tive narrowness of stem or in shortness and thick- ness of stem. Still, these conditions will often result from diverse methods of culture with the same variety. But, as seen recently in two gar- dens, marked differences of top were noted in Prize-taker, Sutton's Selected, and Debbie's Exhi- bition. The first has broad flag- like leaves closely set on the ground. With such, stems may be stout, but cannot be very long. The second has tall glaucous foliage, quite distinct, and in the best forms set with remarkable precision. Some of the plants have habits that lead to the impres- sion they will have long blanched stems. The last has similar erect leafage, but it is quite Eight large green Peas are found in nearly every pod, sometimes more. The pods, too, are numerous, which is a very important item. A larger share of success is obtained if thin sowing is practised. How can we expect Pea haulm to grow strong and keep clear of any fungus, like mildew, if sufficient space for development of stem and leaf is not aftbrded ? This is a far too common error. Too many persons when sowing Peas seora to be afraid they will not get rid of the seed fast enough. The plan of digging a trench and tilling it with manure for the roots to grow in I strongly object to. Peas growing in such a preparation more easily succumb to drought if they are not regularly and copiously watered. In such a preparation the roots all too soon ramble to the extent of trench, and the wall-like sides of the trench too often act as a root deterrent. When the land is deeply trenched and sufficiently manured in the autumn, well broken up and 264 THE GARDEIS'. [September 30, 1899. pulverised in the spring, clioosing dry weather if the soil be at all heavy and retentive of mois- ture, a thorough and correct preparation is then obtained. All that is afterwards neces- sary then is to draw out a wide drill and sow the seed thinly, earth up the plants when 4 inches of growth have been made, and mulch ] foot wide on either side of the row with half- rotted farmyard manure. It is useless to wait until the bulk of the moisture has evaporated from the soil before applying a mulching of some description. Seldom indeed does early mulching do harm. I never yet heard of Peas being too wet at the roots in the month of June, July, or August. Some persons blame too much wet for mildew attacks, but I think the reverse is more often the cause. E. MOLYNEUX. Vegetable Marrows. — I must confess sur- prise that your correspondent "H." (p. 196) should fail to understand why Vegetable Marrows are thought so much of at cottagers' shows. I think there can be only one explanation, and that is the extreme usefulness of the vegetable from a cottager's point of view. My experience of the average cottager is that he does not grow any particular crop because its cultivation happens to be interesting, but rather for the food supply of his household, and with no other vegetable does he get a better return for so small an outlay. The dry season of 1S99 has been an illustration of it. Many cottagers have not been able to gather enough Peas to pay for the sticks, and Beans of all sorts have not come up to the mark, and yet in the rubbish corner of the garden the Marrow plant has grown apace, and is still providing a supply for the table. Nor does the supply end when frost closes the career of the plants, for most cottagers are in the habit of storing a few of the best Marrows for use in the winter when other vegetables are scarce, and though they are not then so good, they are by no means to be dis- carded.—G. H. H. Stove and Greenhouse. PORTLANDIA GRANDIFLOBA. This, of which I send a photograph, is a very beautiful rubiaceous shrub from the West Indies. It is, I believe, rare in collections of stove plants, and is said to be difficult to flower. The plant in question, however, had three flowers on it last April, and in July, when it was photographed, thirteen blooms were fully out. The flowers are sweet-scented, creamy white, and very beautiful with their waved or almost crinkled edges. It is in a !l-inch pot, and was placed in the open in full sunshine for three weeks in August, 1808. It was afterwards kept rather dry during the autumn, and was fed with artificial manure occasionally in the spring and early summer. It has been grown in a moderately warm stove and rather crowded up with other stove plants. Like most other Rubiacere, it is easily grown from cuttings. ."^Ispam, West Hill. R. H. B. Crinum roseum. — This is a noble plant when well grown into a large specimen, and when it flowers it is sure to attract a lot of attention. A plant now in bloom has upwards of a dozen of its large spikes, each with a magnificent flower- umbel open, and the effect is very good. It is one of the easiest of all plants to grow, all that is necessary being a greenhouse temperature with ample light and plenty of water at the roots. — H. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. — At Shipley Hall, Derby, there is a fine stock of this useful winter-flowering Begonia, a splendid plant for decoration of all kinds, lasting well for many months and standing better than most things in a cool or dry sitting- or living-room. Of course, such treatment as the latter is not to its taste, for to do it well it must have a moist though not overheated house, where thrips, its worst insect enemy, is kept at bay. Many people have given this plant a bad name by starving it and getting it into flower in summer instead of getting a good growth into it and pinching off any flower- buds that form before October. It is a capital subject for keeping up a display after the bulk of the Chrysanthemums are past. Plumbago capensis. — This is certainly one of the most beautiful of greenhouse climbers, and there is nothing to beat it in its colour. The long shoots produced in spring are at this time of year wreathed with blossoms, and, good as it is in a small structure, it is simply unique among all climbers for a large structure where it can be allowed to take its own way entirely and hang in long festoons or ramble about at will over pillars or supports of the roof. Then its true beauty is seen. The culture is very simple, all that is necessary being to see that free drainage is Portlandia, gmndiflora. From a photogrupli, ,se>i( by Col. Beddome, Sispara, West EM, Putney. secured and a not over-rich border given." When grown in pots it looks much prettier if allowed freedom than when tied in to circular or other trellises. A shoot pushing out here and there loosely and naturally is a great offence to the eye of some gardeners, but the plants are really much prettier so, and if lightly cut in every year, no more training or pruning of any kind is needed. The compost for pots should be rather rich when the plants are strong and healthy, and feeding from the surface will also be necessary when the pots are full of roots. Syringe the growth regu- larly to keep red spider in check. Aristolochia gigas. — Where there is room to train a plant of this singular and very large- flowering plantit ought to be grown as a curiosity, for most employers like to have something of the kind to show to visitors. The blossoms are of immense size, the colour varying a good deal, and from the shape of these when opening they have been called the ( ^oose Flower, not inaptly, as the tube is bent and not unlike the neck of this bird. This class of plant requires a fairly large house or a long length of rafter, as it seldom flowers freely in a young state. The compost may be good, but not over-rich, as too rapid growth will be at the expense of flowering, the blossoms dropping from the leaf axils when small. For beauty it cannot compare with A. elegans, a very richly-marked and free- flowering kind with smaller flowers. I have had a yard or more of roof covered with this latter kind quite a mass of the deeply-tinted and prettily marbled flowers, but the larger kind named above flowers less freely, though more con- tinuously. I saw a nice plant of it flowering freely at Shipley Hall, Derby, a few weeks ago, where it was growing in a corridor- like house in an inter- mediate temperature. — H. R. Witsenia corymbosa. — This South African Irid, once popular, but now very rarely seen, is at the present time in full flower, and pretty it is, the blue blossoms being distinct from those of any other occupants of the greenhouse. It forms an erect stem of a firm, woody texture, while the sword-shaped leaves arranged in a fan like man- ner are collected at the ends of the branches. Of the pretty blue flowers a succession is kept up for some time. The reasons that cause the merits of this Witsenia to be overlooked nowadays are doubtless its slow growth, somewhat exacting cultural requirements, and the difficulty attend- ing its propagation, for cuttings do not readily strike root. They succeed best taken off with a portion of the woody stem, inserted into well- drained pots of very sandy peat, and covered with a bell-glass till rooted. They require very little artificial heat at first, though after a time a slight additional warmth will assist their rooting. The soil best suited for this Witsenia in all stages of growth is a good fibrous peat with a liberal admixture of sand. The pots prepared for the reception of the plants must be well drained, and the general treatment should be much the same as that given to Cape Heaths. — T. EUCHARIS AMAZONICA. I CONSIDER the flowers of this plant to be the most chaste and beautiful of all species that I am acquainted with, but it is so often used by florists and others in ways that are quite unsuited to it that it has come to be looked upon as a rather common white flower, useful, of course, but much in the same way that Narcissi and other popular flowers are used, i e., for filling up, and such things as Lily of the Valley, Roman Hyacinths and others are placed or wired over it. This, our florists say, gives a light effect, but it shows very bad taste on the part of any floral decorator to use such a lovely flower as the Eucharis for a groundwork, as it were, and make other flowers spring out of it in an unnatural way. The Eucharis is essentially a restful flower ; ib is a pity to cut it at all if it can possibly be avoided, for it never looks so well as against the deep green of its own beautiful foliage, the con- tour of each pure white blossom shown up by this and the light and graceful pose on the spikes not being excelled by anything in the whole range of flowering plants. But, unfortunately, many growers never see Eucharis amazonica as it should be ; they have come to know it as a stove plant, and a stove plant it must be with them to the end of the chapter ; so, instead of the stout, erect spikes, the deep green, stiff, leathery foliage, we have a weakened and debilitated plant that flowers three or four times a year instead of once naturally, and the blossoms, unable to hold up their pretty heads, droop in a half-ashamed kind of manner about the pale green flower-spikes. Owing to its great beauty, a taste for the flower has grown up, and market men, to supply this demand, keep their plants over bottom-heat, driving them for all they are worth the whole year round and pick hundreds of the flowers daily. It is well to do so, for they will nob last on the plants, and soon wilt and die in any case. They are quite different from the massive, thick petalled flowers that one may see in a cool, September 30, 1899.J THE GAEDEN. 265 pleasantly moist house where Eucharises roiUy thrive. Here you have not to look for the spikes under the leaves ; they push up well above them, and if a plant happens to be needed for room decoration 3-ou can take one, and it will be fresh and good in a week or ten days' time, not hang- ing out over the side of the pot directly it is taken from the enervating heat and moisture. Why, then, should private growers who cater for a cultural taste imitate the men m the market who have to turn out everything at express speed — cut flowers on the first day of the week for the second day's market, and turn a delightful pur- suit into a manufacture of flowers? These latter have to do it, because the day of the old nursery- man who hated to part with his finest plants is gone. But this kind of thing is not necessary in a private garden, and here we ought to see plants grown in the first place for their own intrinsic worth, i.e., their beauty. This with the plant in question is not the case when it is subjected to forcing conditions. The foliage is the true guide to the health of almost any plant, and especially so of that of the Eucharis. Grow a stout, well- leaved plant, and flowers will follow as a matter of course — not every month in the year, but once a year, and then in quantity. The cultural details as to root and atmospheric treatment are of the very simplest, and only sufficient shade to prex ent injury to the foliage is required. H. R. Repotting Cyclamen. — The young plants of Cyclamen should by now be ready for their flowering pots, and unless they are fit by the middle or end of September they are not likely to do very great things in the way of flowering. My plants are now being repotted from 4 inch or 3-inch to G-inch and 7-inch pots, according to their strength, and these they will soon fill with roots, making large plants with foliage well over the sides of the pots by the turn of the year, when the flowers are much esteemed. The compost for Cyclamen is in a way a secondary matter, as a good deal of feeding has to be done from the surface after the plants are well esta- blished. But choose the best loam at command and use it in a very rough, open condition, adding thereto sharp silver sand, some well-dried cow manure, and plenty of burnt refuse. This last is one of the finest additions to all composts for bulbous plants. The soil should not be rammed with a potting stick, but firmed as tightly as pos- sible with the thumbs. Leave the surface loose, and stand the plants in a fairly light, but cool house, where they are shaded from bright sun- shine. Light syringings overhead may be given as long as the weather remains bright. — S. Statics profusa. — This is one of the fine old plants formerly included in every collection of any note, but which seems in danger of going out of cultivation to a great extent. It is still a favourite plant with those who grow large speci- mens far exhibition, but it is so useful for con- servatory and greenhouse decoration that it is worth a place in all gardens. The flowers are very lasting and also freely produced, so that from early spring to quite late in autumn the plants are usually full of bloom. The culture of S. profusa has been much neglected owing to the idea that it is a dirty plant as regards insects. This it certainly is not if the proper atmospheric conditions are kept up, viz , plenty of air on all possible occasions and a cool, fairly moist tem- perature with almost constant exposure to sun- light. Fibrous loam, with a good sprinkling of coarse silver sand and well-dried cow manure suit the plant well, and at no time should the roots be overwatered. They take a fair supply when the plants are large and the pots full of roots, and also a little liquid manure when the flower-spikes are throwing up. That made from clear soot water is best, and its application is followed by increased colour both in leaves and blossoms. — C. H. Winter-flowering' plants. — Things required for early winter-flowering that were planted out- side in the beginning of the summer and include such things as late Chrysanthemums of the L. Canning type, Salvias, Eupatoriums, Bou- vardias, Solanums, Callas, and last, but by no means least, Violets, will want looking round early this month to give one of the cuttings in with the spade preparatory to lifting. With the exception of the Violets, all these are planted in shallow trenches somewhat in the way prepared for Peas and runner Beans, and, as a rule, shift for themselves with the aid of a good mulching. This season, however, two or three soakings of water have been necessary to keep them on the move. Solanums have berried splendidly, and, together with the Eupatoriums and Salvias, make attractive groups for cool houses. I mean those structures where very little fire-heat is used and the glass on cold nights is apt to drop to 40" and under. The mention of temperatures reminds me to note that we had the first frost this morning, September 1 1 ; the thermometer stood at 31°. Per- nettya mucronata and its varieties, representing so many different shades, is a better berried plant than the Solanum, but there are comparatively few places where the flowers will set and the ber- ries develop satisfactorily, and an annual purchase of plants is rather an expensive business. Violets for autumn lifting have done well, the plants being large and bristling with buds, but much time and labour were necessary to bring them up to this form. I always plant rooted runners on a north-west border that has been well prepared for their reception, mulching at planting-time with short manure which, as a rule, brings them through satisfactorily. Extra attention was, however, necessary this season, growth being ; slow and red spider getting a firm hold of the plants, so the ordinary mulch was removed and one of fresh horse droppings substituted, followed by a thorough soaking. This had the effect of checking the attack of the spider. The plants have grown away well and are now nearly clean, but I shall dip them as usual before planting in the pits. — E. BuRKELL. ALLAMANDAS. I WAS reminded of the beauty and usefulness of these free-growing stove plants recently by see- ing a healthy, free-flowered specimen growing in a pot, the numerous growths being trained to a trellis about a foot distant from the roof glass. When well managed, AUamandas will give a succession of their beautiful yellow flowers for several months, the latter being very useful for floral decoration in various ways. The plants when once established require plenty of pot room, being exceedingly free rooting, and good drainage must be afforded, as when in vigorous growth liberal supplies of water will be needful. Good fibrous yellow loam and peat in equal parts, a little leaf-mould and sufficient silver sand to ensure an open condition will grow AUamandas to perfection. Supposing a young healthy plant to be bought in, it should be pruned hard back before the buds start in spring, and given a liberal shift either previous to or after new growth commences. The position given must be a light one, and by rights no shade whatever should be given, as AUamandas delight in full sunshine. If the plants are wanted to cover a considerable epace, planting out in limited-sized beds or pits well drained is preferable, and long growths should be allowed ; but under pot culture | the best way, I think, is to practise pinching the growths once or twice in the growing season, by which means a dense, bushy character is ensured, and the trellis or stakes, as the case may be, are the sooner and more effectually furnished, also ' freer flowering. Few insect pests trouble Alia- ' mandas if ordinary care is given, though mealy bug will prove very troublesome if it comes into contact with the plants. The plants enjoy abundance of heat and moisture, for which reason ' the syringe must be freely used when the house is | closed early on fine, sunny afternoons. Farmyard | manure water or that made from steeping a bag ^ of sheep or deer manure in a tub of water, given at every alternate watering, the colour of pale ale is the best stimulant, and soon makes a mark both on foliage and size and colour of the blooms. In October drying off must be com- menced, this being a very gradual process, until in winter little or no water is given. AUamanda cathartica is a fine variety for clothing pillars or rafters, its brilliant coloured blooms being most effective for months in succession. Hendersoni is perhaps the most desirable variety from an exhi- bitor's point of view, its gorgeous flowers, which are of a deep rich orange shade, being produced in great profusion for at least seven or eight months of the year. Its habit of growth is more branch- ing and short-jointed than in most other sorts and soon covers a trellis. That grand old variety grandiflora, though smaller in its individual blooms, is still unrivalled for its hardy, free- flowering character and the exceptionally clear pale yellow of its flowers. It can be grown without the aid of a trellis, and may be kept very dwarf and bushy by training it to a few sticks when young. For exhibition purposes it is in- valuable. Amateurs possessing a stove should plant an AUamanda at one end and train the growths along under the roof. This need not necessarily exclude sufficient light and sun from the ordinary occupants of the houfe One of the best plants grown in this way is in Mr. Branston's garden at Winthorpe, near Newark. J. Crawford. Schubertia grandiflora. — When looking through the plant houses at Carrow House, Nor- wich, a few weeks ago I was much struck with the above-named plant growing in one of the stoves. It is of climbing growth, the foliage resembling the large-leaved Dipladenias, the flowers, which are produced in clusters of some five or six, being tubular- shaped and white in colour. The scent is rather powerful, though by no means pleasant, and the flowers last some time in good condition. It was growing in a limited- sized bed of loam and peat, and trained to wires some 15 inches or IS inches from the roof-glass. I learned from Mr. Jones, the gardener, that be annually pruned it hard back, say, in January, and with heat and moisture new growths were quickly made. I had never seen the plant before, although it may be more common than I am aware of.-C. Chironia ixifera. — This is a pretty green- bouse plant now in flower, and being so dissimilar from the other occupants of that structure, it is sure to attract attention. The Chironias, of which there are about half a dozen species in cultiva- tion, are all natives of South Africa. They belong to the order Gentianacea-, and, like many of their allies, careful treatment is necessary to success. Of one species a coloured plate was given in vol. xhv. of The Garden. This is the procum- bent-habited C. peduncularis, whose rosy purple blossoms are freely borne. C. ixifera is, on the other hand, of an upright style of growth, the branches, which are rather sparingly furnished with narrow, glaucous leaves something like those of a Dianthus, being terminated by few- flowered panicles of lilac-rose blossoms about an inch across. The yellow anthers are very notice- able. This Chironia succeeds in a compost con- sisting of two-thirds good fibrous peat to one-third of loam and a liberal admixture of rough silver sand. A light, airy greenhouse suits it well, and care must be taken not to overwater during the winter months, while at the same time drought is equally injurious to it. — H. P. Medinilla magnifica. — This fine old plant is not so often seen as it deserves. It is very ornamental when out of bloom, its broadly ovate, rich shining dark green foliage having a fine effect. The flowers, borne in large terminal pendulous racemes, are rosy pink in colour and remain a long time in perfection. A plant which came into bloom the last week in April was taken into the house a few days later and remained there till the first week in .June. When brought out it showed little or no effects from its long stay indoors. The plant in question measured 4 feet through, carried eighty-two 266 THE GARDEN. [September 30, 1899. spikes o( bloom, and was grown in a 13-inch pot. | Its culture is very simple, requiring ordinary | stove treatment while growing with plenty of | moisture. After its growth is made up, the tem- | perature of an intermediate house and less mois- i ture will suit it admirably. Equal parts of peat and fibrous loam, with a little leaf-mould or Mush- room manure and about one-sixth part of silver sand, with a good sprinkling of charcoal added, will make a suitable compost. Cuttings will strike readily in the propagating pit, and with liberal treatment will soon make goftd plants. — T. S. Trees and Shrubs. THE WISTARIAS. Each recurring spring increased attention is directed to the beauty of the common Wistaria sinensis, which is certainly one of the finest hardy climhers that we have in this country. It is equally charming whether trained to a wall, clothing an arbour, pergola, or arch (as the white variety is shown doing in the accom- panying illustration), while allowed to ramble over a neighbouring tree it has a very beautiful effect when in full bloom. Again, within the last few years it has been put to an entirely different use, as it is now often forced into bloom and employed for greenhouse decoration in that stage. When so treated, although the massive clusters of flowers are paler in tint than those which expand naturally in the open ground, they are still very distinct from any- thing else so employed, and form a decidedly attractive feature. It is, however, as a hardy climber that this Wistaria commends itself to everyone, and there is a .steady and continuous demand for it in nurseries. The roots are few in number, stout, and of a deep descending nature, with scarcely any fibres, and, in common with most plants of this character, it does not transplant readily, and is therefore in .some nurseries kept in pots. While this admits of easier removal, the cramped roots do not take so good a hold of the soil as those which have grown untraniiuelltd. I have seen plants lifted from the ground many of which have stood till c|uite late in the season before they made any signs of growth, even though they were well supplied with water, and some of their number were already in full foliage. Yet, strange to say, as the summer wore on nearly all these dormant plants pushed out rapidly and grew away freely till the end of the season. The following year there was no difference in any of them. Besides the ordinary form there are several other kinds of Wistaria in cultivation. The varieties of W. sinensis include W. s. ALBA, with pure white blossoms. This is very beautiful, but the flowers are, as a rule, neither so freely borne nor in quite such massive clusters as in the common kind. The double blossoms of flore-pleno rarely expand in a satis factory manner, though occasionally good ex- amples may be met with, but even at their best they cannot be compared with those of the type. In the variety macrobotrj'S they are longer and thinner than in any of the others, while the variegated-leaved form is simply rubbish. A second species, and one perfectly distinct from W. sinensis, is W. MDLTiJDGA, which, previous to its flowering in this country, was considered superior even to W. sinensis. This was owing to the fact that the descriptions of W. multijuga gave the length of its drooping racemes as 2 feet to 3 feet, which turned out to be correct, but at the same time they were not nearly so showy as had been ex- pected. This is owing to the fact that the blos- soms are smaller and of a lighter tint, but above all to there being a much greater space between them, so that the aggregate of flowers is really little, if any, more than that of W. sinensis. Besides these features W. multijuga differs from its better-known relative in being less vigorous in growth, with smaller and more numerous leaf- lets and in flowering somewhat later. There is a variety of W. multijuga known as alba, but in many cases the blossoms have a lilac tinge, and are not so pure as in the corresponding variety of W. sinensis. W. FRDTicosA from North America is not nearly so vigorous as either of the preceding, though it is of climbing habit. The racemes of bluish purple blossoms are small compared with those of the others and are not disposed in the same gracefully drooping manner, bting partially erect. From the circumstance that it is the only member of the genus from the western continent and the fact that it flowers in June after all the others are past, this Wistaria is well worth a the Bumalda section be treated in this way, but the majority of the shrubby Spirtiias can be in- creased to a greater or lesser extent by division. — T. Tecoma radicans.— This plant is now very beautiful with its terminal bunches of brighb flowers, and when a plant is sufliciently aged and established, there are few climbers that can fill its place at this time of year. It often fails to flower freely in a young state, but when well established and not cut about too much it will be a beautiful sight for many weeks in autumn. The very tidy gardener who likes to bring everything into line and detests a loose branch will not do much with T. radicans. I saw one of this class recently cutting it back, and as the shoots were then about a foot long, it is very unlikely that- they will flower this season. He had been trim- ming up the rest of the shrubs and evergreens, and possibly thought the Tecoma needed it. The plant must be left alone to a certain extent ; if it is always being hacked at it cannot flower. White Wistaria at The Larches, East Qrinstead, by Miss E. C. Brown, From a photograph sent place in gardens. The variety magnifica is in all respects superior to the type. Spiraea Anthony Waterer.— The excessively hot summer has, in many places at least, consider- ably affected this Spiriea by taking out the colour of the blossoms, so that in some instances they appeared to be but a pale form of S. Bumalda instead of the beautiful rich tint we are accus- tomed to see. With the return of cooler weather the blossoms have already ac(iuired more of their normal tint than was to be seen when they ex- panded under the influence of such brilliant sun- shine. The drought, too, has in many cases affected it, for Spirwis as a class are only seen to advantage in moderately moist soil, hence they suffer considerably during seasons of exceptional drought. Spir;ea Anthony Waterer is now freely distributed, for it is a plant that can be increased without difficulty, and if planted rather deep it can be split up almost as readily as a herbaceous subject. This must of course be done during the dormant season. Not only can the members of Besides, its beauty really consists in its loose habit, and the bright scarlet corymbs of blossom need the set-off given by the ample foliage. Though requiring a fair staple to start and grow it, T. radicans is perhaps more free-flowering in rather a dry soil. A sunny position where the growth gets well ripened is also essential. — H. R. The Mountain Ash. — The beautiful berries of the above tree appear to be scarce this season, owing probably to the unfavourable weather when the trees were starting into growth in spring. It ought to be more freely planted in pleasure grounds and public gardens, as, independent of its great beauty in autumn, its general character is very ornamental. The worst of it is, in extra dry seasons, when other food is scarce, blackbirds and thrushes soon strip the trees of their berries. There is a belief among country folk that a rich display of Mountain Ash berries is a sure token of a hard winter. Personally I do not attach any weight to the idea, as generally by November every berry is gone. The colour of the berries on some trees is much darker than in others. This September 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 267 may, of course, be due to soil and position. — J. G. CORNISH COTTAGE GARDENS. In the first week of August I journeyed by road from Devonport to Penzance, passing through Liskeard, Lostwithiel, St. Austell, Truro, and Helston en route. The road, a decidedly hilly one, was in many places charmingly picturesque, skirting here heavily wooded valleys, here running water, but the chief interest to the flower-lover was not so much the attractive scenery as the numerous little cottage gardens that in the villages passed through flanked the road. The proprietors evidently vied with one another in keeping their tiny plots well tended, for almost all of them gave evidence of scrupulous care, and scarcely in one of them was a withered leaf or faded flower-truss to be detected. As the even- ing of an exceptionally hot day approached the gardens showed signs of movement as their master spirits sauntered about within the con- fined spaces busily engaged in picking off pods from the group of Sweet Peas, securing the tall HoUyhodk spire by another tie to the sustaining stake, or deluging the narrow borders with fre- {juent cans of water, the latter proceeding prov- ing a work of supererogation, since the tropical heat of the day culminated after nightfall in a thunderstorm and a copious downpour, which rendered the earth moist for at least a couple of days. It was interesting to note the diversity of plants employed in the decoration of these gar- dens. In some villages one flower was common to almost every garden, though the remainder of the plants varied according to the whims of the respective tenants. Thus in one village every cottage had a white E\erla9ting Pea in its garden, while in another a particularly briUiant Phlox that had a great resemblance to Etna, if, indeed, it was not that striking variety, appeared to be the favourite plant. Sometimes along the whole length of the street garden after garden showed a family likeness, the same flowers employed and the arrangement very similar, until a note of contrast would be struck by a plot evidently belonging to a man who refused to be bound by the accepted custom and determined to strike out a line for himself. These exceptions to the general rule appeared to be, if anything, even more assiduously cared for than those of the usual type— though the latter showed no symptoms of neglect— as if the proprietor, having introduced an innovation, was determined to demonstrate its superiority to the existing order of things. Almost every cottage that boasted of a porch — and it was a very small minority that did not— possessed some flowering climber that wreathed it at some period of the year with blossom ; here the Virgin's Bower (Clematis Flammula) was thickly starred with ivory-white perfumed flowers, here a Jasmine twined, or blossoming Myrtles formed a canopy. The blue Passion Flower and its white variety Constance Eliott were evidently favourites, and over not a few walls the white flower-clusters of Solanum jasminoides hung a snowy veil. Honey- suckles were also largely represented, especially the golden-leaved variety, the latter particularly decorative in the autumnal days, while an un- recognisable plant of shrubby growth that had been trained over the porch of one cottage was so smothered by the widespread white blossoms of the Morning Glory, that its identity was indis- tinguishable. Here and there the orange-scarlet flower-racemes of Mina lobata or the vivid bril liance of a climbing form of Tropa^olum Lobbi- anum struck a high note of colour. Other plants not strictly climbers had been utilised for training over walls and porches. Myrtles ha\e already been mentioned in this category, and the Lemon- scented Verbena (Aloysia citriodora), Escallonia macrantha, Pyrus japonica, Crat.-egus Pyracan- toa, Cotoneaster microphylla, and many other sub- jects were to be seen similarly treated, and in one ] instance two high bushes of Salvia coccinea flanked the porch and testified to the prevailing mildness ' of the climate. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums in many ' cases provided most attractive displays, the variety chiefly patronised being the salmon-pink Mme. Crousse, though occasionally the rose-cerise of Souvenir de Charles Turner was apparent. In some instances these Pelargoniums had been trained up the walls to a height of 6 feet or more, having probably been planted in the late spring of 1895, but a lengthened period of severe weather, such as was experienced during the open- ing months of that year, would doubtless kill the plants or so far cripple them as to render their display valueless the following summer. Large bushes of Fuchsias, not only of F. gra- cilis and F. Riccartoni, but of forms with crim- son perianth and white corolla and white perianth with purple corolla, were common. Large plants of Calceolaria that had probably been in position for some years were golden with bloom, and in some instances apparently fully .3 feet in diameter. Dahlias were grown in many of the gardens, but the Cactus varieties were in a decided minority, the old show Dahlias and pompons evidently still retaining the precedence. The tall Hollyhocks had seen their best days, but the upper blossoms of the lofty spikes still glowed against the white- washed walls. Out of the numerous plants that I saw there were none that did not possess double flowers. Phloxes were bright in many gardens, but except in a few villages decided colours were in a minority, and washed-out purples, magentas and pinks preponderated. Japanese Anemones were commencing their display, the white variety outnumbering the coloured forms by ten to one. Statice latifolia was in flower in not a few gardens, but I did not notice a single plant of the still more delicate Gypsophila piniculata. Gladiolus brench- leyensis was to be found in most of the gardens, and Montbretias were in full flower in a few, while in one half a dozen plants of the new large- flowered Cannas were in bloom. Perennial Sun- flowers and Golden Rod were entering on their season of effulgent brightness, and the great annual Sunflowers hung their heavy golden-rayed brown discs over many a cottage paling. Other annuals, such as Phlox Drummondi, Asters, Godetias and Balsams, afforded bright spectacles, and at Newlyn a mantle of Mesembryanthemum edule hung from a wall abutting on the harbour, exactly above the stem of a hauled-up fishing lugger. In the window of one cottage that I passed I noticed three plants of Campanula iso- phylla alba that were pictures of successful cul- ture, being veritable cascades of bloom-covered trails. S. W. F. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. September 26. T.\KiNi! into consideration the fact that the fruit show at the Crystal Palace is also held during this week, the number of exhibits on Tuesday last was remarkable for extent and variety. Had the average amount of fruit been staged it would have been a very full meeting. Amongst cut flowers the Dahlia was preeminent, notably so of the Cactus section ; of these, a few more distinct acquisitions will be noted upon a perusal of the following report. Early Chrysanthemums, of course, were to be seen, but as yet these are not so much needed as they will be in October. Fine-foliaged plants, composed chiefly of Crotons, were a fine feature, demonstrating their value in this particular line. A good example of deco- rative grouping was also presented. Those who are in the habit of packing their groups would do well to take a lesson from the one in question, in which every plant told to the best possible advan- tage. Orchids were fairly plentiful and of first- class quality, notably the hybrids of the Ltelio- Cattleya families, L.-C. Nysa being specially fine. Beautiful forms of Cattleya Hardyana were also staged from other sources. Only one collection of vegetables was staged for the Sherwood cup, and the exhibitor of the same is to be highly con- gratulated upon his efforts and upon the superior quality of his produce. A few Apples were staged, one collection from Scotland being very good in- deed for the northern part of the country. Orchid Oommittee. Awards of merit were adjudged to the follow- ing : — C-VTrLEYA WEEDONENSis. — A hybrid derived from the intercrossing of C. Mendeli and C. granulosa var. Schofieldiana. It belongs to the section of hybrids to which the natural hy- 1 brid Cattleya Czar is allied. The sepals are greenish white, flushed with rose ; the petals of I good form and substance, deep rose, suffused with ' a bronzy tint. The lip is rich crimson-purple on j the front lobe, mottled and margined with rose ; the side lobes white, becoming yellow at the base, with a tracing of brown on the disc. A cut raceme of three flowers came from the collection of Mr. T. W. Thornton, Brockhall, Weedon. Odontoglossdm CRisruM Basanc— In this the sepals are white, with only the faintest trace of colour. The petals are pure white, beautifully crisped on the margin ; the lip white, with a large yellow disc. There is one large blotch of choco- late-brown in the centre, with a few smaller ones at the sides. The plant, which carried a raceme of eleven flowers, came from Mr. W. Cobb, Dul- cote, Tunbridge Wells. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., were awarded a silver Flora medal for a large and interesting group, which included many meritorious varie- ties of both hybrids and species, considering the dull period of the year. Among the hybrids were some good forms of Lielio Cattleya Nysa, one of the most beautiful of the L. crispa hybrids. It is superior in the better forms, but in the ordinary varieties it would be difficult to distinguish it from varieties of L.-G. exoniensis. The sepals and petals are deep lilac ; the front lobe of the lip crimson, margined and fringed with rose ; the side lobes yellow, becoming suffused with deep brown at the base. L.-C. callistoglossa was in- cluded in various forms. L.C. Fortuna has delicately tinted rose flowers with a rich crimson- purple blotch in the centre of the front lobe. Cattleya Chloe is one of the most distinct and best coloured of the C. Bowringiana section of hybrids. The sepals and petals are a deep mauve- crimson, flat, as in C. bicolor, the lip also par- taking of the characters of that species. The long front lobe is intense crimson-purple, veined with a darker shade of the colour, the small side lobes delicate rose with some purple at the base. The species included good forms of Cattleya labiata, C. aurea, C. granulosa, C. Patrocini, and good varieties of C. Loddigesi. Dendrobiums included D. formosum and D. superbiens. Zygo- petalum maxillare and Oncidiums of the O. phymatochilum section were well represented. The scarce HouUetia Brocklehurstiana, with five of its two shades of brown and black spotted flowers, was most attractive. Odontoglossums were represented by a superior variety of O. grande. Cypripediums included good specimens, well flowered, of C. Spicerianum, C. Charlesworthi, C. ananthum superbum, C. Milo and C. Charles Canham. A plant of Angnecum articulatum, with its pure white flowers, was also well repre- sented. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, were awarded a silver Banksian medal for a nice group. In the back row were two good varieties of Vandacterulea, also some well-flowered plants in good variety of Oncidium Marshallianum. The rare O. incurvum album and 0. ornithor- rhynchum album were also represented. Cattleyas included good varieties of C. velutina, C. Loddi- gesi, C. Gaskelliana alba and C. Eldorado Wallisi. The hybrids included C. Minucia. Several forms of the natural hybrid La;lioCattleya elegana were also included, as were L.-C. exoniensis and good varieties of Odontoglossum grande. Mr. C. H. Fielding, Southgate House, South- gate, sent a nice group, consisting of numerous varieties of Dendrobium Phal.-enopsis and D. for- mosum. The Cattleyas included a nice form of 268 THE GARDEN. [September 30, 1899. C. Loddigesi, several C. Gaskelliana, and numer- ous Cypripediums of both species and hybrids. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Mr. T. B. Haywood, Woodhatch, Reigate, sent a distinct and pretty form of Cypripedium Fowlerianum, possessing the intermediate characters of the parents. Mr. R. I. Measures sent Cypripedium Lachme, the petals being particularly fine. Mr. W. M. Appleton, Westonauper-Mare, sent Cy- pripedium enfieldiense and C. Julia (Lawrence- anum x Exul), the flowers intermediate in character, the spottings of C. Exul being par- ticularly prominent in the upper sepal. Mr. H. Little, Twickenham, showed the lovely L:tlio- Cattleya elegans var. Littleana and Cypripedium Sanderianum. The Rev. F. Paynter, Stoke Hill, Guildford, sent a yellow variety of Odontoglossum grande and a hybrid Cattleya of the L.-C. elegans ! section. Mr. H. T. Pitt showed the lovely Cat- tleya Hardyana (Pitt's variety), one of the best forms we have seen. The lip was upwards of 3 inches across. Major Joicey sent a dark form of Dendrobium taurinum, and Mr. W. Cobb had a bright and pretty form of Caltleya Hardyana with a three-flowered raceme. Floral Committee. The following received an award of merit : — Dahlia Mmb. Theodoka Hexson (Cactus). — A distinct shade of scarlet, the pointed florets some- what narrow and slightly incurving. From Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham. Dahlia Aogustos Hark (Cactus). — In the ear- lier stages the predominant shade is crimson- scarlet and very showy, but a little later a decided flame-coloured scarlet replaces it and imparts quite a novel feature to the flower. In the latter stage it is one of the most distinct Dahlias of the year. From Mr. .Tames Stredwick, Silver Hill Park, St. Leonards. CARYorTEKis MASTACANTHUS. — This wiU be wel- comed for two reasons, viz , its colour and its late flowering. The habit of the plant is rather meagre, and the nearly erect stems are well clothed with dark green leaves that assume a whitish tone beneath. The flowers, which are of a distinct lilac- blue tone and produced in alter- nate axillary clusters, are borne on pedicels about 1 inch long. These appearing in considerable profusion render the plant very attractive at this season, when flowering shrubs of this colour par- ticularly are far from common. Cut sprays were contributed by Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, and a basket of small plants came from Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea. There was a considerable falling ott' in the num- bers of the groups as compared with the preced- ing meeting, though enough remained to consti- tute a very good elFectfor the season of the year. One of the chief groups was that from Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane, Edmonton, which was mainly of small and useful-sized Crotons, some sixty varieties of these plants being staged . The whole of the plants were in small pots and finely coloured. In the narrow-leaved section we noted The Countess, Superbus, Doucetti, a rather densely-leaved kind and well coloured ; Ruberri- mus, very rich in colour, an extremely showy kind under artificial light; Imperialis aureus, one of the narrowest-leaved varieties in this group ; Mrs. Dorman, and Aigburthionsis as among the more distinct and beautiful. Among the broad- leaved kinds were such well-known forms as Morti, Reedi, Alexander III., Comte de Germiny, Thomsoni, rich golden leaves excepting the tips, which are variegated with green ; Baron Frank Selliere, yellow and dark green ; and Newrrani, of a rich reddish colour for the most part. A few small Palms, Eulalias, Ferns, Isolepis, and Ly- godiums were interspersed here and there through the group (silver-gilt Banksian). A very pretty and well-grown group of Statices in va- riety (seedlings probably) was staged by Messrs. Hugh Low and Co., Enfield. The plants were compact, less than 15 inches high, in 5 inch pots, and very attractive on account of their free- flowering. A pretty Kentia, K. Veitchi, with dark and almost mottled stems, was also noted in this group. Mr. S. Mortimer, Farnham, again set up a brilliant lot of Dahlias, each kind good in itself. It would be well if this idea were more strictly adhered to, not in respect to exhibitors of Dahlias exactly, but in other groups where the notion obviously exists of bringing all, good, bad and indiSerent. The outcome of this is an over- whelming mass of things, the very bulkiness of which tends not only to mar the effect of the best kinds, but in reality to obscure them from view. Mr. Mortimer's flowers were fresh and distinct. A few of Mr. Mortimer's best among Cactus Dah- lias were Starfish, Exquisite, Harmony, Gloriosa. Keynes' White, Mary Service, Magnificent, Alfred Vasey, Ebony (a very dark flower), and Harry Stredwick, perhaps the darkest of all the race. These were disposed in good sensible bunches and the colours well mixed also. Apart from these, soma ten or more boards of show and fancy kinds were staged, the flowers very good and well finished (silver Flora medal). Mr. Sander, St. Albans, sent a few plants of Dracivna Gadsetfiana, D. Sanderi, some medium- sized plants of Acalypha hispida, and the graceful Linospadix Petrickiana. Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, had groups arranged in baskets of the pretty Caryopteris mastacanthus. Hydrangea Hortensia Mariesi with pale blue flowers of large size, and a pretty red-leaved shrub, Nandina domestica, which should be use- ful for its colour effect so early in the season. Messrs. J. Hill and Sons, Lower Edmonton, had an exceptional group of the varying forms of Asplenium Nidus, many of the plants being of large size and well grown. The plants were arranged in a setting of Maiden-hair Ferns in variety, above which the broad shining fronds of the Aspleniums were very telling. Plants were also shown of the variegated Ficus, F. radicans variegata (silver Flora meda'). Mr. .James Stred- wick, Silverhill Park, St. Leonards, liad some good kinds of the Cactus Dahlia, such as Mrs. Sanders, yellow ; Mayor Weston, Magnificent, William Jowett, scarlet; ; Mayor Tuppeny, orange- red and yellow ; Autumn Queen, Uncle Tom, and Chas. Woodbridge, a finely-coloured crimson (bronze Banksian medal). Mr. T. S. Ware, Tot- tenham, arranged an extensive bank— too dense, as we think— of single, pompon, and Cactus Dahlias, together with some few good and dis- tinct Jlichaelmas Daisies, summer-flowering Chry- santhemums in variety, Pyrethrum uliginosum, a few Torch Lilies, grasses. Bamboos, and such like plants, for which a silver Banksian medal was awarded. Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden and Long Ditton, brought an interesting gathering of hardy things in season. Some of the early Michaelmas Daisies, as A. Amellus, of which Riverslea and Framfield are good and noticeable, as well as distinct, kinds ; Aster acris, A. lit-vis arcturus, with dark shining stems ; A. Lindley- anus, &c. Very good, too, was the white Ever- lasting Pea and the distinctly coloured Verbena venosa, the latter much too liitle grown. Among Torch Lilies, Kniphofia Leichtlini, K. L dis- tachya, K. Triumph, a bold yellow-looking spike, were prominent. Senecio pulcher was very good, and Convolvulus mauritanicus pretty in the pale mauve flowers. Helenium nudiflorum, Sedum Ewersi, and a set of summer flowering Chrysan- themums were also included in this lot. A varie- gated grass, Glyceria spectabilis variegata, which is, perhaps, too short in its growth to prove very telling in the garden, and a pair of Zauschnerias, Z. californica splendens and Z. mexicana, were also contributed by the same firm. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, sent a late-flowering border Carnation, Mrs. George Foster. It is a yellow flowering kind, a pod-burster, unfortunately, though of good size. From the same source came the yellow sport of Chrysanthemum Lady Fitz- wygram. The colour of the flowers is so very pale that it could easily be taken for a poor white under artificial light. Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood, Redhill, had a few early-flowering Chrysanthe- mums, mostly, however, of the Japanese kinds. Perhaps the best of his lot were the yellow- ttowered Mme. Liger Ligneau, which is good in colour, early in flower, and dwarf in habit ; Jules Mary, crimson ; Market White, Jeanne Viller- mot, a chestnut-red sort ; Mytchet White, Mme. Marie Masse, and the so-called crimson Mme. M. Masse, which is certainly anything but crimson in point of colour. It is certainly related to the popular kind mentioned, and may best be de- scribed as a chestnut-bronze. A variety named Victor is said to be a sport from Mrs. Hawkins. It is, however, no sport as this term is under- stood ; it is but a reversion to the original white kind Mme. C. Desgrange, from which it in no wise ditfers. Some wretchedly small flowers of this last were shown by way of comparison. A small plant of Retinospora pisifera aurea Rogersi came from Mr. W. H. Rogers, Bassett, Southampton, but beyond being of a golden hue and in its pre- sent form bearing some semblance to the well- known Golden Lawson's Cypress, no definite opinion could be formed, as the example was too small and quite undeveloped for a Retinospora. This much should be stated plainly, because fre- quently the committees before whom such things are placed are charged with favouritism by those sending things from a distance. In the preseno instance quite two years' growth and develop- ment are necessary before any definite opinion can be formed of such a plant. A group of fine- foliaged plants with Ferns and similar things came from the gardens of Sir Henry Tate, Bart., Park Hill, Streatham Common (gardener, Mr. Howe). The plants employed were of the usual order of such groups— Palms, Dracanas, Crotons, and such things in unlimited numbers being arranged amid Ferns, the variegated Eulalias, and other plants. Some excellent examples of Bamboos occupied the extreme corners of the group at the back, while in the immediate front a pair of Aralia elegantissima were placed. A silver-gilt Banksian medal was awarded. The Dowager Lady Freake, Fulwell Park, Twicken- ham (Mr. A. H. Rickwood, gardener), sent a good variety of Cannas, mostly, however, of the green-leaved kinds. The collection included many of the best kinds now in commerce — shades of crimson, scarlet, yellow, and this last with scarlet spots predominating. Fruit Committee. This committee had its fair share of exhibits and most of them of excellent quality. The col- lection of vegetables staged for the Sherwood cup was a notable exhibit, and the Apples from Gallo- way were excellent. Awards of merit were given to the following : — Pear Triomphe de Vienne. — A large, hand- some early fruit with rich flavour. It is a heavy cropper, strong grower, and forms a good bush or pyramid tree. From Mr. G. Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, Maidstone. Potato The Sirdar. — This, one of the varie- ties tried in the society's gardens, is a midseason or late variety. It is of excellent quality and a good cropper. From Messrs. Hurst and Son, Houndsditch. Potato Ellington. — This varies, but is usually pebljle shaped, with rather deep eyes. It is a first-rate cooker and cropper and a late variety. From Mr. Ellington. Mr. E. Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens, Elstree, was the only competitor for the Sherwood cup. The conditions for the same were that it must be competed for on two occasions, and on each Mr. Beckett has been the only exhi- bitor. On this occasion forty dishes were set up, these obtaining 160 points, s.alads being the weakest. Onions Ailsa Craig and Cocoa-nut were excellent, as also were Model and Intermediate Carrots. Cucumber Beckett's Ideal was good. Autumn Giant Cauliflower, four varieties of dwarf Beans and runners, the same number of Vegetable Marrows, a good dish of Autocrat Peas, Red Globe and Prize-taker Turnips, Celeries White Gem, Standard-bearer and Prize-taker, Kales in variety. Gold finder, Windsor Castle and Satis- faction Potatoes, Leeks, Brussels Sprouts, Par- snips, Salsafy, Scorzonera, Celeriac, Capsicums, Tomatoes and Beetroot were also included. From September 30, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 269 Mr. W. Day, Galloway House Gardens, Oarliestown, N.B., came a very good lot of Apples, notable for their grand colour, considering their having been grown in the north. Thirty-six varieties were staged. The fruit lacked the size of that of our home counties. The best kinds were Lane's Prince Albert, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Tower of Glamis, Loddington, Blenheim Orange, Galloway Pippin, Jas. Grieve, and Lady Kioloch, a late cooking variety raised by the exhibitor. In the dessert varieties, such kinds as Adams' Pearmain, Worcester Pearmain, Jacob's Seedling, and Duchess of Oldenburg were excellent, the ex- hibit well meriting the silver Knightian medal awarded. A new black Grape was much admired by many on account of its fine oval berries, beautiful colour, and finish and shape of bunches. This was called Diamond Jubilee, and was sent by the Messrs. Buchanan, Forth Nurseries, Kip- pen, N. B. A new seedling Grape was sent by the Messrs. Tearso", Chilwell Nurseries, Notts. It is a cross between Bowood Muscat and Gros Col- man, and has oval amber berries with a brisk, refreshing flavour. The fruit sent had been grown on a pot Vine, and the committee desired it to be sent agsin from permanent Vines. Mr. Ross's new Apple T. A. Knight was again brought up from Chiswick, but not in sufficient quantity for an award, and the committee desired the raiser to send fruits to the next meeting. This is one of the best seedling Apples we have seen, the parents being Cox's Orange and Peas- good's Nonsuch. Seedling Apples came from Messrs. R. Hartland and Son, The Nurseries, Cork. One named Stone Peach was not con- sidered of any value, but Hartland's Pearmain will doubtless be sent again. Mr. A. Bacon, Romford, sent seedling Apples Wheatsheaf Rus- set and Bacon's Seedling, but both lacked quality. Mr. W. Green, of Wisbech, sent Apple Emmett's Early. This was stated to be the same Apple as the committee recently gave an award to under the name of Early Victoria. Melon Gunton Scarlet was sent by Mr. Allan, Gunton Park, Norwich, but was too ripe. Mr. Doe, the (iar- dens, Knowsley, Presc3t, sent a green-fleshed Melon Countess of Derbj', and a scarlet-fleshed netted fruit called Si'mon Queeicame from Mr. Beswick, Walton on-Thames. The Rev. Darnley Smith, Ashhurton, Djvon, sent his new fruit protectors with fruit that had been protected, and some othervi iio. There was increased size in the protected fruits. Mr. C. Curtis, Penang, Straits Settlements, sent fruits of Mangosteen, but not in good condition. National Chrysantlietnuni Society. — A meeting of the executive committee was held at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, W.C., on Monday evening last, Mr. P. Waterer occupying the chair. The chairman announced that the new medals had been ordered, and he felt the members would unanimously approve of what the finance committee had done in the matter. Mr. A. E. Stubbs made a practical suggestion with refer- ence to the question of running excursion trains into London for the purpose of inducing country members and their friends to attend the shows of the society. A sub-committee was appointed to consider the matter. The chairman announced that Messrs. Green and Nephew, of Queen Vic- toria Street, E.C , had the vases in course of preparation which they were lending the society for the purpose of exhibiting the sixty specimen Japanese blooms on the occasion of the show in November next, this being the new and special feature of the present season. The vases would be 16 inches in height, and not 18 inches, as stated in the schedule. The secretary announced that in future, exhibits submitted to the floral committee would be numbered, an arrangement which was readily assented to by the committee. Mention was also made that the new rule re granting of certificates would come into opera- tion at the meetings of the floral committee this year. In future the support of three-fourths of the committee present would be necessary to obtain a certificate, and if there were not more than ten members present the voting must be unanimous. An invitation was given to members to visit the Lyons Chrysanthemum show on Friday, November 3. It was intimated that already several members had promised to attend, and it was hoped more would join the party. Communications regarding this matter should be addressed to Mr. C. Harman-Payne, the hoo. foreign corresponding secretary. Eight new members and one Fellow were elected. Notes of the Week. Convolvulus mauritanicus. — The flowers of this pretty trailing plant are always" admired. It may perhaps be described as between a French grey and a very delicate pale sky-blue, a soft tint that renders the Bowers almost transparent. The plant is free- flowering, and given freedom will maintain a profusion for many weeks in succession. X)ahlia Mrs. Bandera (Cactaa). — Among the se'f yellow kinds this is a pre-eminently good one — one that is likely to find favour when distributed to the public, provided always that in habit of growth it is as desirable as the flowers would make it appear. So much dt-pends upon habit of growth in tliese plants, that one is loth to praise any variety from flowers alone. Kniphofla Triumph. — In point of colour this kind is not unlike some others of this fast-increasing family, the colour being jellow, with tones of amber and light apricot. It is, however, in its freedom of flowering that its value lies, as each stem has two, and sometimes three, smaller spikes attached to the sides. These will not only afford a later supply of bloom, but on account of their much smaller size will be useful in a cut state. Senecio pulcher is one of the finest border plants of early autumn. To see it at its best and to retiin it in perfection so as to secure a good display of blossom each year, one must adhere strictly to a system of propagation that may prove too much for many amateurs, who have to content themselves with plants less exacting in their requirements. All the same, the beauty of a fine group of this Groundsel is not soon forgotten. Chrysanthemum Mme. Liger Xjigneiu — For those that mere sizg will satisfy, this variety may be mentioned as among the largest of the early-flower- ing kinds yet introduced. But if early and large, it scarcely comes into the category of the so-called summer-flowering Chrysanthemums, and possesses hut little of the freedom and abundance that characterise so many of the bpautiful kinds now in onimerce. It is, Inwever, of excellent colour and of good size. The habit is also quite dwarf. Fruiting of th=i Indian Bean.— The Indian Bean (Catalpi h'gnonioides) is producing fruit in great abundance at The Dignaries, Blackheath, or rather Westcombe Park. The pods, which gre;itly resemble those of the runner Bean, average nearly 11 inches in length and are of a bronzy brown colour above, light green beneath. Prob.ihly th^i unusually warm summer has had to do with the abundant flowering of the C^talpa all over Southern England at least. — A. D. Websti-k. Cyclamen heder»roUuni. — The pretty Ivy- leaved Cyclamen is making a pretty picture in the garden at the present time. That these pretty early autumn flowers thrive with so little care and prefer dryness to moisture is a matter that should be known to all who prefer to grow liardy things in every pos- sible position. Beneath the shade of trees or small shrubs these plants are quite content, and not merely give a pretty display of blossoms in their season, hut furnish the ground with handsomp foliage during winter. Once established they give but little trouble. The Aquarium Dahlia show.— Unable to visit this show on the first day, I went upon the second early in the afternoon, and was greatly pained as well as disappointed to note how wretchedly faded and withered were the majority of the Cactus blooms, no matter bow set up. It must have been very disappointing and annoying to visitors to the show on the second day to see such a general collapse. The chief object in hold- ing the show was to enable seedlings to be exhi- bited for certificates. The poor array of new ones and the few certificates granted lead to the inference that the primary object of the show resulted in failure, and it may well be questioned whether it is worth repeating. — A. Dean. Chrysanthemum Lady Fitzwygram (yel- low variety). — A basket of plants of this kind was among the exhibits at the Drill Hall this week. It is evidently a sport from the original and quite distinct, but of too pale and washy a tone to be of much service. Like the white kind, this could only be of use after severe disbudding, and as a garden plant, and a border plant in pxr- ticular, this should prove a disqualification. Lady Fitzwygram produces the flowers at S3 many levels one above the other and in such quantity, that unless disbudding is early resorted to the flowers are small and insignificant. Montbretia crocosmiseflora. — There are many plants such as this which, with roots in a deep bed of soil, fl jurish in the great heat of such a year as this. In a season which is the reverse the flowering is usually less fine and the foliage does not retain its freshness in a similar degree. To see a group of this plant at its best the corms should either be established or have been planted in early autumn so that they have taken well to the soil. Too frequently the planting of these things is deferred till quite l/.te in spring, and then with no allowance for diminished vitality. Then if a hot, dry season ensues the plant has bat a poor chance to show its value. Phygeliuscapensis. — This seasonable flower- ing perennial is among those things to which attention is frequently directed. It is a good and distinct as also a serviceable autumn-flowering plant, sufficiently hardy, too, for our climate, though bearing a suspicious name. In winters of extreme severity it may be lost outright, and more especially if the plants are old, but in a cold northern district with clay soil I have grown this plant quite satisfactorily. Indeed, though badly cut down, so far as any vestige of life was appa- rent above ground, the more deeply-covered roots, have sent forth shoots again in spring. The red- dish scarlet flowers are now attractive, and in good soil the plant will attain from 2 feet to 2 V feet high. Caryopteris mastacanthus.— This recently introduced shrub promises to be valuable in gar- dens. It is hardy, it is late flowering, and of a good blue colour. Such things amon; shrubs late in the year— September and October, for example— are not numerous. A nice lot of this in good flower was shown a") the recent meeting in the Drill Hall. A nice plant was noted recently in the gardens at Gunnersbury House, where in early Saptember it had begun flowering. It i§ I not a particularly bushy plant if left alone, yet a good bush oiuld be formed by the early arid judicious U!ie of the knife. Indeed, if pruned in the early part of the year t j within a few inches or a foot of the ground a greater number of shoots would push forth. Even the small plants alluded to above had many breaks at the base from the quite hard wood. Ranunculus Lyalli.— I feel indebted to "J. L ," Hawick, for writing regarding this New /Zealand plant, with which so many have failed. I had the pleasure of seeing the plant at Easter Duddingston Lodge while it was in seed, but until now I was unaware that it had died after seeding. My experience with most seeds from New Zealand is much like that of your corre- spondent : they germinate badly. The seeds of R. Lyalli failed to grow with me. One fears that' we have not yet discovered the secret of growing this Ranunculus, but there is so much variety of soil and climate in the United Kingdom, that someone may succeed where others have failed. I The establishment of so fine a plant is worth a good deal of trouble, and I think some of the many enthusiastic growers in Ireland have a better opportunity of growing it than we in the sister isle. — S. Arnott, Carscthom, hy Dumfries, ' N.B. I Romneya Coulteri in Scotland.— I have observed several notices of the hardiness of this beautiful plant. I have bad it growing outside ' against the house here for two and a half years or 270 THE GARDEN. [September 30, 1899. thereby. The aspect is south, but it is fully exposed to S.E. and S.W. winds, and has only had a rough protection of loose Heather in the winter. The last two winters have not been severe — that is, the minimum temperature has been moderately high and frosts have been of short duration. The plant flowers freely, and now, after the recent rains, still shows a great many buds. Earwigs are a very great trouble and very fond of the flowers, boring into the unopened buds and destroying them. It well repays any little trouble there may be needed, giving winter protection. Here it does not ripen seed. I have tried layering to propagate it, but failed, the branches withering in spring. — Wm. Low, Monijielh, N.B. Aster Thomsoni.— This distinct and pretty Starwort does not appear to be grown so freely as its merits would warrant. One finds that some have a prejudice against Asters which come as early into bloom as this. Probably this may account for the infrequency with which one sees it in gardens, even in those with large collections of hardy flowers. My first acquaintance with it was made in the gardens of Edge Hall several years ago. Recently I came across the plant, as I have known it for some time, together with a dwarfer variety of a different tint of colouring. This was at Kirkconnel, in Kirkcudbrightshire. The dwarfer form was, I thought, even prettier than the other. It would be not more than a foot high, and rather bluer in colour than what I had seen and grown before. Aster Thomsoni (not Thompsoni) comes into flower early in July in good seasons, and lasts in bloom for some time. It comes from the Himalayas. — S. A. Iris Susiana at Tynningliame, N.B.— One meets with, and hears of, so many disap- pointments with Iris Susiana, not in Scotland only, but throughout the kingdom, that it is a pleasure to come across it doing well and giving satisfaction. Thus it was with pleasure that I noted a nice little clump in the beautiful gardens of the Earl of Haddington at Tynninghame, Had- dingtonshire. The Iris was at rest, but an ex- amination showed hard, firm bulbs, such as are almost sure to bloom in anything like a favourable season. Iris Susiana has been at Tynninghame for several years, and Mr. Brotherston informed me that it flowers regularly. The position is one which suits it well. It is grown at the foot of a sunny wall, where it can receive a good roasting in summer— conditions under which this Iris is usually fairly successful— although with us in the west, where we have, as a rule, more moisture in summer, these do not always bring success. These Cushion Irises are so attractive in their own way, that those who have even a chance of succeeding with them should not fail to make the attempt. — S. Arnott. Phlox Le Mahdi.— The raiser of this Phlox might well have given it a name which would have been more acceptable to flower growers than he has done. While not caring for its name, one cannot, however, but admit that it is a distinct step in the advance towards attaining a really blue Phlox. Until the coming of Le Mahdi, the nearest approach to a blue among the tall Phloxes was in the flowers of one named Iris, which, unless I am mistaken, originated in the same conti- nental nursery as the subject of this note. Iris was well shown among other hardy flowers at the recent autumn show of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in Edinburgh. The later production, in the form of a young plant, appeared in the stand of Mr. John Forbes, of Hawick, at the same show, so that one could compare them properly. This was only from a colour point of view, as a small plant such as that of Le Mahdi could not be expected to yield either such fine spikes or so large pips. The colour is, however, much deeper and rather bluer than that of Iris. As a garden flower it will not be prized for its brilliancy, although it may be appreciated for its rare colour among the Phloxes. — S. A. Leucojum roseum.— I regret to say that I have been no more successful with Leucojum roseum than the Rev. Mr. Ewbank, so that I fear that I am unable to give him any assistance in the way of suggestions for its cultivation. Per- sonally, I should feel greatly obliged to anyone who has succeeded with this pretty little Snow- flake and can give us any hints as to how it should be treated in this climate. If Mr. Ewbank, with all his experience and perseverance, has been unable to get it to bloom at Ryde, I fear there is but little prospect of many of us being fortunate enough to induce it to flower. Perhaps some reader of The'Gakden in Devon or Cornwall may have succeeded where we have failed, and will kindly favour us with his treatment. While we are on the subject, one may also ask if anyone can enlighten us as to our chances of growing L trichophyllum in the open. This has been tried here twice in different positions, but on each occasion the bulbs have died. The evil seems to be that growth is made too early and that the tender leaves are killed, to the destruction of the bulbs. This is a common cause of loss here, especially in the case of purchased bulbs which have been ripened off early in a warmer climate than ours. This initial difficulty overcome, there is not much fear of losing Leucojum autumnale, which is so pretty that it should be grown by all who care for delicate beauty in flowers even if they are lucky enough to bloom the charming L. roseum. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, hy Dumfi-ies, n:b. Statice penduliflora ? — Under the name of Statice pendulifolia there is rather a nice Statice in the nursery of Messrs. Cunningham, Fraser and Co., Comely Bank, Edinburgh. The name, so far as one can discover, has no authority to support it. There is nothing in the habit of the leaves to make the name in the slightest degree appropriate ; but, as Mr. A. MacSelf, who has charge of the department, says, the name of pen- duliflora would be in agreement with the droop- ing tendency of the flowers. Many of the Sea Lavenders are, however, difficult to identify, and it is doubtful if anyone would undertake to refer this variety to any particular species. This Statice grows to about 3 feet or so in height and has small, but pretty, blue flowers in graceful panicles. As already mentioned, these are of a drooping habit, which, although not very pronounced, gives the plant a character of its own. Autumnal- blooming flowers of the style of the Sea Lavenders are too little seen in our gardens, and one feels justified in thinking that their worth ought to be more fully recognised, by their being more grown. In addition to the charm they give by their gracefulness to the flower border, they may also be prized for their value as dried flowers for house decoration in winter. They dry quite readily, and form a nice change from the equally graceful Gypsophila paniculata, another invaluable thing for ornamenting the house in winter. The plant which has given rise bo these remarks seemed to be the only one in the nursery, and I was unable to ascertain its origin. — S. A. Anemone alpina. — The article by " E. J." in The Garden of September 23 deserves a care- ful perusal from all who grow, or have tried to grow, the beautiful A. alpina and its variety sulphurea. This note is written, not for the purpose of differing from the treatment advo- cated, but, if possible, to induce some to observe the advice given regarding abundance of root moisture. I can well recollect in my early days of growing alpines how I lost plants of these Windflowers from planting them in places which were too dry. In this garden I find them do best at the base of rockwork, where they can have a proper supply of water with, at the same time, abundance of drainage. — S. Arnott, Carse- thorn. I wasmuch interested in reading "E. J.'s" article on Anemone alpina. He does not say a word too much in praise of this beautiful Wind- flower. I have now some well-established plants of it raised from eead which I gathered in Swit- zerland. I have counted twenty-five blooms on one plant, and the plants flower abundantly every year. I would recommend it being raised from seed, which, if sown as soon as it is ripe, should germinate the following spring or summer. It is very impatient of any disturbance of the roots. The sulphur variety is quite as well worth grow- ing as the white, and is raised in like manner from seed. It is of a very pure and fine shade of yellow, and quite as free-flowering as the white. The two together make a charming group. There is another Anemone the seed of which I also gathered in Switzerland, though I do not know if it can rightly be called alpine ; it is, I believe, called narcissiflora. It is not so striking a plant as either the white or sulphur, but it is very pretty and well worth growing. — H. H., Daljar- rock; Ayrshire. The weather in West Herts.— The past week was the first unseasonably cold one since the middle of June, and yet, after all, the mean temperature was only a few degrees lower than is seasonable. As the present month has ad- vanced the weather has been getting gradually cooler, so that the ground at 1 foot deep is now rather colder than is usual at this time of year, but it is still somewhat warmer than the average at -2 feet deep. Some rain has fallen nearly every day during the week, but the total measurement amounted to less than half an inch. A selected plant of wild Ivy came first into blossom on the 23rd insc, or ten days earlier than last year. — E. M., Berkhamsted. The Celery fly.— I am sending by this post a box containing Celery stalks and a bottle of insects, and should be very pleased if you could tell me what the insect is. You will see how it attacks the Celery — entering the leaf stalk at the bottom, and working its way up. I have never seen it before, and should like to know what it is. Nearly every planb is attacked by it. — H. R. Lover. *„* The box containing Celery stalks and leaves duly reached me, but there was no bottle in it, so that I am sorry not to be able to name the insects it contained. The leaves were badly attacked by the Celery fly (Tephritis onopordinis). Cut ofi' all the diseased leaves and burn them, and when the crop is off burn everything that remains of it and bury the surface-earth as deep as you can, for the chrysalides are formed in the earth, and when the flies leave them they will not be able to make their way to the surface through several inches of soil. H you will send another sample of the insect working in the stems I shall be pleased to name it for you. — G. S. S. Names of fruit. — Randell. — 1, Hawthornden ; 2, Warner's King ; 3, Cellini ; 4, Queen. Names of plants. — A. T. Bowles. — Antennaria margaritacea. North. — 1, Escallonia macrantba ; 2, white Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius albus) ; 3, Lobelia cardinalis. /. C. L.— Cassia, iloribunda. M. Attenbnrough. — The White Willow or some of its varieties, which you can obtain at any of the lead- ing tree nurseries. A. F. Pifee.— Dane's Blood (Sambucus Ebulus). Hibernia.- Not M. (ripetala. We think it is Magnolia acuminata. F. V. H.— l, Populus alba oandicans ; 2, the Hungarian Lime pro- bably, but should like to see better specimen. — — F. Randolph - Symmons {(Mchester). — i, Salvia Roezli.- Oiiiger. — We have no knowledge of the use of a disinfectant for garden use. BOOKS RECEIVED. " Cultivated Roses." Illustrated by T. W. Sanders. W. H. and L. Collingridge, Aldersgate St., E.G. "The Strawberry Manual." Laxton, Bedford. Hulatt and Richardson, Bedford. "Vegetables for Exhibition and Home Supplies." By E. Beckett. Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and Co. "Botany for Beginners." By Ernest Evans. Maomillan and Co., Ltd. "The English Flower Garden." — rZio- roughly r&vised, with full descriptions of all the best plants, their ctdture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, 15s. 6d. Bo^tnd in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all boohsellers, ^c. THE GARDEN. No. U55.— Vol. LVL] [OCTOBER 7, 1899. Park and Woodland : - Beeches in New Zealand .. 271 Fir, the Douglas ^ ., „ 271 Orchard and Fruit :~ Apple Devonshire tjaarren- < den . . „ 273 Apple Emperor Alexander . 273 ' Apple?, three good . . . . 273 Apricot tree", lifting and replanting . . 272 ! Cherry, the Koslov Morello . 272 I Fruit, exhibiting 272 ' Graft, a curious 273 i Peaches on bact walls . „ 272 Plum, Kirke's Black .. .. 273 | Raspberries, cutting back . 272 Strawberry Leader in frames 273 Strawberry Stevens' Wonder 273 Strawberries, boxing .. .. 273 Notes of the Week :- Apple Lady Kinl ch .. .. 273 Aster Amellua 274 Aster F. W. Burl.idge .. .. 274 Carduncellus pinnatug . . 274 Chrysanthemums, early- flowering 273 Dahlia Island (J iieen .. .273 Fuchsias in S.W. Scotland . 274 Frost, early 273 Gerbera Jamesoni . „ .. 273 Helianthus orgyalia .. .. 273 Kniphofia Nelsoni 273 Phlox Berenice 274 Pbysilia Frauchetti .. -. 274 Ranunculus Lvalli at home. 274 Statice Bondwelli 274 Statioe minut* .. .. -. 274 Tropseolum speciosum . .. 274 Fruit and Vegetable Crops.. ..„-... 377 Stove and Greenhouse:— AbutUons planted out . ., 279 Begonia carminata .. .. 279 (Illustrations in Italics.) Begonia Mrs. Leopold de BothschUd 279 Bouvardias . - — . . . . 279 Ceropegia Wood! .. •. — 279 Euphorbias planted out » 279 Fittonias _ 279 Freesias .. .. _ — .. 279 Heliotropes, new 279 Orchids:— Barkeria elegans ,. 280 Cypripedium amauuum .. 280 Cypripedium Sfcdeni .. „ 280 Oneidium Harrisoniaj . . _ 280 Oncldium pubes . . _ . . 280 Oneidium undidatum ... . . 280 Orchids, watering .. — 280 Saecolabium giganteuni. .. 280 Trichocentrum albo-purpur- eum 280 Garden Flora:— Anemone blanda and varie- ties „ .. 280 Week's HTopk:— Fruit?, outdoor, work among 281 Kitchen garden, work in the 282 Ferns ;— Adiantum elegans 283 Dicksonia antarctica .. .. 2S3 Ferns, specimen .. .. « 282 Flower ;— Agapanthus umtel'atus in the open ^ 286 Asterd, Victoria 284 Dahlias, pompon, at Chia- wick .. .. _ .. .. 284 Flower garden notes . . . . 285 Gentiana asclepiadea .. .. 287 Gunnera scabra 283 Lilium neilgberrense . . . 286 National Dahlia Society .. 281 Pansy, Tufted, Mrs. A. H. Beadles 236 Societies!— National Dahlia 29 Royal Horticultural Society fruit show 287 Obituary :— Martin, Jas ...... -299 Wallace, Dr. Alexander .. 290 Hlscellaneons :— Crystal Palace show. Judging at the 278 Fruit " appropriation " .. 290 Gunnersbury House . . - . 275 Gunnershury House, Mush- rooms in an old wine cellar at - 284 Gunnnrshury House, Nym- pkif-a stdlata at _ .. -. 277 Gunneriburv House, the lake at .. .. - 275 Gunnersbury House, Water lilies at . .. _ .. 286 Weather In W. Herta .. _ 290 Park and Woodland. THE DOUGLA.S FIR. Thoui^h this is undoubtedly a fine tree, it is a much over- rated species for general planting. It makes phenomenal growth in some parts — north and south — and in others it refuses to grow and becomes a poor, stunted specimen. I do not think soil has much to do with it, but climate evidently has. The Stanley Wood of the Douglas Fir in Perthshire is a fine example of the tree's adaptability to plantation culture, the trees having grown fast and evenly and kept in fine health, but the soil is of poor quality, appa- rently rather wet and cold. At Bunkeld and Murthly Castle it grows equally well on a dif- ferent soil, that is certainly very dry, being naturally well drained. The fact that the Larch and Douglas Fir succeed together speaks for itself, because the Larch will not thrive in a soil that is not well drained. In Norfolk, not far from East Lynn, on a dry, pebbly soil, I have seen the Douglas Fir growing beautifully, and in the New Forest there are long lines of it in splendid health. In many parts of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, however, the tree does not succeed, and it has been tried time after time by those who desired to get up a covert quickly. The chill east winds of .spring do not seem to suit it, and where the.se pre- vail (as they do in some parts from Jlarch till June) in conjunction with a dry soil and a short rainfall, I would not advise the tree to be planted. Both the Silver and common Spruce behave very like the Douglas Fir under the same conditions. Abies mollis and Abies Nordmanniana are the only two Spruces I know of that succeed fairly well where the others will not grow. Another fault of the Douglas Fir is that it is very apt to lose its leader by the wind. In Scotland this has been found to be a serious drawback to its value as a timber tree. Nevertheless, wherever the tree will grow it is well worth planting, as probably no other Fir at present known can approach it for laying on bulk in a short time. The trees in the Stanley Wood were too thinly planted at the first, and made an enormous branch growth, producing huge knots up the trunk that detracted from the value of the tree ; but since then they have grown fast in height, being now perhaps from 60 feet to 70 feet high, though still young, with trunks of good plank diameter, and having established a complete overhead canopy, the lower branches are being regularly shed, and the bulging knots spoken of have been grown over and quite disappeared. The trunks are straight, clean and cylindrical and of the shape they ought to be where timber is the object. As to the quality of the timber, it must be remembered that the Douglas Fir is a Spruce and the timber is soft — at least, in this country — in trees of timber size. Grown for timber, the tree would be fit for the saw-mill in from thirty-five to fifty years. Poles of pit-prop dimensions would be produced long before that, but I am speaking of trees that would produce good planks and deals from 0 inches to 12 inches or 15 inches wide. These are the sizes that consumers prefer, and those who grow the tree for timber would probably find fifty years the longest rotation period desirable. The timber of the Douglas Fir, though like that of the Spruce, is of better quality, and the heart wood of young trees has a red tint and a weight and texture that are absent in the Spruce. Wind-fallen young trees that I have seen cut up for posts were quite red inside with a broad band of white sap-wood. Age would no doubt make much difference to the quality of the wood, but in trees grown in this country the annual rings are very broad — as much as an inch in some cases. This denotes inferior quality in a Fir. Sections of trees grown in the natural habitat of the tree in Western America present a very diS'erent appearance, the annual rings being very narrow indeed and regular and the wood hard and heavy. Examples are shown in the Edinburgh Museum. J. S. W. BEECHES IN NEW ZEALAND. I WAS much interested in Mr. Bean's article on "The Beeches" in your issue of April 22 last, but was surprised that no mention was made therein of any of our New Zealand Beeches. We have seven recognised species, all of which are called Birches by the colonists, the small leaves, which certainly have a greater resemblance to those of a Birch than a Beech, having given rise to the misnomer. All over the colony where these trees are found the name Birch has been adopted, but there the unanimity of the settlers as regards nomenclature ceases, for in diflferent parts of the colony the popular specific names are jumbled in an extraordinary fashion. For ex- ample, the Black Birch of one district is the White of another, the Red Birch is elsewhere the Black, and so on. I expressed my surprise that none were mentioned in the article, as a Tas- manian species was, and it is probable that our Beeches are hardier than the Tasmanian repre- sentative. The majority, if not all, of them are hardier than our Cabbage Tree (Cordyline aus- tralis), our common Flax (Phormium tenax), or our Toe toe (Arundo conspicua), all of which I learn from your pages can be grown in parts of Great Britain and Ireland. In Devonshire, Corn- wall, and the south and west of Ireland our Beeches ought to be perfectly hardy, and probably in other localities also. Here some species grow in ex- posed situations and in parts of the country where the frosts are severe at an altitude of considerably over 1000 feet above sea-level. The three species best known are Fagus Menziesi, which has a small leaf with serrated edges ; F. Solandri, which has also a small leaf without any serrations ; and F. fusca, which has a much larger serrated leaf, but though its leaf is twice the size of that of the others, it is only about an inch in length. The foliage of the two first is dark and sombre, and grows in dense masses on horizontal branches. The trees possess a striking and distinct iii- dividuality, and resemble some of the hori- zontal-growing Cypresses in general appearance more than any other tree 1 can think of. F. fusca is of a more open habit and is the tallest growing of the three; its foliage is lighter in colour, though at times its leaves are of a brownish hue. It grows in groves and forests by itself, requiring a deeper soil and more sheltered situation than the others. Such forests are totally different from the ordinary New Zea- land bush, as there is little or no undergrowth, except thousands of seedlings, 99 per cent, of which must die before they attain even to the dignity of saplings. There are also few Ferns, and as the canopy is not so dense, it is therefore much lighter than in the ordinary bush. All three are evergreens, but F. fusca has a pleasing habit of putting on some autumn tints in the spring : some of the old leaves turn to varying shades of red and yellow at the time when the 272 THE GARDEN. [October 7, 1899. young leaves are beginning to display their fresh, bright green. Owing to the small size of the leaves, the effect is only visible at a short dis- tance, but it is a very charming and unique one. The trees are not greatly prized for timber, but the tiniber yielded by F. fusca, which is the best, IS a nice clean-grained, reddish wood, suitable for indoor purposes, as it does not stand the weather. They are fairly rapid growers, about the same, probably, as their British cousin. All our timber trees are of very slow growth. I feel sure that these trees would, as I have said, prove hardy in the south of P:ngland, though in some parts they might require protection in winter till they had attained some size and vigour, and as they are handsome trees they would prove an ornament to any arboretum. A. Bathgate. -Dimedin, N.Z. PS.— More than one Mistletoe grows on our -Beeches One is very free-flowering, with a crim- son-scarlet blossom, which is very effective. I once saw a mountain side covered with Bgech forest ablaze with the Mistletoe. It was a glorious sight. I have tried to introduce it on the trees in my garden, but without success. I read with much interest your various notes on the cultivation of the English Mistletoe, and shall try again if I can get the seeds, but as the plant does not grow in my neighbourhood this is diffi- cult I once got a few seeds of the English Mistletoe from a friend and tried them on my ■Apple trees, but the experiment was a failure. After reading your notes I am 6red with a desire to try again, but am at a loss how to obtain the seeds, as apparently seedsmen do not deal in them. Perhaps some of your readers would be kind enough to send me a few seeds by post, and 1 should be happy to send some New Zealand seeds in exchange. Orchard AND Fruit Garden. EXHIBITING FRUIT. Many will agree with "H." in the high esti- mate he places on fruit exhibits and his objec- tion to the methods in some respects of stagincr Grapes. There is no doubt that many bunches of Grapes when exhibited would be much more attractive with the addition of some kind of trailing foliage such as the several Virginian Creepers afford, those having small foliage in particular. Vine foliage cut with stems °soon withers, and, instead of adding, rather detracts from the appearance of Grapes. Placed under fruit on dishes this is not so apparent. It will, however, be a long time ere the sloping boards will be dispensed with for Grapes, because they not only form a convenient mode of carriage, but save a deal of time in staging on the morn- ing of the show, which to a large exhibitor is most important. Sloping boards neatly covered with white or pink paper, and thete draped with some suitable foliage, make good Grapes attractive. Poor quality is represented at every .show in some classes and stands, and this will presumably ever remain so, and, no matter what treatment such Grapes receive in statin'', they can never lie made attractive. It° has often struck me that if societies possessed a standard for tlie regulation of the size of Grape boards, tliesameasisdone with Clirysanthemums, a much more uniform effect would be the result. The first-prize table at Shrewsbury, judged from a photographic illustration, was vastly superior to what is usually seen, but compensa- tion in prize money accounts for much at show?. Some fruit growers are very averse to the use of any accessories in collections of fruit or Grapes. One first-class Grape grower of my acquaintance I heard commenting on the wis- dom of allowing a proportion uf points for decoration in the great Grape class at Shrews- bury. He considered there were men who were good growers who would be behind on the score of points simply because they were not experts in the art of decorating. Such arguments are sure to be advanced by some, but they do not always carry weight. For this reason I very much fear " H.'s " suggestion for collections of fruit without papered boards or dishes, leaving it to exhibitors to arrange as best they can without, would not find favour among societies, exhibitors, or the public, because no uniform result would be arrived at. I take it that "H." suggests that fruit be shown on the same lines as vegetables, which are arranged on the stages, having a ground- work of Parsley or green Moss. I do not think the use of wood-wool could be made so attrac- tive for the purpose as "H." seems to think. I certainly do not see the objection to plates being used, as they always have been, but I do think collections may be made much more attractive than they often are by trails of suitable foliage placed about among the plates, largely concealing them from view. I am afraid " H." is not an exhibitor of fruit collections, or the advocacy of such changes in the staging would not be so pro- minent ; the additional labour involved by such a course would be more in practice than appears superficially. In compiling schedules, too, there is often great laxity, and to clearly define the requirements set forth would, I am sure, be beyond the capacity of a good many. Schedules already are too brief in descriptive matter, and not a little confusion exists in con- sequence, and there are, I fear, many cases where the scope of " H.'s " views would be im- possible. If an exhibitor simply contented himself with showing a collection of fruit, he would then have the time to stage, but more often than otherwise collections form only one of several classes demanding a share of time and attention. There always has been a variety of opinions bearing on the display of exhibition fruit, but " H." certainly deserves some credit in advancing what seems to be quite an original conception. Certainly it opens up a subject that is deserving of some recognition, and I hope others may be induced to give their views. The management of flower shows is often greatly at fault. Exhibitors arrive with their produce, only to find that no provision has been made for them or any calculation made as to how much space is required, notwithstanding that they have forwarded some days previous the necessary information as to the number of classes in which they are to exhibit. '_ W. S. The Koslov Morello Cherry, says the Canadian Horlicultnriit, seems to be remarkably hardy. Prof. Macoun in his recent report says that in ISO.") 6, when Cherry trees at Ottawa were killed out generally, this variety was an exception. It was sent out by the Ontario Fruit Growers' Association in 1890, twenty-four trees having been received from Jaroslav Neimetz, Winnitzi, Podolia, Russia. Only five of these have failed ; the rest have borne fruit for several years. Peaches on back walls. — When it is at- tempted to grow Peaches on the back wall of a vinery, failure commonly results. But I have seen almost myriads of cases where Peaches have been grown well on the back walls of Peach houses when the front trees have been trained to low, rounded trellises. That seems to be by fir the most satisfactory way of utilising lean-to houses, for, whilst the front trees get ample light and air, the back trees also get plenty. Only a few days since in a Peach house of this nature in j South Hants I saw the front trees on a trellis, at ] its highest part not exceeding 5 feet, and the back wall trees with leaves close to the ground. As to excessive heat, that is hardly to be feared. Ample ventilation can invariably correct trouble from that source. — A. D. Cutting back Raspberries. — "Norfolk" has raisad a matter of great interest to all Rasp- berry growers, yet it is one on which there ought not to be two opinions. Most certainly myriads of failures have befallen amateurs and some others who, in planting their young suckers, have omitted to cut the hard woody stems back in the spring. The practice of cutting back the newly-planted suckers or canes to within 9 inches of the groacd is an old one, and seems to be fully justified by long established practice and experience. When it is stated that leaving at least 2 feet-lengths of old cane, the growth which follows from its buds in the spring helps to promote root action, there is no doubt that a truism is expressel. But then, does not such root action tend to retard rather than help the pro duction of root or sucker stolons ? For it is chiefly through the agency of root suckers or stolons that new canes are produced. When we newly plant an ordinary fruit tree we know that any- thing which causes strong wood growth, causes also strong root growth. But in the case of Raspberries, fruits that in their habits of growth and increase differ from nearly all others, the root growth referred to by " Norfolk " may be of service to the old canes, but none at all to the new ones. These go soon as their points appear above ground practically proceed at once to cause roots to form at their own bases. For these reasons I think the old practice of cutting down newly- p'anted canes to cause new canes or suckers to form is the best. — A. D. LIFTING AND REPLANTING APRICOT TREES. Ix the case of Peach and Apricot trees, and, in- deed, all hardy fruits, provided the tree is not too old, excellent results may be secured by carefully lifting and relaying the roots, thus infusing new life into them. Unless the recent long-looked-for rains should have the effect of starting a secondary growth, lifting Apricot trees will be practically early this autumn. I do not advise too long delay — not even until a too yellow condition of the foliage has taken place— as often then, instead of the leaves remaining on for say a fortnight after lifting and inducing an immediate and free formation of new fibrous rootlets, they fall, and the tree does not become, as is most necessary, semi-established previous to winter setting in. Therefore I advi-e taking the work in hand as soon as an actual change from green to yellow is perceptible, then with care, also regular syring- ings until the last leaf falls, re-establishing is pretty certain by the middle of November. It is surpiising what an all-round change is effected in old Apricot trees by lifting the roots up nearer the surface and replacing the old, inert compost with sweet, open loam and mortar rubble, omitting all manures, except, perhaps, a small percentage of bone-meal. Fruit tree planting on wall borders should ba carried out more than it ij on the piecemeal border system, as in the case of Vines, and what a saving it is where both labour and material are scarce. Where only an addition of new compost can be afforded, a certain width of the border should bo marked out, a trench taken out at one end, and new soil consisting of loam, lime rubble, burnt refuse, or wood ashes, and where maiden loam is at a premium a percentage of ordinary kitchen garden soil, hitherto unimpoverished by fruit tree roots, thrown in and well mixed as the turning over proceeds. The soil from the Apricot border can then take the place of that brought from vegetable quarters. In such cases the lifted tree should, in the interval between lifting and planting, be laid in by the roots in some sheltered corner and kept moist overhead by the syringe. E.vactly the same re- marks as regards compost are applicable to young nursery or home grown trees. The difficulty with October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 273 very shallow borders is in keeping them hutii- ciently moist, but I believe if these could be kept watered in dry seasons and mulched into the bargain and impoverisbinj; vegetables kept at a distance, surface-roots, which are the most valu- able, would be more numerous, trees would soaner recover from the checks often produced by incle- ment springs, short j linted, hard, well-ripened wood would result, and the dreaded paralysis, which ruins so many fine trees now-a days, reduced to a minimum. J. Crawkokd. Strawberry Leader in frames.— I had not a particularly good opinion of this Strawberry for forcing at first, but I saw it in good order during the present spring, and now some of the eame plants that have been kept well watered since are throwing some useful fruit in frames. Some may say that Strawberries are not wanted at this end of the year, but every good gardener likes to get as much variety into his dessert as possible, and a dish of good Strawberries now is sure to please. Sir J. Paxton is also a good variety for the purpose. — H. R. Apple Emperor Alexander. — This fine cooking Apple is one of the best for planting in proximity to the house and pleasure grounds, where, owing to the graceful habit of the tree and the prettily coloured fruit, it is always attractive. Although it looks well and is even of fair quality for eating, its very soft character will always militate a little against its coming into general market use. Yet I have sold it at a good price in the west of England, but only in limited quanti- ties. The tree is a hardy and vigorous one, and as noted of pretty semi-pendulous habit when a few years established. — H. Strawberry Stevens' Wonder.— This va- riety has probably more enemies than friends, for, early as it is, the fruits are rarely handsome. But at Hackwood Park it is a capital doer, and is largely grown for first early work ; indeed, only this variety and Royal Sovereign are grown for early forcing. Mr. Bowerman likes it greatly, for with him it fruits capitally. I saw the respec- tive plants a few days since. Royal Sovereign wore a meagre look, and seemed to need consider- able time to enable crowns to be formed. Stevens' Wonder, layered at the same time, showed on every plant a fine head of leafage and stout crowns. No plants I have seen anywhere looked so well. It was easy to perceive that it is at Hackwood a first-rate forcer. — A. Boxing Strawberries.— Not at all a novel, but still now a somewhat unusual, plan in the forcing of Strawberry plants is that adopted at Greenham Lodge, Newbury, by Mr. Dalby, who layers all his runners for forcing into boxes of stout inch wood 5 feet long, .SJ inches wide, and SJ inches deep inside. He has some fifty of these i boxes all filled with Royal Sovereign, and each j one contains sixteen strong. rooted layers. These plants were generally stronger than others in pots, not having suB'ered so much from the heat and drought. Practically they need less atten- ! tion, as one watering will usually serve a box for I three days. They are stood on shelve? in a low ' span-roofed house, being brought in in batches, j and the plants give heavy crops. No plants in ' pots for forcing are there grown.— D. ^ Three good Apples.— I saw just recently at Forde Abbey, Chard, bush trees of Domino and ' Stone's Pippin carrying for their size truly wonderful crops of fine clear fruits that were perfect pictures, and well merited illustrating. Domino is a hardier early Apple than Lord Sutiield and is a free cropper. The fruits are clear, semi-conical, and carry a profuse bloom. Stone's Pippin is well known, and in this case the crop was a grand one. The third Apple was the still better-known Lane's Prince Albert. This I saw in several gardens fruiting freely, but no- where 50 markedly as at Hackwood Park, where on a couple of espaliers 4 feet high and about 10 feet long there was the other day a splen- did crop of superb samples. What a fortune should this grand Apple furnish were it generally grown in bulk in this espalier form, for it adapts itself to such training admirably. — A. D. A CURIOUS GRAFT. Three years ago a M. Dardar, of Brouvaux, near Metz, brought to notice a Medlar more than 100 years old, grafted on a Hawthorn. Directly below the graft the stock (White Thorn) gave birth to a branch (which we will call No. 1), intermediate in form between the Hawthorn and the Medlar (Mespilus germanica), yet approaching more nearly to the latter than to the Hawthorn. This branch differs from the grafted part of the tree, that is to say the true Medlar, in being thorny, and, in lieu of single flowers, these are borne in corymbs of as many as twelve. The fruit (Med- lars) are small and generally very much flattened. Side by side with this branch and springing from the same point of insertion, another has developed of completely different form (No. 2), the young leaves of which are lobed, velvety, and shaped like those of the White Thorn ; the full-grown leaves, on the contrary, are little or not at all lobed, are long in shape, and, in fine, bear a certain resemblance to those of the Medlar. The young shoots are downy, the flowers in corymbs almost similar to those of the White Thorn, but somewhat larger, and the calyx pubescent. Two years ago these flowers were roseate in colour, sometimes also the rose-coloured petals alternated with white petals. This year there have been only white blooms, though it is true I only saw them at their decline, which may explain the apparent change of colour. The fruit? of No. 2 are long, brown, smaller and quite different from the true Medlar. The same tree has also produced, like- wise below the graft, another very remarkable branch (No. 8). The base of this branch is none other than the White Thorn, but the ex- tremity is transformed into a branch which, if not exactly similar to No. 2, bears a very close re- semblance to it. This third form, unfortunately, now only exists on the mother stem in a withered state. Possibly I cut this branch a little too short in taking branches to graft. Fortu- nately, however, the grafts have taken very well, so that I am enabled to study this form. This year I made two new discoveries not hitherto observed. Form No. 1 has given birth to a young branch, which is the true single flowered Medlar. On the same branch a forked twig at a slight distance from its point of insertion has produced on one side an inflorescence of White Thorn and on the other a corymb of eight Medlar flowers. What ought one to conclude from this extra- ordinary disjunction? In my opinion all these changes are without doubt due to the influence of the graft (the Medlar) on the stock (the White Thorn). The intervening forms which have sprung from it, and of which we possess vigorous two year-old plants fixed 'oy the graft, logically can only be called hybrids. But if this descrip- tion ought to be applied to them it will be neces- sary in botanical treatises to rectify the defini- tion of the term and to distinguish between the different sorts of hybrids, viz. (1) those obtained by sowing, and (2) those got by grafting. — Ed. JouiN, in Le Jan/in,' Plum Kirke's Black.- This is a Plum that has given very excellent results this season, and for the matter of that it generally does, as it is but seldom that it fails to bear. This season, however, when the Plum crop is not so satisfac- tory generally as it might be this fact is worth recording, as it shows that the variety under notice possesses a good constitution, and is to a very great extent capable of resisting the effects of the great diversity of weather usually experi- enced at the season when Plums are in blos.som. It is also a variety that does exceedingly well on a wall either having a northern or northwestern aspect. Bush trees also bear well, and I have seen it stated that it is quite as prolific when grown as a standard. Under good culture the fruits grow to a large size on wall trees, and when fully ripe and covered, as they usually are, with a very dense bloom they are then strikingly handsome, and form a fine dish for the dessert. The fruits when partaken of are invariably found to be quite as good as they look, the flesh proving to be both tender and juicy and very richly flavoured. — A. W. Apple Devonshire Q,uarrenden. — On the trees this has a very pretty appearance, and it is one of the most useful of early Apples on a suit- able soil. Unlike many other kinds it colours well even in cold and heavy soils, while in shel- tered plices it comes very early. In a Hunting, don garden recently I noticed a fine tree well loaded, the only one in the garden, in fact, that was bearing a crop. At another place in the mid- lands its showy fruit stood out conspicuously from all others, and it is a pity it is not much more grown. To help with the dessert at this time of year it is excellent, though the flavour is not, of course, up to the standard of later kinds. Many people like the soft rather sweet flesh of these early kinds, and to such this variety will appeal. It is strictly hardy and free bearing, does well on any stock or under any form of training, but best of all on bush and free pyramid trees. In the west of England it is a very favourite kind, and in Gloucester, Somerset and Devon miy be met with in almost every cottage garden, many of the cottagers making a good percentage of their rents out of their "Quarantines." — H. R. Notes of the Week. Dahlia Island Queen is perhaps amou? the most beautiful of tbia tine raci?. It is a Cactus kiud, with ilowers of an exceptional shade of delicate mauve. The kinds in this particular line < f colour are by no means numerous, so tl at this stands out quite pro- mineut among the best of these flowers. HelianthUB orgyalip. — Perhaps the most striking feature of tbi-* plant is not the great size of the ilower-heads, but the reverse, for it is indeed one of the smallest in this respect. The elegant and graceful habit and the well-recurved linear leaves are items that make its presence in the garden as welcoiEe as it is distinct and beautiful. Kniphofia Nelsoni. — Can any reader of The G.\RDEN say if there are early and late-flowering forms fif this tine plant ? A year or two since I planted a nicely eitablished example of it, but it appears destined to be a late-flowering variety of this beaut f ul Torch Lily. Not that lateness would be auy drawback, but many spikes appear too late to admit of full development. — E. J. Qerbera Jamesoni. — .\.t the last Drill Hall metting the Messrs. Wallace, Colches er, had flowers of this tine plant. The biillimt colour of the ray florets and the large size of the flower-heads make this a really handsome subject. Toe flowers are borne on single stems, and, when sufficiently plenlitul, should make a ninst tolling subject in di coration, aud under artificial light in particular. Early frost. — On the morning of the iDth ult. quite a sharp frost was experienced in this district (West Middlesex), Vegetabla Marrows aud tho more tender things suffering hore and there. Late in the afternoon of the previous day some rain fell, this leaving vegetation generally quite wet and easily affected by frost. To this is due the fact that some fully expanded flowers of C'hrysantherauuis were quite spoiled. Apple Lady Kinl:eh.—.V slight error appears in la-.t week's Garden in referring to Apple Lidy Kinloch sent from here to the Drill Hall meeting on Tuesday. It is there stated that this variety origi- nated here, instead of which 'he raiser was Jtr. John Brunton, Gilmerton, East Lothian, who placed the stock in charge of Jfessrs. D. B. Laird and S:>n--, Edinburgh, for distribution. Tbij firm sent a p'ant here for trial a few years ago. and the ■ rait shown was grown upon that plant.— James Dw, QiJIow.tii House, Garliestown, N.B. Early or summe'-flowering Chrysintbe- mums.— These showy aud useful subjects wf re grjatly in need nf the i-aiu, but which, however, h.is c jme too late for the earliest bloom. Only the other day s^tig plants of these in variety were drooping just as badly. 274 THE GARDEK [October 7, 1899. as though exposed to the great heat of summer, demonstrating how exceedingly dry they were at the root. Indeed, even now where the plants have not been watered the soil is dust-dry au inch from the sur- face. In the meantime, however, the plants are refreshed and should give a nice display if the weather remains favourable. Statice Bondwelli. — Yellow or shades ap- proaching this are very rare in this genus, so that the present plant is unique, having flowers of a good brimstone-yellow shade that with age become some- what paler. The plant is an annual, and the distinctly forked inflorescence is very striking. The main branches of the inflorescence are slightly angled, the branchlets merging from a simple attenuated stem to an acutely triangular form, the blossoms appearing in considerable profusion at the tips. 8. sinensis is said to have yellow flowers. The above, however, on the testimony of Messrs. Wallace, Colchester, forms a free-flowering bush, very pretty by reason of its dis- tinct colour. Aster Amellus. — A word of warning may not be altogether out of place respecting this and the variations obtainable when raising plants from seed. As a matter of fact, scarcely any two of these are alike, and it needs a note of warning to prevent quite a host of these with their minor variations being saddled with distinctive names. It is always advisable to raise seedlings of such things, though up to the present time very few that we have seen have surpassed the original in point of colour or freedom. One of the finest is named Riverslea. Already, however, there are spurious forms in the market with this name attached. This is unfortunate, as the colour of the true plant is so distinct, while in habit it is but a counterpart of the type. Physalis Franchetti. — It is, of course, as an autumn plant that this is valuable, when the abundance of its richly coloured calyces renders it one of the most striking plants in the garden. The plant is in every way superior to the older species, P. Alkekengi ; indeed, in leafage alone it is a gain upon the old sort. With good treat- ment and early planting some very decided efifects may be secured. Not that this should be construed to imply tenderness on the part of the plant ; rather is it perennial and one of a some- what persistent type. At the same time, the inclination of its roots to travel may sometimes leave a gap where no such gap was intended, and by transplanting each year this may be avoided. Just now the plant is very fine, and if dwarfer than we have before seen it, there is no lack of brilliant colour. Aster F. W. Burbidge.— If I recollect aright, I sent to The Garden a short note about this Michaelmas Daisy in the autumn of 1898. My only plant has now attained larger proportions, so that I can now more fully understand its worth. The high opinion I formed of it before has not been lessened, but rather increased, by longer acquaintance and by the finer appearance pre- sented by the larger plant. It is of sturdy habit, has strong stems, and grows in this light soil about 5 feet high. The individual blooms are large and of a fine colour. I see them described as being of a fine soft heliotrope, and it is not easy to suggest an alternative description more suitable. There is about the flowers in certain conditions of the atmosphere a warm rosy tint which is quite attractive. Aster F. W. Burbidge comes into bloom with me early in September, and will, to all appearance, last well through October. — S. Arnott. Statice minuta.— While one cannot claim for this tiny Sea Lavender that it possesses either the elegance or the usefulness for cutting of its taller congeners, it has some features which will commend it to at least a few. Its principal claim upon our notice is, however, one which many will not recognise as such. It consists in its miniature size, a grievous defect to those who like showy flowers, but a high recommendation to those who delight in the smaller gems of the alpine gar- den. There has, to all appearance, been some confusion in the names of these very dwarf Statices, but there does not seem much reason to I doubt the name of the little plant now in my garden under the name of Statice minuta. It grows only some 4 inches or .5 inches in height, has small leaves almost spoon-shaped, and stiff spikes of flowers of almost a lavender colour. Small and unassuming as is this Statice, room should be found for it in the rock garden. — S. A. Phlox Berenice.— The favour generally ac- corded to white flowers is shared by white Phloxes. In these there has been a considerable advance of late years. This has largely consisted in the size of the individual flowers and in the greater purity and substance they show. It seems only a short time since Panama attracted the notice of ad- mirers of these fine autumn flowers. It, however, is not easy to obtain in good form. Fine as the individual pips may be, the spike is usually poor in comparison with that of some of the older whites. In the one named Sylphide we have, however, a considerable improvement. It is beautiful from almost every point of view with its white flowers, its wax-like texture, and its good spike. In Berenice, which was shown at Edinburgh show by Mr. Forbes, of Hawick, we have what promises to be another acquisition. Unless I am mistaken, it also is from the same continental source which has of late j'ears given us so many beautiful florist's flowers. Among the newer Phloxes there are still some which fall short of the best of the older varieties in the form of their spikes, but one can observe an improve- ment in this respect also. — S. A. Carduncellus pinnatus.— This pretty little alpine plant is giving a second crop of bloom at present. One says crop with some reserve, as the flowers are, perhaps, not so freely produced as to justify the term, which carries with it the idea of a number of blooms. It does not seem at best a plant which will at any time give many flowers, yet it is one which is uncommon enough and pretty enough to be a favourite. It has been growing on a rather dry rockery here for fully three years, but I have an idea that it would flower more freely if in a place where it would have more moisture at the root. One of the beauties of Carduncellus pinnatus consists in its exceedingly neat habit, which makes it of high value among the dwarfest of the rock garden plants. It forms a nice tuft of pinnate leaves, each about 3 inches long and of a rather deep green colour. From the centre of each tuft is produced one solitary, almost ttemless, flower. This is rather like a small flower of Centaurea montana, l>utwith the florets differently arranged. The flowers of this Carduncellus are of a light purplish blue. The only information accessible regarding the native home of this plant is the somewhat unsatisfactory statement that it comes from the East. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, Jiu Dum- fries, N.B. Tropaeolum speciosum. — This brilliant creeper is not so easy to establish in some Scottish gardens, and your correspondent "Delta" will find that a good many readers north of the Tweed can appreciate the difficulties experienced in establishing it in the south. I know of gar- dens in which it has been tried many times, with the invariable result that it has failed to flourish even when a season's growth had given hope that it had established itself. I have in view a garden where it has been planted several times. More than once it has attained several feet in height, but failed to come up the following year. One season it was over 7 feet high, yet the following year not a vestige of it was visible. In moist districts it is much easier to establish than in those where the rainfall is less, but it is altogether a plant difficult to fairly establish, and one, too, which has a great dislike to disturbance. I can remember a house which was for many years the admiration of all passers-by on account of the way it was covered with the brilliantly coloured wreaths of flower of this Tropaolum. The house changed tenants, the one who left removing, as far as possible, every bit of T. speciosum. The new tenant obtained a number of roots in the same neighbourhood, where it grows luxuriantly. Some years have yet the Trop;eolum has never fairly got hold, and is still weakly and far from being as fine as before. Anyone who has felt the difficulty of establishing the plant can thoroughly sympathise with the spirit of rejoicing of which your esteemed corre- spondent " Delta" speaks. — S. Arnott. Fuchsias in S.W. Scotland.— Although the climate of Cornwall is very different from that in this corner of Scotland, and, indeed, almost all the west coast, many might profit by the pleasant notes on "Cornish Gardens "in The Garden of September 30. I know of gardens where the Myrtle lives and flowers against a wall, and such places as Poltalloch and Inverewe could give us many lessons. What one would, however, like to draw from the note by " S. W. F." is a hint of the desirability of more attention being paid to the Fuchsias. With us there are good bushes of Fuchsias which have no protection in winter, but escape unscathed, save the loss of their leaves and tender twigs, in all but the most severe winters. Even in such record seasons as the winter of 1894 95 these were only killed to the ground and started again from the base. For some years I have had under observation in a cottage flower border facing south a Fuchsia with white perianth and purple corolla. It is not a vigorous grower and never attains more than to about 3A feet high. It is perfectly hardy in the garden in question, which, although facing the south and close to the sea, is yet pretty much exposed. I do not know the variety, but it is not too much to assume, I think, that others of similar colour might succeed as well. In my own garden for the last two winters I have grown without any pro- tection one of M. Lemoine's hybrids of F. myrti- folia. I saw a few of these at Newry, where they are hardy, and afterwards obtained as an experi- ment the one called Bouquet. It is a dwarf- growing little Fuchsia, such as growers of alpines would appreciate, and one with which I have been much pleased. I have not given it any covering. — S. Arnott. Ranunculus Lyalli at home. — As Mr. Arnott truly says, "the establishment of so fine a plant as Ranunculus Lyalli is worth a good deal of trouble," and as reliable information con- cerning it seems of the vaguest description, it may be of interest to him and other growers ambitious of succeeding with it in the Old Country to relate my personal observation of it in its own native wilds. There it flowers during the months of December and early January. I saw great groups of it growing on the top of Arthur's Pass, on the way to the entrance of the far-famed Otira Gorge, on the West Coast Road, Middle Island, New Zealand. At such an alti- tude all vegetation was naturally sparse, espe- cially when compared with the luxuriant growth of the bush running riot lo« er down. The Moun- tain Lily was a conspicuous object in the nooks and depressions on the otherwise somewhat level ground on either side of the coach road on the summit of the Pass. The plants grew in the open, their large leaves overtopping the coarse grass and smaller herbage that surrounded their roots. It also a])peared to grow in somewhat marshy situations, though, as the rainfall on the West Coast Road is proverbial for its persistence at all times of the year, this conclusion may have been perhaps too hasty. From his own long per- sonal experience, our driver told us at this eleva- tion the cold during the winter months was intense, though he could give us no approximate idea of the average temperature at that season. The ground on which the Ranunculus Lyalli grew was not remarkably stony, though rocks lay scat- tered about the locality much as they do on any ordinary moorland. I am almost sure this Ranun- culus is not an annual, as I was shown some fine plants of it growing in the little garden of a Scotchwoman, hostess at one of the rest-houses at which we put up for the night. There I was informed the Shepherd's Lily, or Mountain Lily (as the colonials call it), thrived as well in the valley below as in its native haunts on the heights above. — E. W. OCTOBKE 7, 1899.] THE GAEDEK. 275 GUNNERSBURY HOUSE. Is the pretty and well-kept gardens that sur- round Gunnersbury House a particular phase of gardening is in favour, and the most casual observer will not be long in deciding for him- self after having once seen them what the chief aim and desire of the owner, Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, are. Indeed, it is obvious on every hand. The very naturalness of every- thing as opposed to the stiff and the formal fully demonstrates that the one desire has been not garish beds of this or that at every turn, but the careful avoidance of these, and in place thereof groups of this or that. This is perhaps most apparent in the vicinity of the pond. The meeting of grass, Sedge, Rush and water is all so much a bit of Nature, that one view. To this end Mr. Hudson, the gardener, has devoted considerable space this season to the more showy Hardy Border Plants, and right well has he succeeded in making a display of these things. That this much has been accomplished in what has undoubtedly been one of the worst seasons for freshly- sort of surprise when in full view from the front. The idea is good, not merely for the reason just stated, but because a partial shade- loving plant may be introduced and used to advantage. In just this way a lovely group of Lobelia Carmine Gem was obscured from view till one faced the plant, which, however, was no solitary one, but a fine mass in splendid planted subjects only tends to show the care I flower. No finer addition has been made to the that has been bestowed on this tine border and its occupants. The border is of semi-circular outline, and is 5 yards wide and 70 yards long, figures that show that a great number of plants of varying sizes would be needful to fill it to advantage. It was quite early in September when I had an opportunity of seeing this border. The plants are not arranged to form ^^S^-i^ The lake at Quniiershury House. From a photograrph hy Qeo. Champion, is struck by the very likeness and similarity. How very different this pond would appear with its wealth of lovely Lilies had it been formally treated and given over to the mason. Another very charming as well as secluded spot leads from the terrace, and may be styled a Rose garden, for Roses largely abound, and then at one end of this almost everything employed is fragrant to a certain extent. Beds of Helio- trope and Humeas, with others of Bou- vardias, make this sheltered and secluded spot a most pleasant and enjoyable one. It is more particularly during the late summer and autumn that this garden is at its best, for the family are then in residence. Hence no trouble is considered too great to attain the object in one sloping bank of blossoms for reasons of effect ; indeed, had the height of each plant been strictly observed, the whole border would have simply resolved itself into a series of half circular lines, with the tallest things behind and the shorter ones in front. Happily, this was avoided with the best results. The arrangement, therefore, while adhering to no strict method, is something after this sort. A group, say, of some tall -growing plant, e.;/. , any of the perennial Sunflowers, while fully occupying the background would here and there extend as a sort of promontory to the front, and thus form a panel or recess for a much shorter group of things that was not visible in the distance, and therefore created a hardy Lobelias during recent years, and as a good early autumn perennial it has much to recommend it. Some of the finest tall-growing perennials were to be seen in this border. Among them Helianthus orgyalis, H. Miss Mellish, the several forms of H. multiflorus, and among them the true H. multiflorus major, which is not often seen, being generally con- fused with H. m. maximus, from which it is distinct. The kind mentioned is nearly 2 feet taller than the ordinary H. multiflorus, which in full flower only a short distance away aflbrded a good con- trast. Pyrethrum uli- ginosum, Helenium autumnale superbum, H. nudiflorum, the taller Michaelmas Dai- sies, such as Robert Parker, the Novre- Anglia; forms, W. Bowman, and others, were all in fine masses. A splendid mass, too, of Rud- beckia Golden Glow was teeming with flowers. Here, how- ever, in spite of fine vigour and excellent colour, the plant had rather weakly foot- stalks. All the .same, the effect was very good amid so much that was quite erect. Other striking objects not perennial in char- acter were pillars of Convolvulus major, the silvery Polygo- num tomentosum, which provides a fine leaf eflect not merely in its boldness, but equally in the colour. P. orientale is also a fine tall subject. Among things of more medium height the most noticeable were masses of Japanese Anemones in white and coloured kinds and the fine Heliopsis Pitcheriana with golden orange flower-heads. This is a fine subject for Augu-st and September flowering, yet it is rarely that justice is done to it. Whether this is due to its smaller flower-heads or not is a question ; still it is so distinct in the Sunflower family, that it should be grown well and liberally where effect is desired at this season. Boltonia asteroides, groups of Cannas, Aster he vis for- mosissimus, and a very fine late Torch Lily, Kniphofia R. C. Affourtit, a seedling from K. corallina, were also effective. One or two good Phloxes only were used, as the majority of these are too early flowering to suit the case. Those employed are Jeanne d'Arc, white ; 276 THE GARDEN. [October 7, 1899. Coquelicot, cerise ; and Miss Pemberton, a large-flowered carmine variety. Another year, however, tliese will be tried on another plan with a view if possible to retard their blooming. Again in masses occurred the Montbretias, Rudbeckia Newmani, the pretty Goldilock (Aster (Chrysocoma) Linosyris), the purple Clary, Salvia Horminum, Physalis Franchetti, Chrysanthemum frutescens, Kniphofia Nelsoni, Aster Thomsoni, A. ericoides, A. cordifolius, A. Mrs. W. Peters, A. Amellus and its vars., Gaillardia Vivian Gray, a soft yellow kind, which also possesses a disc of the same uniform colour, a few Balsams and a margin of dwarf Snapdragons completing the more important things at the moment. Several feet of a grass verge occupy the foreground, and the efl'ect is not lost upon the border. At the back is a veritable fence of Cactus Dahlias, that not only forms a most perfect floral screen, but here and there as seen through this border of flowers is helpful by reason of the fine array of colour. Sheaves of bloom are taken from this flower fence. This border is no doubt one of the most satisfactory and still one of the least formal we have seen. That it serves the purpose for which it was intended there is no doubt ; it does more than this, for it proves how mucli may be accomplished in a single year by the judicious blending together of the best the season provides. Plants for the Tef.r,\i'e. Leaving the border, the main terrace inter- cepts the lawn and the gardens beyond. On the terrace specimen Pomegranates (Punica Granatum) have this year given a rich display of flowers of almost solid wax-like substance, the brilliant colour alone forming a considerable attraction. The handsome bushes of the sweet- scented Verbena and the splendid bushes of .Myrtles, both of which have been raised from cuttings by Mr. Hudson, also flower very freely, and promise to carry it on for weeks to come. Then close by is that probably unique collection of fragrant Pelargoniums, many growing quite naturally in large pots and others trained in huge fan-shaped outline to afl'ord a special screen in a town garden in London. No garish bedding breaks the lawn here, but on either hand fine trees provide a welcome shade, and beds of bulbous-flowering and other plants abound. It is here, too, that one notes in such abundance the several forms of the Lilies of the L. speciosum group, not over- massed to form a vulgar array of colour, but grouped, some with Bamboos, others with the varied kinds of Japanese Maples that dis- play a pretty eflect with many diverse tints ; others, too, with the ever-welcome La France Rose flowering freely together, in which case the white L. s. Kme.tzeri was the chosen com- panion, while in another this same variety with L. auratum mingled with Acers in very pretty fashion. Another large Lily group was composed of the Cape-grown L. Harrisi, which was flowering finely in a bed of Veronica as a foreground to larger shrubs and things behind. Nor can one pass over a notable specimen of the well-known Catalpa, on which hung in the greatest profusion its clusters of long Bean-like fruiting pods, pods that almost compare with the more tropical Vanilla in form than aught else. It was here, too, that the pretty masses of Cyclamen hederajfolium made so charming a picture, and though not long planted, and therefore not fully established, promise a still better display in the future. The Hybrid Water Lilies are important ; indeed, of recent years much interest has been taken in these things at Gun- I nersbury House ; and to remember that all the ' beauty this water garden represents is so little removed from London should go not a little way to encourage others who have water at hand to try and produce similar results. It is not a huge or costly lake that is required to grow these plants, for quite a large number may be grown in a small space, and their ex quisite flowers are indeed no little gain to any garden. Nor is it only the water and the Water Lilies at Gunnersbury that make the whole thing so purely natural, for the very approaches and the margin of the pond or lake afl'ord a well-marked lesson. Of the Lilies themselves a few words must suflice, for they are now a large and interesting throng and number at least some three dozen kinds ; in- deed, all that are good and procurable. For the summer and autumn months these things pro- vide a touch of colour that has long been needed in the garden, and now the want is supplied the desire for more will grow apace. Water without water plants not infrequently , becomes a neglected area, and sometimes an I unsightly one too, but with a few good plants introduced follows the desire of watchfulness and care to do them justice. As may be gathered from the accompanying pictures, the water space at (iunnersbury is considerable, and many of the plants are now of fine propot- ! tions. This, indeed, is the most encouraging part, seeing the short time that has elapsed since their introduction. Now it is easy to count a score or more of buds from a single plant — a plant, by the way, that four or five , years ago would have been easily put into the [ waistcoat pocket. A few of the more important of these Nymphiyas are N. Marliacea albida, N. M. carnea, and N. M. Chromatella, while the higher coloured kinds may be mentioned, as N. M. flammea, N. ignea, and N. san- guinea. In the odorata group, the lovely N. o. exquisita, N. o. rosea, and N. o. sulphurea grandiflora are flue. Other good things are N. Laydekeri fulgen.s, N. L. rosea, &c., while such as N. Ellisiana, N. gloriosa, and X. lucida are plants alone of very decisive hues. A pretty miniature kind, N. pygmsea Helvola, is among the daintiest of all this tribe. Here they flourish one and all with that vigour and free- dom that were for long regarded only as the inheritance of the well-known white Water Lily, Nymphiea alba. It will be in keeping here, ; before leaving this group, to mention the lovely Nyraphtea stellata, which is also a feature here. This, too, is well shown in the picture, but it is not grown in the lake with other kinds, but in a tank adjacent to one of the greenhouses, where a return pipe passing through just suffices to warm the water in the early days of the year and through winter. All the summer long this lovely plant sends up its splendid flowers well out of the water on long petioles I that render it most welcome in decoration. The 1 tank is, perhaps, i> feet or 8 feet long and about 5 feet wide, and here scores of blossoms a])pear in the wildest profusion, often as many as twenty being taken at a single cutting. Through the winter months a spare frame covers the tank, and thus with very little trouble this fine i blue Water Lily yields almost unceasingly of its flowers. It is assuredly a kind which no garden should be without even for the colour it aflbrds, if nothing more. On the opposite side of the lake from the mansion is The Bamboo Garden, I though Bamboos really encircle another side also. In the Bamboo garden, which is a series of beds of these things, a great number are being tried, and though established and grow- ing well, as indicated by many freshly formed shoots, the plants are yet lacking their true character, and for the moment may be thus briefly disposed of. There are, however, one or two notable exceptions — Phyllostachys nigra, for example, which here is not only one of the hardiest and most free-growing, but also one of the most elegant in plumage. Already has this fine example endured 24° of frost, and the plant still grows apace, each year's growth being stronger than before. But even now the finest growth must be nearly 10 feet high, and, though not erect, is of the most graceful bearing. There is also a gigantic example of Bambusa Metake, which grows in close proximity to the water's edge. Arundo Donax maci'ophylla (syn., A. D. glaucescens), recently certificated at the Drill Hall, is here also, and quite distinct from the old kind. No mention of these gardens would, perhaps, be complete without a reference to the Fruit Department under Glass. How well Mr. Hudson excels in this particu- lar is well known, and visitors to recent Temple shows will not have forgotten the fine and varied displays that have been made on these occasions. And what is true of the earliest forcing kinds is equally so of the latest that can be obtained, and the best of Plums and Pears for late dessert are grown here in very considerable quantity. Of the former, Golden Esperen, Golden and Late Transparent, Ick- worth Imperatrice, Coe's Golden Drop, Grand Duke, Late Rivers, &c., form the bulk, the trees, all of which are in pots, bearing good crops. In a private garden such as this so large a number of pot trees is no inconsider- able item, and as the entire batch is repotted each year the care for the trees is constant. The early trees were in the open and dripping with their usual evening bath. Figs, too, are a feature here, some four houses alone being utilised by these. Negro Largo, Nebian, and BourjasotteGrise are those grown, the last taking the palm for flavour. It is in one of these Fig houses in the full light suspended near the j glass that Mr. Hudson succeeds so well with I Dendrobium formosum gigauteum. Some of the plants are now in their fifth year as culti- vated examples, and each succeeding year the pseudo-bulbs are stronger. The plants, indeed, are in the finest condition and progress every- where apparent. Some hundreds of flower-buds and blossoms alone demonstrate not merely the worth of the kind, but how well the treatment suits the plants. For late supplies, a fine house of Melons was planted on July 4, and in eight weeks from that date some of the earliest were approaching ripeness. There are nearly forty plants in the house, the scarlet-fleshed varieties only being cultivated. The house itself is a span-roofed structure, lofty and wide, the vines and foliage extending several feet beyond the fruits, an item which doubtless conduces to flavour as opposed to the more restricted practice that sometimes obtains. The vineries also had their complement of the fruit, the good crops that were apparent bearing evi- dence of good culture, while the perfect free- dom from spider, in spite of hot weather, was alone remarkable. Peaches, Nectarines, and Strawberries, a large number of which are alpine, are grown here in quantity. Still one more department, and this The Mushroom Housk, or rather cellar, for it is indeed an old wine cellar which is thus converted into such excel- lent use. The beds are in the arched recesses and have a surface of about ! 00 feet. In all there are nine of these compartments, and from early in autumn one bed is made and spawned October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 277 each fortnight. The spawning takes place when the thermometer is at 85" with a down- ward tendency. The beds are about 1 foot thick of the materials used, the earliest being only recently spawned, with others in course of pre- paration. The accompanying photograph will better convey an idea of the success achieved than any description. The cellar is very con- venient for the intake of the needful materials, and being lighted by electricity may be regarded as well up to date in these matters. What strikes the visitor most forcibly perhaps is the uniform condition of the inside temperature ; indeed, this alone is sutiicient to ensure suc- cess in the culture of this much-esteemed edible, and failures seldom occur. The foregoing are tlie most important depart- ments in this compact and well-kept garden, yet the variety is so great that many important things are of necessity passed over altogether or only lightly touched upon. But in all, one impression remains, that the good and beautiful are the things chosen to adoin this garden and give it as much a touch of Nature as is possible with situation and environment. E. J. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. SCOTLAND. Balcarres Gardens, Fife The fruit crops in this district are very good, but ten days late. Apples, Plums and Cherries were abundant, but Pears, Peacties and Apricots are scarce. Small fruits are extra good. Strawberries have been plentiful, bub small. Raspberries are very good. All fruit trees are vigorous and free from aphis. Vegetables are very late. — E. Tate. Brechin Castle, Forfar.— The season has been very much against early crops. There was little growth during April, and indeed it was only in the beginning of .June that we began to have genial weather. Onions were very late in starting, but are now making good progress. They are healthy and have not been troubled with the mag- got. Carrots also look well, as they generally do here on specially prepared ground. Peas did well. Potatoes, like everything else, are late, but have a good appearance. Early varieties are coming in, but the quality is not so good as it fenerally is, owing to the wet weather. As yet have seen no appearance of disease. — W. McDowALL. Eastwocd Park, Renfrew.— In spite of the cold, wet spring and late frosts, all small fruits ' in this neighbourhood, with the exception of , Gooseberries, are a fair average crop of good quality. Strawberries, though very much below I last year, have on the whole given very satisfac- . tory results. Vicomtesse H^ricart de Thury and Elton Pine are the kinds which have done best here. In some gardens Royal Sovereign has done well. Apples are very much below the average. I The trees were late in coming into blossom and escaped the late frosts, but the spell of hot, dry ' weather we had when they were in flower, which brought so many insect pests along with it, is, I ' think, accountable for the comparative failure of this crop. I Up till the present time vegetables in this neighbourhood have been very scarce. Autumn- j planted Cabbages looked promising up till the beginning of February, but the severe check they ' received at that time made 80 per cent. bolt. Early-planted Cauliflowers went off badly with maggot. Young Turnip plants could not get into their rough leaf, owing to attacks of the Turnip fly. Late Brassioas of all kinds were difficult to get up to the planting stage ; seedlings pricked into nursery beda when ready for plant- ing were found to be so badly infested with mag- got as to be almost useless. Ea,rly Peas have been almost a failure, Chelsea Gem being the only kind that has given satisfaction. Midseason sowings are little better, old reliable kinds being almost worthless ; later sowings are more promis- ing.— W. HCTCHINSON. Callendar Park Gardens, Falkirk.— Fruit crops in general are very thin, owing to the late frost we had here. With the exception of Pears and Raspberries, all other fruits are below the average. The vegetable crops are fully a month later this year, but everything is promising well for good returns. Early Potatoes have been very poor owing to the heavy rain in the early season. Garden pests are very plentiful on everything. — Thomas Boyd. Taymouth Castle.— Fruit prospects in this district are fairly good. Bush fruit is plentiful and of good quality except Black Currants, which are only moderate in crop, and I hear complaints of Gooseberries being poor in places. Straw- berries were a grand crop. Raspberries were good. Apples are an average crop and trees clean. Plums are scarce, except Victoria. Early Pears are fairly good, but later ones nearly all dropped. Cherries are good, Morello and Kentish especially so. Insect pests on fruit trees have given less trouble than usual this year. Vegetables of all kinds are very late. Potatoes are good, at least the early ones ; late ones promise well. Peas were very good. Cauliflower was late in coming into use. The earliest Turnips were good, but the successional sowings have been more or less failures owing to the fly, which attacked them badly during the dry spell at the end of May to the middle of June. Farmers in Nymphcea stellata in the open air at Qunnersiury House. this district had to sow afresh in many cases, so badly were they eaten. — Wm. Wright. I Haddo House, Aberdeen. — The fruit crops in general are poor. Apples, Peirs, Plums, and Cherries had a most abundant blossom, but set badly and are a very poor crop, except a few Apple trees on walls and some Victoria Plums. Two or three May Duke Cherries have a fair crop ; Morellos are almost a complete failure. Small fruits are also below the average. Straw- berries, except on young plants, are poor. Goose- berries are a fair crop, also Red Currants. Black Currants are not half a crop. Raspberries are I abundant. | Vegetable crops are fairly good, though late. The dry, hard weather in the end of May and greater part of June was very trying to any crops newly sown or planted, but since the rain came they are doing well and give promise of a full crop. Potatoes especially are vigorous and healthy. Early sorts are a fair crop and of good quality. — J. Forrest. Dunrobin Gardens, Sutherland. — Apples, Pears, and Plums are the worst crop we have had for many years. During May we had a good I deal of rain, with cold winds and occasional frosty I nights, followed in the early part of June with ' aVjout a fortnight of burning sun and drought. The crops of the above fruits are almost nil oa , most of the trees. The only exception appears to be the old Keswick Ccdlin, which has a fair sprinkling on some trees. Small fruits, fortu- nately, are mostly a fair average, (Jooseberriea under, and Strawberries rather over average. Cherries are a thinner crop than usual. Vegetables of all kinds are good, but somewhat later than usual. Potatoes particularly are ten days to a fortnight later. The drought of the early part of June has been succeeded by a wet I time. Out of the twenty-eight days from June 18 to July 15 rain has fallen more or less on twenty days, amounting to 3 69 inches. Comparatively , little damage has been done by Onion or Carrot I grub. — D. Melville. I Cullen House, CuUen.— The wood of Peach trees was badly ripened last year, therefore the I blossom was scarce. Apricots were much the I same, and, owing to the continuous cold and frost during the flowering season, the crop is practi- ' cally nil. The cold, cutting winds much affected the growth of the trees, and the foliage was very much blistered. Strange to remark. Figs grown here on the open wall do well. Plum blossom looked remarkably promising, but the continuous bad weather has affected the setting of the crop and made it thin. Plums on standards, owing to their flowering much later, have set a fairly good crop. All the better varieties of Pears on the walls ' were rather short of blossom, and have therefore a thin crop. Standards show a good crop. Apples looked remarkably well earlier in the season, showing an extra display of blossom, but owing to the continued dryness they dropped a quantity of their fruit. Small fruits on the average give evidence of a good crop throughout. Strawberries have been good, especially Royal Sovereign, which maintains its good name. Vegetable crops in general were good, except Peas, which have gone much to straw with the wet weather. The earlier varieties of Potatoes, fuch as Sharpe's Victor, which were planted before the bad weather in March, made a very good start, but owing to the late frosts got badly damaged. Later varieties and field crops in general look remarkably well, the spell of dry weather during the early stages being favourable to their growth. Those of the early varieties which are now being used are under average size, the season being quite three weeks behind. — J. F. Smith. Eglinton Castle, Irvine.— All small fruits I are a good crop, but two to three weeks late. Old plantations of Strawberries (three and four years) are very poor, but young plants are bear- ing a good crop. Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries are a thin crop and very disappointing after a splendid show of blossom. The continued cold weather in May and early June caused them to drop after they were set. — W. Priest. Clifton Park, Kelso. — After passing through one of the most trying springs which we have experienced for years the prospects of a good fruit crop were % ery small. On May li, 7, and 8 we had 9°, 10°, and 6" of frost ; again, on the morning of May 26 we had 4° of frost. The con- sequence is. Plums, Pears, and Cherries suffered severely, the crop being a poor one. Apricots are an average crop, although damaged to some extent by frost in spite of protection. Peaches are a failure on the open walls ; Apples are a good crop. They being late in expanding their blossoms escaped the late frosts. Currants are a heavy crop ; Gooseberries about an average. Raspberries are a heavy crop, the rains which we have had lately proving most beneficial to them and all fruits. Strawberries are neither so large in berry nor in quantity as last year owing to the prolonged drought we had in June. Vegetable crops almost without exception are late ; the weather we experienced in spring was so wet and cold, that vegetation was almost at a standstill. On March 24 we had the lowest reading of the thermometer for the season, viz., ^M" of frost, or 2° below zero. Fortunately, there were 3 inches of snow lying on the ground, or the result must have been much more serious than it was. Early Cauliflowers were later in maturing 278 THE GARDEN. [October 7, 1899. than usual, but that was amply made up in the quality. Methven's Extra Early Forcing and Early London wintered in a cold frame have given us a supply which leaves nothing to be desired in quality and quantity. Early Peas have been a very heavy crop, and succes- sions are promising to be equally so. Root crops, although a long time in making much headway, came away with a rush after warm weather set in. Early Turnips have run to seed badly. All winter crops, such as Brussels Sprouts, Savoys, Borecole, Broccoli, Leeks, and Celery, give pro- mise of giving abundant supplies. Brussels Sprouts at time of planting gave a lot of extra labour in the way or watering and made very little growth till rain came. Since then they have grown away splendidly. — J. Machrecor. Calder Abbey, Calder Bridge. — There is a scarcity of all kinds of stone fruit, especially Plums and Damsons. Apples are only a moderate crop, also Gooseberries, especially on young trees ; the older trees are carrying a very good crop. Black Currants are a heavy crop, as also are Red and White, and the fruit is quite as large as in former years. Raspberries are also a heavy crop, and the same may be said of Straw- berries, especially Royal Sovereign. I attribute the scarcity of stone fruit to the wind -Jind rain which we experienced just as the fruit should have set, the show of blossom being quite up to the average. Peas have been poor, as the dry weather was very much against them, but they are doing better now. Beans of all kinds were very good, as also are Beetroot, Carrots, Parsnip?, Cabbage, Cauliflowers (early), Leeks, Potatoes, and Onions, although the last are very much troubled with grub.— H. Sandwitii, .jux. BarrogiU Castle, Mey, Thurso, N.B.— Owing to the late spring the crops in the garden are not so forward as last year at the same time. There is a very heavy crop of Gooseberries and Currants. Strawberries are scarcer, grub having been hard on them in May. This, I believe, is the most northerly garden on the mainland, and much exposed to the north and north-easterly gales. Apples are not so plentiful as last year, owing to easterly winds and a heavy hail shower when the trees were in blossom. The vegetables are looking very well. — G. Hecgie. Glatnis Castle.— The fruit crops in this neigh- bourhood are under the average this year, except Strawberries and Gooseberries, which are a heavy crop and of good quality. Raspberries promise to be a fair crop : Currants and Cherries are light. Pears are a poor crop, and Plums are almost nil both on wall trees and standards. Apples are only a casual crop. Some young trees are bearing good crops of fine fruit, but the bulk of the older trees has very little fruit on them. Vegetables are all very good crops except the Cabbage tribe, which have suffered very much from the grub. Potatoes in gardens are looking very well ; early ones are of fine quality. Field Potatoes are very late and not looking well. — Tiios. Wilson. Terregles, Dumfries. — The fruit and vege- table crops in the south-west of Scotland are on the whole of a very fluctuating nature this season. I hear from many reliable sources that they are much under the average, while in some cases reports speak favourably of the yield of some kinds of hardy and half-hardy fruits and vege- tables. The weather is always a guiding element in the cultivation of all kinds of garden crops, and in this immediate neighbourhood it has been from a weather point of view one of the worst seasons we have passed through for many years. The winter was mild, with a very heavy rainfall, while all through the spring months the atmosphere was dull and damp, with a continuation of excessively low temperatures and an unusual lack of sun- shine, which retarded the early growth of fruit trees, vegetables and crops generally. Without having any real genial spring weather, summer burst on us all at once, and the sudden rise of temperature and the scorching sunshine experi- I enced in the early part of June were very trying to all kinds of plants, both under glass and out I of doors. In this district Apples and Pears are , very much under the average, and the same must also be said of stone fruits, such as Peaches, Apri- ' cots. Nectarines, Cherries and Plums. Bush fruits, such as Gooseberries, Currants, &c. , are an ' average crop and the quality good, while Straw- berries and Raspberries are giving a very good return, and if the weather now continues dry, ' good gatherings of fruit will be got from them for some weeks to come. Early Potatoes, although ten days later than usual, are lifting well and the quality is excellent. Field crops look well everywhere, and up to date I no sign of disease has made its appearance. j Vegetables under good cultivation are, generally I speaking, looking fairly well at this date, I although we had to wait eight, ten and in some ; cases twelve days longer for Peas, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Carrots and Turnips. The weather, j however, is now favourable to their growth, and I little difficulty will now be experienced in keeping : up a good supply.— JoHX Mackixnon. Carron House, Stirlingshire. — Here the , Apple crops never were better. I seldom have , a failure of a single tree, a selection having been ' made some seventeen years ago of sorts which do well in the locality. They are kept well above the surface of the low-lying ground, which cannot ; be properly drained. The roots are rendered in- dependent of wet and unwholesome subsoil by ! reason of their being kept up by a good layer of lime rubbish, and encouraged by frequent surface dressings. Fruit-bud formation then becomes certain and the buds well matured. Among the best and certain croppers are Stirling Castle, Seaton House, Lord Suffield, Golden Spire, Lord Grosvenor, Large American, Potts' Seedling, Wellington, Sandringham, Northern Greening, King of Pippins, and Worcester Pearmain (this last does as well here as I ever had it in the south of England). Small fruits made a great show, but the severe frost at the end of May re- duced them severely. Morello Cherries on eastern aspects were a good crop. Plums on standard trees were a heavy crop, but only confined to the Victoria. On high walls the crop of Plums promised to be abundant, but they thinned themselves very severely. Pears as cordons trained on high walls are a good crop. Beurr^ de Capiau- mont, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Jersey Gratioli, Van Mens Leon Leclerc, and Easter Beurr(5 are the best, but are small compared with those of last year. On western aspects the Pear crop is thin. Vegetables on the whole have done fairly well on our heavy soil. In the early part of the season there were fears that many failures would occur. Such untoward weather as we had during April and May is rarely experienced. Potatoes and some other crops seemed almost to collapse, but during the warm summer weather they quickly recuperated. The Potato crop generally is good and the quality is very fair, especially the kidney varieties. Veitch's Ashleaf is still one of the best. Sharpe's Victor (yellow variety) is the favourite for earliest supplies. Snowdiop, Syon House Prolific, Austin's No. 1, and IJobbie's Main-crop Russet are much in favour for field culture. Regents and Abundance are largely grown ; they are considered good disease-resisting sorts. All the Brassicas have suffered severely from catei pillars. Peas suffered much from drought. Onions were long in starting into growth, and the size of bulbs is generally less than in former years. They are very free from maggot. Veitch's Maincrop is by far the best. Ailsa Craig is of good size and of fine form. The finest Peas were Chelsea Gem, Gradus, Dickson's Favourite, Dr. McLean, Autocrat, Duke of Albany, and Ne Plus Ultra. I never saw the ground so dry as at present, it being like dust to a depth of H feet. — M. Temple. Galloway House, Garliestown. — Small fruits in this part were good average crops, Cur- i rants of sorts and Raspberries being especially heavy, while Gooseberries and Strawberries though slightly below the average of former years in weight of crop, gained some compensation from the excellent weather that prevailed at the time the fruit was ripening, which enabled nearly all to arrive at maturity free from waste. Apples are not a full crop, but are now turning out much better than was anticipated a few weeks ago, as the recent heat and moisture have swelled the fruit very quickly, and although less in bulk, very good samples of sound and handsome fruit will shortly be ready for storing. A few varieties have good even crops, of which the best are Lod- dington, Warner's King, Lane's Prince Albert, Alfriston, Keswick Codlin, Yorkshire Beauty, Galloway Pippin, Lri Suffield, and Manks Cod- lin ; dessert sorts. King of the Pippins, Thorle Pippin, Beauty of Bath, James Grieve, Worces- ter Pearmain, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Mr. Gladstone. Apricots are fair crops ; Moorpark, Large Early, and The Royal are the best. Pears are very scarce, and both in quantity and quality of the fruit are much inferior to any crop for many years past ; Pitmaston Duchess, Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre Bosc, Ne Plus Meuris, Fer- tility, and Beurre de Capiaumont are the most promising. Plums are generally a thin crop, though some varieties are very satisfactory in this way, and the fruit will be large and well coloured, which, thanks to the absence of wasps and, so far, excess of rain, can remain upon the trees until fully ripe. Early Rivers, Czar, Pond's Seedling, Victoria, Magnum Bonum, Goliath, and Belle de Septembre are beaiing fair crops, while of dessert varieties, Kirke's, Lawson's Golden Gage, .Jefferson, Denniston's Superb, and the Green < Jdge are the best. Damsons for the second year in succession are almost fruitless. Dessert Cherries were a very light crop ; Morellos are below the average, but an excellent sample, being large and well coloured. Peaches, Nectarines, and Figs are very scarce, and some of the trees fruitless. The drought has not been so severely felt here as in many places ; consequently vegetables are very plentiful, and late Peas, runner and dwarf Beans and Marrows have grown to an unusual extent and are cropping very freely. Potatoes on well-manured and deeply-worked land are heavy crops and of excellent quality, but on shal- low soils the dry weather has checked the growth and the yield will not be a heavy one. Field crops are mostly free from disease, and are now showing signs of ripening off very rapidly. — James Day. Tynninghame, East Lothian.— Apricots are a very light crop ; Plums average. Some kinds of Apples and of Pears are good ; others very thin. Peaches have never been worse with curl, while the crop of fruit is not a heavy one ; Figs about an average. All kinds of fru t trees with the exception of Peaches have vigorous, healthy foliage, and the fruit large for the time of year and promising to be finely coloured. Of small fruits all are a good crop, but in some gardens there are no Gooseberries, and Strawberries are also somewhat erratic as to cropping. Vegetables are looking well and growing luxu- riantly. Cauliflowers are the one exception, and these are poor. — R. P. Bkotiierston. The Hersel, Coldstream.— There was an abundant blossom, but this was succeeded by a spell of dull, cold, wet weather, and again by a long drought ; hence the disappointing results. Vegetables, though somewhat later than in normal seasons, have been good so far. Peas have been abundant. Potatoes look well, not having been injured by frost, as they often are here. — John Cairns. Judging at the Crystal Palace show.— The judging was very erratic in many cases at the great fruit show, but perhaps the worst instance was that in the class for Beurr^ Diel Pear. The excellent dish shown by Mr. Wythes should have been first without a doubt, and the winner of the first place would, I should say, be one of the first October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 279 to acknowledge its superiority. I do not know who the judges were. I am simply stating my opinion of their methods. The Syon House fruit was equally or very nearly as large, much cleaner, and, I consider, far better in every way than that on the winning dish. — H. R. Stove and Greenhouse. BOUVARDIAS. These are among the most serviceable plants we have either for cut bloom or as pot plants for the conservatory. By growing on successive batches of plants, or stopping them at different times, they may be had in flower from now onwards well through the winter. With the exception of B. Humboldti, which does not flower well when stopped late, the more they are stopped the better the results will be, and those required for late blooming should be selected from those that were propagated early in the year, and if they have been left to make fairly long growths, or even if they have begun to show flowers, may be stopped b.ack now and allowed to make a new start. They do not require much heat, but should have all the light possible, and although air should Ijs given, a cold draught or dry atmo- sphere should be avoided. The syringe may be used freely until they begin to open their flowers. It is most essential to keep the plants free from insects. A very small brown thrips is often very troul>lesome, and if once it gets established there is little hope of getting good blooms. Frequent fumigating is the only remedy. If plants are clean and healthy to start with, clear soot water used for syringing will go a great way towards keeping all insect life off ; it is also beneficial as a liquid manure, especially when used with cow manure. The period of flowering may be con- siderably prolonged by the judicious use of manures, but whatever manure is used, it should not be over-done, and when liquid is used it should always be allowed to stand until it has settled down, so that it can be used in a clear state. I have often heard complaints that Bouvardia bloom does not last well after it is cut, and in the summertime no doubt this is the case, but after the weather gets cooler it will last very well if the plants are grown in a cool house. I believe it not infrequently occurs that the bloom is not cut until it is nearly exhausted. If cut when the first two or three blooms on each truss are open and put into water at once, I have found it will last fully a week. Although all the Bouvardias are worth growing, I should particularly recom- mend the following as the best for winter : Vree- landi, white; President Cleveland, scarlet; Mrs. R. Green, flesh-pink ; Priory Beauty, a rather deeper shade of pink ; Alfred Neuner, double white ; and President Garfield, double pink. As a pot plant Candidissima may be recommended, but it does not keep up a succession of bloom like Vreelandi. A. Hemsley. Abutilons planted out.— Many gardeners grow a good batch of Abutilons in pots from cut- tings every year, and most serviceable they are, but they are not utilised as often as they might be for clothing pillars and hiding unsightly walls in conservatories. If plants with one or more lead- ing stems are trained up walls, they will, if cut back annually, break into dense heads and hang gracefully down, forming objects of considerable beauty and proving useful for cutting. They need a loamy compost of average richness, well drained and porous, and will stand frequent and liberal applications of liquid manure while mak- ing their growth. — J. C. Euphorbias planted out.— On page 218 "C." speaks of planting out Euphorbia jacquiniieflora in preference to growing it in pots, and I should like to supplement his remarks on the subject. Some years ago I planted this Euphorbia in a narrow bed, training the shoots up wires, and by no other method have I been able to produce finer : done by means of chemical or other manures from racemes of flowers. Space, however, for this I the surface. Fittonia gigantea and F. Vers- kind of thing is often at a premium, and where chaffelti are the best known species, each having such is the case the next liest plan is to plunge several varieties. the pots in the soil of a disused Melon or Cucum- Beg'Oma Mrs. Leopold de Botliscliild. — her bed and train the shoots up the wires. Pot plants, particularly if free-flowering and of a Necessity caused me to try this plan in the first useful size, are just now among the most valued place, and it gave great satisfaction. As soon as of subjects, whether for home decoration or for the Cucumbers were done they were removed market. It is in this light, therefore, that the from the wires, and the soil in the bed, instead of above will prove welcome, for it is not merely the being taken out, was liroken up and loosened. In embodiment of much that is useful and beautiful, this the Euphorbia pots were [ilunged, and before it is also an attractive plant. The new-comer long the roots found their way through the holes appears to have originated with Mr. .Tas. Hudson at the bottom of the pots. The soil kept the at Gunnersbury House, having sported ap- plants moist at the root, and a brilliant display , parently from the well-known B. Gloire de of bloom was the result. — H. H. ! Lorraine, which kind in some respects it much Begonia carminata. — This is a very distinct ! resembles. Indeed, in habit or rather in leafage and useful variety for autumn and winter flower ing, the pendulous clusters of bright coral-red bloom being shown off well by the bright green foliage, which is of good substance. It is said to he the result of a cross between B. coccinea and B. Dregei, the latter being the seed parent, but it certainly partakes more of the character and habit of coccinea. Before the advent of the tuber- ous varieties coccinea was a general favourite, and it is the counterpart of this latter, while in general aspect it is a closer growing plant, and therefore would appear denser in its flowering. In short, as a pot plant it is a .perfect model, the neat little bushes crowded- with flowers from base to summit. Nor is this all, since the clear pink shade of the flowers gives it a final touch that can- not fail to carry weight, and therefore render it one of the most popular of all these plants. In its own I have seen it grown on into quite large speci- way it is one of the finest novelties that has ap- mens. One great fault, however, was that the peared this year, which is saying a good deal, and bloom dropped as soon as exposed to a change of it is a novelty come to stay, which cannot be said temperature. This also applies to the male flowers "^ '^'I novelties. Possessed of the same constitution of carminata, but the female flowers hold on well. ^"'^ growth, it will be able to be increased in A peculiar feature is the large seed vessels with quantity and rapidly, so that there will be no broad wings, the whole being of the same bright interval of years before the plant is within the coral-red. Here we have a change from the reach of all. — E. .J. popular Gloire de Lorraine, female flowers being rarely seen, while in carminata it is almost as rare to see many male flowers open, as they invari- ably drop off before they are properly expanded. New Heliotropes. — During the present year three new varieties of Heliotropes were presented in good form to the floral committee of the Royal Horticultural Society for certificate. The plants were in small pots, in good flower, and well Freesias. — So far the bulbs I have seen are not grown, and came from the gardens at Gunners- so good as those of last year, being smaller and bury House, where, after some three years' trial, not so heavy. The largest bulbs are not always Mr. Hudson considered them .superior to existing best, of course, but they should be heavy accord- kinds for the purpose indicated. Ultimately it ing to their size, or they will fail to produce fine was desired that plants of each be sent to Chis- flowers. As soon as they are received they should wick for trial. Under the circumstances, how- be potted in light, fairly rich compost and go ever, and seeing the lengthy, not to say abso- into a plant protector or a sheltered position out- lutely impartial, trial given the plants by Mr. side and be covered with cocoa-nut fibre or ashes. Hudson himself, whose only motive in the matter A thin layer only is necessary, as if too much is was to test the merit or otherwise of these against put on there is a danger that the young growths older sorts as bedding plants, Mr. Hudson decided will draw and fall about when taken out. If not to send the plants to Chiswick as suggested, examined regularly there is no fear of this, of Having seen these kinds during the present week course, and in this case the additional thickness in the Gunnersbury House gardens, we can sup- serves to keep the soil in the pots more regularly port Mr. Hudson in his view as to their superior moist without watering from the surface, which is qualities, and as good free flowering and decidedly a mistake. Quite cool treatment from first to last profuse blooming kinds, both in pots and in the suits Freesias best. In a warm house the foliage open air, they deserve to be very widely known, draws and often gets covered with insects, while Their names are : Picciola, an exceptionally good the flower-spikes are never so stout and strong, dark, and probably the finest of the set ; Mme. A strand of rafiia may be passed round four neat Fillay, pale lilac, large-headed truss, and very stakes placed in the pots for the purpose, this vigorous, and Chameleon, light blue. Beds of keeping the plants together and giving them a , each of these have been for a long time a feature smarter appearance. When in flower their de- at Gunnersbury House, and the varieties are des- lightful fragrance makes them favourites for cat- I tined to have a popularity there at least, ting and for house decoration. —H. | Ceropegia Woodi.— Last year I noted the Fittonias. — Easily grown and bearing very , beauty of this when grown in a suspended basket handsome foliage, Fittonias ought to be far more ! at Kew, and now after further experience I regard thought of. There are so many ways in which they are useful and ornamental, that one would naturally expect to see them in every collection it as one of the best of little-known basket plants. Most of the Ceropegias are climbers, but this is in a natural state of a procumbent hal>it of growth, of plants ; but this is far from being the case ; in- I the thin wiry stems travelling for some distance deed, they are not nearly so much grown as i along the ground and rooting from many of the formerly. Distinct species are few, but there are many varieties of the two or three species that are grown, and all these may be easily propagated by cuttings placed over a brisk bottom-heat at any time of year. Where there are large pots or tubs in which Palms, Tree Ferns or anything of this class is grown, a few cuttings of Fittonia and Panicum dibbled in give a pretty surface and hide the bare pot. Fine sp ' " " up by striking a number of young "plants 2i inch pots and filling pans with these, using the largest and strongest in the centre. Give water rather sparingly until they are rooting again, when increase the supply. Plants slightly pot- bound colour better than do others that have joints. Small, globose, tuber-like masses are also produced at intervals along the stems, even when the plant is in a hanging position. As a basket plant the very slender dark-coloured shoots will droop directly downwards for 3 feet or 4 feet, and are clothed with small, orbicular-shaped leaves of a thick fleshy nature. These leaves are from one- half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Fine specimens may be made Their colouring is of a very uncommon stamp, for while the surface is green, it is generally so much marbled with silvery white on the upper side as to be almost entirely of that hue. In this respect, however, a great variety exists even on the leaves of a single plant. The underside of the leaf is tinged with red. Compared with the showy more root room, and the necessary feeding may be blossoms of some Jeropegias, the flowers of this 280 THE GARDEN. [OCTOBEE 7, 1899. are small, but they are produced so freely and extend over such a long time that they certainly merit notice. The entire flower is little, if at all, over 1 inch long, the tubular portion being pink and the upper part brownish purple. Cuttings strike root readily if put in at any season of the year. Besides its value as a basket plant, this Ceropegia may with advantage be employed for other purposss. For rockwork under glass, par- ticularly if it is kept at a stove or intermediate house temperature, the long slender shoots with their greyish leaves have, when creeping here and there, a very pretty effect, while they will also clothe a portion of a Tree Fern stem if kept moist. Lastly if the plant is secured to a stick 2 feet high and the side shoots are all allowed to assume their natural drooping character, it is decidedly attractive. — H. P. Orchids. WATERING ORCHIDS. By now many of the pseudo-bulbous section of Orchids will have finished their bulbs, and others of various kinds will have reached the end of their growing season. The weather, too, will be cooler and the nights longer, so that a general reduction in the water supply both in the atmosphere and at the roots may be made. The plants in the various houses difi'er, however, considerably in their wants in this respect, and a knowledge of varieties and observation of individual specimens are neces- sary to success. A plant, for instance, growing in a pot a size too small for it will need water- ing at the ri)ots more frequently than one properly suited. The easiest of Orchids to manage in this respect are, of course, such things as Thunias and deciduous Dendrobiums, which, having finished growing and lost their foliage, may be kept absolutely dry for several weeks. Any later plants not quite finished will need a little until the leaves have dropped, but nothing like regular moistening is needed even here. Many Cattleyas have finished growing, and those which flower upon the new growth, such as C. Gaskelliana, C. gigas, and C. aurea, will have done blooming. These all need much drier treatment now, not sufficiently so to cause shrivelling, but less water than they have been taking during the growing season. With these, more than with most Orchids, it is necessary to watch individual plants, as some will have un- finished growths that require a little sustenance if the older bulbs are not to be weakened. Autumn-flowering kinds, as 0. labiata, late- growipg plants of Laslia purpurata, L. elegans, and L. grandis tenebrosa, again all need en- couragement more or less, as well as any plants of the C. gigas and C. Dowiana section that may have started to grow out of season. Among the distichous-leaved kinds, the Angrfficums and Phal.'enopsids require more water than Saccola- biums, Aerides, and most of the Vandas, but here again there are individual kinds liking special treatment. The almost deciduous Phaht- nopsis Lowi, for instance, takes wonderfully little moisture later on, though it is as yet too early to dry the roots, while the large winter- flowering AngriBcum eburneum requires a full supply all the year round, according to circum- stances of weather and position. But from now onward far less water in all Jiouses devoted to Orchids will be necessary. Cypripedium Sedeni. — There are few easier grown Orchids than this and none more free- flowering, the plant being in bloom for months together, and where a number are grown even longer. The flower-spikes occasionally produce young growths that may be taken off and rooted, these soon making plants. C. Sedeni is a strong grower, doing well in an intermediate tempera- ture and a fairly shady house. The roots are very strong and persistent, so a substantial compost must be provided and an ample water supply given all the year round. Cypripedium amandum. — This is one of the oldest, but still a very useful and pretty hybrid, a cross between C. insigne and C. venustum. The influence of the former is perhaps the most appa- rent in habit and the colour of the blossoms, but that of C. venustum may also be seen in the dark markings on the leaves and the venation on the lip. It will be noticed that C. amandum in a young state has more of the black marking on the foliage than when the plants get older. The intermediate, or even the cool house suits it, for it is as easy to grow as the old C. insigne. j Oncidium Harrisoniae. — This pretty little Oncidium has always been a favourite with me, its slender spikes of pretty yellow blossoms and the singular grey-green of the foUage giving it a very distinct appearance either in or out of bloom. It only grows a few inches high, and the flowers are easily distinguished from those of any other kind by the rather large crest. It thrives well in an intermediate house and should not be too heavily watered at any season, especially during dull periods in winter. Small pans or pots are most suitable, and the usual mixture of peat and Moss for compost. Oncidium undulatum. — This is one of the hnest of the Oncidiums with scandent- flowered scapes, and very pretty when in bloom, especially when arranged with suitable greenery. The plant itself is very vigorous, finishing up im- mense pseudo-bulbs when the spikes are not allowed to remain on too long, and rooting freely and vigorously through a more than ordinarily rough, open compost. The peat should be good, and plenty of rough lumps of charcoal may be mixed with it. When the roots, as they some- times do, push over the surface of the compost, cover them with a little Moss if there are slugs or other insects about. The plants may be kept in the cool house the whole year round, and should never be dried at the roots. Barkeria elegans.— It is strange to note how some plants vary in the way they take to altered conditions. Many cultivators have failed utterly with the Barkerias as a whole, and, not- withstanding all the trouble they take with them, get puny, weak growths and poor flower-spikes. It is usually understood that the plants like very little in the way of compost and a cool tempera- ture, but I recently saw some very fine plants of the species named above growing in a Cattleya house with quite as much compost in their pots as one would use for a strong-growing Epiden- drum. Yet the plants were pictures of health and strength, each stem having a fine flower- spike forming, and such a state is, I think, worth noting. B. elegans is certainly one of the prettiest of the Barkerias and worthy of general cultiva- tion.— H. Tricliocentrum albo-purpureum. — Though not appealing to lovers of large showy blossoms, this pretty species is sufficiently attractive to be worth a place in any collection, however choice. The flowers have a white and purple lip, with tawny brown sepals and petals. Like many another dwarf growing Orchid, it has obtained a bad name as a garden plant simply by being wrongly treated. It will not thrive in a large pot and compost suitable for a strong-growing Oncidium, but given a small pan or a lightly dressed block of Tree Fern stem it will usually be satisfactory. For temperature a cool intermediate house is best, and the plants should be suspended in a good light. Water should be sparingly provided all the year round, a moist atmosphere suiting it best while growing. T. albo-purpureum is a native of the Rio Negro district in Brazil, and is one of tlie best in the genus. It first flowered in this country in 180(j. Saccolabium giganteum. — Tie flower- spikes of this plant are already beginning to show, and it is important that the plants be kept well up to the light in order to' properly harden the leaves. The latter will then be less likely to fall prematurely should the winter prove very cold and wet. Its habit of flowering in mid- winter is greatly against S. giganteum remaining in a healthy condition under cultivation, for at the time when the plant is least able to it is called upon to bear this strain. The stronger and riper the plants can now be made, then the better the flowers will be and the less likely are they to suffer from this and kindred ailments. S. giganteum thrives best in a strong moist heat with ample sunlight, and while hking less water at the roots when growth is quiet, must not be too much dried. A dry winter atmosphere must be avoided, except in so far as is necessary to conserve the flowers. Oncidium pubes.— Flowers of a good form of this Oncidium come from a midland correspon- dent. It is a good deal like O. sarcodes in growth, so like as to be often mistaken for that species. Both are natives of the Organ Moun- tains in Brazil, and though O. pubes is inferior to 0. sarcodes in size of flower, it is equally bright and telling and as free-blooming. The spikes on strong plants attain to a height of nearly 2 feet, are much-branched and many-flowered, the indi- \ idual blossoms yellow with pretty red-brown markings. It is said in some works on gardening that 0. pubes bears but a single leaf on the pseudo-bulb, but well-grown plants have more often two. It is very distinct in every other way from 0. sarcodes, and though often imported to- gether from the Organ Mountains, the difference is readily apparent when the plants flower. O. pubes does well in rather small pans or baskets suspended from the roof of an intermediate house, where the growth gets well consolidated by the light and air. In a very hot, moist house it grows freely enough, but does not flower regu- larly. Equal parts of peat and Sphagnum Moss suit it well. It is a widely-distributed plant naturally, and was introduced from Rio de Janeiro in 1 S24 by the Horticultural Society. Garden Flora. PLATE 1243. ANEMONE BLANDA AND VARIETIES. (with a coloured plate of a. B. CYPRIANA.*) Anemone blanda, the blue winter Grecian Windriower that appears with the Crocus, Prim- rose, and other such things, is among the most justly prized of the early hardy flowermg plants. It matters not whether the flowers are of the fine blue of the typical kind with its rather long and stellate ray florets giving it so much of its grace and elegance, or of the varying tints that merge from this into the nearly white kinds. i It is such things as these that produce — or, in , truth, create — verdant carpets where no such I verdant carpets appeared before, presently to be embellished in their beautiful shades of colour that fill almost everyone with delight. i The plant represented in the coloured plate j is but jne of them, though it is but fair to ■ admit a decided and well-marked form of the ! plant that is now so well known in gardens. It will be noticed that the petals of the variety Cypriana are shorter and more rounded, re- sembling more closely the Apennine Windflower, while fewer, if longer, petals are more usually identified with A. blanda itself. These minor differences, however, are of the least possible value to gardeners, and better serve to interest the botanical student than anyone else. Viewed from the standpoint of a garden * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon iu the- sardc'Ds at Belvoir Castle, Grantham. Litho- graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. 1.Z o -*>. ANEMONE Bx^/lIMDA CYPRIA October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 281 plant, Anemone blanda in any form is ex- cellent, inasmuch as the plant is mostly at home in the ordinary soils that occur, and produces a, wealth of blossoms in the earliest spring such as is not e(iualled by any other garden plant at the time. The plant that can and will do so much and give so much of its beauty to adorn the earth not only merits all praise, it deserves the widest pos- sible culture. Beyond doubt there is a grow- ing desire for such good and distinct flower- ing subjects for the open garden — subjects, moreover, that are as happy in good clay as they are in the lighter and less holding soils. Of the plant now figured when shown in the early part of the present season before the floral committee of the Royal Horticultural Society every member appeared in favour. The example thus honoured came from the historic Belvoir Castle gardens, where for possibly some thirty years the beautiful Ane- mone blanda has been grown. Indeed, the plant was a special feature for years with the late Mr. Wm. Ingram, and the way it was in- creased and extended by means of seeds afl'orded a solid, if unadmitted, lesson in gar- dening to many who saw the tine display of its flowers in the Belvoir gardens in early spring. That Mr. Ingram's successor has embraced the same view may be gathered from the beautiful subject in the plate to-day. This when shown at the Drill Hall was a mass of pure white on the inner surface of the petals, while ex- ternally they were gleaming with a shade between violet-blue and porcelain. The com- bination of blue and white thus imparted in- vested the plant with an almost indescribable charm. A little breeze will quickly reveal to the onlooker what is here briefly described, but the beauty of the scene will not quickly be lost to view. Happily, the Greek Windflower is not fastidious, and those who have in the past been delighted with it as one of the gems of early hardy-flowering plants will not be long in adding this variety. As to the CrLTURE of this section of the Windflower family there is but little to add. A good free open soil will grow them well. In strong loam I have grown the finest examples, some patches occurring in woodland places where the staple soil was strong clay doing splendidly. It is but right here to add, however, that the twiggy roots of tree and shrub afl'orded a welcome kind of environment for such things in winter, so much so that all idea of a waterlogged con- dition of the soil was never thought of. In open spots in the shrubbery there is a delightful home for this plant, and in any other of the places named, so long as a good free-rooting medium is at hand, the culture of these things gives little trouble. The places where they refuse to thrive or to grow at all are in the minority, and the fault usually a local one, and generally that of very poor or badly drained soil. The best method — i.e., the quickest and most valuable by reason of the variety afl'orded — of increasing these plants is obviously by seeds, which are usually borne abundantly. The seeds are best sown in the open in shallow drills or broadcast, though for reasons of weeding and the like the drills are best. The soil of the seed- bed should have been previously well prepared, as the seedlings must at least remain for eighteen months before being transplanted or even ready for this. The season of trans- planting can always be measured by the progress of the seedlings themselves, and, provided the seedling bed isin good groundaud room is at hand, no loss will be sustained by allowing the young plants to remain another year. Assuming that the seeds are sown after the flowering this year, the first Ijlooms would appear in the year li>01, yet by no means is it likely all the seedlings will be of flowering size in the time stated. Still, much may be done to accomplish this by hoeing, watering, and other small attentions in the same direction, none of which can possibly be lost on so good a plant. A good way would be, if a large sowing has been made, to lift the plants with the first signs of decaying foliage and select those of flowering size, ie., those having flowered the first time. All such may be given permanent places in the garden, while the remainder may be replanted for a later period. In all its forms it is so good a plant as to be worthy of every care, and those who grow it well are usually well repaid for their labour. E. J. The WEEK'S Work. OUTDOOR FRUITS. The orchard. — As a rule the orchard connected with a private garden is greatly neglected, the trees being allowed to grow almost at will and the fruit produced is small and spotted, only the best of it being of any service either in the kitchen or as dessert. It requires some amount of courage and entails much labour to bring such trees into something like form and induce them to bear fruit of good quality, and the gardener who intends to do this should commence opera- tions as soon as the fruit is gathered and push on with the work whenever the opportunity offers, first of all tackling the thickest and most un- promising trees. The thinning of such trees, or rather the marking of branches which would be better taken oS', must not be left to the ordinary garden labourer, who has generally the most hazy notions of what is required, and would prefer to cut oS' all the bottom branches and leave those on the top of the tree, because he may have noticed that the latter have borne the best of the fruit, and also, possibly, because it is easier to cut away from below. To thin a tree judiciously requires judgment, for in some cases a branch may have to be removed entirely ri{;ht away from the main stem, and in others it is only necessary to remove some of the strongest side growths made from the main branches. Again, only a practised hand can mark a big and neglected tree at sight, and it will be found much the better way to be on the spot most of the time while the actual branch- thinning is going on, as one can then see the result of taking away each branch as it comes and act on such result when dealing with the next branch. After having gone through the tree in this way until it appears to be thin enough as to its frame, each branch left should be gone over, removing entirely some of the gnarled old fruit- ing spurs and reducing others. The entire re- moval of some will cause a fresh break of spur- growth from the branch, and these in the course of two or three years will take the place of the older ones which were only shortened at first, but which can then he cut out in their turn without sacrificing a crop. In treating old trees in this wav, many of them will become rejuvenated and will go on for many years longer, producing finer fruits than they have ever borne since they began, imperceptibly at first, to thicken up and to shut out light and air from a goodly portion of their crops. Americak ELKiHT. — The season appears to have suited this pest, for I have seen more this year than! ever saw before, and this in many parts of the country, all districts being alike infested. There can be no doubt that this is the result of neglect in a sense, or rather in a want of persist- ence in application of remedies, for there are many insecticides, among them some homemade ones that I have recommended in my calendar notes, that will kill any of this blight that they touch, and yet we see the woolly flecks all over the trees. Nurserymen are greatly to blame in spreading the blight, for many of them send out young trees apparently clean in their winter garb, but which show in the growing season that they are badly infested. Surely this is a suicidal practice, which will bring its own reward in the end, and one is sorry to find that the practice is not confined to the small nurseries, but obtains among some of those with a big reputation, who ought to avoid selling such stock, as the work of cleaning is nob nearly so troublesome with young stock as it is with older trees. There is some excuse for a little neglect in a private garden where, perhaps, help is limited and many other things have to be attended to, but in the nurseries to which we look to replenish our stock the neglect is repre- hensible. Peacues. — In some soils and situations Peach trees have a tendency to make gross growth, and if this tendency is not counteracted in some way the trees never crop freely and generally become blistered. Before adopting any other means of reducing this grossness I would suggest lifting the trees and providing for them a mixture similar to that recommended for Peaches under glass. If the case is not a bad one, it will be sufiicient to take out a trench at a suitable distance round the tree, gradually working up the latter until the ball left is not a large one. This is necessary so that one can find and sever any roots that may have struck downwards, as such roots as these are the greatest possible sinners in producing soft, gross, and unfruitful wood. Fortunately, Peach trees are not much given to the production of these vertical roots ; stdl, they do so occasion- ally, and where there is a suspicion that this is the case they should be searched for. Some of the roots exposed in opening out the trees may also be shortened back and then covered in with the new soil, which should be firmly rammed in. BnsH FRUITS. — Proceed with the planting of all kinds of bush fruits whenever the ground is in a fit condition for being trodden upon, but do not continue the work in wet weather if the soil is in- clined to be heavy, as it then must be returned to the roots in a pasty condition and becomes im- penetrable to the finer root fibres. Watering in after planting is finished is quite another thing, as the whole body is then rendered of one con- sistency, and the rootlets find no difiiculty in penetrating the soil provided it has not been trodden upon after watering. When planting Gooseberries and Red or White Currants examine the stems and remove all adventitious buds that would be likely to form sucker growths below the soil line, as these growths are more or less rob- bers, and in any case they are not necessary. With Black Currants, on the other hand, such sucker growths or buds may well be left on, as the shoots they produce are likely to be very fruitful ones, the Black Currant liking always a plentiful supply of young wood, room for which should be made by cutting away much of the older growth. In choosing positions for the various bush trees, it should not be forgotten that both the Gooseberry and the Black Currant like a cool soil, and if one position is inclined to be wetter than another, it should be devoted to the Black Currant. The espalier form of training suits the Gooseberry and the Red Currant well, and very useful dividing lines to the various plots may, with the aid of a few strained wires, be formed with them. Filberts. — Any of the bushes which have be- come at all too thick should be thinned out now, allowing plenty of room between the main leads. The spurring in of shoots may be left till winter or spring if it is inconvenient to carry it out now, and some growers leave all pruning until after the catkins have shed their pollen with a view to having as much pollen as possible for fertilising. One thing ought, however, to be done as soon as possible, and that is the removal of the sucker growths which nut bushes so persistently form, as these rob the nuts and cause them to be small and poor. When clearing off suckers remove also coarse grasses round the bole, and mulch heavily with good rotten manure. Corntbian. 282 THE GARDEK [October 7, 1899. KITCHEN GARDEN. Globe Artichokes. — When giving instructions about sowing this vegetable in spring I suggested that the seedlings should be put out on gome spare piece of ground and proved previous to making up the permanent rows, as so many out of a batch generally are worthless or very in- ferior. Those worth retaining may now be planted in good deeply-worked ground — that is, where the latter is fairly warm and well drained. On heavy, retentive soils it will be wisest to defer planting till spring, giving the plants a liberal mulch of short littery material in November. Those whose stock needs renewing and who are able to secure a sufficient number of fairly stout side offsets should now sever them from the parent stools and pot them up into, say, Ginch pots, giving them the shelter of a cool pit or frame, and plunging the pots in coal a'hes or old leaf-mould. A rough covering can then be thrown over them should very severe weather occur. These will become established by March, and if then planted out will give finer, though, of course, later, heads than old weakly stools. In some few gardens mulching old plants in winter has been abandoned, gardeners having an idea that it does more harm than good, but the fact is it is the rotten minurial mulch which does harm in snowy or wet, rainy winters, as severe frost coming when the material is in a soddened state destroys the crowns. If due care, however, is exercised and the right kind of loose litter or even dry Bracken packed round each shoot, this in the event of a snowy or wet November and December being removed and a fresh lot placed round, no damage need be apprehended. Where Artichokes are valued as late in the season as procurable, those whose plants have thrown up autumn heads may ensure their safety from injury by driving in a few rough stakes and protecting at night with old mats or canvas. Where plants are at all weakly liquid manure may still be given, but on stiff soils no more moisture than that which falls from the clouds should reach the roots. Cauliflowers. — It is now time — at least in gardens situated in midland and northern locali- ties— that the first batch of such Cauliflowers as Early London, Erfurt, and Walcheren were placed in the handlights. Where these are still used a great advantage is gained, as no root-disturbance, and consequent check to growth, occurs through lifting in spring, and protection from frost is as easily effected as when the plants occupy frames or pits. Presuming the ground was well trodden and the lights placed in position, as advised a short time ago, the soil should now be in a nice firm condition for receiving the plants. Where the seedlings were pricked out into nursery beds they may now be carefully lifted with a trowel, and should feel the effects of removal but little. If rain has not fallen recently, give the soil a nice moistening with a fine rose two days previous to planting, and choose a calm, dull day for the operation. Avoid the too common practice of lifting and laying out too many plants at a time ; rather repeat the journey and lay out say as many as will till a dozen hand-lights, otherwise the delicate fibrous roots are apt to suffer. If the lights are full-sized, I like to place five plants in each light, one at each corner and one in the centre. This is a good number, as they can then be reduced to three in spring, and allowance is thereby made for destruction by grub or bolting. Plant firmly and sufficiently deep to prevent the plants swaying to and fro by late autumn winds, as these ruin many a lot of plants in exposed gardens. Planting completed, give a gentle watering to settle the soil round the roots, and if the weather is open and nights warm, leave the tops of the lights off for the present. Should, however, frost or very rough weather set in, they will be better left on, arranging them crossways so as to admit .a little air. If the plants have to be drawn from the seed beds, avoid the largest, choosing rather the medium- sized ones with perfect centres. The next thing re- quiring attention is the protection of a sufficient number of plants in pits or frames for transplant- ing for successional supplies in June. Where | America, but does fairly well in an intermediate later sowings are not coming on take care to ' temperature. All of the above have spreading select the smallest plants for this purpose. The rhizomes, and when propagated by division an smaller the better, provided they have perfect j extra strong single crown will make a much finer centres and are free from the disease known as I specimen than where a number of weak crowns blacklegs. The shelter of the frame front fre- | are grown together. They may be grown in large quently induces Cauliflowers, Cabbages, and j pans or pots, but when the latter are used a good Lettuces to become too large by March or I depth of drainage should be given. Of those with April, especially should the winter be mild and ' smaller pinnules, open. Both amongst hand-light stock and plants A. j:THioricuM AL.4TDM is the tallest, attaining in frames a sharp look out will be needed for the from 3 feet to 4 feet in height. It will succeed troublesome underground grubs which cut the well in an intermediate temperature or may be plants asunder just beneath the surface. Should grown in the stove, and if given plenty of pot room the weather set in wet and slugs make their i it grows rapidly. appearance, dust fortnightly with a mixture ' A. Williamsi may also be included. This does of lime and wood ashes or not too fresh soot. I well in a greenhouse temperature, have also used a mixture of wood ashes and . D.wallh epipiiylla is a native of Java and flowers of sulphur for dusting between plants in the Malayan peninsula. It is a distinct and pits and frames during trying winters and springs, beautiful species. The thick rhizomes spread having proved it to be an effectual absorbent and freely and have a tendency to grow upwards, saving the plants from wholesale decay. But no The large drooping fronds are finely cut and of a measures of this kind will avail unless coupled thick leathery texture. It may be recommended therewith is careful and systematic ventilaticg. as one of the finest of the genus, especially for I cannot too strongly advocate the system of growing on into large specimens. Although taking every care of surplus plants either from usually classed with the stove Ferns, it does well main or secondary sowings, pricking these in an intermediate temperature, and the fronds out rather closely together in sheltered nooks , being of great substance it should prove most and coiners where protection can be given in useful for decoration. In potting, the plants severe weather. Of course, there is a certain should be kept well up in the centre and plenty of amount of risk attending this, but the labour of , drainage used. As it requires a good deal of sur- pricking out is small, and often after mild or ; face room, pans are preferable to pots, particu- medium winters such often do better than those i larly for the larger specimens, which have been taken care of in the orthodox i j) solida is another fine species from the same fashion. When beds have failed from any cause locality. The rhizomes run out longer and keep and other sowings have had to be resorted to, I o„ ^i^g surface. The fertile fronds somewhat have sometimes, in consequence of the seedhngs resemble those of the above, but the barren ones being late and weak, covered them with a spare j^^^^g ^road pinnules of a deep green with a bright hght resting on four flower-pots. This makes a , surface. Grown in a suspended basket the rhi- vast difference to them in cold, stormy weather. ^.g^^gg .^jn run down a great length. This and J. C. Ferns. SPECIMEN FERNS. It is now rarely one sees the immense over- grown specimens which were met with at one time at most exhibitions, and though in a way interesting, I think fresh, healthy, younger specimens are far more useful and certainly more elegant. There are exceptions, of course. Some of the Tree Ferns, for instance, may be grown on for ages and retain a symraetiical D. ornata are sometimes confused ; the latter is only a variety, but sufficiently distinct to retain the name. I have not seen this produce such finely cut fertile fronds. MiCROLEPiA pl.vtyphylla. — Though now in- cluded with the Davallias, this is very distinct in habit of growth and general appearance. It has soft, fleshy underground rhizomes. The fronds grow nearly erect and are of a pale glaucous green with broad-lobed pinnules. The spore cases are not quite marginal, as in the true Davallias. When grown on freely it makes a fine specimen, the fronds attaining to fully -i feet in height. It succeeds well in a loamy compost with good drainage. It may be increased by division, but seedlings make much better and and noble appearance, but with the exception _ _ of those which form an erectstem, young plants | more compact plants? Even as a small plant in make finer fronds and are not so dense and | a (5-inch pot it is very pretty, but the fronds in irregular in outline. Most Ferns are pretty in I young plants are too soft to be of much service quite a small state, but there are some which ' for cutting, cannot develop to their full beauty unless grown on freely until they attain to fair-sized ' specimens. The following are a few which are I well '.vorthy of a place in any collection, and when well treated make fine specimens. Of the numerous varieties of Adiantums which may be grown on until they attain to large specimens, Adiantum tetrai'Iiy'LLum acuminatum may be commended. When confined to a 5-inch pot this makes a well-furnished plant about a foot : increased by division, it high, but potted on in a good porous compost and ' troubling to raise seedlings. MicROLEPiA niRTA CRISTATA. — Although this may be recommended for growing on into large specimens, it is apt to get too coarse when treated liberally, but when grown in loam and confined to moderate-sized pots the fronds are of a beautiful soft pale green. It is inclined to get dense, and it is only when grown on from a single crown that it makes the beautiful arch- ing, tasselled fronds. I do not remember to have seen fertile fronds of this, but have not paid par- ticular attention to this point. Being so readily is hardly worth grown on in the stove it makes a much taller plant. The young fronds have a peculiar soft mauve tint, changing with age to a rich deep green. From Central America. A. cARDiof:HL.ENUM also makes a tall and elegant Didymochl.i;na truncatula. — Though not a very serviceable Fern for decoration this makes a very handsome plant. Potted in a rich porous compost and grown in the stove it makes rapid growth, and the large spreading fronds have a specimen. The fronds are of a soft pale green, l bronzy tint when young, changing with age to a and, when much exposed, almost straw colour, j bright olive-green. In older specimens the fronds with a pretty tint in the young fronds. Although will attain to from 4 feet to 0 feet in length. It the above is the most popular name, A. poly- ! is, perhaps, seen at its best in a young state phyllum is adoptedin Hooker's "SpeciesFilicum." ' before it has lost the earlier fronds which clothe From Peru. Both of the above should be grown the base. Spores germinate freely, and in quite in the stove, and succeed best when well exposed | a small state it is very pretty. It is of easy cul- to the light. 1 ture, except that with a change of temperature A. trapeziforme is well known, but may be ! or when allowed to get too dry at the roots the mentioned, as it will make a larger specimen than I pinnules fall off'. The above is the name usually any of the genus. This also comes from Tropical ' given, but lunulata is perhaps more correct. It October 7, 1899.J THE GARDEK 283 is a native of Tropical America, and is also found in Madagascar, the Fiji and Malayan Islands. CiEOTiuM ScHiEDEi. — This makes one of the most effective specimens. The long, gracefully arching fronds, which are finely cut, are of a soft pale green above and of a peculiar glaucous hue beneath. The crown and lower portion of the frond-stalks are densely clothed with long hairs of a pale brown with a silvery shading. It is only from spores that this can be obtained, and I have rarely seen a large batch of seedlings. It appears that it is only when spores are collected from plants in their native habitats that they can be depended upon to germinate. Once seedlings are established they make rapid progress, but ib is not until the plants have attained to a good size that they are very attractive. It is a native of Mexico and Guatemala, and is now included with the genus Dicksonia. Although it forms a trunk, it must be very slow in doing so, for plants I have known for years, though the crowns are very conspicuous, do not rise much above the ground. LiTOEROCHiA VESPERTiLioNis. — Some time ago I saw a nice batch of this useful Fern at Messrs. Hill and Son's nursery. Lower Edmonton. It may be grown on into large specimens, and the peculiar soft green with the pale under surface makes it a desirable variety for contrast with those of deeper shades. Although from the tropical regions, it succeeds well in an inter- mediate temperature. As the rhizomes spread and require more surface room than depth, larger specimens should be grown in pans. This Fern is given as synonymous with L. incisa, but this, which I had from Kew a few years ago, is very distinct from the variety grown by Messrs. Hill and Son, and of which I have dried specimens collected nearly thirty years ago. This Fern may be propagated by division, yet seedlings are preferable, as they make more compact and better furnished plants. A. H. Dicksonia antarctica. — Though one of the oldest and best known of the Tree Ferns, it is surprising how little attention is given to this species. In the majority of cases the plants are simply left alone to grow a little every year and die back about as much, so instead of a handsome well-feathered head there is a whorl of leaves fresh and green, another in some stage or other of decay. The plan of establishing small bits of other Ferns on the stems of this class is very apt to be overdone, and many plants have been killed by this means. A few bits of Davallia or some similar creeping Fern may do no harm if not allowed to run too far and choke the small roots of the Dicksonia, which are numerous on the stem, but to clothe ohe latter entirely is a great mistake. The roots of Dicksonia antarctica must of necessity be kept in pots of more or less limited size, unless, of course, it is planted per- manently in a winter garden or conservatory. This being so, feeding is absolutely necessary, soot-water used in connection with one of the better class of artificial fertilisers being a capital medium for the purpose. Adiantum elegans.— In many respects this plant resembles tne well-known A. cuneatum, but it is hardier and much freer in growth, yet standing equally well when cut. It will not, of course, come absolutely true from spores, but a number of the young plants will usually be all right, and not long since I saw a batch raised in which very few of the seedlings showed any deviation from the type. A very short life is before many of the thousands of young Ferns that are annually sent out from our market nur- series, but this should stand as well as any of them, and, of course, the fault lies not with the Ferns, but with the treatment to which they are subjected. As a matter of fact, mort of them are seedlings, and these make far better plants than divided old specimens if not allowed to get pot- bound before being repotted. Small shifts are best for them, and if it is desired to push them as fast as possible, A. elegans may be given a much richer compost than is usually thought necessary for Maidenhair Ferns. Nitrate of soda and soot are capital stimulants for Ferns and Palms, put- ting colour into the leaves and making them very vigorous. — H. FERN SPORES. Replying to "A. D.'s" inquiry (p. 247) in reference to ray remarks on collecting Fern spores (p. 186), it would, perhaps, have been as well to have given my reason for recommending that sporos should be collected from plants which have been isolated as far as possible from others which produce spores freely. I had no idea that anyone would suppose that this advice was to avoid cross-fertilisation, esjjecially one who might be expected to be better informed on these matters. It is quite evident that "A. D." has not had much experi- ence in the raising of Ferns, otherwise he would know of the dangers of taking spores of those slow to germinate from plants which have come into contact with what may be termed Fern weeds. With the greatest care it is well known to those who have had any experience that some weeds will occur, and it not infrequently happens that some of the choicer sorts are completely choked by these Fern weeds. I have previously given the names of sorae of the most troublesome, but may mention those which have given me most trouble. They are : Ne- phrodmm molle. Poly podium trichodes (syn., P. tenericaule), also known as Phegopteris trichodes, Gymnogramma Pearcei, and G. chrysophylla. Now, if the above varieties with matured fronds are in the same house from which spores of Aspleniums, Platyceriums, Cheilanthes, or others with woolly fronds are gathered, it will be a great chance if anything but the above weeds are obtained. I could give further instances, but the above will be sufficient to illustrate what was meant by recommending that spores should be collected from plants which have been isolated from those which spore freely. Now with regard to cross-fertilisation, "A.D." writes : " Certainly we have myriads of beauti- ful Ferns in commerce the products of cross- fertilisation." "A. D.," like many others, would like to know how this cross-fertilisation is accomplished. I must confess to being unable to throw much light on the matter. I very much doubt if there is any certainty about the numerous varieties we have being the result of cross-fertilisation, but would rather regard most ot them as the result of natural variations of the same species. Of the numerous varieties which have origi- nated under my personal observation, all have been the result of chance seedlings. Many of our tasselled and crested varieties have been much improved by careful selection, and some have originated from a chance sport in one frond. Nephrolepis pluma Bausei, for instance, came from a few pinn;e taken from N. pluma, and other instances might be given where a small portion of a single frond has given a distinct i variety. I am aware that it is recorded that j certain well- defined varieties are the results of I crosses between distinct species, yet during the thirty years that I have been intimately asso- ; ciated with Ferns and their culture, though I ; have made many experiments, I have never j been able to be positive as to the results of sow- { ing mixed spores or how to account for what appear to be Fern hybrids. Although it may , be an open question, I very much doubt if any- one has been able to eft'ect positive cross-ferti- lisation in Ferns. — A. Hemslev. The sentence in Mr. Hemsley's article "^n sowing Fern spores (p. 186) that " A. D." (p. 247) seeks to be enlightened on is quite plain to any- one who has had practical experience of raising Ferns from spores, as in many instances, at least, if the spores are taken from a plant standing in a mixed collection, in all probability some of its neighbours will have already ripened their spores, and from their minute size and lightness they are often distributed around for some distance. Thus a frond gathered from a plant standing in the midst of different kinds will frequently have the spores of many varieties deposited upon it, and in this way, if the spores are sown, a mixed crop often results therefrom. Some of the Gymno- grammas and several forms of Pteris are very apt to make their appearance in many pots, whatever may have been sown therein. Another caution to be observed to which Mr. Hemsley also directs notice is, when sowing spores lo keep the pots as much isolated as possible. A good way of doing this is, if the prepared pots are at one end of the propagating house to carry out the actual sowing at the other end, fetching just the required number each time. If these cautions are observed and care is taken to wipe the hands after each sowing, the risk of mixture will be considerably minimised. — H. P. Flower Garden. GUNNERA SCABRA. While most people believe that this striking plant, as also the still larger G. manicata, should always be planted near to a pond or streamlet, where the roots indeed may actually be in touch with the moisture, it may be well to state that the preference of the species is not absolute in this respect. I do not say that the plant will attain to the same dimensions away from the water as it will when in touch with it, but it will make an exceedingly fine plant in a soil quite light and sandy, and one, moreover, heavily drained, with sand and gravel below. The finest single example I have ever seen thus treated was growing in the late Mr. Robert Parker's nursery at Tooting many years ago, where, quite removed and quite un- aided by any permanent root-moisture, the plant attained to quite huge proportions in an open, sunny position in the nursery. The example must have had a spread of leaves of about 18 feet across, i while the foot-stalk of the more erect leaf-blades would be perhaps between 5 feet and G feet. Of I the size of the leaf-blades I have no information, though, judging by the size of the petioles and the ' spread of the plant, these would be of good size also. I am fully aware that much finer examples have been grown with moisture, and particularly of G. manicata. The point, however, that I have in view in penning this note is that any plant that will attain 12 feet across in a dry position such as that described is worthy of being more frequently tried in similar places, for in fine-foliaged plants at least we have nothing that will compare with these noble Gunneras. Because of the frequency of the statement that these Gunneras must have water, many who have it not refrain from at- tempting to grow them. At the same time, this constant root moisture is not always accompanied with success, and I have known instances where the plants quite refused to grow. In two of these, however, the soil beneath them has been a strong clay, quite adhesive and almost impervious to moisture. This, of course, may have been opposed to the well-being of the plants, and stagnation following, the result would be failure, and that quickly. Perhaps one of the items that tended to the success of the Tooting plant was the manner in which the majority of things took root in the fine sandy loam of which the nursery was largely composed. That being so, it only required a liberal dressing of manure to ensure a free growth, and with the plant established in such a soil, success was but a question of time. It would be interesting, moreover, to know the success attending the planting of the above Gunnera in moist places in England, and of others in drier places, if such exist. Of two plants that some years ago were in my own 28^4 THE GARDEK. [October 7, 1899. charge, one was growing in the rock garden in full moisture, the other in a shady dell, with little moisture, where a heavy clay soil abounded. But neither the one nor the other made anything like the progress of the Tooting plant, and one at least was in what is usually regarded as an ideal spot for such things. I have more than once seen other plants that would form parellel instances ; indeed, two such have occurred to me this year. That such a fine plant is worth some care to make it a success all will agree, and I think that really handsome examples may be grown in light loamy soil with plenty of leaf-mould and some well-decomposed manure in quite open beds, as at Tooting. Planted in spring when frost had gone and well tended in the first year, so that the roots may get possession of the soil, the rest would only be a question of time and age. Of the age of the Tooting plant I have no informa- tion, but I believe I am correct in saying that it was never watered, even in hot, dry summers. Of this much I am certain, as the plant for some time was under my charge, and its size gradually in- creased each year. In some parts of Ireland the giant of all, G. manicata, appears to flourish grandly with mois- ture, assisted also by a natu- rally favoured climate. But I doubt if the equal of some of these famous examplescould be met with even in similar positions in England. Is it, after all, not so much a ques- tion of water or moisture for a plant whose natural inclina- tion is admittedly that way as it is of a more or less con- genial climate, which cannot fail to be an influence for good insuchacase? The instances of noble examples of this plant in England are rare ; therefore one is constrained to look beyond the question of water in the production of fine examples in other and more favoured districts. E. H. JknivIns. whole flower ripens off, and those who wish to keep a strain true should sow early and finish the flowers in pots in the greenhouse. No plant pays for good culture so well as these Asters, and a good large flowering strain shows up better in beds and borders than small semi-double ones. A soil of medium texture enriched with well-decayed manure and well tilled is the best for them. The seed should be sown in March, and as soon as ready the seedlings should be pricked out 3 inches apart both ways into a frame or shallow boxes. Plant out finally at the end of May in large clumps of one colour, say eight or nine plants. This looks far better in the herbaceous or any other border than when they are planted in straight lines. — H. POMPON DAHLIAS AT CHISWICK. At the present time there is an extensive collection of pompon and Cactus Dahlias in the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick. kinds are decidedly good. Secondly, most of the colours can be found in varieties of first-rate quality, both as regards habit of growth and free- flowering, and the blooms are of good form and of small, or at any rate medium size. The day has gone past when any great improvement can be looked for in pompons. Changes will now be slow and gradual. Growers should go in for the small- flowered kinds and throw away freely from their collections all those with large or coarse blooms. If this were done everywhere, surely no words would be required to recommend or defend the pompons. The small pompons are essentially pretty, easy to grow, and useful either for the garden or as cut flowers. For cutting, their double character gives them lasting properties superior to the single or Cactus kinds. The following varieties are well worth atten- tion, and are arranged here in about the same order as we come across them at Chiswick : Nancy, good dwarf garden habit, is of a telling colour that many ladies would like — orange and National Dahlia Society — second exhibition. — On p. 269 of The Garden Mr. A. Dean writes; "The poor array of new ones {i.e., seed- lings) and the few certificates granted lead to the inference that the primary object of the show resulted in failure, and it may well be questioned whether it is worth repeat- ing." A few figures will suflice to prove the contrary, that as to its primary object — the awarding of certificates to new varieties that were not in fit condition on September 1 — the show of September 19 was quite successful. There were staged for the consideration of the committee seventy-two seedlings, of which thirty-two were Cactus, twenty-one singles, fourteen show or fancy and five pompons. First- class certificates were awarded to four Cactus, two single, two shower fancy varieties and one pompon. Is not a total of seventy-two seedlings and nine certifi- cates suflicient at such an exhibition 1 — J. F. Hudson, Hon. Sec. Victoria Asters. — I have never had these fine showy annuals so good as they are this sea- son, and as I have also noted them especially good in almost every garden I have visited this year, I think we may take it that the seeds sent from the Continent last autumn were better than usual. Those who are in the habit of sowing their own seed know that if only the outer florets ripen the seed properly, those of the German or Quilled Aster are never so good as when the Mushrooms in an old wine cellar at Gunnersbiiry House. (See p. 275.) The pompons are flowering freely, so that from an examination of the varieties to be found there it is easy to make a selection of what would probably be the best dozen or the best two dozen to grow if a small collection of them is desired. On the whole it can be said that the varieties sent from different nurseries are coming true to their charac- ter as we know them elsewhere, and seeing so many growing together it is easy to make com- parisons. Most of the varieties that are in general cultivation, or that deserve to be generally cultivated, can be seen, those only excepted that have only just been sent out, and are therefore as yet too new to be considered as having passed beyond the trial stage. Looking at the collection as a whole, two things are impressed upon us with respect to the pom- pons. Firstly, leaving out blue, which we do not expect in Dahlias, it is not easy to imagine a desirable colour which is not already represented, nor any combination of colours, for the fancy red ; Captain Boy ton, one of the best dark kinds, colour maroon, shaded crimson, good form. Tommy Keith is very dwarf, flowers uniformly good, colour dark red, tipped white, fine variety both for exhibition and the garden ; Ruy Bias is very distinct, crimson and purple, tipped white, weak centre, opens much too rapidly ; Zoe, good in habit, is a well-formed fancy flower, very deli- cate combination of white and pale yellow, petals white, edged with yellow. Cecil, red, tipped with white, is a small, neat flower ; Mars, one of the best scarlets, has medium-sized flowers, with good centre ; Douglas, perhaps the best dark variety, is of splendid shape, dark maroon, shaded crim- son ; Phrtbe is one of the beat both for the gar- den and for exhibition, colour deep orange. Whisper, of very dwarf habit, has clear yellow flowers, edged with reddish lironze, excellent for all purposes ; Arthur West, a dark crimson, is apt to come too large ; Bacchus shares with Mars the distinction of being the best scarlet (it is of splen- October 7, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 285 did form, but rather large) ; White Aster and George Brinckmann are the be^fc white varieties (a new white with small, neat flowers is needed). Grace forms a dwarf bush covered with blooms, colour cerise : Nerissa is one of the very best yet raised, flowers small and of a novel soft rose colour : Fashion, an old variety, but one of the most eff'ective colours in the garden, has intense orange lilooms ; E. Hopper is probably the best yellow, the flowers of perfect shape. Red Indian, deep rich red, is of fine shape (a very attractive flower) ; Florence Woodland, yellow, tipped bright red, is of good form, but a little large ; Jessica, small, neat flower, good form, is amber, edged with red. Lilian is primrose, edged with peach, growth very sturdy : Ganymede, amber and fawn, shaded with pale lilac, is of excellent habit, shape of flower almost perfect ; Orpheus is one of the best yellows. For a collection of a dozen varieties, the fol- lowing should Ije selected, on account of their small and perfect flowers : Ganymede, Jessica, Red Indian, Emily Hopper or Orpheus, Nerissa, Whisper, Phabe, Douglas or Captain Boyton, Cecil, Zoe, Tommy Keith, and White Aster. J. F. H. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Hardv plant borders.— It has been rather a curious experience this year on borders devoted to hardy plants, and writing at this date (Sep- tember 19) one is able to give results throughout the year, and a hint as to work the outcome of that experience that will be necessary at no dis- tant date. The past year has been notable for its prolonged drought. The earlier flowers, of which Pyrethrums, Doronicums, and Polyanthuses may be cited as examples, were good, but shortlived. If opportunity had oftered to give them liberal supplies of water it would ha\e been diflferent, but this was not possible, and so the display was brilliant, but decidedly ephemeral. The borders were well done last autumn and a heavy dressing of cow manure worked in, a system of -culture that in connection with a light soil would have given capital results. Unfortunatelv, however, the rainfall in the autumn of 1898 and the winter of 1S9S 99 was much below the aver- age ; it did not penetrate far enough to saturate the cow manure, except in those cases where this was worked in at a distance to benefit surface- rooting plants. Lower than this the manure turns up at the present time just about as ic was placed into the trenches. Certainly it has helped all plants a little, but nothing like it would have done had the rainfall been up to the average. Of the dwarfer plants, possibly the Antirrhinums, Linarias, and Campanulas have given the best results, the display having been very good and well sustained. To these, however, must be added Gaillardias, that gave a splendid lot of bloom early in summer, and are now again well in flower with the aid of a surface mulching and a thorough soaking of water. Other things that will often throw a second lot of bloom, given similar treatment, have failed to do so this sum- mer. The varieties of Coreopsis are capital dry summer plants, and have done remarkably well. A regrettable failure has to be recorded in the case of herbiceous Lobelias, and it is the more unfortunate beciuse their brilliant foli- age and handsome flowers are almost unique in hardy plants, and render them so accept- able for mixing with other things. They were late in breaking and nothing like so strong as one likes to see them. Growth was slow and poor, much of it gradually dwindling away, and not one plant out of ten was ever at its best. In the case of most of the things named where growth has not been satisfactory and that are not at present in a thoroughly healthy state, I shall make a clean sweep of them, preferring to start another season with healthy young plants obtained by seed, cuttings or division, and, so far as the two latter modes of propagation are concerned, the cuttings or offsets will certainly not be taken from miffy old plants. The two most reliable tall autumnal flowers— Starworts and Sunflowers- have done remarkably well. They are flowering splendidly, apparently quite inditferent to drought, and plenty of bloom will be forthcoming until frost comes of sufficient severity to make an end of them. I have Sunflowers in many varieties, both double and single ; the best single forms are most in request for cutting, although doubles, like multiflorus plenus and Soleil d'Or, are very fine for this purpose. Occasional clumps of very tall-growing sorts, as latifolius, remain in the borders, but I shall clear them out ; they are more suitable for the wild garden. Writing of Sun- flowers reminds me to suggest the advisability of more simple names. To the ordinary observer they are all Sunflowers, and when intiuiries are made as to the particular name of a favourite, it would be well if one were able to give it as simply as possible. For instance, a lady was asking the other day the name of a certain variety. " I know it is a Sunflower- or Helianthus," was the remark, "but should like its name." I was obliged to say that it was classed as a Helenium, and that the full name was H. grandicephalum striatum. Why all this for a simple hardy flower? There is an idea that, so far as Starworts and Sunflowers are concerned — and, indeed, many other hardy flowers — once planted they may be left for an indefinite time and will do well for a number of years. This may be so on some soils, but not here. Two seasons, or at the most three, are quite enough for them. I should say they are at their best the second season, and that after this they begin to deteriorate. In the matter of autumn flowers do we make quite as much use of hardy Fuchsias as their merits deserve 1 I am led to the suggestion by a border just now about at its best mainly devoted to Fuchsias and Starworts. It is about 9 feet wide, with a wall and a big Wistaria as a back- ground. The clumps of Fuchsias were planted some towards the back and others about .3 feet from the edge, blocks of Starworts being filled in afterwards in difi'erent heights to complete the arrangement. It has a very telling effect just at present, the contrast being clear and well defined, and yet soft and pleasing. Besides the pleasing display, it is a border from which cut bloom in great abundance can be obtained for tall vases. Claremont. E. Burrell. NOTES FROM A SWISS NURSERY. Thinking that a visit to M. Froebel's nursery would well repay me the additional journey necessary to reach Zurich from the central parts of the Alps, I managed to include it in my home- ward journey. M. Froebel is keenly interested in all matters horticultural, and almost everything in his nursery bears unmistakably the mark of quality— the best varieties everywhere. The first thing one sees on entering the gate is a fairly large tank filled with some of the best varieties of M. Latour-Marliac's hybrid Water Lilies flowering freely and growing vigorously. I have not seen them doing so well in a nursery before. They are planted here for effect, but are also found to be most useful for cutting, finding a ready sale. There was a really fine display of cut blooms of the red varieties to be seen in the window of M. Frobel's shop in the main street of Zurich — the Bihnhofstrasse. English florists mitfht well follow this example and use Water Lilies more. The new varieties are free-flower- ing, and the colours, white, pale yellow, pink, and I red, can be mixed very well with one another. j The different kinds flourishing in the tank are now well known and have often been described in The Garden, so thev need not be referred to in much detail now. N. Laydekeri rosea was very fine, and N. fulva appeared to produce flowers in accordance with the description of it in the lists of LatourMarliac— ground colour yellow, flushed with rose or pink, a combination which I cannot admire as seen on the petals of N. fulva. As the blooms of this variety do not seem to come true in this country, one wonders whether the differ- ence can be accounted for by climatic influences. In one corner of the tank was to be seen a plant of N. Froebeli, the only hardy red variety that has been raised in Europe outside of the es- tablishment of Temple-sur-Lot. The flowers were of medium size and dark carmine in colour. The petals are narrower than in several of the French varieties, more numerous and more refined in shape : in point of colour there is not much difference. The flowers resemble those of the odorata section rather than the Marliacea section of M. Latour-Marliac's varieties. It is a seedling from the Norwegian Water Lily, N. alba var. rosea. There being no pond here, the tub system of growing and propagating the Nym- phieas is adopted and is quite successful. N. stellata and its varieties are to be seen growing in tubs in the open air without any protection or warm water being provided, and they have been cultivated in this way at Zurich for years past. A large number of N. s. zanzibarensis seedlings were in flower planted out in an ordinary brick- built pit that had been rendered water-tight and filled up with the necessary soil. If it be con- sidered desirable to shelter them a little, all that is required is to replace the light in its usual position. Nelumbiums have been grown in this way, but M. Froebel has not succeeded in flower- ing them out of doors. Eichornia (Pontederia) crassipes and Eichornia cierulea were in flower in the tank before mentioned. Both varieties require protection in the winter, but are well worth the attention then required when they can be induced to flower like this in the open air. The former bears large spikes of pale blue flowers, conical in shape, each bloom more than 1 inch in depth and breadth. The shade of colour is pecu- liarly attractive — much more so than that of most blue flowers. The plant itself, floating freely as it does on the surface of the water without taking any hold of the soil, is of unusual interest to those who see it for the first time. The latter variety, commonly called the Water Hyacinth, possesses similar spikes, but of a much darker and less fascinating colour. Pontederia cordata was also in flower and is quite hardy. It will grow in any English pond, but is very insignificant when compared with the tender varieties. That pretty yellow-Bowered aquatic, Limnocharis Humboldti, was blossoming in the same tank with consider- ably greater freedom than it does in this country. I also noticed Trapa natans and Trapa verbonen- sis, two water plants that deserve more attention than they have hitherto received. These parti- cular varieties are hardy, and their handsome foliage and great distinctness at once engage the attention. The leaves, produced in pretty rosette- like clusters, are of a brownish chestnut hue, marbled like the leaves of some of the hybrid Water Lilies. Small hard berries or nuts are produced ; hence T. natans is called the Jesuit's Nut, or Water Chestnut. It is found distributed over Southern Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. T. verbonensi.s is a variety that is found in Lago Maggiore, in North Italy. One of the most striking novelties that I saw was a double pink Rosa rugosa called Conrad Ferdinand Meyer. The blooms are large, quite double, and well formed, not unlike those of La France. This is a great addition to the rugosa class of Roses. Another new Rose that promises well is called Eglanteria remontant ; it is a variety of the Austrian Brier, but the petals are coloured with pink on the yellow ground of R. lutea. Its value is increased by the fact that it flowers twice in the year. I fhould call it R. lutea bicolor. Johanna Sebus is a new Hybrid Tea Rose that is highly thought of here. The stock which is used is Rosa laxa (Siberia), which appears to be quite free from the fault of produc- ing suckers. Amongst the Hardy Herbaceous Plants I noted a particularly fine and healthy- looking .stock of Rudbeckia purpurea and Gentiana ascle- piadea, a very useful dark blue variety. Other autumn-flowering hardy plants with blue flowers are Amasonia angustifolia and Vernonia nove- boracensis, coming at a time when blue is wel- come. Lilium Henryi was making a grand dis- play ; the individual heads of flowers would form 286 THE GAEDEK [October 7, 1899. an addition to any garden. A fine lot of bulbs of the rare double white Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale album plenum) was being planted out and would make a fine display soon. The Hellebores were maliing vigorous growth, and Incarvillea Delavayi had been in flower. Mention should be made of Arenaria Rosani, a variety which forms very dense dark green clusters, and is most useful for covering up dry places or for a rock garden. Some old Pomegranates in tubs were just coming into flower, and gave promise of making a fine display. When about to flower water is very freely given, and they are fed as well. There is a large stock of well-grown young standard trees, with heads about IS inches through, in the open ground. The shrubby stove plant, Medinilla Curtisi, introduced about fifteen years ago, is strongly recommended by M. Froebel as preferable to M. magnifica. It is almost always in flower and is dwarf in growth. I noted, too, that rarely-aeen but handsome winter- flowering plant. Euphorbia jacquini*- flora (syn. , E. fulgens). There is not much space left to devote to the Orchids, though there is an interesting collection. Vanda carulea is well represented both in quantity and quality. Th plants are strong and healthy, growing in a sunny posi- tion, where they get plenty of air. Beside them V. Kimballiana flourishes. This variety, M. Froebel thinks, is usually grown in too much heat. I also saw some good plants of Vanda Sanderiana, some being in flower, and one a very fine variety. The Mexican Orchids, Lrelia anceps, L. superbiens, L. furfuracea, &c., seemed to thoroughly enjoy the treat- ment given to them. They were growing with much shade and plenty of air, and could be left entirely in the open air, if desired, during the night by taking off the lights and shading. The result is great freedom in flowering. I noticed Epidendrum radicans growing practi- cally in the open air along with Clianthus Dampieri. For cool Orchids the summer is the most difficult time at Zurich. It is not easy to keep them cool enough. Oncidium ornithorrhynchum was good, also the Masde- vallias. Miltonia vexillaria is allowed an abun- dant supply of air, and M. Phalajnopsis was true to its character of being always in flower. M. v. Lehmanni is a fine variety, pinker than the type, and quite distinct. Zygopetalum cctleste and Z. Lehmanni must be mentioned as two Orchids that are well grown by M. Froebel. Visitor. I Agapanthus umbellatus in the open. — Blue-flowering plants are so few in the gar- den in the early autumn that this plant, which each year blooms with unerring regularity, is always welcome. And what is true of the ordinary form is equally so of the larger flowered varieties, one of the best of these being A. u. maximus. There are other forms, however, known as major and giganteus. The variety giganteus has flowering stems each fully 3j feet high, often more when the plants are given good treatment and not merely watered occasionally. The great heads of blossom often contain something approach- ing 200 buds. Too often, however, the plant receives but the merest support for its great mass of fleshy roots and huge tuft of leaves. Being somewhat tender, the plants have to be housed during winterer protected from frost. This is no reason for confining all the stock in large pots or tubs, the former of which are sure to burst by the very pressure from the roots of the plant. A portion of the stock should be planted out in deep soil each year, and in a suitable spot a fine effect would be secured. The white form, which is more deciduous, is also more hardy, and with good covering may be left out during the winter. This is certainly a gain to the outside garden, though, all things considered, the blue-flowered kind is, perhaps, the finer garden plant for general pur- poses. LILIUM NEILGHERRENSE. I HAVE found on my return home that the Lily which has done so exceptionally well in my garden this summer is not L. Wallichianum superbum, as I imagined it to be, but L. neilgherrense, which is more remarkable still, as it is generally supposed to require greenhouse culture, and is, indeed, given in this way in the interesting cata- logue which has been lately issued by Messrs. Wallace, of Colchester. Of course, the Isle of Wight has great advantages to oS'er, but I cannot help thinking that some of these Burmese Lilies have special qualifications of their own which are not sufficiently recognised — e.y., Mr. Wallace neilgherrense still at their best and still giving a delightful reminder of the summer tliat is so fast slipping away from us? I cut some of these blos- soms and sent them to London a day or two ago. The last Lily of summer is as valuable in its way as the last Rose of summer, and where you can meet with a Lily towards the end of September it is a much more uncommon event than if twenty Roses had put in an appearance. I feel sure that if the season had been of an. average description this year and more rain had fallen, my Burmese Lilies would have been better even than they are. I wondered when I came back to my garden the other day and saw the arid >^>- T^^C^"' Water Lilies at Gwnnersbury House. (See p. 275.) asserts with regard to L. Wallichianum superbum that it "takes front rank," and he gives as his reason for saying so that " it is easily cultivated, hardy, and very prolific." What more could be said about a Lily than that ? It would be difficult to say as much of L. auratum, and as for a hand- some appearance, these Lilies from Burmah will hold their own against the productions of Japan, North America, or elsewhere. Owing to absence from home during the greater part of the year I have missed the flowering season of some of the best of my Lilies ; but what could be more satis- factory towards quite the end of September than to find the extremely beautiful blossoms of L. waste which it looked to be that any plant or bulb could exist in it at all. H. Ewbank. St. .John's, Ryde. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Tufted Pansy Mrj. A. H. Beadles.— This new Pansy has been flowering well during the pre- sent season. During the great heat when there was an absence of rain the plants blossomed profusely, and at the present time the display they are making is very pleasing indeed. The flowers are large and somewhat circular, pure white, and faintly rayed. October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 287 The growth is dwarf and vigorous and the oonstita- tiou robust. — C. A. H. Qentiana aeclepiadea deserves to be much more g^eneraliy ijrown in gardens as a late summer and autumn herbaceous plant. It will grow in almost any position or soil, though moisture suits it best, as may be seen at the present time by a visit to the Kew rock garden, where this variety is displaying itself to great advantage and in considerable quan- tity. In height it varies between 1 foot and 2 feet according to its position. Its continuous blooiuiug renders it valuable, the flowers succeeding one an- other in pairs up the stem over a considerable period. It is a good variety to plant in shrubbery borders or to naturalise in wild gardens, or even in woods in large quantities. There is a white variety as well as the blue one. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S FRUIT SHOW. Crystal Palace, September 28, 29, 30. TiiEEE was again a really grand display of fruit of British growth, variable in quality as com- pared with previous exhibitions in some instances, it is true. In Grapes there was a perceptible falling off in several classes, notably in the smaller collections of varieties and in the Muscat class. Some growers have had their Grapes, so to speak, rushed on owing to the hot weather ; hence in many cases, no doubt, they were past their best. The one Grape above others to hold its own was Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat. Another class well filled was that for Alicante, whilst in the any other white class Dr. Hogg was staged in first-class condition. The quality of the fruit in the mixed competitive classes for collections was quite equal to other shows. In the class for nine varieties there was but little difference between first, second, and third. The competition was not so keen in the large class for outdoor fruits as last year, it being practically useless to think of competing with success against the more favoured of the Kentish growers. Where there were five exhibits last year there were only two this time. The competition was not any too keen in the divisional classes, i.e., those for various parts of the country. These, abos-e £ll others, ought to be filled, affording as they do some data to form more correct opinions as regards the several dis- tricts. The market classes were well represented, showing a decided improvement upon last year both in quality of fruit and in the methods of packing for market. This section of the schedule is an excellent one, and deserves well of fruit growers for market supplies. The nurserymen's classes, i.e., those who grow trees, &c., for sale, were also well filled, occupying, as they did, a large amount of table space. Wioh the exception of the grand Pears from Jersey, b'le Pears in these classes were not up to the average, but the Apples were fully so. ^'arious methods were adopted for displaying the fruit, and a very fine display was made, reflecting great credit upon the trade who supported the show. The classes open to private growers only from all parts of the country brought together some of the finest pro- duce in the show. Both the Apples and the Pears in these classes from Kent and the most favoured of other counties were grand examples of culture ; finer fruits of the best known kinds than those exhibited could scarcely be desired. Out- door Peaches, Nectarines and Plums were scarcely 80 numerous as last year, but here again the quality wag of the best, far better in some respects than many would have expected after the very trying weather and drought. Orchard - house fruits were very fine indeed from the well-known source?. Apples, Pears and Plums as trees in pots were fine examples of culture, and so were the picked fruits. Growers of orchard-house fruit should keep strictly to dessert kinds. There can- not be any possible good in growing a few of the largest of cooking Apples in pots just for a show and nothing more. Peasgood's Nonsuch Apple, it should be noted, when so grown becomes a des- sert fruit ; not so many others, as Gloria Mundi, &c. The show on the past occasion was rather confined in space, owing no doubt to the exhi- bition of crafts in the other transept ; this, how- ever, was quite unavoidable, and in no way reflected upon the executive of the Royal Horti- cultural Society. The schedule as at present drawn up requires some modification in the Apple classes. For in- stance, small, highly coloured fruits of Blenheim Orange and Gascoigne's Scarlet are asked for ; thus small-sized fruit ruled in these classes, but in some others the opposite was the case. These Apples should, in our opinion, have two classes provided for each variety, so that large fruits could be staged in the one if not in the other. Division- I.— Fruits Grown Under Glass or Otherwise. For a collection of nine dishes of ripe dessert fruit. Lady Henry Somerset, Eastnor Castle, Led- bury (gardener, Mr. Mullins), was placed first in a close competition. The Muscats here were a strong dish, the colour and finish excellent ; Gros Maroc, the other Grape, had size and colour to recommend it ; Albert Victor Nectarines were extra fine, but Lord Palmerston Peaches were a weaker dish ; Pitmaston Duchess Pears made an imposing dish, being also well ripened ; Barrington Peaches were extra fine, so also were the Ribston Pippin Apples ; a well-coloured Melon finished up this exhibit. Sir Joseph Pease, Hutton Hall, Guisborough (gardener, Mr. Mclndoe) was well up for the second place. The Grapes here were not so good, but the Queen Pine made up for that deficiency ; other first-class dishes were Sea Eagle Peaches, extra good ; Souvenir du Congrfes Pears, a strong dish ; Prince of Wales Peaches, large and highly coloured ; these, with Bryanston Gage and Reine Claude de Bavay Plums, made up a capital exhibit. The Earl of Harrington, Elvascon Castle, Derby (gardener, Mr. Goodacre), was placed third : the Grapes here were first-class, having quality in both dishes (Muscats and Mrs. Pince's Black). Other excellent dishes were Brown Turkey Figs and Coe's Golden Drop Plums. For a collection of six dishes of ripe fruit. Colonel Walpo!e, Heck- field Place, Winchfield (gardener, Mr. Maxim), showed well and deservedly won the first place. Muscats here had the deep amber tint so desirable, Cooper's Black (alias Gros Maroc) being the other choice ; these also were fine. Nectarine Peaches were extra fine also ; Lady Sudeley Apples were also attractive. Mr. Biddulph, Ledbury (gar- dener, Mr. Dawes), was placed second, his best exhibit being extra fine Gros Maroc Grapes, pro- bably the best shown, with excellent Muscats, Ribston Pippin Apples, and Williams' Bon Chretien Pears. In the large class for the best six varieties of Grapes, where the first prize embraces a silver challenge cup of the value of twenty-five guineas, with the stipulation that it is to be won three years in succession (a stupid and unreasonable condition), Mr. Goodacre was a comparatively easy first. The varieties were Gros Maroc, well finished, but this is no difficulty even for an amateur to accomplish ; Alnwick Seedling, also in fine condition ; Muscats, extra fine, with large berries ; huge bunches of Barbarossa, well col- oured ; Mrs. Pince's Black, extra tine in berry and bunch, with Alicante to complete the num- ber. Mr. Bayer, Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill (gardener, Mr. Taylor) showed up bravely for second place, and were all the conditions equal he would have pressed his antagonist hard. The best dishes here were Gros Colman, well finished ; Mrs. Pince, which lacked colour, bunches, how- ever, fine ; Alicante, a strong lot ; Muscats, ex- cellent ; and Madresfield Court, extra good in colour and fine in berry, with Gros Maroc to complete the exhibit. Only one exhibitor appears to have entered for the three varieties, but as re- gards finish it was all the samea very strong lot in every respect. The varieties were Muscat, long, tapering bunches, highly coloured, Gros Maroc, and Alicante. These were staged by Mr. Dawes. The single dish classes were, on the whole, I disappointing and do not call for any lengthened comment. Some fine dishes, it is true, were staged, but in these instances the best far out- distanced the others. For Black Hamburghs, Mr. Fleming, Chilworth Manor, Romsey (gardener, Mr. Mitchell), was easily first with well-coloured bunches with medium berries ; second. Sir George Russell, Swallowfield Park, Reading (gardener, Mr. Cole). For Madresfield Court Mr. Mitchell repeated his success, staging grand bunches quite in the old style, Mr. Taylor coming in second. For Mrs. Pince Mr. Mitchell again won, and that quite easily, with superb examples in every respect, Mr. Taylor again following. Mr. Good- acre was the only exhibitor of Muscat Hamburgh, showing medium bunches. Alicante was a strong class. Lord Suttield, Gunton Park, Norwich (gar- dener, Mr. Allan), being placed first with perfect bunches. Mr. Cole followed, also staging fine pro- duce. Mr. Mitchell won for Lady Downe's again, and once more staged a strong lot, large bunches, highly coloured ; Mr. Taylor once more having to be content with second place. Mr. Allan staged Gros Maroc in the class for any other black of first-rate finish and fine in berry, being followed by Mrs. Tulk, Cowley House, Chertsey (gardener, Mr. Sadler), with the same variety. Muscat of Alexandria was a case of " first " and the rest no- where. Mr. Lucas, Warnham Court, Horsham (gardener, Mr. Duncan) staged very fine bunches, well coloured, and deservedly won. For Mrs. Pearson the judging requires some explanation, the first prize being awarded to the largest bunches, it is true, but these were not well coloured or so fully ripe as is desirable ; in fact, it is doubtful if they would thoroughly finish. The first prize went to Mr. Baker, Ottershaw Park, Chertsey (gardener, Mr. Osman) ; second, Mrs. Wingfield, Ampthill, Beds (gardener, Mr. Empson), who had the highest coloured, the largest berried and the best ripened examples. In the class for any other white, that excellent Grape, Dr. Hogg, was shown in the best possible condition, and when so staged it is at this season of the year a rival to the Muscat ; these were put up by Mr. 0-man ; the second prize went to Foster's Seedling, from Mr. Cole. Mr. Maxim was first for Peaches, with grand samples of the Nectarine Peach highly coloured, and Mr. Mitchell second with Sea Eagle of large size. For Nectarines, Mr. F. W. Thomas, Man- nock, Polegate, Sussex, was first with Spenser, and Sir M. Samuel, Mote Park, Maidstone (gar- dener, Mr. Bacon), second with Victoria. With Plums in three varieties, Mr. Leopold de Roth- schild, Gunnersbury House, Acton (gardener, Mr. J. Hudson), was first with highly finished fruit, quite characteristic of orchard house culture in pots. The varieties were Transparent Gage, Golden Transparent Gage, and the rosy coloured sport from Coe's Golden Drop. Mr. Mclndoe was second, his varieties being Reine Claude de Bavay, Bryan- ston Gage, and Late Transparent, all fine fruits. Hardv Fruit— Gardeners and Amateurs. For the collection of hardy fruit, thirty-six dishes, Mr. R. Potter, The Gardens, St. Clere, Kemsing, Sevencaks, this year, as last, took the premier award. The council for some reason had this year reduced the number of varieties to thirty six instead of fifty. We do not see the necessit}', as last year there were six excellent collections and only two this. Pears and Apples were the principal dishes, and with so great a number of classes for these fruits we think more variety could be shown. The second place was taken by Mr. T. Dawes, Biddulph Grange, Ledbury. For twenty-four jdishes of orchard house grown fruit. Grapes excluded, the fruit differed but little from that grown in the open. There was only one competitor, Mr. R. Potter. We fail to see the need of this class when such grand produce from the open as was staged in other parts of the building was to be seen. Far better give a few third prizes in the excellent single dish classes. Division II. — Nurserymen Only. In the following four classes many hundreds of dishes were staged, these occupying the three 288 centre tables in the building. We certainly think these exhibits could with advantage have been curtailed. The premier position, gaining the gold medal, was obtained by Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co , who staged no less than 300 varieties of fruit, mostly Apples and Pears. It is impos- sible to enumerate anything; like this number or comment upon such a splendid exhibit. The centre was raised with highly-coloured fruits in sections, mostly dessert varieties. Grapes grow- ing on the Vines were arranged with Smilax and Ferns. Also included were Medlars, Black Cur- rants, BuUaces and Plums. The Messrs. Veitcb, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, came next with twenty-6ve large baskets of Apples and 130 varieties in dishes and 100 varieties of Pears. A nice basket of the new St. .Joseph Strawberry with fruit on the plant with the new (iunton Orange Melon were shown, but these fruits were not grown in the open, as stipulated by the schedule. In this lot were some very choice dessert Apples, as American Mother, Bijou, Rouge Precoce, and Cox's Orange. The cooking Apples in many cases were excellent, though lacking the colour of the Kent fruits. A silver- gilt Knightian medal was awarded. Messrs. Laing and Sons, Forest Hill, staged in this class, but they had not adhered strictly to the schedule, and had introduced pot trees and Vines in pots. At the time of making our report no award was given. Mr. H. Berwick, Sidmouth, Devon, was the other exhibitor in this large class, and a really commendable exhibit it was, Ferns, Palms, and Lilies being used freely as decora- tion for centres and corners. This exhibit well deserved the silver-gilt Banksian medal awarded, as the colour of the fruit was astonish- ing. The next class brou2ht out seven com- petitors, each having about ISO feet of space, and several very excellent collections were staged, Mr. J. B. Colwill, The Nurseries, Sidmouth, having splendidly coloured fruit (silver-gilt Banksian). Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, staged a good collection of Apples and some Pears, the whole well arranged and representing the best varieties (silver Knightian medal). Messrs. Cheal and Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, had a beautiful lot of fruit. Apples mostly, including some excel- lent dessert kinds, and well merited the silver medal awarded. Mr. J. Watkins, Pomona Farm Nurseries, Hereford, staged in this class and well deserved the silver Knightian medal awarded for the collection, which was noteworthy for the fine colour and finish of the fruit. Here were some of the finest Medlars in the building, the variety being the Dutch Monstrous. Messrs. Peed and Son, Roupell Park Nurseries, S.E., staged 100 dishes of Apples of good quality, and were awarded a silver Knightian medal. Messrs. R. Smith and Co., Worcester, staged fewer dishes than the others, but none the less interesting. The Jersey Agricultural and had a large collection of , .. , , and Pears. Tho centre was formed of dot ' plants of huge Cabbage stems some 11 feet high, and not at all ornamental in a collection of fruit, as the fading leaves had an untidy appear- ance. Here were the largest Pears in the show, including Durondeau, (Jhaumontel, with some excellent dishes of Apples. One, Pride of Eng- land, is a nice looking fruit. There was also a collection of Melons grown in the open. This was an interesting exhibit (silver-gilt Knightian medal). Mr. G. Mount, Canterbury, showed in this class some good fruits, mostly Apples and Pears, with Plums Baskets of well coloured Apples formed the centre of the exhibit, the varieties being well-known cooking kinds (bronze Banksian medal). In Class 23 there were six competitors, who showed some excellent produce. The leading position was gained by Mr. J. Basham, Fairoak Nurseries, Newport, Monmouth. One hundred dishes of distinct varieties were stagOT, well meriting the silver gilt Banksian medal awarded. Mes«rs. Spooner and Sons, Hounslow, also staged 10(_) dishes of fruit. These lacked the size of the Kent fruit, but, con- sidering how near they are the metropolis, they THE GARDEl^. [OCTOBEE 7, 1899. were most deserving of the award given — a bronze Knightian medal. Messrs. Pewtress Bros., Til- lington, Hereford, staged an excellent collection of Apples and Pears, receiving a silver Banksian medal. Messrs. Brown, Stamford, set up some excellent fruits nicely arranged, having fine Barnack Beauty and some seedling Apples, a good lot of September Beauty, and seme good Pears (silver Banksian medal). The Messrs. Rivers, Sawb ridge worth, in addition to their fine collection of fruit in Class 24, staged in this class, and had some very beautiful fruit, well meriting the silver Knightian medal awarded. Mr. W. Taylor, Hampton, had a stand of his new Grape Reine Olga from open-air Vines. The berries were well coloured (bronze Knightian). Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, Ipswich, had a smaller collection of fruit. Good here was the Pear given an award last March, Winter Orange (bronze Knightian medsl). For orchard house fruit and trees there were two competitors— the Messrs. Bunyard and Rivers, the former securing the gold medal, having more fruits and in greater variety. The centre of the stand was trees fruit- ing in pots. The dishes here were a strong feature, especially the Apples. Walburton Ad- mirable, Sea Eagle, and Nectarine Peaches were eood. Messrs. Rivers had more pot trees, and received the Hogg medal. Plums in pots were a strong feature. Division III. — Market Growers. For white Grapes, not less than 12 lbs. in a baby basket, there were three entries, Mr. W. Iggulden taking the premier award with good Muscats, Mr. W. Green, Harold Court, E:sex, being second. Far greater interest was shown in Class 27, for any variety of Grape in any other package. Here the competitors changed places, Mr. Green being a good first, having a handled basket crossed over with twigs, the variety being Gros Colman. Mr. Iggulden, Frome, was second with the same kind of basket. For cooking Apples, four varieties, 42 lbs. in a basket or box, Messrs. W. Poupart and Son, Twickenham, were first, sieves being employed, each fruit packed in paper; Mr. Basham being second, using boxes and wood-wool. For 20 lbs. dessert Apples, Messrs. Poupart were first with the same kind of packing. Mr. A. Wyatt was second with fruit in boxes. For cooking Apples, any one variety, Mr. ( ;. Tebbutt, Isleworth, was first with good Lady Henniker in sieves, the fruit packed in paper, Mr. A. Wyatt being second. For 20 lbs. of dessert Apples, one variety, Messrs. Poupart were first with Cox's Orange in half sieves, each layer of fruit having paper with wood wool lining the basket, Mr. 0. Marchant being second with Worcester Pearmain. For an im- proved form of packing for market, Mr. Basham was first, the packing wood wool, the fruit in three Basham was the only exhibitor of Apples. We have seen larger fruits in a few cases, but not better in quality. Mr. Parker, Goodwood Gardens, Chichester, was second, he having splendid Grenadier and the best dish of Lady Henniker in the show. In the class for twelve kinds, Mr. A. Maxim, Heckfield Gar- dens, Winchfield, was first, Mr. G. MuUins, Eastnor Castle Gardens, being second. Only four competed in the class for nine dishes. Much the same varieties were staged, Mr. Dawes being a good first, Mr. W. Jones, Wallington Bridge, Carshalton, being second. Five staged in the class for six dishes of cooking Apples; first, Mr. Hurnard, Gurney's Manor, Norfolk, Mr. R. M. Whiting, Credenhill, Hereford, being second. For three dishes of cooking Apples, Mr. G. Fennell was first, having excellent Castle Major and Lord Derby. There was a great falling off in the class for six dishes dessert Apples, only two lots being staged, Mr. King having a grand lot of Ribston, AUington, and King of the Pippins, with Blenheim, Cox's Orange, and Worcester Pear- main, Mr. H. Cook, Knowle Gardens, Sidmouth, being second. For three dishes of dessert Apples no less than fifteen competed, Mr. G. Sage, the Gardens, Bayham Abbey, Lamberburst, being first with highly-coloured fruits of Washington, Cox's Orange, and Ribston. For dessert Pears, twelve dishes, Mr. R. Potter was placed^first, but afterwards the award was withheld. Mt. A. Bacon, Mote Park Gardens, Maidstone, was second. For six dishes Mr. Sage was first. For three dishes, Mr. R. Edwards, Beechy Lees, Sevenoaks, was first. For cooking Pears, Mr. Humphreys was first with Catillac, Triomphe de Jodoigne, and Uvedale's St. Germain. For a single dish Mr. Potter was first with Bellissime d'hiver. Peaches grown in the open brought forth a good array of fruits. Mr. J. Sparks, Upper Grove House Gardens, Putney, was first with good Sea Eagle, Princess of Wales, and Late Admirable, Mr. S. Osborn, East Sheen Lodge Gardens, being second. For a single dish, Mr. G. Wythes, Syon House Gardens, Brentford, had the best dish, the variety being Sea Eagle, of beautiful colour and the fruits large, Mr. Slade, Poltimore Park Gardens, Devon, being second with Princess of Wales. There were eleven competitors in this class. For one dish of Nectarines, Mr. Sparks was first with Victoria. For Plums, four dishes, Mr. Folkes was first with good Jefferson, Washington, Reine Claude de Bavay, and Cloth of Gold. Only three lots were staged. For one dish, not Gages, any variety, Mr. T. Spencer, Goodrich Park Gardens, Ross, Hereford, was first with a good dish of Golden Drop, Mr. Wright, Walcot Hall Gardens, Stam- ford, being second with the same variety. For Gages, Mr. J. Duncan, VVarnham Court Gardens, Horsham, was first, Mr. Rich, Ross, being second. Mr. Mclndoe was first for cooking Plums, four dishes, having grand Archduke, Grand Duke, Horticultural Society I 4.2 lbs.' of Apple7ro"show"an''impVoved sj stem of I ^j^*^^^' '''ly -- ^ p„„^'„ «.„^i;„„ M. TT fruit, mn«tlv Annlps 1 ■ miT- • 1 i *v,« i„„t „1„=<, Magnum Bonum, and Ponds needling, Mr. H. fru.t, mostly Apples , u,„g. This was similar to the last class g ^^. ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^.^^ hampers or flats being used. Messrs. Poupart were first for Pears ; Mr. Wjatt second, with no packing between the fruits. For one variety of Pears Mr. Wyatt was ^1?* with fruit in boxes clinch, ' Sittingbourne, being first, 'Mr. packed in wood wool, ior twelve varieties 01 1 „ • ,, ' j & > » ■ Mr. E. Coleman, North Frith, was first with excellent Pond's Seedling, Mr. Hurnard second. For Damsons, Plums, or BuUaces only two staged. Apples and six of Pears, each to be laid on the table without dishes or baskets— and this certainly does not need repeating, as side by side with the single dishes the varieties staged bore no com- parison— Messrs. Poupart were first. For Plums (cooking), 28 lbs. in boxes or baskets, Messrs. Poupart were first, and Mr. Tebbutt second. For twenty-four Peaches packed in a suitable box, Mr. J. Gore, Polegate, was first with Sea Eagle in long boxes, paper and wcod wool being placed round each fruit. For 121bs. of Tomatoes packed in a box or basket, Mr. J. Gore was first, using a cross-handled basket, with paper between each layer of fruit. Division IV.— Fruits Grown in Open Aik— (Gardkneks and Amateubs Only.) Mr. McKenzie, Linton Park Gardens, Maid- stone, won the premier award for twenty-four dishes of sixteen cooking and eight dessert Fennell second. Divisio-N v.- -County Classes. The prizes offered to growers in separate counties and groups of counties were competed for with considerable spirit. Kent was repre- sented by four collections in each class. In both cases the judges must have had considerable difficulty in making their awards. Mr. G. H. Dean, of Whitehall, Sittingbouine (gardener, Mr. W. T. Stowers), was first with an even and good collection. His best cooking kinds were Lane's Prince Albert, of which he had an excellent dish, and Peasgood's Nonsuch. In the dessert varieties he was weaker. For second place, Mr. G. H. Sage, gardener to the Marquis Camden, put up a very nice collection, and his Cox's Orange Pip- pin in the dessert kinds was very fine. Peas- good's Nonsuch was shapely, but not particularly large. The bist-named exhibitor was given first October 7, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 289 place for Pears, and his fruit was excellent. The best dish was undoubtedly a splendid one of Gansel's Bergamot, a useful Pear not often staged in such fine condition. Mr. R. Edwards, gardener to Mr. G. H. Field, Baechy Lees, Sevenoaks, had a very fine even lob for second place. Doyenne du Cornice and Marie Louise were especially well shown. The next batch of southern counties covers a lot of good fruitgrowing country, in- cluding as it does Surrey, Sussex, Hants, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall, and although we missed one or two well-known exhibitors from this neighbourhood, there was still a very strong competition, six collections of Apples and four of Pears being shown. The Duchess of Cleveland, Battle Abbey, Sussex (gardener, Mr. W. Camm), was placed first for Apples, a good clean-looking collection. The second prize lot was put up by Mr. King, gardener to Mr. Jeremiah Colman, Gatton Park, Reigate. First place for Pears was well won by Mr. W. Mancey, gardener to Mr. A. Benson, Upper Gatton Park, Merstham, who had very fine Durondeau, Marguerite Marillat, and Souvenir du Congres. The second prize collection from Mr. J. Colman, of Reigate, was rather irregular, but contained very fine Djyenne Boussoch and Souvenir du Congres. Wilts, Gloucester, Oxford, Bucks, Beds, Herts, and Middlesex were the next batch of counties, and here in the Apple class Mr. W. Strugnell, gar- dener to Colonel Vivian, Rood Ashton, Trow- bridge, was successful. Mr. Lonergan, Cressing- ham Park, Reading, came next, his gardener (Mr. Chamberlain) having an excellent lot of fruit, including finely-coloured Alexander and Cox's Pippin. For Pears, Mr. \V. A. CoDk, gar- dener to Major Heneage, Comp'on Bassett, was first, Mr. Chamberlain being an extremely close second. In the Essex, Sufifolk, Norfolk, Cimbridge, Hunts, and Rutland districts there were three collections of Apples and the same number of Pears shown. Here again there was very little to separate the first and second prize collections of Apples. Mr. H. Hurnard, of Gurney's Manor, Higham, Norfolk, was first, and he was followed by Mr. Andrews, gardener to the Hin. \V. Lowther, Campsey Ash, Wiol h im Marie , who had superb cooking fruits, but his dessero kinds were rather small. Mr. W. Allan, gardener to Lord Suffield, Gunton Park, hsd a splendid collection of Pears for first place. All tha dishes here were good. Mr. Andrews, of Campsey Ash Gardens, followed closely, his best dishes being Durondeau and Djyenne du Comice. Tie counties o' Lin- coln, Northampton, Warwick, Laicester, Notts, Derby, Stafford, Shropshire, and Cheshire were not particularly well represented, nor was the fruit of a particularly high order of merit. Mr. A. Wright, gardener to Mr. .7. W. Dearden, Walcot Hall, Stamford, and Mr. W. H. Divers, gardener to the Duke of Rutland, Belvoir Castle, Grantham, took first and second prizes respectively both for Pears and Apples. As to Pears, Mr. Divers certainly had the finest lot as far as quality was concerned, but the judges marked his Beurre Clairgeau "not a dessert Pear." It is not a first- rate kind by any means, but it figures in many lists of dessert kinds, and it was doubtless due to ! this variety that the Belvoir fruit was placed ' second. Louise Bonne in this collection wa^ aho extremely good. Hereford, Worcester, Mon- | mouth, Glamorgan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke ' furnished undoubtedly the finest coloured fruit in the show, but the unsightly mirks made by netting individual fruits were too much in evi- dence. Mrs. Blashett, Bridge Soblers, Hereford, took first prize for Apples. Here Peasgood's Nonsuch was superb but for the netting marks mentioned above, and there were rather small, but finely coloured fruits of Adams' Pearmain! The second prize fell to Mr. R. M. Whiting, Credenhill, Hereford. Pears were also well shown. For Pears, Mr. G. Hadfisld, Monarton, Ross (gardener, Mr. .John Rick), was first, Mr. Spences. gardener to Mr. H C. Moffat, Goodrich Court,, Ross, took second pUce, his best fruits being Doyenne du Comice, a superb dish, and ' Durondeau, a little out of character for thii very distinct kind. The next division included all the \\'elsh counties except those mentioned above, and only three collections were put up from here, two of Apples and one of Pears. Mr. R. D. Hughes (gardener, Mr. Jones) was placed first, his only good dish being one of Ribston. The second prize lot was very coarse, and was composed either of windfalls or they were wretchedly packed, for almost every fruit was badly bruised. Pears were even worse, and here the judges rightly refused to make an award. It was a disgraceful exhibit, certainly not worthy of Wales. One collection came from the northern counties, Mr. J. Garside, of Larbreck, being awarded first in the Apple class for a fairly good lot. From Scotland there were but three entries, two for Apples and one for Pears, but the quality was distinct!}' good. Mr. J. Day, gardener to the Earl of Galloway, Garliestown, N.B., had a nice even collection of clean, well-coloured fruit in the Apple class. Mr. J. MoKinnon, gardener to Mr. W. Miller, Round wood. Crieff, took second place. In the collection of Pears that Mr. Day put up for first priza were characteristic examples of Doyenne Boussoch, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Souvenir du Congrfes, Gratioli of Jersey, and Mme. Treyve. Divisiox VI. — Dessert Apples. In this division popular and useful kinds were very much to the fore, and we noted with satis- faction that there were, for instance, three dozen dishes of Ribston, thirty- three of Cox's Orange and over twenty of Blenheim Orange Pippins. Not so satisfactory by any means was the judging, and complaints from exhibitors were plentiful and amply justified. In one class — that for Cox's Orange Pippin — a superb dish from Reigate won, and rightly. In that for Blenheims splendidly grown fruit was passed and the prizes awarded to much smaller specimens. Either Blenheim Orange ought to be left out of the dessert class or else the best fruit should win. As it stands, exhibitors do not know what to show — small dessert-sized fruits or fruits characteristic of the variety, viz. , large, symmetrical and of good colour, for both were passed over in this case for medium-sized and not too well grown specimens. Of Adams' Pearmain four nice dishes were shown, none of them coming up to last season's form, but still good. The first prize went to Mr. H. H. Williams, of Truro (gar- dener, Mr. Cornelius), for rather rough but large fruit, the Duchess of Cleveland, Bittle Abbey (gardener, Mr. Camm), being second with much better finished, but smaller fruit. Allen's Ever- lasting is evidently not thought much of. It was poor last year, it was worse this, only one dish from Mr. F. W. Buxton, of Sawbridgeworth, being shown. AUington Pippin is a fine-looking Apple, and here the judges had apparently made up their minds that colour should carry the day, the first prize in a strong competition going to Mr. C. Ross, gardener to Capt. Carstairs, Welford Park, Newbury, Mr. Whiting, of Credenhill, Hereford, being a close second. The same exhi- bitor just wrested the first prize from Mr. H. H. Hurnard, of Gurney's Manor, Norfolk, for Bau- mann's Had Reinette. Among the losers in this class was a dish of beautifully finished, fine fruit that showed marks of netting very plainly. As there were a number of prizes withheld, it seemed a pity that the judges did not, if they had the | power, give extra prizes in the Blenheim Pippin class, for, as mentioned, there was a very strono' competition. The first prize went to Jlr. F. M. Lonergan, of Cressingham Park, Reading (gar- dener, Mr. Chamberlain); second, Mr. A. E. d'Avigdor Goldsmid (gardener, Mr. Earl). Four medium dishes of Brownlee's Russet were staged, Mr. Coleman, gardener to Mr. T. L. Boyd, North Field, Tonbridge, putting up the best dish, Mr. Sage, gardener to the Marquis Cimden, being second. Mr. R. M. Whiting, of Hereford, and Mr. F. W. Buxton, Sawbridge- worth (gardener, Mr. Gedden), had first and second places respectively for Claygate Peirmain. Three dishes of Cjckle Pippin were shown, Mr. A. F. Carter, Newfields, Billinghurst, and Mr. Kidley, gardener to Mr. W. A. Sanford, of Nynehead Court, Somerset, taking the prizes in order given. For Court Pendu Plat, the first prize went to Mr. H. Lintott, gardener to Mr. Walpole Greenwell, of Morden Park, Surrey. Seldom has such a splendid dish of Cox's Orange Pippin been shown as that which Mr. King, gar- nener at Gatton Park, Reigate, put up in this class and which won first place. Each fruit was a model, superbly finished and of extra size. Mr. Slade, gardener to Lord Poltimore, Poltimore Park, Exeter, was second. Duke of Devonshire was represented by six dishes, Mr. .J. Rick, Here- ford, and the Marquis of Camden taking first and second out of a poor lot. Mr. Whiting was first and Mr. Spencer second for Egremont Russet. Fearn's Pippin was a good class, twelve dishes, mostly good, being shown. Mr. G. H. Dean (gar- dener, Mr. Stowers) had a very finely fioished dish for first place, nnd he was followed by Mr. S. W. C )rnwallis, L'nton Park, Maidstone (gar- dener, Mr. McKenzit). Gascoigne's Scarlet was asked for in the schedule as ''small, lightly- coloured fruits, ' and this well describes the first prize lot put up by Mr. T. Clinch, Denaway, Key Street. Sittingbourne. A fine diih of Gravenstein from Battle Abbey and a poor one from Mr. J. T. Charlesworth were placed fir=t and second, a very fine, well finished one from Mr. Maxim, gardener to Col. Walpole, Hcckfield Place, Hampshire, being quite overlooked. Two dishes only of .Tames Grieve were shown ; the first by Mr. J. Day, of Galloway House Gardens, Gailietown, N.B., the second by Mr. A. E. d'Avigdor Gjldsmid (gar- dener, Mr. C. Earl). In the class for King of the Pippins .'giin m-iny cul'.ivators must have been struck wich the way the judging was done. The first prize went to Linton Park, Maidstone, the second was woo by Mr. Stoivers, gardener at Whitehall, Sittingbourne. King of Tomkics County was not largely shown, the best, a very fine dish, coming from Heckfield Place, Hants. Mabbot's Pearmain was not particularly good, the fir;t pr'za lot coming from Somerhill, Tonbridge, Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis had the best Mannington Pearmain, fine, well coloured fruit. In the class for American Mother the smaller fruit took first prize, these coming from Mr. Whiting, of Credenhill, Hereford. They looked very good, but were not so well grown as the second prize dish from Surgeon-General Planck. Mr. King, of Gatton Park, Reigate, had a very fine dish of Rib- ston Pippin. Half-a-dozen dishes of Rosemary Russet were sbown, good characteristic fruit from Batlle Abbey taking first place. A good dish of Ross Nonpareil won first place for Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis. Mr. Hudson, gardener to Messrs. Rothschild, Gunnersbury, showed the only dish of Scarlet Nonpareil, and was awarded first prize. Sturmer Pippin was shown by six exhibitors, bub all were poor, the first and second prizes going to Welford Park and Reading. Three dishes of Wealthy were shown, Mr. R. Whiting being decidedly first. That the showy Worcester Pear- main retains its popularity was shown by the fact that eighteen dishes, mostly of excellent appear- ance, were staged, and here again Mr. King, of Gatton Park, was successful, his fruit being very regular and most beautifully coloured. Mr. Duncan, gardener to Mr. C. .J. Lucas, Warnham Court, Horsham, ran him hard and obtained a good second. In the class for any other variety, Thomas Andrew Knight, the new seedling Apple, said to be a cross between Peasgood's Nonsuch and Cox's Orange Pippin, won easily ; it was shosn by Mr. Ross, gardener to Captain Car- stairs, who raised it. Mr. Wythe?, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland, Syon House, Brent- ford, was awarded second place for a nice dish of Golden Russet. CooKiNc; Apples. The cooking Apples in single dishes made a good display, some kinds in particular being very fine. With Alfriston, Mr. T. Spencer, gardener to Mr. H. C. Moffatt, was first outof seven entries ; .\lr. J. Allen, gardener to Mr. G. Hanbury Field, second. Mr. Chamberlain, gardener to Mr. F. M. Lonergan, Reading, and Mr. R. Whiting won with Beauty of Kent. There were only three 290 THE GARDKN^. [October 7, 1899. entries for Belle de Pontoise, Mr. McKenzie easily winning first prize. Messrs. Sweet and Stower took the prizes for Bismarck. Bramley's Seedling brought fifteen entries, some of the dishes being unusually fine, Mr. H. Cook, Sid- mouth, Mr. Ross, Welford, and Mr. W. Hum- phreys securing the prizes offered by the Messrs. Merryweather. Jlr. Slade, gardener to Lord Poltimore, took first with Cellini in a class, though numerically strong, yet weak in quality. Cox's Pomona was better, but not equal to some we have seen. Mr. Stowers had the best, and Mr. King, gardener to Mr. J. Coleman, Reigate, was second out of eleven entries. Fifteen competed for Dumelow's Seedling, Messrs. Camra and King winning the prizes. The season was over for Ecklinville, and the fruits not very fine for the sort, Mr. Stowers having the best. Mr. McKenzie staged some fine Emperor Alexander for the first prize, and also Golden Noble, Golden Spire, and Grenadier, the two latter being small entries. The best New Hawthornden came from Mr. Her- bert, gardener to Mr. J. F. Charlesworth, Red- hill, and Mr. Ross, Welford Park. Lane's Prince Albert made a capital class of eleven entries, Mr. Stowers winning, as he also did with Lord Derby out of nine dishes, Mr. Herrin, gardener to Mr. J. B. Fortescue, Uropmore, following. Neither Lord Grosvenor nor Lord Suffield was good, the date of the show being too late for them. Mere de Menage brought out six entries, the winning dishes, staged by Messrs. Ross and McKenzie, being exceptionally fine. The best Newton Wonder from the northern counties came from Mr. H. Turner, of Norfolk, and Mr. Divers, Belvoir Castle ; and in the southern counties, Mr. Cook, of Sidmouth, and Mr. Potter, gardener to Sir Mark Collett, were the winners. Much the best Peasgood's came from the Kentish growers, Messrs. McKenzie and Stowers, of Maidstone and Sittingbourne, and remarkably fine fruits they were. Mr. McKenzie showed the best Potts' Seedling, and Mr. Ross the best Royal Jubilee, Mr. McKenzie again led with Sandringham, and Mr. Sage, gardener to the Marquis Camden, had the best Spencer's Favourite. Messrs. Whiting, of Hereford, and C. Ross staged the finest out of ten dishes of Stirling Castle. The Linton Park and Welford gardens contributed the best Stone's. The Queen was represented by nine handsome dishes, Mr. Stowers, of Sittingbourne, and Mr. Maxim gaining the prizes. Tower of (ilamis, shown by Messrs. Hagon, Liphook.and McKenzie, were very good. Waltham Abbey produced only a small entry, but Warner's King numbered ten dishes of very fine fruits, one dish in particular being brighter coloured than any we have pre- viously seen, Mr. J. Harris, Croydon, and Mr. W. H. Davis, Newent, having the best. A fine dish of Tyler's Kernel won for Mr. J. Dawes, gar- dener to Mr. Biddulph, Ledbury, the first prize for any other variety, Mr. Ross staging Harvey's Wiltshire Defiance for second. Dessert Pears. Generally speaking the classes for dessert Pears were well filled, there being but four classes not represented. Mr. J. Friend, gardener to the Hon. P. C. Glyn, Rook's Nest, Godstone, was first for Beurre Bosc. There were only three lots of B6urre d'Anjou, Mr. Chamberlain having the best and Mr. Sage the next best. Of Beurr^ Diel there were some very fine dishes, Mr. W. Allan, of Gunton, winning with what was gene- rally considered an inferior dish to that staged by Mr. Wythes for second. Mr. Sage was first with Beurre Fouqueray, Mr. Hudson second. Messrs. J. Allen and Stowers had the best out of four good dishes of Beurre Hardy. Beurrfi Superfin was not numerous, but very good, Mr. A. H. Rickwood, gardener to the Dowager Lady Freake, Twickenham, and Mr. Allan, of Gunton, gaining the awards made. Mr. Herbert, Red- hill, showed the bestComte de Lamy, and Mr. W. Allan the next best out of five dishes. Mr. Hudson, Gunnersbury, showed Conference in fine form, as did Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Ross in the class for Conseiller. Eight competed with Doyenn§ du Cornice, Mr. W. H, Bacon, gardener to Sir Marcus Samuel, Mote Park, Maidstone, and Mr. W. Harrison, gardener to Col. Archer Houblon, Bishop's Stortford, having the best out of several good diehes. The only dish of Duchesse de Bordeaux came from Mr. E. Coleman, gardener to Mr. T. L. Boyd, Tonbridge. Mr. Bacon won with Durondeau, Mr. Spencer, Goodrich Court, Ross, being second. There were but two lots each of Easter Beurri5 and Emile d'Heyst, Mr. W. Jones and Mr. W. Allan, of Gunton, winning first prizes. Four competed in the class for Fon- dante d'Automne, Mr. W. H. Godden, gar- dener to Mr. F. W. Buxton, and Mr. W. Allen, gardener to Lord Brassey, Normanhurst, Sussex, taking the two prizes offered. Glou Morceau was not well shown, but .Josephine de Malines was in very good form, Mr. Jones and Mr. Ross staging the best out of six entries. Mr. Wythes contri- buted a very bright dish of Louise Bonne of •Jersey, as did Mr. Cook, Compton Bassett, Wilts, for second out of eleven entries. Mr. W. H. Godden showed the best dish of Marie Benoist, and Mr. W. Allen and Mr. Moore some fine Marie Louise. Three very handsome dishes of Mar- guerite Marillat were shown, the best by Mr. F. W. Thomas, Polegate, and Mr. Slade, gar- dener to Lord Poltimore, Exeter. Mr. Thomas staged the best Nouvelle Fulvie ; Mr. Wythes was second. Only two competed with Olivier de Serres, but seventeen staged Pitmaaton Duchess, mostly of large size, Mr. C. Morgan, gardener to Mr. S. J. Du Croz, Oaklawn, Weybridge, and Mr. J. Webb, gardener to Mr. H. Padwick, Manor House, Horsham, gaining the prizes. Seckle, the best of all Pears, was well staged by Messrs. Ross and Sparks. Souvenir du Congies was enormous and of beautiful colour, Mr. C. Herrin and Mr. Thomas having the best. There were six dishes of Thomson's staged, the best by Mr. Allen and Mr. Hudson. Winter Nelis had also six entries, Messrs. Chamberlain and Webb scoring. There were seventeen lots staged in the any other variety class, Mr. Allen contributing fine Williams' Bon Chr(5tien, and Mr. Stowers Duchesse d'Angoulumo almost equally good. Boyal Horticultural Society.— The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, October 10, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. At 3 o'clock a lecture on " The Injurious Scale Insects of the British Isles" will be given by Mr. R. Newstead, F.S. National Dahlia Society. — At the exhibi- tion held on September 19 at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, first-class certificates were awarded to the following new varieties : Gcorye Ilolibs (Show), a dark, well-formed flower ; colour crim sonmaroon. From Mr. T. Hobbs. Empress (Fancy), ground colour purplish rose, striped with purplish crimson. From Mr. St. Pierre G. Harris, ilme. Medora Hensoii (Cactus), good form, very narrow petals, centre too heavy ; crimson, shaded purple. From Mr. T. S. Ware. Maurici; S. Walsh (Cactus), a good pale yellow variety. From Mr. .J. Stredwick. Mrs. Carter Page (Cactus), a large flower, long petals, good form, crimson-scarlet. From Mr. J. T. West and Messrs. Keynes, Williams and Co. Sylph (Cactus), very fine orange-coloured variety of medium size, with incurved petals. From Messrs. J. Burrell and Co. Vara (Pompon), neat yellow flower, of medium size. From Mr. Chas. Turner. Hilda (Single), fancy variety ; white, flushed with pale flesh colour and bordered with yellow, very beautiful. From Miss Girdlestone. Clarihel (Single), pale yellow, tipped with rose. From Mr. E. Mawley. Edie Obhin (Single), golden salmon colour, very pretty and well- formed flower. From Mr. F. W. Seale. The weather in West Herts. — With one exception the days and nights were all cold during the past week. On the night preceding the 2sth ult. the thermometer exposed on the lawn indi- cated 3* of frost, and on the following night 5" of frost. Both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep the ground is now about 2"^ colder than is seasonable. Rain fell on every day during the week, and to the total depth of nearly 2i inches. On the 1st the fall was a very heavy one, amounting to ly inches, making this the wettest day here since July 18, 1895. The heaviest downpour took place between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when at one time the rate of fall for three minutes amounted to 2 inches an hour. The second of the above-mentioned frosts blackened the upper half of my Dahlias and ruined their prospects of flowering for the rest of the season. September proved warm, and espe- cially was this the case at the beginning of the month. Rain fell on nineteen days to the aggre- gate depth of 2i inches, which is half an inch below the September average. Nearly half of the above total fell during the last two days of the month. With the exception of the same month in 1895 and 1898, this was the most sunny of the last fourteen Septembers. With September ended the summer half of the rainfall year, and during these six months 12 inches of rain fell, or 2 inches short of the average for the same period in the last forty-three years. — E. M., Berkhamsted. Obituary. DR. ALEXANDER WALLACE. Dr. Alexander Wallace, M.A. Oxon., M.D., andM.R.C.P., who had distinguished himself in the study of botany and entomology, died on Sunday, Oct. 1, at his residence in St. John's Terrace, Colchester, aged seventy. He received his professional training at St. Bartholomew's Hospital and at Oxford, when he took the M.B. and A.M. degree in 1858, having been elected a member of the Royal College of Physicians, London, the preceding year, and in 1861 pro- ceeded to the M.D. degree. He was for a time physician to the Metropolitan Free Hospital and the St. Pancras and Northern Dispensary, and he was a member of the Entomological Society of London, acting physician to the Essex and Col- chester Hospital, and a member of some of the learned societies. In addition to many contribu- tions on professional subjects to the St. Bartholo- mew Hospital Reports and to the professional journals. Dr. Wallace was author of "Notes on Lihea and their Culture," which had passed through two editions ; " Ailanthiculture, or the Prospect of a New English Industry," and of "On the Oak-feeding Silkworm from Japan," prize essays of the Entomological Society of London in 1865-6. — Times. Death of Mr. Jas. Martin. — We regret to announce the sudden death, early on Wednesday morning, of Mr. Jas. Martin, the well-known hybridist, who was for over forty years the faith- ful servant of Messrs. Sutton and Sons, of Read- ing. His death was entirely unexpected, he having retired to rest in his usual health on Tuesday night. Fruit " appropriation." — At the recent fruit show at the Crystal Palace some work in this line was done. The writer was a loser in more than one instance of selected fruit. It is, of course, impossible for an exhibitor to remove all hig single dishes at once ; meanwhile someone else does so without his coneent. A few detectives would have been of ser- vice on the last occasion along the outside tables, where the fruit could readily be removed back out of tight in a short time. — A Loser. Names of fruit. — Weib and Brand. — Fearn's Pippin. Annn. — 1, Ribston ; 2, Winter Haw- thornden; .3, Cox's Orange Pippin; 4, Eibston; 5 and 6, Blenheim. We cannot name more than six varieties in any one week. J. R. P. — 1, Apple looks like small Blenheim. Names of plants. — J. R. P. — 2, Geranium; send better specimen with fresh flowers ; 3, Spirsea prunifolia ; 4, Spiraea japonica alba ; 5, Adiantum concinnum latum. W. W. Flemyng. — l,Colchicum speciosum ; 2, 0. Szovitziannm. THE GARDEN. No. 1456.— Vol. LVL] [OCTOBER 14, 1899. Chrysanthemams :— Chrysanthemum Etnily Sils- bury 291 Chrysanthemum Francois Vuillermet 292 Chrysanthemum - growing round Norwich . . . . 291 Chrysanthemum Harvest Home .... ..292 Chrysanthemum Mme. Ligor Ligneau .... 291 Chrysanthemum Mme. Car- not 292 Chrysanthemum Mrs. A. HaU £92 Chrysanthemum Mychett White 292 Chrytanthemum Queen of the Karlies 292 Chrysanthemums, eecdlicg, Australian 291 Books :— " Murray's Handbook to Wilts and Dorset"-. 293 ' ' The Birds of Berwick.shire " 292 Kitchen : - Brussels Sprouts .. Cardoon blanc d'lvoiro Cucumbers, market Onions, autumn ., „ Peaa for market Potatoes, lifting .. Tomato Eclipse Turnips, loog-rooted „ 293 293 293 293 293 293 293 293 Notes of the Veek :— Aster N.-B. Robert Parker nanus _ .. .. » » 294 Caisalpinia Gilliesi . . . . 294 Caryopteris mastacanthns 291 Chrycauthemum Jules M^ry 291 Chrysanthemum Mrs. Bur- rell .291 Colchieum autumnale album plenum 294 Geiitiana asclepiadea . _ 291 Pansy, Tufted, Florizel .. 291 Phlox coccinea 291 Plumbago LarpentiM .. 294 Tacsonia Van Volxerai fruit- ing 291 (niustratioiu in Italics.) Tropaiolum speciosum in Oxfordshire.. .. - .. 294 Tropiuolum tuberosum . . 204 Fruit and Vegetable Crops.. ..„_.. 29« Flower:— Anemone alpina .. .- — 299 Bulbs, CaliforniaD, for forc- ing Djhlia, Cactus, Eileen Palis- ser Dahlia, Cactus, Slagniilcent Djhlia", selecting Cac'us .. Devon, September climbers for m Dianthus Heddewigi button-holes Eucomis punctatii in the open .... Helianthemum amabile fi..pl. Heliotropes in the flower garden Hemerocallis aurantiaca major 299 Limnocharis Humboldti not flowering .. .. „ ^ 300 Lobelia Carmine Gem . . . . 300 Nymph«as tender in the open air 299 Sultans, Sweet, for market 299 Water Lilies io Ireland, M. Latour-Marliac's .. .. 298 Garden Flora:— Pruuus pseudo - Cerasus (single var.) 300 Week's Work:— Fruits under glass .. .. 301 Kitchen garden, work in the 202 Orchard and Fruit :— Apple Beauty of Bath . .. 306 Apple King of the Pippins . 303 Apple Tyler's Kernel .. .. 302 Peach Princess of Wales .. 306 Pears adopted by the Con- gres Pomologique of France 303 Strawberry plants, young .. 303 Strawberries, late 802 Stove and GreenhouEe:— A:(iUa Mrs. Tunur .. .. A/.aleas — Schubcrtia grandiflora.. .. Societies: — National Chrysanthemum _ Royal Horticultural .. -. United Hort. and Benefit Provident .. 306 307 809 807 Obituary;— Wood, John 310 Miscellaneous :— Chrysanthemums in the parks 810 Horse Chestnut, pruning the 310 Lapageria rosea and L. alba 310 Liiwn icilk trees in natural forinfCassiof'urif) .. ;. Terrace garden icitk trees in true form (Sandsidc, Thur- so, N.B.j Trees, forest, wilful dis- figurement of Yetc, ciipptil arches of .. .. Yewhedijes, old, at Holnit Lacy 295 301 29.5 304 2U7 Chrysanthemums. AUSTRALIAN SEEDLINGS. One of the chief aids to keeping a certain class of flower popular is the introduction of novel- ties. In regard to Chrysanthemums this has certainly been the case, and one who has watched each changing phase cannot record anything which appears more remarkable than the rapid rise of varieties sent from Australia. The raisers there seem to know the require- ments of cultivators here, and many of those varieties have such merits as to leave little to be desired. The majority, perhaps, incline to the form of incurving Japanese, but for hand- some appearance, bright shades of colour, and sturdy habit with healthy leafage they are among the best. The first lot sent over in- cluded Pride of Madford, Australie, and Oceana, now well known as splendid exhibition sorts. The lasting powers of the last-named, too, are most marked. Master H. Tucker, a dark crim- son bloom fine in every way, followed with a sort called Beauty of Adelaide. This has not succeeded. Then came a host of new kinds, some of which are now in pretty general culti- vation ; others are not. Nelly Pockett, creamy white, is a lovely flower. Not extra large, but big enough, it gives a gracefully-formed bloom from every bud, and is as pretty as a bush as when severely disbudded for show. A short grower that keeps the foliage well, it is excel- lent for small pots from late-struck cuttings. Another white more pure in colour but less good for large blooms is Mrs. C. Bown. This variety makes a splendid bush plant. It blooms somewhat late ; therefore valuable on that account, and for the supply of cut flowers it is first-rate. .John Pockett, a rich, very dark shade of terra-cotta and gold reverse, is a noble variety. This has fine foliage, and is equally choice either for exliibition blooms or for the growth of a quan- tity on a plant. Fair Maid of Adelaide is a white- flowered variety of exceptionally dwarf and free habit. Euterpe produces blooms of a pleasing rose-pink shade, and I look upon it as a promising variety. So, too, is J. R. Upton, which has a very sturdy habit, the yellow blooms reminding one of those of Australian Gold, but richer in colour. Mabel Kerslake and Pride of Stokell, which are one and the same, came through a sporting branch of Pride of Madford. The blooms, instead of being of a purple shade, as in the type, are bright crimson with gold reverse ; the back shade of florets of the parent is lilac. Curiously, the growth of the new variety is less strong. In Chrysanthe- mums obtained from sports the growth is always similar. The above instance points to the con- trary, and this is not an isolated one. Obser- vation convinces me that the colours of the blooms have a considerable effect upon the comparative strength of growth. Miss Mary Underhay, yellow, is not unlike Oceana. Its habit, however, is tall, and the blooms lack the great substance of those of the variety named. Miss Vera May Fraser is an excellent sort, the flowers of an amber-yellow shade, of large size and shapely form, the florets drooping with just a curl at their tips. It is dwarf in growth. The Convention is another sort with amber- tinted blooms, a colour so much esteemed. The flowers are of rare substance ; it is dwarf and most promising. Mr. T. Carrington is thought by some to be too much like Australie, but as the last grows to a height of 9 feet and the new kind less than 5 feet, it is an improve- ment. To my thinking, it gives better flowers as well. The habit of the variety Mrs. Ernest Carter is excellent, and its light yellow flowers well formed and lasting. Taking into account the number of white sorts we have, Mrs. H. B. Higgins may not be required. It bears gigantic flowers, however, and will be valued for exhi- bition. Purple Emperor, as its name suggests, gives blooms of a decided purple hue. There is nothing in Chrysanthemums like it. The flowers are of medium size and the plant of medium height. Tucker's Perfection is rather a tall grower. This will probably be discarded on that account. Chatsworth, a first-rate kind, white, with rosy stripes, is distinct, the shape of the blooms exceedingly graceful and the growth satisfactory. Lord Ludlow is noted for the depth of its blooms. The colour, golden amber, and its good habit of growth make it a sort of considerable merit. Walleroo, of a purple shade, is likely to be a good exhibition sort. G. H. Kerslake, pearly white, boars fine flowers; the habit dwarf and branching. This, with Mrs. Bissett, Wonderful, and one or two others, are on trial for the first time this season. There are later consignments of Australian seedlings in this country which should bo watched with interest, as I look in the direc- tion named as an important source in the way of further improvement in respect to Chrysan- themums. H. S. Chrysanthemum Emily Silshury. — No variety under glass equals this in beauty at the present time. It is one of the few really early sorts which produce their terminal buds in September. The spare growth and small foliage look as though they cannot perfect such large handsome blooms as are obtained. But it is a sort that should be grown in quantity. The flowers are white, with petals of a thick leathery texture. They recurve one above the other in a dense mass. Even if not freely disbudded the blooms come perfectly double. This, with stiff" wiry stems to each bloom, makes it a valuable kind to grow for cutting. In the race for novelty exceptionally good varieties often get put aside. I think this is one, and would recommend its more general cultivation. — S. Chrysanthemum gro'wing round Nor- wich.— The number of acres devoted to the cul- ture of Chrysanthemums in the neighbourhood of Norwich is astonishing. One would scarcely think it possible all the bloom could be disposed of. In one nursery I visited recently there were, I suppose, at least .50,000 plants growing in the open, and I was quite surprised to find the plants in such robust health and so full of bloom after the great drought. The two shades— yellow and white— of Mme. Desgrange occupied several acres and were in full beauty. They are at their best fully early, however, and the fact that other summer and autumn flowers— Asters, for instance are yet in good condition and plentiful renders the sale of Chrysanthemums extremely slow. These will all be cut and conveyed to market before frost cuts them down, but the thousands of later varieties will be lifted and planted closely in a rough-and-ready manner in Cucumber and Tomato houses. — C. NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Chrysanthemum Mme. Ligerliigneau.— This is an excellent addition to the early-floweriog 292 THE GARDEK [October 14, 1899. kinds. It blossoms very well in the open, but I fancy it will be more valuable as a pot plant, becaaseof its being somewhat tender. The habit is especially dwarf and bushy; colour of the blooms a clear shade of yellow. — H. Chrysanthemum Francoia Vuillermet — This useful early.flowering sort is very little known, and yet it may be classed as an ideal plant for the open border. The habit of the plant is dwarf and branching, rarely exceeding 2 feet in height, and under ordmary treatment developing an immense number of rather small rosy lilac blooms. This is now in fine form. — D. B. C. t-' Chrysanthemum Queen of the Eailies — This early-flowermg Chrysanthemum deserves ex- tended cultivation. We have somehow got into the way of confining the selection of early white sorts to such well-known kinds as Mme. C. Desgrange and Lady Fitzwygram, while the superiority of the variety under notice is most marked. The flowers are lar^e with long and fairly broad florets of good substance.' the habit is fairly dwarf and the constitution robust while it also flowers freely. — C. Chrysanthemum Mme. Carnot. — Com- plaints reach me again this year that this variety also Its sports G. J. Warren and Mrs. W. Mease are troublesome in the matter of the buds— that is tliey swell to about the size of Peas and then turn black and perish. The cause is difficult to determine It seems to me wise to give these kinds little feeding. Ihe flower-stalks are gross, and it would be well to stand the p ants in a shady place to get the buds over the stage when they are likely to be affected.— H. S. Chrysanthemum Harvest Home.— When this sort was introduced a few years since it was hailed with delight by those interested in possessing a range ot colour m the early-flowering varieties Its reddish crimson colour, although tipped golden yellow makes it a distinct flower in the early section. Un- fortunately, it 18 rather spare in its growth. At the trial of early sorts in the Chiswick Gardens this variety received the distinction of * * *. For the past fortnight the plants have been flowering freely and promise to do so for some time. Market growers are now taking up this sort.— C. A. H. Chrysanthemum Mrs. A. H. Hall.— This flower IS now in splendid condition, and has caused some surpnee because of its being a seedling from the well-known Japanese Edith Tabor. A batch ot plants, which were topped in the middle of April and second croH-n buds retained, is just now at its best, the height not more than 3 feet at the most, the earliest blossoms are almost yellow in the centre, passing off to a bronzy crimson at the ends of the petals The florets are broad, slightly curled and twisted, and of good substance. Later flowers promise to be of a much richer colour.— C. A. H. Chrysanthemum Mychett White.— It is gratifying to find this chaste flower is coming very nicely this season. This is more noticeable where the stock has been carefully nursed and stimulants to a great extent avoided. As a white Chrysanthemum for outdoor culture it is one of the best, the more natural conditions of growth evidently suiting the plant ad- mirably. In the first and second seasons of its intro- duction the stock plants were worked far too hard, and as a couseyuence the constitution was impaired. A recent visit to Ryecroft Nursery served to illustrate the usefulness of this sort in the open border, while indoor plants in 5-inch pots were each carrying a lot of pretty little blossoms. — C. A. H. The above variety is first-rate as regards flowers, but the habit of growth is not so !=atisfac tory. It is not easy to propagate, the plants dur- ing the winter being very tender and the cuttings few. Then it has a way of sending out one strong shoot instead of many; consequently it is not easy to obtain a bushy plant. This tells seriously against it as an outdoor kind. I think the sort should be cultivated in pots, and these small ones. It flowers most profusely on the few growths that are made, and under glass the blooms are first- rate, but as an outdoor white it will never surpass such well-tried favourites as Mme. C. Desgrange and Lady Fitzwygram. — H. cold in the head. Many people are unable in the evenings to sit under trees without catching cold, and sometimes fever. The evening air, it has been said, is fatal to people of a certain tempera- ment. To put it more plainly, the atmosphere after sunset is laden with moisture, and is the vehicle of certain organic matters which irritate the respiratory passages. Many people are not influenced by this state of the atmosphere; others, on the contrary, are very susceptible to it. A Mr. Hilliger, a German residing at Barce- lona, lately took note of these effects in so far as they concerned himself. For some years, at the commencement of spring he and his family suf- fered from an epidemic of coughs without being able to define the cause. On his placing some of the expectorated matter under the microscope, it revealed to him certain strange star ■ shaped bodies, which he found also present in the dust on his window. He noticed the similarity between these bodies and the fine down which covers the young leaves of the Plane tree. This dust, then, was the cause of the inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the Hilliger family. The discovery of Mr. Hilliger has very ancient authority in sup- port of it, as the same had been noted by Dios- corides and Gallien. Those eminent persons laid It down in the most formal manner that the down of the Plane leaf engenders hoarseness and cough and is even dangerous to the eyes and ears. What is true about the Plane is true ot other spe- cies. It is well to know it, as it offers a very simple explanation of some mysterious maladies. — La Semaine Hortkole. Books. THE BIRDS OF BERWICKSHIRE.* This is one of the best books of the kind we have seen. It is full ot charming illustrations, and the paper, printing and binding are e.\- cellent. There are several full-page etchings by W. B. Hole, R.S.A., W. D. McKay, R.S.A°, and Mr. John Blair, as well as numerous tine vignettes by the last-named artist, whilst beau- tiful pen-and-ink drawings of the nests of many of the birds, taken from Nature by tlie late Mrs. Muirliead, are given as tail-pieces to the chapters. In the introduction to his valuable work the author describes the natural features of Ber- wickshire, with the Lammerrauir Hills on the north, its bold, precipitous coast, its fertile, un- dulating, wooded plain known as the Merse. It must be a true paradise of the bird lover, with its well-wooded slopes and its wild and rocky coast. In the olden days the Merse, now a fertile and well-drained plain, contained many shallow lochs and impenetrable bogs, the haunt of aciuatic birds, from the teal to the wild swan, where "the hollow boom of the bittern, or 'bull of the bog,' was heard resounding through the marshes, mingled with the weird cries of innu- merable water-fowl of various kinds. " Birds of prey abounded. The white-tailed eagle soared in the sky, the peregrine, the merlin, and the sparrow-hawk swept the hills and the plains, whilst the buzzard and the hen-harrier hunted the fields and marshes. The hoarse cry of the raven was ever present, and the chattering of the magpie and the jay was con- stantly heard in the wooded valleys. Since the commencement of the last century tlie improvements in the management of the land, the planting and draining that have been I.eaf-down a cause of hay fever and cold. — Some persons, notably those subject to hay fever, are well aware that they have only to betake themselves in the evening to the shelter of trees to immediately contract a sore throat or a haunt of the blackbird and the mavis, the wood pigeon and the .stock dove. In autumn and spring immense flocks of wild geese still revisit their favourite resorts in the higher ground, and the wild whistling notes of the curlew and the golden plover, as well as the screams of the lapwing, are heard in the summer all over the moors, for here they have their nests and rear their young. The snipe frequents the bogs, where it drums in spring and has its home among the Rushes. At the same season the song of the ring ouzel cheers the weary shepherd, whilst the wheatear and the whinchat flib chirping from stone to stone. The skylark rises from the dewy grass to salute the morn, the timid titling peeps in the Heather, and in the neighbouring vale the voice of the wander- ing cuckoo falls upon the ear. When the hill- sides are glowing with the golden bloom of the Whin, the linnet builds her bower in the prickly fortress, the twite nestles in the Heath, and the fragrant Larches, here and there fringing the sides of the rocky streams, afford shelter to the willow wren, which gladdens the solitary angler with its song. On the bold and precipitous coast the rock dove rears its young in safety amid the spray of waves which never rest. On yonder point, where the shelving reefs are being rapidly covered by the advancing tide, we see a small group of herons patiently waiting for their finny prey, and on a dark crag a little further from the beach the swarthy cormorant sits in undisturbed repose. Flocks of mallard float in security on the surface of the heaving waters, the golden eye dives at intervals beneath the surf, whilst the eider displays its parti coloured plumage to his sober-suited mate. The above quotations are taken from the author's introduction. Each bird of Berwick- shire has a chapter devoted to its history and its appearance and habits. The book is in two volumes, the first containing the smaller birds and the second the larger, birds of prey and game birds. We cannot speak too highly of the way Mr. Muirhead has jjerformed his taosk. It must have been a labour of love indeed to have carried it out so well and spared no expense or pains to make each chapter full of interest as well as information, and every single vignette an artistic achieve- ment ot its kind. These handsome white volumes will be a delightful addition to the library of the sportsman as well as the mere Nature lover. Botanical books, as we .?ee in "Proserpina," have often very hard words, even for the scholar, but bird men, to give them an English name, seem to have even less heart than the botanist, as we may see opening such a book as Backhouse's list of birds, which begins with a mechanico-technical description of a rarity like the robin. What can be thouglit ot a critic who objected to any further information being given about the birds of Berwickshire than the length of their tails and the like :' In writing the accounts of the birds in this bjok Mr. Muirhead has tried to give them as much human and local interest as possible, so as to make his remarks readable by people who are not dry-as- dust ornithologists. If we wish to see what these men think or know about birds, read their writings in sorre of the leading ornithological periodicals. Their whole ideas of these most lovely and interesting creatures are going on under energetic proprietors and in- I that the " tarsi are 2,V ot an inch long and the dustnous tenants have caused many of these fourth toe JJths of an inch long. " Their descrip- birds to forsake their ancient haunts. Where | tions are so tiresome, that they are quite un- the bird of prey formerly abounded is now the | readable to the human being whose first thought " The Birds of Berwickshire." By Geo. Muirhead, j "jf a tlu'ush is not the length of some of its lesser F.R.S.E., &c. In two vols. Edinburgh: David P*''''«- It is a shallow pretence of science these Douglas. I trivial measurements of certain parts, as many OCTOBBR 14, 1899.] THE GAEDEN. 293 other questions about even our co:iiuiou budc would interest all, such as the habits of life, migration, distribution, relationship, variation, nests, and nesting-places. But we are treated in just the same way by the botanists, and even some of the foresters choke us oft' with the dry and small bones of the subject. The late INIrs. JIuirhead was the constant companion of her husband in his study of the birds of their county and made many drawings from Nature, taking the greatest pains to draw and study all the surroundings of each nest. The result is a very artistic and precious book in every way. Murray's "Handbook to Wilts and Dor- set." — A carefully - revised edition of this has just made its appearance. Wilts and Dorset, two of the most naturally favoured of English coun- ties, have an added interest in being the theatre of most, if not all, of Thomas Hardy's romances. There is a revised account of Sahsbury and Stone- henge, of which much has been heard of late, and the maps and plans are unusually numerous. Mr. Murray's guides are too well known to need fresh commendation. We suppose no intending tourist ever contemplates any other. The maps are very clear and good, and the book in all ways worthy of the counties it describes. Kitchen Garden. LONG-ROOTED TURNIPS. LoNG-ROOTEii Turnips are valuable, more espe- cially in dry seasons. Any vegetable that roots deeply has a better chance, as it obtains more moisture. In continental countries the long- rooted Turnips are greater favourites than with us. I noticed in the Paris markets very few of the round roots, but great quantities of the long-rooted varieties. The flavour, too, was excellent. This is a strong point, as Tur- nips, or their substitute. Kohl Rabi, are used daily. I must admit they are cooked well and are a valuable addition to the meat courses, as they are placed round the dish, cut into dif- ferent shapes, and are more relished than if served mashed or boiled as in this country. The Jersey Navet, or French Forcing, as it is more commonly called in this country, is an oblong root, and is certainly one of the best forcing roots I have grown. It will often be found that a root that forces well is good in dry weather. The Jersey Navet is noted for its good drought-resisting qualities, and is of very good flavour. This is a favourite in the market for earliest supplies, as it turns in quickly in the spring. It may be said that it is not neces- sary to grow more than one or two kinds of the long-rooted varieties. I certainly advise growing at least three of them in addition to the Jersey or French Forcing. Another very tine-flavoured Turnip, Marteau ii collet rouge, is noted for its superior quality, and is largely grown for sum- mer and autumn supplies for the Paris markets. The root is coloured a portion of the way down and is less tapering than the .lersey variety, with a thick end. A variety called De Freneuse is not so good as regards shape of root, but it has a longer tap root and will stand more drought than the more shapely roots. Navet :'i forcer demi-long blanc is doubtless a type of the .fersey Navet, and one will suftice. An excellent white variety. Long blanc :i collet vert, only difters from thu red in colour. A popular variety in Paris is Navet long desvertus Marteau, a name whicli I fear would not be popular in this country on account of its length. This variety is small at the top and thick at the bottom, almost inclined to be oviil, with a lorn' tap-root. There are others less known, but the kinds named ajjpear to be the most popular, and are certainly worth notice in this country . As of late years we have had hot, dry seasons, it is worth a little extra trouble to obtain those kinds that are more reliable. My note refers to those I have grown. The roots noted above are equally good for winter, as they keep well when stored. I have kept them in the open, but to do this I would advise sowing early in August in cold soils. G. Wythes. Cardoon Blanc d'lvoire. — I recently saw a very superior form of Cardoon to that which we grow in this country. The variety I refer to is much grown for the Paris market under the name of Blanc d'lvoire, and is a dwarfer variety than the Large Spanish and the De Tours varieties. The variety in question is a good garden Cardoon on account of its solid stalks and peculiar build. The stalks, too, are of a much purer white. In this country we have a poor choice of Cardoons. This vegetable needs careful selection, as it soon deteriorates if left to chance. No matter what kind is grown the best culture must be given to get good stalks, and lack of moisture in dry weather is fatal to succulent growth.— G. Wythes. Lifting Potatoes. — Lifting Potatoes that have grown to their full size is frequently postponed, especially if the weather holds dry ; consequently many are caught napping, a wet time occurs, and second growth follows or disease is set) going, which develops after the tubers are lifted and stored. In East Anglia early lifting is, as a rule, punctually attended to, even if gardeners have to abandon the routine work for a time, as in that part autumn rains, when once the}' set in, are often heavy and continuous. My conten- tion is that disease may exist in its embryo state and yet not develop to any appreciable degree unless encouraged by some excessive change either in the condition of the soil or atmosphere. — B. N. Tomato Eclipse. — On visiting a market grower's establishment last week I found that one favourite Tomato was Eclipse. I had not heard of it before, but was assured that for freedom of cropping, shapely fruit, good colour and general quality it was very hard to beat. I think it has been grown there for some years, so it cannot be a new sort. The other sorts grown are Up to-date and the old Hathaway's Excelsior. The latter, the grower informed me, always secured a ready sale on account of its medium size and shapely appearance. In another grower's houses I found Up-to-date and Challenger, both heavily cropped, with fine, medium-sized, shapely fruit. Ham Green and other varieties having been abandoned. This last grower until recently grew the useful, though perhaps a little small in size, Trentham Fillbasket, which for flavour is still hard to beat. -N. Brussels Sprouts.— Such an important winter green crop as this is worthy of the best of care from first to last, and the plants should never be allowed to suft'er from want of room. The earliest plants for gathering from in September are usually raised under glass, but here I make my earliest sowings outside in March, drawing flat, shallow drills and covering with finely prepared soil. These are drawn and pricked out as soon as large enough, and as early as possible they are put out in rows ;? feet apart and 3i) inches apart in the rows. The consequence of this ample room even for the dwarfer kinds is that the plant from first to last is sturdy, and sprout-production begins just above the soil. The quarters for this crop can hardly be too rich, provided the soil is firm, a pieca of ground dug and well manured the pievious autumn being the best preparation for it. Autumn Onions. — The autumn-sown Onions are looking very well and are now forward enough to be thinned considerably. It is not a good plan to sow very thinly where there is likely to be a large demand for plants, as in some seasons the seeds are not so good as in others, and birds are very fond of picking them out just as they are coming through the soil. They should be thinned early so that those left have the advantage of plenty of light and air, which hardens them and makes them more likely to stand the winter. Some gardeners still pull their spring salading Onions from the same rows as their plants for spring, but this is not by any means good prac- tice, for in the first place the rows have to be left much thicker than is desirable and the varieties sown for spring transplanting are not usually the best for salads. The small silver-skinned kinds are the best for salad. The Queen, for instance, being an excellent one. This may be sown several times during the year, and any that are nob required for salad are sure to be useful in the kitchen. I have usually found the White Spanish and similar kinds run worse in spring than the Tripoli and Giant Rocca types. — C. H. PEAS FOR MARKET. Will you give me the names of two early Peas suitable for market, to be grown without sticks, also the names of two others that would come in say middle of July to the end of September ; these will be grown with sticks? -Jon.v Clougii. *,* Among market growers Eclipse is the most popular early variety for field culture, and large quantities of it are grown. It is hardy, reliable, and early. Ameer, a newer variety, forms a close succession, and when bstter known will also be largely sown. The seed, being blue round, may also be sown early, or as early in February as the state of the ground permits ; whereas if wrinkled seed is sown thus early it is liable to decay whole- sale. The haulm under favouralile circumstances attains a length of 3 feet, and produces a heavy crop of large, deep green pods, well filled with extra fine peas. Salesmen have no diificulty in getting top prices fur good samples of Ameer. No doubt extra heavy cropping is a strong point in favour of midseason and late Peas, but it is possible to attach too much importance to this. Much the best prices are realised for Peas which present the most attractive appearance, both as regards the size of pods — if well filled — and the colour. If the pods are long, thin, and closely packed with peas the buyers get the best of the bargain, as this class of vegetables is usually sold wholesale by measure— not weight. In Hallam- shire Hero "J. C." will find a perfect market Pea, and one of the best to gather in July. It is of medium height, a heavy cropper, the pods being of good size, dark green in colour, and well filled. For August I know of no variety to sur- pass Autocrat. This variety possesses a good constitution, resisting mildew surprisingly well ; crops heavily, the pods being moderately large, deep green in colour, and well filled, while the quality is excellent. All the above succeed well without stakes. — W. I. Market Cucumbers. — Many of the fine exhi- bition Cucumbers ate ignored by growers whose chief consideration is pounds, shillings, and pence. Private gardeners also who dispose of their sur- plus produce should acijuaint themselves with the most profitable constant cropping varieties. Strange to say, most of the latter section are comparatively short, though of fine shape and good deep colour. A Cucumber of medium length always sells best, as many do not care to bring a fruit on to the table a second time after beii-g cut. For a number of years Telegraph was the foremost market Cucumber, and some grow it now, although its somewhat pale colour is against it, and it often develops an objectionably long neck. A variety named the Rochford is very ex- tensively grown, especially near the metropolis, and it certainly is a prodigious cropper, and over a long season, too. I have seen healthy, fruitful plants growing in wonderfully small mounds of soil, plenty of root moisture and a non-arid atmosphere being supplied. Cardiff Castle is gradually gaining popularity as a market Cucum- ber, and is grown by some for winter supplies, its free-bearing, hardy character at the latter season increasing its value. Lockie's Perfi ction is an- 294 THE GARDEI^. [OCTOBBE 14, 1899. other grand Cucumber for profit, as, besides being very free, its fine shape and general appearance soon take the eye. Verdant Green, a variety raised by Mr. Mclndoe at Hutton, is rather shorter than Lockie's perhaps, but the darkest in colour of any I know. It scarcely ever develops any neck, being even throughout.— B. S. N. Notes of the Week. Chrysanthemum Jules Mary.— Among early or semi-early sorts this is one of considerable promise, the flowers of a good shade of rich crimson. The variety would also appear somewhat more hardy than some, for not a few of the darker sorts have felt the recent frosts keenly, while this has escaped. It is also very dwarf in habit. Chrysanthemum Mrs. Burrell— This is the pretty sulphur-yellow kind belonging to the Mme. Desgrange section, but it has never had a popularity like the old kind, for the colour at night is too much that of a dirty white, and, indeed, cannot be dis- tinguished from such. In the open it is less effective than the ordinary yellow form, so much so that the variety in a year or two may be forgotten. Colohlcum autumnale album pi.— This is one of those ever-prized hardy bulbous tilings that promises to be a long time before it is plentiful owing to its slow rate of increase. As an early autumn flower it has a value of its own, and good clusters of it are among the finest things to be seen in border, rock garden, or grass at this season. Its leafless character especially fits it for grass planting, though it may prove to be less speedy of increase here than in good border soil. Aster N.-B. Robert Parker nanus.— Cer- tainly any Michaelmas Daisy with half a dozen names to its credit is not lacking description when applied as above, but a new name might be chosen for it. The variety is so good, so dwarf and free, and so generally useful, that there is room for it. The pale or light blue flowers are large and plentifully produced, and the whole plant is less thau 18 inches high. For borders or for groups this will prove a most welcome kind. Caryopteris mastacanthus.— This pretty flowering shrub, which has been recently referred bo in Tub Garden, is at Kew employed in No. 4 greenhouse, where a group of plants is profusely laden with the pretty lavender-blue flowers. These blossoms are disposed in whorls on the upper parts of the shoots, the long protruding stamens, of a somewhat deeper tint than the rest of the flower, being very noticeable. This Caryo- pteris is well worthy of increased attention for flowering under glass, as ib supphes a tint quite distinct from the Salvias, Cannas, Chrysanthe- mums, Bouvardias, &c., which are at this time in lljom. — H. P. Gentiana asclepiadea.— At p. 2S7 this plant is the subject of an appreciative note which all hardy plant admirers will admit it well deserves. I quite agree with what is there said of its mois- ture-loving propensity, but I am not at one with the writer in suggesting it as a good plant for shrubbery borders, which are of such a variable quantity that knowledge of any particular border is requisite before recommending plants for it. That this Gentian may be established in the wild garden and well grown in the usual hardv plant border is quite true, but in the shrubbery' border little moisture, to say nothing of other things, exists for so graceful a flowering plant as this.— J. Tacsonia Van Volxemi fruiting:.— I shall be much obliged it you can inform me whether the fruib of Tacsonia Van Volxemi is edible. An old plant occupying a border in a house where the temperature at times falls to 48° F. is still flowering profusely, and has perfected fruit. The fruits are at present of a pale green, .3 inches to 4 inches long and 1 inch to 1 J inches in diameter. On a sunny border in the open Mirabilis jalapa has been smothered with its richly scented flowers and has also ripened quantities of seed. — H. CoMEK Renshaw, Strct/oril. *«• We have never heard of the fruit of the variety you mention being eaten. — Ed. Tufted Pansy Florizel.— This is proving one of the most satisfactory of the Tufted Pansies that I have tried here. On light, dry soil, such as that here, comparatively few of these plants will give a long continuance of bloom. Florizel is proving one of the most valuable in this respect, and even now {October 9) old plants are flowering. There are some of more tufted habit at this season, but one can forgive any de- fect for the sake of its free-flowering all through the season and for its fine blooms. I see these are called "rosy blush," but one fears this is hardly near enough the colour to please those who are particular about colour descriptions. It is easier, however, to criticise than to offer an alternative. Florizel is one of the best of Dr. Stuart's rayless Tufted Pansies. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, hy Dutnfriei, N.B. TropsBolum speciosum in Oxfordshire. — I think that perhaps those of jour readers who are interested in the difficulty of inducing the Tro- pajolum speciosum to grow in England may care to hear howl have succeeded in Oxfordshire with it. For many years I have planted it with every care and in every possible situation and aspect, but in vain. Two years ago I was told by a friend to put the roots in autumn into pans or pots filled with ordinary mould with sand mixed, to place the pots in an absolutely dark cellar, where no light can penetrate, to leave them there unwatered till end of March, then plant them against a wall or hedge looking north, and where the long shoots can climb over into the sunny south side of said wall or hedge. All those I have so treated have done splendidly. In winter I cover the roots lightly with Bracken. Trop;Eolum tuberosum also succeeds well under the same treatment. — Mary Hermione Bawkin's, Wilcole, Charlbury. Phlox coccinea. — It seems rather singular that some flowers retain their position long after others of more recent introduction have fallen out of cultivation in gardens where only the best of everything are grown. In some cases this is due to their superior form, habit, or colour. There are many instances of this, and talking over the subject with an experienced and enthu- siastic florist has reminded me that Phlox coccinea is one of such flowers. I cannot at present dis- cover when it was raised or by whom. It has, however, been in cultivation for a good many years. Since it was first grown many bright- coloured varieties have been raised, but there are none of exactly the same shade and of equal effect. Some are of similar shade but defective in other respects ; others with larger flowers are of inferior habit. Anyone looking through a good collection of Phloxes can hardly fail to be impressed by the appearance of this old variety. Its good habit, fine spike, and bright colour with healthy growth mark it as a variety of great merit. Its glowing colour is not that of the grand Phlox Coquelicot, nor is it that of Etna, bub more of a glowing crimson. — S. A. Csesalpinia (Poinciana) Gilliesi.— Ib is very seldom that one sees this Chilian shrub flowering in the open air near London, but just now a specimen trained to the front of the museum overlooking the lake at Kew is in bloom. The general aspect of the plant reminds one of a rather attenuated Acacia lophantha, while the flowers, which are borne in a crowded terminal raceme, are yellow with prominent red stamens, which give to a head of bloom a fluffy appearance. Apart from the interest attached to it from the fact that we very rarely see ib in bloom, this C;esalpinia is decidedly ornamental when in that stage. In the more favoured districts of the country it will, of course, succeed better, and was last year noted in The Garden as being in flower with Mr. Ewbank at Ryde. It was, how- ever, there referred to under the generic name of Poinciana, in which genus it was formerly in- cluded. The Ca33alpinias and their near allies the Poincianas include among their number some very attractive flowering shrubs, which are, how- ever, rarely met with. The best known and ab bhe same time the hardiest is Cajsalpinia japonica, a rambling shrub with prickly stems and spikes of canary-tinted blossoms, which are lit up by a cluster of bright red stamens in the centre. This is fairly hardy in the open ground in the neighbouihood of London, and formed the sub- ject of a coloured plate in vol. xl. of The Garden. Plumbago Larpentse.- If, as one gathers, the proper name of this is Ceratostigma plum- baginoides, one must plead guilty of a strong disinclination to adopt that name in preference to the one at the head of this note, which is easier to pronounce, easier to spell, and easier to re- member. It is, one knows, only in accordance with good practice to give the prior name the preference, but, after all, the real use of a name is that we may identify a plant. This flower is better known as Plumbago Larpentaj than as Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, and one need nob hesitate to speak of ib by the former appellation. Now (October 9) it is yet in bloom, and a look at its pretty blue flowers open in the sun of a late autumn day induces one to think thab a note in its favour once more may lead to some other flower-lover adding it to her or his garden. Such a plant as Plumbago Larpent.'e is worth cultivat- ing if we can succeed in growing it. It is of neat, low-growing habit, and comes, moreover, at a time when a rock garden needs all the brightness one can give it. Its blue colour is also welcome. Its failing is a somewhat serious one, and it would be unfair not to state it fully. It lies in the fact that the plant comes so late into bloom that in cold places it is practically useless. Ib flowers wibh me annually, but it is grown on the top of what is probably my driest rockery, where it gets all the sun of summer, and is so dry that one is surprised that it is not injured by a con- tinued spell of drought. It never suffers from this, and is among the plants which give hardly any trouble. — S. A. Tropaeolum tuberosum. — The other day I had sent me from Kerr Brothers, of Dumfries, some flowers of Tropaolum tuberosum. This was a pleasant surprise, as this plant seldom flowers with most of those who have tried it in our dis- trict in S.W. Scotland. This is unfortunate, as even those who are so successful with T. specio- sum would appreciate highly the scarlet and yel- low flowers of T. tuberosum. Ib is ab all bimes a troublesome plant to induce to flower in the oper, and they are fortunate who are happy enough to bloom it annually. It is fairly hardy in sjme gardens, but its dieinclination to bloom is, of course, against its being largely tried either as a hardy or a half-hardy plant. This defect is one which is not confined to this district ; nor is ib one which has not given trouble ever since its introduction in 18'27. It appears to hav e attracted a good deal of notice about the year 1837, as one observes from several communicaliins in the " Floricultural Cabinet " for 1840. At thab time great difficulty was experienced in flowering ib, and this was the cause of the articles appearing in the "Floricultural Cabinet." Several growers detailed their practice. This was not uniform, but the most promising recipe appears bo be bhab of adding lime rubbish to the soil, and in addition planting the Tropuolum against a wall. One correspondent added lime and Moss. This, he said, gave good results. The ditiiculty with us is that our summers are of too short duration, and that the plant is cut down by frost before it can come into bloom. To treat a plant such as this as a half-hardy one is not particularly desirable, and one would like bo grow it altogether in the open. As a half-hardy flower it requires to be planted out after having made some growth under glass. While this note is somewhat despondent, it is written with a remote hope that someone may be able to throw some light upon the question of how to grow it. I have not taken it in hand myself for the reason that I have seen it tried un- successfully in gardens in which it is more likely to flower than in mine. Should no one be able bo help us, the ventilation of the question will ab least have the negative, bub useful purpose of prevenbing some from wasting money, time, and space upon a beautiful creeper unsuited for bhe hardy flower garden.— S. Arnoit, Carsethorn, hy Dumfriea, N.B, • October 14, 1899.] THE GARDEK 295 THE WILFUL DISFIGUREMENT OF FOREST TREES. Recently certain magazines and illustrated journaLs in the great chase after subjects for "copy" have dealt with the clipped gardens of England, and some of the most stupifying works in this way ever done have been chosen for illustration. Of English counties, Derby- shire is the most distinguished in this way. The Dutch, who painted like Nature and built like sane men, left their plantations to the shears, though they always cut to lines or some kind of plan, judging from their old en- graved books. But British clipping has no relation to any plan, and in this they exceed in extravagance the Dutch, Austrian, and French, who at least clip their trees to bring them within bounds in garden, street, or by a canal. This peculiarly British mode of clipping single trees has done much harm, not merely in large private gardens, but even our public gardens. The late Mr. McNab, of the Edinburgh Garden, excellent planter though he was, had an idea that he kept his conifers "in shape" by clip- ping; nor is there a suburban district round London in which in our own day the gardener on a distinct statement he generally falls into error. For instance, we are told that Elvaston, in Derbyshire, is not remarkable for natural beauty, and that the grounds there are so flat, that landscape gardeners, in despair of any other planting, are compelled to have recourse to topiary work ; that Even that man of fame, "Capability" Brown, seems to have shrunk from the work of laying out the grounds, for he bluntly wrote to the fourth Earl of Harrington, who invited him to undertake the task, that " it was all well, and he would let well alone." Whereupon the Earl demanded the reason for so strange a retort, and Brown replied, " Because the place is so flat," &c. Instead of there being any truth in the asser- tion that we cannot make level ground beauti- ful by planting in natural ways, level ground has a great deal in it that is favourable to right and artistic ways of planting. That is to say, with flat ground we may more easily secure breadth, simplicity, and dignity ; get dividing lines in the easiest way ; richer soil and nobler, finer and more stately growth and essential shelter. Many of the most beautiful gardens in Europe are on perfectly level ground LaicJi with trees in natural formXCassiobury) . does not run amuck with his shears to get the trees, as he calls it, "into shape." A false idea runs through all growers of the Pine tribe that the trees, the most frequent victims of this practice, should be kept in a pyramidal shape, the truth being that all the Pine trees in the world in their state of highest beauty lose their lower branches and show the beauty of their stem forms when growing in a natural way. The conical Pine is the seedling Pine. With a few exceptions, it is the way of these trees to shed their lower branches as other trees shed their leaves. By isolating conifers in our gardens and pleasure grounds we do indeed often lose this effect, as most Pines grow naturally in great colonies and groups, and protect and to some extent prune each other. Even in countries where the Pines often stand alone, as in the foot-hills of California, we have often seen them with a hundred feet or more of clear stem. The writing about this subject is usually of that see-saw sort, praise and blame alternately, the writer avoiding any clear statement of his views, in accord with the artistic drivel of the day which leaves nothing clear, or if he ventures — for instance, Laxenberg in Vienna, the English Garden at Munich, not to speak of many in uur own river valleys and counties like Lincolnshire. What should be said of planting in all the lowland countries of Northern Europe if this assertion were true, to say nothing of the absurdity of assuming that the only way out of the difliculty is the stupid disfigurement of trees 't We shall not imitate the example of these writers in leaving the matter in a fog of doubt, but state some reasons against wasting precious labour to rob trees of their natural charms. The old poets and satirists who laughed at it did not go into the reasons against clipping big trees, which are serious. (1) Los.s OF FORM. — Tree form is so wonder- ful and beautiful, that the marvel is we should have to allude to its loss at all. But people may get so accustomed to surround themselves with ugly objects in their gardens, that they often miss what in nearly every parish in England one has only to walk a hundred yards or so to come face to face with, that is, lessons in tree form and beauty. Some protest against the cropping and dock- ing of animals' ears and tails, but when the worst in that way is done, the dog or the horse remains in his full beauty of form in all essen- tial parts ; but if we cut a noble tree which in natural conditions is beautiful in all its parts, we reduce it at once to a shapeless absurdity — that of a bolster standing erect being the usual result. (2) Light and shade. — A great loss is that of light and shade — very important elements of tree beauty. These are entirely neutralised by shaving trees to a level surface, whether the trees take the form of a line or we clip them singly, as in the British phase of tree clipping we are now discussing. If we see old examples of the natural Yew, a forest tree and the com- monest victim of the shears among evergreen forest trees, and look at them in almost any light, we may soon see how much we lose in destroying, with all our wasted wills, light and shade, as the play of these enhances the force and beauty of all the rest. I (3) Colour. — In gardens we are so much I concerned with flower colour, that we often fail to consider the more delicate colours in Nature, I and such fine tone as we see in a grove of old Yews bronzed by the winter, or Ilex with the beautiful silver of the leaf, or a grove of natur- ally grown, glossy, rich coral-bearing Hollies. Even the smallest things they clip, such as Juniper, have in a natural way much beauty of colour if left alone. The clipping of the Cherry Laurel into banks, as we see it at Ment- niore, Cliveden, and, unhappily, a thousand other places in England, mars a tree naturally good in colour, and even the beauty of the large leaves is destroyed by the merciless shears. All the above-named trees, each a favourite subject for clipping, are many times more beautiful in colour than e\er they are in the shorn state, the loss of the stem colour alone being a great one, as we may see by the "Pilgrim's Way," or anywhere where old Yews show their finely coloured stems. (4) Movement .ajsd sorxD. — In the move- ment of trees stirred by the wind and the gentle sighing of their branches we have some of the most welcome aspects of tree life. In the case of groups of Ilex, as at Ham House, and masses of it, as at St. Ann's, the effect of the motion of the branches is to many a very beautiful one. This movement is also of great beauty in groves of old Yew trees, and is seen in every Cedar and Pine that pillar the hills. The voice of the wind in these trees is one of the most grateful sounds in Nature, and has often inspired the poet. (y) Death and disease of the trees. — The constant mutilation leads to this not unfre- quently, as may be seen constantly at Versailles. In the Derbyshire examples recently so much illustrated the stems of dead Pines are shown in the pictures. It is simply an end one might expect from the annual mutilation of a forest tree, as the Yew certainly is, as we see it among the Cedars on the mountains of North Africa, as well as in our own country and Western Europe. Other trees of the same great Pine ' order are yet more impatient of the shears than • the Yew, and the dignity of some of them, like I the Cedar, allows of its escape. However one I distorts the Yew, we know that it is in Nature sometimes as fine as a Cedar. {<>) Annual cost and care. — Few begrudge outlay if it gives a good result ; but merely to use the labour of many men with shears is to miserably waste both time and money when there is so much of the country yet to be planted with beautiful trees. A statement which wearies us by its reitera- tion as well as its absurdity is that if we concede I the right to clip grass, then also we are justified 296 THE GARDEN. [October 14, 1899. in clipping trees. The answer is tliat grass is mown for our own comfort and convenience. There is a distinct and good reason for it, and by it we disfigure nothing. Moreover, short grass is not an artificial thing, as there are hundreds of natural lawns in the mountain ranges of Europe ; and in mowing our lawns we are merely doing for our pleasure what exists to a vastly larger extent in many upland and hill countries. The shopman, if we make a mild protest against the ugliest of his wares, tells us it is '•'a matter of taste," and, unhappily, many in all ranks have the same idea as to any artistic question — an idea that obscures all issues. But if we look into almost any artistic subject we find it is false as well as foolish. The difference between a portrait of Rembrandt in the noble series lately shown in London and the first Academy daub in pigments is a question not of taste, but of very awful fact ; between an Elizabethan or Tudor house and one of the "carpenter's gothic" of our day; the sculptures I of the Parthenon and the statues that adorn | our squares : between the churches of Bourges or Lincoln and the first we meet in tin or plaster. But, vast as are the differences of these things, between none of them is there so great and hideous a difference in fact as between the divinely given natural form of the northern evergreen trees, whether those of the lawny .slopes of Jura, the hills of the Pacific coast of America, or the rocks of Scot- land, and the ridiculous and shapeless results of the wilful distortion of forest trees by man. —Field. Some time back you gave some instances of the practice of barbarously pruning forest trees in pleasure grounds, but I fear it is not sufficiently known to what an extent the practice has been carried and advocated by men calling themselves experts in the art of forestry. The Blue Book Report on Forestry, 1887, containing the proceedings of the committee and minutes of evidence has, perhaps, not been much read, but it contains some tit-bits from such "experts" that are well worth perusing, as showing what extrava- gant and fanfastic methods of culture men call- ing themselves landscape gardeners and prac- tical foresters have pursued on well-known estates where they were allowed a free hand by the proprietors. A witness, who was regarded as one of the most important summoned before the Committee on Forestry, stated that he had had about fifty years' practical experience in forestry ; that he had had charge of some of the most extensive woods in England belong- ing to noblemen, with head foresters under him and about 100 men ; that he had been profes- sionally consulted as to the planting and man- agement of woods all over Great Britain ; that he had given his attention to the instruction of the persons who had the management and charge of woodlands ; and the system he taught was "as follows : First, he nursed the trees in plots in a nursery till they were about 5 feet high and seven or eight years of age (at which stage most respectable nurserymen burn their stock as unfit to be offered for planting) ; second, he then planted them out in the wood not less than 4 yards apart, or as wide as the ultimate crop was to stand ; third, he trimmed the side shoots of the trees in by pinching every two or three years, "so as to get a mass of leaves all up the stem," till the trees were something like columnar Cypresses, we pre- sume, and this pinching he practised on Firs like the Scotch Fir and others. I am exag- gerating nothing. The non - practical mind even will realise that all this business meant enormous initial expense in plants and planting, a thin crop of timber in the end even if all went well, and an army of men with telescope ladders periodically to go over the wood and perform the pinching, operations which if done would involve expense sutticient to swamp the whole business. I have often wondered what the woods managed in the above way were now like and what their owners thought of them. The "system," as its author called it, took no cognisance of such factors as density, overhead canopy, soil protection, thin- ning, or winds which were sure to overturn his tall plants every season until they would be growing at every possible angle and producing deformed trunks that no one would ever buy as timber. The examiners of this witness were j Sir Edmund Lechmere, Sir Richard Temple, Mr. Munro Ferguson, Mr. Rankin, Mr. Acland and others, some of whom appeared tickled by the pinching process, and inquired of the witness if he really thought it would be more profitable to employ a large amount of capital in such an enormous amount of manual labour " than to leave the trees alone," and the answer was "Yes, most decidedly." About 300 trees to the acre, no intermediate fellings, realisation deferred to the far end, the trees for planting, seven or eight years old, to cost perhaps from £10 to £40 per 1000, and all to be trimmed like Azaleas or pyramid Pears. It puzzles one to guess how such notions on the subject of forestry could have originated. They could have no foundation in practical forestry, but might be derived from the plot culture of shrubs in a nursery. There is no worse practice than that of planting forest trees above 9 inches, or at most 18 inches high, and as young as possible. The most disastrous results have invariably followed the planting of trees 4 feet or 5 feet high and proportionately old, to say nothing of their cost. No nurseryman can prepare such trees for safe removal except by frequent trans- planting. The expense is great and the buyer pays for it and gains nothing. — J. Simpson, in Field. Fruit and Vegetable Crops. IRELAND. StrafiFan House, Co. Kildare — -The fruit crop here is the worst for seventeen years, nearly all kinds being much under average, especially Apples, Pears, and Plums. Bess Pool is the only Apple with full crop. Continued east winds all through May were the cause of failure here. Apricots were splendid — the best I have ever seen. Bush fruits were good ; Bed Currants were the least good. Strawfjerries were an average ) crop, but suffered from rain, 4 inches having I fallen in the first twenty days of July. Vegetable crops on the whole have been good, and among Peas there are none better than Exonian, Veitch's Criterion, and Ne Plus Ultra. There is no better all-round Tomato than Ha^ha- ! way's Excelsior, of which Hack wood Park and I Ham Green are selections. Golden Jubilee is a I splendid kind for dessert, and is preferred by j some to Gage Plums. — Fredk. Bedfokd. j Fota, Cork. — Like most other parts of the British Isles we were visited with very cold, stormy weather when the fruit trees were in i blossom, with the result that in many gardens not a Gooseberry set, and some other kinds of fruit were almost as bad. Apples are an average crop, the following a full crop : Lady Sudeley, Worcester Pearmiin, Cox's Orange Pippin, Tom Putt, Blenheim Orange, Loddington, The Queen, Lady Henniker, King of the Pippins, Warner's King, Domino, M6re de Mi5nage, Hambledon Deux Ans, Ballinora Pippin, Grenadier, Annie EUzabeth, Bramley's, and Small's Admirable. Pears a light crop of poor quality. Beurre Hardy, Gratioli, Louise Bonne of Jersey, and Doyenn§ du Cornice are the best. Plums are a good crop, Victoria, Potts' Seedling, Monarch, Coe's Golden Drop, Kirke's, Prince of Wales, Jefferson, and Prince Englebert having very hea\y crops. Peaches good crop, well-coloured fruit. The Strawberry crop is average ; season short in consequence of heat and drought. Goose- berries abundant here, in places a failure. Other small fruits an average crop. Vegetables in early season were very good ; later, in consequence of want of water, crops poor and tough. Potatoes are of good quality ; Ashleaf still the best early garden Potato for quality. Windsor Castle and Up-to date are good.— VV. O. Westport House Gardens, Co. Mayo. — Apples are a good crop in some cases ; this ap- plies to standard and bush trees as well as walls and espaliers. Pears are greatly under average ; some trees have heavy crops. Cherries are poor ; 17° of frost destroyed nearly all the fruit. Plums and all small fruits are good. There was a good crop of Strawberries here, except Gunton Park. Young plants of V. H. de Thury gave a splendid crop. There was a heavy crop of Gooseberries. Black, Red, and White Currants and Raspberries are good. Vegetables on the whole very fair, except mid- season and late Peas, which are almost a failure. — J.is. M.\cKen'zie. Headfort Gardens, Kells. — We had a nice show of blossom and expected a good fruit year, but frost, cold rains, and hail prevented the fruit setting. Strawberries were plentiful but small. Bush fruit very good. Vegetables are very good. The second lot of Peas did not fill well on account of three weeks' hot weather. Potatoes are very good, especially Ashleaf Kidney. — .Tames Hoosslow. Powerscourt, Wicklow. — Apples are carrying good crop?. Pears are somewhat thin, Beurri5 d'Amanlis, B. Clairgeau, B. Ranee, B. Diel, and Louise Bonne of Jersey being our best. Cherries are bearing an average crop, the old May Duke the heaviest ; Morellos are very abundant and good. Plums, such as Rivers' Prolific, Victoria and Mitchelson's, have good crops ; on walls, Kirke's, Denniston's Superb, and Victoria are a full crop ; Apricot, Magnum, Washington, and Green Gage are not half a crop ; other kinds almost nil. Apricots are average crop ; on some of the trees the fruit is very rusty. Raspberries are a very good crop, fruit large. Superlative being the best variety in my opinion. Straw- berries are very good. Royal Sovereign the best. All other small fruits are abundant and of good size. With the exception of Beans (Broad) and Peas the vegetables are not equal to average years, especially on light land. All suffered more or less from the excessive heat and drought in the first fortnight of June.— David Crombie. Carton Gardens, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. — Apples are much below the average ; Apricots I very good ; Cherries (sweet and Morello) a heavy crop : Plums light ; Filberts and Walnuts plenti- ful ; Strawberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Red and Black Currants a heavy crop and good. The season has been good for vegetables ; all kinds are plentiful and good. — A. Black. The Gardens, Bessboroug'li, Co. Kilkenny. — Generally speaking, this is a very good year in these gardens. Strawberries were an excellent crop, but out of a number of sorts two proved much the best, viz., Royal Sovereign and Latest of All. The former from an early border, planted July 28, 1S98, was fit for use the first week in June. Latest of All in this garden is a grand variety, immense cropper, fine fruit, and of good flavour. Viscountess also proved one of the best varieties both for flavour and cropping. All Cur- rants were very good. Gooseberries, Raspberries, ' and Morello Cherries also being very good. Pears are (as far as mv experience goes here) a very un- certain crop. The trees are covered with bloom, which is usually destroyed by late spring frosts, only the trees on walls escaping. Apricots were October U, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 297 very good, the trees setting an immense quantity of fruit. The trees seem to do very well indeed, not dying back, as in some localities. Of Apples, there are heavy crops on the majority of trees ; Plums, the best crop for three years ; Figs, a nice crop also. — J. G. Westox. SUPPLEMENTARY. Monmouth.. — We have had but a poor season in Monmouthshire for either fruit, vegetables, or flowers. An early frost in May did much injury to one of the finest fruit prospects I have ever seen. This was followed by four months of con- tinuous drought. I had an excellent Strawberry crop, though not of long duration. I mulched, as I generally do, heavily wiih old Mushroom manure, and was amply rewarded, especially with Royal Sovereign, Latest of All, Keens' Seedling, and British Queen. Raspberries, Currants, and Gooseberries are poor crops ; wall fruit. Peaches, Nectarine?, Plums, and Cherries utter failures. Figs, with the exception of Brown Turkey, are very poor, and even Brown Turkey not by any growth above ground, but the tubers have been small. The soil here being little better than sand, it has been a very trying time. Every kind of fruit here requires to be netted this year owing to blackbirds, which eat even green Nectarines and Tomatoes as they begin to turn colour. — A. East. Hackwood Park. — Apples are thin ; a few having a full crop are Lord Sutfield, Warner's King, Keswick and Potts' Seedling. Pears are much under the average. Some sorts of Plums have a full crop, Victoria, Rivers' Prolific, The Czar, and Monarch being the best. Peaches are scarce, and the trees badly blistered in the spring. Nectarine Early Rivers had a splendid crop ; Apricots have failed ; Strawberries were poor and fruit very small. All kinds of small fruit and Filberts are a full crop.— J. Bowerman. Euholmes, Patrington, Hull. — Bush fruit has been good, also Strawberries, Royal Sovereign having been the best. The Apple crop is very peculiar, some trees being laden, while others have no fruit on them. Pears and Plums are a Old Tew hedges, Holme Lacy. From a photograph by Miss K, Filkington,, means a large crop, yet the fruit was and is fine and of good flavour. Vegetables nearly all failed. Asparagus, thanks to a heavy dressing of seaweed, was early, lasted well, and produced as fine a crop as could be desired. 'Tomatoes were not a success either indoors or out ; they suffered, and are suffering, from blight and mildew, which I do not under- stand, as they had their usual treatment, which I have found generally successful. — Gwext. Brockhampton Court, Aoss, Hereford- shire.— Apples are very good ; Pears very scarce ; Plums a light crop with the exception of Victoria and Pershore ; Peaches and Nectarines are good ; Damsons fair ; Raspberries and Red and Black Currants were very good, but Gooseberries were scarce; Strawberries were good, but very soon over owing to the intense heat and want of rain. Vegetables have been fair. Peas have not done well, the blooms shrivelling up before they were expanded. Cauliflowers raised in pots in early spring were very good, but nearly all the others have gone blind. Potatoes made enormous failure or nearly so. Peaches outside are a fail- ure. This is owing to the very severe frosts in March when our trees were in full bloom. The frosts not only destroyed the fruit, but nearly killed the trees. Here in favourable seasons we can grow very fine Peaches outside. Vegetables have not had a good chance, as the early part of the season was very unfavourable — first wet and cold, then a long dry time. Slugs and snails have been rampant this season, espe- cially the latter. Potatoes, I think, will be very good.— .T. WORTLEV. Cut Hedge, Halstead. — Apples in this dis- trict are an uneven crop, some trees being heavily laden while others a few yards from them have none. Those bearing the beet with me are Wad- hurst Pippin, Claygate Pearmain, Betty Geeson, and Hawthornden. Pears all round are a light crop. Plums were very thin. The best here was Belgian Purple. Damsons are very poor ; Cher- ries an average crop ; Gooseberries and Red Currants very good j Peaches and Nectarines a failure ; Apricots an average crop ; Nuts scarce. Walnuts are very good in places. Strawberries promised a heavy crop, but took mildew just before the ripening period and partially failed. Vegetables have done well. Peas being very good. — Albert Parry. Grimston Park, Tadcaster, Yorkshire.— We had a very dull, cold, ungenial spell of weather during the blossoming time of fruit trees, hence the crops are not abundant in any case. Frosts, too, were very frequent. In my opinion the non-setting of the abundant blossom was more due to the paralysing efi'ect of the wet, sunless weather than to the frosts. At any rate, we have had good crops of hardy fruits hereabouts when the frosts have been more keen than they were this year. Apricots are a good half crop, fruit fine in size and trees generally healthy. Branch- dying has been very rare up to date. If ripe wood is an absolute necessity for good crops of the delicious fruit there should oq such next year, as we have seldom had a more profitable time for this process to be properly carried out. This remark applies to all well established hardy fruit trees. Our soil is a stitf, loamy one, about .3 feet in depth, overlying the magnesian lime- stone, hence if well soaked by rain in the early summer we do not feel the effects of continued drought as those situated on lighter soils. Apples are a partial crop, but promise to be a fairly good sample. Lord SufBeld, Warner's Iving, Cockpit, Hawthornden, Worcester Pearmain, Yellow In- gestre. Winter Pearmain, Cockle Pippin, Lord Burghley, and Kerry Pippin have the best crops. Keswick Codlin, a very excellent early Apple for this part, is not doing well this year. Singular to say, blackbirds are eating up the early Apples. We had to pick our Lord Sutiield and Ecklinville before they were quite ripe on this account. Plums, too, they have attacked, as also Tomatoes on walls. I have had to net the vineries also, or they would have soon destroyed the Grapes. Plums are not a good crop ; Victoria and Early Rivers are the only varieties with anything like a crop on them. Dessert Chtrries do not bear well. I had a very good crop of Jlorellos. Pears are very partial. Doyenne d'Ete, Citron des Carmes, and that old fine-flavoured early Pear Ambrosia had all fair crops. I have a sprinkling of fruit on Dovenne du Cornice, Marie Louise, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Thompson's, Ne Plus Meuris and Beurre Ranee. Peaches and Nectarines are almost a complete failure on walls. Hale's Early is the only Peach that had anything like a crop. Cur- rants, Red, Black and White, had good crops in each case ; while not free from the Black Currant mite, it has not injured our crops up to now. Raspberries were a good crop. Another year's experience with Superlative bears me out in con- firming my last year's note of it, viz.. it is the best Raspberry I know of for this part. It throws up suckers somewhat scantily. Has anyone tried raising it from seed? Strawberries were a good crop, but, owing to the dry weather, soon over Noble is the earliest to ripen, but its flavour is not very good. Veitch's Perfection is a good variety. Koyal Sovereign I like and grow. It is a grand Strawberry, but on some soils is very liable to mildew. For preserving, an old Yorkshire-raised Strawberry, viz.f Newton Seedling, is bad to beat. Jubilee and Waterloo are very good late varieties. Walnuts are a good crop ; Mulberries not so good as usual. — H. J. Clayton. Madresfield Court Gardens, Malvern. — The fruit crops on the whole are peculiar, many trees being heavily laden, whilst similar kinds growing only a short distance away are quite barren. The trees flowered equally well, and the only conclusion I can arrive at is, the probability of waves of cold air of an unequal degree at certain critical periods. The intense drought of a second season has told heavily upon the size of the fruit as well as upon the shortness of the season for individual kinds. On the other hand, all fruits have possessed the fullest flavour. It has been a matter of no small difficulty to supply the roots with moisture, whilst the extreme dryness of the atmosphere has favoured insect attacks. There is evidence that growth will be well ripened, and 298 THE GARDEN. [October 14, 1899. the assurance that, where tree roots have been ^ plentiful supplies being afforded up to the middle fairly supplied with moisture, good, healthy ' of June. Early Cauliflowers also turned out well, flower-buds are in course of development for the but later ones, owing to want of moisture, are next season. Apples have cropped best on garden j small and grubby. Onions are not large, but trees where there is a better larder, and doubt- j solid and free from maggot. Turnips, although less this will be repeated next year, for where ^ quickly grown, cut up streaky and spotty, more shallow cultivation is practised, exhaustion fol- so than usual, I think, while Carrots are not lows, not that the roots necessarily go down | quite so badly infected as is usually the case on deeper, but by heavy mulchings added, capillary this land. Beet is clean and not too large. attraction is set up and moisture at the root is conserved. Bush trees and cordons are loaded with high-class fruit, but old trees on turf are very indifferent. Pears are on a par with Apples. Apricots and Plums are half a crop, but of high quality and fine size. Cherries are very heavy crops. Peaches and Nectarines are splendid crops on south walls, somewhat smaller than usual, probably owing to a cold May and the tropical forcing weather ever since. Bellegarde on the Pershore Plum stock has proved satisfac- tory. Strawberries were very light and soon over, old plants nearly barren, chiefly owing to a lack of moisture at the roots last autumn. Young plants in deeply trenched and well-manured Asparagus has been late and weakly. Salading has necessitated much labour in watering to sup- ply the demand and keep up high quality. Early planted Brussels Sprouts are looking well, but I cannot say so much for later and other winter crops, and, to add to the mischief, we were visited with a plague of caterpillars which, despite oar efforts to destroy them, demolished every leaf of the Cabbage and Turnip tribe. They were in such numbers that they riddled a quarter of young plants in a few hours. — John Roberts. AddingtonPark, Croydon. — The fruit crops here are not half the average, although there was plenty of bloom. The late spring frosts no ground did well. I always grow Royal Sovereign ' doubt prevented the free setting of the fruit. The as a biennial, taking one crop only. Gooseberries " " and bush fruits were fairly good, but not heavy crops. One of the worst seasons I ever remember for vegetables, owing to the intense and protracted drought. Peas almost an impossible crop, owing to the extreme dryness in the atmosphere. Spinach bloom of all kinds here was papery and weak and did not look matured, owing, I have no doubt, to the dry weather we had last year, (iooseberries were abundant, but they did not ripen at all satisfactorily. The same may be said of Strawberries. Raspberries, however, were better than I have had for a number of years. Flower Garden. and Turnips have given much trouble. Potatoes , Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, &c., are a partial are much undersized, but of good flavour.— W. \ crop, owing, no doubt, to the late spring frosts. Cri'mp. I Por the last forty-five years I have observed the The Gardens, Tan-y-bwlch, N. Wales. — [ seasons, and I have no recollection of such a bad 01 Apples the Codling and Barnack Beauty are a year as this. full crop, the latter variety carrying a very heavy The vegetable crops have been poor. — W. one. With these exceptions the crop is a failure, Whalx.ey. for I believe we have no more Apples in number than we have trees. Pretty well the same applies to Pears, and Plums aie a failure. These crops have been scanty for the past two seasons not- withstanding a grand bloom each year. Sixteen degrees of frost and a heavy snowfall proved too much for Apricot bloom, although protected with netting ; half a dozen fruit have beon about our total. Gooseberries were a heavy crop and fine clean berries. Currants (Black, White, and Red) very fair. Raspberries were excellent in every way, clean and free from maggot ; in fact, the cleanest lot I have had for the past twenty years. Japanese Wineberries also carry a very heavy crop ; these come useful late. Strawberries were a variable crop, some kinds badly burnt up when the berries were half grown. The earlier kinds fared better than later sorts and were of a fair size, clean, and of excellent quality, but main-crop and late varieties were not so good, for I had no means of adequately watering them, and plants and fruit were quickly parched up. I M. LATOUR-MARLIAC'S HARDY HYBRID WATER LILIE.S IN IRELAND. As I have during the fine summer now coming to a close had the pleasure of blooming success- I fully, in a tank specially built for their cultiva- tion in my vegetable garden, nearly all the I finest varieties of these most beautiful and free- ! blooming plants for which the gardening world I is indebted to the distinguished French hy- bridist whose name heads these notes, I hope that some account of my method of cultivation and of the varieties cultivated may be of some interest to those readers who may feel inclined to follow my example. The dimen- sions of my tank are 21 feet long by 9 feet think the most satisfactory main-crop kind this broad by 3 feet deep. At the bottom I placed season was McMahon, which swelled up a heavy ' 16 inches of black slimy mud, mostly composed crop under very unfavourable conditions. ^ of decayed leaves fallen from trees surrounding A wet, late spring followed by a dry summer is the pond whence it was taken, with two rows not exactly the conditions under which vege- of well-decomposed cow manure between the tables will thrive in this district, but, on the ro^g of plants. The tubers arrived from whole, they have turned out better than was anticipated. The first four or five sowings of Peas, despite all precautions, were destroyed by pheasants. Later sowings became crippled and almost barren owing to heavy and repeated at France by parcel post on May 6, and took about a month to establish themselves in their new quarters before they began to grow. Their development was surprisingly rapid. tacks of thrips, while mildew was rampant, so \ Early in July they commenced to bloom, and that the supply was considerably curtailed until the late main croppers turned in. These have done much the best, for they have grown and cropped well. Gladiator has succumbed to mil- dew without bearing a dish. Chelsonian, Alder- man, Veitch's Perfection, and Autocrat have betn the best ; Omega followed. Climbing and dwarf Beans as well as Butter Beans were good ; runners set badly. Potatoes were a fair crop of even tubers, some slightly diseased. As only yollow- fleshed Potatoes are favoured here, Myatt's forms the bulk of the crop, for no variety I am ac- have produced an abundant crop of beautiful flowers during July, August, and nearly the whole of September. The varieties planted were gloriosa, Ellisiana, Andreana, Robinsoni, lucida, Aurora, Marliacea fiammea, Seignoureti, sulphurea grandiflora, Marliacea rosea, Laydekeri rosea, tuberosa Richardsoni, pygmtea alba, and pygmaja Helvola. Nearly all good judges of the respective merits of these hy brids are agreed that for brilliancy of colour the variety named ignea deserves the first the flowers of this grand variety are nearly equal in size to those of the two first-named put together and are of a fine deep carmine with bright yellow anthers, many to whom size is of prime importance would place this first of all. It is also, fortunately, an extremely free and continuous bloomer. Andreana and Robinsoni are almost identical both as to colour and form of flower, the only recognisable difference being that the flowers of Andreana are rather larger than those of Robinsoni, but no one having one need plant the other, especially where it is desirable to have as many distinct sorts as possible in a limited space. Lucida has by far the handsomest foliage of any of them, and is of an extremely vigorous habit of growth. Its leaves are of immense size, hand- somely mottled with deep maroon blotches, and borne on stout leaf-stalks of from 4 feet to ,5 feet in length. The flowers are also of good size, with paler outside petals and clear deep rose-coloured inner ones, with yellow anthers. Aurora is also a pretty variety somewhat resembling the last-nanitd, but with deeper coloured interior petals and smaller - sized flowers. It is of not nearly so vigorous a habit of growth or such handsome foliage. Marliacea flaminea is, I think, rather inaptly named, as the colour of its flowers has nothing to do with flames, being of a der'p vinous-purple. It is, however, a very distinct and handsome variety. Seignoureti, though it may have appeared dis- tinct and good in its day when first sent out, is now no longer worth including in any collec- tion of really choice varieties, as it may be described as a poor and pale form of lucida, which far surpasses it in every way in beauty. Sulphurea grandiflora is, unfortu- nately, rather a shy bloomer, but its very large and handsome flowers of a pale lemon colour', most of which are about 8 inches in diameter, stand well up out of the water, and open nearly flat in the full sun, making it indispensable for all first-class collections. The beautiful Marliacea rosea is so well known, having been sent out several years ago, that it needs no special de- scription ; but its large and delicately- tin ted flowers have been as much admired as any in my tank. The beautiful Laydekeri rosea, which opens the palest shade of shell-pink, deepening as the flowers age till they end of a clear deep rose colour, is also extremely free-blooming and should be in every collection. Richardsoni is a perfectly cup-shaped flower of an exquisitely pure white, of medium size, and acts as a good contrast to the higher coloured varieties. It is, I believe, of American origin. Pygmsea alba is a most beautiful small flower of pure white colour, and p. Helvola has pretty creamy blos- soms of an even smaller size, and may be de- scribed as a little gem amongst Water Lilies. From America are promised for next season's bloom some wonderfully beautiful novelties, one of which is said to be of the brilliant colour of ignea, with the splendid size of gloriosa added. If this comes up to its raiser's descrip- tion it should throw all other varieties into the shade, and prove indeed a grand acquisition to our water gardens. W. E. Gumbleton. Beljrvve, Qtieenstoum, Ireland. quainted with surpaises it for genuine Potato ' place, but its flowers are, unfortunately, rela- flavour. Spring Cabbages were late. Spring tively small. This tine variety I have not yet seen. Broccoli, on the other hand, were very good, Next comes Ellisiana, and third gloriosa, but as Helianthemum amabile fl. -pi. —This is, I believe, to be the name of the variety alluded to in a recent number of The Garden under the name of the Carton Sun Rose. It has been in Mr. G. F. Wilson's Wisley garden for some years without a name, and I have now a stock of it obtained from a plant that Mr. Wilson gave me. It is a really good thing, its merits being con- spicuous in a hot, dry season like the one we have just passed through. Planted on a dry bank or on rockwork in the full sun it gives a nice bit of October U, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 299 colour and continues to flower all through the summer. Where the soil is very poor and gets much parched in summer this Helianthemum is quite at home, but does not extend very fast under such conditions. It assumes a shrubby, compact form, flowers more freely, and is alto- gether much more effective than where a richer boil induces a ranker growth. Plants that have run away a little too much to growth may be restricted and made to take on a more compact habit by means of hard cutting back in early spring. — J. CoKNiiiLL. Hemerocallis aurantiaca major. — This is certainly a grand Hemerocallis and well merits all that has been recently said in its favour in The Garden, but at the same time — in some places at least — it does not flower with that free- dom which one would wish. As stated on p. '251, it is certainly a good doer ; still, many examples have come under my notice, both last year and this, which, though full of promise, failed to flower. The plants referred to were in different localities and under various conditions. Many bloomed in a satisfactory manner, but still the percentage of unflowered ones was considerable, and this I find is a very general complaint. It is such a grand plant when in bloom, that any hint how to render its flowering more certain would be welcomed by many.— T. Sweet Sultans for market. — There are various shades of colour in the Sweet Sultan, but the yellow, to my mind, is by far the best ; indeed, few things look better when carefully and not too thickly arranged in glasses. Recently I saw some long beds in a market garden near Norwich, and the assertion sometimes made by writers that these plants need lime in good proportion in the soil was borne out by the fact that close by the garden in question are large lime pits, the soil around no doubt being more or less impregnated with lime. At any rate, the plants had thrown a wealth of flowers and the various beds seemed even throughout. I have heard it stated that the seed should be sown out of doors, as the plants do not care for being transplanted. This may be true in some gardens. Those in question had evidently been transplanted, but not very early in the season, as the position was rather an exposed one. I think early sowing under glass is a mistake ; better wait till April and then sow in a frame, keeping the young plants dwarf and stocky by admitting plenty of fresh air and thin- ning them freely as soon as handling is prac- ticible. If left crowded, a weak, leggy condition follows, and the plants, more than many things, are slow in establishing themselves when trans- planted. If the soil does not contain lime, a free incorporation of old lime rubble should be inade. Adding animal manure is a dangerous practice. — C. N. Tender Nymphseas in the open air. — I was pleased to read Mr. Burbidge's note in Tub Gardem, August 19, regarding Nymphiui stel- lata flowering in a lake at Carton, Kildare. This is the first time I have noticed such an account, and I hope many other growers may be stimu- lated to do likewise. There are several varieties that will respond to such treatment, notably N. zanzibarensis azurea, N. z. rosea, N. cx-rulea, N. pulcherrima, also N. gracilis. The best method to adopt prior to planting out is to start the tubers indoors. Plant the tubers in 4 inch pots, using a rich loamy soil. Place the pots in shallow water, about 6 inches of water over the pots, and the temperature of the water should be kept about 75°. They should be in a light, airy position, no shade at any time. In about four weeks' time the plants will require repotting into 6-inch pots, using similar soil as before, but the plants will require more room for leaf develop- ment and a few inches more depth of water. Where a tank cannot be called into service, wash- tubs or half barrels may be utilised, and to allow depth of water over the crowns of the plants use pans instead of pots. In four weeks' time from repotting the plants will be in fine condition to plant out. This in most instances should be June 1, and the plants if grown as directed will be in bloom before this time. No better place can be conceived than a Melon pit for starting and growing tender Nymphajas. A section can be walled off, say two or three sashes, and made water-tight by a plastering of cement. A depth of 20 inches can be given, the young plants brought near the surface by using inverted pots to stand them on, and during the month of May plenty of air can be given and all the sunshine available, which will harden them off preparatory to planting out. A single plant may be placed in a tub or box containing about 10 cubic feet of soil and allowed to occupy a single sash, and when well established the sashes may be entirely re- moved during warm weather and replaced later when cool weather sets in if at all desirable to prolong the season. — W. Tbicker, Rirtrton, X.J., U. S. A . CALIFORNIA BULBS FOR FORCING. A CLASS of flowers, which for its ease of cultiva- tion and brilliancy of colouring is but little known to eastern horticulturists, is the various sorts of Californian bulbs, Broditeas, Calochorti, Camassias, Erythroniums, Fritillarias, and Lilies. Brodi.eas are in shape and appearance like Cro- cus, bearing grassy radical leaves, one or several slender stalks terminating in open umbels, or a dense umbellate head. The smallest bulb is a reliable bloomer, doing well in almost any soil and under any conditions ; can be forced, or is perfectly hardy outdoors in the United States and Europe. The handsomest species are in point of colouring and size: Brodia^a peduncu laris, pure white, immense umbels of flowers ; B. ixioides splendens, colour delicate yellow ; B. californica, largest of all Brodiaeas, rosy lilac ; B. stellaris, star-like clumps of a brilliant waxy purple ; B. coccinea, glowing crimson ; and B. volubilis, or Californian twining Hyacinth, stalks of a climbing or twining habit with beautiful rosy wax-like flowers. Splendid for forcing in pans or for cut flowers are Calochorti. — The flowers resemble in form the Tulip, while the colouring and marking are marvellous. The best are Calochortus splendens atroviolaceus, a brilliant purple ; Calochorti of Eldorado strain, in colours rose to red, creamy white, gold blotched, are marked with a showy eye, yellow to brown, beautifully dotted and lined ; C. venustus citrinus, lemon-yellow with black eye ; C. clavatus, orange ; C. macrocarpus, lavender, banded with green ; C. nitidus, lilac, with deep purple blotch in centre of each petal ; C. Vesta, white, suffused lilac to rose and purple, centre red, back of petal purple ; and C. Gunni- soni, pure white flowers barred with green. Camassias are splendidly adapted for forcing. The flowers are borne in racemes ; leaves long and glossy, like those of a Hyacinth ; stem stout, 1 foot to 3 feet high. Among the best are Gamassia esculenta, 1 foot high, deep blue ; C. Cuaicki, leaves 1 foot in length, flowers produced in great racemes, 2 feet to 3 feet high, pale sky- blue ; C. Leichtlini alba, a pure white form ; C. Leichtlini, tall, splendid purple. Do<:'s-TOOTH Violets are noted for their large, Lily-like flowers and beautifully mottled foliage. They are easily forced. E. grandiflorum has large, bright yellow flowers ; E. revolutum, large white flowers, tinted lilac ; E. r. Johnsoni, flowers dark rose, orange centre ; E. giganteum, cream ; E. citrinum opens a pale straw colour, turning to pure white, with lemon centre ; E. Hartwegi, delicate yellow ; and E. Hendersoni, pale purple, with dark purple centre. Of Fritillarias, with their graceful, Lily-like flowers, the Pacific coast has many sorts. The finest : F. recurva, brilliant scarlet ; F. pudica, clear, bright yellow ; and F. pluritlora, crimson. Among the showv spotted or Leopard Lilies are L. Humboldti, clear orange, spotted maroon ; L. Bloomerianum, tigered ; L. columbi- anum, orange-yellow ; L. Bolanderi, deep red ; L. pardalinum, orange-red, scarlet tipped, thickly spotted maroon. L. Parry i is one of the finest Lilies in the world ; flowers long, trumpet- shaped, clear lemon-yellow, and very fragrant. L. Washingtonianum grows from 4 feet to 7 feet in height, with many pure white, trumpet- shaped dowers of great fragrance. — H. H. Berger, in Florisls^ Exchange. EUCOMIS PUNCTATA IN THE OPEN. The note by Mr. Arnott (p. 252) calling attention to this plant should induce other lovers of out- door flowers to attempt its cultivation in borders, for variety is none too common late in September, its flowering season, as we are then confined almost wholly to the order of composite plants for what there is left to attract attention. The Eucomis is generally looked upon as a greenhouse plant, but is far more effective when grown out- bide, where there is room for its roots to ramble and for its wide-spreading leaves to develop to their fullest. The fact that it has lived and grown well in one of the borders here in Derbyshire for several years should be sufficient proof that it is hardy, except perhaps in the severest winters, for it has had no protection as far as I can learn, and it had none last winter. A clump growing on a raised border has now fourteen well-developed spikes, some being 3 feet high, on the least of which there are over 100 flowers. There is nothing very showy about the flowers as seen from a dis- tance, but they well repay closer acquaintance. They are star-shaped and of great substance, having the appearance of being moulded in wax ; the ground colour is greenish white and the dome- like centres are deep rosy purple, a colour with which the petals themselves become suffused as the flowers become older. The flower-stems are I as stout as those of Galtonia candicans and thickly spotted with purple. In a cut state and under artificial light the flowers are charming, as the petals lose their green tinge and the centres look more rosy. The individual flowers then bear a striking likeness to those of Hoya bella, except that they are larger and six-petalled : they also ! emit a delicate and sweet perfume. As regards the position in which to plant the Eucomis, it appears alike at home in sunshine and in shade. I It is growing in both here and equally well in j either, but I may add that the shade is not that from overhanging trees, but from a low span- roofed house on the north side of which the bulbs are planted. Probably it would be unsafe to plant in ground below the surrounding level, and I should certainly choose a raised position for it. J. C. Tallack. Cactus Salilia IVIag'niflcent. — Various notes have recently appeared respecting this new variety. At first, owing no doubt to the dry weather, I was not pleased with it, but since rain and cooler weather have come, my opinion of its merits is considerably changed. It is now flower- ing beautifully ; so free, and every bloom per- fect. It is dwarf in habit and the stems are long. It requires but little disbudding : there- fore one may get a mass of colour. The apricot tint is much admired, and plants of it are striking even among other good kinds. — H. S. Anemone alpina. — I refer again to this beautiful Windflower by reason of the remarks of Mr. Arnott and " H. H.," Daljarrock, Ayrshire, at p. 270. It is interesting to learn that one's experience is confirmed in these matters, and there is no doubt the plant is worth a good deal to make it a success. I am of opinion, too, that readers of The Garden would thank " H. H." were he able to tell them something of the time that has been taken in building up the fine example he speaks of. In my original notes I touched but very lightly on the sulphur-flowered form of this plant, believing it to be generally understood that in their cultivation the two were as one. All the same, I quite agree with what has been advanced in respect to it, and the colour in particular. Nor is there the least doubt that seeds of these things afford the best facilities for securing a stock. The remainder is one of waiting and watching. A little more stress may. 300 THE GARDEN". [October 14, 1899. perhaps, be laid on the fact that open-ground sowing is far Ijatter for such seeds than aught else, lor the labour in watching and the like is not merely reduced to a minimum, but the seed- lings, when these appear, are in safer keeping altogether. Those who would still like to try the stumps of these things, which as imported are known as plants, may like to know that the present is the season for securing them ; secondly, that to plant these fibreless pieces in the soil is to court failure from the very starting point ; and thirdly, to plant them in cocoa-nut fibre and ashes or the first named alone is to afford them the only possible chance of making fibrous roots, without which all are useless. — E. J. SEPTEMBER CLIMBERS IN DEVON. In a sheltered nook Berberidopsis corallina has borne its bright vermilion berries, and in the same garden a plant of Bougainvillea speciosa against a southern wall has produced flowers in the open. In the early days of the month the Virgin's Bower (Clematis Flammula) was a cloud of perfumed ivory-white blossoms, and the yellow-flowered C. graveolens and C. songarica — the blooms of C. graveolens, though of the same colour as those of C. songarica, being less than half their size — were in full flower. Now the blooms are for the most part succeeded by the feathery seed-vessels which in these species form quite as attractive pictures as those of the Traveller's Joy (C. Vitalba), that in the late autumn veils our southern hedgerows and woodlands with its smoke-grey feathery trails. Here and there the deep purple of C. Jackmani was to be discerned at the commence- ment of September, while varieties of the C. lanu- ginosa section have in many cases borne their widespread mauve or white stars throughout the month, one plant covering a porch not far from where I write being at this time (October 4) crowded with perfect blossoms, each from 5 inches to 6 inches in diameter. Convolvulus mauritani- cus, though perhaps rather a trailing than climb- ing plant, may be mentioned as being in bloom during September, and Muhlenbeckia complexa, albeit a non-flowerer for all practical purposes, since its blossoms are inconspicuous, is most deco- rative when draping high wall, clifT, or tree trunk with its verdant cascade. Lapagerias, both white and pink, have blossomed well on a north wall in the open, and will continue to produce flower for some weeks should frost not intervene ; indeed, I have seen fresh Lapageria blooms on the open wall in South Devon as late as mid-December during a mild winter. The blue Passion Flower is now extremely effective, though not by reason of its flowers, which have by this time for the most part faded. The oval fruits have now assumed their bright orange tint, and hanging thickly amid the dark green foliage present delightful effects. Some houses have their walls covered from ground-level to eaves with this Passion Flower, and the hundreds of bright globes strung on the dark background give the idea of an illumination. One of the sights of the month has been a fine plant of Plumbago capensis growing against a perpendicular cliff, sheltered from the north and east, in the public gardens at Torquay. This specimen must be 10 feet or 12 feet in height and almost as much in spread, and has produced a lavish display of pale blue flower-clusters. It is to be hoped that the plant in question, which has already passed three winters in the open un- scathed, may remain uninjured for many more years and increase in size and attractiveness. Solanum jasminoides has become even whiter with bloom in September than was the case in August, when it appeared to have arrived at its culminating point of beauty, and in the closing days of the past month presented a lovely picture with its innumerable white flower-sprays hanging from the eaves downward, a very cataract of blossom. Jasminum revolutum is producing its bright yellow flowers, and on Stauntonia latifolia the long, rounded seed- pods are assuming a purple tint, while Physianthus albens bears its great irregularly-shaped, corrugated seed-vessels as large as cricket balls on its straggling growths. Of Tropa?olums, T. speciosum (the Flame Nas- turtium) is for the most part displaying its purple seeds, but in certain instances is still in flower, this being the case in a garden I lately visited, where the branches of a Yew were still scarlet with this Tropteolum's vivid flower-trails. T. tuberosum is, however, at the present time more generally decorative than T. speciosum, its large orange and scarlet blossoms standing well out from the thickly growing background of leafage and presenting a brilliant autumnal pic- ture. The climbing form of T. Lobbianum still retains its attractiveness and mantles walls with a veil of rich scarlet, while the gold of the Canary Creeper (T. canariensis) is still bright where seed has been sown in the open during the summer. Many of the Vines are becoming exceptionally beautiful, this being especially the case with Vitis Coignetife, whose reddening leaves, when the level rays of the setting sun shine through them, assume a wonderful richness of colouring. The foliage of the Grape Vines shrouding a pergola is becoming of a pale yellow-green hue, and the thickly-set bunches of fruit that bang from the canopy are being rapidly rifled by the birds as soon as they exhibit a sign of colouring. V. humulifolia is a pretty and distinct Vine, espe- cially charming when bearing its turquoisehued fruit. The Virginian Creepers have been later than usual in changing colour, Vitis inconstans on cliffs and walls not having as yet attained the perfection of its autumnal brilhance. S. W. F. Dianthus Heddewig'i for button-holes. — On several occasions I have potted up a few of the healthiest-looking plants of this Dianthus, and kept them going gently in a cool house or frame for a supply of button-holes through the early winter months. They are usually much liked for the purpose, especially if care is taken to lift only those with good coloured blossoms. The chief requirements are a cool and airy atmosphere in the house and not too much moisture either in the air or at the roots. The soil is a secondary matter, any light kind answering well. — H. R. Lobelia Carmine Oem. — In the Gunners- bury House (Jardens I saw recently the brilliant new Lobelia Carmine Gem in fine form. It seems to me to be an acquisition, as it was flowering more freely than any other of the section that I have seen this year. It has the branching habit of Firefly, and this habit, produced in such a dry and hot season, speaks volumes in its praise. It was not all due to the plants having received plenty of water, as I saw many plants of L. Queen Victoria in a swamp by the lake-side at Kew the same day, and these were not nearly so well •lowered. The colour is one that requires to be used with judgment in the garden, as it would kill any other shade of red, and there are not many things with which it would blend. Prob- ably it would look best grouped by itself in a green setting, but it is certainly a plant that should find a position in every garden, as its bril- liance late in the season could not fail to please. — J. C. Tallack. Heliotropes in tlie flower garden. — Well- grown Heliotropes have a charm about them that is not associated with many other flowers. The wonder is they are not more frequently used in the flower garden. They look well in a mass with an edging of some other plant, but they seem to possess a bolder aspect when employed as dot plants in a groundwork of some other dwarf plant. For this purpose they need to be strong. The old Miss Nightingale was once a great favourite, and for massing still is, but some of the larger flowered kinds are finer for the purpose. Swanley Giant forms immense heads of fragrant flowers. Pot-grown plants trained into columnar shape are very striking plunged in beds among other flowers or on the turf. The finest Heliotropes for colour and size of their heads I remember having seen were at Gunners- bury House. These were planted among the small fibrous-rooted Begonia Princess Beatrice, a variety (hat makes an excellent carpet. These at Gunnersbury were distinct in colour, and do as well in pots as outdoors. — S. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Cactus Dahlia Eileen Palliser.— This yel- low sort is most attractive. It is of a deep rich tint, and the most remarkable thing in the flower is its fine full centre. _ This makes it valuable, because most of the yellows in commerce are wanting in that respect. — H. Limnoeharis Humholdti not flowering. — I have grown this for the last two years iu a tub in my greenhouse, but am much disappointed in getting no flowers from it, although it has produced abund- ance of leaves of large size. Can you suggest any reason for the want of flowers ? I have been success- ful in flowering Eichoraia crassipes in a pan in the same greenhouse in which a Stephanotis and a Hoya carnosa bloom freely. — C. J. F. Selecting Cactus Dahlias.— When visiting Dahlia shows in the autumn, how often does one see persons jotting down the names of varieties which happen to take their fancy. It is well known that many would-be Dahlia growers visit shows for the purpose of selecting varieties for their own gardens in preference to making an examination of the growing plants in the nursery. It may happen that the flower showing up most conspicuonsly on the stand is never seen on the plant, owing to its short stalk and habit of hiding itself in the foliage. The moral then is obvious. Do not be led away with the appearance of Cactus Dahlias at shows, but see them growing before giving an order. — H. H. Garden Flora. PLATE 1244. PRUNUS PSEUDO-CERASUS (SINGLE VAR.). (with a coloured plate.*) The accompanying plate represents one of the several single forms of the Japanese Cherry that have been imported from Japan during the last few years. This Cherry — the accepted name for which is now Prunus pseudo-Cerasus — is well known in our gardens and nurseries in its double forms, which are grown under various names, such as Cerasus W'atereri, C. Sieboldi, C. Lannesiana, C. Capronianafl.-pl., &c. These double-flowered forms vary in the size of the blossoms and in the depth of the rosy tints that suft'use the petals. Of their value as spring- flowering trees it is scarcely necessary to say anything at this date. Although eighty years have passed since the first plants were intro- duced, it would be difficult even now to name a more beautiful or desirable flowering tree. Perfectly hardy, easily accommodated, and never failing at the flowering time, the species combines in itself almost all the qualities that one asks for in an ornamental tree. Of the new single - flowered varieties not much can yet be said. The charming spray, however, depicted on the plate shows that although so different from the big double blooms to which we are accustomed, the flowers possess all their charm and delicacy of colour, and if they are not so large they have an even daintier gracefulness. More than twenty varieties of Prunus pseudo-Cerasus are grown by the Japanese. About half of these they grow in pots for exportation, and they can now be obtained from nurserymen in this country. The flowers (which in these new varieties are double as well as single) range in colour from almost white to rosy pink. One variety the Japanese call Ukon is remarkable for the yellowish green colour that tinges the petals. The name Prunus * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon iu Messrs. Sander's nursery at St. Albans. Litho- graphed and printed bj J. L. Goffart. October 14, 1899.] THE GARDEN^. 501 pendula which appears on the plate has been given, perhaps, to this Cherry because of its perfectly pendulous flowers. This name be- longs, however, to a ijuite difl'erent tree — a Cherry from Japan, known in nurseries as Cerasus pendula rosea. W. J. B. The WEEK'S Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Early Vines. — Vines intended to be started in November should be pruned as soon as they are ready — that is, when the leaves have fallen. With me the leaves are being carried later than usual, but I look on this as a good rather than a bad and that the bud points in the right direction. Where young rods are being run up to replace the older ones, all spurs on the old rods likely to pro- duce shoots that would crowd growth on the younger rods next year should be sawn close off to the main stem, leaving, of course, those towards the top of the house until the full length of rafter is furnished by new rods, when the old should be cut out entirely. By a judicious use of this method on Vines that have become old, but whose roots are in good condition, the house may be refur- nished with young rods without any perceptible loss of crop. Cleaning should follow close on pruning. Little, if any, bark should be removed except that which peels off, without using any force. Every portion of the house should be sub- jected to the scrubbing brush, soft soap and hot water treatment, which I have recommended for other houses in earlier notes, and, as a supple- mentary precaution in houses where mealy bug Example of terrace garden with trees in true form {Sandside, Thursc by Miss K. Pilkington. (See p. 293.) N.L.). From a photograph sign, especially as the foliage now left on is not that of the sub-laterals, but the main leaves of the laterals themselves, and these assist the buds greatly up to the time they drop. The wood is in fine hard condition, so that the buds can hardly fail to break well when the Vines are started. When pruning one always likes to cut back to a fairly plump bud, but I am not sure that harm has not been done at times by the advice to prune to the "best" bud, the "best" being sometimes interpreted to mean the largest bud within reasonable distance of the spur, and in this way not only have the spurs been lengthened in- ordinately and become ugly, but loose bunches instead of compact ones have resulted. There are some varieties which require to be grown on long spurs, but these are mostly late Grapes and not those chosen for forcing, therefore, of the latter it may bo said that the closer back they are cut the better, provided a good leaf has ripened off at the same joint that has produced the chosen bud, has appeared, it would be wise to rub petroleum into crevices in wood and brick-work. Then the Vines should be scrubbed over with a solution of some insecticide powerful enough to kill insect life, but not so strong as to injure the wood or buds. Mixtures of dressing thickened up with clay or some other dirty substance I never tole- rate, for I look upon them as a filthy and useless nuisance, disfiguring to any plants which one may have to grow under the Vines during the spring time when the syringe is being used. After being scrubbed, the Vines should be suspended so that the ends of the rods are lower than the middle portion, and quite young rods may be tied to the trellis with their tips at the lowest elevation, as this will induce regularity in the breaking of the buds. Before reckoning the work complete, a little of the surface of the border should be carefully removed to get rid of any insects or eggs that may have fallen, and this should be replaced by some new soil. Bottling Grapes. — Where houses are leaky, or where plants have to come into the vineries at this time of the year it is a relief to get rid of the Grapes. To keep the latter in good condition for some months is a very simple matter provided one has a thoroughly dry room. The two essen- tials are dryness and coolness, and I find that the colder the store room is kept short of freezing the better the Grapes will keep. I have kept them all through the winter with no artificial heat, and I believe that those who have failed or partly failed to keep Grapes sound and plump after bottling them have done so through coddling them with fire-heat and over ventilation. The best Grape room I ever had was a loft, the win- dows of which were shut tightly and darkened all the time it was occupied with Grapes. There were no ventilators provided, and the only means of heating or drying used were a few gas-burners, which were seldom lighted. Pure spring water was used for filling the bottles, and this did not need changing during the whole period through which the Grapes were kept, neither was it often necessary to add any water, as the cool and somewhat close conditions which prevailed in the room brought evaporation to its lowest point. Another thing which I proved to be un- necessary was charring the freshly cut ends of the stems, the bunches being cut with sufficient length of wood to go fairly well down into the water, and in the case of bunches which were growing too near the rod to allow of suiScient wood below the bunch to reach the water, the other end was left long and the stem reversed. Before cutting the Grapes the room was subjected to a good drying-out process for a day or two, and the bottles were filled and put into position, after which it was only necessary to choose a bright dry day for cutting, divesting the wood of all leaves and leaf-stems ; take the bunches direct to the room, and prevent spilling any water about when inserting the stems in the bottles. Each stem should reach the water and be pushed down 1 inch or 2 inches into it, as there will be some amount of absorption at first. Orchard house. — As the various orchard house fruits are gathered the trees should be put outside in a nice open position, where they will not be subjected to drip from trees or overhanging buildings. Any that appear to require potting should be attended to, using the best loam it is possible to get, for these trees have much work to do with a very limited root-run, so that it is necessary to see that they have a good larder. Others may require attention in the way of drainage, for, in spite of the best care when potting, the drainage material is liable to get out of place, or clogged now and then, and this does much harm, as one cannot feed such trees when they require it so freely as one could wish to do. Renewing the drainage is a matter that requires much care, and should only be put in the hands of a man with a good eye, for it is not easy to so adjust the new material that the tree will go back into its pot to the exact depth to which it had been ; and, again, it should go into exactly the same position, for pots are sure to vary a little in shape, and a ball of soil filled with roots cannot be made to adapt itself to any other position than the one it has already occupied, and to alter this in any way is to store up future trouble. What little pruning has been necessary for pot trees will probably be done before now ; if not, there should be no further delay in dealing with all kinds of stone fruits, especially Cherries, which are so susceptible to injury from the use of the knife, for by doing the pruning in late summer or during the autumn much of the danger of gumming is averted and the cut surfaces heal over more readily. Corxubian. 302 THE GARDEN". [October 14, 1899. KITCHEN GARDEN. and decay may in the event of excessive rains Lifting early Beetroot. — Early-sown breadths ^'^^^ destruction. of long varieties, also Turnip-rooted Beet, may ' Sals.4fy and Scokzonera.— It is too early yet now be taken up, sorted, and removed to the root : '° "" these, as healthy rows on good ground will shed. The best way is to size them, placing the increase in size and improve generally for some coarsest by themselves for immediate use. The ''"^ *'° come. I am afraid many early sown lots shapely, medium-sized roots are most appreciated }^'"' owing to the tropical heat and drought, for the salad bowl. Care must be taken when have run to seed. This should teach gardeners the lifting not to injure the tap-root, and when re- '°"y °^ sowing thia vegetable too early. An- moving the superfluous soil a knife should not be °''°*^'' 8°°"^ soaking of farmyard liquid may be used, or the skin may be broken, and bleeding g'^'en. as thin, wiry roots possess very little and consequent discoloration when cooked follow. 90«?e«e).— Originally discovered at the village of Virgoulee, near Limog:es, about 1650. The fruit is medium-sized, ovoid ; the stalk medium, long and stout, rather fleshy near the base, set flush with the fruit ; the eye small, open or half closed in a wide wrinkled depression. The skin is smooth, unctuous, tender green, finely stippled and slightly streaked russet: the flesh white and distinctly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening November— February. The tree is vigorous on the Quince and on the Pear, of very great and sustained fertility. In cultivation this variety does specially well on the Quince, and is grown as an espalier to have sound and abundant fruit. Zephikin Gregoire. — Originally obtained about 18.31 by M. fxregoire-Nelis, of Jodoigne, Belgium, this Pear first fruited in 1843. A small or Fcarcely average sized fruit, round, conical or turbinate, much embossed. The stalk is of medium length, fleshy near the fruit, which it continues ; the eye medium, often irregular, set in a shallow, irregularly embossed cavity ; the skin light citroni finely stippled green, stained reddish brown, and tinged red on the sunny side. The flesh is white, melting, and very pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening December— February. The tree is delicate on the Quince, of good and sus- tained fertility. In cultivation this variety is easily trained and ought to be grafted on the Pear for large forms. Baronne Leroy.— Originally obtained by M. Th. Boisbunel, of Rouen, in 1870 from a sowing made in 1859. It is a medium sized fruit, hol- size, of Bon Chretien form, sometimes turbinate ' and variable in height, generally angular ; the stalk of middling length, stout, and rather fleshy, eet sometimes straight, sometimes obliquely in a ' crease. The eye is small, closed or half-closed, in a narrow, embossed and generally shallow , cavity. The skin is citron-yellow, slightly stippled I red, more or less stained russet. The flesh is . white, gritty at the core. A good fruit, ripening October. In cultivation the tree grows vigorously . on the Pear, but is long in fruiting on the Quince. , It answers in all forms. j Charles Cogsee.— Originally obtained by M. Charles Cogn(5e, of Troyes, and brought out in 1879. It is of middhng size. The stalk is short, of medium strength, set straight, or nearly so, in a deep and much embossed cavity. The eye is open or closed, in a regular and deep cavity. The skin is unctuous, citron-yellow, golden in the sun, and streaked tawny. The flesh is white, some- what gritty at the core, delicate, melting, mildly and pleasantly flavoured with almond. A good fruit, ripening February to March. The tree is of medium vigour on the Quince and very fertile. In cultivation this variety is fairly vigorous on the Pear. It generally does well as an espalier. Charles Ernest.— Originally obtained by M. Ernest Baltet, and brought out in 1879 by Baltet frferes, of Troyes. A large fruit, somewhat angular. The stalk is short, stout, and curved, set nearly straight on the point or in a crease.' The eye is medium, open, with erect sepals, set in a wide, wrinkled, and ribbed cavity. The skin is citron-yellow, often slightly tinted rose on the sunny side, very finely stippled grey on the light side, stippled green on the shaded side. The flesh is white, melting, and aromatic. A fairly 1 good fruit, ripening November-December. The tree is vigorous. It is an easily trained variety, i lending itself to all forms, and is at home in all positions. irregular in contour, and rather bumpy. The stalk is of medium length, stout, generally swell- ing at the two extremities, especially the point of attachment, set straight or nearly straight in an embossed hollow. The eye is half closed in a shallow and regular cavity. The skin is pale yellow, much and finely stippled red with some tawny streakings, tinged and stippled rose-car- mine on the sunny side. The flesh is white, somewhat gritty near the core, delicate, and agreeably aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening January to March. The tree is of middling vigour, hardy and fertile. This variety is vigorous in nurseries, but less so planted out in the garden. It requires grafting on the Pear. It fruits early. Favorite JoanoxV.— Obtained in 1883 by M. Joanon at Saint Cyr au Mont d'Or, and sent out in 1889. The fruit is of fair size, narrowing to a blunt point and rather angular. The stalk is stout, somewhat swollen at the two ends, set obUquely on the point. The eye is medium-sized, closed, or half closed in a regular, wide cavity of medium depth. The skin is smooth, yellow, stippled grey, turning to rose, stained a light russet near the stalk. The flesh is white, melt- ing, very juicy, and pleasantly aromatic. A very good fruit, ripening end of August and com- mencement of September. The tree is of normal vigour, hardy, and fertile. On the Quince this variety is suitable for all regular forms. GiRAM. — A chance seedling found in a hedge on the Giram estate, near Nagaro (Gers), pro- pagated by Dr. Doat and M. Bazillac. The fruit is small, sometimes rather turbinate, rounded at top, and narrowly obtuse at base. The stalk is long, stout, set almost straight upon the fruit. The eye is medium, open, with erect sepals on the rounded and rather russet summit of the fruit. The skin is rather glossy, apple-green, stippled dull grey, often rose-bronze, and some- times red on the sunny side. The flesh is very delicate, tender and melting, and pleasantly aro- matic. A very good fruit, not liable to turn o£F, ripening during the first fortnight in August. The tree is fairly vigorous, hardy, and fertile. This early variety is suitable for exposed situa- tions. Jansemine (syns., Canelte de Boncouge, Jean- nette, Mocille-Bouche de Bordeaux). — Of ancient unknown origin, the fruit under the average in size or small, and as wide as high. The stalk is stout, set sometimet obliquely in a wide, shallow cavity, sometimes nearly straight in a slightly marked fold. The eye is large, open, in a wide cavity of variable depth. The skin is grass- green, stippled greyish red, shaded light maroon on the sunny side ; flesh white, gritty at the core, rather crisp, and pleasantly aromatic. A fairly good fruit, ripening the middle of .July and beginning of August. The tree is of normal vigour and of very great fertility. It is best as an orchard tree. The variety is much valued in the Bordeaux country owing to its great fertility and earliness. Mme. Chaudy.— Obtained by M. Chaudy ab Chaoonost (Rhone) from a sowing made in 1861 or 186'2, and sent out in 1882. A large fruit, sometimes taking Bon Chn^tien shape. The stalk is stout, fleshy, short or medium, set nearly straight in a crease more or less deep. The eye is small, closed or half-closed, in a regular and shallow cavity ; the skin slightly rough, pale yellow, stippled grey, red on the sunny side, streaked and stained light russet, especially at the two ends. The flesh is fairly white, gritty at the core. A very good fruit, ripening November. The tree is of normal vigour on the Pear, weak on the Quince. It is fertile and bears early. This variety is suitable for small forms. NoTAiRE Sepin. — Originally obtained by M' Rollet at Villefranehe (Rhone) about 1S60. It is a large Pe.ar, varying in form and size, sometimex Bon Chretien shape. The stalk is stout, swelling generally near the fruit, set somewhat obliquely or straight in a crease or a more or less marked FoNDANTE FouGERE.— Obtained by M. Foug^re \ cavity. The eye is small, closed or half closed. at St. Priest (Isfere) in 1878 from a sowing made in 1871, brought out in 1887. It is of fair size, a medium and wrinkled cavity. The skin is slightly rough, yellow, stippled red, mottled and 306 THE GARDEK [October 14, 1899, streaked russet. The flesh is white, gritty at the core, very juicy, and aromatic. It is very variable in quality, and ripens in January to April. The tree is vigorous and fertile. This tree is suitable for all forms on the Quince, but grows too freely on the Pear to fruit early. Peach Princess of "Wales.— As I have in the past frequently complained of the want of quality in this strikingly handsome Peach, I think it only right to say that this season it has been much better. There is less of the woolly fleshed fruit this year than usual, and it has been much liked in the dining-room. My experience of it leads me to think that it requires a good position and should not be allowed to bear too heavily. The fruit should not be allowed to hang until dead Stove and Greenhouse. AZALEAS. Azaleas, with fair treatment and reasonable attention to their well-being, never fail to do well and to outlii'S the greater portion of other hard-wooded kinds grown in pots ; in fact, Azaleas are amongst the longest lived of the various tribes of greenhouse plants. In proof of this I may instance several large collections that are in the hands of some of the market growers near London, many of the specimens in which are known to be fifty years old. They consist mostly of the old white indica alba and Fielder's White, which is only slightly different year. As soon as all the flowers are cut, the plants are started into growth in heat and kept there until the buds are as big and plump as large Apple pips, after which, to prevent their blooming before the flowers are wanted, the houses are either thrown open or the plants are moved to the open air. But when the latter course is followed with plants that are forced to come in early, and which are after- wards kept for six months under glass with fire- heat until the weather comes hot, it has a widely different efiect to that which follows when plants that do not bloom until the end of the winter or in spring are put out either as soon as they are well out of bloom or whilst the young wood and leaves are both soft, and Azalea Mrs. Turner; flowers pink, with white margin. ripe, but be pulled when just a little force has to be used, or the flavour will be spoiled. — H. R. Apple Beauty of Bath Anyone thinking of planting Apples to come in early in the season may with advantage add this to his list, for it is of good quality for an early kind. Being very firm, it will doubtless bear travelling better than Duchess of Oldenburg, Lady Sudeley, and others of that ilk, while its appearance is all in its favour for market work. The tree is a vigorous, healthy grower, and apparently does well under various forms of training. In a heavy, cold soil it thrives well and the fruit puts on a good colour, which is more than can be said of many kinds. from the original sort. The plants in question are as full of vigour as it is possible for them ever to have been. They make shoots from 8 inches to 15 inches in length annually, only a small percentage of which fail to flower. The whole of the flowers are cut with from 4 inches to 6 inches of wood attached. The plants are models of skilful cultivation ; many of them run from 7 feet in height to 9 feet or 10 feet in diameter, though they are subjected to hard forcing, every year coming into bloom at the beginning of November and onward up to the commencement of the following the ripening process has not commenced. Yet this is the way that in nine cases out of ten Azaleas are treated. The outcome of this bar- barous exposure of plants that have flowered at the end of winter or in spring, when, to do justice to them, all the time that intervenes between their going out of bloom and the close of summer they should be in a genial growing temperature under glass, is that Azaleas are, as a rule, the most unhappy-looking things to be seen in most gardens. One of the results of thus turning out the plants directly the danger from frost is over or soon after is that they October 14, 1899. THE GARDEN. 307 never attain the size they should, although the annual growth is not sufficient to admit of much in the way of cutting, unless the flowers are taken oft' with a scrap of wood that makes them all but useless. Another source of weakness that Azaleas, in common with most other hard-wooded plants, suffer from is want of sufficient nutriment. In the case of pot plants of the numerous kinds that bear partial shaking out and repotting annually, the old material which has become exhausted is to a great extent got rid of and its place supplied by new. With Azaleas and other things of a like description, the nature of which is such that they will not submit to be treated in this way, the roots remain for years in the same soil, and unless some- thing is done to make up for what the roots extract from it, the whole becomes so poor that the plants cannot do more than exist in it. This especially is what takes place with old specimens that, after being put into po*^s as large as it is convenient to give them, shortly become dependent on what they receive in the shape of manure in some form. That old Azaleas can be kept for any length of time full of strength and vigour I have proved with specimens that have remained undisturbed in the same soil for ten years, and at the end of that time they made as much wood as when they were young. It may be well here to say that peat of even the best quality is not rich enough to enable Azaleas to make the growth they should do. The assistance that is re- quired in this way to either get young Azaleas on quickly or to keep up the vigour of old plants is much more than seems to be generally supposed. When ordinary manure-water is used for old specimens it should be given once a week during the time the plants are making their growth, and up to the time the wood is approaching a hard, mature condition and the buds are prominent. After this stage has been reached it is doubtful if manure in any shape does not do more harm than good. Grower. Scliubertia gfraadiflora. — This plant, noted by " C." on p. 265, has now been in cultivation ten or a dozen years and was more popular eight years ago than now. I think one reason why it lost favour was the rather unpleasant scent of the flower which "C." mentions, and again the brownish tinge about the blossoms and the ram- bling habit are against it. But many have given up Its culture because of its liability to insect pests, and especially mealy bug a way of begging the question that ought to commend itself to few gardeners, for if a plant has sufficient beauty to make it worth growing it is certainly worth keep- ing clean. I was always rather attracted by it. I like the wild and free manner of its growth and flowering, and it started clean in a moist atmo- sphere, I had no more trouble in keepmg it clean than I had with the rough-leaved Dipladenias of the amabilis section. Still, it is some years now since I saw it in anything like good condition, though it is often to ba seen in the form of a half- starved plant in many stove collections. Possibly " C." will be better acquainted with Physianthus (Schubertia) graveolens, and S. grandiHora is a very near relative. It should be allowed to have its head in a sunny, hot and moist house and be well fed at the roots when in active growth. — H. R. This stove climber, alluded to on p. 265, has been grown extensively for the last ten years or thereabouts. At one time it was spoken of as a formidable rival to the Stephanotis, but the un- plesisant smell of the blossoms and the still more disagreeable odour of the leaves if they are rubbed have tended to curtail its popularity. It both grows and flowers freely, while cuttings of the young shoots taken in the spring, put into pots of sandy soil, and kept close and shaded soon root. lb is a native of Brazil and was introduced in 1835, but was apparently lost, or nearly so, till 1886, when Mr. Bartholomew, Park House, Read- ing, received seeds of it from a friend in the Argentine Republic. The plants obtained there- from flowered freely, and a first-class certiflcate was awarded it by the Royal Horticultural Society on September 13, 1887. Though usually spoken of as Schubertia grandiflora, it is often met with under the name of S. graveolens, while our botanical authorities include it in the genus Phy- sianthus, with the specific name of P. graveolens. The nearly hardy P. albens is related to this, the flowers being much in the same way, but not so large. — T^ Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The meeting on Tuesday last was a very instruc- tive and interesting one, illustrative of the season in more ways than one. The most notable, as it was also the most extensive, exhibit was that of the Michaelmas Daisies from Trent Park, Barnet, which were thoroughly representative of this fine class of autumnal flowers. The staging, too, was in good taste, reBecting as it did on the whole the greatest credit upon Mr. Lees. Of autumn tints there were several examples to be seen in the cut specimens from Coombs Wood, also of berry-bear- ing subjects. In both instances these were com- posed of either rare or seldom seen plants. Fruit, too, was well represented, a splendid collection coming from Barham Court and another from Hayes Place. Potatoes, too, were contributed, beautiful samples to the eye, with shapely tubers and clear skins (too clear, in fact, for the liking of many). A capital lot of early Chrysanthe- mums was likewise on view from Earlswood ; the majority of these staged in masses, with buds and foliage as grown, being far and away more attractive than formally set up flowers ; a few large blooms, too, were included, but these did not comply with the regulations of the floral com- mittee, being supported with wires around the base of the florets. A good group of decorative plants came from Edmonton, and a capital selec- tion of London shrubs from Tulse Hill, with Nerines and other seasonable things from High- gate and cut flowers (hardy) from Thames Ditton. Orchids were not present in any quantity, owing no doubt to the state of the weather. The lecture on insect pests should be looked for in the next issue of the Journal, it beiog a subject full of interest and instruction to gardeners. Orchid Committee. Awards of merit were adjudged to the follow- ing : — Cattleya Dowiana aurea (Little's variety). — This is a beautiful form, showing more of the characteristics of the Costa Rica forms of C. Dowiana than most of the varieties of the so- called C. aurea. The sepals, of fine form and substance, are deep yellow ; the petals heavily fringed on the margin, deep yellow, with a few purple streaks at the base. The lip is rich crim- son purple around the margin, suffused and veined with deep orange-yellow, the whole of the centre suS'used with a distinct bronzy purple. A cut flower came from the collection of Mr. H. Little, The Barons, Twickenham. OuONTOGLOSSU51 CRISI'UM DAPHNE. — In this, though somewhat starry in shape, the sepals are white, with a distinct blotch of violet-purple almost wholly covering the centre. The petals are white, with two or three purple spots ; the lip white in front and around the fringed mar- gin, the whole of the centre covered with a bright blotch of brown. This distinct and pretty form has many of the characteristics of 0. Wilckeanum, and may ultimately have to be classed as a variety of that hybrid. From Mr. W. Thompson, Stone, Stafford. Odontoiilossum graxde Pitteanom.— This is the yellow variety of 0. grande, in which the brown markings of the typical form are replaced by deep yellow. The sepals are greenish yellow, barred with deeper yellow markings, the top half of the petals pale jellow, the base deep yellow. The broad lip is pure white, with some bands of yellow at the base. The plant carried a three- flowered raceme. From Mr. H. T. Pitt, Rosslyn, Stamford Hill, N. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons sent two small plants of Cattleya Minerva, each bearing a three- flowered raceme. The colours of C. Loddigesi, one of the parents, are most pronounced in the oS'spring, while the shape is more like that of C. Bowringiana, the other parent. Messrs. H. Low and Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, sent Cattleya Mantini, C. Gaskelliana alba, a fine form of Lselia pumila, an exceptionally dark variety of Cym- bidium Traceyanum with a raceme of eight flowers, and tl e rare Cypripedium Olivia with its two parents, C. niveum and C. tonsum. Messrs. F. Sander and Co. sent six finely flowered plants of Stenoglottis longifolia and a plant of Bulbophyllum grandiflorum with three flowers and buds. Mr. J. Bradshaw, Southgate, was awarded a silver Banksian medal for a choice, but small group, in which was a fine plant and variety of Cattleya Maroni, the sepals and petals rich bronzy yellow, the lip yellow, suS'used with purple and veined with a darker shade of purple. The side lobes are of a distinct shade of rose on a yellow ground, the base deep orange with some brown markings. C. Mantini had two racemes of seven flowers each. In this the sepals and petals are deep rose, of good form and substance, the lip rich crimson-purple in front, suS'used and veined with yellow on the disc, the side lobes rosy purple with some indistinct yellow Unes at the base. Some good forms of C. labiata, Odontoglossum crispum, and a plant carrying a three flowered raceme of unusually large flowers of Cycnoches chlorochilon were also included. Mr. W. Thomp- son sent Odontoglossum crispum Queen Empress, a beautiful variety, white, with a deep rose suf- fusion. The plant carried a ten-flowered raceme. 0. c. Kat:e is a starry form, white, covered with numerous purple spots. Mr. H. Little sent a spike cut from the certificated plant of Cattleya Mantini nobilior. This is superior in every respect to the forms generally distributed under this name. The sepals and petals are larger and of an intense crimson, the lip deep crimson- purple, the disc in the centre deep orange on a brownish ground, the golden lines also most promi- nent. The side lobes are of the same colour as the sepals and petals, with a few whitish lines at the base. There were seven flowers on the raceme exhibited. A pretty form of Cattleya granulosa var. Schofieldiana was sent from the same collection. Mr. H. T. Pitt sent the distinct Bulbophyllum grandiflorum, in which the large dorsal sepal is green, suff'used with brown, and spotted with white. The lower sepals are green, slightly suffused with brown, each about 3 inches in length. The pretty Saccolabium Calceolus, the flowers yellow, thickly covered with miniature bright reddish brown spots, came from the same collection. Mr. De B. Crawshay sent a pretty form of Cattleya Hardyana, the segments being unusually light. L.-eUa pumila Lionel Crawshay is an exceptionally large-flowered variety of the typical form. Mr. F. Hardy, Tyntesfield, Ashton- on- Mersey, sent a dark form of La'lia Euterpe and Sophro - Cattleya Hardyana, in which the sepals and petals are scarlet as in the Sophronitis parent, the lip also scarlet, shading to yellow through the throat. Floral Committee. The following received the award of merit : — Aster Novi-Belgii Robert Parker nanus. — Very few indeed are there who do not know the Michaelmas Daisy Robert Parker, and the point of difi'erence here is the exceeding dwarfness, the plant being about IS inches high. The value is not wholly in this, for cjuite half of this is flowering material, for as seen it is much superior in this respect to the old form, and, the colour being of the palest blue, is very pleasing and effective. From Mr. F. A. Bevan, Trent Park, Barnet (gardener, Mr. W. H. Lees). 9.08 THE GARDEN. [October 14, 1899. Aster Amellus Distinction — This is a very good name for the mcs; distmCj breals in the Amelhis group we have jet ^etn. The typical kind is a free seeder and the seedlings vary greatly, though a large number are not of much value. This one, however, is distinct, the light mauve blue flowers very pleasing, and the ray florets being quite flat, the variety is seen to advantage. There is a warmth of tone in this not usually seen. From ilr. F. A. Bavan. There was a considerable falling off at this meeting compared with some previous ones, yet much useful material was in evidence. One of the most interesting was a group of flowering and fruiting shrubs, thovrn doubtless with a view to demonstrate the autumn character of these things, which is of course most important. Some of the more effective of this interesting group, which came from the Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, were Oxydendron (Andromeda) arboreum, the foli- age a brilliant red, and with the bunches of fruit very pretty in effect ; C.irjamicrocaipa, of golden hue ; Rhus glabra laciniata, Cratajgu.s Pyracantba Lielandi, rich with scarlet berries ; Acer japoci- cum microphjUum, A. j. laciniatum, Euonymus europ:eus fructualbo, very distinct ; Koelreuteria japonica, Styrax japonica, full of small almost Acorn-like flo sftrs : one or two forms of Cornus, Cierodendion trichotomum. Ampelopsis tricus- pidata, very pretty, and a charming lot of fruiting sprays of tie best hybrid Sweet Briers. These last alone would form a pretty colony at this season by reason of their richly coloured fruits. The same firm also had a semi circular group of Chrysanthemums, of which Mme. Gustavo Henry, white, very broad and with finely quilled florets ; Louise, r'uro white Japanese incurved ; Little Nell, white, but a singularly flat, uninteresting kind ; Emily Silsbury, pure white ; Eastman Bell, crimson and gold ; lilons, A. da Lacvivier, golden orange, being some of the bast. The group was surrounded by Ferns and backed with a few Palms. A set of the hybrid Rhododendrons between jivanico and jvsminoide- was also shown. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Of more than passing interest was a group of Roses from Messrs. Paul and Son, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. Here the chief interest centred in the fruiting sprays of various kinds that were set up in goodly numbers. Of these may be mentioned Rosa pulverulenta, R. macrophylla, with distinctly long and very spiny fruits; the true old York and Lincaster, R. alba, a very glossy fruit, usually borne in threes; R caroliniana quite distinct in its red stems and small frui's ; R. pomifera, rich rrim>on-maicon-coIouied fruits; R. lucidfl, R 1. Virid, the former having foliage of a d.irk coppery bronze and the latter of a red hue : R. pimpinellifolia, very dark crimson fruits amid miniature leaves ; and R. bJanda, of a light coral red hue. From these it will be seen how greatly varied these thinjis are, and if grouped thinly with this in view tto pLnis would prove very pleasing and relieve much of the more sombre (i'.ts cf the garden at such a season as the present Some very pretty and acceptable blooms in the same group were Maman Gochet, G. Nabonnand, very lovely for S) late a date; Paul Neyron, Mrs. Grant, the pretty China Mme. G. Resal, La France, White Maman Cochet, Ma Capucine, &;. (silver Flora medal). Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. had a small group of Statices in flower, and Messrs. Sander and Co , St. Albans, had a batch of Dracaena Sanderiana var. viridis, a green leaved form of that well- known and useful kind. A large group of flower- ing and fine - foliaged [.lanls was set up by Messrs. VVm. Cutbush and Sons, Highgate, such things as Erica gracilis, E. cafli'ra (white). Aralla Veitchi, A.gracillima, and A. elegantissima being shown in groups. Skimmias in fruit and the small Otaheite Orange were also noted in considerable quantity. In the centre, Nerine Fothergilli major was very brilliant. A good deep rose Carnation (Malmaison var.) was named Lady Ulric, but the blooms are very small as shown (silver Banksian medal). Mr. H. B May, Lower Edmonton, had a very pretty mixed group, in which Salvias and Bouvardias played an important part. The Salvia was S splendens grandiflora, and very brilliant were some medium sized plants. The Bouvardias included such excellent kinds as candidiesima, alba odorata, Vulcan (scarlet), and Vreelandi, all in compact and neat examples. Varie- gated Ophiopog.nns in flower, variegated Hy- drangeas, and Eulallas disposed here and there were very helpful, while Asparagus Sprengeri and A. plumosus var , with small Palms, gave a background. As a groundwork to the whole some very choice and well- grown Ferns were employed (silver Banksian medal). A fine lot of early Chrysanthemums was that from Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood, Redhill, the flowers cut in long sensible sprays with abundance of buds affording every possible opportunity of arriving at the full worth of these things ; otherwise it was a collection of kinds with no material effort at effective grouping, but rather aiming at the proper disposal of the various colours. One of the finest undoubtedly is .Jules Mary, a capital crimson. Chas. Joly, deep roge-pink ; Mme. Zephyr Lionnet, bronze orange ; A. Beeret, chest- nut-rtd, with gold reveise ; Market White, Mme. E. Lefort, a golden-bronze of the larger pompon class ; M. G. Meunier, red-amaranth ; Nellie Brown, De la Guille, apricot, very free and beautiful; Edmund Duval, white; Coral Queen, and a variety of pompon kinds were also in- cluded. Mrs. Hawkins Improved is as shown a good coloured, free growing sort. The variety possesses the growth and general freedom of Mr. G. Wermig, and is practically an improved form of this rather than of Mrs. Hawkins (silver-gilt Banksian). Messrs. Peed and Sons, Roupell Park, Norwood, had a group of evergreen and variegated shrubs intermingled with Ivies and such things. The various Ivies, both tree and climbing varieties, were numerous, and of these such as Regneriana, maculita major, Cavendishi, and Silver Queen were prominent. These with HoUies in variety, Aucuba-*, Laurels, Osman- thuses, Cotoneasters, Veronicas, and such like made up the remainder of a group of very useful winter town plants (silver Bank-ian medal). Messr.-s. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, had one of their usually varied exhibits of hardy things, in which Michaelmas Daisies were prominent. These, however, were so numerously represented that a few onlyi must suffice. Of hi'fis kinds, Arcturus and Cdlliope are good ; of Novie-Anglia-, J. F. Ray nor is a fine red, though scarcely sur- passing t he old N. - A. ruber for effect. The pretty and fra:l turbintUus, several kinds of cordifolius, and Novi-Belgii densus were also shown. Caryo- pteris mastacanthus, in pots that revealed its worth, is a desirable plant. Anemone jiponica rubra, Physalis Franchetti, Kniphofia Pfitzeri, K. corallina, K. hjbrida nana remontant, a bright coloured and compact growing plant, were also included. Linaria alpina, Anthemis Aizoon, Cro- cus speciosus, and the pieity red and white Cycla- men hederafolium vars. weie also noted. Mr. W.J. Empson showed an early flowering Chrysanthe- mum named Mrs Empson. It is a pretty kind and dwarf. MiLhatlmas Daisies from Miss E Armitage, Ridior, Ross, Herefordshire, were in several kinds, but hardly in condition to deter- mine their lri:o worth. A very pale blue and and her of rich deep violet-blue appeared showy, but r<<|iire to be grown in comparison with good kiiics. Gypsoplila paniculata elegans is also much in the same way, but comes too late in the season for its merits to be seen. A very extensive arrangement of Michaelmas Daisies came from Mr. F. A. Bevan, Trent Park, New Barnet (Mr. W. H. Lees, gardenei )• The group extended more than half way down one side of tho hall and contained many of the leading sorts. One or two are noted already in tho awards, while Maiden's Blush, Hh feet, rose-purple, a warm tone of colour; Beatrice, 4 feet, white, in good panicles; N.-B. Harpur Crewe, white ; Versicolor Themis, 5 feet ; N.-B. densus, dj feet, good blue ; N.-A. rub(r; Newry Seedling, very pale blue; l.ivis Chapmai.i ; ericnides, the latter very beautiful ; Robert Parker, ii feet ; several forms of Amellus ; Snowflake, very tall ; St. Brigid, a good white, and sibiricus, only 1 foot high, were also shown. A. sibiricus may best be described as a dwarf and very late actis. Curiously enough, while much attention is apparently being devoted to the Amellus varieties, of which several were in this group, the true A. bessarabicus is now rarely seen even in large and would-be representative collections of these things. It is, however, well worth growing, but too often is confused with and seedlings of Amellus supplied for it. A silver- gilt Flora medal was awarded this fine group. Fruit Conunittee. A first-class certificate was given to — Apple T. A. Knight, which had previously received an award of merit. By consent of the committee the name was allowed to be changed to Charles Ross. From Mr. C. Ross, Welford Park, Newbury. An award of merit was given to — Pe.\r Mar(:u£kite M.\rill.4t. — This is net unlike Duchesse d'Angouleme in form. The flesh is soft and sweat, with much of the average character of Pitmaston. From Mr. Woodward, gardener to Mr. Roger Leigh, Barham Court, Maidstone. A ba-ket of eight handsome oval and rich yellow Melons came from Mr. Beswick, Walton- on-Thames. These were the result of crossing Sutton's Scarlet with a seedling. The fruits gave scarlet flesh, but with rather hard rind ; flavour was fair, but generally the fruits were unripa. Asked to be seen again. Mr. H. Glover, Orwell Lodge, Wigan, sent as new an Apple that closely resembled a small Beauty of Kent. Mr. Hussey, Walton-on-Thames, sent an Apple that was like Early Julien, but of less excellence. Mr. Owen Thomas, gardener to Her Majesty, sent from the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, a quantity of fruits of Tomato Epicure and plants showing fruiting pro- perties. The fruits are smallish, round, handsome and very richly coloured, but when tasted did not give satisfaction. In form the variety bears some resemblance to Abundance. Mr. Empson, gar- dener to the Honourable Mrs. Wingfield, Ampt- hill, Bedfordshire, sent Melon Beauty of Ampt- hill, with white flesh, but devoid of flavour. Mr. G. Wythes, Syon House Gardens, had two seedling Melons, rather small, but handsome One named the Duchess had very pale scarlet flesh, the other white flesh, and named Syon Queen. Messrs. Laing and Sons, Forest Hill, sent Apple Dyke's Seedling, but it had no merit ; also a medium-sized very white skinned Pear, Seneca, the flesh of which was entirely devoid of flavour. Mr. Woodward sent Pears enclosed in the new cloister or celluloid protectors, but they did not meet with any special approval ; generally muslin bags are preferable. Mr. Balderson, Hemel Hempstead, showed branches of Superla- tive Raspberry from summer growths fruiting freely. It was remarked that this autumn fruit- ing was common on this variety. Mr. C. Blick, gardener to Mr. Martin R. Smith, Hayes, Kent, sent a collection of thirty-six dishes of fruit. In this there were superb Pitmaston, Uvedale's St. Germain, President Brouard, Doyennti da Comico, Marguerite Marillat, Durondeau, Sou- venir du Congres, and very handsome BeurriS Hardy, Marie Louise, Beurr§ Superfio, Fon- dante d'Automne, and Doyenne Boussoch. A silver - gilt Banksian medal was awarded. Mr. Woodward staged a grand collection of Apples and Pears, having some sixty dishes of the former and fifty of the latter. Not a few of the samples, whilst superb in size, showed the effects of the hailstorm which did so much injury to the fruit at Barham Court some weeks since. Of Apples, very fine were W.arner's King, Peasgood's Non- such, Mere de Menage, Lady Henniker, Stone's Pippin, New Hawthornden, Tyler's Kernel, Cox's Orange, Scarlet Nonpareil, Calville Rouge, Cornish Aromatic, St. Edmunds Pippin, Ribston, and Washington. Fine Pears were I)oyenn6 du Comice, Pitmaston, Doyenne' de Merode, Duron- deau, Fondante d'Automne, Gansel's Bergamot, October 14, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 309 Passe Crassaoe, and Emile d'Heyst. A silver- gilt Knightinn medal was awarded. Mr. W. H. Lees, gardener to Mr. F. A. Bevan, New Barnet, staged a fine collection of fifty dishes of Apples and twenty of Pears. Thesa were dressed with coloured foliage with nice effect. Finest of the Apples were Peasgood's Nonsuch, Bramley's, Warner's K'ng, Newton Wonder, Round Winter Nonsuch, (Jrange's Winter Pearmain, and Cellini Pippin, whilst there were of eating varieties, good Ribston, Cjx's, King, and other Pippins, Lord Burleigh, Rojemary Fusset, and Fearn's Pippin. (Jjod Pears were Doyenne du Cornice, Baurn- Diel, Beurr.^ Hirdy, Doyennfe Boussoch, Mrs. J. Lewis, a splendid October white ; Emily Silsbury, and Mile. Louise Brofsillion, a flower of great promise. Second honours fell to Mr. J. Fulford, gardener to Mr. F. D. Lambert, J.P., Moor Hall, Cookham, whose stand contained smaller and less even blooms, Mrs. J. Lewis^ Lady Phillips, and Dorothy Seward representing the best flowers in this instance. In the class for twelve blooms Japanese, distinct, Mr. M. Gleeson, gardener to Mr. A. Von Andre, The Warren House Gardens, Sfcanmore, N.W., ttood out distinctly from all others with flowers of splendid quality, M. Chenon de Leche, Mutual Friend, Henry Weeks, .T. Brooks, and crimson flowers in association with Croton leaves, Ferns, Asparagus, and autumn-tinted foliage, and was awarded first prize. Second honours fell to Mr-'. W. Green, Jun., Harold Wood, Essex, who had rather large epergnes arranged with yellow Japanese and pompon Chrjsanthemums and suitable folii The Durondeau.and Mane Loui.'e. A silver Kuightian and Australie being er|ual to those usually exhi medal was granted to this coiled ion. Mr. J. | bited a month later. Mr. J. Brooks, with smallei Key Allen, bittcrne Park, Southampton, showed i blooms, but in a pleasing variety of colour. ten dishes of Apples, Warners King being very fine. A bronze medal was awarded. Mr. R. W. Green, of Wisbech, had a co'lection of Potatoes in fifty dishes, all very clean, handsome samples. Very good were Up-to date, Maincrop, Ring- leader, Snowdrop, Satisfaction, Reading Russet, and Beauty of Hebron (silver Knightian medal). NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. October 10, 11, 12. The exhibition opened on Tuesday last at .the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, was one of the best of the kind held in October. Twenty-three classes were provided for Chrysanthemums, and cured second place. Pride of Madford, Werther, base of the epergnes was, however, somewhat formal and cumbersome. It is a pity that the class is not clearly defined, and the executive should see that either stands or epergnes -one or the other— should be asked for, as this has proved misleading. Six competitors entered the lists for a single vase of Chrysanthemums suitable for table decoration, the vase not to exceed 18 inches in height. Miss Easterbrook, The Briar.", Fawk- ham, Kent, was an easy first, arranging tweUe large, handsome Japanese blooms very h ippily in the majority of cases the competition was 'good I '^''"^'■''^ Paique, bronzy yellow, and Mile. L. Soleil d'Octobre, and Mrs. Barks, the bulT-yellow with foliage of an appropriate kind. Milano, Mr<. sport from Edith Tabor, being his best flowers. ' G. W. Palmer, and Lady Byron were the threo For tix blooms Japanese, distinct, the judges varieties used. Second prize was won liy Mr. placed Mr. W. Meredith, gardener to Mr. George ' E. H. Chitty, gardener to Mr. S. Hardy, Cholme- W ilder, Stansted Park, Emsworth, Surrey, first, | ley Lodge, Highgate. A special priza offered by his blooms being large, refined, fresh, and clean, ' Messrs. R & G. Cuthbert, New Southgate, for MrF. D. Dewar, a c'last'- white flower, and Mme. ' three vases of the new Mrs. WingfielH, early Philippe Rivoire, a good white, being the best. ' Chrysanthemum, brought out only one com- To all appearance a much better lot of blooms ' ' ■• • ■ - — secured second honours for Mr. C. Payne, gar- dener to Mr. C. J. Whittington, Elmhurst, Bickley Park, Kent, who had an exceptionally fine lot of flowers. Mrs. Coombes, a lovely soft pink, was very fine, also Mme. Gustave Henry and the exhibits of a high order of merit. "The competitive classes were supplemented by numer- ous displays not for competition, these latter embracing a variety of subjects. Chrysanthe- mums, of course, predominating. The vegetables, for prizes oflfered by the Banbury firm, made an exhibition in themselves. The attendance ap- peared to be much larger than usual. Open Classes. Ricoud. Only two competitors were forthcoming in the class for six incurved blooms, first prize being awarded to Mr. R. Jones, gardener to Mr. C. A. Smith-Bylands, Barford Hill, Warwick. These were fairly good, though some were dis- tinctly rough. Second prize went to Mr. Thomas Robinson, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence, Elsfield House, Hollingbourne, Kent. The class for six blooms Japanese, one variety only, made a wel- variation. In this case M "~ ' A „i„ .. ^- ,, ,. come variation. In this case Mr. R. Gladwell, A class attracting more than ordinary interest gardener to Mr. S. Smith, Wernden Hall, South fXl°^n1 ^r"P °' Chrysanthemums and fine- I Norwood, S.E., was placed first with large aid -f^^^it^^^f' T''"r^^-'^t '^^?^ '" a space of handsome blooms of Australie, second position dlf.P ^l . J^" "^'""S u*^ •°"'' ^^'^"^ ^°"- ' ^'"'"S secured by Mr. W. Paton, gardener to Mrs petitors the coveted position being secured by Harmsworth, Poynter's Hall, Totteridge, Herts, ^ow The ChrvTfl "^'^ ^"''^'^' W'>'*'^^"; tWs exhibitor staging large and even llooms o stow. The Chrysanthemums were represented i the true October-flowlrin by blooms of very high ([uality and in varieties of recent introduction. Each plant was on a single stem, developing one bloom only. Although arranged rather formally, this was somewhat re- lieved by the use of plants of Eulalia, &c., which would have looked better had they not been quite so prominent. Plants of Souvenir de Mme. F. Rosette, R. Hooper Pearson, and Mme. Couvat du Terrail were noticeable. ng Mme. Gustave Henry. Mr. T. L. Turk, gardener to Mr. T. Boney, Southwood House, Southwood Lane, Highgate, N., in a class for twelve bunches pompons, not less than six varieties and not more than two blooms of any one sort, was first with an excellent lot of flowers, Vesuve, Osiris, Mile. Elise Dordan, White St. Croats, Alice Butcher, and Miss Davis being very fine. There was only one competitor ,..„... o f ^ V, <• ""^ Chrysanthemums being gus, and autumn-tinted foliage. The vase of nom- 3efnl rLhL 'Tf P'*'"^ T*^^ t^^ "^« °f P°"^ f^"-" Mr. Turk was distinctly ahead of the ?!^S^^^l^^^^l°^:J^'%t°!'^'^'°'°"''^^'"^'.^'^< others, the flowers lightly and prettily arranged Xherewere no competitors Second prize was awarded to Mr. S. Foster, gar- dener to Mr. R. Nevison, Tenterden Hall, Hendon, whose prettily arranged vases of Piercy's Seed- ling (bronze) and grass were somewhat unique. made a noble group. _ in the class for four plants, bush grown, and'this IS to be regretted, as there are so many excel- lent semi-early sorts specially adapted to this method of culture. Perhaps the prizes are not liberal enough to tempt growers. The class for For six bunches pompons, Mr. A. Taylor, .5, Ver j„ . , ,, ,-. " _,, ■- —' non Terrace, East Finchley, N. , was second A not IP^J i'h. L°^'^''P''"''f'^'""^^T''^"'°""^> new class introduced this leason was for twelv^ not less than eighteen varieties and not more bunches early-flowering Chrysanthemums, in not of a variety, brought a very less than six varieties, from plants grown in the open air and not disbudded. These were set up in vases, and in most cases large, handsome The first prize was than two blooms _ _ meritorious display considering the past season'. Unfortunately, the best display was disqualified, the exhibitor staging only sixteen varieties. This was a very fine lot, and Mr. Gleeson is to be sympathised with that the error was not dis- covered earlier. First prize was consequently awarded to Mr. J. Brooks, gardener to Mr W. J. Newman, Totteridge Park, Totteridge! [ The second prize Herts. ibis exhibit contained among others' >:- .- good flowers of Pride of Madford, a useful purple- amaranth at this season ; Mme. M. Hicoud a pleasing like rase ; Soleil d'Octobre, the best' of the early yellows ; Mre. G. W. Palmer, Oceana, bunches were exhibited. awarded to Mr. W. Paton, who had' G. Wer- mig, Mme. C. I)e.»grange, Mme. Marie Masse Ivy Stark, Mrs. J. R. Pitcher, Francois Vuil- lermet, Blanche Colomb, and Harvest Home, lot from Mr. Eric F. Such! nurseryman. Maidenhead, embraced many very Jileasing colours. For three stands or epergnes there were four competitors. Miss Cole, The Vine- petitor, this being Mr. W. Howe, who staged very handsome blooms of this variety. AM.iTEfR Classes. These were in most cases poorly contested. For twelve blooms Japanese, distinct, Mr. R. Gladwell was placed first out of three competitors with a nice fresh and even lot of bloom* well staged. Simplicity, Phu;bus, Werther, Susie, Australie, and Louise were his bast flowers. Mr. W. Perrin, gardener to Mr. C. W. Richardson, Fairgreen House, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, was second. Mutual Friend and Australie being staged in excellent condition. In the class fjr "six Japanese blooms, distinct, Mr. Gladwell had neat and even flowers throughout. Mr. Perrin was again second with a nice lot of flowers. In Division B, which is confined ta bomi fide ama- teurs, the competition was very poor. First prize was secured by Mr. W. G. Prudden Clark, York Road, Hitchin, Herts, with a fairly good stand, in which more colour was badly needed, he having too many very light varieties. Mr. Martin Silsbury, Providence, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, was second of the two competitors for twelve Japanese blooms, not less than six varie- ties, the whole of the blooms being somewhat rough and of poor quality. Vegetables. For prizes offered for vegetables by Mr. Henry Deverill, Banbury, Onions as usual played an im- portant part, and although very fine, we think they were not so good as Ust season. For six Aristocrat Onions, Mr. W. Misterton, gardener to thoEarlof Camperdown, Weston House, Shipston- on-Stour, was placed first with fa-rly even speci- mens, second prize falling to Mr. William Pope, gardener to the Earl of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle, Newbury. Of six competitors for the twelve largest Ailsa Craig or Cocoa-nut Onions, Mr. J. Bowerman, gardener to Mr. C. H. Hoare, Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, was first, having large, clean bulbs, scaling in the aggregate no less than 'A\\ lbs. Second prize was won by Mr. F. L. Clatworthy, gardener to Mrs. Bradshaw, Lifton Park, Devonshire, with good, though slightly smaller and less even specimens, totalling 2
  • il dishes of Apples, Pears and Nut?. Worcester Pearmain, Tom Putt, Lady Sudeley, Lane's Prince Albert, Cox's Orange Pippin, Adams' Pearmain and Peas- good's Nonsuch were a few of the good things to be seen. Messrs. S. Spooner & Sons, Hounslow Nurseries, Middlesex, also had a large table of Apples of fine quality and of a most representa- tive character, for which a silver-gilt medal was awarded. Messrs. William Cutbush & Sons, Highgate and Barnet Nurseries, made a magnifi- cent display of Apples, embracing all the best varieties. This exhibit was noted for its quality and the high colour of many of the individual dishes of fruit. Autumnal foliage considerably enhanced the richness of the display, for which a silver-gilt medal was awarded. A similar award was made to Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmoutb, Devon, for a large table of Chrysanthemums, Carnations and perennial Asters. The exhibition Chrysanthemums were largely in evidence, embrac- ing such sorts as Reginald Godfrey, Mrs. Coombes, R. Hooper Pearson, Oceana, Autumn Glory, and a new decorative sort, Ettie Mitchell, a pretty orange-bronze flower on a beautifully dwarf habit of growth. A silver-gilt medal was also awarded to Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, for a superb display of Cactus and show and fancy Dahlias. This was a remarkable exhibit so late in the season. The blooms were typical in form, while the colour in most cases was wonderfully rich. To Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Orpington and Rothesay, a similar award was made for a large table of hardy border Chrysanthemums, embracing all the new and popular sorts. The varied character of the early-flowering sorts, together with their profuse display, was noted here. This exhibit also contained a pretty lot of blossoms of the single Cactus Dahlias. Mes.srs. H. Cannell and Sons, Swaniey, Kent, were again to the fore with a bright and attractive group of Cannas. These were admirably arranged with a fine background of Palms, &c., and a pretty edging of Ferns (silver-gilt medal). Messrs. Thos. S. Ware, Ltd., Tottenham, secured a silver medal for a grand display of Cactus Dahlias. A similar award was made to Mr. W. J. Prewett, gardener to Mr. Arthur Pearson, Frensham Place, Farnham, Surrey, for a beautiful display of Apples, Pears, and other fruits. This was a highly meritorious exhibit. A small silver medal was awarded to Mr. Henry Deverill, Banbury, for a grand bank of early Chrysanthemums, perennial Asters, &o. Aster Amellus Riverslea and A. A. Stella were much in evidence. Mr. E. Such, Maidenhead, had a similar group of cut flowers prettily set up (silver medal). A bronze medal was awarded to Miss Easterbrook, Fawk- ham, Kent, for a superbly arranged hand-basket of Michaelcas Daisies. Mr. T. Williams, Ealing, was highly commended for his rustic table deco- rations, using in this instance Michaelmas Daisies and early- flowering Chrysanthemums. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT SOCIETY. The thirteenth annual dinner of this flourishing society was held on Thursday evening, the .")fch inst., at the Holborn Restaurant, Mr. W. Y. Baker, of the Thames Bank Iron Company, pre- siding. A goodly number of friends and mem- bers sat down, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. Among those present we noticed Messrs. J. H. Veitch, G. Bunyard, W. Iceton, H. B. May, P. Kay, G. Ingram, J. Hudson, and others. After the usual loyal toasts had been duly honoured, the chairman, in proposing "Success to the United Horticultural Benefit and Provi- dent Society," called attention to the many bene- fits the members enjoyed, one being that the society was a savings' bank as well as a benefit society. He found on referring to the books that the number of members was 890, and of that number only three were now in the receipt of sick pay. Mr. Baker urged the claims of the convalescent fund, which was started some years ago in order to allow members who have been ill to go away for a change. To such the sum of 10s. weekly is Allowed for three weeks in addition to their sick pay. We think that this fund might be more taken advantage of. Mr. Baker coupled with the toast the name of iSIr. J. Hud- son, the treasurer, who in the course of his remarks stated that the handsome sum of £15,000 was now invested. The annual dinner, he said, was held in order to popularise the society, and he hoped that in a year or two the members would number 1000. He also on behalf of the society thanked the Press for the interest they had taken in the society. In referring to the honorary mem- bers he said that 96 per cent, of the receipts came from the members, the remaining 4 per cent, coming from honorary members. Mr. Thomas Winter proposed "The Honorary Members," and made a special appeal for funds to the convalescent fund. Mr. Bunyard, in respond- ing to this toast, thought that the list of honorary members should be doubled, and suggested that nurserymen should call attention to the society in their catalogues. " The Craft " was proposed by Mr. R. Dean in an excellent speech, this being responded to by Mr. Wright, of the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, who said that at the present time there was a great want of good fruit growers, he having failed to find men in no less than thirty cases. Mr. Iceton, in a few well-chosen words, proposed " The Chairman." The following contributions were received during the evening : W. Y. Baker, £!•') los. ; W. Iceton, £2 2). ; B. Mailer and Sons, £1 Is. ; N. N. Sher- wood, £5 53. ; P. Kay, £3 3i. ; J. Veitch and Sons, £3 3s. ; Thames Bank Iron Co. (employes) £1 Is. ; J. Laing and Sons, £2 2s. ; W. Marshall, £1 Is. ; A. Watkins, £1 Is. ; Messrs. Dickson, Chester, £2 23. : R. Dean, lOs. 6d. : S. T. Wright, 10s. ; T. N. Cox. £1 Is. ; G. Monro, £1 Is. ; J. George, 103. 6d. ; WiUingham Bros., Pineapple Nurseries, £1 Is., making a total of £42 IO3. The musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. Herbert Schartau, and the tables were decorated with flower and fruit kindly sent by Messrs. Cannell and Sons, H. B. May, W. Thomson and Sons, Clovenfords, .1. Veitch and Sons and others. Obituary. MR. JOHN WOOD. On September 24, Mr. John Wood, of Kirkstall, Leeds, died after an illness of a few hours, aged fifty-seven years. To all readers of The Garden his " Notes on Hardy Plants " were well known, and others than the writer would probably confess to a habit of first looking for this column. These communications not only introduced to amateurs new species suited to their collections of alpine plants, but gave valuable cultural information. He had nearly reached middle life before he took up the culture of hardy plants, which he carried on with much success. Mr. Wood's advice and influence will be missed in many gardens that will still retain the memorials of his past work. R. R. Chrysanthemums in the parka. — We are asked to state that the annual show of Chrjs.mthe- mums at Siuthwark Park is now open, and thit the houses at the Council's other parks will be ready for opening on the foUowiug dates : Finsbury Park, October \2 ; Victoria Park and Waterlow Park, October U; and Battersea Park, October 25. Pruning the Horse Chestnut.— With gr^at ioterest I read the article on the Horse Chestnut by " J. S." in The Garden of July 8, but he does not say anything about pruning old specimens. Here, with the same climate as the north of England, there are thnusacds of beautiful old Chestnuts round the town, but rather too thickly planted. To prevent them getting bad, many gardeners advise cutting them back. Others are of quite a different opinion, as tbey sly the young shoots would then get frozen and the trees would never again be effective. — Gus- TAVUS Pol, Head Qardener, Botanic Gardens, Cracow, Austiia. Lapageria rosea and L slbi. — I planted one red and one white Lapageria in a conservatory last year, same aspect, the wall looking north. The red variety is doing well and flowering abundantly, but the white one has only produced six flowers and does not flourish. I am told that it has a habit of dying away. Can anything be done to prevent this ? — SiiERiiORNE. *#* Possibly there may be something wr.mg with the drainage as regards the white variety. We have grown both forms in exactly the same position and under identical conditions, and found that on the whole the white variety was always the more vigorous and flowered more freely than the red one. It may have been a weaker plant at the start. — Ed. BOOKS RECEIVED. " The Student's Flora of New Zealand." By T. Kirk, F.L S. Eyre and Spottiswoode, Fleet Street, EC. "Annual Report of the Department of Parks." Boston. 18!)S. Ifames of fruit. — IT. Parker. — Quite impossible to name from such a poor specimen. Richmond, ! — Pears : Dark, Beuire Clairgeau ; green, Louise Boane of Jersey ; Apple Lord Suffield. 1 Names of plants. — Mrs. Blackwell. — The Poison Ivy (Rhus Toxicodendron). Alice Wilson. ' — 1, please send better specimen ; 2, Leycesteria for- mosa; 3, looks like an Ash, but should like to see 'better specimen. Whatcoynhe. — Thymetea hgu- strina (S. Europe). S. H". — Rhamnus Frangula (the Alder Buckthorn). A. K. G'lle. — 1, Euonymns latifolius (the Broad-leaved Spindle Tree) ; 2, Cra- ta;gus coccinea. — Subscriber. — Torreya californica (the so-called Californian Nutmeg). It is a rather uncom- mon plant in gardens. The fruit is of no value that we know of, but it is not injurious.— —Glawcus. — A, Fuchsia Riccartoni ; B, Fuchsia gracilis. THE GARDEN. No. 1457,— Vol. LVL] [OCTOBER 21, 1899. Orchard and Frait :— Apple Bismarck 312 Apple Hawthornden .. .. S13 Apple Tylers Kernel -- .- 311 Apples, dessert, at the Crys- tal Palace 313 Apples, shapely 313 Cherry Late Duke . .. 312 Currants on north walls .. 31-2 Damsons and Bullaces . ^ 312 Episode, sn .. . ... 312 Fig?, open-air. in Wales .. 312 Fruit, exhibiting . .. 313 Logan Berry, the, for pre- serving 313 Oidium in Vines, a cure for 312 Peach Sea Eagle .. .. 312 Peach Violette Hativa .. .. 313 Pear Clapp's Favourite . . .. 312 Pear Marie Louise , .. — 312 Pear Pitmaston .. .. 314 Pear Triompbe de Vienne .. 313 Strawberry Fillbasket . .. 312 Plum Pond"s Seedling . .. 312 Seaweed for fruit Ijorders .. 311 Strawberry Latest of All . . 313 Strawberry St. Joseph „ 313 Orchids :— Calauthe Veitchi, feeding .. 311 Cattleya bicolor 314 Tattleya labia ta autumnalis 314 Cypripedium Charlehworthi 311 Dendrobiuni nobile . . . . 311 Epidendrum Wallisi ., .. 314 Masdevallia Daviti .. .. 314 Miltonia Clowesi 314 Thuuias, rebting .. .. ... 314 FlDwar:— Castor-oil plauti 315 Daffodils - « 315 Dahlia (Cactus) Ethel - -. 317 Dahlias at the Westminster Aquarium 817 Dahlia?, new Cactus .. .. 31G Dahlias, pompon .. „ .. 3l7 Helenium nudifloruni .. . 317 Hollyhock, the, in Regent's Park Hollyhocks, tfroup of sintjUy ill lUgiint's Park . „ Lavenders, Sua .. „ .. Liatris pyenostachya _ .. Lilium rubellum 316 Pentstenious 315 Tulips, May- flowering .^ .. 316 Roses:— 315 315 316 315 Brier, Sweet, Meg Merrilies 317 Rosa moschata „ _ .. 317 Hosa iiioschata .,..« — 317 Rosa Pissardi .. .. « ., 317 Rosa serieea 317 Ro£e Alfred Colomli - .. 318 Rose Augustine Guinoisseau 318 Rose D.ii3y 318 Rose General Jaciiueminot planted out under glass . . 318 Rose Gloire des Rosomanes 3IH Rose Mme. Lambard ^. . . 318 (Illustrations in Italics.) Rosep, climbing and pillar, thinning out 318 Roses on own roots ^ .. 31 S Roses, planting .. .. *. 318 Kitchen : - Beans, climbing Butter .. 32^ Cabbages, Savoy .. -. « 320 Carrot Matchless Scarlet .. 320 Carrots, French .. .. 320 Onion Cranston's ExceUior 320 Oxalis crenata .. ^ . 320 Peas and drought _ .. _ 320 Potato British t^uoen .. _ 320 Potatoes, field 3l9 Potatoes, coal ashes for .. 320 Things, some, better omitted 320 Vegetable Marrows .. .. 320 Garden Flora:— Poppy, a garden hybrid .. 320 Week's Vork:— Fruits, outdoor, work among 321 Kitchen garden, work in the 321 Ctarysanthemnma : — Chrysanthemum Miss Alice Byron - .. 323 Ch.rysanthomum Mrs. Haw- kins 323 Chrysanthemum Soleil d'Oc- tobre .. .. „ .. .. 323 Chrysanthemums, early- flowering 322 Chrysanthemums, fed r. un- fed 323 Chrysanthemums in Peach houses 323 Destroyers :— Wasps 323 Stove and Greenhouse:— Amasonia punicea . . - - 325 Carnation Reginald Godfrey 324 Carnations, ru&t on .. _ 324 Curcuma Roscoeana _ .. 321 Hibiscus Manihot .. .. - 824 Lily, the Scarborough . . — 325 Lindenia tivalis 824 Lindcnia riralii 324 Rhododendron retusum .. 325 Room plants, choice .. .. 324 Solomon's Seal, forcing — 324 Vallota purpurea _ 325 Viburnum, forcing our native 325 Trees and Bhrabi i— Caryopteria mastacanthus. . 326 Hibiscus cfelestis 326 Majorca, old Olive ire i* at .. 326 Olive trees, old, in Majorca 326 Vitis inconstans ^ .. .. 326 Books :— " More Pot Pourri " . . - 327 "Vegetables for Exhibition and Home Supplies'" .. 328 Notes of the Week :— Anemone blanda 329 Anemone japonica elegana.. 329 Aster N.-B. densua _ .. 328 Aster N.-B. IsBvigatus ■ ■■ 328 Caryopteria mastacanthus _ Cassia corymbosa Crocus, autumn, in grass .. Crocus cancellatus .. Eucomis punctata - Helianthemum amabile fl.- pl " •• Nepenthes at Kew . * . . Physalis Franchetti .. .. Rhus Toxicodendron radi- cans Solanum melongena .. « Stenoglottis longifoUa . . . Sternbergia lutea _ Water Lilies, tropical, in the open air . . . - _ ^ Wistaria, fruiting of the .. 3-29 329 328 329 329 329 329 328 329 328 329 330 329 323 Societies :— Royal Horticultural „. .• 830 Publlo Gardens :— Metropolitan Public Gardens Association 330 Mlsoellaneous :— Carnation Mrs. G. Foster _ 330 Flower gardening, grotesque 330 Nicotiana sylvestriB „ .. 321 Peatmoss litter .. — .. 325 Plants, improving, by selec- tion . .. 319 Toad, the 318 Weather in W. Herts „ „ 3 '8 Winter, prospects for .. .. 325 Zephyranthes, white-ilowered 323 Orchard AND Fruit Garden. SEA. WEED FOR FRUIT BORDERS. Seaweeh for various garden crops is seldom used so freely as it might be, especially by those whose gardens are situated near to the coast. Many, no doubt, in the midlands would be only too pleased to lay in a store for Asparagus and Seakale plantations, but the distance entails too much outlay for seaweed to be used generally for such purposes, while others who can obtain large quantities for the mere cost of carting appear to ignore its value. What I wish to point out, however, is that seaweed can be put to other and very valuable purposes besides that mentioned above, viz., as a mulch for fruit trees. Those who have not tried seaweed in their orchards and fruit gardens would be sur- prised at the beneficial eft'ect it has on the trees, especially Apples and Pears, when, of course, it is used with care and moderation. This is particularly the case during dry seasons such as the past three. My first impression — and it was not a slight one — was gained at Bembridge, Isle of Wight, last August on land recently reclaimed from the sea. The site no doubt is well known to many of the readers of The Gaeden, but perhaps it is only a few who have visited that portion in the occupation of Mr. C. Orchard, who has converted it into a fruit, flower, and vegetable garden. The great depth of sandy soil is undoubtedly to a great extent composed of thoroughly decayed sea- weed and sand, and the way all vegetation appears to thrive in it is marvellous, more noticeable perhaps to such as myself, whose crops the last two summers were collapsing from the want of moisture in spite of the mulchings of stable litter freely applied. It occurred to me then that for light soils and for use during a very dry season seaweed would undoubtedly prove more valuable as a mulch than any other material generally used for the purpose. Apart from any manurial properties it contains, it is, like salt, moisture-holding as well as feeding, of which should whose fruit trees soils and where certainly never the value and importance not be ignored by those are growing in too porous the rainfall is light. I saw more healthy trees or better samples of Apples, though, of course, the climate and situation arc also very favour- able for their production. I should not be in favour of burying fresh seaweed near to the roots of established trees, or incorporating it with the soil in forming a new orchard or fruit gar- den, but frequent mulchings of the surface ground piecemeal are, I am sure, a safe means of stimulating growth and sustaining the trees under the trying influence of a long drought. By this means it would gi-adually find its way into the lower ground and undoubtedly improve its staple. These views were further strengthened when recently visiting the gardens at Arundel Castle. In these gardens the outdoor culture both of Peaches and Nectarines is gone in for largely, the grand walls and mild climate proving very favourable to their well-doing. Some of the borders are on rather sharp slopes, causing rain to run off freely and the work of watering thoroughly somewhat difficult. For many years Mr. Burbury resorted to heavy mulchings of stable litter, not only round the trees themselves, but also all over the borders, which are usually cropped with something dwarf, such as French Beans, &c. The effect of this was that it not only formed a harbour for sparrows and other birds, but, what was worse, woodlice, earwigs, weevils, and beetles found it a safe lurking place by day, while they made the softening fruit of Peaches and Nectarines on the walls their feeding ground at night. Many fine fruits were therefore entirely spoilt before they were ripe, and had to be used in the kitchen. No finer fruit could possibly be seen than on these walls this autumn, large, bright, and without a speck, and, what is more, each fruit ripened perfectly without any damage by the pe&ts named above. The reason for this very satisfactory result is not far to seek, a happy thought occurring to Mr. Burbury to use seaweed in the place of stable manure for mulching. Further comment on this point is perhaps needless unless it be to urge others to follow his example, as I certainly intend doing myself in future. So far I have proved that the use of seaweed is valuable in the cultivation of the different trees named above ; that being so, could it not also be employed with equal good results with Vines ? Many Vine borders have to be formed with soil far too light in composi- tion to suit the requirements of the occupants, in which case an occasional dressing of seaweed might be used with advantage, proving better than repeated mulchings of stable manure. There are other borders which, owing to the too free use of manure, have become sick of such dressings, causing the soil to become sour or uncongenial to proper root-action. A change then is certainly advisable in such cases, and I know of nothing more calculated to restore it to a sweet, healthy condition again than applying a dressing of lime with a mulching afterwards of seaweed. Seaweed, however, varies considerably, some being far too coarse and heavy for the different purposes men- tioned above, unless it has first had sufficient time for partial decomposition. Preference is given to that of a finer and lighter character, which when collected generally contains a fair amount of sand, making it more suitable in every way for use in the garden, let it be for Asparagus beds, fruit borders, or even as a plunging material for pot plants during the summer months. RiCHAJiD Parker. Goodwood. Apple Tyler's Kernel. — This handsome Apple is not sufficiently known. lb keeps well, I believe, until quite late in the season, is of very fine form and good colour, added to which its shape prevents waste. My tree of it has not yet fruited, but I have seen it in neighbouring collec- tions, and this induced me to plant it. The fruit is bright red on the side next the sun, and it has a shining appearance that should render it a valuable kind. About its flavour for eating I 312 cannot Siy, bafc it is a very free-bearer and a good cooking Apple. — H. Plum Pond's Seedling.— As a kitchen Plum this fine variety is hard to beat, but I do not think it is so well grown as formerly. There were a few dishes of it at the Palace, notably one in Mr. Mclndoe's collection that was character- istic and good, but the majority were very poor for the variety. Possibly the lateness of the date was to blame in some cases, but I have had it in the south in first-rate condition at the end of Sep- tember. The constantly growing plague of birds is all against good late fruit. — H. Pear Marie Louise.— This popular Pear more than any other I know gives fruit of good quality under poor conditions of culture. Quite recently I saw some really fine specimens growing on an old and neglected tree that one would imagine would not produce a good fruit. But this is no excuse for neglecting it, for though it may bo long-suffering, there can be no comparison between these and fruit from really well culti- vated trees. On the other hand, I have known many cases where Marie Louise with the best of care refused to thrive well, and this on soils where other Pears did so. The roots must be kept near the surface if possible and frequently mulched. — Grower. Peach. Sea Eagle.— I am inclined to place Sea Eagle at the top of the hst for cropping, quality and usefulness among the late varieties of Peaches. I rarely miss having good fruits of the above variety and of the best quality. I am aware in colder districts my high opinion of this Peach may not be shared by many, as fruits differ fo much in various soils and localities. My soil being thin and light on gravel is, of course, much warmer than heavy land. I do not think that Sea Eagle can be classed as a bad grower, as I have it on a north wall and it makes a free growth if the wood is kept thin. It also bears well, and the fruits are not much later than on a warmer aspect. Its free cropping should make it a great favourite in all gardens where late Peaches are required. — G. W. S. Strawberry Fillbasket.— Fillbasket with me promises well, being robust and bearing freely, and, what is better, the fruit is of excellent quality. It is a first-class variety to follow Royal Sovereign, and, like it, it sets quite as freely and appears to be at home in most soils. Its parents are Royal Sovereign and Latest of All. It has the cropping qualities of Royal Sovereign with the Pine-like flavour of Latest of All. Fillbasket, though not so free a grower as some, is very pro- lific, and will give large quantities of fruit from a small area. In soils where Strawberries are not always a success I do not think anyone need fear planting Fillbasket. It does not become quickly infested with insect pests, having thick leathery fohage. I have not yet grown it in pots, but should think it will be valuable for forcing for late spring supplies. — G. W. Apple Bismarck.- This Apple has now been a sufficiently long time in our gardens to prove it, and there can be no doubt as to its popularity. I have seen it doing well in diverse soils and situations. It certainly is a valuable introduction, not only for its size, colour and shape, but its free cropping qualities, as young trees bear so freely. Few varieties grown in bush form are so hand- some. This year Bismarck is one of my best croppers, though the trees are young, the soil thin and the season a most unfavourable one, owing to the drought. The trees of this variety need less pruning than some kinds, as doubtless their free-cropping prevents a gross growth. This is a great gain in small gardens, as this variety can be grown close to walks. It fruits freely in any form, bush or standard, and answers admirably grown as a cordon. — G. Cherry Late Duke.— Few fruits are more in demand than late Cherries, and the Duke section furnishes some of the best dessert fruits. Late Duke is one of the best late kinds I have grown, and though it is less sweet than some kinds if it is gathered early, it is rich and good if allowed to THE GARDEN. [October 21, 1899. hang well into August. I have gathered fruits in September. The fruits are valuable on account of their size and beautiful black colour. Of course as regards season, a great deal depends upon the aspect the trees are grown in. In the north this variety succeeds grandly on a west wall, and I have recently planted it on a high north wall. Grown thus, should the Morellos fail, it will be valuable for bottling gathered late in July. This variety if allowed to hang does not shrivel so soon as most of the dessert kinds, and it takes on a much darker colour as it ripens. It bears and grows freely. — G. W. An effective cure for oidium in Vines.— We learn from the Revue Morlko'e that to M. Uchet, a Vine grower of Chapareillau (le^re), belongs the credit of an important discovery, namely, the cure of oidium in Vines by substi- tuting oarburate of calcium for the sulphur treat- ment, which he has found ineffectual after repeated applications. The carburate was reduced to a fine powder and then sprayed upon a Vine trellis 2-20 yards in length after this had been well syringed with pure water. The immediate effect of the carburate on the water was the formation of acetylene gas, the effervescence from which rid the Vine of the oidium in a single operation. Neither burn nor check to growth was found to result, and eight days afterwards, convinced of the efficacy of his discovery, M. Uchet applied it to his other Vines with great success. — La Semaine Horticole . AN EPISODE. It was in the troublous and anxious times of the Royal Horticultural Society that Mr. John Lee — that good and amiable English gentleman whom we have not so long lost, but regret — was sitting as chairman of the fruit committee. Included amongst them was the writer of this paper. It is a long time ago, but I well re- member it as about the beginning of the hankering after the marvellous. It gained for me an ill-will which has stuck, and ic came about in this way : At a meeting at South Kensington I gave the only adverse vote to a display of large fruit, even for those days. In my opinion the fruit was too large — vulgar, if you will— to be encouraged by the Royal Horti- cultural Society as a paragon for dessert upon an clifn table for quality. Mr. William Earley, who I am glad to find is still in the land of the living, sat next to me at the committee table and expressed himself very strongly against my judgment. I suppose I must have kicked too often in this way, for I found no place upon the committee at the next election of members. Nevertheless, it did not prevent me keeping in evidence against the big things overruling when entered for prizes at South Kensington or elsewhere even to this year of grace 18'.l!l. You may therefore surmise how glad I was to read the end of your critical paragraph on p. 2H7, issue of the 7th inst. I will add, not merely for Apples, but for all other produce entered for prize-money at exhibitions. You are, too, in good company. I did not make a note of the date, but in an after-dinner speech made by the Rev. Mr. Wilks at a horticultural club dinner not very long since, he strongly commented against this preponderating influence of size. I have, too, more recently seen the subject cropping up in the pages of The Garden, and I hope it will continue to go on to assist in forcing a wedge into this big-block-produce — e'en to the splittin' o't — to allow prizes to be given on one side for medium-sized quality for the majority, and on the other for bulk for the mere minority. I consider Apples and Potatoes to come under the same category of importance in regard to our national food, the latter taking a jilace only next to wheat. A few years ago when I was assorting a batch of seedlings, our squire, Major Thoyts, happened to call to con- sult with me about some parish business. He expressed his astonishment at the size of one variety — tubers as large as a child's head and handsome withal. He remarked: "I suppose those are for seed." "No, Major," I answered, ' ' they are to be boiled for the pigs : exterminated, as being delusive, non-sustaining watery mat- ter." I do not intend to produce from my present or future — I have some valuable ex- periments now under weigh — hybridising work larger Potatoes than I have already put into commerce. The huge kinds so popular at present I consider are positively doing harm in regard to our food. In flowers, size with beauty for exhibition may be praiseworthy and can do no harm, but there is no high art, or at least public benefit, in creating by crossing large to produce larger, and by consequence inferior sustenance by merely considering a quick filling of the measure, or in fine appear- ance, to satisfy a grasping for prize-money. Agricultural shows have gained a march upon us by the extinguishing of those mountainous cattle with which they erst used to astonish the natives. However, if the monstrous must continue ivr horticulture, let quality and quan- tity contend in their separate spheres. Sulhamatead. Robt. Fenn. Pear Clapp's Favourite. — This is an excel- lent early Pear when taken at the right time, and I was surprised to see how sparsely it was repre- sented at the Crystal Palace fruit show. Only a few dishes of it were noted in the county classes, where it should certainly have carried more weight than varieties wanting another two months before they will be fit to eat or overripe samples of very early kinds. It should be left on the trees until almost fit for use, but when the samples are fairly well coloured birds soon find them out and they must be gathered. Then, of course, they need a little longer time in the fruit room. — H. Damsons and BuUaces. — Although many of the varieties of Damsons growing in a half-wild state about the hedges in different parts of the country are very inferior, yet their value to cot- tagers and others in a year of scarcity is uoques- tioned. To day I eaw two trees growing side by side — one the common white Bullace, and the other a very poor kind of Damson — and both were laden with fruit which is very useful now and right up to the end of October. The Bullace especially is improved by being exposed to a few sharp frosts. There is no doubt that these common fruits would be greatly improved if given a little attention and planted in good soil. Even as they are they are profitable, and they may with advantage be planted in hedge- rows and on waste land, which is plentiful on most estates.— H. Open-air Figs in Wales.— One of the places that have come under my notice where outdoor Figs flourish is Tredegar Park in Monmouthshire. In the gardens there there are old walls, against which Figs have been growing probably ever since the walls were erected, and rarely do they fail to carry heavy crops of fruit. One side of the gar- dener's house is clothed with a spreading Fig tree, whose only rooting medium is the soil under a hard gravelled yard. In my opinion the success j of Fig culture, so far as pruning is concerned, depends on persistent summer pinching, nipping back the young growths when they have made a few leaves, and again as fresh shoots form. By following this practice, long sappy shoots with leaves and buds thinly dispersed are prevented. — H. H. Currants on north, walls.— Just before planting begins, a reminder as to the usefulness of Currants on north walls may not be out of place. I prefer cordons — double or single — as grown thus the trees, if kept closely spurred in, are both ornamental and useful, and groa^n in October 21, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 3i3 this way space is more quickly filled. It is sur- prising how quickly the trees grow if such kinds as Reine Victoria, Raby Castle, La Versaillaise, and the white variety of the last-named with the White Dutch Cut-leaved are planted. It is im- portant to keep the trees clear of insect pests just as the fruit is colouring, green and black fly being troublesome. Syringing with soapy water, or, what is better, quassia about twice will clear the pest. There is no ditiiculty in protecting the trees grown thus. The fruit will keep sound for months after that on the bushes is over. — S. H. B. The Logan Berry for preserving. — In many gardens there has been a short crop of Strawberries— at least, in the southern parts of the country. Owing to various causes, both the Strawberry and Raspberry crops were much under the average. The new Logan Berry has borne exceedingly well. Not jet being well known, I am induced to send you a note as regards its good qualities for preserving. It is less sweet than the Raspberry or Strawberry, which is an advantage and will be appre- ciated. The fruits are borne in clusters, daiker in colour than the Raspberry, and somewhat sharp when nearly ripe, but if allowed to hang and become black they are sweet and useful for dessert. I think their value is greater for preserving, as they may be gathered less ripe and are of a delicious flavour. I find the Logan Berry fruits grandly grown on an east or north wall and treated much like the Raspberry. The plant is a strong grower, soon fruits after planting, and is not at all particular as to soil or position.— G. Wytues. EXHIBITING FRUIT. I AM obliged to " \V. S." (page 272) for his practical and kindly critique of my note on this subject, but am sorry he considers it impracticable to make our fruit exhibitions a little more tasteful. " W. S." says he is afraid I am not a fruit exhi- bitor, but in this he has not guessed correctly. Not only have I been successful with fruit collec- tions during the present season, but in one case was placed tirst in a strong local competition with a collection arranged something in the manner set forth in my note, though through lack of space I had not full scope to carry it out; well. In another case the schedule asked for six varieties of fruit in a basket. Now most people will, I think, agree with me thai half a dozen kir.ds crowded into a basket are about the most unsightly class of any, and though I had perforce to follow the schedule, I cast about for some way of making the basket attractive. I chose a large plant hamper about 4 feet across and very shallow. The rim was covered first with moss and all the centre filled up with the same material. All the fruit was carried as usual— the Grapes on boards, and Peaches, Nectarines and others packed in shallow boxes. The Grapes were taken off the boards and tied at the top of the basket to the rim, the moss being kept high there in order to show the full length of the bunches. A couple of Melons filled the centre of the basket and the rest of the fruit was dsposed around these upon the moss. Sprigs of Bryony and trailing pieces of Ampelopsis finished off the arrangement. Everything was prepared at 1 o ne, and the staging took perhaps half an hour, so the waste (?) of time is not extravagant by any means. As to the schedule difficulty, this should be very slight. Arranging for efl'ect half a dozen or a dozen distinct varieties of fruit upon a space of so many square feet is not difficult to understand, yet it would be amply sufficient, for naturally the judges would, in case of a close competition, give points to quality of each dish represented and the arrange- ment as a whole. No "uniform result," as " W. S." puts it, is needed. We have far too much uniformity in shows, and if any exhibitor by an original departure gets aheid of his fellows, all the better for him. They will copy his methods next season without a doubt, and only the disappointed e.thibitors will find any fault. Take for instance the grand groups of flowering plants that were put up at the show " W. S." mentions. Originality in conception has led by degrees from the flat sloping banks of flowers of former days to the graceful and effective displays we now see. That there is not the same scope in fruit showinggoes without saj ing, but there is am- ple room for improvement. As to the unprepared- nessof showofficials, that is another story, but one that badly needs correcting. Many a time have I had good fruit and other produce shifted from pillar to post by committee men and others totally ignorant of the trouble involved in its production, or the great risk of injury when it is pulled about. I am glad to see " W. S." calling attention to it, for it is a great evil, especially at local shows. H. This new Strawberry is a welcome addition to our list, as it can be relied upon for autumn fruit- ing. There is another mode of culture to get late fruits, and doubtless this will become popular — that is, potting up late-formed runners into small pots. These placed in cold frames near the glass will give fruit in October, and as they take up so little space they may be stood on shelves later on if needed for any special purpose, and will force freely if well rooted before placing in heat. It is surprising what quantities of fruit small plants will furnish— G. W. S. Peach Violette Hative. — Again this grand Peach has finished a remirkably heavy crop of fine, good quality fruit. The flavour is sweet and good, the growth of the tree free enough for all purposes, and it is undoubtedly one of the most, if not the most, generally useful in cultiva- tion. Always grow Violette Hative Peach was the advice of a famous fruit grower when I left him some years ago, and I have never regretted doing so.-H. R. Apple Hawthornden. — This is a useful kind well known and much grown in many parts, but in others it is seldom seen. The large juicy fruits are excellent for cooking, and many people like them for eating, while they keep much better than the Codlin types that ripen at the same time. It is one of the best kinds for restricted culture on walls or espaliers, its growth not being over-luxuriant, but it fruits much better on bush trees where the small fruit-spurs can form along the young growth. It is also one of the prettiest kinds when in flower, and is worth planting for this alone in shrubberies. — H. R. Strawberry Latest of All. — I was some- what surprised to find a writer who has been some time out of gardening decrying Latest of All Strawberry as a late variety. Few other Strawberry growers will share in that e.x parte opinion. I will aver that ninety gardeners out of every hundred who have grown it will say that Latest of All is one of the most valuable late varieties in cultivation. But no doubt it has, like all other varieties, its tastes for soils, and it does best on a retentive loam or clay. It may not be a British Queen in flavour, although much like it in appearance, but at least it will give a peck of fruit to every fruit given by the Queen, and later. Elton Pine is a good late variety where it does well, but that it does not do well everywhere is evidenced by the fact that it is now seldom grown. — A. U. Shapely Apples. — Although there were a number of instances to the contrary, I thought that as a general rule the Apples at the Crystal Palace this year were not so large, but much more shapely than last year ; more characteristic of the individual kinds. The value of the rule as to polishing the fruit was apparent, some of the dishes looking as though they had only just been gathered from the trees, the bloom being perfect. One or two of the nurserymen's collections were polished, but these presumably do not come under the society's rules. But as a whole there was much improvement. There were several dishes of Peasgood's Nonsuch and Bramley's Seedling last year that were very heavy, but the deep eyes and prominent ribs, which are certainly not characteristic of good Peasgood's at any rate, detracted greatly from their value, and the more regularly shaped specimens of this season are far better. -C.H S. Strawberry St. Joseph.— This new variety promises well for autumn supplies, and the flavour is really good when the plants have a good root- run and are well supplied with moisture. It fruits more freely if given a holding soil. As the runners that give the later crop are made whilst the plants are fruiting, it is essential to give them liberal culture. The fruits are not large, but they are produced freely, so that what is lost in size is made up in quantity, and they are well coloured, the flesh being bright red and sweet. DESSERT APPLES AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. Generally I am in entire sympathy with the criticisms in your recent report on the single dish dessert Apple classes at the Crystal Palace, especially in relation to the scanty number of prizes ofl'ered in classes for varieties that are popular, widely grown, and of the very best description. But I fear there has been in the arrangement of the schedule a certain descrip- tion of reasoning as thus : These fine varieties, Blenheim, Ribston, King, Cox's, Sturmer, and a few other Pippins are universally in cultiva- tion, and the object should be the leading to a demand for other varieties that are newer and may be but little in cultivation, thus leading to trade. On no other basis is it possible to assume that varieties, as presented at the Palace comparatively worthless, could have had the same encouragement pecuniarily offered them, only one or two dishes, and those poor, being shown, whilst of the old popular varie- ties twenty dishes or more were shown, many of the samples really first-rate. I fear, so far as another show is concerned, suggestions made may have little weight as against trade requirements, but I should like to see at least six prizes ofl'ered in all those classes that in all years bring many dishes. Then, in relation to the awards made in the Blenheim Pippin class, when I pointed out that certain very beautiful medium - sized samples had been passed over — samples that exactly represented the average size and character of this fine Apple — 1 was met with the reply that the conditions of the schedule had been strictly adhered to. That wis so, and there- fore no fault lies with the judges, but with the improper conditions imposed upon them, and which they too rigidly interpreted. Really it was odd to find that, no such conditions being imposed on but one other variety, even Cox's, Ribston, Gravenstein, King of Tomkins County, and some others had larger fruits selected for the prizes than were those of so relatively large an Apple as Blenheim Pippin. Clearly, if any variety is placed in the dessert list, fruits that are the handsomest, most oven, and mo.st representative of the \ariety should be allowed to win. Admittedly, Blenheim Pippin may be a large-fruited variety generally, but does it for one moment compare in size amongst Apples with Pitmastoii amongst Pears '. Yet with this huge Pear no limitation is im- posed on size of fruits shown. The fruits shown were all large, and, as your report saj s of Souvenir du Congres, the fruits awarded prizes were of enormous size. I am not for one instant assuming that size is a merit in dessert fruits or that quality and size go together, but a large Blenheim Pippin is always as good eat- ing as is a small one. But consistency should prevail in all the dessert classes. A. D. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.-FRUIT. Pear Tiiomthe de Vienne.— I note an award of merit lias been given to Pear TrionU'lio de Vienne. Is it usual to give this award to an old Pear ;■' I have 314 THE GARDEK [October 21, 1899. grown it since 1881, and then it was not a new Pear. Can you give me the names of Apples which bloom late. They escape the treat, and, what to me is of more consequence, the tuds are not so frequently destroyed by birds. — George May, Reading. Pear Pitmaston.— A. Ward, in giving a descrip- tion of this Pear in a recent number of The Garden, mentions that if not overcropped the fruit will aver- age half a pound in weight. I picked from one tree on a south wall on October G eighty-four fruits, which averaged a trifle over 1^ lbs., and from another tree I gathered twenty fruits, which weighed .'5G lbs. ; the largest of these weighed 2 lbs. 2 ozs., and the smallest 1 lb. 10 ozs. In 1896 I gathered some which turned the scale at 3 lbs. During the long spell of drought I gave the trees frequent waterings, which no doubt helped the fruit to get to such perfection. I find that for an October Pear there are few that will equal it for dessert.— C. M., Guernsey. This well-known Pear is of much better quality in some seasons than others, and though rather later this year, it is as a rule good. Although many Pears are better gathered early, Pitmaston, according to my experience, is better left on the trees as long as con- sistent with safety. A few of the earliest and b?st placed may require gathering befora the bulk of the crop, but most of those that drop are eaten by mag- gots and not worth considering. By the middle or end of October it will usually be ripe, and if properly developed is richly flavoured and melting. — H. Orchids. CATTLEYA LABIATA AUTUMNALIS. Though for size of the individual blooms this grand old species cannot compare with C. gigas, or for gorgeous colouring with C. aurea or C. Hardyana, there is no other Cattleya that can compare with it for general utility and freedom of flowering at a dull season. It was a fortunate thing for Orchid lovers when the re-discovery of C. labiata and the immense number of plants subsequently imported brought it within reach of all cultivators, whether their means were large or the reverse, and there is hardly a col- lection, large or small, where it is not repre- sented. This of itself is sufficient recommenda- tion for it, as, no matter how much a plant may be pushed by importers or nurserymen, unless it has sterling qualities it will not find its way as C. labiata has. A plant to do so must not only be free-flowering and useful, but it must also be fairly easily grown, and I should think that those writers who a few years back were prophesying the quick disappearance of it from our collections, owing to poor constitution, will by now have ceased croaking. Poor constitu- tion, indeed ! It needed a fairly good one, I should imagine, to remain for seventy years or so in cultivation with only a very few plants of it imported, and those at very long intervals. As a matter of fact, C. labiata has taken its place as a popular kind, just as C. Mossi;e, C. Triana;, and others have done, and it is equal to the best of them. Enter a nicely warmed house on a raw November day where 200 or so of this plant are in flower and'gauge its useful- ness from your impressions. In such a house a great variety in the colours of the flowers will be found. The species has, in fact, given several tints that so far have not appeared in any other Cattleya, as witness the charming C. 1. R. J. Measures, the little colouring in the lip of this charming albino being quite unique. The usual tint is a rosy mauve on the sepals and petals with a deeper coloured blotch on the lip. The flowering bulbs have usually a double sheath instead of the single one of C. Triana;. C. labiata autumnalis is an easily grown kind, partly because it keeps well to its proper annual routine of growth, flowering, and rest. In the Cattleya house there is usually a fairly regular temperature kept, this rising gradually in spring and falling again in autumn, no very great amount of fire-heat being maintained at any time, though the house often runs up fairly high by sun-heat in summer. This suits C. labiata exactly, ag it is usually rooting freely in spring and summer, and the cooler treatment while the plants are in flower helps to preserve the blossoms. Repotting may take place, if seen to be necessary, immediately the flowers are past, as often at this time there are young roots pushing from the base of the pseudo-bulbs, but it is best to wait until February or March if possible, and in this connection the plants should be studied individually where possible. When newly imported, the plants are often, of course, of very awkward shape, and the more these can be pulled into shape at first the better. It is wrong to bury any of the leads, and if too high out of the compost, they do not obtain the same support as do those lower down where the roots can reach it easily. Many are of a straggling habit, too— indeed, the species varies most of any I know in habit— and these require large flat baskets or pans in preference to deep pots for obvious reasons. Sometimes the pulling about a plant gets in shaping it leads to its breaking back from bare places, and a well-furnished specimen results without much trouble. No compost should be given at first, but the plants potted up in clean pot- sherds, which when the plants begin to root can be covered with a thin layer of compost. Some will do so almost directly ; others will go on growing for a long time before doing so, but it is best to wait until the roots are starting before placing in the compost. Cypripedium Charlesworthi. -There is a brightness about this pretty species that is lack- ing in many that are more rare and valuable, and though it has not, perhaps, quite come up to ex- pectations as a popular kind or as- a parent in hy bridibing, it is a very pretty species none the less and well worth a place in all collections. The usual treatment accorded to the genus suits it well ; indeed, its easy culture is one of its chief recommendations. Epidfendrum Wallisi.— Flowers of this very useful species come from a correspondent for a name, these being of a fairly good form. Few Epidendrums keep up a longer succession of flower than this, the large racemes occurring from most of the uppermost joints of the leafy stems. It is best grown in an intermediate house, where there is ample room for the long shoots. The compost may be of the usual character and the pots fairly large. It is a native of New Grenada. Masdevallia Davisi.— Orange-flowered Mas- devallias are not very common, and the beautiful rich tint seen on this fine species is therefore all the more admired. Though it has been in culti- vation over twenty years it has never become very common, but should sufficient plants of it be forthcoming, there is no doubt it would be an extremely popular plant. Its culture does not difl'er materially from that of M. Harryana and others of the showy-flowered section, it liking a cool, moist, and shady house. Resting Thunias. —Instead of placing the old plants of Thunias about in draughty, cold places in winter, it would be a good deal better to turn them quite out of their pots, shake the compost all away from the roots, and tie them up in bunches, suspending them from the roof in any out-of-the-way corner in a warm house. They require absolutely no attention from the time the leaves fall until the new growths start .at the base of the stems, and are better out of the way where they take up less room. It is dangerous to ripen them off too quickly, the plants always flowering more freely the next season when the leaves are allowed to come off slowly and natur- ally. The plants have flowered well and are now quite leafless, having stood out of doors for a month with no water but what fell in the form of rain, and the stems are very plump and hard. Feeding Calanthe Veitchi.— Those who are in the habit of feeding this Orchid as the spikes rise must be careful after this date not to do too much to it, for the roots are already beginning to lose their hold on the compost, and it is only reasonable to suppose that the plant has by now stored most of the nutriment it requires in its pseudo-bulbs. I doubt very much if feeding ever does any real good after the leaves have attained their full size, for a decided check to root-action occurs then, and unless the roots are active they cannot certainly assimilate anything in the way of manure. Clear water then only ought to be used, and only sutficient of this to keep the bulbs plump and hard, while as soon as the leaves fall even this may almost entirely be withheld. Miltonia Clowesi.— A good form of this spe- cies comes with other Orchids from a Somerset- shire correspondent. It is a useful autumn- flowering species, each bloom about 3 inches across, the sepals and petals chestnut-brown, with markings of orange-yellow, the lip violet and white in a very pretty combination. M. Clowesi likes an intermediate temperature with plenty of atmospheric and root moisture while growing, not too much in the way of compost, and a flat basket or raft. It should be kept a little on the dry side in winter, but nothing like a shrivelled condition of the pseudo bulbs must be allowed. It is a native of the Organ Moun- tains in Brazil, and first flowered in this country in 18.39. Cattleya bicolor.— This pretty and interest- ing species is in flower now in many collections, and 1 noted a fine specimen in full bloom during the week. It is an upright-growing plant with flower spikes springing from between the upper pair of leaves, each one bearing a number of flowers. The sepals and petals are of a greenish brown or olive tint, the side lobes of the lip do not enfold the column as is usual in the genus, and the front lobe is of a very pretty crimson- purple tint, sometimes with a margin of white, as in C. b. Measuresiana, sometimes with green. It thrives in the Cattleya house in fairly large pots or pans filled with a rough, open description of compost consisting of peat-fibre and Sphagnum Moss, with plenty of large rough lumps of char- coal and crocks. It should be gently excited in spring and grown as strongly as possible until it flowers, after which it rests, and may be kept a little on the dry side during the winter. — H. Dendrobium nobile is, I think, most useful and one of the easiest of cultivation, for where a number of plants are grown a succession of bloom may be kept up for six months out of the twelve. The flowers may be used in a cut state either without or with the pseudo-bulbs, in the latter case with little or no injury to the plants if strong. Plants while in flower may be utilised for conservatory or room decoration with good effect, and will continue in full beauty for a period of six or seven weeks. They can be culti- vated on blocks of Tree Fern, in baskets, pans, or pots. The var. nobile Wallichianum succeeds equally as well as the ordinary nobile, but produces longer and stronger pseudo bulbs, with finer flowers of more substance, the nodes not being so liable to turn to growths as in the ordinary variety on being placed into heat after the rest- ing period. I have some plants from three to four years old taken from offsets and made up in the baskets, pots, or blocks they flowered in. A single specimen growing in a basket 16 inches square (made of Oak strips) carried over 1000 expanded blooms, while several plants carried over 800, one being in a lOinch pot. The plants have been kept in a cool Camellia house since last September until the early part of the following May, when they were placed into a warmer temperature (giving shade from hot sun) to expand the flowers.— W. Silcock, HoUycombe Onrdens. OCTOBKB 21, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 315 Flower Garden. THE HOLLYHOCK IN REGENT'S PARK. The Hollyhock is one of those good old plants that find favour with everyone. All are familiar with its stately habit and bright flowers that make a great show for a considerable season. How varied these beautiful blossoms are ! Un- folding in early morning, what lovely tints are disclosed, vieing with the Ruse in extreme deli- cacy or in the brilliancy of their colouring, and planted in the grass in the foreground of shrub- beries and in other places. The culture of the single Hollyhock is of the simplest description. Each year seed is saved from plants of good habit with the brightest blooms in various colours. Branching plants of moderate height are desirable, for the more stems there are the greater should be the show of flowers. Seed is sown thinly in the open ground about the end of March, and when ready the seedlings are transplanted into nursery beds. They grow quickly and require but ordi- Group of single SoUyhocks in Regent's Park, ly G. A. Champion. From a photograph so daintily set midst an abundance of foliage on trusty stems that gently grow upwards until they become the giants of the flower border. When planted in large groups the efiect is excel- lent ; in smaller ones it is generally good, and is particularly so when massed at the end of a vista where colour is needed. The single- flowered variety is grown in Regent's Park, as it is considered better for decoration than the doubles. There are groups of hundreds to- gether, as well as settings of a few dozen or so nary attention for the remainder of the season, when they should be strong roots. They are perfectly hardy in most parts of England. It is to be observed that this applies to plants grown in open positions, for if crowded in nursery beds or in flower borders they do not stand severe weather. In the following spring the seedlings may be planted in theii flowering i|uarters in borders or any other place where there are prepared stations, and then they require little more than staking and tying before coming into bloom. The careful pre- paration of soil in the flower garden is equally as important as that of the vegetable or fruit garden. It is in dry seasons that good culture tells. My practice is to supply the beds and borders with stable manure, which is placed under the roots of the plants to induce them to go downwards out of the way of drought. The Hollyhock is one of those accommodating plants that submit with a good grace to unusually free treatment ; for instance, I regularly transplant them in May and June to fill vacancies after bulbs. If the operation is carefully performed they suffer very little. The plants shown in the accompanying illus- tration were removed to their flowering position at the end of May last. The Hollyhock season may be prolonged by pinching out the points of a certain number of young plants in groups or borders when the growth is about 18 inches high ; these usually break freely, and produce flowers about the time the plants not so treated go out of bloom. The method of staking is of importance ; it need only be considered as support to the plant, and should allow its natural habit to continue unchecked. In the Hollyhock the stems pro- ceed from the base and open outwards in an easy way. They should be supported in that position and not so rigidly upright as they frequently are. Under generous treatment these plants thrive for many years. As bi- ennials, finer flowers are produced ; as peren- nials, they give an excellent account of them- selves that assures them a very high place amongst the garden flowers. C. Jokdan. Castor-oilplants. — Apart from their value as fine foliaged plants in the summer and autumn the flowers of the Ricinus are now very attractive. The very deep bronzy-leaved kinds, such as Bronze King and others, do not, however, pro- duce such highly coloured blossoms as the green- leaved kinds, nor do they look so well against the leaves as all are of one colour. I have a tallgrow- ing variety with leaves of a deep metallic green, and the flower-heads of this are the brightest crimson imaginable. ■ It is a seedling from a mixed packet of seed, so I do not know the name of it, if it has one. — H. Pentstemons. — I have seldom had so good a display of these as this season, and even now (October 9) they are quite gay. Large old clumps do not produce such fine flowers as seedling plants or plants from cuttings, but it is remarkable what a long time they keep in flower. I have a large number of seedling varieties, some with flowers almost as large as Gloxinias when at their best in summer. Cuttings strike easily in a cold frame in autumn, and the resulting plants may be put out in spring. Seed may be sown at any time of the year, and either of these methods is far pre- ferable to breaking up old plants. — H. Liatris pycnostachya. — The greater number of herbaceous subjects now in bloom belong to the order Composit;e, and this is no exception thereto, but at the same time it is in general appearance so widely removed from the others in flower that at a casual glance it would not be recognised as a near relation of the Asters, Sunflowers and such things. This Liatris forms a tuft of narrow leaves from whence are pushed up spikes that reach a height of 4 feet or 5 feet. The upper half of the spikes is crowded with bright purplish rose blossoms, a decidedly uncommon tint. .Just now there is a fine tuft with numerous spikes in the rock garden at Kew, and few, if any, subjects are more admired than this. It is a native of North America, and was illustrated by a coloured plate in The G.vrden, April 8, of the present year. It thrives in dry soils better than many other sub- jects.—T. Daffodils.— The force of circumstances has allowed this year for a big planting of D.jfltodils in 316 THE GARDEN". [October 21, 1899. a situation that will show them off to the best advantage. In common with many places in the south of England where the soil is dry and light, we had this summer a slight fire in the pleasure grounds, originating from a spark from a rubbish fire. It was, fortunately, discovered before it had made much headway, and by isolating the space it gradually burnt out after damaging more or less some 800 square yards of Laurels and com- mon Rhododendrons. After getting out all the old stumps the ground was bastard-trenched, working in at the bottom of the second spit a quantity of decayed leaves. Plenty of Daffodils were available in several varieties, a lot having been removed from a border that is likely to be required for other purposes, and I have planted about 5000 or COOO of them on the fire cleared space. The site, as mentioned above, is an ideal one at the end of a long glade, where they will have the grass as a foreground and be backed and flanked by masses of Rhododendrons, the back- ground sloping gradually upwards. The front, as it was, ran in a straight line, but certain portions of the grass have been taken in to admit of some curves. — E. B. MAY-FLOWERING TULIPS. Now that the season is again with us for plant- ing nearly all kinds of bulbs, a word may be said in favour of the tall-growing Tulips, which are not met with so frequently in gardens as their beauty and usefulness deserve. There are many who are always ready to add some- thing of interest to their bulb garden or her- baceous borders, and it is in these positions the Tulips referred to find the best home, simply because they are or should not be lifted each spring the same as the dwarfer growing varieties generally used for spring bedding and window boxes. It is certainly a mistake to plant what is known as the Gesneriana and breeder Tulips in ordinary flower beds, where they have to be lifted directly they have passed out of flower to provide room for the summer occupants. They are not only not seen under the best conditions when used in this way, but what is worse, the bulbs generally are of little value the follow- ing year, owing to having been disturbed before growth was properly completed and the bulbs matured. A permanent position should always be selected for them, as the bulb garden proper, or established in the herbaceous borders, and when massed in fairly large clumps, they are unsurpassed during May for brilliancy of colour or for cutting. In planting a collection of these it is best to prepare the ground thoroughly first, as it is not desirable to disturb the bulbs afterwards. In selecting the different sites, it should be remembered that many of the varieties send up flower-stems nearly a yard high ; therefore, when planting in the mixed borders they should not be placed too near the front. It is always advisable to have the difler- ent varieties distinctly labelled ; and to properly mark the exact spot where the bulbs are situated, it is a good plan to drive in a strong stake that will stand out of the ground a few inches and which is stout enough to last for several years. Having marked the position in this way, from a dozen to thirty bulbs may be dibbled in round each stake, allowing, say, 4 inches space between each. Clumps formed in this way are easily supported to one neat stick before the tall flower-stems are fully deve- loped to prevent them being twisted about by wind, which is not convenient to accomplish when each plant is separated some distance away from its neighbour, while being massed they present a more pleasing feature. As regards varieties, the one most generally grown is undoubtedly Gesneriana and its variety major. Each has dazzling scarlet flowers, which are further set off by being backed up with some evergreen shrubs. A good com- panion to the above is retroflexa, which should certainly find a place in every garden. The flowers are of a beautiful clear yellow. When I fully developed the petals recurve most grace- fully. If my list were limited to three varieties only, I would add Picotee, though there are several others well worthy of being repre- i sented. In the three named, however, quite distinct colours are secured, as Picotee is of a ! creamy white, shaded with delicate pink, a I truly beautiful flower which is much appre- ciated for table decoration. Another important ' point connected with these Tulips is that they flower freely in the open during May and early June, when it is yet too soon to expect much variety from the open borders, and, moreover, as they travel well and last a considerable time in a cut state, a good collection would prove a i boon to most gardeners who have to supply their employers with flowers at that season miles away from their country residences. R. Parker. NEW CACTUS DAHLIAS. M.\NY new forms were exhibited at recent meet- ings ; all more or less fine as staged on wire frames. Of course, from such a way of seeing them one cannot judge exactly of their merits, because the habit of growth is known only to those who raise them. The taste now seems to be for a light arrangement of the florets, and elegant indeed some of the new sorts are. Mrs. J. J. Crowe is a light yellow, with a still lighter shade on back of each floret. This lighter tint is noticed here and there in the bloom, and does not detract from its beauty. The form is excellent. Mrs. Carter Page, a lovely shade of wine-crimson, and the flower of first-rate shape, is a very attractive variety. Uncle Tom is a very dark maroon, which is an improve- ment in formation upon other dark kinds in cul- tivation. Green's White is a capital addition ; tie best of the colour yet introduced. Eclipse is the most beautiful of yellows — so clear in colour and the shape quite perfect. The narrow florets stand out in star-like form to the centre, which is full. This vari^y may be considered the first of a new and refined type. Innovation is a fine form in which crimson and white are combined — most of the former shade. Not unlike Arachne, a sort that always creates interest, it is an improvement there- on, being larger and having a bolder look. Emperor is a large, rather heavy-looking flower of a plum- purple colour. Mrs. Saunders has flowers of a rich deep yellow, but to me it does not appear to have enough petals to make it an acquisition. Major Tuppeny is a curious variety, large, of nice form ; colour a brown tint, with a heavy shade of yellow in the centre, which makes it distinct. Zephyr is a charming sort in the way of colour, which is lilac-pink, soft and pleasing. The form of the flower did not strike one as being among the best. Elsie may be named as an especially pretty variety, primrose ground, shaded pink, with everything in the way of shape and size to recommend it. Sylph is a pretty sort, not unlike Lucius, with longer florets. The latter I fancy is the better. Whirlwind belongs to a shape of which Fantasy is the type, narrow petals, which incurve towards the centre of the bloom ; this shape is not the least charming if less showy than other forms. Lovalty is of similar shape, the colour being a brick shade of red. This is a full, handsome flower. Augustus Hare has richly formed blooms, crimson-brown, with lighter shade i on the edges of its petals. This gives it a distinct character. Ajax is a fresh-looking buff-shaded flower of the incurving Fantasy type. Decima, still another of that form, has pink and salmon shades. H. S. Sea Lavenders.— In last week's Garden is a note on a new Statice penduliflora. Is this a dis- tinct variety or only a form of latifolia ? I have been led to the query from the fact of the last named varying so much from seed, not so greatly, perhaps, in habit, but very considerably in size of panicle, colour of individual blooms, and still more in the time of flowering, this being a great advantage. Some few years ago when planting a border that was to be devoted almost entirely to autumn flowers, I selected a corner for alternate clumps of Statice latifolia and Anemone japonica, and the effect is very pleasing. Both are among the few herbaceous plants that will flourish for years in the same spot, and once planted give no further trouble except an annual winter mulch- ing. Writing of autumn plants reminds me to note wonderful displays this year of Chrysanthe- mum uliginosum, especially in low-lying situa- tions where the soil is deep and good and rather moist. Although this plant may lack, so far as its flowers are concerned, the substance of some of the best forms of C. maximum, it is from its light and graceful habit even more acceptable in a cut state. — E. B. LILIUM RUBELLUM. The notes by Mr. Peter Barr concerning this and the beautiful L. Krameri should prove valuable. It is not often that dwellers in the British Isles have the opportunity of embracing such informa- tion as Mr. Barr's letter affords. It is the more valuable because of Mr. Barr's enthusiasm in his endeavours to grow this or that Lily with success in this country. Undoubtedly, as Mr. Barr says, knowledge gathered on the spot would have had an untold value in the past, but it is none the less welcome to-day, for there are hosts of people that would devote a goodly space in their gardens did they but possess the knowledge of how best to treat the bulbs when received. The information given by Mr. Barr obviously resolves itself into one of conditions and suitable environment, and as I have so frequently in the pages of The Garden urged this very companionship of tree root and fibre in the successful culture of some of the more frail-growing Lilies, and to which Mr. Barr attaches no little value, the notes have inte- rested me greatly. Some few Lilies that come to us from Japan may, and indeed are, freely manured when planted, and this to their advan- tage. I refer to the L. speciosum group more particularly. There are others, however, to which this manure is so much poison. The stony and poor soil, which is also the poorer for the free intermingling of roots and fibres to which refer- ence is made at page 'ioS, is just the .sod I should expect to find either L. rubellum or L. Krameri succeed in. This is why I have more than once urged the planting of the latter in beds of Rhodo- dendrons or Azalea mollis as the nearest possible resemblance to a perfectly and constantly drained condition. In these or similar plantations there is not only the root condition rendered as nearly perfect as possible, but in spring again the branches afford an oft time needed protection from the late spring frosti. Nor should the fact be overlooked that some of the finest Lilium Krameri probably that have been grown in this country were grown under these very conditions of root protection by the late Mr. Macintosh in his garden of Rhododendrons at Weybridge. These plantations of Rhododendrons were mostly composed of steep banks, that alone afforded a very etScient drainage. A chief diffi- culty, of course, is in securing fresh and sound bulbs of these frail and beautiful kinds, and once this is overcome many more groups may be seen in British gardens. Mr. Barr is evidently surprised at the poorness of the soil in which he found these Lilies in such promising health, and he is deserving of .all praise for the very prompt manner in which he has given the experiences he has gained. Sooner or later this information will assuredly be of service, and when good, sound, and fresh bulbs are obtainable, the=e should be planted as nearly as possible on the hnes suggested by Mr. Barr. Those not pos- i sessing beds of Rhododendrons will be able no I doubt to form groups in places where the bulbs ; may receive the benefit and companionship of ' tree roots of some kind, or small slopes may be OCTOUER 21, 1800. THE GARDEN". 317 planted specially with suitable subjects with a view to establishingr the plants named. This reminds me also of bow well I succeeded with the more gorgeous L. auratum in a position much too dry for most things, but which suited this kind ex- ceedingly well. The spot was beneath the shade of a tine Beech tree and some 3(1 feet distant from the trunk. A bed was made of peat screen- ings, leaf- mould, and clayey loam, in itself of a very adhesive nature, to obviate which a very liberal addition of road sweepings was given. Azalea mollis and Daphne Cneorum were the chief plants, the bulbs of the Lilies being planted around these things and not in the ordinary way of grouping them. The Lilies were quite a suc- cess, and permanently so, as they remained for nearly ten years without disturbance. Mr. Barr has also referred to Lilium rubellum as a pot plant, in which state it may be said to have made its di'but in this country, having been thus grown and exhibited at the Temple show about eighteen months ago. It is worth stating, too, that it is an early Lily naturally, bo that those growing it in pots will have no occasion to force it unduly ; rather should forcing be left out of the question, and the flowering be brought about in the more congenial temperature of the greenhouse. — E. Jenkins. This charming Lily is the most recently introduced, and without exception the most beautiful of Japanese Lilies for pots. During the last two years it has been sent to the European and American markets in large quantities, but, unfortunately for the shippers, at a considerable pecuniary loss, through their not sufficiently ap- preciating the requirements for the packing of the bulb. The buyers, on the other hand, have not been successful in their cultivation. The blame for this is due to the exporters not giving their clients a description of the conditions which surround this Lily in its native habitat. It grows in the northern part of Japan, and is therefore quite hardy. It is found in Pine forests with a dense undergrowth of Bamboo, &c., the soil being dry and poor. It follows that success is likely to attend its culture only by keeping the above information in mind. It is therefore sug- gested that a poor, stony loam be used, with 2 inches of drainage and three bulbs to a 5-inch pot, keeping the soil slightly moist. Over- watering is sure to be disastrous. The pots should be kept in the shade, but not such as would naturally draw the plants. The Lily at- tains a height of 1 foot, and is compact and sturdy in growth. This character should be maintained. It may safely be said of this pretty Lily, which blooms in April or earlier, that it will prove to be the gem of the greenhouse, conserva- tory, or sitting-room. In Yokohama, out of doors, it flowers at the end of April and beginning of May. It should be grown on a raised bed of poor, dry soil and out of the sun's rays, or plant on a dry bank facing east or north. We in Yokohama grow it under deciduous shrubs close into the roots, where the condition of dryness is natural and protection is secured from the sun's rays. L. Krameri grows in the south of Japan under the same conditions as L. rubellum. It flowers one month later, requires the same cul- tural treatment, and attains a height of 3 feet. — G. W. Rogers, Yokohama. Pompon Dahlias. — It is now nearly forty years since my admiration for the pretty little pompon Dahlias was first aroused, and at that period the now numerous forms of Cactus and single flowers were quite unknown. Despite the fact that formal blossoms are not admired at the present time, I think a well-flowered specimen of one of the pompon varieties a very beautiful object. The blossoms are borne well above the foliage and on good stout stalks, so that they are little aSected by the wet. True, they are lumpy and of a hard, formal outline ; still, their regular symmetrical shape is not at all displeasing. The huge blooms of the show and fancy varieties are not nearly so effective on the plant as those of their smaller relatives. Some of the pompons, too, are of remarkably bright and attractive tints, and good bushy specimens of them are hard to beat during the latter part of the summer. At the present time Cactus Dahlias hold the sway and form the subject of many notes, but the pretty little pompons are seldom referred to. — H. P. Dahlias at the Westminster Aquarium.— I have to thank Mr. J. F. Hudson for his informa- tion as to the certificates awarded to seedling Dahhas at the Aquarium Dahlia Society's show. Being, as I have said, there on the second day, not only were the flowers faded out of all recog- nition, but the gummed labels or slips originally stuck on the receptacles had fallen or disappeared, for I saw very few indeed. Now that the certi- ficate-awarding season to Cactus Dahlias is over for this year, will Mr. Hudson, as the secretary of the National Dahlia Society, kindly inform readers of The Garden how many have received such awards from the National Dahlia Society and the Royal Horticultural Society this year. I can but a lovely form ; colour light yellow, with just a tint of buff as the flowers become fully open. — H. Helenium nudiflorum. — As Mr. Burrell (p. 285) appears in favour of a shorter name for the plant originally called H. graudicephalura striatum, one can only sugi^est the adoption of the above, which is the up-to-date name and somewhat shorter than the original, which is certainly a cumbersome one. — E. H. Jenkins. Rose Garden. ROSA MOSCHATA (R. BRUNONII). Amongst all the floral beauties to be met with among the Roses, Rosa Brunonii as grown at Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow, would be hard to beat. It covers the entire roof of the old kiln- house, and in July is a wilderness of snowy blossom, spires like that in the illustration being produced at every joint on shoots 15 feet or 20 feet long, the growth of the preceding year, each raceme bearing thirty or forty flowers and buds, which are pure white, with golden stamens, and with a most delicate perfume. It is a native of Nepaul, was intro- duced in 1822, and is said to be one of the parents of the Noisette Roses of our gardens. Mr. Walpole tells me he has had the plant some ten or twelve years, and that it has never been pruned. It is now covered with great masses of richly-coloured heps. G. P. Rosa Fissardi. — This is a charming semi-double Rose, espe- cially useful for autumn flower- ing. Allied undoubtedly to the Musk Roses, its fragrant flowers are always welcome. I can re- commend the variety with every confidence, for it is so continuous in flowering, and the beautiful corymbs of blush-white blossoms produced upon erect growths make it a useful Rose for the shrubbery border, where such Roses should be located, provided they obtain sun and are not smothered, which is often the lot of many beautiful flowering shrubs. — P. Sweet Brier Meg Merrilies. — This has proved one of the best of Lord Penzance's hybrids here, the growth being strong and vigorous and the flowers of great beauty shown up well by the deep green foliage. It is the only one that has flowered the second time this year, though last season the pretty yellow and coppery Lady Penzance gave a few blossoms, think that the information will show that these Those of Meg Merrilies are of a brighter crimson awards have been rather lavishly if not loosely tint now than when opening for the first time, granted. So far as I have seen the very best have All are very hardy and sweet, and are now covered been Green's White, Major Tuppeny and Mme. with the bright red heps.— Suffolk. Medora Henson, a very true Cactus, but the Rosa sericea.— To grow this pretty Hima- general run show little or no advance on such layan species merely for its attractive wood and beautiful varieties as Mary Service, Starfish, Mag- foliage would be a sufficient inducement to many nificent, Charles Woodbridge and a few others admirers of hardy trees and shrubs ; but when we universally grown. It is high time with these know that it also produces lovely single white Rosa moscliata (R. Brunonii). From a photograpli. ly Mr. Qreenwood Pirn, Dublin. very popular flowers that a very severe standard should be set up. But if it be found that from twenty to twenty-five certificates have been awarded to new ones in one season alone, then flowers with a faint lemon tinge not unlike those of R. spinosissima altaioa, then it becomes doubly valuable. Upon young bushes the richly- coloured wood is most marked. One-year old will it be evident that only a mediocre standard bushes at the present time are sending up youn exists. — A. D. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Cactus Dahlia Ethel. — This was new a year ago, but somehow few seem to have noticed it. It is growths of quite a lovely ruby-red colour and adorned with immense black prickles. Upon the older growths this rich colour is not so brilliant, but even these are of a very interesting dull red colour. Good hard pruning of the oldest wood will compel the production of the very 318 THE GARDEK [October 21, 1899. attractive younger growths, but, of course, if a profusion of blossom is desired this must be done with judgment. — P. Hose Mme. Lambard.— The cooler days and light frosts at night have spoiled the beauty of many of the Teas, but it only seems to increase that of this lovely variety. I have a large bunch of it on my table now, and the small pointed buds, the half-opened ones, and the full-blown blossoms are all equally beautiful. Such a fine Rose so hardy and free flowering deserves to be planted in every garden, and to those who force Roses in spring its 6ne colour and the readiness with which the blossoms open under unfavourable conditions make it especially useful. Isabella Sprunt is another that opens well now, and the pretty shades of yellow in this contrast well with the reds in Mme. Lambard. — H. Rose Alfred Colomb. — This e.\cellent Rose, which ranks as one of the best light red varieties, has been exceptionally beautiful upon outdoor- grown pot plants this autumn. It is always very free in autumn and good at all times, but I do not remember seeing it so fine at this late season of the year. There is much resemblance between this Rose and Marie Baumann, but while the latter is grand when at its best, it is not nearly so reliable as Alfred Colomb. Certainly the latter does not droop — a bad fault on the part of Marie Baumann. The flower is a very double one, of globular form and high centre. It is usually cited as a typical high-centred Rose. Perhaps this variety is at its best upon maiden or one-year-old plants, but I have seen it very good upon cutbacks. Our American friends introduced a variety named Marshal P. Wilder, which they described as an improved Alfred Colomb, but our own growers are agreed that the two kinds are identical. — Philomel. Rose General Jacqueminot planted out under glass. — This old Rose still holds its own as one of the best brilliant scarlet-crimson kinds either for the garden, for exhibition, or for early cutting. Certainly the best method of growing it under glass is to plant out in good soil. The bushes then make almost incredible growth. I have seen this Rose make shoots quite 8 feet in length in one season. From such vigorous bushes one is not afraid to cut the flowers with a 2feet to 3feet stem, and as this appears to be the pre- vailing fashion, every gardener who has a great demand for brilliant Roses would do well to plant a houseful of this during the coming season. It is far better to devote one house to one kind than attempt a house of mixed varieties. A little experience will soon teach an observant man what is really the best treatment for each variety. In these days of cheap glass structures I am surprised there are so few houses erected for Roses. They need not be of a very elaborate description, and if just sufficient heat is provided to keep out frost, blooms of the first quality may be had at but very little expense. Every four or five years the bushes should be transplanted, when the soil may be enriched with some bone- meal and cow manure. As the plants grow, in- stead of coddling them, aS'ord plenty of air at first and syringe with cold water, then, if cold draughts are avoided, little or no trouble from mildew will occur. I think this trouble of mildew often deters many gardeners from growing indoor Roses, but if the bushes are planted out and an even, buoyant temperature is maintained this fungus will rarely appear. — P. Tliinningf out climbing and pillar Roses. — It is not yet too late to perform this very help- ful operation. Obviously if the plants are relieved in autumn of all the very old wood the remaining growths stand a better chance of ripening, and, of course, would consequently pass through a severe winter with a diminished risk of injury. The eggs of the troublesome insect pests are usually deposited upon this old wood, and to destroy such means less trouble in the spring. Climbers either upon walls or arches or pillars that are only summer flowering I prefer to thin during August, but the autumnals may be lef until a somewhat later period. It is surprising how vigorous growing Roses are helped by cutting away the worn-out wood. Whilst this is allowed to remain, the fine eyes at the base are prevented from breaking, and, as every gardener knows, the strong young wood is the very life of a climbing or pillar Rose. What a difference in the trusses of blossom produced from wood not more than two years old from that emanating from mifFy, twiggy shoots. I would rather see a wall plant flowering low down upon good healthy growths than a specimen bare for some feet at the base and a few flowers high up the wall. It is quite true many individuals make a mistake in planting the very rampant sorts upon moderate walls. The proper kinds for 8-feet to 10-feet walls are really such as Safrano, Homere, &c. I saw Safrano quite recently growing against an 8 feet wall, and it had almost reacbed the top, not one thin branch, but bushy right from the ground. Where Roses upon trellises, arches, &c., have been neglected and are now a tangled mass, the present would be just the time to clear away a lot of this superfluous growth. Perhaps one cannot thin such plants as one would wish, but a start should be made, then if they are annually treated as advised, a great change for the better would be manifest. — P. PLANTING ROSES. The earlier in November Roses are planted the better. Any time, in fact, after the beginning of October is suitable for the work, provided sufficient rain has fallen to moisten the ground and enable lifting to be carried on without in- jury to the roots. Where the plants are obtained from a local nurseryman it is much better to send a conveyance and have them lifted and placed into it at once than to have every bit of soil shaken ott' and the plants possibly delayed after packing. The careless way in which Roses are often treated when sent from a distance de- serves the severest censure. Often not a bit of anything damp in the way of Moss or litter is placed round the roots ; they lie about often in a piercing cold, dry wind with their roots quite exposed, and are tlien simply wrapped and tied in straw, the consequence being that when un- packed, the foliage as well as the wood has quite shrivelled. The best thing to do is to un- pack them directly they arrive and place the roots in water for an hour or two. This will plump them up and invigorate the plants a little. A little trimming will usually be neces- sary, and, in planting, some of the finer por- tions of the soil must first be placed over the roots. If carried out in suitable weather, the soil may be somewhat firmly trodden as it is filled in, and the top tier of roots may come within a few inches of the surface. A mulch of loose material completes the work, this being of a manurial character if the soil is poor and needs it, otherwise half- decayed leaf soil and refuse of potting and other soils will suffice. In preparing quarters or beds for Roses, deep cultivation is absolutely necessary. Soils in- clined to be heavy are usually looked upon as most suitable to Roses, and if they are well tilled there is no doubt that they grow the finest Roses. A soil that is wet and cold in winter and cracks badly directly the sun reaches it in summer is not the best by any means, though it may be heavy. When such a soil can be brought into a friable state by the addi- tion of opening material, as ashes, road sand, and leaf soil, then it is the ideal one for Rose growing. Light, sandy soils, on the other hand, require the addition of clay, brick earth, marl, or some such substance to render them more holding. Here cow manure is preferable to that from stableyards, while additions of fresh and fairly heavy loam should be made as often as possible. The manure in this case should be placed in the bottom of the trenches when the soil is being prepared, and Tea-scented kinds, as a rule, especially the strong-growing climbers, make great headway when planted in them. On the red sand in Gloucestershire, one of the very worst of soils for producing Roses of good quality, I have had excellent results when separate beds have been treated in this way. The Mme. Isaac Periere and Victor Verdier class used to make immense growths, that, .shortened a little and pegged down, gave a very large number of excellent flowers. Niphetos, too, was a notable success, but the Comtesse de Nadaillac and similarly habited Teas, strange to say, did very little good. A good medium soil needs little beyond trenching a couple of spits deep to fit it for Rose culture, and feeding from the surface will be necessary annually, applying the manure in the form of a mulch in spring after the pruning is done. Anyone with such a soil may with advantage plant the free-growing, constantly flowering Tea-scented section in quantity. H. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ROSES. Rose Daisy. — This is a very free and constiint flowering variety, but I have failed to difcover any other merit in it. It is undoubtedly a seedling from Mrs. W. J. Grant, for the growth and colour of flower show this. Unless a Rose is distinct and has same claim as an improvement upon existing kinds, why burden our already prodigious coUeotiou with such an addition as this ? In Killarney, presumably another seedling of Mrs. W. 3. Grant, the lovely semi-double flowers were very fine during the first few days of October. — P. Rose Augustine Guinoisseau. — Of the autumn-flowermg B )se3 the above lovely sport of f.a France is very generally esteemed. It will hardly bear comparison with its parent in the Rose season, the flowers then being devoid of substance, but just now it is delightfully fresh and attractive, and, more- over, it is one of the most fragrant kinds. The lengthening nights seem to be just suited to the proper development of the variety. Being nearly white with just a tinge of flesb-pink, a mass of it is probably the first to arrest the eye even when viewing a large collection, — P. Roses on own roots. — A couple of months ago I was in just your position. I am making a new garden, and I was determined to have a lot of the best Roses all on their own roots. I wrote to the leading nur- serymen and found that no one could supply them. Then I wrote and asked for quotations for cuttings. F. Cant, Colchester, was the lowest. He sent me excellent^ cuttings at about 7s. Gd. per 100. I got cut- tings of other Roses which he had no^ got from other firms, and am getting a few remaining ones to-day from France. I put these outtirgs in'o a close frame without heat, some in fine gravel, some in cocoa-nut fibre. I sprinkled them twice daily. Already some !)0 per cent, of them have struck. — A, K. Bulley, Neston, Chpfhire. Rose Gloire des Rosomanes.— Asa briUiant crimson autumnal there are few Roses to surpass this old favourite. How beautiful the semi-double Roses are at this season of the year. Just now the new growths of Gloire des Rosomanes are each crowned with trusses of buds, which being semi-double have a fair chance of expanding; whereas very full kinds would decay on the plant. A good bold bed of the above Rose would be a grand feature upcm the lawn. There is no set style in the growth of this variety as with many of the Hybrid Perpetual class. Gruss an Toplitz is surely a seedling of Gloire des Rosomanes, although it is described as being a Hybrid Tea. The growlihs of the two kinds are very similar, the same peculiar shiny green wood and whirish spines being evident in the later introduction. They would cer- tainly harmonise together and form a very bright mass of colour for the autumn days. — P. The toad. — From the earliest times the toad has been associated in the popular mind with a host of vague and ludicrous fancies as to its venomous qualities, its medical virtues, or, moat commonly, the hidden toadstone of priceless October 21, 1899.] THE GARDEK. 319 value. To these venerable creations of the imagination have been added others equally absurd, such as that touching toads will produce warts on the hands ; that killing toads will pro- duce bloody milk in cows ; that a toad's breath will cause convulsions in children; that a toad in an open well will ensure an unfailing supply of water, or in a cellar will bring prosperity to the household, &c. The Massachusetts Hatch Station which has conducted an investigation of the habits and food of the American toad announces that a careful examination of the stomachs of a large number of toads showed that 98 per cent, of its food was animal matter, worms, insects, &o. " Eleven per cent, of the toad's food is composed of insects and spiders beneficial or indirectly helpful to man ; 80 per cent, of insects and other animals directly injurious to cultivated crops in other ways obnoxious to man." Properly speaking, the toad is a nocturnal animal, feeding as a rule continu- ously throughout the night. It eats only living and moving insects, caterpillars, &c. IMPROVING PLANTS BY SELECTION. An admirable paper dealing with selection and its efl'ects on cultivated plants has just been issued by the United States Department of Agriculture. It was written by M. Henri L. de A'ilmorin, of Paris, whose recent death inflicted a heavy loss on agriculture in all civi- lised countries. Of the plants referred to in the paper none possesses greater interest than Brassica oleracea, the wild type from which all the many forms of cultivated Cabbages have been derived. In its native haunts it may be found to-day on the linie.stone cliffs that border our coasts. It is a half-woody, half-herbaceous plant, possessing thick fleshy branches and leaves, the stem and root crown also being somewhat swollen. Ordinary Cabbages repre- sent this plant reduced to its simplest form — that is, to a single erect stem bearing at its free extremity numerous large, thickened leaves, more or less closely crowded together, which, according to their shape and the manner in which they are laid one over the other, form heads that are oval, conical, spherical, or flat- tened. Similar outlines are found in the Savoys, which difl'er from ordinary Cabbages in the development of the spongy tissue between the little nerves of the leaves, im- parting to the upper surface a blistered appear- ance. The same variety of forms is found among the red Cabbages, where the entire leaf is coloured a deep red. All these forms are the result of a patient and prolonged selection which has given to them almost complete per- manence. These, however, are not the only modifications of Brassica oleracea. There are various headless Cabbages or Kale, well known to farmers, and especially to sheep feeders, which differ widely in size, shape, and colour. The Collard, for example, has round, spoon-shaped leaves, overlapping, but not crowded together to such an extent as to deprive those in the middle of air and light and thus blanch them, as is the case with the inner leaves of the head or hearted Cabbage. There are many varieties of Kale, with the leaves green or red, entire or much divided, flat or curled — Portugal Cabbage, Cow Cabbage, branched Kales, Palm Borecole, and many'others, among which Brussels Sprouts is not the least remarkable. Taking advantage of the tendency of the stem to thicken, selec- tion has established a form the entire stem of which becomes large and fleshy, and yields a product that can be used as a vegetable when young and tender, and is valuable as A Cattle and Sheep Food in winter when it has attained its full develop- ment. If, instead of involving the entire stem, the swelling is localised a little distance above the ground, the plant well known to English farmers as Kohl Kabi is formed, and there are numerous varieties — large or small, early or late, violet-coloured or white. The capability of becoming thickened and fleshy is not limited to the stem. The tap-root possesses it also, and plants which showed a marked tendency to vary in this way having been noticed and repro- duced have yielded, under the influence of long- continued selection, the Turnip-rooted Cabbage with white flesh, and the Ruta Baga with yellow flesh. They are round, oblong, or flat- tened, and may weigh as much as 18 lbs. or 20 lbs. Selection has produced these numerous forms from a root that weighs no more than 2 ozs. in the wild state. 'The many kinds of Cauliflower — early or late, of varying size, white, yellow, rose or violet in colour, and of various degrees of hardiness — have likewise been developed from Brassica oleracea. Celery is an instructive illustration of the results of selection. The useful part of the plant being the leaf-stalk, eftbrts were, and still are, directed toward the development of this organ by reducing other organs to the smallest size compatible with the efficient growth of the plant. The self-blanching Celery was found in the neighbourhood of Paris a dozen years ago. The original plant yielded seed from which was raised a good proportion of the new variety, but also some green plants. By persistent selection the proportion of green plants has been considerably reduced, but they have not yet entirely disappeared. By way of compensation this race has yielded a pretty variation with rose-coloured ribs, which is becoming fixed. It had been noticed that the fleshy roots of Celery, on which the leaves are inserted, possessed a special flavour and were sweeter than the stalks, although not so clear in colour. By selection certain plants have been obtained in which the root has been modi- fied into a large, well-shaped, and vei-y regular, rounded enlargement, as in the Erfurt and Prague Turnip -rooted Celeries. The sugar Beet, the garden Beet, and the Mangold have all been produced from one common wild pro- genitor. Beta maritima. The deep red colour of garden Beets is of very great importance. But in sugar Beets the absence of colour — that is, the perfect whiteness of the flesh of the root — is a condition of perfection, and selection has eflected this remarkable speciali- sation. There is no necessary or absolute correlation between the colour of the root and that of the foliage. In garden Beets a thick, tender, sweet, and richly-coloured flesh is much desired. Now, a variety may have the.se qualities without its foliage showing, at least for the greater part of the growing period, any particularly deep coloration. In England it has been the fashion to produce Varieties of Garden Beets with large and deeply coloured foliage, as in Dell's Dark-leaved Beet. Some authorities have not hesitated to say that this is putting colour to a bad use, that it is better to concentrate it in the root. As a matter of fact, the dark red Egyptian and Cheltenham Green Beets are living proofs that a variety may have finely coloured roots and at the same time preserve in its leaves a noticeable proportion of green surface. Up to the present time selection has been applied particularly to annuals and bien- nials, plants in which generations succeed each other rapidly. Under the management of cor- porate bodies it could be applied, for example, to forest trees, in which the difl'erence between the best and the poorest specimens is, as is well known, extremely great. Since a well- established race of sugar Beets has been ob- tained, why should not also a Cork Oak be bred, the cork of which should be of rapid develop- ment and faultless texture ? The value of such cork would be double or treljle that of the ordinary product. It may be instructive to give the summary of M. de Vilmorin's conclusions. Selection, he maintains, is the surest and most powerful means that man possesses for the modification of living organisms. Variations are easily in- duced by change of environment and cultiva- tion. The lattsr is an addition of especial importance, because it permits variations which are spontaneously produced to be easily observed and selected. "These modifications may afl'cct the external characters of form, shape, and colour, or the internal qualities of flavour, per- fume, chemical composition, and others. Selec- tion may modify organisms in any direction not incompatible with the preservation of life, but there are certain characters that are mutually antagonistic — individual size and number of parts, great productiveness and extreme earli- ness, relatively large size of a part and very intense coloration. In order to be eti'ective, selection must be continued in one and the same direction. The value of the results obtained depends on the ability and judgment of the breeder ; varieties may degenerate as well as improve under selection. The unit of selection is the individual. The superiority of one seed over others from the same individual, with respect to the transmission of characters, cannot be foretold. — The Times. Kitchen Garden. FIELD POTATOES. Field space is usually allotted to the growth of the main winter and spring supplies of Potatoes in all large establishments. Even the very latest maturing varieties are now quite ready for lifting, and it is great folly to delay the work any longer. When the ground is in a very dry condition and sharp frost does not occur all goes well, but if after repeated autumn soakings severe frost comes, those sorts the tubers of which lie very near the top of the ridges are sure to get caught. More- over, second growth sometimes occurs, which ruins the quality. Some separate the seed from the eatable tubers as soon as lifted, others allow them to go together and sort them over in incle- ment weather. In any case suthcient should be stored in a cool shed and covered with dry Bracken or bags, the remainder being clamped or put into cellars as the case may be. When clamping is adopted, if the tubers are at all wet when lifted, the clamps should not be covered up at once, but allowed an interval of a few days in order that the wind may pass through and partially dry them, as under such conditions they keep much better. A good old-fashioned plan is to insert a Seakale pot at the top of the clamp to act as a conducting shaft for fresh air, this being blocked up with straw or Bracken in very severe weather. Where plenty of cellar space exists the labour of clamp- mg may be spared, although in very mild winters such structures are liable to become too warm, the tubers losing quality in consequence. No better place than a cool cellar can bo selected for storing the seed tubers, as they can then be examined at intervals, any decayed ones being toon detected. Schoolmaster is a good eating Potato at this time of year, and Magnum Bonum from light, warm soils may also be used. Those from stronger, more retentive land, the tops of which were somewhat green when lifted, will be all the better for lying several weeks longer before being used. Gloucestershire Kidney is still a most reliable all-round table Potato in most soils and eats well during the spring months. I do not advise clamping Regents where these are grown. 320 THE GARDEN. [October 21, 1899. as being liable to disease they should be stored where they can be frequently examined. ^_ B. S. N. Oxalis crenata.— This tuberous rooted Oxalis is being grown in quantity this season at Drop- more, where its thick, fleshy stems and profuse leafage make it quite a conspicuous object in the garden. Were this Oxalis a desirable forage plant what a quantity of food per acre would it produce. What its fitness in that direction may be I do not know. Certainly the growth at Drop- more is very dense, some 18 inches in height and 20 inches through in a single row. The tubers when ready to lift in the winter are almost Fir cone-shaped, but smoother and handsomer. They have reddish skins. Their edible value seems to be very much as is that of the Stachys tuberifera. —A. D. Climbing Butter Beans.— A gardener re- cently gave me a handful of pods of the Mont d'Or climbing Bean. They were flattieh, of good length, smooth, and handsome. He remarked that not only had he found these Beans to with- stand drought and to continue bearing more freely than did the Scarlet Runners, but also that the pods were so liked by his employers that they seemed never to tire of eating them. When the few pods were cooked and served with a little gravy I found them to be singularly tender and delicious, yet when pods have been tested else- where by cooking I have found them rather hard and almost flavourless. The fault seems to lie in allowing the pods to hang too long until they become thick, rounded, and the fleah certainly too hard. — A. D. French. Carrots.— In the Paris market the variety we call tlie Parisian Forcing is preferred, as even in the early autumn months this appears the most in demand. A variety named Carrote Rouge Hiitive, about twice the length of the Forcing variety, and doubtless a form of Early Nantes, is also much in request. I think these small sweet, quickly-gfown Carrots are far more useful than our long-rooted kinds with so much hard core. I also noticed a very distinct Carrot, Rouge Demi-longue de Carentan, a beautifully- coloured root not so thick as the Nantes and a little longer. This is much liked on account of its small top and smoothness, as it can so quickly be prepared for use. It is also a splendid variety for forcing. These small Carrots are not so liable to grow out of the soil as the long-rooted kinds or become green at the crown. — G. W. Potato British Queen.- Has "A. D." or any other correspondent any knowledge of the above named Potato ? I never heard of it until about a fortnight since, when I saw a grand lot of it in a greengrocer's shop in Norwich. He had a few days before been into Lincolnshire and purchased 100 tons, and, being a very practical man, would not have done so had he not pre- viously proved them to be of first-rate table quality. In shape the tubers very much resemble Magnum Bonum, but the skin is rough, though not so rough as in some sorts. It is just the Potato to take the purchaser's eye, and, while fit for use now, will keep well till spring. My friend informed me that in Lincolnshire there were grand crops of Potatoes, but as the disease has already made sad inroads in some districts, the least delay in lifting now may have deplorable results. — J. Crawkord. Some things better omitted. — It has often struck me what a waste of time and roots there is in staging Parsnips and long Carrots at the summer exhibitions. They are of no value for immediate use, and for storing, of course, they are quite unfitted. It is seldom, however, that j attention is called to such useless expenditure of , labour ; indeed, I cannot recall an instance when it has been brought forward until "A. D.'s" note appeared on p. 242. I quite asjree with him in the opinion that neither these, long Beets, nor Rhubarb are necessary for summer exhibition, and they should be accordingly struck out of all shows held prior to the end of August. Nor do I see the necessity for such early exhibitions o Celery. While there are abundant salads of other kinds. Celery is uncalled for. September seems quite soon enough to commence digging Celery. What is produced by early sowing and forced growth earlier than that date is often of a seedy nature, and for salad useless. Parsnips, like Potatoes, cannot be judged by the leaf growth, and the digging of a suHicient number suited for even one class means a good deal of waste, par- ticularly in some soils. The same remarks apply quite as truly to the long Carrots and Beetroot. — W. S. Peas and drought. — Here we have not suf- fered so badly from drought this year as growers in the south, but in any season or situation the advice given by Mr. Molyneux on p. 264 is worth having. Now is the time to prepare the Pea quarters if the ground is vacant, and I have just finished one large quarter that was cleared of late Broccoli. Soil deeply stirred and well enriched now is mellow and warm in spring, providing a deep and good root-hold such as Peas delight in. I am glad to see Mr. Molyneux deprecate the time-honoured plan of digging manure into single trenches for this important crop. It is done in most cases just before sowing, and the soil has no time to settle properly, this allowing the sun to enter far more freely than is advisable, while the manure is in a raw state when the roots reach it. Thin sowing and mulching again are excel- lent details of Pea culture, but I can hardly agree with Mr. Molyneux that the tall varieties are best. I like the dwarfer kinds that grow say 4 feet or 4i feet high. The rows can be placed closer, while the cropping qualities, according to my experience, are quite equal, if not superior, to those of the taller kinds. Some of the finest flavoured and best coloured Peas I know grow to about this height. — Suffolk. Savoy Cabbages. — The season has been very unfavourable generally to summer-planted Bras- sicas for a winter supply. Where got out early, es- pecially in the case of Brussels Sprouts, the plants are now abnormally strong and yielding soft, coarse sprouts. Savoy Cabbages planted early turn in so soon in the autumn that they are quite worthless, and those planted during the summer generally are very irregular and unsatis- factory. A striking exception, however, is a breadth of Bijou, a rather dwarf, compact, and dark green variety. No gardener wants now or cares for the old Drumhead. It may suit the market grower very well as a field crop, and that class of consumers who are not very choice as to their winter greens. But the Bijou, Early Ulm, Tom Thumb, and Dwarf Curled are very good, especially when got out fairly late and close to- gether, because large heads are not wanted, neither, as a rule, are Savoys wanted before Christmas. No doubt there will be considerable scarcity of all descriptions of winter greens after the new year. Gardeners will have to husband their resources to the utmost, so far as greens are concerned, during the coming winter, and extra quantities of forced products, Seakale, Asparagus, dwarf Beans, &o., may be needed. — A. D. Vegetable Marrows. — Notwithstanding the note by " G. H. H.," I must still hold to my ex- pressed opinion as to this vegetable. It is watery and insipid in flavour, and not to be mentioned in the same breath with Runner Beans as a useful cottagers' vegetable. A cottager who makes a rubbish corner of a place where it is possible to grow good Marrows must be a rather wasteful one, for they require culture the same any other, and a warm, sheltered position if they are to arrive at a fruiting state by July, as I said in my note. And to take an average, I should say that for every dish of Marrow that finds its way to a cottager's table there are twenty of the Beans. It is true that Vegetable Marrows aro sometimes saved for winter use, but unless they are growing under exceptionally good conditions, the produc- tion of two or three that will keep prevents the plant from producing any more that are fit for present use. This is not true economy by any means, for with far less trouble good Parsnips may be grown, and these are superior in every way. As a variety Marrows are all right, but I have often judged at cottagers' shows where a dozen pairs of Marrows are put up, each showing careful culture, while many of the more useful and profitable kinds were represented by perhaps two or three. — H. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— KITCHEN. Onion Cranston's Excelsior.— This is a very fine type of (.)uiou. In many respects I consider it equal to Ailsa Craiar. Birly in .September at Sho- broke Park, near Exeter, I saw several bushels of this Onion. It was not a ease of a few fine bulbs, but each one may ba said to be a c lunterpart of the other ; some of the largest weighed nearly 3 lbs. — J. Crook, Porde Abbey. Carrot Matchless Scarlet.— This season I .grew this Leside several other kinds, and when taking them up in the middle of Octobar I found Matchless Scarlet by far the best. With me it grows clean and straiglit, and although not so thick as some, it is longer and of a better colour. Some of the roots from crown to tip were 20 inches long. They were thinued to 4 inches apart, as my object is to get a big crop of good, even-sized roots. — J. Crook. Coal ashes for Potatoes.— I am not sure that practical growers will agree with "H. 11. " as to the use of coal ashes for Potatoes. I think it is generally accepted that coal ashes have no ramurial value, and the only use to which they can be put is to lighten very stiS, retentive soils. Furtlier, I think that coal ashes are very conducive to scab on Potatoes, as I have seen this where the practice has been to dig in coal ashes when preparing ground for the Potato crop. The use of lime I fally agree with, and no doubt it is the feeding of soil year after year with no applica- tion of this valuable ingredient that is accountable for the whole or partial failure of many crops beside Potatoes.— G. H. H. Garden Flora. PLATE 1245. A HYBRID GARDEN POPPY. I (with a colodred plate.*) The plate to-day represents a very beautiful ' hybrid Poppy that appeared in the garden of ! Mr. H. G. Moon at St. Albans, where P. orien- I tale, P. pilosum, P. rupifragum and other j species were also grown, the inference being ■ that the pollination was the result of insect intervention, or possibly of the wind. True hybrid Poppies are rare in gardens, but spontaneous hybrids now and then appear, as observed by Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, Mr. Oarring- ton Ley, MM. Yilmorin, and other growers of these brilliant flowers. Un the other hand, some species are extremely variable as grown from seed in gardens, especially if due care is taken in selecting seed from distinct flowers, a plan adopted years ago by Rev. W. Wilks, to whom we are indebted for the Shirley Poppies, now so much grown for cut flowers. The Opium Poppy (P. somniferuni) is said to have been a cultivated selection from the wild white- flowered P. setigerum, and varies enormously in colour, and to some extent in habit, as also in having both single and full double flowers. P. nudicaule has red, white, orange and yellow variations, and the dainty little P. alpinum and its form, P. pyrenaicum, have white, rose, or salmon-flushed flowers. Of late years, even P. orientale has varied from scarlet witli a black blotch to flesh-white, rose-pink, and purple-rose apparently without any cross-fertilisation having taken place. Mr. Moon's beautiful hybrid is, like Mr. Carrington Ley's variety, a little dilticult to manage in its early stages, but when strongly * Drawn for Thk Garden by H. G. Moon in his garden at St. Albans. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart. !»» suitable for pot culture ; whereas the other two apparently are. — W. E. Gumbleton. Forcing: Solomon's Seal.— This is very use- ful for the embellishment of the greenhouse in early spring if the plants are forced gently into- bloom, as the long arching shoots studded with their small drooping blossoms form an exceedingly pretty feature. They are generally seen with several spikes in a pot, to obtain which established plants are lifted in the autumn from the open ground and divided into single crowns, selecting only those for potting that are stout enough to- flower well, the others being planted to yield a supply the following season. These selected crowns may be grouped in any way that is likely to be useful, about half a dozen spikes in a pob G inches or 7 inches in diameter being convenient- for general purposes. The forcing must be gradual, as if too much heat is used the spikes will be weak and greatly inferior to those brought on gently. If possible, home- grown crowns should be chosen for forcing, as many dealers often supply them too weak to flower in a satisfactory manner, while more than once I have seen the smaller and much inferior Polygonatum otficinale sent> instead of the true Solomon's Seal (Poly- gonatum multiflorum). — H. P. Curcuma Roscoeana. — This is remark- able for its attractive blossoms, which are very distinct from most other subjects, un- less it be some members of the same genus. Its usual season of blooming is towards the end of the summer and in early autumn, but still it occasionally flowers earlier. The foliage is decidedly ornamental, not unlike that of a Canna, while the flower-spike is pushed up independently of the leaves. The blossoms are arranged on the upper part in a cone-like head, but it is not the flowers themselves that form the choicest portion of the inflorescence, but the large lip-liko bracts which partially hide them. These bracts are of a reddish orange tint and retain their beauty a considerable time. There are several species of Curcuma, but this is one of the best known, though even now it is rarely seen. Except one or two which occur in Australia, the Curcumas are all natives of the East Indies. They need a period of rest during the winter, at which time they should be kept moderately dry without being actually parched up, then on the re- turn of spring the tubers should be shaken clear of the old soil and repotted in fairly light compost. The Curcumas are essen- tially stove plants. — H. P. Rust on Carnations. — This disease is, perhaps, the most troublesome when it attacks the leaves, because it is often un- seen if the grower be but a casual observer. Grappled with in its infancy, there is little danger to be feared. The rust may be noticed by small blotches mostly on the outer portion of the leaf. These blotches eventually burst and send out numberless spores which obtain a hold on other leaves, and in their turn spread. Some sorts are more liable than are others. The plan then is to watch the plants closely, and if tiny brown specks are seen, cut away and burn the affected part at once. If in pots, isolate such plants and go over them daily. That a collection containing some thousands of plants can be kept absolutely clear of this disease is proved, even if at one time and another badly Lindenia rivalis. From a ■pJiotograph sent hy Col. R, Beddome, Sispara, West Hill, Putney. Gardens, Kew. In the spring of this year Messrs. Sutton offered seed of a plant under this name, which doubtless was bought by many in the ex- pectation of getting the tine plant portrayed on The Gardes plate. In this expectation, how- ever, they were disappointed, as the plants when they bloomed (as they are now freely doing in pots in the greenhouse of a friend of mine) pro- duced flowers of the same colour, but about half the size of those represented. The plant is, how- ever, nevertheless, apparently correctly named, as there seem to be no less than three varieties of Hibiscus named Manihot. One, of which a coloured drawing is given in volume 41 of the Botanical j infested specimens are imported into it. Such a> Mar/aziae on plate 1702, had flowers of a much I collection is that of Mr. F. A. Wellesley, Woking, deeper shade of yellow and about the same size. , who regards this rust with something akin to In the second, with the additional name of pal- I horror. That he is well rewarded for this con- matus, figured in volume .59 of the same work, on j tinual watchfulness is certain, the healthy, clean- plate 3152, the flowers are exactly those of the leaved youne plants being a picture in their way, plant raised from Messrs. Sutton's seed. A I and they will give the owner an infinite amount coloured plate for a forthcoming number of the , of pleasure throughout the dull winter months. Botanical Maijazine has been prepared of the Kew j This disease is different from the ordinary black variety, and when that appears Sir Joseph Hooker | spot, which is brought about by moist surround- will doubtless give it some further distinctive ings. To pre\ ent this, a second trouble, the aim October 21, 1899.] THE GARDEN". 325 should be to keep everythinff about the plants as dry as possible and airy. If in frames it is well to raise them, so that air may pass underneath, and also see that there is no drip inside from the glass.— H. S. Amasonia punicea. — Daring the autumn months this is seen in its most attractive state, while a very desirable feature is the length of time over which the beauty of its inflorescence •extends. It is a somewhat upright - growing plant of a shrubby character, whose toothed leaves are from 8 inches to 1 foot long, while the spikes of flowers are longer than that. The blos- soms themselves are tubular and of a pale yellow colour, but they play a minor part in the embel- lishment of the plant, by far the most important being the leaf-shaped bracts which accompany them, and which remain bright for such a lengthened period. Tho largest bracts are situated at the base of the spike and they gradually lessen in size to the top. They are of a bright red colour, a very attractive tint, and a few well-flowered examples are particularly valuable for grouping purposes. It is not at all a difficult subject to cultivate, succeeding as it does with the treatment given to the general run of stove plants. Like Acalypha hispida, this Amasonia seems to have been known to a certain extent for many years previous to its introduction. It is a native of a considerable district in Tropical America, and was first introduced and distributed by Messrs. Veitch about fifteen years ago. — T. Rhododendron retusum. — The name Rhodo- dendron suggests comparatively large, showy blossoms, but this is quite an exception to the rule, the plant altogether being decidedly unassuming, though wonderfully pretty when in bloom. It forms a neat, freely-branched bush clothed with small deep green leaves, which when young are prettily tinged with red. The flowers, whicb are often produced in the autumn, are different from those of the other Rhododendrons, suggesting rather an affinity to some of the Fuchsias, the colour being nearest to that of the distinct F. triphylla. Rhododendron retusum is a native of Java, but will hold its own in a lower temperature than the other species from that region ; indeed, it will succeed in an ordinary greenhouse. It has not been much employed by the hybridist, the only varieties in which it has played a part as far as my knowledge extends being Prince of Wales, sent out in the early sixties by Messrs. Rollisson, and Daviesi, which was obtained by the late Mr. Isaac Davies, of Ormskirk, by the intercrossing of R. retusum and R. javanicum. The flowers of R. Daviesi are in size about midway between the two, and its glowing orange-red flowers are very showy, but it seldom makes a shapely plant, and often fails to grow in a satisfactory manner. — T. | The Scarborough Lily (^'allota purpurea). — i Two or three times recently attention has been directed to the present neglect of this beautiful old bulbous plant, whose brilliantly coloured blos- soms were at one period so universally met with. It might be supposed that as large numbers of bulbs are sent to this country from South Africa every year it would become far more general, but this very circumstance, I think, militates against its popularity, as there is a considerable mortality among these imported bulbs, and many of them regarded from a flower point of view are inferior to the old type, at one time so common in gardens, being taller, with in many cases more starry blooms. The South African bulbs generally reach this country in a dormant state during .Tuly and August, and if potted at once and kept fairly dry during the winter, some of them will usually \ flower in the spring. The change of seasons is of course accountable for this. I have found a con- siderable amount of variation among thc^e im- ported bulbs, not only in the shape of the flower, ! but also in the colour thereof, for while some are i richly tinted, with occasionally a whitish eye, [ there are a few with blossoms of a pink or salmon- pink tint, while I have also heard of a pure white form, but have never yet seen it. With regard to ; imported bulbs, the mortality seems to arise from an internal excess of moisture, and however dry tbey may be kept, many bulbs perish from this cause. Even if they grow and flower it is difficult to get them permanently established after the manner of the old-fashioned form. Like many other bulbous plants, Vallotas will stand for years in the same pot and flower well every season, even when the bulbs are closely packed together. — T. Forcing our native Viburnum. — The Lilacs are of all the shrubs that bloom in the spring the ones most commonly forced for the sake of their flowers in winter, and next to them for this purpose comes the Viburnum Opulus, a graceful shrub with very white, globe-shaped heads of bloom, to which it owes its popular name of Snowball Tree. The species of this family are very many, and are remarkable for the dimensions of their heads ; some, indeed, like V. O. macro- cephalum, originally brought from China by For- tune, produce heads equalling in size those of the Hydrangea at least. What hinders cultivators from forcing these shrubs for the adornment of the house in winter would seem to be an ignorance of the means of increasing them. The plants are generally obtained by slips or budding, but graft ing under a bell-glass in the spring is an easy and successful way of propagating the finest varieties. Put in the ground they produce in a few months some very pretty plants, which admit of very easy forcing. These plants are the more sought after because so long in bloom, and it is by no means rare to see bushes not more than '20 inches high with upwards of thirty heads upon them. Forcing is an easy matter in the hothouse, given plenty of light and air. The gardener who knows his business takes care to remove the extremities of the branches on placing the plants in the hot- house, as the flower-buds will then develop better. As soon as blight appaars, copious syringings with rain water should be given, and even tobacco water in case of need. Before removing the plants to the dwelling-house they ought to be kept for some days in a rather lower temperature than that in which they were forced. Plants so forced are not lost, and if well pruned after flowering, in three years time can be forced anew. — Revue de V Horticulture Beige. PE.4.T-M0SS LITTER. To THE Editor of The Garden. Sir, — Doctors differ, and so it appears do gardeners. In your issue of September 30 is published a short, but scathing article from " H. H." on peat-mo.ss litter, and in reply I beg to ofter you my experience of this material. I have used it now for twelve years, and at the present day I use no other manure. I make all I can and the rest I buy. I therefore am unable to pity the poor gardeners who are obliged to use it or none at all. I cm only envy them if they can get all they want for nothing. " H. H." contends, " That com [lared to good straw litter manure it is not worthy of the name. In itself the manurial properties are very small. After lying in the ground a whole season it turns up in the same condition as when dug in. In bog peat nothing grows natur- ally to any perfection. It is unlit to mulch Strawberries with," &c. Now my experience is that it is infinitely better, stronger and more lasting than the best stable manure. It cannot help being so if properly treated, for it contains all the droppings and all the urine, which straw litter does not. The manurial properties before being used are probably small, but what would be the manurial properties of unsoiled straw ? Straw is a very bad sponge and moss litter is a very good one. The former drains, the latter absorbs. The result is obvious. I believe that many things will grow in bog peat when drained. Peat- moss litter is drained and dried, and it will grow many things. It is certainly unfit to mulch Straw- berries with ; but that is not the fault of the material, hut of the man who uses it without thinking. ( )ne may occasionally find a large lump that has not rotted, but this lump has given its essence to the earth and has helped to keep the soil open and moist, which is a benefit not to be ignored, particularly in heavy soil like mine and in such seasons as we have had for the last three or four years. But there ought not to be any large lumps, and the place for moss litter in the majority of cases is not in the top spit, but forked liberally and roughly into the second spit. For grass land it is ex- cellent, but ic should be spread straight out of the cart, and not be left in heaps till Hodge has time to spread it. It is too strong to be left in heaps. On the surface it is excellent for Begonias, Pansies, Lilies of the Valley, and j many moisture-loving plants. My interest in peat-moss litter is limited to gardening, and I • am prepared to prove all I have advanced to " H. H." or anyone else who will come and see for himself. — J. Whitworth Shaw, New Place, Linijfield. I quite agree with " H. H." with regard to this material. There is no doubt it is one of the worst nuisances a gardener has to contend with, for though it would seem that by its nature it would be useful on heavy soil, in reality it is not so, while on light soils it is worse than useless. I used to have to deal with tons of it, and have tried laying it by for months with lime and odd- ments of sod, but all to no purpose. — H. PROSPECTS FOR WINTER. In the kitchen garden there has seldom been a season when prospects for a good all-round supply of vegetables looked better than now, for though there has been ample growth on most things of a green nature, the dry, hot weather early in the autumn and the cool, though dry, weather now prevailing have, in this neighbourhood at least, made this growth hard and sturdy and less likely to fall a prey to severe frosts later on should these occur. A hard winter would not be an unmixed evil this year, for since the memorable one of 1S94-95 there has been no severe or long- continued frost, and a consequence of this is a great increase in certain garden pests, notably caterpillars of various kinds, slugs, and wire- worm. Brussels Sprouts and winter and spring Broccoli, Kales, and different winter greens all look hard and likely to stand well, while the same is true of salading plants generally, such as Corn Salad, Endive, and Lettuces. Roots, such as I Parsnips, Carrots, and others, are showing that their season of growth is past, and the outlook is good, for almost every root lifted is clean and well developed already, and they will be well finished by lifting time. Potatoes are not only a good crop, but of excellent quality. I lifted a few perches of ilagnum Bonum that were on land required for tree planting, and was sur- prised at the number of fine, well-shaped tubers. One root had just over 9 lbs. of good saleable Potatoes besides a few trashy ones, and when Magnum Bonum crops like this there are few more profitable varieties. Artichokes are almost entirely free of disease this year, the result of a couple of doses of old, dry soot and sulphur thrown over them on damp days in spring. The fruit room, unfortunately, wdl have no such satisfactory tale to tell. Birds have played sad havoc with the few Pears left on the trees to ripen properly, while Apples are conspicuously absent. The trees of all kinds are, however, in a very promising state, and the rather heavy showers we have recently been favoured with have all been in their favour. Young Apple and Pear trees have splendid clean - looking wood bristling with fruit- spurs, and foliage of that hard, leathery character that all fruit growers like to see. The leaves, in short, look finished and the buds prominent and hard at their 326 THE GARDEK [October 21, 1899. bases, so there is every probability that next sea- son the trees will be as fruitful as they are barren this year, unless, of course, weather ot a very un- kind character occurs next spring. H. R. Svffolk\ Trees and Shrubs. OLD OLIVE TREES IN MAJORCA. In the equable temperature of the Balearic Islands vegetation of all descriptions flourishes. In the town of Palma, with its fine old cathe- dral, many houses are in mid-April sheets of rosy lake with the blossoming Bougainvilleas. In the thirteen-mile drive from the town to Miramar, the picturesque seaside estate of the Archduke Luis Salvator, every available inch of ground is cultivated. Almond trees of large size occur in e-xtensive plantations, bearing towards the end of April nearly full sized fruit. Beneath the spreading branches, vegetables, such as Cabbage, Cauliflower, Cos Lettuce, Onions, and Broad Beans, are grown, while at that season of the year Barley and Oats are in ear and in many places rapidly yellowing. Here and there are small walled plantations of Prickly Pear (Opuntia), and as the distance hnm Palma increases, large Fig trees and Karoubas or Locust trees (Ceratonia siliqua), which bear the Carob Beans, to a certain extent replace the Almonds. Further on, toward the end of the level country, and just previous to the road entering the pass that threads the range of precipitous hills which divide the plain of Palma from the slopes of Miramar, a particularly interesting sight meets the view, for here on either side of the road stretches a wide plantation of Olive trees, evidently very old. The age of the trees is popularly supposed to be a thousand years, but all record of their planting has naturally been lost in the dim vista of by- gone centuries. On every side stand the fantastic ruins of these time-worn veterans, many of them possessing but little semblance to trees. Now and again the remains of a giant trunk would consist of nothing but from six to a dozen gnarled and contorted sections of the outer layers of the trunk and bark, from 2 feet to 4 feet in circum- ference, whose serpentine coils, in the ab- sence of the central wood, resembled hugu cables, covering at their bases a circum- ference of several yards, and which thickened and met again at a height of 12 feet or 15 feet, a mere distorted skeleton of what was once a solid trunk. So quaint and grotesque were the forms assumed by many of these hoary denuded of all their branches except one or now when the leaves are changing colour. two barely as thick as the forearm. All the | Though some individuals even of the same kind, older trees in Majorca Olive plantations are I o«''"g to position or other circumstances, vary pollarded, but the younger are apparently '=°"si^«'''^'^'y . '° their autumn tints, the neat- allowed to make less restricted growth. The ' ^■■°«"°? "'^"""^y ^"^ ground beneath the trees was being worked in places by very primitive ploughs consisting of a metal share fixed to a beam, which was elon- gated into one short handle, the implements in question being drawn by a pair of oxen. Large heaps of manure, chiefly animal, had been col- lected in parts of the plantation, from which it appeared that the necessity for well fertilising the ground was appreciated in Majorca. S. W. F. Hibiscus (Althsea) coelestis. — Many of the double forms of Alth;va frutex are of a poor and small or medium-sized leaves is usually the brightest of all, while that with large, deeplylobed foliage generally dies off more or less tinged with brown, and is therefore dull and sombre compared with the other Just now a large quadrangle at Kensington Palace, which has three ot its sides more or less densely clothed with this Vitis, presents a most interest- ing and delightful feature, owing to the numerous tints represented in the masses of foliage. Dif- ferent shades of green occur, from a light tint suggestive of spring to a deep olive hue, and from that to bronza and bronzy crimson, till a bright glowing crimson is reached, which is in the sun- niest spots lit up by leaves of a vivid scarlet tint. A vigorous plant of the small-leaved form has -rsq j^4 Old Olive trees at Majorca. From a photogrwph hy Mr, S. W. Fitzherhert, Torquay, patriarchs, that a couple of hours might well have been spent in selecting subjects for the camera but such a delay en route for , undecided colour, which takes away from their | mounted to the top of a high wall from which it Miramar beinw out of the question I was I ^^'"^^ ^s late flowering shrubs. The new variety droops in a dense fringe, the long, cord-like mentioned above has no such fault, and when shoots being clothed with a profusion of small, seen grouped as I saw it a few weeks back at neat leaves, which, owing to their full exposure forced to be content with two photographs taken not far distant from the road, one of which is reproduced in the accompanying illus- ti-ation. The tree on the left was one of the Gunnersbury House it forms quite a charming to the sun, are of a uniform scarlet hue.- feature in the garden. The flowers are very large, _ ^ . ^ ^ , _, . ■ ■ - ■ .•'.''. Caryopteris mastacanthus. — Thii -T. .,, , ,. '"'"single, and salvershaped, almost true blue 'in v^^aryopteris mastacaninus.-xnis shrub largest in its immediate neighbourhood, its bole colour, and with a rosy purple hase. They are ^^" deserved the award of merit given it at the measuring about 40 feet in circumference at the very freely borne, and the plants had a freshness meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on ground level and in an excellent state of pre- I about them that made one think of spring rather »eptember 2b, but it surely is not entitled to be servation compared with many of its adjacent than autumn. It only needs a few such showy fpoken of as a recently introduced shrub, as was comrades. When these aged trees were first pollarded it is impossible to say, but, as may be seen in the illustration, a few comparatively youthful fruiting branches still spring from the misshapen trunks, which are subjected to an heroic method of pruning, branches thicker than a man's thigh having been evidently sawn off many of the trees shortly before my visit, while some of the most distorted wrecks were varieties as this to make these hardy forms of Hibiscus very popular for the shrubbery. The aim of the raisers should be to develop large- flowered single instead of double forms.— J. 0. Tallack. _ Vitis inconstans. — There are certainly several forms of this charming climber, and while their distinctive features are very apparent from spring to autumn, they are particularly noticeable just lately done in The Garden. It was first sent from China by Fortune in 1844, then lost after a time, and reintroduced by Maries when travelling for Messrs. Veitch in 1879 or 1880. It was soon widely distributed and obtainable at a cheap rat© from many nurseries. A hot season and a sunny position suit it best. It cannot in a general way be considered cjuiie hardy even near London, but succeeds best at the foot of a south wall or in some similar spot. This Caryopteris usually dies OOTOBBR 21, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 327 nearly to the ground during the winter, but it breaks up freely and flowers in the autumn. It is one of the few shrubby members of the Ver- bena family that are fairly hardy in this country, most prominent of the others being Clerodendron trichotomum and Vitex Agnus Cistus. The flowers, borne in rounded clusters from the axils of the upper parts of the shoots, are of a bright purplish blue tint, while the value of the plant is still further enhanced in that it blooms in the autumn. — H. P. Books. MORE POT POURRI.* We are glad again to welcome our beloved Mrs. Earle, with her varied basket of good things ; she is so sympathetic with all kinds of good work, and a real gardener. The great success of her first work has led her to give us another instalment. The best idea, perhaps, we can give of the book is to quote a few examples of the pot pnurri from it. Such a brilliant success naturally carries its own lessons to author and publisher ; but we almost wish that, as there is so much that is charming about young women and children, the book had been called " Women and their Babies." She tells us of the deplorable effects of the popular evergreens in Italian gardens, and she is quite right : — Italian gardens. — The villas of the rich that I saw round Florence — and, of course, there are a great many which I did not see — are to be recognised by the fact that the Vine and Olive, Lemon and Pomegranate, Fig and Mul- berry, are turned out for the planting of Laurels, Deodars and other conifers. Rhododendron?, and coarse-growing, unpruned shrubs. The beauti- ful old walls are often levelled to the ground to make a slope of coarse - growing grass, or the wall formerly used for the trained and well- pruned Vine is smothered with a mass of untended creepers. The newly-planted Crimson Rambler is doing very well and making excessive growth, though it will never be a general favourite, as it flowers too late and is not a marketable Rose ; so the gardeners despise it, which is lucky, as its colour is not good. The greatest crime of all as regards the spoiling of Italian gardens is destroy- ing the effect of space and coolness, and at the same time entirely shutting out the view by planting trees— say, even a row of Poplars. The old gardens as perhaps Dante and Boccaccio saw them are now smothered in Virginia Creeper, and made to look as much like a villa at Hamp- Btead or Putney as possible. Magnolias are crowded out, and Camellias seem no longer culti- vated (I suppose, because they are out of fashion in English conservatories) ; and instead of the cool grey gravel, so easily kept raked and weeded in the old days, unsatisfactory grass paths are attempted. In the garden that I especially re- member, having spent months there twice in my life, the view towards the city and the Val d'Arno right away to the Carraras — which on favoured evenings are rubies or sapphires or beaten gold against the sky — all this, so ineffaceably impressed on my memory, is now hidden from sight by a dark, gloomy, tangled mass of evergreens. Mixture for killing Carnation disease. — When in Germany I was much struck by a greenhouse full of the healthiest Tree and winter- flowering Carnations I have ever seen. The gar- dener told me that the secret of the entire absence of injured leaves and spots from rust was that from July onwards, whether they are in pots or planted out, he syringed them once a week with the following mixture, which is also good for many other plants that are often blighted, especially HoUvhocks and Madonna Lilies : — (1) Two pounds of vitriol (copper); (2) four * '' More Pot Pourri from a Surrey (rdrden." By Mrs. C. W. Earle. Loadou : Smith, Elder and Co., 15, Waterloo Place. pounds of lime, fresh slaked ; (.3) twenty-seven gallons of water; (■!) two pounds of sugar. (1), (2) and (:!) should be mixed together till no longer blue, but clear. Then mix the sugar with the rest. Syringe with an insecticide every week in the early afternoon. The syringing should be done quickly and finely. The ordinary garden syringe with a fine rose does quite well. Bordeaux mixture. — Here is the real Bor- deaux mixture, slightly different from the last recipe, used throughout the whole of France against the phylloxera on the Vines ; it is also a cure for the Potato disease : — Dissolve three-quarters of a pound of carbonate of copper in a little warm water ; place it in a vessel that will hold six gallons of water. Slake half a pound of freshly-burnt lime and mix it with the water so that it is about the thickness of cream. Strain it through coarse canvas into the solution of copper. Then fill up the vessel with water. With these two recipes it seems to me possible to try endless experiments on plants in any way affected by disease or rust. I shall certainly try it on Humea elegans when the plants begin to go off. For a few years I gave up growing this charming annual, the disease always making its appearance. There is a little heresy here and there — from our point of view, of course — and we feel sure the Maple "recipe" would spoil many a garden. Maples in the garden. — A well-planted white variegated Maple ought to be in every gar- den, but it should not be allowed to get large and coarse. A contrast should be planted near it in the shape of broad-spreading leaves of some strong-growing, dark-foliaged plant. Coltsfoot in the garden. — The bright yellow flowers of the improved Tussilago (Coltsfoot), sold by Cannell, are now just coming out, and the gravelly corner where they grow is a bright mass of buds. These flowers that come before their leaves, like the autumn Crocus, are attrac- tive, though the size of their leaves when they do come puts one sometimes out of conceit with them, especially if crowded for room ; though it is astonishing how corners can be found in even small gardens for all sorts of things if one gives the matter constant attention. Having every- thing under one's eye, one never forgets to notice how they get on ; the greatest danger for the beds and shrubberies is the forking over in autumn. It is far better left alone if it cannot be done with care and knowledge. The worst of such introductions to the garden is, that getting them out is not at all so easy as getting them in. Can Mr. Geo. Muirhead, or any bird-lover among our readers, tell us more about the little owl to which the following verse of Shelley re- fers ? It is (juoted by Mrs. Earle. Sad aziola ! many an eventide Thy music I had heard By wood and stream, meadow and mountainside, And fields and marshes wide, — Such as nor voice, nor lute, nor wind, nor bird The soul ever stirr'd ; Unlike, and far sweeter than them all. Sad aziola ! from that moment I Loved thee and thy sad cry. Pumpkin soup. — Here is a true French recipe for Pumpkin soup. Cut up the slices of Pumpkin (say, about half a large one) and boil them in water. When well cooked, strain off the water and pass the pulp through a sieve. Boil half a pint of milk, add a piece of butter, very little salt, and a good tablespoonful of castor sugar. Pour this boiling milk on to the Pumpkin pulp. Let it boil a few minutes. The soup must be thick, and small fried crusts should be sent up with it. This recipe is enough for two people. Dried Vege- table Marrow is not supposed to be so good, but I had some soup to-night prepared exactly in the same way from a large dried Vegetable Marrow, and it was excellent, though it had not quite so much flavour. Nature best at last. — Nothing, I think, tempts me so much to neglect all iuties and to forget all ties as gardening in early spring weather. Everything is of such great im- portance, and the rush of work that one feels ought to be done without a moment's delay makes it, to me at least, feel the most necessary thing in life. A friend wrote to me once : " The best thing in old age is to care for nothing but Nature, our real old mother, who will never desert us, and who opens her arms to us every spring and summer again, warm and young as ever, till at last we lie dead in her breast." While thoroughly recognising and realising the charm of the first "Pot Pourri," I feel bound to confess, after reading Mrs. Earle's new book, that with pot pourri, as with many other things, one can have too much of a good thing. No doubt there are many grains of gold scattered amongst the heterogenous notes that come piell-mell from lands far and near about habits, ways, life ; about gardens, flowers, pictures, housekeeping, cooking, and admoni- tions to young and old. Without any con- tinuity we move from thought to thought. Beside an Italian translation of " Hark I my soul, it is the Lord," we find a recipe for cook- ing Zucchi, a small sort of Cucumber one gets abroad. We descend from Newman's delight- ful description of an ideal garden — By a garden is meant mystically a place of spiritual repose, stillness, peace, refreshment, and delight — to discussing the merits and qualities of sepa- rated milk and the advantages of living on a non-meat diet. After perusing a most useful list of Irises, giving the diflerent times at which they bloom, we pass on to a recipe for varnish- ing plaster-casts which was used by Sir Edward Burne-Jones — Quarter of an oz. of gum elami, 2 ozs. white wax, half a pint of turpentine ; add a small squeeze from an oil paint tube of raw umber when a small quantity of the varnish has been poured into a saucer ready for use. Apply with a brush, and spread quickly and evenly. This has to be done three times, with a day betweeii each coating, and rubbed hard with a silk band- kerchief between each painting. It gives casts and plaster figures the colour of old ivory, and makes them useful and decorative in a way they can never be without it. The varnish on the casts lasts for ever, never becomes dirty, and the dust can be rubbed or even washed off quite easily. The great use of a book like " Pot Pourri " is in collecting for us interesting scraps of informa- tion taken from various sources. How often do we come across charming, quaint, or in- structive notices in the daily papers, or various reviews, which pass from our minds because we do not know what use to make of them or where to store them for possible reference. In speaking of Tropaiolum speciosum, which has become such a favourite of late and may be seen in every garden, our authoress tells us That the great secret is digging the holes quite 4 feet deep, filling them up with leaf-mould and the light earth, or planting the roots a foot below the surface, and then they have 2 feet of loose soil to work down into, &c. In instructing us about the secret below ground she omits the secret for the growth above ground, and that is by letting the creeper grow up a piece of garden netting stretched between two poles, which enables the plant to sway in the breeze and lets the air and sun play freely round it. Against a wall it shrivels and withers for want of the freedom it gets in its native state growing on loose hedges. 328 THE GAKDEIf. [OcTOBKK 21, 1899. Many of the cooking recipes are excellent ; some are taken from Mrs. Roundell's good cookery book and some brought from foreign countries. How nice it would be if some of our English cooks would take some of these foreign recipes to heart. We all enjoy " Spa- ghetti " when we have it in Italy, and yet how few of us insist on our cooks making it in England. Again, " Tirabale Napolitaine " is an excellent dish, and so is "Asparagus salad." The advice to young men and women at the end of the book is of that character that de- pends so entirely on the individuality and cir- cumstances of those concerned, that no general law can be laid down, and though it may be of interest to the world at large, it cannot be con- sidered very original in thought or helpful to young men and women who may be in doubt and difficulty about the crucial facts of life. M. C. D. VEGETABLES FOR EXHIBITION AND HOME SUPPLIES.* Mr. Beckett is a most successful grower of vege- tables, and is equally capable ot conveying his e.xperience and practices in a concise, lucid form. In the book under notice he has given much sound advice, and, if the truth must be told, has omitted details that a learner would have been glad to have found noted. For instance, why did the author fail to give approximate dates for sowing such kinds of vegetables as Beans, Peas, Lettuces, Turnips, and the like, with a view to having the produce at its best just when wanted for exhi- bition ? It is to be hoped that when he is called upon to produce a new edition this omission will be rectified. I would also point out that original illustrations, a few of which are given, are much to be preferred to a greater number of catalogue blocks, with which most of us are already toler- ably familiar. It also occurred to me as I read the book that some of Mr. Beckett's methods are, to say the least, somewhat extravagant, and either uncalled for or beyond the imitation of the majority of his readers, who have neither the time nor the wherewithal to expend. I will give a few instances of what I consider extravagances. On page 57 brief hints upon forcing Carrots are com- menced, and this is the kind of compost thought necessary for the frames, or, what are preferred by the author, heated pits : — Fresh soil should be used for each sowiner, a (.-ora- post of a variety of stuffs such as old potting soil, road grit, old mortar rubbish, peat, well decayed leaf- soil, and light sandy loam in about equal proportions suiting them. To every fifteen barrowfuls add one of wood ashes and a half bushel of bone-meal, passing the whole, which should be well mixed, through a quarter-inch sieve and kept at this season in as dry a state as possible. In the bottom of the pit place a layer of 3 inches of old I\lushroom bed manure, and place the mixture on the top to the depth of 18 inches at least, and make moderately firm. Nob satisfied with this, we are further advistd to top-dress after the plants are freely thinned out with finely-sifted Mushroom bed manure, and to give occasional slight applications of some artificial manure, which should be thoroughly watered in. Further extravagances occur when advice is given as to growing ling-rooted vege- tables on soils unfavourable to the production of faultless specimens. The old fashioned plan of forming deep holes and filling them with suitable compost is recommended, but why make them so deep or far apart ? Thus for Beetroot, the holes, according to Mr. Beckett, should be 15 inches apart in rows IS inches apart, and be formed 4 feet deep ; for Carrots, 13 inches apart and 3 feet deep, and for Parsnips '20 inches apart, 2 feet from row to row, and 5 feet deep. I readily admit that Mr. Beckett exhibits perfect Beet, * " Vegetables for Exhibition and Home Supplies." By E. Beckett. Loudon : Simpkin, Marshall, Hamil- ton, Kent and Co., Limited. Carrots, and Parsnips, but surely he could do equally as well if the figures I have given were considerably reduced all round. He rightly pro- tests against coarseness in vegetables generally, but in my opinion recommends practices that in most cases would lead to the production of vege- tables much larger than desirable. The chapter devoted to the preparation of the ground is all too brief, and the writer having had such good experience in various parts ot the country might with advantage have advised upon the special treatment different kinds of soils need. He is a great believer in deep cultivation, but a little too emphatic, as witness the following : — Like everything else worth doing, trenching requires to be thoroughly done ; many advise keeping the bottom spit at the bottom, especially should this be of bad quality, but this practice I do uot agree with, and always insist on the bottom sp.t being brought to the top to be acted upon by the weather and the surface- dressings. The first garden I was connected with was thus treated at the outset, and it was a case of 6 acres of land spoilt, re- trenching only partially getting rid of the " horrible clay" first brought to the surface. Much good advice is given as to prepara- tion of vegetables for exhibition, with hints upon packing and staging the same, the chapter ending w.th a hint that ought not to be lost upon some growers who frequently mar miscellaneous collec- tions by the addition of faulty produce, which, as Mr. Beckett remarks, simply increases the number and also certainly reduces the chances of obtaining honours. All kinds of vegetables are treated upon, culture under glass and the production of ordinary outdoor crops receiving a fair share of attention, while the selection of varieties must be regarded as thoroughly reliable. To Onions are devoted several pages, Mr. Beckett evidently making a speciality of this crop, and which he is invariably most successful with. He is equally enthusiastic with Peas, and evidently takes great pains in their production over a long period of the year. Nor does he overlook the value of Maize or Indian Corn as a summer vegetable. In dull, sunless summers this crop, according to my experience, is a failure in this country, but given a comparatively hot and dry summer it succeeds admirably and is a fairly gooi substitute for Peas, the latter, as it happens, failing in seasons that suit Indian Corn. According to Mr. Beckett, A sheltered, sunny spot should be chosen for Indian Corn, and this ought to he thoroughly manured and trenched during winter, leaving the surface as rough as possible till spring. The seed shiuld be sown about April 15, thinly, in boxes, in heat, and be made quite secure against mice. The young plants are very tender, so care must be taken to properly harden tliem off in cold frames before planting out, which should be done towards the end of May. The ground i hould be pricked over and made fine, after which plant in rows 3 feet apart and 18 inches from plant t.i plant. Abundance of water must be given at the routs dunng dry weather, and frequent hoeing to promote quick growth. A sow- ing may also be made the last week in April. The seed tliould be planted with a dibber and buried 3 incht s. It is advisable to plant just as thick again as it is in- tended to grow them, thinning out when large enough to the proper distance. Some of this sowing may also be transplanted if required, but the practice of sowing under glass is much to be preferred. The cobs of corn should be gathered when fresh and green, and when weU grown it is surprising what a large quiutity a small piece of ground will produce. A calendar of operations in the kitchen garden and a short chapter on the enemies ot vegetable crops, including their life history and a few good remedies, are given at the end of the book. W. I. deep the temperature of ihe soil is at the present time about 1° colder than is seasonable. No rain at all has fallen during the last six days, but in the previous six days nearly 2^ inches of rain fell — equivalent to nearly twelve gallons of water on each square yard of surface. During the last four days the sun has shone brightly on an average for nearly 7^^ hours a day. Throughout the week the atmosphere has been remarkably calm, the mean rate of movement at 30 feet above the ground amounting to little more than a mile an hour. — E. M., Berkhamxted, Octoher II. The days have been mostly warm during the week, but low temperatures have prevailed at night ; indeed, since the month began there has been only one night which has been in any way unseasonably warm. On two nights the exposed thermometer showed 6° of frost. Both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep the temperature of the ground is now 1° below the October averages for these depths. During the last fortnight rain has fallen on only one day, and then to the depth of but about a tenth of an inch. No measurable quan- tity of rainwater has come through either perco- lation gauge for three days. The sun shone brightly for 6^ hours a day during the week. — E. M., Berkhamsteil. Notes of the Week. The weather in "West Herts. — A cold week, more particularly at night. On six consecutive nights the exposed thermometer showed from 2° to 7° of frost. The difference between the night and day temperatures has been very great, and on the 10th amounted to 34° in the thermometer screen. This, with one exception, is the greatest differ- ence I have jet recorded here in any day in the month of October. At both 1 foot and 2 feet Aster W.-B. densus. — Among the dwarfer Michaelmas Daisies this is, perhaps, one of the best coloured, though not of the largest size. What is not forthcoming in size, however, is made up in numbers, and the plants are a veritable sheet of fine blue. It is in this particular one of the most acceptable of this section. It is 2i feet high. Aster N.-B. laevigatus.^This charming kind with a maximum height of less than 2 feet should be in every collection of these plants. Indeed, if half a duzen only were grown this should be one of them. The mass of rosy lilac blooms and the dense, dwarf habit render it not only a perfect plant for the flower garden, but a most serviceable one for pot culture also. S^l^num melongena. — In the No. 4 range at Kew at the present time may be seen quite an attrac- tive variety of Solanums in fruit. In some instances the capsules containing the fruits are of the size and form of an ordinary hen's egg, the colour being that of the egg when hard boiled and bereft of its shell. Others liave the fruits coloured with purple and shaded with a s.milar tone, jet not so attractive as the whiter kinds. Phyaalis Franohetti.— The value of this plant in open beds is now well known and justly appreciated. Its use as a pot plant, however, is much more limited, though equally valuable by reason of its striking effect when brought into the greenhouse. Grown in large p .ts, with a good supply of rich loamy soil, and plunged to the rim during the summer in an open position, the plants would be lets likely to suffer from dryness. Both water and liquid luauure may be supplied freely ] to encourage an early growth, as unless this is done, an undue dwarfness may rob the plant of much of its I value. I Fruiting of the 'Wistaria. — Can any reader of The Garden kindly say if it is usual for the Chinese Wistaria, or Kidney Bean Tree, as Nicholson calls it, to produce fruit in British gardens '; I am led to ask this question because Mr. T. Walpole has just brought me a fruit or pod 7 inches in length covered with soft silky tomentum, and having about ball a turn or twist in its length. This fruit was produced by a rather young plant of the white flowered W. sinensis at Hossanagb, Co. Wicklow, and it is the first fruit I have seen or beard ot as growing in Ireland.— F. W. B. Autumn Crocus in grass. — Very pretty just now quite near the main entrance on the green to the Royal Gardens, Kew, are the single white Colchicum autumnale and that fine autumn Crocus, C. speciosus. There is no attempt at massing in either case, though a very pretty pic- ture is the result of a free sprinkling of both kinds in the turf, the planting extending in the direction of the large succulent bouse. When we remember that these things push their way October 21, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 329 through the well-nigh solid turf, it is surprioing so many appear each year. Naturally in such soil the increase of the bulbs would be very slow, and those who would undertake similar planting would do well to secure a more open and free- rooting medium. Nepenthes at Kew.— A year or two since, when the fine collection of Pitcher Plants was but indifferently housed in the Xo. 7 range, it was possible only to get an equally indifferent view of the plants. All this is altered now, and the plants have a structure to themselves in so far that other things are in a way subordinate. At the present time, the multitude of pitchers is encompassed by a hanging and well-coloured screen of Cissus discolor that trails nearly to the floor. Of the luxuriance of this stove climber some idea may be formed when it is stated that aerial roots upwards of 2 feet long depend from the branches more or less through the house — a proof of the effect of the tropical humid heat on the plant in question. Cassia corymbosa. — In spite of the frost it is interesting to find this pretty and useful old plant still flowering abundantly and cbthing the bed in which it is growing with its elegant foliage. The foliage is so freely produced, as to form quite a dense covering to the bed. In most bedding plants a centre is formed of one and a margin of another, usually to hide the stems and cover the defects of the former. This Cas;ia, however, completely furnii^hes the ground in which it is planted, especially when growing quite in open beds. Just now this o'd plant fills one of tbe beds in the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Chiswick, and its comparative hardiness as well as its late flowering should tempt others to try it. The rich golden yellow flowers, too, are very showy, and in this respect also the plant is not likely to have many rivals. Tropical Water Lilies in the open air. — If we could make sure of having heat and sun- shine as during the past summer, no doubt we should be able to flower many of these plants in the open air by sheltering them during winter, carefully forwarding them in spring, and then dropping them into shallow tanks in May or June when the water had become warmed by the sun. My object in now writing is to ask if the Victoria regia has ever bloomed in the open air in England ? Wherever there is a supply of clean, warm water from a factory it might pos- sibly be done. In Haydn's "Dictionary of Dates," under Victoria regia I find the following statement: "It was grown in the open air in 18.55 by Messrs. Weeks, of Chelsea." Can any reader remember this having been done, and tell us if the plant flowered, and under what condi- tions as to heating of the water, &c. ?— F. W. B. Anemone japonica elegans. — That this is a pretty form of the Japanese Anemone there can be no doubt, while in its freedom of flowering it is quite the equal of the other older forms. Blocks of each of these are always most effective in the late autumn. To be sure of retaining these things, however, sufficiently late to be of service, a special position must be chosen for them. Perhaps the best place would be a west or slightly north-west border, where the plants would be less influenced by the morning sun. In case of frost again much harm is done by the sun shining on the blos'oms while these are still more or less frozen. These disastrous effects ara considerably modified when the frosi is dispelled before the sun reaches the flowers, and the position sug- gested is probably one of the best. Some years ago a very fine batch of the white and red forms flowered well into November, the position being at the base of a high wall in much the aspect suc- gested above. Eucomis punctata. — It is gratifying to read the appreciative notice upon Eucomis punctata by Mr. Tallack in The G.vrden of October 14. It is the more agreeable to read, as one of my correspondents, whose judgment with regard to matters of the kind is worthy of the highest con- s.duration, criticises my remarks made on p. 252 as being much too laudatory. One is, however, glad to see that one has the support of Mr. Tal- lack in one's endeavour to call a little attention to a neglected plant which is not enough grown in the open. Much as one admires bright and effec- tive colours, there are many plants whose charms do not lie in brilliancy, but in modest colouring or in singularity of form. Those who can appre- ciate these things will not be likely to regret growing the Eucomis. Mr. Tallack has done justice, but no more than justice, to the plant in his clear and faithful description of its appear- ance. It is one of those plants which is not likely to appeal to the multitude, but orie which gives individuality to the garden in which it is grown.— S. Arnott. Anemone blanda. — There is no doubt that the plate of Anemone blanda cypriana, with the accompanying letterpress by " E. J.," in The Garden of October 7 will be the means of the lovely Greek Windflower being more largely made use of in our gardens of hardy flowers. This i Anemone is so beautiful in its several forms, that no apology is needed for a brief note in corrobora- tion of the requirements referred to by your corre- spondent. In the article referred to some stress is laid upon good soil for the seedlings and older plants. As one who has had a good deal of ex- perience in growing this and other plants on light soil, I may add that in very light soil Anemone blanda is" rarely satisfactory. It is neither so vigorous nor is ib so long-lived. In such soil also it does not produce so many self-sown seedlings, probably because they do not make free growth at first and fall an easy prey to dry weather. Nowhere does Anemone blanda thrive better than in a heavy soil almost approaching clay in its tex- ture. There is here a good deep blue form called Mr. Ingram's Deep Blue. It was for some years in light soil without producing more than one or two flowers, although it increased in size. — S. Arnott. Helianthemum amabile fl. - pi.— I am obliged to Mr. Cornhill for his note as to this plant, which, as he supposes, is the one referred to a short time ago as the Carton Sun Rose. Through the kindness of Mr. P. H Normand, of Aberdour, I have had the opportunity of compar- ing and verifying the plant. Although this dis- poses of the question as to what this Sun Rose is usually called, it opens up a fresh one regarding the nomenclature of the Helianthemums. There is no Helianthemum named amabile to be found in current books of reference. The plant in question is apparently the one known formerly as H. venustum fl.pl., but the "Index Kewensis" refers H. venustum to H. variabile. Neither Paxton's "Botanical Dictionary" nor an old edition of the " Cottage Gardener's Dictionary " mention H. amabile, though both name H. venus- tum II pi. I have searched several other works for the purpose of flnding the name of amabile, but it has not come under my observation. For garden purposes we must, I suppose, either call it venustum fl.-pl. or amabile fl. -pi. The former is the name by which it was known to gardeners for many years. By whom was that of amabile first applied to it?— S. Arnott. Stenoglottis longifolia.— This Cape species of terrestrial Orchid appears to have been shown by Messrs. Sander & Co. at themeetingof thsRoyal Horticultural Society on October 10. ThisOrchidis one which seems to grow and thrive with compara- tively little care, and to give in return a satisfactory display of flowers, which have the great merit of lasting a long time either in a cool greenhouse or in an ordinary sitting-room. A plant sent me in the summer of 1898 bloomed very satisfactorily during the greater part of last winter. For more than a month it flowered in my sitting- room, although it had been in bloom in the greenhouse for some time previous. When it was past flowering it was returned to the greenhouse, where it has remained until the present time. Although no fire-heat has been applied this autumn, Stenoglottis longifolia is now sending up several flower-spikes, and the blooms upon these will open shortly. Although some do not con- sider its flowers bright enough, it is yet a pleasing plant with a considerable degree of beauty. I am told that it is figured in the Botanical Magazine, vol. cxvii., table 71Sii, but I have not at present access to the volume. It may ba commended to the notice of amateurs and others who desire to grow a few comparatively rare plants which may be cultivated without much ditfisulby. — S. Arnott. Caryopteris mastacanthus. — I do not quite see the force of " H. P.'s" recommendation (see page 204) for giving this plant " increased atten- tion for flowering under glass," as experience points rather conclusively to the fact that it is this shade of blue that so quickly fades when given the method of culture " H. P." suggests ; indeed, the colour of the flowers referred to at Kew, and which agrees with the description, " lavender-blue," is distinctly paler than that of plants of it grown in the open. It is as a hardy plant that this Japan shrub will prove of the greatest value to our gardens, particularly as an autumn-blooming plant when blue-flowering shrubs are not at all common. Why these paler shades of blue under glass so readily lose their colouring I am not able to say, for the well known Salvia patens or Agathiei ccflestis, which are deeper in tone, retain their colour much longer. I do not know how long the plants had been in the greenhouse at Kew, but, as seen on Octo- ber 14, many of the whorU were quite pale-look- ing. The distinctness of the plant, together with late flowering and hardiness, are items that should go a long way to make this pretty shrub popular. All the p"lants I have seen have been freely furnished with growth buds on the oldest branches close to the soil, an indication of its inclination to break well from the base. — E. J. Rhus Toxicodendron radicans. — This Poison Tree is one of the plants we are inclined to despise until autumn comes round, when ib assumes its bright leaf colouring. Throughout summer ib has no particular attractions, bub may be used as a low carpeting shrub of creeping habit. In autumn we are struck by the baauty of its leaves. As is the case with most leaves which are parti-coloured in autumn, it ii hvrdly safe to attempt to describe their colours. These change from day to day, and a clump will give much variety. A few leaves ju»t gathered and now in a glass before me show much variety of hue. Some leaves are pale yellow, spotted and flecked with green. Others are a biillianb and beautiful comliination of almost crimson, bright yellow, and green. The worst of the p'ant is its poisonous reputation. One fears it is not possible to claim for it that it is innocuous, bub the state- ment in a leading work of reference that the typical Rhus Toxicodendron of climbing habit is "poisonous to the touch" does nob appear to j apply to the creeping radicans. It has been here for a good many years as the memento of a visit ; to the Manchester Botanic Garden and its then I curator, the late Mr. Bruce Findlay. It has been j transplanted more than once, and I have frequent I occasion to come into contact with its leaves and stems, but have never had any reason to avoid touching it. There may be some, as in the case of Primula obconica, to whom the touching of this Rhus would bring p.xinful consequences. One has, however, to speak of plants as he has had experience. — S. Arnott. Crocus cancellatus.— Few things are more ' pleasing at the time when the outdoor garden loses so many of its attractions than a collection of the autumn-flowering Crocuses. They are so delightful in their fresh brightness, that one cannot pass them by withoub pausing to enjoy for a little longer the charms of their little cups. Those who think them unseasonable are not likely to be long in changing their opinion once they have an opportunity of seeing a few of these lovely flowers on a bright autumn day, such as the one on which this is being written. One is convinced that greater familiarity with them 330 THE GARDEN. [October 21, 1899. would lead to their greater popularity. Among those in bloom here at present are two forms of Crocus cancellatus. This is a variable species in its colouring, and is, moreover, one of those which has the habit of mimicing in its native habitats the other Crocuses with which it grows. The forms in my garden are a white one and a blue one known as C. cancellatus cilicus. Of the two I prefer the white, as being more unlike C. spe- ciosus and the others of allied colour at present in flower. In its native habitats it is a variable species, and one would like to possess a few more shades of so pretty a little Crocus. Mr. George Maw tells us that its segments vary from white to light purple, and self-coloured, or feathered with purple markings. The western forms are generally white, and the eastern blue with various markings. lb is a neat and pretty little Crocus with orange anthers, style, and stigmata. The Cilician variety here is taller and more vigorous than the white. — S. Arnott. Sternbergia lutea.— If the "Lily of the Field," as Sternbergia lutea is called by John Parkinson, could be flowered regularly in every garden, it would supply the want some of us feel- that of a yellow Crocus like plant to bloom with the autumn Crocuses and Meadow SafiFrons. It is, however, not everyone who can flower it regu- larly, and I must confess that hitherto I have been unable to bloom either this species or Sternbergia macrantha for two years in succession in this garden. It is more correct, indeed, to say that it will only flower the year after planting. This has been a great disappointment, and one is always glad to have any treatment suggested which would give one the pleasure of enjoying a pleas- ing flower without purchasing and replanting it yearly. I have it in bloom to-day {Oct. 16) from bulbs sent me by a friend who has had a wide experience of plants and their ways, and who has kindly, from his store of knowledge and practice, suggested a method by which one may perhaps have happier fortune than in the past. He had been disappointed with his failure until he removed to a place where his garden is on the chalk. In this garden, it appears, Sternbergia lutea grows remarkably well and blooms regu- larly. The bulbs he kindly sent me from his garden are now in flower, and hie experience makes one hope that the use of lime-rubbish and limestone may lead to one having the same enjoy- ment of the flowers of this and other Stern- bergias. One says this with some reserve, as districts and the gardens within them often give varying results from the same treatment. I must admit that I am now more hopeful than I have been for long of inducing this delightful plant to bloom yearly. There are many others who have had similar disappointments with it. Perhaps this note may help some to a way of escape from this tantalising experience of blooming this Stern- bergia for the first year only. As one looks upon it to-day, with its clear yellow flowers open to the October sun, one feels more than a passing pleasure at the sight. Even when in bud it is beautiful, and the appearance of its unopened flowers makes one realise how our older florists classed it with the Daffodil. When in bud its aspect carries us— in fancy, at least— forward to the time when we once more delight in that incomparable flower of spring. — S. Aknott, Carsethorn, by Dumfries, N. B. seeuuda glauca, 8540 Sedum variegatam and -tOO Oxalis corniculata." Although these outrages against good [taste are happily getting less common in our country, we are still not free from them, and this summer there was in Dulwich Park a pretentious absurdity of the sort, consisting of the arms of Dulwich College with a Latin inscription, all done in carpet- bedding plants. Societies and Exhibitions. Grotesque flower gardening'.— Some of the superintendents of American public gardens seem to surpass all others in the grotesque ugliness of their bedding arrangements. Below is a descrip- tion of a battleship in flowers. We are pleased to see that one of the American gardening papers (the Par!: and Cemetery of Chicago) condemns these wasted efforts. " In dark red lettering near the base the words ' Erected by the Michigan Central R. E. in Eemem- branoe of the Maine ' are plainly set out. The design consumed 1820 Alternanthera versicolor, 3010 A. aurea nana, tlSO A. sp.ithulata, 220O red A. parony- chioides major, 2985 Echeveria mefallica, 365 E. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday, October 24, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 4 p.m. A lecture on "Growth of the Fruit Trade " will be given by Mr. Geo. Monro at 3 o'clock. The War Otfioe having asked for the Drill Hall of the London Scottish Volunteers (in which the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society are held) to be placed at its disposal for the temporary accommodation of 300 soldiers en route for South Africa, it is pro- bable that the society's meeting on October 24 will have to be held in the Drill hall of the Queen's Westminster Volunteers, which adjoins that of the London Scottish, being actually the next door. If this should be the case, Fellows and exhibitors are requested to make the best of unavoidable inconvenience, which, it is hoped, will not have to be repeated. The following dates have been fixed provision- ally for meetings in 1900 : January 0, 23 ; Feb- ruary 13, 27 : March 1.3, 2" ; April 10, 24 ; May 8, 23, 24, 25 (Temple); June 5, 19, 27 (Rich- mond) ; July 3, 17, 31 ; August 14, 28 ; Septem- ber 11, 2."), 27, 28, 29 (Crystal Palace) ; October 9, 23 ; November 6, 20 ; December 4, IS ; January, 1901, 15, 29; February 12. Gentlemen willing to lecture on any of these dates are requested to communicate with the secretary, 117, Victoria Street, S.W., at once. Trials will be made at Chiswick in 1900 with the following subjects : (1) Tulips for outdoor decoration. — Twelve bulbs of each variety should be sent at once to the superintendent. Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, W. Each variety should be marked with its colour, and whether early, midseason, or late. (2) Phlox decussata. — Two plants of each should be sent on or before March 1. (3) Cactus Dahlias. — The 1899 trial will be repeated. Any new varieties, two plants of each, should be sent in April. (4) Potatoes. — New varieties, twenty tubers to be sent before February 1 ; also a trial of distinctly early Potatoes, both old and new varieties re- quested. (5) Tomatoes. — For outdoors only. Seed before February 1. (6) Peas. — Half a pint to be sent in January. (7) Celeriac— Seed in January. The Royal Horticultural Society will hold its next examination in horticulture on Tuesday, April 17, 1900. For syllabus, apply to the secre- tary. Royal Horticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street, S.W. , enclosing a stamp. Carnation Mrs. G. Foster. — As the raiser of this variety, I must protest against your remarks [ in The Garden of September 30. Had your reporter understood his work, he would have noticed that the growth of the plant was that of a perpetual bloomer. Because the' blooms are much larger and have smoother petals than the ordinary Tree Carnation, it is hardly fair to brand it as a late border variety. It has been grown here in quantity these last four years, and I have had it in bloom nine months out of twelve. I have proved it a much better perpetual bloomer j than Uriah Pike, which has repeatedly been re- commended in 'The Gakden as a Tree or per- | petual.— G. Foster, The Gardens, Glendoragh, ! Teignmouth. *»* We can only deal with things as we find , them. In this instance every flower has badly ' burst the caljx, which fact we stated with regret. The plants exhibited, one of which was in a 7 inch pot and the other in a 5-inch pot, had a total of three open flowers, the larger plant being ob- viously grown upon the border plan, and display- ing the current as also the former growth unmis- takably. Mr. Foster is probably not aware of the way the plants were shown, and the best way to prove the perpetual character would be to send the same plants on Tuesday next. Evi- dences of perpetual growth were entirely wanting, 6 inches of the base in the older plant being leaf- less and bare. That this variety has been flowered " nine months out of twelve " does not alter the matter. Miss Audrey Campbell, also a yellow, has been flowered in every month of the twelve, and still figures as a good border Carnation not- withstanding.— Ed. Public Gardens. The Metropolitan Public Gardens Asso- ciation.— At the monthly meeting of the Metro- politan Public Gardens Association, S3, Lancaster Gate, on Thursday, Mr. Hugh Leonard presiding, it was stated that the amendment proposed by the association to the Commons and Open Spaces Bill of last Session had been accepted, and that the Bill having since passed into law, all county councils were by means of this amendment able themselves to acquire and maintain land for public recreation or to assist municipal and dis- trict councils and other local authorities to do so. It was also mentioned that the clause promoted by the association for the protection of open spaces had been inserted in the Local Government Act. A number of letters were read asking for the assistance of the association in the preserva- tion of Albert Square, Commercial Road, E., which was offered for sale as a building site, and it was decided to approach the various local authorities concerned and the London County Council, urging them to jointly acquire the site if obtainable on reasonable terms. A letter was read from the Bethnal Green Vestry offering to maintain Marian Square, Hackney Road, if the association would undertake to lay out and fence in the ground. It was agreed to take further steps in the matter, and it was stated that out of the £106 required for the fencing, £80 had been promised. Many proposals were under considera- tion, including schemes for the acquisition and laying out of sites in Fulham, Earlsfield, West- minster, Essex Road, Shadwell, and Enfield. Among a number of new members joining the association were Princess Louise and Sir Edward Malet. Ifames of fcuit. — F. F. P. — 1, Feam's Pippia ; 2, Ashmead's Kernel; 3, Sam Young. Henry Oliver. — 1, Beurre Hardy; 2, please send better spe- cimen ; 3, Bleulieim Orange ; 4, Striped Beaufin ; 6, Lord Suffield; 0, Bess Pool. E. P.— 1, Queen Caro- line ; 14, Dutch Mignonne ; 23, Cox's Pomona ; 24, Winter Hawthornden ; 45, Emperor Alexander ; 4", Ashmead's Kernel ; G3, Warner's King ; G9, Cellini ; 77, Striped Beaufin. J. Morrison, — 1, Felix de Leim ; 2, Marie Louise d'Uccle. • F. Htissey. — 1, Hoary Morning; 2, probably Peasgood's Non- such out of character; 3, Maltster ; 4. Norfolk Beaufin ; 5, Minchall Crab; C, HereFordshire Pearmain. Names of plat — R. Blenkinsop. — Arauja (Fhysiauthus) albens. Bannerman, — Berberis vul- garis. "The English Flower Garden." — T?io. roughly revised, with full descriptions of all the best plants, their culture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, 15s. 6d. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, ^c. " Worth more than all other books on flower gardening and landscape gardening erer published. Whatever success / have made as a landscape gardener I owe to the inspiration of this book. It not only teaches good gardening, but, what is quite as important, condemns bad gardening, giving reasons that arc convincing for both."— J. W. Elliot, Pittsburgh, Pa. THE GARDEN No. 1458.— Vol. LVL] [OCTOBER 28, 1899. Orohlds :— Dendrobium bigibbum . . 332 Dendrobium forraosum gi- ganteum 331 Lielia elegans Stelzaeriana.. 332 Lielia rubcscens .. „ 331 Oncidium Lanceanum.. .. 332 Pleione pri«eox „ .. « 332 Trichosma suaWs . , . , „ 332 Flower :— Aster AmelluB and others . . 332 Biennials, raising .. .. 334 Cortad, ria itunbleyi foliis varii'jafiji .. .. .. 333 Edinburgh Botanic Gardens 333 Lobelia for stock . . . _ 334 Michaelmas Daisies .. .. 334 Pampas Grasses, silver varie- gated . . _ . . _ . . 333 Stove and Greenhouse:— Acacia d-'-umns in Cali- fornia 335 Acacias in California - , .. 33f> Allamauda Hendersoni . . 336 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine 335 Carnations, Tree, housing . . 335 Freeeias failing .. .. 335 Glasshouse, a useful .. „ 337 Lily of the Valley .. .. 335 September in S. Devon .. 336 Kitchen : - Celery, late 338 Peas, vegetable refuse for .. 337 Tomatoes, notes on „ .. 338 Garden Flora:— Clivia miniata citrina . . 338 Week's flTork:— Fruits under glass, work among 339 Kitchen garden, work In the 339 (Uiustrations in Italics.) Books :— "The Strawberry Manual ' 340 " The Teaching Botanist".. 310 Trees and Btavabs i— Cytisus nigricans 341 Acer chrinatiim 3t2 Acer hetfiroiihyli mil 342 Aci r palinatutu 342 Honeysuckles, bush ., ,. 341 Maples, the 312 Shrubs, flowering, in South Devon .. .. „ .. .. 342 Orchard and Fruit :~ Apple Cox's Orange Pippiu 343 Apples, Australian stocks for .. .. 343 Canker, is potash a cure for? 343 Fruit growers, puzzled ama- teur 313 Grape Buckland Sweet- water 344 Pear Jargonelle in bloom Pear Jargonelle in Hereford- fordshire .. _ .. Plum Webster's Gage . . .. Strawberries at Gunners- bury Strawlierry Latest of All « Wasps and fruit — — .. Chrysanthemnms :— Chr5'santhemum Kathleen Rogers Chrysanthemum Lemon Queen Chryeauthenium M. Louis Remy .. _ Chrysanthemum Mrs. White Popham Chrysanthemum shows, foreign . . . . „ Chrysanthemum Wattle BlosBom 344 344 344 345 344 346 Chrysanthemums, how to use large blooms of . . . . 345 Societies : — National Chrysanthemum - 348 Royal Horticultural ... . . 346 Notes of the Iffeek :— Alyssum maritimum .. .. 348 Androhace lanugiuosa., -. 348 Callistephvis sinensis . . -- 348 Chrysanthemum Miss Alice Byron . .. .. „ 348 Kuiphufia multifiora .. .. 348 Prim'd* capitata „ — « 348 Saxifraga peltata 348 Vitia Coignetise 348 Miscellaneous :— Brockwell Park, enlarging 318 Celery, grubs in .- . . •■ 3*8 Theft, a mean * 348 Orchids. DENDROBIUM FORMOSUM GIGANTEUM. This beautiful Dendrobium is well grown by Mr. Hudson at Gunnersbury House. The whole of the front stage of one of the largest lean-to houses was filled with plants of this species carrying between GOO and 700 expanded flowers. Many of us who saw the same plants exhibited last year were struck with the won- derful size of the blooms. This season if any- thing the flowers are even larger and with more Bubstance. Many of the plants carried from twenty to forty blooms each ; one truss I par- ticularly noted carried fifteen flowers. Mr. Hudson is to be congratulated on the successful culture of this species, which, generally speak- ing, is found to be one of the most diflicult of the Dendrobium family to deal with. The plants grow and flower freely for the first two or three years after they have been imported. After this period they generally deteriorate and become practically fit only for the rubbish heap. Some of Mr. Hudson's plants have been grown for over five years, and instead of deterioration the bulbs made this year are larger than any previously made. To Olustrate still further the success of the treatment, I may mention that when the last batch of imported plants came to hand three years ago some seed must have been imported among the roots and about the base of the plants, for after they had been potted, or rather baskete 1 a few months, this seed began to germinal 'knd ultimately seed- ling plants were developed. I took the par- ticulars of the progress made in the three years' growth, which was as follows : The first year's bulb was an inch long, the second 3 inches, and this year, which is the third season, the growth measures 5 inches, showinc that the cultural conditions are satisfactory in every degree. The conditions under which the plants are grown might be adopted in other places where fruit growing is a speciality. The plants are easUy procured. There is certainly not a more useful Orchid for cutting durinw the months of September, October, and the greater part of November. The durability of the plants and the lasting qualities after they are cut leave nothing to be desired. The system of culture followed at Gunners- bury is as follows : The plants are grown in the span-roofed houses used for growing Figs, the glass with which the roof is glazed being un- usually large in the individual squares, thereby affording abundance of light. A bar reaches from end to end. Tliis is fixed to the roof on either side over the walk which passes through the centre. In this position the plants natu- rally obtain the benefit of the full rays of the sun. The houses are not shaded at any time of the year. The atmosphere is also maintained in a humid condition, and the plants are not allowed to become dry at the roots. They are also freely syringed overhead as frequently as are the other occupants of the house. This is continued until the growths are matured and the flower-buds commence to develop. When the blooms expand the plants are removed to a warm house where the atmosphere is less humid. Full sun is still aflbrded until they have become fully expanded ; then a thin canvas blind is placed over to protect the flowers during the hottest part of the day. After the flowers have been removed, the plants are kept drier at the roots, only suffi- cient moisture being given to maintain a plump condition of the bulbs. Cooler conditions also are afiorded, and the plants receive a thorough rest until the return of spring, when they are again placed in the position above referred to in the Fig houses. — H. J. C. The usefulness of this Dendrobe is well known, but it is doubtful if there are not many private gardeners who would envy the man who can produce 630 open flowers at one time. This Dendrobe is often looked upon as an indifl'erent one in its growth ; it flowers freely enough when there is the necessary strength in the pseudo- bulb. A narrow stage in the front of a warm house at Gunnersbury House accommodates about forty plants, on which I counted over 600 flowers, with many buds yet to open. For several seasons they have contributed a similar display. They are growing mostly in baskets, which are thickly packed with active feeding roots, showing that the culture is of the best. Or- chids are not grown largely at Gunnersbury, but vigour and freedom of flower characterise those which I noted in the several plant houses. Vanda coerulea seemed as happy as the Dendro- biums both in cool and warmer temperatures, the flowering season extending over several months. Mr. Hudson's treatment of this useful Dendrobe would form an instructive lesson to many growers. — W. It will be generally conceded that this is one of the most valuable, as it is one of the most beautiful of late summer and early-flowering Orchids. This is apparent in the size as much as in the substance, and not least in the freedom of the flowers, especially in those instances where the culture of the plant is fully understood. In not a few instances has failure, either wholly or in part, followed the second flowering of the im- ported plants of this unique kind. It is in these circumstances, therefore, that we refer to the splendid lot of plants recently noted in bloom in one of the Fig forcing houses at Gunnersbury House. It is not, let it be clearly understood, a splendid array of flowers appearing from already matured growths upon imported plants ; it is really the flowering in the main of a fine lot of cultivated examples, some of which, as may be proved by the plants themselves, had been on the downward path. But the way these plants have responded to an altered treatment is alone an object-lesson. Plants with pseudo-bulbs less than the small finger of the hand four and five years back have now finely proportioned growths, many lo inches long. It is quite a stock saying when a good plant of this kind is seen in flower, " What about it this time next year '; " Well, the answer, so far as the Gunnersbury plants, is "better still." The plants are the very embodiment of health and vigour, and the entire secret — if there be secret at all — is full light and heat, with moisture. The Orchids are suspended by a wire to the rafters, the glass is very large squares, and there are no shade and no obstruction. The Figs are plunged in leaves, and doubtless the heat and moisture arising therefrom are an ■-" ' good on these Orchids. — E. J. influence for Lselia rubescens. — Though a striking and pretty species, this is none too plentifully repre- sented in collections, though it has been in cultivation a number of years. Of dwarf habit, it throws up its spikes to the height of about a foot, and each produces half a dozen flowers, the sepals and petals of which are rosy lilac, the lip similar 332 THE GARDEN". [October 28, 1899. in ground colour with a fine purple blotch. Plenty of water while growing and a raft or shallow basket where the roots can penetrate to the air freely, and a position close to the glass in the Mexican house suit this plant well. Dendrobium bigibbum.— This is one of the prettiest of autumn-flowering Dendrobiums. The blosaoms are magenta, with a white centre to the lip in most varieties, these appearing in the centre of the young growth and from the sides of older pseudo-bulbs. Given ample heat and atmospheric moisture while growing, a light position and small pots, T>. bigibbum usually thrives better than the majority of the Austrahan kinds, but it dislikes severe drying or too cool a temperature while at rest. Pleione praecox. — In habit and general appearance of plant and flowers this very closely resembles P. Lagenaria, but it has usually paler tints in the lip and blooms later. The late autumn and winter months may be brightened consider- ably by these pretty little Orchids, but the com- mon method of growing them in large pans is not 30 good as giving them small pots, so that when they are in flower the absence of their own foliage may be got over by associating them with small Ferns. The compost should consist of equal parts of peat, Moss and loam fibre, with suflicient open- ing material, and repotting should take place directly the flowers are past. Laelia elegans Stelzneriana.— This is a pretty variety of this most useful Lrelia belonging to the same section as L. e. Schilleriana, but having larger flowers than the majority of this set. The sepals and petals are broad and well displayed, usually of a very faint rose, but some flowers are more deeply coloured than others. The lip has a bright margin of rich purple on a mauve ground. The plant is not difiicult to cul- tivate, thriving well if treated like Cattleya bicolor or others of the slender-stemmed kinds in medium-sized pots filled with peat fibre and moss. The plants must be well watered during the season of growth. Trichosma suavis.— In spite of the small size of the blossoms, this pretty species is always admired when presented in good condition. Weak and unhealthy bits do not throw the flowers out of the sheath properly; they are unsightly and not at all showy. The stems on strong plants are 8 inches high and bear each a pair of tough, dark green leaves, from between which the flower- spikes are produced. In growing T. suavis — which is the only species in the genus — a cool, moist and shady house in summer is necessary, and during winter as much light as possible. In mixing the compost use rather more Sphagnum than peat, and a few fairly large lumps of char- coal or crocks help to keep the whole open. Drain the pots well, choosing those of medium size compared with that of the plant. By these means a healthy, clean growth is ensured, and as long as this is the case plenty of flowers will be forthcoming. The individual blossoms are about I J inches across, the sepals and petals white, the lip white, with a brownish crimson and yellow crest. Oncidium Iianceaniun. — This superb spe- cies is now finely in flower, and out of a some- what extensive batch noted recently there would be no difficulty in picking out a number of varie- ties. The plant, indeed, is a great deal more variable than many that have obtained a number of varietal names, the chief difference, of course, being in colour, which in its best forms is very rich. The most usual colour is a greenish yellow with numerous spots of chocolate-purple, and the lip has purple side lobes with white or nearly white centre or front lobe. The spikes rise from the base of the great spotted leaves, which on healthy plants are from IS inches to 24 inches in length, very thick, and doubtless acting in the same capacity as pseudo-bulbs. The plant will not, however, stand the same winter drought as many pseudo-bulbous kinds. Without a doubt they are rather severely dried in their native place, but in this country the growth is not so [ well ripened by exposure to sun and air, and in ; consequence not able to stand the drying treat- , ment so well. I have found clean Sphagnum Moss with only a little peat a better compost for it than the usual mixture of half and half, as the Moss in its decay does not form a close mass like the peat, and the plants dislike disturbance. For temperature a brisk sun-heat in summer is desir- able with warm, if fairly dry, quarters in winter. It is named after Mr. J. H. Lance, its discoverer, who found it in Surinam in 1834 growing on various tropical trees. It was first flowered in this country by Messrs. Loddiges, of Hackney. — H. R. Flower Garden. ASTER AMELLUS AND OTHERS. NE.iRLY every week in early autumn we read a note that Aster bessarabicus is now in flower and is very beautiful, but what it is and by what characters distinguished from A. Amellus I have in vain tried for many years to discover. I have seen in gardens very difl'erent flowers, each of which I have been assured is the only true and genuine var. bessarabicus. The original authority for this name is said to be Bern- hardt in Reichenbach's "Flora Germanica," a work to which I have not access. De Candolle, who recognises var. bessarabicus in his " Prodro- nius," mentions slight dift'erences in the shape of the leaf and the bracts, differences which cer- tainly exist amongst the forms called Amellus, and no doubt whatever may have been the original distinctive characters have disappeared in cultivation, and the name bessarabicus is now added in the most casual way. About twenty years ago I received from a Devonshire garden, from which I have had many rare and choice plants, var. bessarabicus, havingtheflowers fiatly open and the rays narrow and acute. This is a distinct form of flower from the general type Amellus, which has the rays broader, somewhat incurved and obtuse, but after grow- ing for a generation or two from seed, the two forms seemed by no means constant, and I gave up the name bessarabicus as representing in gardens no definite form. Still, the large gar- den form of Amellus, whether the flowers are flat or cupped, is very different from and very superior to the only type of Amellus I have ever seen wild. It abounds in Savoy near Aix, and though the colour in its native air is good, the flowers are small and the habit top-heavy, and it does not improve when brought into cultivation, though I have never seen it in England except in my garden. A so-called white form coming from the same district has flowers of a dull cream colour, with sparse and irregular rays, and is a very inferior garden plant. Still, the A. Amellus of Savoy is cer- tainly the Amellus of Virgil with which that poet was familiar as a boy in his native meadows of Lombardy. He describes it as making a large bush of stalks from a single crown, as having golden flowers surrounded by many violet-coloured rays, with leaves of a rough, bitter taste — a description we can hardly mis- take. Still, the Amellus of South - eastern France and Northern Italy is not the Amellus of English gardens, which does not look like a development of it. Perhaps our garden plant is the Greek type, which Sibthorp found plentiful in Attica, and it was called in Gerard's time the Attic Starwort. As for varieties of Amellus, I have grown several crops of the plant from seed ripened in Devonshire, for it seldom ripens in Cheshire. The handsomest flowers are those with large incurved rays and semi-double. I have never succeeded in raising one really blue, but some have far less red than others in their mixture, and the less the better. Some are of a rich imperial jjurple, and they show better in the subdued light of morning or evening than in sunshine. A really white Amellus of the best class of flower is a great desideratum, as a mix- ture of white sets off the colour of the others ; but I have an excellent large-flowered seedling white hybrid of just the same stature and time of flowering which I grow side by side with Amellus to good effect. While speaking of other Michaelmas Daisies, I may say that they are very late this year in Edge garden, and in some situations were quite ruined in the hot July by oidium like that which covers the leaves of Swede Turnips after hot, dry summers. Where they eecaped this and were not broken to pieces by the furious storms of September, they continue to be good. I am glad to see by notes in The Garden that the jjlan I have always advocated of raising Michaelmas Daisies from seed of the best flowers and improving them by selection every year is being adopted. At Edge I have already superseded nearly all the Conference Asters ; yet I do not claim to have done better than other amateurs where they are selected in the same way. I have named about thirty of my seedlings, some of which have found their way into commerce. The naming has been done very casually in some such way as this : A visitor to my garden admires a pretty pale blue seedling flower, which I promise shall be named Nancy after her. In a few days six sisters who have heard of this come to me and say that they are nearer neighbours and older friends of mine than Nancy, and each of them must give their name to a flower, and so the number of names grows, and as the multiplication of roots in this class is endless, they get distributed, carry- ing their chance names with them. A very few years ago I set up a neighbour (a Cheshire squire) with Michaelmas Daisies, ad- vising him to practise selection from seed. Last year he asked me how my stock was getting on, and so I sent him a tin box full of more recent specimens. He wrote back saying that mine were nowhere compared with his, and sent me specimens in return. Of course, I thought his nowhere ; but the incident suggested two things ; First, that we all are apt to over-rate our own children ; and secondly, that when Aster flowers have been packed up for twenty- four hours they get a withered and sleepy look, which obscures their merits, and they do not recover from it in water. They should always be judged growing, as so much depends on their habit. Where this last advice can be followed, what I am going to say is of less consequence, but I never can see the use in the case of flowers which are certainly nearly all hybrids of divid- ing them under such heads as A. hevis, A. Novi-Belgii, A. versicolor, &c. The points which amateurs, if they cannot see flowers, care to know are the height, the relative time of flowering (early, medium, or late), the colour, and perhaps the size of the flowers. A heading — "cordifolius," for instance — would to most growers of Asters suggest dense panicles of minute flowers ; but cordifolius makes many hybrids, few of them of much merit, in which the heart-shaped character of leaf is retained, with flowers of every size up to those of the type lajvis. It seems to me that nearly all Asters of the Michaelmas Daisy type are prone to cross, and as the progeny is often fertile, it is not only puzzling, but, from a gardener's point of view, useless to class them according to their specific characters. Edge Hall, Mcdpas. C. Wollby-Dod. OcTOBBB 28, 1899.] THE GARDEiT. 333 SILVER VARIEGATED PAMPAS GRASSES. FoK many years past I have grown a very prettily variegated foroi of the above-named plant received from a London nurseryman under the name of Cortaderia or Gynerium Lambleyi, but as to the correctness of this name I have for some time felt strong doubts, as I had never come across this specific name anywhere else. From a French nurseryman in the course of last autumn I received two varie- ties of variegated Pampas Grass under the re- spective names of Cortaderia Wesserlinghi and C. Stcenakeri : these are now both in flower, and on comparison of the inflorescences I find that C. Wesserlinghi is identical with what I have hitherto known as C. Lambleyi. It is an exceedingly distinct and desirable variety, and when established very free-blooming, as my old plant, though only of medium size, is now bear- ing thirty- three of its ornamental plumes, which are of a perfectly upright habit and of a pleasing pale rosy hue rather ditticult to describe with exact accuracy, and unlike in form those of any of the many other varieties known to me. It is also of an admirably dwarf, compact liabit of growth, and is, I consider, a distinct and desirable addition to any collection of orna- mental grasses, however choice. It is also ap- parently perfectly hardy. The other variety named above as C. Stienakeri is also most de- sirable and of quite distinct appearance, having a much whiter variegation and perfectly white plumes. W. E. GrHBLETON. THE EDINBURGH BOTANIC GARDENS. Most botanic gardens possess attractions for those who care for the variety which is to be found in the world of plants. The Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh are no exception to the rule. They have for some time been undergoing extensive alterations, which must very materially interfere with the ordinary work of the staff and prevent many little details of cultivation from being carried out. Much still remains to be done before the alterations are completed, and one can hardly judge of the general effect of the changes until they are finished. At present one can, how- ever, say that the enlargement of the glass struc- tures has not only enabled Professor Balfour to add to the collection of plants, but also to display the others to greater advantage. The gain to the public is no slight one, as the plants can be viewed with comfort and in a more thorough way. The new paths in course of construction will also give easier access to the different points of interest. The middle of September is not the most attrac- tive time to see the outdoor plants to advantage, yet one can at all times find something worthy of notice. Dwellers in Scotland will find it worth their while to examine the shrubs on the wall in front of the terrace. Here they will acquire an idea of what may be suitable wall shrubs for cul- tivation in the north of Scotland. Some of those on this wall receive a little protection, but care is taken that there is no " coddling " and that the covering is not applied too early. There are several Escallonias, among which I saw illinita, ptero- cladon, exoniensis, rubra, punctata, and viscosa. One of the hardiest at Edinburgh is E. Phillipi- ana, a plant whose pleasing appearance is much admired. Jasminum floribundum was coming into bloom, but Buddleia intermedia had just gone out of flower. Azara integrifolia and A. Oilliesi both looked healthy. Calycanthus floridus and C. occideutalis were seen in good condition. The pretty Berberidopsis corallina was in bloom, while others not in flower were LoniceraStandishi, Olearia macrodonta, Magnolia grandiflora, El;Bag- nus macrophylla and E. glabra, Ilex latifolia, I. cornuta, Lupinus arboreus, and Raphiolepis japonica. One is doubtful if the last will live long at Edinburgh. Vitis Coigneti.-e and V. striata and as fine a piece as I have ever seen in a garden, (Baker) were also on this wall, which is, unfor- , A very conspicuous plant was Cnicus pannonicus tunately, too low for some of the shrubs upon it. At so late a season one could not expect to see many things in bloom in the beds, as it ought to be remembered there is no planting for effect. The popular Clematis Davidiana was in flower, Cortaderia Lambleiji foliis variegaiis. From a photograph sent hy Mr. W. E. Qumbleton, Belgrove, Queenstown. and a number of dwarf annuals relieved the dul- seeds. ness of places where perennial flowers were over. Among the Mulleins I noted Verbascum repandum as being pretty with its branching spikes of yellow flowers. V. speciosum has large yellow blooms which, but for being larger, are much like those of V. Thapsus. In one bed there was a mass of Pratia angulata. It was over 2i feet in diameter, var. divaricatus, and the distinct Heienium stria- tum was also effective. Pulicaria vulgaris, about U feet high, seemed rather a nice little yellow composite, and I was pleased with a nice specimen of Liatris cylindrica with bright flowers. As one who thinks the Lupines rather neglected flowers, I was glad to see in bloom L. Cruickshanki, whose fault of short spikes is partly atoned for by the blue, white, red, and yellow colour of the flowers. Perhaps the pret- tiest of the tall plants in the beds was G3psophila Ste\eni. This is not the flower usually grown under the name givan, which is inferior to the cnaat Edinburgh. Eryngiums and several other genera, interest- ing though they are, must be passed over. The pond in the Royal Bo- tanic Gardens is not large enough for water gardening as it is practised at the present day, and it has become crowded up with Aponogeton distach- yon, to the disadvantage of some of the new Nymph .-eas only recently planted. The Water Hawthorn is, however, so pretty in itself that it could ill be spared. 3y the side of the3 pond are some grand New Zealand Flaxes, which look as if they delighted in the mois- ture at their roots. A clump of Rodgersia podophylla, large in leaf and with the fine bronzy colour so much desired, grows by the margin also. Polygonum afline, Saxifraga peltata, and S. aquatica, with other plants, are equally at home. A dry season like the past is not the best for the famed rock garden, and in consequence of the drought, coupled with the late spring frosts, an unusually large number of plants has been lost. Of course, newly-putout plants have suffered most, and as alterations were in progress, there has been a large percent- age of deaths. Still, even at so late a season for alpine flowers the rock garden was worth seeing. Among the prettiest things was Anemonopsis macro- phylla, a flower which has been in the hands of the trade for some time, but has not yet found its way into many private gardens. It is a pretty Ane- monelike flower with white blooms, and is a good plant for the border or rock garden. Dianthus Noiianus, although not showy, is a neat single white Pink useful for its late blooming. It is of trailing habit. Worthy of remark, too, is Oxalis Valdiviana. If— and this is not proved — its tuberous roots do not resist our hard winters, the plant is as good as a perennial one, as it comes up and flowers annually either from the roots or Its colour is in its favour, as we have few hardy yellow flowers'of its character. A pleasing little plant is Antirrhinum asarinum, which seems quite hardy at Edinburgh, where it rambles among the stones, looking well with its creamy flowers. Two pits sunk below the level of the upper part of the rock garden are, I believe, to be slightly altered for better access. On the per- 334 THE GARDEN. [October 28, 1899. pendicular sides are some thriving Ramondias, Including pyrenaica, pyrenaicaalba, and Nathaliie. The pretty, but rather ditticult to keep, Litho- spermutn graminifolium seemed to be happy in such a position. The privilege kindly afforded me of an inspec- tion of the plants in the frames showed one that there is likely to be no falling off, but rather an increase, in the number of new plants on view. These are, however, too numerous to speak of at present. Nor can one do more than allude to the Veronicas and other plants in the beds on the terrace. A necessarily hurried walk through the houses gave much pleasure. One who has for years grown a few Cacti and who has still a liking for their quaint forms and brilliant flowers cannot but be pleased with the Edinburgh collection, small though it is compared with that at Kew. Mesembryanthemums, Haworthias, Crassulas, and other genera of succulents are also in considerable numbers. Insectivorous plants have for long been grown in the gardens, and, now that they are better displayed, the public take more interest in them. Nepenthes are well grown, and it is inte- resting to see at what an early stage seedlings begin to show miniature pitchers. Among other plants, more or less uncommon, which were in bloom were some nice hybrid Passifloras, Calceolaria Burbidgei, with yellow flowers ; the effective Begonia luxurians, which would appear as if it might be valuable to the hybridiser ; Lantana Camara, with the beautiful Lantana hybrida alba on a wall in the corridor ; Cassia corymbosa, the Nash Court variety of Lapagerja rosea, Diplacus coccinea, with a few nice Orchids and miscellaneous plants were also in bloom in the houses. Palms, Ferns, and stove plants were generally in capital order. The further extension, which will connect the Palm house with the other glass structures, will be a great convenience not only to the staff, but also to visitors, besides giving the additional room Btill needed. S. Arnott. LOBELIA FOR STOCK. In the remarks on p. 254, pot culture during summer is suggested by "H." as a good way whereby to secure stock of the above. A little reflection, however, will not fail to show how diiiicult this method of culture would be in a summer like that of the present year ; indeed, if carried out as advised there is frequent trouble in damping during winter. A far better plan, en- tailing much less labour and no daily watering in summer, is in spring, when the bedding out is finished, to plant out a few in a reserve plot of ground where their flowering is not needed. Nothing more will be needed till the first week of August, when the whole of the tufts may be cut closely over with scissors or shears, leaving an inch of growth at most remaining. A week or two later, say towards the end of the month, the cut-back plants will be full of new growth, which by reason of the hard pruning will be genuine shoots as opposed to flowering shoots. At any moment the plants may be lifted, pulled into quite small pieces, and planted in sandy soil in boxes placed forthwith in a cold frame or a manure frame just losing its heat. If very hot, shading may be needed. Fresh root action quickly fol- lows. Propagating trays 8 inches wide, 15 inches long, and IJ inches deep will take about fifty plants. No drainage is required beyond the screenings of the soil by reason of the shallowness of the trajs. By the end of the year the plants will have grown into one complete carpet, and all that is necessary is a cool place with freedom from drip. One such box as I have stated will yield more than a dozen pots. I have adopted this method since 1876, when it occurred to me quite acci- dentally, having previously had some consider- able trouble in securing supplies. A decided advantage is that a very early start maj' be made, and if only a moderate supply is needed, cuttings of the ordinary stamp are not necessary, as by dividing and replanting the stock boxes abun- dance can be obtained. The above method, both for its simplicity and for its advantages over the old method of lifting and potting the worn-out plants, cannot too widely be known. Even when requiring from 30,(J00 to 50,000 plants of Lobelia alone I have been content with planting about five or six dozen in the early summer, so great is the supply of growth later. But where large lots are needed, it is perhaps better not to let the stock intended plants flower at all, cutting them over twice instead of once, and the first time more lightly. The same method holds good for Alternanthera, Ageratum, and other things of like character. That one time popular carpet plant, Mentha Pulegium gibraltarica, may be increased on similar lines to the Lobelia. E.J. MICHAELMAS DAISIES. Starworts are ]}ar excellence the flowers of Sep- tember, and numerous are the species and varie- ties that decorate the borders with their suave colour gradations, ranging in tint from deep purple through infinite shades of mauve, lavender, j and palest blue to white. Aster Amellus bess- arabicus, the first of the Michaelmas Daisies to expand its blooms, commencing its display I early in the month of August, is one of the most enduring of ths whole family, often retaining blossoms until late in October. During Septem- ber this variety, with its large purple-blue, gold- centred flowers borne in countless profusion, is a most attractive sight. This Starwort is particu- larly well adapted to small gardens, as, in addi- tion to its striking decorative qualities, it pos- sesses the additional merit of being easily kept within bounds, which is far from being the case with the majority of the perennial Asters, many of which are far too rampant in growth for small borders. A. acris is effective for grouping, in- formal masses along the edge of a shrubbery pro- viding charming autumnal pictures with their dense sheets of soft colouring thrown up by the evergreen background. A. hevis and its varie- ties are also ornamental, A. 1. Apollo being espe- cially taking. Of the Novi-Belgii section the first to open its blossoms is the white Harpur Crewe, this being one of the best of the pure white varie- ties. The centres of the flowers at the time of their first expansion are yellow, but soon assume a deep brown tint. Other good, but later whites are niveus and polyphyllus. A. N.-B. Robert Parker, which grows to a height of over 6 feet, is without doubt the most graceful of the tall-grow- ing kinds, bearing long slender shoots with deli- cate side sprays studded with large pale mauve blossoms, which are not so closely set as to de- tract from its elegance. For arranging loosely in tall vases this variety is not to be excelled. In this section Pluto and Autumn Glory are two good dark-flowered forms. A. puniceus pul- I cherrimus is a robust growing variety, attaining a height of from 5 feet to 6 feet and throwing up sturdy flower-stems, which are smothered in a j profusion of good-sized blooms of palest lilac, which become white soon after they are fully ex- ; panded. Aster Arcturus is an attractive Star- wort with deep purple-blue flowers and almost black stems, while A. cordifolius and A. cordi- folius elegans, the former bearing countless small white blooms on branching stems and the latter blossoms of a pale mauve tint, are valuable both for the border and for supplying cut flowers. A. ericoides, with minute white Daisy-like blossoms thickly set on flower-sprays, whose foliage resem- bles that of the Heaths and is answerable for the plant's distinctive name, is one of the loveliest of the whole genus, while the dwarf-growing A. du- mosus and A. diffusus horizontalis, the latter one of the oldest favourites in cottage gardens, with spreading branches densely set with small maroon andwhite flowers, though notpossessingtheattrac- tions of the earlier-mentioned varieties, should find a place in representative cillections. Starworts of the Nova- - Angliie section are scarcely so decorative as those of the Novi Belgii race, since their foliage is deneer and their flowers produced in less abundance. Their blossoms are of various shades of purple and dull red, the most striking varieties being Melpomene, deep purple, and ruber, rosy-crimson. A. grandiflorus can scarcely be classed as a September flower, since even during dry seasons in sunny gardens in the south west it rarely expands its earliest blossoms before the con- cluding days of the month, and is seldom at its best much before the close of October. It is, however, an extremely handsome plant, some of its violet- purple, golden-centred blooms attaining a diameter of over 2 inches, and remaining in beauty, should frost not supervene, until the middle of November. Aster (Chrysocoma) lino- syris, a plant that is found wild in some parts of South Devon, and which is popularly known by the title of Goldilocks, is a particularly useful autumnal subject, producing dense terminal corymbs of bright yellow flowers, and is often to be met with in cottage gardens, though rarely to be found in the herbaceous border. When Starworts are used for indoor decoration it is advisable to split up the stems to a length of 4 inches or so with a sharp knife, dividing the stalks into four sections before placing them in water, as when so treated they are enabled to absorb more moisture and to retain their freshness for a far longer period than if this precaution has not been taken. S. W. F. RAISING BIENNIALS. Owing to the dry summer and want of water I could not sow the biennial seeds in June and July, such as Hollyhocks, Canterbury Bells, Antirrhinums, &c. , for blooming next summer. Can I sow them outdoors now, or would it be better to do so now under glass and let the seed- lings winter in a cold house (which has no beat any time in the winter), or should I sow them in heat in February and harden off in May and plant out ? In this latter case, will they bloom in the summer of year they are sown ? — Beeswing. *,* Some of the biennial flowering plants may be sown in the early part of the year, and will flower the same year somewhat later than they would if sown in the ordinary way during the previous autumn. Of those mentioned by " Bees- wing " the Antirrhinums and Hollyhocks would do well, but the Canterbury Bells would not be worth troubling about, and it would be in their case preferable to buy in young plants, which may be got cheaply enough from many nursery- men. Hollyhocks require the best of attention to raise and flower them in the same year, but they deserve all the trouble, and many gardeners who have been troubled with the Hollyhock dis- ease have adopted the system during the past few years and have had the satisfaction of seeing their plants so raided entirely free from the unsightly fungus which formerly made Hollyhock culture a misery. We should not advise "Bees- wing " to sow now, especially as he appears to have command of some heat from February on- ward. The better way would be to sow in heat as early as possible after the turn of the year and to keep the young seedlings growing as freely as possible in a temperature of about 65°. When the young plants are ready, prick them off round the edges of 5 inch pots filled with good soil, and later on pot them singly into .'? inch pots. When the roots have got established in these, gradually harden the plants till in is safe to put them into a cold frame, which should be protected from frost at night, and in May put out where the plants are to flower, giving them a good rich soil. Pro- tect the young plants, if necessary, by putting an inverted fliwer pot over each on frosty nights. This protection will not be needful for long, but is a great help at first. A sharp look-out must be kept for green fly, as this, if allowed to esta- blish itself, will entirely cripple the young plants. The Antirrhinums may be raised in the same way, but it is not necpssary to pot these off singly ; thev may be pricked off thinly into boxes of light soil, and soon develop into nice plants that will flower freely up to the fnd of autumn. If seeds of either of the above plants are bought from a reliable firm, the percentage of poor flowers will be very 'mail indeed, and the rest will make a fine display. — Ed. October 28, 1899.J THE GARDEN. '335 Stove and Greenhouse. ACACIAS IN CALIFORNIA. Although the leading species of Acacias have been grown in California (luite as long as the Eucalypti, they are far from being so popular among planters, and one never sees large areas set to these valuable trees. If California did not have extensive forests of Tan-bark Oaks and deserts abounding in Canaigre, the tannin- yielding Wattles would be more often planted. The rapidity of growth, under favourable con- ditions, of Acacia decurrens is surprising, par- ticularly to those who know the Acacias only as greenhouse shrubs. The illustration shows a tree growing at the Southern California sub- station near Pomona, Los Angeles County, conducted by the State University. This tree was raised from seed sown in 18!t3, and was photographed in 1898. It was therefore five years old and had stood four years, being re- moved from the nursery at one year. Its height is more than 30 feet. It has received no irriga- tion ; the amount of annual rainfall has varied from 12 inches to 18 inches. Acacias are being planted more freely in recent years, since they are so ornamental in bloom, and the timber is found useful for many purposes. In time they will doubtless form a striking feature of our landscapes. Chas. H. Shinn. FREESIAS FAILING. I AM sending you some Freesia bulbs which have gone quite hard. Every summer the bulbs are left in their pots, which are put into a cool green- house near the glass to bake all summer. They have then in September been repotted and have bloomed magnificently, but after this hot summer, when they were shaken out of the earth, they were quite hard. Why is this '! Several gar- deners around have found the same. The soil in the pots is never watered in the summer, but allowed to bake hard. I have never failed before. — Beeswing. *,* If the Freesia bulbs sent with this query were a fair sample of the s^ock, they had never really finished their growth, as they were per- fectly smooth and without wrinkles such as well- developed bulbs, whether large or small, have. The probabilities are that the drying olf was com- menced too soon after flowering, the result being a sudden check to growth ; the bulbs being then in a soft and unfinished state could not stand the severe baking to which they were subjected dur- ing the past long and hot summer. I have never met with a similar case and have never been able to over-bake Freesia bulbs with sun heat, but then I have always been careful to allow growth to be complete before reducing the water supply, after which no harm comes to them, and the more bak- ing they get the more certain they are to flower. The bulbs sent were <|uite dead, and I can compare them to nothing but pieces of soapstone or of exceptionally hard prepared chalk. On them can be discerned through the microscope a few very minute brown spots that look like the spores of some fungi, but these appear to me to be the result, and not the cause, of death. The bulbs appear quite mummified. Fortunately, Freesia bulbs are now very cheap, and " Beeswing " can easily make good his loss, but flowers from bulbs potted up now will be late and not so fine as those from bulbs potted up in August. I should advise care in the early stages of ripening and care also in choice of soil to see that it contains no fungoid growth. I have been particularly suc- cessful with bulbs grown in half loam and a quarter each of river said and dried cow manure, the latter rubbed up tine. — Cornubian. fixed, and that it either sports or else the stock sent out by the raiser was the result of many seedlings from the same cross. I saw recently Mr. Hudson's plants of the new variety Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, which recently gained an award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, grouped in a house also containing a similar number of plants of the dark variety, which must be, I suppose, taken as the true type. The difference was most marked, and at that time was all in favour of the new variety, as the flowers were larger, and in colour a nearer approach to pink. It may not prove so showy for midwinter, as it will naturally be paler then, but a batch of it for early flowering will be very useful, and to many people the elimination of the magenta tinge will be considered a great im- Begonia Gloire de Lorraine.— In spite of this moat useful winter-flowering Begonia being infertile, it is very certain that the type is not Acacia decurrens in Calijomia—five years from photograph 61/ Prof. C. H. Shinn, Berkeley, provement. I do not know what may be the experience of others, but from the stock here I could select three, and probably more, varieties that would appear perfectly distinct if grown in bulk and stood side by side. The lightest col- oured forms of each batch, consisting of plants of the same age, come first into flower.— J. C. Tal- LACK. AUamanda Hendersoni.— This plant makes a most effective climber if a stove heat and ample room be given it. I met with a remarkable plant of it at Bramley Park the other Jay. The speci- men has been growing a numoer of years and covers the whole of the wirewotk tbe length of a structure about 30 feeb long and 6 feet wide. lb is planted in a border which gives plenty of space for the roots, and requires plenty of water with periodical aids in the way of stimulants. The plant is in flower more or less nine months out of the twelve, the only rest being given when it is pruned in late autumn. Its rich yellow flowers are esteemed for cutting, and the plant is in itself a striking object. The shade it produces proves beneficial to the Ferns and Palms growing under- neath.— S. HOUSING TREE CARNATIONS. I GREW winter- flowering Carnations for many years, and always found it of the utmost import- ance to protect the plants from heavy, soaking rains in autunn. If the ball once becomes thoroughly soddened, it fre- quently in the case of plants in, say, S-inch or 9-inch pots, and which are not in a semi- root-bound condition, takes several weeks for them to again become dry. In the interval, what is known amongst Car- nation growers as the yellows attacks the growth, and from which they very rarely tho- roughly recover. The know- ledge of this induces some to house their plants full early, but sooner than do this I would lay the plants on their sides in stormy weather, as I think the first week in Octo- ber quite soon enough to get them into their winter quarters — at least, in midland and southern counties. Frequently the plants do not receive suffi- cient attention after being placed under glass, but if the weather is dry and sunny, or even windy, the atmosphere becomes too arid and a con- siderable check is given. Where the plants are elevated on wooden stages in the old- fashioned way, frequent damp- ing of floors and stages should be practised throughout Octo- ber, and on bright, sunny days overhead syringings as well. From November till February the soil in the pots will supply suflicient atmospheric mois- ture. Market growers, how- ever—and I think they are right — prefer low houses fur- nished with slate or wooden benches, these being covered with sifted coal ashes. In such a position the plants can be kept in a growing condition, as the ashes retain the mois- ture, and in such structures evaporation is slow. Another important matter is fumiga- tion. The plants should be fu- migated twice mildly whether aphis is visible or not. The plants also should, if practic- able, be watered by one man, and, provided they are not pot- bound, manures of any kind are best avoided. Later on, when the plants are opening their flowers freely, liquid manure the colour of pale ale may be given at every alternate watering. C. B. N. LILY OF THE VALLEY. The time will soon arrive when 1 hose who require an early supply of Lily of the Valley will have to place the crowns in heat. Much annoyance is caused by the crowns either refusing to start or by a sudden collapse of the growth when half completed. Very often the failure is attributed to an immature condition of the crowns, but I eed. From a California. 336 THE GARDEIf. [October 28, 1899. think more frequently the cause lies in a fluctuat- ing bottom-heat. A bottom-heat which is one temperature to-day and another to-morrow has not calculated to produce satisfactory batches of Lily of the Valley. Miny a good lob of crowns is spoiled by being plunged in a bad of leaves and manure, which retains a heat of, perhaps, 80° or 90° for ten days or so, and then suddenly falls to 65° or 70°. The former figure should ba main tained from the time the crowns are plunged until the flower-spikes are well advanced. For many years I succeeded wall with early batches by placing a thin board over an evaporating pin of the hob-water pipes in a Pine stove, standing the pots on this and picking Mjss firmly around and between them. An inverted pot was placed on each of those containing the crowns, and water given at a temperature of 95° every morning, as if the soil once became dry, failure followed. Under those conditions I seldom had a patchy lot, as the tempera- ture remained unchanged from first to last. I allowed the inverted pobs to remiin on until the lowermost bells expanded, when the plants were removed to a warm house to finish opening. When once fully out, the flowers last much longer in a temperature of, say, 55" or 60°. As regards open-air culture, many beds fail through being liberally sbarved. This flower requires good drainage, but ib is very easy to add too much leaf-mould and light soil to the bads when forming them. Some of the best crowns are grown in Norfolk, and agood deal of cow manure is used. A friend of mine in that county allows plenty of room between the rows, and the second season a furrow is made with a special tool between each row, this being filled in with cow manure, which is trodden in firmly and the soil again placed on. The roots of the Lilies rush into this larder very eagerly, fine foliage and crowns resulting. Mulching and watering are also regularly and liberally followed up in dry summers. I was informed by my friend that a most imporbanb point in opan-air culture is keep- ing the crowns well above ground, so that they may become thoroughly mibured by sun and air. As a rule, bhe longer bhe crowns resb, bhe better they start away when forcad. J. B. S. SEPTEMBER IN SOUTH DEVON. Tuis year the mooch of September has shown few signs of the advent of autumn. Even in the con- cluding days of the monoh the verdant foliage of the trees gave but sparse hints of the gorgeous transfiguration that will shortly illumine the woodland groves, though here and there the leaves o! the Limes have assumed a pale tint that boriers on yellow, and an occasional Chestnut fan shows a ruddy stain. The Mountain Ashes are bright with their scarlet berry-clusters, and a red glow, that will increase in brilliance as the leaves fall, is stealing along the hedgerows from the crimson- ing heps that in countless thousands stud bhe Thorn bushes. The Holly berries, of which bhis year bhere is an unwonted profusion, are turning from green to scarlet, and the feathery trails of the Traveller's Joy are slowly assuming a smoke-grey tint, but the foliage of the Brambles, studded with profuse clusters of Blackberries of all shades of colour, from greenish red to sable, still shows an uniform green hue, flecked here and there with occasional maroon-spobted,' yellowed leaves, but evidencing no signs of changing itstint for the purple-black and crimson that precede the falling leaf. Swallows and martins have remained in considerable numbers throughout the month, and were to be seen each day hawking the fields in pursuit of their rapidly diminishing food-supply, for during the latter half of the month a decided fall in the temperature suggested the commence- ment of fires in the living-rooms. On the last day of September I noticed 23 swallows collected on a short length of telegraph wire, so that it is probable that before many days their numbers will be materially diminiihed. Although insect life has generally proved abundant during the summer and autumn and another " clouded yellow year " has occurred, Colias edusa being unusually CO m mon , the absence of wasps has been remarkable, their numbers, even where ripe fruit was present in quantity, being reckoned by units instead of by the usual scores and hundreds. The high lands of Dirtmoor have presented a glorious pageant of purple and gold— breadths of purple Heather and acres upon acres of golden Gorse — colours that merge and grow less definite as they recede into the distance, melting afar into the infinite blue of the atmosphere or losing their distinctive hues beneath the lawny mist-wreaths that veil the tors. Fine autumnal colour-effects are obtainable by the grouping together of flowers of varied shades of yellow and red. One such border presented a brilliant display in mid Sep- tember. At the back stood masses of perennial Sunflowers and scarlet Cactus Dahlias, while double African Marigolds, ranging in colour from rich orange to pale lemon, occupied the middle distance, and in the foreground scarlet tuberous Begonias and the golden Aster linosyris were flowering. A fair amount of rain has fallen during the month, but bright, sunny days have largely preponderated, and September has been a far preferable month to the corresponding period of 1896, when only two out of the thirty days were rainless. In the matter of wind, September has also been fortunate, no gales having been ex- perienced throughout its duration. In the garden, Achillea ptarmica fl.-p!. The Pearl has continued to bear its sprays of cluster- ing white blossoms, while the picture produced by the arching leaves and tall flower-rods of the great Acanthus has lost none of its nobility of form. The so-called blue Paris Daisy (Agathioi cielestis) has been starred with its soft blue flowers, and the high bank that, for a length of 15 yards or more, the Sweet Alyssum has veiled with a cloud of countless white blossoms has filled the surrounding air with the fragrance of honey. Large plants of Anemone japonica alba Honorine Jobert have been white with their single gold-centred flowers through the greater pirb of the month, a particulirly pleasing colour- efl'ect being produced in one case where the purity of the snowy blossoms was enhanced by the crim- soning leaves of a Virginian Creeper that clothed the southern wall immediately behind. The pale flesh pink varieby of this Anemone is also a most attractive flower, but the magenta-red type, at one time the only form known in the flower garden, is of a singularly unpleaaing tint. The white variety is invaluable for indoor decoration, the simple flowers associating charmingly with other subjects in bloom at the same season, either in the w.iy of decided contrasts, as with Lobelia fulgens, Salvia patens or Montbretias, or with the soft yellow of the Paris Daisy and the flower-lace of Gypsophila paniculata. The Tuberous Begonias have provided one of the most brilliant ett'ects of the month with their vivid colouring, while the spreading foliage has effectually concealed every particle of the under- lying soil. At the commencemenb of the month Amaryllis blanda, the green-stemmed form of A. Belladonna, was in bloom, followed a fort- nighb laber by the type. As a rule, the former variety bears a greater number of flowers on a scape than A. Belladonna and produces longer flower- stems ; the variety rosea perfecta has also 1 been in flower in a neighbouring garden. Some of the dwarf Campanulas have borne a few blos- [ soms, and C. pyramidalis was still in flower in [ the early days of September. The large- flowered Cannas, although yet producing bloom-spikes, have lost something of the brilliance that dis- tinguished their colonies during the preceding month, but the Marguerite Carnations with their blue-green leafage and varied tints have created increasingly harmonious pictures in many gar- dens. Chelone barbata and C. mexicana were in flower at the beginning of the month, followed later on by the purple- blossomed C. Lyoni. On railway embankments and cliff ledges the Va- lerian (Centranthus ruber) in its three colours of pink, deep red, and white has been flowering, and bhe early Chrysanthemums are in full beauty in beds and borders. The so-called autumn Crocuses are in flower, Colchicum autumnale having a pretty effect on the grass, while the purple-red C. speciosum makes a spot of soft colour. Late sowings of the Cornflower and annual Coreopsis are still brightening the garden, and large bushes of the white Cosmos bipinnatus are starred with their reflned flowers. Crinum capense, C. Powelli, C. P. album, and C. Moorei have been in bloom in various gardens, as well as the white variety of C. Moorei, known on the Continent as C. Schmidti, and Crocus speciosus has commenced to expand its violet-purple blos- soms. Cactus Dahlias have provided a brilliant display. New varieties of these handsome flowers are certificated with such liberality, however, as to render it almost impossible for amateurs to keep abreast of the times in the matter of inno- vations, many of which, moreover, will be found to exhibit libtle, if any, advance on older varie- ties. Green's White gives promise of taking the lead in that colour, and the large and brilliant Red Rover, though not certificated, should cer tainly prove a gain to the garden. In sheltered nooks hardy Cyclamens are blossoming profusely, and here and there secondary blue flower-spires may be seen on the Delphiniums or a large, tall- stemmed golden star on the Doronicum clumps. Erigeron speciosus, after many monbhs of blos- soming, sbill holds some pale mauve golden- centred blooms, and the Mexican Daisy (Erigeron mucronatus) is thick with flower. The Esch- scholtzias are bright in hanging rockeries, and the Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) was bear- ing its long crimson -flowered spikes at the com- mencement of Septembe«. Hardy Fuchsias, such as F. gracilis and F. Riccartoni, in cottage gar- dens have presented lovely pictures during the month, the bushes in some cases being 9 feet or 10 feet in height and as much as 6 feet or 8 feet in diameter. Every arching shoot is thickly strung with the drooping crimson flowers, and in the bright sunshine the great bushes glow at a little distance with surpassing brilliance. Funkia grandiflora has borne its large-flowered white bloom-heads, and Gaillardias, Gazinias, and scar- let Geums have given colour to the borders. The Cape Hyacinth (Galtonia candicans) was still bearing its tall spires of pendent ivory-white bells in the early days of September, while towards the close of the month the Gerbera produced a second display of orange - scarlet bloom. Hedysarum multijugum has been in flower, and in sunny positions Hedychium Gardnerianum has borne its scented yellow flower-spikes. This plant will, as a rule, pass through the winter in the open ground in the south-west, but under fuch circumstances rarely perfects its blossoms sutii- ciently early in the year, except in situations con- ducive to early maturation. The Perennial Sunflowers are at their best in September, and create splendid breaks of bright gold where grown in large masses. Helianthus rigidus Miss Mellish and H. loebiflorus are amongst bhe finest varieties of the month, and the pale yellow H. giganteus, lifting its tall flower-heads to a height of 8 feet or 9 feet, is extremely effec- tive when thrown into high relief by a verdant background. Annual Sunflowers and Hollyhocks, though for the most part past their best, are still ornamental in cottage gardens here and there, where Helichrysums occasionally create a bright spot of colour. The Heliotrope plants are covered with blossom and the surrounding air is heavy with their incense. Hunnemannia fumari:efolia has produced its handsome golden Poppy- like flowers above its glaucous foliage, and appears tolerably hardy in sheltered gardens. Though introduced seventy years ago, it is rarely seen in cultivation. Hydrangeas have provided delight- ful effects throughout the month, giant bushes laden with their massive blossoms, in many cases Forget-me-not blue in colour, bordering shrub- beries, flanking wooded drives, or mantling stiff cliff verges with lavish wealth of flower. Hyperi- cum Moserianum has also been in bloom, and the Torch Lilies (Kniphofia) have made breadths of OcTOiiER 28, 1899.J THE GARDEK 337 vivid colour with their scarlet spear - heads. Lobelia fulgeng has borne its tall Hower spires of intense vermilion, and L. rosea its softer-tinted blossoms. The common Marigolds (Calendula) and French Marigolds (Tagetes) have been bril- liant with their varied shades of jellow, and Matricaria inodora fl.-pl. has had its Fennel- like foliage smothered with double white flowers. Early in the month the Montbretias were displaying their orange scarlet flower-scapes, Etoile de Feu lieing one of the most brilliant of the named varieties. Late- sown plants of the sweet-scented Tobacco (Nicoti- ana athnis) are still effective in the garden, and Qi^nothera Lamarckiana continues to produce its widespread yellow blossoms. Tufted Pansies are also still in bloom, and are at the present time in far better condition than was the case at the same period of the two preceding seasons ; and the Paris Daisies (yellow and white) are bearing flowers, though not with the profusion that marked the months of July and August. Ivy- leaved Pelargoniums have afforded a marvellous display during the summer and early autumn, as with three mild winters in succession many old plants have made prodigious growth. As a rule, where large masses of these subjects are seen clothing a wall with bloom, they consist of the shell-pink variety known as Mme. Crouese, the flower trusses of which when borne in profusion over an extent of wall create charming breadths of soft colour. In one case this Pelargonium had run up the south-western angle of a creeper-clad house and covered it from eaves to ground level, a height of over 2.5 feet, with a veil of blossom, while many other instances have occurred in the south-west where sheets of flower from 10 feet to 15 feet in height have been formed by the same plants. Pentstemons have been in bloom through- out the month, and Phygeliua capensis bore its tall spikes set with drooping scarlet flowers dur- ing its earlier days, at which time the herbaceous Phloxes had not entirely concluded their season of brightness, and the annual Phlox Drummondi had lost but little of its rich colouring. The Winter Cherries (Physalis Alkekengi and the later-introduced P. Franchetti, with its enormous orange-scarlet, glistening calyces) have assumed their brilliant autumnal hues and will soon be ready for cutting for winter decoration, an operation that should be performed before the calyces are injured by heavy rains and gales if they are to preserve their beauty intact through the winter months. If the stems are left uncut, the calyces usually become skeletonised by the en- suing spring. The leaves should be removed as soon as the stems are cut, as they soon withe, but the calyx-studded stems associate charmingly with dried grasses, autumn - tinted Bracken, feathery trails of Traveller's Joy, Ivy, or other dark foliage, and retain their fresh appearance for many months. The soft blue of Plumbago Lar pent.-e is apparent on all sides. The plant grows like a weed in the south-west and seems totally indifferent as to the character of the soil in which it is planted, flourishing alike in heavy and light staple and in damp and dry situations. At this period of the year it presents a particularly pleas- ing aspect, clothing rockeries with foliage that has partially assumed a reddish bronze tint, and which is liberally besprinkled with its blue flower- heads. Polygonum capitatum ha? been covered with its dense pink bloom-spikes, and Pyrethrum uliginosum has borne in profusion its narrow- rayed white stars on tall flower-stems. Roses, though not so plentiful in September as in June and Julv, are by no means things of the past. The Hybrid Perpetuals, belying their name, can scarcely be considered satisfactory autumnal bloomers, though they provide a fair scattering of flowers, the old favourite (Jeneral Jacqueminot being one of the most prolific at this season of the year. Teas and Hybrid Teas have, however, borne an ample display of blos- soms, Safrano being especially noticeable in this respect, though these naturally lack the size of the earlier crop, but the China Roses have proved the most free-flowenng of the family, the salmon- pink Laurette Messimy being particularly deco- rative, while Queen Mab, Irene Watts, and Souvenir de L. Guillot, with their subtle colour gradations of scarlet, rose, apricot, chrome shell- pink, and allied tints, have afforded many delight- ful blooms, and the old Fellenberg has been smothered in flower. The single white Macart- ney Rose is one of the loveliest of autumn flowers, and expands its chaste, delicately-scented blos- soms without intermission until the advent of the first frost. The individual flowers are about 4 inches in diameterj and are produced in con- tinuous succession from mid-July onwards, two or three dozen often being open simultaneously on a large plant. Kudbeckia Newmani, R. nitida, and R. purpurea have been in bloom, and the Salpiglossis has displayed its gorgeous shot-silk colouring. The deep blue of Salvia patens has been a feature of the garden, while S. fulgensand S. coccinea have borne their scarlet and crim«on flowers, as have specimens of S. rutilans which were planted out from pots in May. This sub- ject, sometimes termed the Pine apple Salvia on account of the strange resemblance borne by the aroma of its leaves to that fruit, will often exist in the open through the winter, but in such a case rarely matures its blossoms. Old plants of S. fulgens and S. coccinea, however, that have been growing in the open for some seasons flower yearly during the autumn months box was fixed, a Peach being planted in one and a Nectarine in the other, these being trained to a trellis over the pathways at each end of the stage. During winter, when the fruit trees were at rest, the stage was filled with Tree Carnations, the smaller side shelves being furnished with Primulas, Cyclamens and Solanums. In spring, when the Carnations were past and the cuttings taken, the stage was cleared and refilled with Tea Roses, which in their turn were placed in cooler quarters to harden off, pot Figs being then taken in to fill their place. A stout shelf along the front of the house accommodated a row of early pot Tomatoes, the plants being trained to a temporary trellis sus- pended on hooks over the front pathway some 1.5 inches from the glass. The various arrange- ments here described might be profitably imitated in many places lacking space and convenience. — Grower. Kitchen Garden. VEGETABLE REFl'SE FOR PEAS. Everyone knows that the past season has been a very trying one for Peas, especially on light soils. In a garden where the natural staple is very porous I was surprised to find some of the heaviest crops I have ever seen ; Duchess of Scabiosa caucasica has borne its pale blue flowers Albany and Autocrat especially were grand, on spring-sown seedlings, and Sedum Sieboldi The gardener told me that he could not get any and Senecio pulcher have been in bloom, as has manure, but had to rely entirely on leaf-mould the Golden Rod (Sohdago ambigua), a handsome and decayed vegetable matter generally. He plant when massed in the wild garden Sternbergia lutea, the Winter Daffodil, has produced its golden flowers, and S. macrantha in Mr. Archer - Hind's garden at Coombefishacre has thrown up large golden blooms almost Tulip- like in size. Stokesia cyanea has perfected its purple blossoms not very dissimilar from those of the single Aster (Callistephus), but lacking the yellow eye of the latter. Why, by the way, is the beautiful single Aster rarely or never seen in the gardens of to-day ? In its form and colouring it leaves little to be desired, but, like the single scarlet Ranunculus asiaticus, another lovely flower, it has been " improved," until in the multitude of double forms the single and far more graceful type has been entirely lost to sight. made a practice of collecting all the leaves he could. These were kept one year, turned over in the winter and mixed with lawn sweepings and other things. In the winter, trenches were taken out and a liberal amount of this mixture put into the bottom, so that by the time the Peas came into bloom their roots began to take possession of this store of good food. In very light soils I believe this to be the best way of growing Peas, as the roots are tempted to go deeper and are thus more out of harm's way in a time of severe drought. Probably partly decayed vegetable matter is more enticing to the roots than is rank manure when buried some depth in the ground. I am inclined to Late-sown Sweet Peas and Sweet Sultans have'ii,- i j.u t • ^ i i. c • i been in flower during the month, as have Trades ! ^^'""^ '^^'""^T "^'^""re is not always so beneficial cantia virginica and Tritonia aurea. Violets are ' ''^. ^** c?'"™""'? supposed. I have noticed that commencing to blossom in some quantity, and in this district the plants have suffered less from the red spider pest during the past season than they did in 1S!)S, thus proving that the occasional heavy thunder-showers considerably mitigated the effects of a dry summer. Zauschneria cali- fornica is bearing its vermilion flowers, and Zephyranthes Atamasco and Z Candida have been in bloom in a neighbouring garden. There being some doubt as to whether the former was cor- rectly named, flowers were submitted to Kewand the nomenclature authenticated. S. W. F. Torquay. A useful glasshouse. — It is not in every garden thMt a convenient range of glasshouses is found. Where such exists it is a comparatively easy matter to secure successional supplies of fruit and flowers. Often, however, very good results may be achieved by a little forethought in the internal arrangement. One of the most useful structures that has ever come under my notice was a rather lofty lean-to, having lights some ■i feet long, slanting from the top of the house at the back, these serving as ventilators, and of course admitting a good deal of extra light to the back wall. Trained to the wall are various kinds of Figs planted in narrow boxes. These after reaching the top of the wall, are allowed to travel a short distance down the main roof facing the south, being secured to wires. Good crops were secured from these trees, the fruit being gathered from the top of the slanting stage which occupied the body of the house. In each corner of the house near to the front lights another slate when heavy dressings are applied in spring the etiect, especially in a dry summer, is not nearly so marked as one might imagine would be the case. Quite raw manure is never acceptable to plants ; it must in some way be acted on by earthy or atmospheric influences before roots will travel freely in it. Not only is this the case, but fresh manure can never be finely sub- divided, but goes into the ground in lumps, so that many of the roots have to travel some dis- tance before they find any benefit from it. In the case of an esculent which requires such a great amount of food and which is .so liable to failure through lack of strength to resist clima- tic vicissitudes, it is important that plenty of food in a form that is of easy assimilation should be at the disposal of the roots from the time the flowers are formed. It is just at that period that Peas are apt to go wrong, and it often taxes the grower's ingenuity to discover the cause of failure. The primary cause in most cases would, I think, be found in defective nutrition, either caused by the soil not having been sufficiently worked or by a deficiency of food of the right kind. I know of one garden where vegetables of most kinds are remarkably well grown, and it is the gardener's boast that he hardly ever uses manure. In this garden, which is an extensive one, a large amount of decaying vegetable matter is annually collected, and fires are from time to time madu to char branches of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. In this way there is every spring a big 333 THE GARDEN. [October 28, 1899. heap of decayed and charred matter at disposal, which can be liberally used for the Pea crops, which in this garden constitute an important feature. In the case of Peas, I am inclined to think that the system pursued by some farmers for Mangold Wurtzel would be beneficial. They give a liberal dressing of manure in November, ploughing it in, but not deeijly. In April the land is cross-ploughed, so that the manure which has been acted on by the soil during the winter is broken up into small bits. Another coat of manure is then applied and ploughed in, and the land is ready for a crop. It stands to reason that in this way the young plants feel the benefits of the manure from the very com- mencement of their life, and as a fact fine crops are raised by this method. J. C. B. Late Celery. — From the second week to the middle of November is a good date to give the latest rows intended for blanching the final earth- ing up. Where work ia pressing, earthing up may in light, warm soils be postponed for ten days or so, provided the weather remains open. If the work is neglected beyond the date named on strong soils, repeated heavy rains may get it into a sticky condition, rendering earthing-up diffi- cult. I like to choose a dry, windy day for earth- ing up these late rows, as the plants in these if fairly stout are often more serviceable than earlier blanched batches, as growth being slower and longer exposed to frost and wind, the tissues are harder, standing wet better, and being less liable to rot. Where, as is sometimes the case in very large gardens, a few short rows of late-planted stock remain unblanched for flavouring, they will take no harm if protected with straw or Bracken in case of severe frost. — C. NOTES ON TOMATOES. We have to thank our many correspondents throughout the country for kindly replying to the following queries submitted to them, and trust the information given will be nf service to our readers : — (1) Whirh do ijon runsider the best Tomatoes, new or old, tahinij into account freedom of seftimj and flavour '/ (:ii) Wliat do t/oii consider the best outdoor kind f (3) The tiest kind for winter and early sprincj crops? (4) Do you consider a Toiunfo a fruit or a refietable ? • Ham Green Favourite and Frogmore Selected are, I consider, the best Tomatoes for general use that I have grown. Chemin Rouere is the best for outdoor cultivation, and All the Year Round for winter. I consider the Tomato a fruit, but for exhibition I prefer it to be classed amongst vegetables. — Tiios. Coomber, The Heiidre Gardens, Monmouth. I consider Perfection the best Tomato. It is of a very handsome shape, of first-class quality, and a good setter. It is also good for outdoor crops and fairly early- I grew Perfection Tomato last year (1898) over 2 lbs. in weight. I had a good many 1 lb. each outdoors on a south wall. I consider the Tomato a vegetable. —R. J. Carter, Wiveliscomhe. The sweetest Tomato I grow is The Peach (probably too sweet as a Tomato for some palates) ; next to it comes Peach Blow, a dash of the flavour of Perfection infused into The Peach ; Golden Nugget and Horsford's Prelude come next. The four are heavy croppers. I find but little differ- ence in the way of fla\'Our among what I term cookers — The Old Red, Challenger, and Perfection types — under whatever name they appear. Scarlet Queen is distinct and of good (quality, but I must give it another season's trial ere I pass a definite verdict. Of course, strictly speaking, a Tomato is a fruit ; but I am not qualified to pass an opinion as to whether it should be admitted as such in collections of fruits, &c., at exhibitions, or left to grace the \egetable table as hitherto. I have been incliQed to the latter course. — J so. Roberts, The Gardens, Tan-y-hwlch, R.S.O., North Wales. The season so far has suited Tomatoes, both indoors, on walls, and in the open. Up- to-date is the favourite variety for indoor and outdoor culture. It is very hardy, sets freely, commencing low down near the ground, and is an enormous bearer. Twenty to twenty-six Toma- toes I have seen repeatedly in clusters. It is also a great favourite with those who sell Tomatoes. It is of good colour and flavour, thin-skinned, and takes five or six to the pound weight. Where hundreds of customers go in and ask for half- pounds and pounds this is a great point in its favour. A Tomato that grows large is not wanted. Growers will find the medium ones the most in demand. Golden Jubilee I like immensely. I think it quite the best Tomato I ever tasted either in the salad bowl or grilled. Its appearance is very taking either growing or in the shop window, or when served up it gives variety either cooked or for a separate salad-bowl. The Tomato is a cook- ing fruit, and is as out of place in a collection of dessert fruits as would be a dish of ripe Capsi- cums.— Wm. Allan, Guntoii Park. In answer to your question, "Do you con- sider the Tomato a fruit or a vegetable?" I con- sider the Tomato as much a fruit as a Gooseberry or a Melon, but it is not a dessert fruit in the same sense that Grapes, Peaches, Plums, and Melons are, and ib will never become popular as such, even with the most advanced acquired tastes. I have a variety which I raised here some time since, and I grow no other for indoors and out- side.— A. Pettigrew, Castle Gardens, Cardiff. The best Tomato I consider is Best of All. Next I am in favour of Ham Green Favourite. The best outdoor kinds are Laxton's Open Air and Sutton's Abundance. I find Earliest of All the best winter and early spring variety. I consider the Tomato a vegetable. — G. H. Parratt, Brad- gate Park Gardens, Leicester. Early Prolific, Leicester Red, Crimson King, and Up-to-date I find satisfactory in every detail. Outdoor Tomatoes are plentiful as re- gards varieties, kc, but after many trials of various kinds I am well pleased with Early Pro- lific, being a very free setter and all you can desire as regards flavour. To succeed this for a second crop Crimson King is a very fine fruit both in flavour and size. I had last year from the open plenty of trusses with eight and nine fine fruits, many of them 1 lb. in weight. I consider the Tomato a vegetable. — H. Wagc, Ossington Gardens, Newark. To some tastes the Tomato has an agree- able flavour eaten raw as dessert ; to these it is a fruit. Others enjoy it cooked in various ways, but dislike it in a raw state ; to such it is a vege- table. If I were judge at a fruit show and there was a prize for a collection of twelve varieties of fruit and one of these Tomato, I do not think I should be justified in withholding a prize in con- sequence ; but, suppose there was another collec- tion, eleven dishes equally as good as the other, and one dish of Gooseberries instead of the Tomatoes, then I think the collection with the Gooseberries should receive the prize. I consider Conference, Chemin, and Duke of York the best early varie- ties, and a good selection of Hackwood Park and Ham Green Favourite the best Tomatoes for general crop. — W. 0., Fota. I grow Frogmore Selected, Perfection, Chemin Rouge and White's Majestic. I find the first and third best for spring or winter work and set freely. I consider the Tomato a vegetable, as it hardly comes into line with dessert fruits in my opinion, which are chiefly of a sweet nature. — W. CRu:\ir, JIadresfield. Court, Great Malrern. ■ I am growing Satisfaction and Frogmore Selected. The latter grows too tall for house work. I like my own selection better than any I have tried. It is a dwarf grower, free setter, and grows better than any I have tried both inside and out of doors. The colour is not quite so good as in Frogmore, but I am getting that well up to the mark. The above I find to be the best for all purposes. Wherever I go judging, Tomatoes are shown in a collection of vegetables, and classes are given for Tomatoes, but never have I seen them shown as fruit. — Wm. Whalley, Addinijton Park, Croydon. It seems to me that there are far too many so-called distinct varieties of the Tomato. Sutton's Best of All has proved itself in these gardens to be the best of all doers — it is of fine flavour, fine appearance, both in form and colour, and an abundant cropper. It grows with me about 8 feet high under glass. For a short run of say about 3 feet I have found nothing to equal Maincrop for quality and quantity. Best of All being of better appearance, I prefer it in houses when space will permit for it to grow away. For winter and early spring I should prefer Earliest of All. The Tomato is a fruit, but probably owing to its adaptability to being consumed in every shape and form, is more popu- lar as a vegetable. I consider Best of All and A 1 Tomato equally as good for outdoor culture, and would prefer them for south walls ; but for the open I like Maincrop, on account of its dwarf and sturdy haliit, free-bearing and fine flavour. — T. Plume, Shohdon Court, Herefordshire. The present season has been very favour- able for Tomatoes. My choice for general purposes indoors and out, is Earliest of All, Con- ference, Challenger, and Hackwood Park, which are hard to beat. I look upon the Tomato as being as much a fruit as a Peach or Nectarine. It frequently forms a dish on the dessert table, and I know many prefer Tomatoes to any other choice fruit. — W. Sangwin, Trelissick, Truro. Garden Flora. PLATE 1246. CLIVIA MINIATA CITRINA. (with a coloured plate.*) Before the introduction of this new variety from Zululand we had only the Natal type, which has reddish orange flowers tinged with yellow on the lower half of the segments. This has been in cultivation nearly fifty years. According to Mr. Baker, it was introduced by Messrs. Backhouse and Sons in 1851, when a figure of it was published in the botanical Mugir.iite (t. 4783). Since that period many seedlings, more or less diftering in the shade of red and form of the flowers, have been raised in English and continental gardens, and there are now numerous named sorts. A comparison of some of them with the type as represented in the figure above cited will show how little variation has so far been obtained. Much of the so-called variety of size and colour is due to cultural conditions. I have seen twenty named varieties grown together for two or three years, and at the end of that time they were all alike — C. miniata simply. In The Garden, vol. xxi., p. 358, along with a plate of Marie Reimers, the best seedling form of that period, will be found an excellent article by Mr. James O'Brien on these plants (there called Imantophyllums), in which it is stated that about fifteen years after the intro- duction of the type by Messrs. Backhouse a variety called superba or maxima was imported, presumably from S. Africa, by the late Mr. Wilson Saunders, and that progress in breeding new varieties may be said to date from the advent of that variety, which diflered from the type in having the flower segments almost white at the base. It is probable that the distribution of C. * Drawn for The Garden in Mrs. Powys Koprers' garden at Burngoose, Perrauwell, by H. G. Moon. Lithograplied and printed by J. L. Goffart. » #3W October 28, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 339 miniata extends considerably beyond the limits of Natal, and that colour variations of it will continue to be found as the countries adjacent to Natal become more explored. That such may be the case is seen in the appearance of this entirely new variety from Zululand, where it is said to have been collected wild by Captain Mansell, and first flowered by Mrs. Powys Rogers, of Perranwell, in 189V. It had, how- ever, been sent previously to Kew by the Rev. W. H. Bowden, of Bow, North Devon, who had also obtained it from Zululand. His plant flowered at Kew in April this year. As will be seen by the plate, this variety resembles the type in every particular except colour, which is a clear pale cream or lemon-yellow, tinged with orange at the base. The flowers lasted at least a month, and they were followed by fruits, which are now ripening in a warm house at Kew. The soft buft" colour of the flowers cannot easily be represented on paper, but of the charm of the flowers there can be no doubt. If the introduction of such a slight variation of the type as superba is resulted in the breeding of such varieties as Marie Reimers and the newer Admiration, Favourite, Optima, &c., much more may be expected from crosses between the variety citrina and some of these. Apart, however, from its value as a breeder, the plant itself is a beautiful addition to greenhouse plants. W. W. The WEEK'S Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. Fics. — Where fruit is required in March, the stock of pot Fig trees should now be overhauled and the most promising brought under glass in readiness for a start in the course of a week or two. The earliest varieties, such as St. John and Pingo de Mel, will be the most reliable at this date, as these can be depended on to carry their fruits through to ripening if they are dealt with in a fair way. Certainly in point of quality or fitness for travelling they do not equal Brown Turkey and some others that are not so readily forced, but the demand for earliness must be met, and it is these varieties that meet it provided they are grown in pots. I should like to insist on the latter provision. A forecast of the probable un- satisfactory state of these varieties planted out was given by a writer in these columns last year, and since that time I have proved that both, and I especially St. John, make altogether too strong growth when planted out, even though the border is quite a narrow one, and I should strongly advise those who may have intended to try them under similar conditions to give up the idea and stick to pot culture, leaving the planting out for later work and better varieties. Before the trees are got into position, the wood should be sponged over with one or other of the least harmful of insecticides, and this should not exceed the strength recommended by the vendors, for the Fig is easily injured with strong insecticides and the young wood near the tips of the shoots is especially tender, so that rather than use full strength I prefer to go over the same trees two or three times with a weaker solution. This is quite as effective and less dangerous ; indeed, no one who has to deal with mealy bug should rest content with going over Fig or any other fruit trees once only during winter. Those trees which have not been repotted should have a nice top- dressing of loam, bone-meal, and a little wood ashes, to make room for which a little of the surface-soil, especially next the pots, may be removed without doing any injury to the roots. I do not advise as yet the build- ing up of the usual banks of top - dreating material, but only a little to encourage the new roots which will commence to grow Jirectly a little heat is given to the house. For the present and up to the time of starting, which will not bo for about a fortnight, the night temperature should go down to from 40° to 4.">° at night, and when the trees are actually put to work the night temperature should not exceed about 50°, ; ranging to 70° with sun-heat by day, until ' they are perceptibly on the move, after which they should be plunged in the bottom-heat material, only a very gentle fermentation being induced and the top temperature gradually raised. From the first it will be advisable to use the syringe once or twice a day, and on fine, bright days oftener than this, using tepid soft water always. Late houses. — Roof or wall - trained trees grown for later work should be pruned, and after the house has been thoroughly cleaned down throughout the trees may be washed and re-tied. If bug is present, however, it will be better to only loosely sling the branches, so that they may come down again for another wash over whenever the opportunity arises. In pruning these trained crees I stick closely to the extension method of training, and cut a few of the main branches right back to the base when they have got beyond bounds to give room for others which have been led up to take their places. The Fig is particularly amenable to this treatment, as it does not appear to resent in the least degree the removal of quite large branches when the neces- sity arises, and in this way one is able to clothe the whole trellis with wood of fruiting size in- stead of being hampered with big limbs. There will also be some young wood to remove, i.e., growths of the current year. In selecting these, position is one of the most important things to look out for, so that the trellis may be well clothed. But there is another item which must not be overlooked, and which is even more important still when we are considering fruitfulness, this being that the most fruitful wood is found in shoots of medium size and not in the stoutest pieces ; therefore those removed should be first the very stout growths, and next those which are altogether too weak. The medium growths will be the best ripened, and it is these we must reserve. Pot Strawberries. — Just at present we are enjoying a spell of fine weather, which will do the Strawberry plants much good, especially if an opportunity is taken of turning the pots around. This will do good in two ways — first by exposing the shady side of the plants to the sun- light, and again by disturbing any roots that may be running into the ashes on which the plants are standing. In my case it has been almost impos- sible to apply the usual quantity of liquid manure water which I like to give them during the autumn, as the rainfall has been sufficiently heavy to keep the soil wet without aid from the water-pot, and as I do not believe in giving artificial manures at this time of the year, they have had to be content with what Nature has sent, and I must say they look none the worse for it. For the present there will be very little in the way of cultural detail to carry out, but the plants ought to be divested of any weakly side growths which they may have developed, leaving only the strong crowns. Runners, too, should, be picked off as they form. Forcing jiaterial. — With the forcing season so near at hand, it will be advisable to get to- gether a good heap of leaves and manure, and to give a good, lasting, but not violent heat, per- haps the best mixture is about three-quarters of good hard leaves, Oak or Beech, to a quarter of stable litter. This will be quite enough of the latter ; in fact, where litter is scarce, the leaves alone will form a very nice hotbed. In these days of improved hot-water appliances, the younger generation of gardeners is apt to overlook the value of hotbeds in forcing houses, but with the loss of the hotbed there is also the loss of the genial growing atmosphere so grateful to those of an older school, whose training taught them to value at their fullest the benefits to be derived from the use of leaves and manure, and to spend both time and labour in bringing them to a proper state for use. It is not suffi6ienb to gather the materials and then to let them lie in a heap until required. To bring them into condition, the heap should be well mixed and turned at) in- tervals varying from a week to a fortnight, ac- cording to the condition it is found to be in. At each turning a little fresh material should be added until sufficient for one's needs has been gathered. Soft leaves should not be used, and the gravelly sweepings from walks should also be rejected. Cornubian. KITCHEN GARDEN. A GOOD deal of work comes under this heading at this season, as the time at command for com- pleting it is but limited, wet, unsettled weather being likely to set in at any moment. The Pea season being practically at an end, all exhausted haulm, also stakes, must be removed from the ground, being tied in bundles according to their respective lengths and stored in some out-of-the- way corner. Unless made of such hard material as Ash or Hornbeam, the bottoms generally decay more or less the first season, and shortening becomes necessary before they are again usable. Those which have been used for supporting 4feet Peas will again prove useful next spring after being duly shortened. They will then answer well for such dwarf early sorts as Chelsea Gem and William Hurst, also Stratagem, a Pea which should be grown in every garden. The same remarks apply to Bean stakes, and although these, being stouter, sometimes do a second sea- son without any shortening, any that are reduced will prove useful the following summer for staking rows of runners which are pinched, instead of being allowed to run their normal height, or for the newer forms of climbing French Beans. Stems of Autumn Giant, Walcheren, or other sorts of autumn Broccoli which have been cut over should be pulled up and thrown away ab once, as damp, foggy weather quickly induces decay and a most offensive smell. This is of paramount importance in gardens lying in close proximity to the mansion. It is not everywhere that well-decayed manure can be obtained in sufficient bulk for winter use, and the most has to be made of opportunities. Where strawy litter has to suffice, it must be properly prepared pre- vious to finding its way on to the vegetable j quarters. Turn it over at intervals of a fort- night, well soaking it with farmyard hquid as the work proceeds. This treatment will induce fer- mentation and decay. Such manure is valuable for working into stiff, retentive soils, decaying less rapidly and assisting to keep the staple open. I have frequently used spent Mushroom manure for crops of a non-exhausting nature, adding at the same time a percentage of artificial manure. Where nothing but ordinary manure has been used for years, a good change consists in a mix- ture of burnt prunings of fruit trees, old vege- table refuse, the clearings of potting sheds and compost yards, and a little lime. This makes a thorough change, and its value is seen in the vigorous crops it produces the first season. The present is a good time to rectify all faulty drains, renew gravel walks, and straighten edging tiles, which are liable to become displaced by pressure from the garden roller. It is not good policy to put off this kind of labour till frost and snow set in and a sticky condition of the paths prevails. Winter Spinac ii. —I am afraid this important vegetable will not be over-plentiful this year, as rain in many districts was so late in coming. The greatest scarcity will be on shallow, hot soils. Those who are fortunate enough to possess a good healthy bed will find almost any amount of trouble well repaid. Give now a good sprinkling of soob between the rows, using the Dutch hoe after- wards ; this will not only assist growth, but ward off slugs and grubs. For sowing seed in February, the ground cannot well be prepared too soon. Wireworminfested soil should be treated to a liberal dressing of gas-lime, and a rich larder given. Moderation in picking must be observed, as if too closely pinched the plants get a check, and growth proceeds slowly during the winter. 340 THE GARDEN. [October 28, 1899.; WintekTomatoes.— The present time is ratber! Oscar, Dr. Hogp, and Sir Joseph Paxton, the a critical one with the main batch of Tomato ' last-named being still one of the best varieties ■" plants intended for winter fruiting, although it is true the weather of late has been finer than could have been expected. The blooms must be ex- amined daily at noon and advantage of solar heat taken to fertilise the flowers. Cultural mistakes at this period may prove fatal to success, and a very common one with the inexperienced is mamtaining a too high, stuffy atmosphere, especially during hours of darkness. This pro- duces a soft growth, from which the meagre crop of flowers falls, or if they set, malformed fruit is all that can be expected. All the same, a warm atmosphere must be kept up, or say from m" to 60° on warm nights. Above all, guard against much damping aown, as the surface of the soil in the pots will supply sufficient moisture. Admit air constantly when actual frost or cutting winds do not prevail, and let all floor-washing be carried out in the forenoon of sunny days. Beware of stimulants, as a comparatively small but wiry growth is essential if a good sprinkling of useful fruit is to be secured. On the other hand, a ; Douglas, Dr. Roden, of Kidderminster, and starved condition must be guarded against. To Mr. Allan, of Gunton Park, who has been par- plants which are being brought forward for fruit- ticularly happy in his efforts, having raised such ing in say March or April careful treatment must { sterling novelties as Gunton Park, Lord Suffield, be accorded when removal under glass takes ! and Empress of India. Mention ought also to be place. A temperature of 55° maximum, a position j made of Mr. W. Carmichael, Messrs. J. Veitch near the roof-glass, which must be kept quite free | and Sons, and the continental raisers, Herr from dirt in order to admit all the light possible, i Goeschke, Dr. Nicaise, F. i Uoede, and De Jonghe, and careful watering will be the most essential in this connection. things for the next two or three months. If need- ; The chapter on seedling Strawberries is a sum- ing ic, do not scruple to pot now into Binch pots, [ mary of a paper read by the late Mr. Thomas as a root-bound state will end in yellow and im- Laxton at the Strawberry conference in 1,S90, and from this it appears he was convinced that Ameri- can raisers were following the best lines, inasmuch as they aimed at raising varieties with a strong constitution and capable of doing better under cultivation. Novelties were also raised by Mr. Cuthill, of Camberwell, and Mr. Kitley, of Bath, several continental raisers also doing good ser- vice, the most noteworthy novelty being La Grosse Sucrt-e, raised by De .Jonghe, of Brussels. It was at this time that the late Mr. Thomas Laxton commenced his experiments, and these he continued " most assiduously for about thirty- five years " The results of this patient care com- bined with thoroughness and intelligence I need not particularise beyond mentioning that Lax- ton's Noble for a time took us by storm, while in Royal Sovereign we have an early variety that has simply superseded all other early Straw- berries, or at any rate it is by far the most popular. The good work so well begun by Mr. Laxton has been ably continued by his sons, who have given us Monarch, Leader, Mentmore, Fillbasket, Tra- falgar, and other distinct and more or less valu- able new sorts. Novelties have also been raised by Mr. J. poverished foliage. J. C. Books. THE STRAWBERRY MANUAL.' Much has been published at different times on the subject of Strawberry culture, but the latest addition surpasses any monograph that has pre- ceded it, and from the beginning to the end is re- plete with interest and instruction. It is thorough without being pedantic ; gives advice that the authors know to be sound without being dog- matic ; and further, contains much collated infor- mation that is of the greatest interest to Straw- berry lovers generally in a most concise readable forin. Commencing with the origin and history j what "he says "with""regard'^"to 'forthcomrn of the Strawberry, the wood, alpine, Hautbois, 1 suits : scarlet, Chili, Pine, and Indian Strawberries all trying conditions than are the less robust conti nental novelties, none of which have gained much favour on this side of the Channel. What Mr. Laxton aimed to raise was novelties remarkable for (I) constitution and moderate vigour, (■-') fertility, (.'5) solidity and external firmness to adapt the fruit for transit, (4) flavour and quality, (5) size and appearance. Judging from Mr. Laxton's experience, the lot of the raiser of novelties in Strawberries is not a par- ticularly happy one, and it would almost appear that luck rather than judgment in pollinating the flowers materially afiects the results. This is receiving attention, we next come to a chapter on hybridisation. In this mention is made of all who have done good work in intercrossing species and improving varieties, including Mr. T. A. Knight and Mr. Michael Keens, to whom we are indebted for the good old Keens' Seedling, sent out in 1820, while in those days Mr. C. M. Hovey was doing good work in the United States. From 1840 to 1860 Mr. Myatt, of Deptford, more suc- cessful than other raisers, succeeded in producing British Queen, Eleanor, Admiral, and Filbert Pine, the first named still maintaining its reputa- tion for high quality. About this time Mr. Barnes, of Bicton, was at work raising Strawberries, his most noteworthy introduction being Bicton Pine. Another raiser, Mr. Wilmot, of Isleworth, does not appear to have been very successful, but Mr. Trollope, of Bath, or, more properly, Bradford- on-Avon, Wilts, from one batch of seedlings (at least so an old friend of mine who was well acquainted with Mr. Trollope once informed me) selected TroUope's Victoria and Prin- cess Alice Maud. Victoria, though popu- lar for a time, is a worthless thing, but Alice Maud still retains its well-deserved popu- larity with some growers. From 1S50 to 1860 good progress was made in the direction of rais- ing new varieties. Mr. Powell, of the Royal Gardens, Frogmore, was responsible for several novelties, including Cockscomb, and Mr. Samuel Bradley, Elton Manor, Nottingham, gave us * " The Strawberry Manual." By Laxton Brothers, Bedford. Hulatt and Richardson, Bedf jrd. g re- Aa to forthcoming results, it may be anticipated tliat as the cultivated Strawberry is a cross-bred fruit (pi-obably an admixture of the blood of all the edible species), there will be cousiJerable variety as well as some wide breaks in the progeny from iaterorossiDg, but generally the offspring will show chiracters inter- mediate betneen the parents, and with perseverance if, will be possible to gain the end sought. Having practised Strawberry crossing so long, however, it is somewhat discouraging to know that Noble w!is obtained without artistic intervention. Id 1(SS4 I grew and sowed the seed from a large and handsome fruit of Forman's Excelsior (a fine and good-shaped, firm- fieshed Strawberry on light soils). From this sowing I obtained only five plants, one of which proved bolder than the rest, and subsequently became " Ennobled ; " the remainder were not acquisitions. Now, contidering that I have during the past thirty- two years fr.im my own work of cross-breeding raised at least 10,0011 seedling Strawberries, and out of these few have as yet been sent to the world, although all have had to be tried, and many, after being largely cultivated for years, have had ultimately to be aban- doned, and that out of a small batch of five from natural fertilisation there should be one distinct gain. I feel that the work of a cross-breeder is not alto- gether satisfactory, nor, I may feelingly add, profit- able. A close perusal of the more matter-of-fact cultural details that are given confirmed my first impression, that there is in the book under notice very little to find fault with and much that old hands will consider correct. When dealing with soils the following paragraph ably sums up the whole question : — The requisites for success in the cultivation of the Strawberry plant in gardens can he briefly enumerated. and the details may then be readily dealt with. (1) To ensure the best results, deep and thorough cultiva- tion is needful, for the plant roots deeply and freely. (2) Fertility must he maintained by judicious apphoa- tions of manure, as though there are soils where Strawberries have been successfully grown for a time with very little or no manurial help, yet these are exceptions, and the good results are seldom sufficiently prolonged to warrant the omission. As a rule gener- ous treatment in the matter of food supplies is well re- paid in Strawberry culture. (3) Though free working is desirable, a loose soil must be avoided, and consolida- ti.m is therefore a requisite that must have attention. (4) A_ constant and liberal supply of moisture is essential, for the Strawberry is a thirsty plant; in consequence, all competitors in the shape of weeds must be vigorously suppressed and the preservation of soil moisture aided by frequent hoeing. Manures receive a fair share of attention, while the hints upon increasing stock, forming plantations, planting, routine management, protection, gathering and keeping the fruit are equally to the point and reliable. The chapter for market growers is particularly interesting, and contains a few startling facts as to the ex- tent to which the Strawberry growing industry has reached. It is stated that around the metro- polis Strawberry growing has for many years formed an important part of the market garden industry, and that within a short radius of London there is a greater area of land under Strawberries than in any other district in the world. Kent has become the great Strawberry-producing county, and though ic was claimed in 1880 that the largest farm in the world devoted to these fruits was at Norfolk, in Virginia, United States, where 250 acres were under Strawberries in bearing, in Kent this has been far surpassed. A year or two since, one firm at Orpington and at St. Mary Cray had 650 acres under these fruits, while at the present time near Swanley about 2000 acres are devoted to fruit, a large proportion being planted with Strawberries belonging to one firm. As many as 75 tons of Strawberries have been sent from Swanley Junction alone in one day. Market growers' methods are plainly and correctly de- scribed, and the hints upon forcing Strawberries, though brief, are equally commendable. In the replies to a few questions submitted to numerous Strawberry growers, it transpired that Royal Sovereign is by far the most popular variety for forcing, gaining fifty-seven votes : whereas the next to it in point of popularity— Vicomtesse H. de Thury — was favoured by twenty-eight growers only. Diseases and insect pests are duly com- mented on, and remedies given. A reference is made to the experiments with Strawberries being carried out at the Woburn Experimental Fruit Farm, and a brief description given of the princi- pal varieties of Strawberries in cultivation. W. I. THE TEACHING BOTANIST.* This is a handy and well-printed guide in the main devoted to structural botany. The author believes that structure lies at the root of all good and practical teaching at the present time, and that it should be used as the basis of a course on which to build up as best one may the physiology and ecology of plants— this latter phrase mean- ing, I presume, the economical growth, or adapta- bility of plants generally to external conditions. We are told, for example (p. .37), that "practi- cally, physiological experiments most profitably come along with the particular structures which they best explain. Thus experiment upon ab- sorption of liquids should accompany study of the structure of the root, photosynthesis (leaf work in sunlight = assimilation) that of the leaf, respiration by the action of growing seeds," &c. The notion is that if physiology is studied before structure, the student would be plunged at once intoa^sea of unfamiliar phenomena, and his atten- * "The Teaching Botanist" : A manual of infor- mation upon botanical instruction, together with out- huea and sugspstiona for a comprehensive elementary cour=e By William F. Ganong, Ph.D. New York : the ilacmillan Co. Hvo, pp. 270, with illustrations and index. 1699. Ss. OcTdBjtR 28, 1899.J THE GARDEN". '3U tioD distracted by the use of many unfamiliar in- struments and methods. The contents table of the book is wide and comprehensive, there being chapters on : The place of the sciences in education and of botany among the sciences — What botany is of most worth— On things essential to good botanical teaching— On scientific recording, drawing, and descripMon — On laboratories and their equipment — On botanical collections and other illuftrations — On botanical books and their use— On some common errors prejudicial to good botanical teaching. Then comes in part 2 an outline for a synthetic elementary course in the science of botany, followed by division 1, which treats of the anatomy and growth of seeds, roots, stems, shoots, leaves, flowers, and fruits deduced from familiar examples ; while division "2 of this sec- tion treats on the natural history of the groups, such as the Alg.-v, Fungi, Lichens, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, the Gymnosperms, and the Angio- sperms, &c., followed by a fairly good index. The author at p. l."il emphasises the fact that plants alone possess the power of absorbing car- bonic dioxide, minerals and water from the air and the soil in which they grow, and from which by the aid of sunlight they form starch or a related substance, which is really the food of the plant. New living tissues and plant products are thus formed and nourished, and, owing to the facility with which plants can turn their starch to sugar and the sugar back again into starch, we have that wonderful transference of energy and material from one part of a plant to another, results which are seen in all our garden and field crops. But little is said of the dynamics of plant growth, that silent and wonderful power which enables a tender fungus to uplift the heaviest flag-stones, and tree-roots, to throw down walls and other heavy structures by sheer upward or lateral growth pressure. But the great central miracle of plant life is that power of green leaves and sunlight to turn dead materials into living tissues filled with energy and vital power, a silent and mysterious resurrection continually going on before our eyes. Any chemist or maltster can turn starch into sugar and diastase, but no chemist has yet been able to turn sugar back again into starch, as the plant does in a silent and apparently automatic way. There is one term in particular used a good many times in this book, viz., "ecology," its meaning being the relation of structure to use, and we find at p. 20S the combination "physiologic-ecologic," by which the relations of function and structure to use are presumably intended. The author is careful to point out that from cut specimens in the class- room the student can do little more than guess at their ecology, for, removed from their native homes and surroundings, portions of a plant can give little or no idea of its habits. In the author's list of books there is no mention of " A Manual and Dictionary of Flowering Plants and Ferns," by J. C. Willis, M.A., now director of the Botanic Garden in Ceylon {2 vols., Cambridge Press, 1897), one of the most handy and useful aids to the teaching botanist published during recent years. It is mentioned here in connection with Dr. Ganong's, " The Teaching Botanist," because I know of no other one work that gives such a distinct and clear bird's eye view of technical botany and plants generally in such a concise and handy form. Scattered through the pages of this book will be found a good many practical hints and sug- gestions, and it is a work that will be espscially valuable to teachers who are commencing their career, and more especially to students of an ad- vanced type who intend to take up the teaching of botanical science as a profession. The book will also be of interest to many as showing the methods and apparatus devised and adopted in the United States as contrasted with those more familiar in this country. If a second edition should be called for it might be an advantage to add a glossary of the terms used in the work. F. W. B. Trees and Shrubs. THE BUSH HONEYSUCKLES. The bush Honeysuckles include a large number of shrubs that are beautiful in habit and showy in flower and fruit. The light greyish stems and close branching habit of some species and varieties give a very pleasing effect in winter when they are planted in large masses. The nomenclature of the Lonioeras, like that of the Spineas and Philadelphuses, is in a somewhat confused condition. It is no uncommon thing for the same plant to be sent from diflerent nurseries in the United States and Europe under several ditt'erent names. Some beautiful forms, of free growing habit and said to have origi- nated in Russia, have recently appeared. The earliest of the bush Honeysuckles to come into bloom are Iionicera Standishi and L. frag'rantissima- — L. Standiahi is deciduous and L. tragrantissima is almost evergreen. The flowers appear before the leaves and are fragrant. They usually come into bloom here about the middle of April and after mild winters very much earlier. L. fra- grantissima is by far the handsomer of the two. in severe winters here both suffer considerably. They are thought by some botanists to be forms of one species. However that may be, they cer- tainly are very distinct in appearance. li. ciliata is a small, native, early-flowering shrub, abundant in North - eastern American woods. It is useful for undergrowth. L. oblongifolia is another early-flowering, small, native shrub, having about the same distri- bution and the same merits as L. ciliata. L. ccerulea is a rather pretty compact shrub of considerable value. The small flowers are followed by pretty inconspicuous blue fruit in late summer. This shrub has a wide native distribu- tion, occurring in the northern parts of the Ameri- can, European and Asiatic continents. L. ccerulea var. graciliflora is a much more robust and stronger growing plant than the type. It is sometimes found under the name of L. Kiri- lowi. It is probably of nursery origin. L. tatarica in its numerous forms is the best known and the most familiar of all the shrubby Loniceras in cultivation. Its freedom of growth, early leafing habit, abundant blossoms, showy fruit and absolute hardiness account for its popu- larity. It has, however, one serious fault — a somewhat general tendency to lose its leaves between late summer and autumn. Some of the Tartarian varieties have remarkably beautiful flowers, notably speciosa, virginalis grandiSora and splendens, and they far surpass the type in general excellence. Ii. Ruprechtiana is a very distinct species from Manchuria. It has large pale green leaves, a little downy on the under side, and numerous straw-coloured, rosy tinted flowers, followed b3' bright scarlet, transparent fruit. There are several varieties of this species that differ slightly in the colour of the flowers. The type and all its forms are perfectly hardy here. L. Morrowi is a Japanese species somewhat like L. Ruprechtiana, but the leaves are smaller and lighter in colour. It makes in time a very symmetrical bush, and bears abundant, showy, red fruit in July, and is very hardy. L. Xylosteum, commonly known as the English Fly Honeysuckle, is not so tall growing as some of the former species and its flowers are much less conspicuous, but it hears very hand- some dark scarlet fruit of considerable size. Of this species there are several distinct varieties with white and yellow berries, and all are hardy. It is probably the oldest of all the Loniceras in cultivation. L. orientalis is an inconspicuous flowering shrub, native throughout the temperate Hima- layas. It has a compact manner of growth, and is distinct from most other species in bearing large black fruit. L. Maximowcizi comes from Eastern Man- churia. It has oblong-shaped leaves and makes a neat compact bush about 4 feet high. The flowers are rosy tinted and inconspicuous, followed by irregularly round red berries, ripe in August. It seems to be hardy. Li. Albert! is a native of the mountains of Eastern Turkestan. It requires rich, moist soil to see it at its best. The habit is low and pendulous, and the branches are clothed with smooth, light green foliage. The flowers are rosy lilac and showy about .lune 1. L. quinquelocularis, said to be a native of Northern India, is a tall, rapid-growing bush, with yellowish flowers about June lU. "There is no particular beauty in the flowers or fruit. It is not quite hardy here, being occasionally killed back in severe winters. This species is some- times found under the name of L. translucens. L. gracilipes is a shrub of good habit, and does not appear to grow over 4 feet high. It has rosy tinted flowers early in the season, followed by oblong-shaped red fruit. Of the native country or origin of this form I have no know- ledge. Ii. bella in its different forms is a remarkably handsome type of bush Honeysuckle. The form under the name of L. bella albida is the best of all. I know of no bush Honeysuckle that dis- plays such a wealth of flowers as L. b. albida when it is in good condition. Other conditions being equal, it retains its leaves until quite late in autumn. When the branches are loaded with the showy Red Currant like fruit in the month of July it is really magnificent. The different forms of L. bella are said to be the result of crossing L. Morrowi with some of the Tartarian varieties, and to have originated in Russia. L. notha is another handsome form of hybrid origin. The habits of the different kinds are good, flowers showy, and the fruit conspicuous. The parentage of L. Ruprechtiana can easily be observed in these forms, and perhaps that was crossed with some of the best Tartarian varieties. Ii. minutseflora is another handsome spread- ing bush of hybrid origin, said to be the result of a cross between L. micrantha and L Morrowi. It gives a handsome display of yellowish red fruit. Ii. salicifolia has Willow-like foliage. It is also of hybrid origin, said to be the result of crossing L. micrantha with L. Ruprechtiana. L. iberica is a very pretty compact shrub, and about the latest of all the erect species to bloom. It has red berries in September. It is a native of the Trans-Caucasian region, and has been in cultivation for .a great many years, but it is seldom seen. It is perfectly hardv. L. Iisdebouri from the Western United States has yellowish red flowers, and is not uncommon in cultivation. Bush Honeysuckles should be carefully pruned in winter or when they are dormant, and the old and weak wood thinned out, leav- ing all the best healthy young wood full length, unless some of the branches have gone too far for the general symmetry of the bushes. Never under any circumstances trim or shear them back. Pruning after they have done blooming is recommended by some, but that should never be attempted by inexperienced persons, as indiscriminate summer pruning has a weaken- ing effect on all shrubs. Unless one has a thorough practical knowledge of cause and effect in the general principles of pruning, I would advise him to leave summer pruning alone. The best six bush Loniceras are Loni- cera bella albida, L. Morrowi, L. Ruprechtiana, L. fragrantissima, L. Alberti, and L. tatarica var. speciosa. — .John Dunuar, Edihedei; N.Y., in Ame)'icayi Ctk rdenimj. Cytisus nigricans. — During July this is one of the most charming of the family. It carries its flowers on tall, slender, perfectly erect spikes terminating the present summer's growth. The 342 THE GARDEK [October 28, 1899^ blooms commence to open at the bottom first, and a long succession of them extends over many weeks. They are bright yellow, the name of nigricans referring to the peculiarity of the plant turning black when dried. As soon as it has done flowering the upper part of the shoot bearing the seed-vessels should be removed, these being so abundant as to weaken the plant if the whole of them are left to ripen. They may be shortened still more in spring before growth recommences. THE MAPLES. These, mostly of northern regions, are often of the highest value in pleasure-ground planting, some of the species breaking into a great number of varieties. The best kinds are the Silver Maple (A. eriocarpum), naturally a very beautiful tree, though we get from it variegated and other forms which are not of much value, except the cut leaved one, which is good. The Norway Maple (A. platan- oides), also a beautiful tree, has many varieties, the purple ones being very effective. The common Sycamore Maple (A. Pseudoplatanus) has also a number of varieties, though none of them better than the natural tree, which is very fine when old. The variegated forms are usually tree rub- bish. The Virginian or Red Maple (A. rubrum) is a beautiful tree, as is also the Sugar Maple (A. saccharinum). The Colchic Maple (A. L-etum) is an elegant tree. The Japanese Maples are interesting and beautiful, but not quite hardy and robust, except in the most favoured districts. Moreover, the fine varieties are often grafted, which makes them still less able to endure severe weather. A. Negundo is the kind which has given us the much overplanted variegated Maple so common in gardens. A. Ginnala is worth men- tioning as a low tree — almost a shrub — whose leaves die off a rich red in colour. The North American and European species are hardy as forest trees and thrive in almost any soil, but the Southern American kinds and Japanese Maples want warmer soils and positions to thrive in our climate. The variegated varieties in this family are too many, and our nurserymen insist upon send- The known and cultivated species are the spreading leaves quite a Palm-like appearance, following: Acer campestre, Europe; ca!(i^afM?re, ! One of the most ornamental shrubs of September Acer heterophyllum. ing out many forms which, however attractive they may appear to them in the hand, planted out soon give a poor and harmful effect. Acer j^almatu-m. N. India ; circinatum, California ; riss'/olium, Japan ; carpinifolmm, .Japan; cratinjifotium,, Saltan; creti- c»m, Asia Minor; (liaholicum,3a.ps,T\; dutylum, Japan ; eriocarpum, N. America ; glabnim, N. America ; iirandident alum, N. America ; Hel- i/rilchi, E. Europe; heterophyllum, E. Europe; hyrcamim, Caucasus; itusigne, Persia ; ja/ionicimi, Japan ; Loheli, S. Italy ; niarrophyllum, Cali- fornia; micranthum, Japan; mon- spesiulaiium, S. Europe ; Negundo, N.America; nikoenne, Japan; opidi- folium, Europe; palmatum, Japan; pectinatum, N. India ; pennsylvani- cum, N. America ; piclum, Japan ; platanoiilex, N. Europe ; P'^tudo- platanus, Europe, Asia ; nihrum, N. America ; riifinerre, Japan ; saccharimim, N. America ; Sitholdi- anum, Japan ; iikkimense, N. India ; spicatum, N.America; tataricum, E. Europe ; Vdxemi, Caucasus. FLOWERING SHRUBS IN SOUTH DEVON. Abutilon vexillakium has con- tinued to produce its crimson and yellow blossoms on its arching shoots throughout the month, and Aralia (Fatsia) japonica is still bear- ing its Ivy-like inflorescence, while the spreading, deeply pinnate leaves of Aralia spinosa are crowned with ivory-white flower - plumes. This Aralia has a particularly decora- tive efl'ect where it is kept to a single straight stem, all side growths being removed to a height of 12 feet or so, as when grown in this manner it pro- duces with its tall, slender shaft and wide- has been Caryopteris mastaoanthus, specimens 4 feet or 5 feet in height and as much in diameter studded with a profusion of pale blue flower-heads presenting a most attractive appearance. At a little distance this subject is not unlike Ceano- thus Gloire de Versailles, a shrub which was still in bloom during the early days of the month. In a neighbouring garden Cassia corymbosa is bear- ing its clusters of golden blossoms, and the Mexican Orange Flower (Choisya ternata) is in many cases carrying an autumnal crop of scented blooms. Clerodendron trichotomum has borne its odorous white flower- clusters and . You will observe what a brilliant colour it is— in fact, it is, along with other autumn tints, much brighter than usual. The plant now covers a wall 26 feet by 12 feet, and has quite taken possession of a large Laurel at the end of the wall. The Snowy Mespilus, Flowering Ash, and Mountain Ash have been most beautiful here. —J. Morrison, The Farm, Narrow Water, War- renpoint. *»* Lovely in colour in all ways, the Virginian Creepers are far surpassed in beauty by this superb Vine. — Ed. Kniphofia multiflora.— I did not expect to have this remarkable species in flower this season. Suddenly, however, two medium-sized plants began to push up their spikes. The leaves of this new species on my strongest plant are each 6 feet long by 3 inches broad. The flower-spike of this one, I suppose, will be over 7 feet in height. In the plants now flowering the dimensions are smaller ; the stalk thrown well above the recurving foliage is 4.V feet, the flowering part 1 foot by 2 inches. The individual flowers thickly beset the spike. They are comparatively small, pure white, with long protruding stamens : the pollen is bright yellow. All in all, this species is not so gaudy as some of the red-flowered ones, but it is a very striking and desirable species.— Max Leichti.in, Baden-Baden. Saxifraga peltata.— Despite the fact that this Saxifrage is always cited as a moisture-loving subject— and there is little doubt that the plant revels in moisture— I have never seen it finer in England than at Kew in the uppermost part of the herb garden near the Cumberland Gate. Here there is a bed of it some 9 feet by 6 feet, the growth being thickly spread over the entire area. It only remains to be said that the petioles in a dry season like the present were fully 4 feet high, strong, vigorous, and self-supporting, the leaf-blade.s being in proportion. Doubless a good bed of soil exists for its roots, and so fine a group may also have been well watered. Of this, how- ever, I have no information. But this would scarcely account for all this vigour, which is that of plants in a bit of wet, boggy ground. The position is partly shaded. Callistephus hortensis.— Those who know the so-called China Aster by the latter name only will naturally be a little surprised, when order- mg the above as a novelty of some rank, to find on flowering it they have a very near approach to, if not, indeed, the identical article they have so rigorously eradicated from their flower-beds in the past. Large business houses of repute will doubtless take some trouble to make this clear to their patrons, and if others are not like-minded, not a little disappointment will result. These, single forms, however, are now to be obtained in several colours at a few pence per packet, and for filling in vacancies in the mixed border such things will be very useful. Quite a good show of them has been made at Kew this year in just this way beside the No. 7 range, the free flowering of the plants being quite noteworthy. Enlarging Brockwell Park.— Mr. C. E. Tritton, M.P., lately presided over a meeting of the executive committee formed for the purpose of acquiring 42i acres of wooded land at Heme Hill for the purpose of enlarging Brockwell Park. The price asked by the trustees of the Blackburn Estate was considered reasonable. Mr. Albert Larking, the honorary secretary, read a letter from Mr. Lawrence W. Chubb, secretary of the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society, guaranteeing a contribution of £1000 from a member of that body, provided the extension of the park were secured in two years. The chair- man, Mr. Tritton, guaranteed £500 towards the expenses in promoting the scheme, and Mr. A. B. Stevens, M.B., a member of the executive, did the same to the extent of £100. A mean theft.— On Thursday morning or Wed- nesday night last one of the boxes we have in our vineries for contributions from visitors in aid of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund was forcibly removed. The box stolen was the one in the most prominent place in our vineries, and always had most in it. I am extremely sorry that such a deserving institution should suffer, and am doing all I can to find out and punish the dastard thief. — John Thomson, Cloven- fords. Grubs in Celery (H. R. Lover).— Xonr last consignment of Celery stalks and grubs reached me in capital condition. The latter are the grubs of a small fly, probably the Celery-stem fly (Piophila apii). I do not see how these grubs can be dealt with, as they cannot be reached by any insecticide, living as they do within the leaf- stalks, and the flies are such inconspicuous little insects, that it is difficult to devise any way of destroying them, though spraying the plants with some insecticide at the right time if that were known might be useful. As I suggested in my previous reply, as soon as the crop is ofi' every vestige of it that remains should be col- lected and burnt, and the surface soil to the depth of .S inches or 4 inches should be buried as deeply as possible, so as to bury the chrysalides so deep that when the flies try to reach the sur- face they may be unable to do eo. — G. S. S. "The English Flower Garden." — T/io- roughly revised, with full descriptions of all the best plants, their culture and cmrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, 15s. 6d. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, ^c. " Worth more than all other books on flower garden- ing and landscape gardening ever published. What- ever success I have made as a landscape gardener I oice to the inspiration of this book. It not only teaches good gardening, but, what is quite as im- portant, condemns bad gardening, giving reasons that are convincing for both."— J. W.'Elliot, Pitts- burgh, Pa. THE GARDEN. No. 1459.— Vol. LVL] [NOVEMBER i, 1899. ClivyBantliamams :— Chrysiinthemuni Klondike . 3.'i0 Chrysautliemum Mrs. Wiog- field .. .. 350 Chryea-nthemum E. Hooper Pearson 350 Chrysanthemums at the Drill Hall .. .. _.. 351 Chrysanthemums — diecard- ing old varieties 350 Chrysanthemums, fed *■. un- fed 350 Chrysanthemums, prospects of the season .. .. 319 Chrj'santhemums, rust on . 350 Eariswood, Chrysanthe- mums at « 350 OFchard and Fruit:— Apple Bismarck 357 Apple crop, variableness of the 351 Apple Hawthornden . . .. 352 Apple Mauks Codlin .. .. 356 Apple Pea-s^ood'a Nonsuch . 352 Apple Rambour Franc .. 352 Apple Red Beitiiigheimer . 351 Apple Stirling Castle for small gardens .. .. S5l Apples and Pears, pruning . 354 Apples, late .. .. _ 355 Apples, late-keeping .. .. 357 Caterpillars and Gooseberries 355 Figs, late 356 Fruit houses, cleaning. . . , 356 Fruit ticc arcade. ChalLis's .. 353 Fruit show, notes on the Crystal Palace ,. . . . 856 Fruit tree arcades, Challis's. 353 Fruit tret arcailcs, Challis's, showing mode of protecting trnit 355 Grape Gros Colman on Fos- ter's stock 353 Grapes Gros Maroc and Gros Colman „ .. .. _ .. 354 Grape Mrs. Pearson .. .. 351 Logan-berry, the 354 Pearh Deese Tardive ., .. 357 Poach trees, yellows in . . 352 Peach Violette Hative .. .. 362 Peaches in Sussex 367 Pear Beurre Hose 357 Pear Clapp's Favourite . . 357 Pear Pitmaston ^ .. .. 361 Pear Triomphe de Vienne .. 351 Pear Van Mons Leon Leclerc 352 Plum Reine Claude de Bavay 352 Plum, the Kentish Bush „ 355 Plum Winesour . . . . 357 Raspberries, late, in East Anglia 354 Strawberry Elton Pine .. 352 Strawberries, late, for mar- ket 351 Vines, pruning _ .. .. 355 Walls, north, value of... ,. 351 Kitchen : - Cauliflower Veitch's Autumn Giant _ 357 Coal ashes for Potatoes „ 357 (Rlustraiions in Italics.) Tomato Up-to-date .. .. 867 Tomatoes, notes on » .. 358 Vegetablts, new 357 Cardan Flora:— Crown Imperials ., „ „ 358 Week's Vork:— Kitchen garden, work in the 859 Fruits, hardy, work among . 359 Orchids :— Angrwcums, wintering small 361 Cattleya Hardyana .. .. 360 Cattleya luteola . . . . _ 360 Cycnoches maculatum . . . . 360 Cypripedium Fred Hardy ,. 360 Dendrobium superbum .. 361 Epidendrum purum .. .. 360 Liulia Dormaniana . . 360 OdontoglosBum, a distinct natural hybrid. 361 Odontoglostum Uro - Skin- neri 861 Oncidium crispum ,, .. 861 Oncidium incurvum .. „ 361 Orchids and fine ■ foliaged plants 360 Vanda ccerulea « .. .. 361 Flower :— Anemone Pulsatilla from seed _ „ 364 Aster Coombcfisbacre .. .. 364 CallistcphuB sinensis _ . . 362 Datura Stramonium . . . . 362 Gunnera scabra 363 Ixias in openbeds . _ ., 862 Lllium sutchuenense ., „ 363 Nicotiana sylvestria « . . 363 Paeony, single white _ . . 362 Pfeoni/, /iiriiilf irhif'i -. .. 362 Poppy, Mr. Moon's hybrid . 303 Prunella grandiflora Webbi- ana.. - -. „ .. .. 362 Btembergia lutea 364 Thorn Apple, the 362 Thorn Apple growing wild in Grcnimcli Park .- .. .. 362 Violets, double, protecting . 862 Roses :— Rose, a fine old — . . . . S64 Ro8>: over parish room at GUn- oireit, Defgani/, tl'ichlow „ 361 Rose Saf rano 364 Roses growing too freely _ 864 Books :— "Calendar of Flowering Trees and Shrubs " _ _ 365 Notes of the Week :— Abutilon Golden Fleece .. 866 Alyesum maritimum .. _ 366 Ampelopsis Hoggi — a warn- ing note 3t:6 Anemone blanda scythinica, 3ti6 Aster John Wood 367 Begonia Credneri 366 Callistephus hortensis . . 367 Cereus triangularis .. .. 366 Clerodendron trichotomum. 367 Dracaina Sanderiana viridis. 366 EschEcholtziafl, late-sown ,, 866 Horminum pyrenaicum al- bum .. u .. .. " S66 Linumflavum.. — .. 366 Primula obconica fimbrlata. 866 Pyrethrum uliginosum . . 867 Quercus coccinea - . . . 866 Rose Souvenir de la Mal- maison •• 866 Saxifraga Cymbalaria . . - . 866 Tacsonia Van Volxemi fruit- ing 366 Victoria regia flowering in the open 867 Pabllo Gardens :— Coldfall Wood, closing of _ 868 Southwark Park, Chrysan- themums at , .. .. 868 Victoria Park, Chrysanthe- mums at ^ . . 367 Societies:— National Chrysanthemum — 868 Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund 363 Royal Horticultural .. .. 368 Miscellaneous :— Boullie Bordclalse . .. _ 365 Peat-moss litter ,. .. .. 365 Quick hedge, a _ .. .. 868 "SadAziula" _ 365 Trees in forests, preserva- tion of re mar kable .. .. 86ft Weather, the, in W. Herts _ 3^5 Chrysanthemums. PROSPECTS OF THE SEA.SON. The blooms appear to be rather late in open- ing this year. Why this is so I cannot say, for the great amount of sunshine we have had should tend to an early flowering season. Pro- bably early selected buds have something to do with it. These usually end in disappointment by not only taking a long time to open, but in the blooms coming not at all true in character. "Many a slip 'twixt cup and lip" is truly applicable to cultivators of Chrysanthemums who endeavour to produce the wonderful specimen blooms so much admired at shows. All appears to be going on satisfactorily, and the hopes of prize-winning are bright until the flowers should be opening their florets ; then it is so many mistakes are noticed and the loss of so many buds is felt. Many failures, again, are caused by persons crowding their plants too closely when under glass. This crowding is very frequently met with, and can only be remedied by growing just the number of plants another year to suit the amount of glass that each can command. One notices, too, that an unnecessary amount of fire-heat is often employed, which is harmful. Chrysan- themums opening their flowers in a hot, close temperature do so at the expense of substance. Just enough heat to expel moisture and to keep the air of the house buoyant is all that is needed, because we should not forget that this is a hardy plant. In a few collections that recent trouble which is known as rust is causing considerable anxiety, and is indeed far more killing in its effects than I at one time believed. Yet I am sure that if growers would strive to take mea.sures in spring when the fungus is in it.s infancy, or in a stage when it may be stopped, the troubles later in the season would be re- duced to a minimum. I have known several instances in this neighbourhood where this has been done. The cuttings and young plants have been watched, and should a leaf exhibit a sign of the fungus it has been promptly re- moved. Now these same collections are free, or if not quite free, only a spot here and there is observable. The season is likely to see much improvement in the matter of new varieties. Some of the English-raised novelties are most promising, not only in the production of fine blooms, but in a dwarfness of growth — a merit that has perhaps been somewhat neglected in the rage to get something larger in flower than we have seen before. R. Hooper Pearson already ex- hibits splendid properties, and is a variety that marks an epoch in its way. It is a distinct advance in colour, the yellow being deeper and richer than that found in any other sort. In substance it is also most remarkable, whilst the shape leaves nothing to be desired. The growth also is robust. Another kind opposite to the above in shape is Mme. Gabriel Debrie, and equally fine in its advance upon existing ones. It is a large, loosely incurving form of exceed- ing richness, the florets being remarkable for length and substance. The colour is a shade like that of the Malmaison Carnation. This last was produced by M. Nonin, a French raiser, and others of his raising are full of promise. Mme. F. Daupias and President Lemaire may be named in this connection. It is plea.sing to note a new French raiser. Good Chrysanthemums from that country have lately meant M. Calvat's only. Those of the latter raiser are certainly fine as usual, but he sends us too many. Some thirty kinds each year is a large number. About half a dozen are found worth growing, the others fit only for the rubbish heap. M. H. Martinet of this year is a first-rate new kind ; it gives us a colour much wanted — namely, crimson. Others not yet very far advanced in opening look distinctly promising. His variety of last year. General Paquie, was, I think, quite the best variety exhibited at the recent Aquarium show. It is rich bronzy yellow in colour, and in form not unlike Mme. Carnot. The sort is dwarf, easily grown, and an early and abundant bloomer. A new rule of the National Chrysanthemum Society in respect to its floral committee is already causing a certain amount of strife. Rules relating to the award of certificates to new flowers should be stringent, and the mem- bers, too, should make it a point to be present so as to form a quorum. Personally, I do not see anything wrong in requiring that three- fourths shall vote for a new kind before it shall obtain the coveted award. This will set a very high standard, which is right. There is a danger of getting too many varieties of Chry- santhemums. New shades of colour and im- proved forms are desirable, also better and sturdier growth, but to go on increa.sing whites and yellows that dift'er so little from those already in cultivation will end in disappointment. Much interest also centres in the new way cut Chrysanthemums are to be exhibited in an important class at the forthcoming National show. I do not suppose the old-fashioned mode of showing specimen blooms on boards will for some time be done away with, but we have never had a similar class — in London, at least — where so many vases of well-grown flowers are likely to com- pete for prizes. It should therefore be one of the features of the season. Another novelty is provided by a well-known specialitt. Single specimen blooms will be exhibited in competi- tion of the most distinct shades of colour from white to crimson. This should be most inte- resting. It is to be hoped that this season we will see better grouping of Chrysanthemum plants. In London and the larger provincial shows there is little that one can find fault with. The smaller exhibitions, however, have much to learn in the matter. Competitors endeavour to crowd as many'plants into as small a space as possible and these are placed to give the whole a geometrical outline. I would suggest, then, that fewer plants be used and the plants stood in a more natural way, so that the individual excellence of each can be seen. Groups as generally seen would not be so arranged by the 350 THE GARDEN. [November 4 1399. Barae men to decorate conservatories at home, and less stnctness as to tying each bloom per- fectly upright and less care to get the whole perfectly flat would tend to a far more telling arrangement. H S FED VERSUS UNFED CHRYSANTHE- MUMS. I NOTE with interest the remarks of your corre- spondent ''J. B. S." upon an important item in he successful culture of Chrysanthemums in town gardens I believe that even under the most tavourable conditions for the flowering of these plants many failures can be traced to indiscrimi- nate y gorging the plants with liquid manure and fertilisers. The action of nitrogenous manures always induces an increased luxuriance and growth and the two articles specified by J. a.i,. are used essentially for their nitro- genous virtues. Their application is attended, therefore, with considerable risk when frequently used because often no adequate effort is made to supply any deficiency of mineral constituents in the small amount of soil a pot contains. Without a plentiful available supply of such substances as potash and lime notably, the extra growth often remains immature and rank, and consequently, although large and promising buds are produced, th^e is, as your correspondent suggests, not suthcient inherent strength to withstand the foggy and damp weather that October and November certainly bring in their train in a town garden. The natural sequence to this lack of solidity and maturity is that when the plants are housed, perhaps in suitable houses, interrupted and diminished light, less air, less room, and higher temperature speedily cause a breakdown in the enfeebled system of the plants, and the gorged buds fall an easy prey to damp and decay. Given a good soil from the commencement, it contains all the necessary organic and inorganic materials for the plant's growth, and in such a sturdy, mature, and ripened growth without feed- ing can easily be had, producing a plant that will give httle anxiety when under glass. The plan that I adopt is to use a good mellow loam, and in the final potting a small amount of wood ashes and a little manure from a Mushroom bed of the previous autumn are added. Pots vary ing from 8 inches to 10 inches are used, and after potting they are plunged to their rim in either a bed of cinder ashes or the open border, as I find sheltering the roots from the scorching sun is a distinct advantage. The plants so treated this present season are as fine as one can see any- where, in every case the dark leathery leaves being retained right down to the pot, notwith- standing some varieties have reached nearly 7 feet high. For the most part they carry threa flowers, but others from four to nine. No artificial manure has been used at all outside, but they have had one application of sulphate of ammonia since housing ; still, they will receive no more. In spite of the damp and foggy weather that has been so prevalent in London, no difficulty has been experienced with the flowers that have opened and none is anticipated with those that remain, although the house that accommodates them is in a specially damp situation. Finsbury. A. B J nary mildew, an item certainly of importance and worth bearing in mind for another year. In my own case the disease has been much more viru- lent than in any previous year ; indeed, there have been only a few plants infested before. Some kinds seem much more subject to the disease than others. Golden Gem, Golden Gate, and Lady Lawrence, the two first named in par- ticular, are instances in which the disease is the worst, and the rapidity with which it spread on these was amazing. Veltha or petroleum must be freely used from the cutting period onward. It is curious that from some gardens rust should be quite absent. — S. Chrysanthemums — Discarding: old varie- ties.—We have grown a considerable number of varieties within the past fifteen years and dis- carded a great number too, but I sometimes think there are old sorts which would give a good account of themselves if cultivated as they used to be and placed beside the favourites of to- day. This thought occurred to me at the recent Aquarium show when a fine bloom of the variety Nyanza was seen in one of the stands. This is uncertain, I know, but the rich crimson colour with old gold reverse is rich indeed, the wide petals forming a strikingly handsome flower. If Mrs. C. H. Wheeler could be seen as it used to be, few kinds of the present day could equal it in effect. Then Mme. C. Audiguier occurs to me. The tall habit of growth is against it, but the rich mauve colour and its wonderful arrangement of petals give it special attractions. Belle Paule again. What grace of form and delicate Pico tee-like shades this used to give. In Thun- berg we obtained a perfect informal pyramid of clear golden yellow. Triomphe de la Rue des Chalets used to be compared to a new flower-pot upside down, so rich was ib in its terracotta shade. Criterion, nothing like it now, and Mile. Lacroix gave blooms of most charming form and finish. Col. W. B. Smith is another splendid kind. Jeanne D^laux is not even now beaten in dark crimson colour. I would not like to grow exhibition blooms entirely from the old material, yet venture to state that if the above were pro- duced now in their old form one would stand a very good chance indeed in competition. — H. Bust on Chrysanthemums.— This season there are, judging from my own experience and observations, more complaints of the ravages of this dreaded disease than last year, and what is worse is that it sets in the more rampantly after they are taken indoors and the blooms are de- veloping. Veltha, a specific for fungoid diseases, has been used by many, and in one instance I have met where it has been constantly used throughout their growing season there is no trace of disease among several thousand plants. This is a remarkable testimory for the fungicide, be- cause last year the same grower had nearly the whole coUeclion .ipoilt with ib. Petroleum fol- lowed up is a good remedy, and plants syringed with this often, I find, are not much given toordi- CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT EARLSWOOD. Mr. W. Wells' nursery at Eirlswood is generally one of the most interesting places during the Chrysanthemum season, for, besides having the advantage of being far enough away from the metropolis to secure good light and pure air, which always do so much to improve the general appear- ance of the plants, one is sure to find a very extensive collection of the newest and best novel- ties of the season. The cultural skill brought to bear upon the plants has resulted in some grandly developed blooms, and as the month advances, so the flowers will be proportionately more numerous than at the time of our visit, which was rabher earlier than usual. On entering the large span- roofed greenhoufe in which the plants are dis- played, the visitor will nob fail bo observe some very handsome blooms of Kathleen Rogers, a noble white .Japanese of fine form with broad grooved, drooping florets, and then close at hand is R. Hooper Pearson, whose fine massive deep golden yellow blooms make it a most conspicuous object. Very pretty and smaller in size is Mrs. Coombs, of a delicate lilacmauve. Then tower- ins high aloft are several monster blooms of Mrs. White Popham, with which Mr. Wells was so successful last season and which for exhibition may take a front place on the show board. Lord Ludlow (yellow), Emily Towers, Lady Phillips, Jane Molyneux, the new white Japanese, and others are all in excellent form, and well maintain the credit of the home raisers. Continental varieties are always a feature at Earlswood, and are as well done there as any- where. Of these, Calvat's recent novelties are best dealt with separabely, and ib may be said that one of the very bast is Le Grand Aragon, a huge golden yellow .Japanese of a most; attractive kind. M. Fatzer and President Bevan are both big, solid, compact incurving Japanese flowers, varying in their tones of yellow. Mme. Lucie Recouru is quite new this year, and is a large purple-amaranthcoloured flower. Soleil de De- cembre belongs to the broad-petalled Japanese incurved group, the colour rich golden yel- low. Others from the eminent French raiser include M. Chenon de Leche, always good and unique in its beautiful mingling of warm salmon- rose and gold ; M. H. Martinet, crimson and gold ; Mme. C. du Terrail, General Paquie, warm terracotta, very pretty and eft'ective ; Mrs. J. Lewis, Mme. Gustavo Henry, another one with a reputation ; Marie Calvat, Mme. Aristide Rey, and many others too numerous to mention. Other French raisers, of whom M. Nonin, of Paris, is perhaps the chief represented in Mr. Wells' collection, contribute some very useful and promising no\elti(s. We specially admired Francois Pilon, a very deep rich golden yellow with long florets and a very large flower. A very interesting pale yellow sport from the white form of Mrs. C. Harman-Payne is found in M. Louis Remy. Amateur J. L3 Chaplais is an unusually fine exhibition type of bloom, and has grooved florets of a reddish salmon colour with golden bronze reverse. Some others from the other side of the Channel were Mile. J. Lieber, President Felix Sahut, Mme. G. Debrie, Le Marcadeon, Etoile de Feu, and Marguerite L, Silhol. It is curious that there seem to be no new American seedlings this year in spite of the com- petition that arose from this source a few years ago, but in place of it we have now to consider a wonderful addition to our list;s from the Austra- lian colonies. Like all those mentioned previously, the varieties belong to the various types of the Japanese section ; we saw nothing in the way of an incurved or Anemone- flowered variety, and, indeed, bhe Japanese seems to monopolise the field wherever introduced. Some of the Austra- lian seedlings are well known, such as Oceana, Pride of Stokell, Mr. T. Carrington, Australie, Pride of Madford, and others. In addition to these, Nellie Pockett, a beautiful white, and John Pockett, deep crimson and gold, were seen in excellent form last season and with good results, and this year they are quite up to their reputa- tion. Mermaid is a new fine white Japanese of good size, but not so large as some in the same colour. Wonderful is a large, promising variety, having a broad floret of chestnut-crimson, with reverse of golden bronze. Lady Janet Clark has very long quilled florets, colour purple-amaranth. Wattle Blossom is ((uite new and is a fine addi- tion ; the florets of great length, drooping and twisted, and the colour a pale lemon-yellow. J. R. Upton is anobher of similar tone. Miss Lucy Cheeseman is yellow, but h.as a greenish shade with it. There are many others from the colonies which promise to be valuable in one way or another, bub many of these are not yet named. Miss Ida Barwood, Silver Queen, Lord Salisbury, Australian Belle, &c. , will be worth looking out for during the season. NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Chrysanthemum Klondike.— This possesses richly coloured and moderate-sized blnom.s that are of greater service than the more uiieainly ones for general use. But in the colour, which is a chief attraction, there is something of that refined beauty which carries great weight even on the market. It is only about 4 feet high. Chrysanthemum R. Hooper Pearson.- I'oBsibly no iincr yellow-flowered Japanese than this has ever appeared, and tlie number of blooms shown of it are to some extent proof of its suitability to peveral phases of culture. When blooms of any variety ap- pear good in each and every stind there is hope for the amateur who cultivates but a few plants. Chrysanthemum Mrs. "Wingfield. — The fine group of this kiml at the Drill Hall on Octo- ber 24^ showed the pretty tone of colour to advan- tage. The plants were only 3 feet high, pot included, and the plt-ubing pink of the flowers attracted attention. lu the open ground, however, the plaut this year is November 4, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 351 nit a success, the heat and drought being responsible, we presume, for its all-round blindness. In other respects for the open it would appear somewhat late to open satisfactorily. Chrysanthemums at the Drill Hall.— Ex- hibitors of Chrysanthemums who were fortunate enough to be present on Tuesday last were enabled to have an object-lesson in the arrangement of cut blooms, whether it be large flowers of the finest Japanese varieties or the smallest of the pompons. More of such tisteful exhibits as that in question would be a boon to all lovers of the Chrysanthemum. The vase arrangements were really splendid, bold, massive, and imposing, yet in excellent taste. — Critic. Orchard AND Fruit Garden, LATE STRAWBERRIES FOR PROFIT. There can be no two opinions as to the desira- bility of extending the Strawberry season so that a full supply of fruit could be maintained in the markets of our lar^e towns several weeks longer than is now the case. The Kentish, Hampshire, and Surrey growers are fully aware of the advantages they would obtain by lengthen- ing the gathering time, and they would be only too glad to get the benefit of the considerably higher prices that prevail after the middle of July. It is a fact that in some seasons the great supply almost suddenly ceases, and fruit thai ten days or so previously was sold at 3d. per pound would, if then put on the market, command a ready sale at from Od. to Is. per pound, according to quality. In a hot dry sea- son it is surprising what a difference a few days make in the amount of fruit sent into the London market. Those who grow several hundred acres of the fruit would heartily wel- come any means of prolonging the gathering season, and we may be sure that if culture alone would suffice, it would have been prac- tised years ago by men who are too keenly alive to their interests to neglect any cultural method that would be the means of increasing their profits. Even by utilising the latest kinds we have and cultivating theui in the very best manner, I do not see how it is praoiicable to secure any quantity of fruit after July, in the home counties at least. What can be done in this way in private gardens is no guide 1 1 the grower for profit. By growing such kinds as the Elton, Sir C. Napier, or Frogmore Pine liberally in a free, open situation and removing them to a north border in October one may obtain a supply of good fruit several weeks after the same kind.s have ceased bearing in the open quarters. Even by this method it is difti- cult in many years to extend the Strawberry season in the southern counties beyond the first week in August. I grow a limited quan tity of outdoor Strawberries for local trade, and am natunlly anxious to prolong the gather- ing time as much as possible, for I find that if the weather happens to be very hot about the middle or end of July the demand for this fruit is very brisk : in fact, I never can quite meet it even at higher rates. My late-fruiting kinds are so situated that they are quite screened from the noonday sun. The soil is tolerably holding and the situation rather damp, so that they suffer less from drought than in most places in the locality. In spite of these advan- tages, I finish gathering in a general way in the first week in August, and this year I had no fruit in the last week of July. 1 am afraid that we cannot rely on the hy- bridiser to help us in this matter. It would seem that a past generation of Strawberry raisers reached the limit of precocity and late- ness. We have, I think, no earlier Strawberry than the old Black Prince, and late varieties put into commerce within the last few years are no later than Oxonian, British Queen, and Elton Pine. I believe that it is possible to have Oxonian at a later date than any other Strawberry in cultivation, and as regards agree with "J. S. W." that in no wise worthy of the I saw it growing by the Sovereign this season, and it was not more than a the early variety. In con- Latest of All I this variety is name given it. side of Royal there at least week later than nection with this subject, it would be inter esting to know whether any of your readers liave given the new race of perpetual-bearing kinds a trial, and whether there is any good reason to hope that they may be the means of furnishing an abundance of fruit when other varieties are over. I see that a French firm is putting into commerce several varieties which they declare to be a great advance on Sir Joseph, which is presumably one of the parents. Judg- ing by the high prices asked for them, the raiser or distributor must have a very high opinion of their perpetual bearing powers. A secondary light crop would not, however, do for market growers. It must be possible to obtain a fairly heavy crop, or these perpetual- bearing Strawberries are not likely to find favour in this country with those who must have profit- able returns for labour involved in the culture. It is possible that a race of perpetual bearers may in the course of time prove serviceable in extending the Strawberry season, but I fail to see why the London markets should not be plentifully supplied by using the kinds now commonly grown for a period of six weeks after picking from the late- bearing varieties has finished in the home counties. In the extreme north of England Strawberries begin to ripen ijuite a month later than they do in Kent, and in some parts of Scotland picking does not com- mence before August. I am acquainted with families in London that are well supplied with this fruit from their country seats in the north for several weeks after they have become scarce in the London markets. The wonder is that it has not occurred to Strawberry growers for profit to give more attention to those localities where, owing to the late ripening of the fruit, it could be placed on the London markets just as the great glut is over. There should be plenty of land in the northern counties available for Strawberry cul- ture, and I feel assured that it could not be more profitably employed. The cost of carriage would, of course, be more than in the case of fruit produced near London, but the grower would undoubtedly be recouped by the higher prices realised. In August good samples would make from 8d. to Is. per lb., and it is doubtful if anything in the way of an outdoor crop would give better returns. Although convinced that there would be a brisk demand in our large towns during August for the fruit, I am not so sure that such would be the case in the follow- ing month. The appetite for fruit varies accord- ing to the season, and with an abundant supply of Pears, Plums, and cheap foreign Grapes to choose from, I doubt if Strawberries, however good and plentiful, would find much favour with consumers in September. The fact that good hot-house Grapes have been sold as low as 9d. per lb. during the past month shows how abundant the supply of fruit has been. J. C. B. Variableness of the Apple crop.— In the majority of orchards in this part of East Anglia Apples are very scarce. At Blickling fruit of most sorts is scarce, even the so called never-fail- ing Lane's Prince Albert not bearing. There is, however, one notable exception. A variety named Colonel Harbord, of which there are some five or six trees, is literally weighed down by the weight of fruit. Mr. Oclee told me that for the last twenty years the trees have not missed a crop. They are standards, and occupy different positions, which is a double proof of its hardy constitution. Colonel Harbord is a local Apple, known only, I believe, in Norfolk and Suffolk. In contrast to this scarcity, a friend of mine who recently visited Wisbeach assured me that thereabouts Apples were abundant, one grower in particular having large quantities. These, it keeping sorts, will, of course, realise good prices.— NoRwnu. The Pitmaston Pear. — I was pleased with "A. W.'s" note on this often misrepresented Pear. Of course, one does not covet the monstrous specimens the produce of trees growing on south walls, and which, by the way, are often less sugary and more quickly become mealy than fruit gathered from pyramids or bushes. I have not " A. W.'s " note by me, but I think he mentions the fact that the latter are usually more russety and of better all-round quality. Such is my ex- perience ; indeed, fruit from an espalier tree, although of much less bulk, was firmer, ripened more gradually, and kept a much longer time, lb strikes me that many imagine that this variety must have a wall to do it justice, and I must con- fess to having at one time been sceptical, but was convinced of the suitability of Pitmaston for open garden trees by seeing a number in a midland garden bearing excellent crops. The trees, cr most of them, were grafted on other unprofitable sorts and were in pyramid form. The soil was a stiff clayey loam, and the fruit in consequence did not ripen until comparatively late, and was at its best when wall-grown Pears were past. Like "A. W.," I quite think this variety will eventually become a popular market variety. — N. N. The value of north walls.— We have got so accustomed to look out for southern aspects for all our choice fruits, whether it be on walla or under glass, that I fear we greatly underrate what can be done on north walls, for we too often find them covered with useless creepers, as if the production of really good dessert fruit on them was out of the question. The past season has been a remarkable one in many ways, no'> the least being that what is considered the favoured southern part of the kingdom was a good deal worse off for fruit than more northern and less favoured parts. I think the crop of Plums was in this locality about the shortest 1 ever remem- ber, for even the Victoria failed to carry a crop, and one might go along whole walls of Plum trees and hardly be able to count as many Plums as there were trees. The only exception that I saw was on walls with a northern aspect, where some trees were literally loaded with fruit. These trees were planted more as an experiment than with the idea of their proving superior to those on the sunny side, yet such has generally been the case, and doubtless many who have to supply dessert fruits late in the autumn would do well to pay more attention to north walls for Plums, Cherries, Gooseberrie.i, and Currants, for if the trees received as much attention as those on the southern aspects, I believe they would in the majority of seasons prove more refiable.— James Groom, Uosport. Grape Mrs. Pearson. — Having on several occasions lately seen this Grape in excellent con- dition, I consider the fact worth recording, as it is only here and there that it is a success. In each of the above instances the Vines were carrying most excellent crops, the bunches long and tapering — a few only having large shoulders — and they were evenly set with berries from tip to shoulder. The colour and finish left nothing to be desired, the berries were of good size, while the flavour was distinctly that of the Muscat, and delicious. These Grapes had, of ciurse, been grown for private use only ; nevertheless, there were bunches among them which would not have disgraced any exhibition table. Taken alto- gether, they were the finest lot of Grapes I have ever seen of this variety, and my own inability to 352 THE GARDEK [November 4, 1899. succeed with it is the more regretted since seeing it in such excellent condition elsewhere. Soil has, I think, a great deal to do with its succeed- ing or otherwise, as on the heavy loam here I cannot produce a decent bunch. In each of the above instances Mrs. Pearson is growing in soil of a light description, and which appears to ex- actly suit its requirements. It is a Grape, too, which likes and really needs Muscat treatment to bring out all its best qualities. It is so deli- cious a Grape, and such a good keeper withal, that when it does succeed a position at the warmest end of the late vinery should ungrudg- ingly be accorded it.— A. W. YELLOWS IN PEACH TREES. This malady is too familar to the majority of Peach growers, causing great disappointment, trees apparently healthy suddenly turning from a green to a sickly yellow shade. Some soils seem to favour the disease more than others, the worst cases of yellows probably occurring in strong re- tentive mediums. In such the roots of the current year do not mature in autumn, especially if such be wet and sunless, and the evil effects are visible the following summer. Cases of yellows, however, though, I think, less frequent, occur amongst glass-covered trees ; faulty drainage, notwith- standing which the roots receive a maximum arnount of water through the growing season, being the chief cause. In such mediums biennial or, ao the most, triennial lifting of the roots is the only means of keeping the yellows in check, adding a large percentage of old mortar rubble, charcoal, or the sweepings of walks and drives, also burnt garden refuse and prunings. In the case of outdoor trees, the roots should be kept above the surrounding level and covered with not more than 3 inches depth of soil. If this is carried out say in October or during the early part of November, according to the season and condition of the trees, just, in fact, when the foliage is assuming a yellow colour, the work being fol- lowed by a mulch of leaf-mould or old Mush- room manure, applied not as a stimulant, but as a preservative of the newly- disturbed roots against severe frost, a more healthy and generally satisfactory condition of the tree may ! be expected the following season. Mixing a small portion of soot with the compost is good in cases of yellows. In none too well drained bor- ders a depth of G inches of rubble may be placed beneath the new compost, as the roots in conse- quence of the occasional lifting practised will not become established lower down. Very firm ram- ming is also essential, this helping to keep the roots at home. Trees that are replanted thus shallow will require a good mulch of manure of a short nature the following spring, also occasional waterings, or drought will be liable to affect them, the trees then going from bad to worse. I have noticed that some varieties of Peaches and Nectarines are more susceptible to attacks of yellows than others, and I am convinced that unsuitable stocks which, owing to the increasing demand for trees now-a-days, are frequently used are accountable in some instances for this disorder. I strongly advise those who have a strong soil to deal with to plant on stations, in order to prevent the descent of strong tap-roots, also to raise the border, use plenty of correctives, lift the trees at least every third year, and in order to counteract the evils of drought mulch liberally and feed fre- quently. I have found that Lord Napier Nec- tarine and Hale's Early Peach are particularly liable to the above disease. Nobfolk. at the roots, set good crops and not fail so readily Paradise stock it should make a fine variety for as some sorts when stoning. I once had a grand garden trees as a bush or pyramid. The skin tree in a pot which passed the blooming stage in i when the fruit is kept for some time, becomes a light, airy greenhouse, but after completing i yellow, and fruits exposed to the sun put on a stoning it was removed to a Cucumber house, the j dull striped red, which much improves its appear- being wanted by a certain date. The rapidity | ance and alters its character from that of those with which the fruit swelled convinced me that grown under the shade of its somewhat heavy it was a heat-loving Plum.— J. leafage. There are undoubtedly many Apples Peach Violette Hative.— The advice given commonly cultivated that are devoid of the H. R." by a famous fruit grower always grow Violette Hative was, as he admits, very much question Plum Beine Claude de Bavay This is one of the last Plums I would recommend for planting in the open air. Even on walls in cold, late districts I never made much headway with it myself, but have heard of its ripening well in the warmest counties. Those, however, who have an orchard house in which the occupants are in pots or planted out will do well to find a place for this Plum. Here it will grow well if duly attended to to to good. Indeed, I very much question if a better all-round Peach could be named either for gardener or amateur, for Peach house or open wall culture. I admit I have seen partial failures with it where a too rich larder has been given or indifferent culture displayed, but failures with Violette Hative are certainly the exception. When Peaches were to be met with in nearly every garden of any pretension in the eastern counties, clothing high, long walls from summit to base, Violette Hative always made a brave show, and to-day it can hold its own for beauty, high colour, and rich flavour. It is a free, constant bearer, and not liable, like so many varieties, to drop its fruit when stoning. Certainly no Peach house or wall is complete without a tree of it. — B. S. N. Apple Hawthornden.— I am glad to find that "H. R." has a word of praise for this old Apple. I can remember trees of it growing in Essex orchards nearly forty years ago. As "H. R." states, the trees have a very beautiful appearance when in full bloom, and no better variety can be named for shrubbery or pleasure- ground adornment. Its usefulness is enhanced by the fact that it keeps much longer than such sorts as Lord SuiBeld and Lord (;rosvenor. I would not, however, advise its being planted in cold clay or very retentive soils, as the tree is then liable to canker and the fruit to crack and develop scab. As " H. R." points out, it is well worth planting in espalier or bush form in small gardens that are warm and well drained. I am afraid this Apple is sometimes confounded with the New Hawthornden, which is a much later keeping Apple, though I question if its cooking qualities are so good. — Norfolk. Pear Van Itlons lieon Leclerc— I fancy there is an impression abroad that the above Pear is of a coarse, inferior character, but in reality it is, unlike many of the large varieties, of most re- freshing and pleasing flavour. Not only so, but with careful storing it lasts longer than many others ripening about the same date. I have noticed that it will hang a considerable time on the tree when on a west wall, and is slower in coming to maturity than such sorts as Marie Louise, Thompson's, and others. The best and most even dish I ever saw was exhibited at Ipswich some years ago. My experience is that the tree is somewhat shy for a few years, but when once it makes a start it yields more or less annually. I have never seen it doing well as a pyramid, or, indeed, in any other position than against a sunny wall even in the most favoured counties. With very liberal thinning and feeding the fruit sometimes attains to a great size, these monstrosities having, I am afraid, told against its popularity. With judicious all-round culture the fruit reaches only dessert size, and then it is a grand Pear. — B. S. N. Apple Rambour Franc- Although said to be a very old Apple, Rambour Franc does not appear in catalogues of the present day— at any rate I do not find it in any I have. When I took charge of these gardens a few years since I found one tree, and so struck was I with its crop of handsome fruit that I at once decided on increas- ing it. This I did in the spring of 189.3, and the remarkable growth of these grafts has been often commented upon by those who have seen them. It has a visrorous constitution, free from the striking characteristics of Rambour Franc. It is, moreover, a fine cooking sort, having a firm yellow flesh with a brisk and sugary flavour. Its season is given as September and October, but it might be kept some time later than this where the conditions for storing are favourable. It is described as 4 inches broad and 3 inches high. In my case the height is greater by 1 inch than the breadth, and in other points it scarcely agrees with the fruit as grown here. It is probable that my tree was obtained many years since from some continental source.— W. S., Rood Ashlon, Wilts. STRAWBERRY ELTON PINE. A GOOD deal has been written of late about late Strawberries, and Elton Pine has been named by some. It strikes me the variety which will beat it all round for late use when properly grown has yet to be raised. I saw several rows of plants in an East Anglian garden this summer growing by the side of Royal Sovereign, President, and others in an ordinary sunny position, and could perceive very little difference in individual vigour, while the gardener assured me Elton Pine crops well. At p. 313 "A. D." speaks somewhat at random when he says Latest of All will give a peck of fruit to every fruit given by the Queen. I have seen British Queen in soil which suited it growing and fruiting as freely as President or Paxton, but it is capricious, and the same re- mark applies to Latest of All, though in a less degree. There are gardens in which this, I think, over-rated Strawberry is anything but a success, and as to its lateness, I saw it shown in July in company with Royal Sovereign, Gunton Park, McMahon, and others. Its shape, which although only perhaps of secondary considera- tion, is the reverse of handsome, added to which is its objectionable green point. One noted grower for sale describes it as a late, but not the latest Strawberry, a fact which the inexperienced and amateurs intending planting should be made aware of, as its name is misleading. "A. D." says that Elton Pine does not do well everywhere, this being evidenced by the fact that it is now seldom grown. But many good old Strawberries are now seldom grown ; even the valuable Vicomtesse, which will succeed in all soils and situations, has been to a great extent discarded in favour of perhaps larger, but coarser and worse flavoured sorts. East Anglian. Apple Peasgood's Nonsuch.— In a recent issue of The Garden "H. R." commented on the fact of his not having seen such fine fruits of this variety of Apple as he did in the previous season. Hereabouts it has done remarkably well, and both in size of fruit and depth of colour the produce is quite equal to that of last year. During the last three seasons a standard tree near here has borne heavy crops of exceedingly fine fruit, which realised high prices when sold. Bush trees in these gardens have also cropped well this season. The single dishes of Peasgood's Nonsuch at the Crystal Palace show were very fine, but I think they were hardly equal to those shown last year. " H. R." says the best results are obtained from wall trees. I have never seen it so grown but once, and that was by Mr. Coleman at Eastnor Castle Gardens some few years ago. I shall never forget the splendid colouring and size of the fruits when I saw them, and have often referred to them when the merits of this Apple have come gorous constitution, free from the "P ^oi discussion. Mr. Wright (now of Chiswick) attacks of canker or American blight, and usually I when at Glewston Court used to produce magnifi- bears good crops of handsome and distinctly cent samples of Peasgood's Nonsuch, and which shaped fruits. Here it is growing on a free : realised prices that to many would appear in- stock, and forms a large open bush. On the I credible.— A. W., S?oie .CAyA. NOVKMBEK i, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 353 CHALLIS'S FRUIT TREE ARCADES. The illustrations show a Peach wall with glass coping 30 inches wide, the glass (^ii ozs. to the foot) being supported at the back by a groove 1 inch deep inserted in the wall plate, and on the front by two copper clips to each square, which are secured to the front plate by two half-inch screws. The front plate is supported by wood standards 2 inches by 2 inches, fixed into cast-iron shoes or sockets, which are driven into the ground at the required angle, the sup- ports at the base being 5 feet or G feet from the wall, according to its height. These supports wood supports to the top, where two shoots are trained horizontally, right and left, in a line with the front plate immediately under the glass to the centre, midway between the supports, where they meet. Two side shoots are also taken from the base of each tree and are trained diagonally right and left to the wires up to the top of each support, crossing each other mid- way between them. Half way between each Pear tree, and in the same parallel line to the wall, the best late, most beautiful, moderate growing varieties of Apples are planted, or, if thouglit more desirable. Plums, Cherries, Pears, CImUi lit tf Wilton House Qardens ,,-eM about twenty, five years ago. Meanwhile I may just .ay that the plant was flowered in an open tank at Bebington, Cheshire in the garden of Mr. Joseph Ma^er, F S A a relative of mine. I superintended the cultureTa'nd there was no glass or covering from the time when the smalU-inch plant was planted from the green house Itfloweredsplendidlyandtheheatwas^never more than ;o°, and not often so much. The year before I had grown the Victcria regia in my gar den in the Lake district, where we have little sun and much ram. It budded, but owing to an acci f«^v; " Tf '°° ^"^'^ '° fi°^«r l^efore the Sep- tember cold set in and checked it. I had no cove? and wind not cold, was the worst enemy The argest leaf was 5 feet 4 inches across, and ought to have been much larger. Coal and coke for the r hfd" n '^ ^'"'^" '"""^ ''"^t ''•'""t four guineas I had all the tropical Lilies with Euryall ferox CheUea. It was a tank ,n a courtyard, and I was toll a cover was put on every night. I do not know whether It flowered, but there is no diificulty with fair conditions. Last year N stellate flowered freely in my open po/d in summe "n^ heit ; pub in in May, died in winter -H B " F^nw^'^^'^^e?'' trichotomum.-The notes on Flowering Shrubs in South Devon " by your correspondent " S. W. F.> are always of interest and 0 ten aflford one much valuabl^ information in a pleasant way One is at times a little envious of those who dwell in such a favoured region and who are thus able to grow pUnts denied to us in in/v.'l'> '^; ^""" ^^°"'^^ "*= ^^^'^ to regret ou inability to grow some things, we can none the THE GARDEN. 367 less enjjy the way in which your contributor IlIU ot these shrubs in the sunny south. Amoncr those spoken of on p. .'U'.' is Clerodendron trichotomum, a fane shrub which is, so far as one knows, of no use as a flowering shrub in Scotland. There may be rne or two places on the west coast where it will bloom ; If ..o, I have not heard of them, but the climate is such that one or two favoured spots might be warm enough to bring it into flower in a warm season. I know several Scottish gardens in which it has been and still is grown, but in none of these has it ever bloomed. The«e gardens are in districts widely scattered, and it is a little disappointing to those who have this Cleroden- dron to have year after year the same unvarying record of "no flo«-er.- Even near Dublin, in thi sister isle, one was disappointed to hear of noa- succoss in places where one would have expected better results. I do not know any northern - a ?j"r^ i", "^'^'"^ ^^'^ °^^^'' species named by b. W. b. (C Bungei) has been tried. It may, perhaps, bo happier in the north than its con- gener, but I doabt it.— S. Arxott. Aster John Wood.-By a strange coincidence 1 was engaged in writing a note upon this Aster tor your columns when the issue of The Garden containing the news of the death of Mr. John W ood arrived. Although I never had the oppor- tunity of meeting Mr. Wood in person, we had some correspondence, and, in common with many others, I have profited largely by his writings on hardy flowers. I may, therefore, be permitted to join in the expression of regret made by the correspondent who conveyed the news of the decease of Mr. Wood to us. An observer so keen and so well informed will be sadly mis-ed in the ^"rnw.*?, %^'""""« of hardy flowers. Many who grow the Starwort identified with his name will ook upon lb with resh interest as a flower pretty in Itself which will ever be associated with the memory of one known to us, if not in the flesh by wr,ting.s which have given true pleasure Even had Aster John Wood nob this association It would deserve a place in the garden on account of Its own merits It would be rash, in view of the progress in the Asters, to say that it will re main the best of the white Starworts. It will however, be long grown as a flower of gTeat cuTini'^-^rL^i-^li'i.^^^ g--^- and^r 1. 13 too absurd to suggest that .Messrs. Vilmorin, the greatest breeders of and dealers in Asters, as well as being a firm of " repute," would send out as new a plant which was simply a rofue, and that the Botankid Mai/azim as well as° all the liorticultural journals should publish pictures and special notices of it as being a worthy addition to garden flowers.— W. W. Public Gardens. CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT VICTORIA PARK. The collection of Chrysanthemums at Victoria Park embraces all types of the flower, and conse- quently exercises a useful influence upon the minds of the many thousands of visitors which throng the large glass structure during the flower- ing season. Growers in more favoured localities have not the faintest idea of the difficulties which they at Victoria Park have to contend with. Impure atmospheric conditions, which must of necessity be associated with factories of all de- scriptions, and from whose chimneys soot and smoke are continuously emitted, cannot be con- ducive to the gocd health of plant life, and in the present instance of Chrysanthemums in particu- lar. Incurved varieties have always been a special feature of the collection here, and probably the most pleasing s^rts of those almost fully deve- loped were Mrs. George Rundle, George Glenny, and Mrs. Dixon, all members of the same family. These plants were freely flowered. Other repre- sentative incurved sorts were Chas. H. Curtis, the large jellow, rather late in this instance ; M. R. Bahuant, a large globular flower, carmine-rose, with deep bronzj reverse, and early ; Lord Rose- bery, a pretty silvery mauve, lined white, of good form ; Baron Hirsch, on late buds deep chestnut- bronz9 ; and numerous plants of D. B. Crane. This 13 a very neat rich bronzy buflF bloom of good form and true incurved petal. The plant also ia ^if"^ ""'arf. Those mentioned willsutfice to show that both new and old varieties are appreciated. The Japanese sorts, of course, were largely in evidence, and the most interesting feature of this „ .., ,.,„ „aruen ann tnr '*'^P''^y ^aa the varied character of the blooms Those who do not knol it may be ekd '.T u^ '^i' '®'='''"-, ^'°^''" °^ '^yg'"'^ brought under their notice and to have a -f^ '" ^^ ^''^?'' -"^'"°" P'""^ = ^air Maid to have It brought under their noticeand tohave a brief description. It belongs to the Novi-Belgii S'tL^a' Starworts and grows about Tfe^e high. The flowersare large and handsome, rather w3« l^^l^^P^i, and when at their best pure white, with a yellow disc. They pass ofi- like 1 '.' "*"'«S' ,s'i?l'tly pink. It^ i^ a valuaWe plant no one who likes the Starworts will regr t growing.— S. Arnott. 'cgict in?a*,t^ w*„!??'''r? ^^o^tensis.-The note published in last weeks Garden, p. 348, is both incorrect and misleading. Commenting on the plant Ttro Parif InT F"""i. ^J .*I««J^« Vilmorin and Co , Pans, and described in their catalogue for this nr-'LdVf' "">,?''. largeflowered cLina Iste rT'j • S, °^ "'■^'^'^ a coloured plate was nub lished in The Garden last year, the wrire^of^the no e states that "large business houses of renute will doubtless take some trouble to make it Tlear to their patrons" that this single Aster is the same as the weedy single-flowered reversions called ■rogues," which too frequently come at^ong the double-flowered forms. It' is also stated thaf there are severa colours of single forms to be had from seeds purchasable for a few pence, and that veir lv7 °' '\T ^■■'' ''««° -"^de at Kew thl year. Where are these seeds to be had ' I havn a:;:Lr"ri"f..-*„'?f :.f?g-^'' - Aster CI .- . — &""> .^wiiijuii ijiun. i xair ivxaiu Ot Guernsey, a popular white many years since ; ^banstead Surprise, reddish purple, tall ; William Holme.", brilliant crimsjn ; Sunflower, rich yel- low; Mile. Lacroix, white; Gloire du Rocher, nch glowing crimson of neat form ; President Borel, carmine-rose ; Pallanzi, rich yellow, and others were representative ot the older varieties. Those of more recent days were Mrs. E. G. Hill, having large blooms of pale flesh colour ; Mrs C. Bhck, a very large pure white ; Werther, a distinct claret red ; President Bevan, rose, shaded yellow, incuived Japanese ; Mile. Paul Lacroix, a beautiful soft yellow; William Seward, deepest crimson, very free and effective ; Royal btandard, a deep blood-red colour, long florets, making a large spreading flower: La Grand Dragon, deep yellow, tinted bronze; Mme. Couvafc du Xerrail, very large, creamy white ; N.C.S. Jubilee, a pleasing silvery rose, incurved Japan- ese ; Hairy Wonder, distinctly the best of the type; General Paquie, a rather flimsy bronze flower ; Mane Calvab, and a grand babch of the pure white incurved Japanese Lady Byron. The blossoms of these plants were of a high order of merit. Another feature is that of groiving a nice lot of decorative sorts, and under this heading were to ba found pretty plants of Ryecroft Glory the October-flowering bronzy yellow. Others in anything approaching even'in form stnf„..o"~"~ I =^r j"-j"T' ^■■■■fi 'Jiun/.y ^cnuw. ubners in colour the type as ripresent^d in^„p r "™' ""^ tP'®""*'^ f°'''° "'^'"^ ^'^^y Selborne, white, and plate. I am certain thTnone of thI e cnr''-T r^^™' Salter, mauve-pink, still to be numbered forms were to be seen i^the border at K«wf^ m"«^ the freest and the best; the popular old only single Asters srrowntwJfl,- '^®T' '''^ ^"'^ '^<'"'<"'> Source d'Or, and Margot, also grown Vil^orii^sintroductfonrviz typical' C^rort^'"Hf'''''^fl '^''T T'' ^'•'''^ ''''°"' b'etweertle The note contains one sta emenronly wWch Ts'i'' tlT^i T"^ «P'^",'' """^ '"^^"^ considerably to accordance with f.icis namely that Th^ " ■ f'«P'ay- ^Singles were represented by such Aster made a " good show at ^j^^^ ''"'^ /'"^'^ ' ''''""'r f , "^ ^^'"'^ Anderson, cream-white, still flowering of the plants Cng quit^notewnrtK^t 1°"" °^ '^^ ^^^'^ ' Anemones, by the rich reddish P oeing quite noteworthy." I crimson Descartes, which always looks very hand- 368 THE GARDEK [November i, 1899. some for a wctk or two, besides other types of the flower in endless variety. The plants are arranged in two large undulating groups in a long glass structure with a raised pathway between them. This has the effect of hiding the pots and bringing the flowers well within the line of sight, thereby adding very materially to the pleasure of the visitors. To keep the display going for some time, a temporary structure out- side shelters numerous plants for succession, and as the period of flowering is quite a fortnight later than usual, it will be quite another month before the display will be over. SOUTHWARK PARK. The display of Chrysanthemums in Southwark Park is generally interesting, considering the adverse circumstances under which they are grown, the neighbourhood being a densely popu- lated one and the smoky districts of Rotherhithe and Bermondsey so closely adjacent. In spite of these difficulties, Mr. Curie, the superintendent, always makes a good display, and one that is much appreciated by the residents and visitors. It will be at least a fortnight before the collection is at its best, but the plants are all coming on well and there are many fine buds of the most popular sorts rapidly opening, among which are Silver King, Duke of Wellington, Olive Oclee, Australie, Mme. C. Audiguier, International, W. H. Lincoln, Eda Prass, Lady Byron, C. Or- chard and others of equal merit in the Japanese section. At the time of our visit the large- flowering Anemones were not largely represented, the best being Descartes, a fine wine-coloured variety, very useful and judiciously employed in groups, such as the one now under notice. M. C. Lebocqz was also coming on in very good form. We missed, too, the interesting collection of hairy varieties which formed a peculiarly striking fea- ture a few years ago, but which no doubt will be seen by later visitors. Incurved can only be seen at their best as the season advances, but R. Can- nell, a fine large-sized flower of golden yellow- bronze ; Baron Hirscb, very close, compact, deeply built, of a good colour ; Duchess of Fife, pure white and very regular in build ; Globe d'Or and D. B. Crane, of varying shades of yellow, are all well out and lead the way. M. R. Bahuant, very fine and globular, colour deep rosy carmine or maroon, is another of the early ones in this sec- tion. * Among Japanese that are conspicuous for their colour are Hamlet, a very old, but very beautiful flower of the Japanese section, and the colour a deep shade of soft rosy salmon, and H. Shoe- smith, yellow, with long drooping florets. Sun- flower, an old favourite, deep golden yellow, and Mrs. J. Shrimpton, deep orange-yellow, shaded crimson, are equally attractive. Oceana, the fine yellow colonial incurving Japanese, de- serves special attention, as do also Lizzie Seward, bright rosy magenta, and Gambetta, a deep fiery terra-cotta, shaded crimson. Very useful and effective for its warmth of colour is Gloire de M^zin, a fine globular Japanese of a deep golden orange, shaded bronze. Then there is the old- time favourite, Elaine, whose snowy white always seems pure and chaste and generally commands admiration. Emily Silsbury is larger, but of the same colour, while Mile. Marie Hoste is less beau- ful, the colour not being so pure, but its size seems to commend it. There were also some very bright blooms of the pure pale yellow King of the Hirsutes, which, as its name implies, be- longs to the hairy section, and amongst other old- established favourites at Southwark we again noticed some good samples of J. H. Runciman, rich golden yellow, shown in several examples. Mme. Ed. Rey, pale pink, but very large and tall, is useful for its earliness. L'Ami Etienne is another. A very pretty bright rosy pink is found in William Tricker, and for depth of colour in purples, Stanstead Suprise is at once useful and effective. The plants are arranged in a T-shaped house in form of a central bed, with a bank running round the sides, thus giving a path that enables the visitors to go right round the house without fear cf confusion. Closing' of Coldfall Wood.— Great regret is felt at Muswell Hill and I'last Finchley at the decision of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to close the Coldfall Wood, which is situated to the north of Fortis Green, and is a remnant of the old Middlesex forest. A road is now being made through the wood, and it is apparent that it is to be " developed." Though the wood was never open to the general public, a large number of residents were privileged to use it, and on their behalf Mr. Phillips, a local resident, recently forwarded a petition to the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners asking them to reconsider their deci- sion. Societies and Exhibitions. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. The floral committee of this society held a meet- ing at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on Wednesday, October 25. There were some very fine exhibits, among which may be mentioned Ada, a large Japanese of a golden bronze shade ; Miss Lily Boutroy, also of good size ; Mrs. Bur- gess, a pretty shade of salmon-purple with golden reverse ; Mme. Gabriel Debrie, a very large white .Japanese ; and Miss Elsie Fulton, also a large white Japanese. Several of these the com- mittee desired to see again. Awards were not numerous, the standard now-a-days being a high one, even considering the groat number of fine novelties that are appearing every year. First-class certificates were awarded as under : — Chrysanthemum Mrs. A. H. Hall. — This is a very fine, massive built flower, large and globu- lar, with grooved florets of medium width ; colour deep orange-yellow, shaded golden bronze. Exhi- bited by Mr. R. Kenyon. CURVSANTHEIIUM FLORENCE MoLYNEUX. — This is also very large, and is a close, compactly built flower of great substance. The florets are twisted, of good width and grooved. The flower be- longs to the .Japanese incurved section. The colour is white. From Mr. N. Molyneux. Chrysanthemum Edith Pilkington. — A Japan- ese with long drooping, medium-sized florets, which are twisted and curly. The colour is a pale shade of canary-yellow, deepening towards the centre. Staged by the same exhibitor as the preceding. Chrysanthemum Miss Godsmark. — An in- curved of close and regular form, with a good breadth of floret, rather large in size, and the colour bright reddish chestnut- bronze. This came from Mr. R. Owen. Chrysanthemum Miss Alice Byron. — A noble Japanese flower of great dimensions, very globular and deep in build, the broad florets closely and compactly arranged. Colour pure paper-white. From Mr. H. Weeks. On Wednesday last, the 1st inst., a meeting of the floral committee of this society was held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, Mr. Harman- Payne occupying the chair. Several promising novelties were submitted : Miss Adelaide A. Cooper, a large Japanese of a pale rosy mauve ; Mrs. Bagnall-Wild, like a Pink ; Mrs. H. Weeks, and one or two others. Only one award was made, viz., first-class certificate to Lady' Temple. — A very pretty Japanese Ane- mone with several rows of ray florets and a good disc; colour soft reddish terracotta. From Mr. R. Owen, Maidenhead. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticultural I Society will be held on Tuesday, November 7, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1—4 p.m. A lecture on " Some of the Plants Exhi- bited " will be given by the Rev. Prof. G. Henslow, M.A., at .'? o'clock. The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. — At the usual monthly meeting of the committee, which took place at the Horticultural Club on the '27th ult. , the following special donations were announced : Wimbledon Horticultural Society, sale of flowers, £6 lOs. ; Sandringham Estate and Cottage Garden Society, per Mr. Mackellar, £5 OS. ; Betchworth, Brockham, and Buckland Horticultural Society, £i 6s. ; the Rev. A. Lowe, The Vicarage, Rangemoor, Burton-on-Trent, harvest collection, £4 lOs. ; Mr. A. D. Christie, half of the amount collected through throwing open Ragley Gardens, Alcester, to the public, £2 9s. ; one-third of the amount realised by the sale of fruit at the annual exhibition of art and technical work in connection with the Worcester- shire County Council, £1 179. 4d. ; sale of flowers at Chislehurst show, per Mr. J. Ljne, £4 6s. The annual general meeting of subscribers was fixed for Friday, February 16, 1900. A duick hedge {A. C. N. C.).— Plant your Quicks as soon as possible. Dig the ground at least one good spade deep and plant either in a single or double hne, as you please, but if single, plant about 4 inches apart, and if double, a little wider. Trim the tops of the Quicks back about half way before planting and see that the roots are well covered. Not much growth will be made next year, but in the autumn of the second year trim the Quicks in again, leaving from 6 inches to 9 inches of top, and in future years cut in moderately, according to vigour, with the hedge- bill till the hedge is of the height and density you wish it to be. On no account ever dig along the bottom of the hedge, but simply keep weeds and tall grasses down. Five feet is a good height for a railway hedge and 4J feet will do, but a hedge will require more than five years to reach that height if cut annually so as to secure the proper density at the same time. Without cutting I have seen Quicks reach 5 feet in less than five years, but a good bottom is not got in that way. It your foreman cut 18 inches off your five-year- old hedge after you had already trimmed it he took too much, unless his object was to cut back to cause the bottom of the hedge to thicken up. If the hedge has been properly managed it should by this time be about 18 inches through at the bottom and dense to the top. — S. BOOKS RECEIVED. " Gooseberry Grower's Register for the Year 1899." E. Foulds, Bingley. Names of fruit. — Lima (F). — 1, Striped Beaufin ; 2, Eosemary Russet ; 3 and 4, Kedleston Pippin. W. A. — Pear Thompson's. -Miss Bichardsoti.^ 1, Rjund Winter Nonsuch; 2, Green Costard; 3, Hawthomden (Old) ; 4, Cox's Grange Pippin. J. H. P. — 1, Peasgood'a Nonsuch; 2, Blenheim Orange ; 3, Old Royal Nonsuch. R. W. N.—l, Marie Loaise d'Ucole; 2, .Soldat Liboureur; 3, Gansel's Bergamot ; 4, too far gone to identify.^ Surrey. — 1, Tower of Glamis ; 2, Waltham Abbey Seedling ; 3, Maltster ; 4, Winter Hawthomden. W. CoUyer (Streatham).—Go\den Noble. Cresta. — 1, probably Comte de Lamy, fiuit deformed ; 2, Chaumontel; 3, Beurre de Capiaumont; 4, Easter Beurre ; 5, Rymer ; C, Yellow Ingestre ; 7, Brown's Codlin (Spencer's Favourite). R. W. f.— Pear is Doyenne du Comice. Anon. — 1 , Campanula Trache- lium; 2, Lobelia syphili ica. Names of plants. — F. J. Bolkingham. — Salvia Hormicura. "The English riower astrden." — Tho- roughly revised, with full descriptions of all the best plants, their culture and a/rrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, las. 6d. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, Ifc. THE GARDEN. No. 1460.— Vol. LVI] [NOVEMBER 11, 1899. Orchard and Frait :— Apple Adams' Pearmain „ 369 Apple Devonshire Qaarren- den 370 Grape Buckland Sweetwater S()9 Peaches, late, and Plums . . 370 Peaches on back walls.. .. 309 Root pruniug, advantages of 369 Strawberries at Syon .. ^ 370 Roses :— Rose Empress 370 Rose Hod. Edith Gifford .. 370 Rose La France on a wall . . 370 Rose Prince Theodore Galit- zine ..370 Roses, pruning, in autumn. 370 Roses, Eome good Polyantha 370 Orchids:— Angra^cum bilobum .. .. 372 Catasetum callosum .. .. 371 Cffilogynes, winter treat- ment of _ 371 Dendrobium aureum . . ." 371 Dendrobium formosum gi- ganteum 371 Dendrochilum Cobbianum'. 371 Epidendrum eveetum . ,. 371 Gjngoras 371 Lycaste BarriDgtoniai .. .. 372 ilasdevallia tovarensis .. 371 Maxillaria grandiflora . . ., 371 Mormodea pardinum .. ^ 371 ! Oncidiiim serratum ., .. 371 I Restrepia Lauebergi .. .. 372 1 Sophronitis violacea — .. 371 Kitchen : - Kitchen gardens, cropping | small 374 Greens, winter . . . . „ 378 j Peas, vegetable refuse for _ 375 1 Potatoes, quality in . . 374 | Tomatoes, finishing off late. 374 i Tomatoes, notes on „ .. 375 , Garden Flora :~ Nerine ManseUi . . _ _ 378 j Week's Work:— Fruits under glass, work among 379 j Kitchen garden, work in the 380 ChFysanthemaniB :- I Chrysanthemum Australian | Gold 380 , Chrysanthemum Aufctralie. 382 Chrysanthemum CulUngfordi 3£0 ' Chrysanthemum, decline of | the iDL-arved .. .. 380 ' Chrysanthemxun Gloire de ! Roeher ^ .. „ .. ,. 381 Chrysanthemum ruat . . . . 380 (Illustrations in Italics.) Chrysanthemum Le Grand Dragon - . 882 Chrysanthemum Marie Cal- vat 880 Chrysanthemum Peter the Great .. 332 Chrysanthemum Sceur Doro- thee Souille.. . -. .. 382 Chrysanthemums at Swanley 381 Chrysanthemums, naturally- grown 382 Chrysanthemums, new, at Hey wood .. _ .. .. 381 Chrysanthemums, October. 381 Chrysanthemums, yellow, of recent origin 381 Stove and Greenhouse:— Acalypha hispida . .. .. 382 Begouia Gloire de Lorraine, varieties of 383 Bouvardia President Garfield 383 Cardiospermum Halicacabum 382 Cardiospinnuiii Halicacabum 382 Carnations, Tree, old and new 383 Celotias .. .. _ _ 383 Drosera dichotoma .. .. 382 Freesias failing _ _ « 383 Hyacinths, early Roman .. 383 Manettia bicolor 383 Momordica Charantia . . .. 382 its Nerine japonica « .. Salvia splendens .. Salvia splendens and varieties „ Saxifraga Fortune! Tacsonia Van Volxemi fruit- ing .. .. Thunbergias failing ., „ Flower :— Bed, a pretty mixed ^ Caliistephus sinensis .. .. Crocus speciosus Aitchisoni. Devon, South, October climbers in Fuchsia fulgens planted out Gerbera Jamesoni Helianthus H. G. Moon Lobelias for stock . .. „ Lobelias from seed Tobacco, the Night-scented. Tobacco, tlu Night-sctntKd .. Societies :~ French Chrysanthemum ., Royal Horticultural .. .. Notes of the Week :~ Alyssum maritimum com- pactum .. .. -, ... Anemone Pulsatilla ."„ Anomatheca cruenta . . 3S4 383 882 383 383 383 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. 387 Chamserops Fortunei in fruit 388 Clerodendron trichotomum. 387 Crocus Isevigatus 388 Crocus longiflorus 388 Devon, November flowers in 388 Dublin, a bli7-/.ard in .. .. 388 Eranthemum pulchellum _ 3S8 Exacum maoranthum . .. 388 Garden, notes from a Cornish 388 Primula floribunda . . .-. 387 Rainfall, a heavy .. „ „ 387 Salvia Pitcheri 387 Sterubergia lutea . . . . ^ 387 Tibouchina macrantha. . .^ 387 Miscellaneous :— "Harper's Magazine" i-<:rsu-< artistic gardening . . 372 Maple, hardiness of the Japanese 388 Myrtle, the Bo.i:-leavcd, at Giinnersburi/ House .. — 373 Pomegranate at Gunntrsbury House .. - 375 Syon Gardens, notes from.. 378 Terrace plants _. .. — 373 Verbena, the siceet-scented, at ueen Mab and Irene Watts, should be more often planted in dwarf standard form. How pretty these Poly- antha and China Roses are for conservatories in early spring 1 They strike readily from cut- tings. If some plants are forced, tlieir growths yield splendid cuttings inserted immediately after flowering. The more healthy and solid the cuttings, the better plants will result. P. Hose Hon. Edith GiflPord. — Many of the Teas give a much larger number of flowers in autumn than this, but I think there are few that give them of such exquisite form and colour. The pink shading in the centre of the flower is intensified at this season of the year, and opening slowly as tliey do, the blossoms come of great substance. It was one of the first to bloom here this spring, and as there are now (October 30) fine flowers still open, it looks like being at least one of the last of autumn. The plant has a fine strong habit of growth. — H. R. Rose Prince Theodore Galitzine (Tea). — This is a gain in the right direction. There are none too many rich yellow Roses suitable to our climate, but a new-comer is welcomed if it possess a sturdy character. That this Rose is of this nature I have no doubt. In colour it resembles that lovely variety Souvenir de Mme. A. Levet, which has turned out to be exceptionally tender, and I should not attempt to cultivate it outdoors, but under glass planted out it would be a most attractive variety. The new kind appears to possess a far more vigorous nature, and has every appearance of being a hardier Rose. The colour is a rich deep orange-yellow, not so in- tense as in W. A. Richardson, but yet richer in tint than the majority of yellows. — P. PRUNING ROSES IN AUTUMN. There can be no doubt that Roses as a whole are much overpruned, more especially when they are required for garden decoration as distinct from exhibition flowers. I believe that far better results would follow autumn pruning of all such kinds as the Teas and most others that are not cut hard back in spring. Such kinds as William Allen Richardson or Aimee Vibert are often cut about in spring to their detriment, the shoots being cut either too hard back or left in a thick tangled mass. If such trees had a little of the small spray cut out from the centre now and the weak, unripened points taken from the shoots, they would not start any the earlier in spring, while the buds that remain would be stouter and harder, owing to the extra sap being diverted to them and the light and air playing freely about the whole of the tree. If this slight thinning of the shoots were done now, I see no reason for doing any pruning at all in spring to any true garden Roses. Those with the habit of Crimson Rambler, for instance, that keep sending up strong shoots from the base and flowering upon them the ensuing year may have some of the oldest and most straggling of the wood cut away. Frosts in winter would have more effect upon those left, making them harder, and the result- ing young shoots would be less liable to succumb to cold winds than if left crowded and dark in winter. Again, when the autumn flowering of the Teas is over the points of the blooming shoots may be taken off. The upper eyes may be lost in spring, but this is no more than often occurs when spring pruning alone is practised. It is quite certain that the more open the trees are kept now, the hardier they will be in spring. A Grower. Rose Empress. — What a charming autumnal Rose this is ! Many Rose growers will remember a variety named Mme. Bellenden Ker, raised by (iuillot some thirty years ago. Empress is not unlike this variety, but it grows much more luxuriantly, the plant developing into quite a large bush in a very short time. Its white, pink- tinted flowers make a delightful button-hole, being of perfect form, small, and very neat. As a standard this Rose is a great success, the fine head of growth and informal habit fitting it for this method of cultivation. — P. La France as a wall Rose. — Has anyone tried this popular Rose upon a low wally I do not mean the climbing kind, which is not at all constant, but the well known dwarf type. Who- ever plants a number of it near a low south or west wall or fence will be delighted with the behaviour of the variety. A good plan is not to nail the growths immediately on the wall, but to run some three or four wires, which should be painted, the whole length of and about a foot from the wall. Upon these wires spread out the branches. Planted in a good prepared border the growths produced in this way would astonish the culti- vator, and would furnish him with an acceptable number of this best of all sweetly fragrant pink Roses. The pruning adopted would require to be of November 11, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 371 a somewhat different character from the orthodox method. The three or four-year-old growths are almost entirely removed, which gives full oppor- tunity to the one and two year-old wood to pro- duce the blossom. It is noD advisable to prune the shoots retained too much. If good, plump, dormant eyes can be found about a foot or 18 inches from the ground, cut back to these rather than prune lower down. If the plants are growing in a really good Rose soil and they are all upon the Brier stock, they will not fail to send up vigorous young shoots. Many good Roses suitable for cutting could be cultivated in the manner described. — P. Orchids. GONGURAS. Few plants are more easily grown than Gongoras, and the flowers are very pretty and interesting, yet for some reason or other they are thought very little of by most growers. Of course, the flowers have not the same gorgeous colouring, nor do Gongoras make so tine garden plants as the Cattleyas and L;elias and a few other popular genera, but for all that they are in most cases well worth growing and in almost every case very free flowering. The flower- spikes are mostly pendulou.s, and for this reason the plants are best grown in baskets, otherwise they would thrive equally well in pots. The eflect of the flowers is lost if the plants are grown on the stage, while if tied up they lose all grace and beauty. Owing to their very free- rooting nature Gongoras must have a fair amount of room in the baskets and a sound compost, equal parts of peat fibre, loam and chopped Sphagnum Moss suiting them well. The drainage must be exceptionally good and free, for few plants need more water while in active growth. G. atro-purpurea I have had continually in growth or flower for two years. As fast as one set of flower racemes was past another lot opened, and there are others equally free. This being so, it is obvious that no decided rest- ing or growing season can be laid down, but that the plants must be encouraged as long as they seem determined to grow. In the case men- tioned aVjove the roots not only tilled the baskets, but pushed upwards and outwards into the air, and all who have had experience with plants of this kind know well how freely they imbibe moisture, never seeming to get enough of it. It would be quite different with sluggish roots or unhealthy plants, but such specimens as I mean can hardly be kept too moist in warm weather. Should they be inclined to rest in winter, by all means let them and allow less water and heat. Regarding the growing temperature, this may be with the Cattleyas, and when at rest with the Mexican Lielias. Thrips are rather partial to the foliage, also red spider, and to keep these in check, frequent overhead washing with the syringe is necessary. The genus contains a score or more of species which it is not neces- sary to describe in detail. Several of these, in- cluding G. odoratissinia, G. atro-purpurea, G. truncata and others, have often to do duty under the name of G. maculata, but they are all dis- tinct. H. R. Oncidium serratum. — The long scandent racemes of this Orchid are very bright and showy just now, and are useful for grouping. The flowers are at a considerable distance apart on the spikes which occur in the centre of the young growth. Under cultivation this plant does well in quite a cool and moist house, whether an Orchid house proper or fernery does not matter, and it likes fairly large pots tilled with equal parts of peat and Sphagnum Moss in a rough. Orchids provided the winter night temperature open condition. The plant at first should be set does not fall below 50», but in a very cold house fairly low, as the growth ascends each year and the leaves are apt to spot badly, soon grows out of reach of the compost. | Dendrobium formosum giganteum. — It is Catasetum callosum. — The peculiar tints of ' pleasant to read of what is usually considered a brown and green in this Orchid make it very , difficult plant being so well cultivated as this attractive, and it has the same quaint appearance ^ Orchid evidently is by Mr. Hudson at Gunners- as others in the genus. I think it is nob very bury. I was much interested in the system so generally grown or known, but it is certainly : well described by " H. J. C," and I feel con- worth a place where this interesting section is \ vinced that so long as the Gunnersbury House cared for. Its culture is simple, a hot, moist plants can be kept to this annual routine of grow- house while making its growth, ample light to ing, flowering, and resting each in their proper ripen the pseudo-bulbs, and a long dry rest in season, so long will they be satisfactory. Den- winter suiting it well. The most troublesome ! drobiums as a whole, and this somewhat erratic time is when young growths appear, as if mois- I kind in particular, are never so satisfactory as ture in excess settles in these, it is apt to cause ; when they are kept to this annual cycle of them to decay. — H. Dendrochilum Cobbianum. — Now that the flowers of this Orchid are past, no time should be lost in getting the plants put to rights at the roots, and any that recjuire repotting should have this attention. The forming growths soon begin to root freely after being disturbed, and entering the fresh soil at once soon re-establish the plants. They should have the lightest and best position growth and rest, and keeping them regular in this way is far more likely to prove a panacea to the ills that D. formosum giganteum is heir to than any details as to compost and temperatures often advanced. — H. R. "Winter treatment of Ccelogynes.— It is not everyone who is successful in retaining the bulbs of Ca'logyne cristata in a plump condition from autumn till spring. The chief reason doubt- at command in the East India house, with ample ' less is attempting to keep the plants in an almost moisture at the roots and in the atmosphere until 1 root-dry condition, which invariably ends in the growth is complete. When the pseudo-bulbs | shrivelling. I saw an extensive and very healthy are fully matured give less water and a cooler j collection in a gentleman's garden a few days ago, position. and on remarking to the gardener how plump Epidendrum evectum.— This belongs to the | every bulb seemed, he replied that the plumpness, section of the genus having long, leafy stems and j which the plants always retain throughout the loose racemes of flowers at the extremity of these, winter, was due to a frequent supply of water. In strong plants these are i feet and upwards in He added it is a great mistake to attempt any- height. Like several others of its class, it tie- thing like dryness at the roots. Some who keep lights in ample heat and moisture during the the roots dry give quite a cool house during time the stems are growing, and the roots being ' winter, and of course in such quarters root- vigorous, a rough open description of compost I moisture would soon work mischief. The best suits it best. Ample root moisture in summer ! and safest temperature in order to allow of the and sufficient to keep the stems plump in winter moisture recommended is one of about 60° at should also be given. It is a native of New , night. — B. S. Grenada, and though long introduced, is seldom | Dendrobium aureum. — This I have already seen under cultivation. i received from one of my correspondents, but Mormodes pardinum.— This species often there is little use really in endeavouring to flowers in late autumn, and I have noticed it in | get it so early. It would be as useful in a several collections of late. It is certainly one of : month's time, and the plants after flowering the best of the genus, and its variety unicolor is would have a more suitable time in which to make quite a delicate and pretty kind without the their growth. It is a charming httle species, spotting as seen on the type. It is often grown more especially on account of the delicious frag- in baskets, and the racemes then take a semi- ranee of the blossoms, which is comparable to that pendent direction, which is very pretty. The ! of no other flower. Formerly D. aureum was compost must be good peab and Moss in equal ; grown a good deal on wood blocks, but this treat- portions, a little loam being mixed with it for : ment is too poor for it, and far better results are strong plants. During the growing season M. obtained by growing in small pots or baskets in a pardinum likes ample heat and moisture with a compost of equal parts of peat and Moss. Its light position. When at rest much les3 heat growing season begins directly the flowers are suffices, and the roots should be kept on the dry ' over, and for this reason the later it blooms the side — H better. As the pseudo-bulbs or stems develop, Maxillaria grandiflora.-This charming old the plants may bo taken to the open air and if Orchid is worth growing for the s.ake of its de- . kept out until the end of summer and kept on lightful fragrance only, while ib is also one of the ; the dry side, the growth will he hard, well prettiest of the genus. The plant delights in ample atmospheric moisture, with plenty of water at the roots when healthy, and unless these are given it is very apt to be over-run with insects. especially black thrips. Its culture is remark- ably easy, and consists in keeping it in a cool ripened and sure to flower freely. There are many varieties more or less distinct, and this is, perhaps, accounted for by the very wide range of cjuntry over which it is found. — H. Sopbronitis violacea. — The brilliant S. arandiflora is well known, and is a very useful ^ 1 ■ _i_„ a ; . r\ — U;J \^.,t. t.U^ house, the compost for strong plants being equal j autumn and winter-flowering Orchid, ' peat, loam, and chopped Moss, with gpecies named above is seldom seen in anything ^ _ but the parts of , , . . . „, - abundance of crocks and plenty of drainage approaching good condition. Ono reason of this added. Sponge the plants directly any kind jg that many gardeners, amateur and othervrise, of insect is seen about them, for these rob the { ^i\\ persist in treating all members of one genus leaves of their fine colour, which is one of the ' alike. Now S. grandiflora delights in small pans or baskets filled with a little peat and Sphagnum over good drainage, but S. violacea, on the other hand, is of a rambling habit, and likes to run up a soft block of Tree Fern stem or a lightly dressed raft of teak rods. The rhizomes carry the little bulbs at a considerable distance apart, each one sending out a tier of roots on its own account, and to place such a plant in a small pot where it would not have the chance to extend itself with- out at the same time getting out of reach of the forseveral seasons, but though it is not worth [ compost is quite wrong. As to temperature, while on this account to leave all the old anything a little below that of the Cattleya house ones on, yet it is best not to cut them too close. [ will be best. In the coolest house the conditions M. tovarensis may be grown with other cool ' during winter, when S. violacea is often more or chief .attractions of the plant. Masdevallia tovarensis. — The flowers of this Orchid are perhaps the purest white of any, yet they have not that dead-looking appearance cha- racteristic of many white-flowered Orchids. It is so free-flowering, that it is well worth growing for cutting alone, besides which the flowers have a very fine appearance on the plants, the white blooms and deep green leaves contrasting very prettily. The spikes continue to produce flowers 372 THE GARDEK [November 11, 1899. less active, are not suitable for it, but if placed in any great heat the growth is almost certain to be over-run with insects, especially thrips. As hinted above, the plant is usually more or less active, so drying off, as usually understood, must not be practised. Wherever the little roots are seen by their green tips to be on the search for moisture it should be provided. Should insects attack the plants, lose no time in clearing them out, for a species of such small stature will be very easily injured. The flowers vary a little in size and colouring, and are usually of a soft rosy purple. Angraecum bilobum. — Though a dwarf spe- cies, this is an extremely pretty one, and the long racemes of pure white flowers have a fine effect against the deep green leaves. Its culture requires care, for the plants are small and easily checked by an ill-regulated system of ventilation in winter, a dry, harsh atmosphere or mistakes in watering ; but, given regular and consistent treatment, the plant cannot be called difficult of cultivation. I like to give the plants just com- fortable room in the pots and no more if they are to be so grown, but small teak baskets are also useful for them, as in such they may be brought well up to the light, a position they like. The East India house is the best for them, and during the whole of the growing season a strong, moist heat should be maintained. Only a very little compost of any kind is needed, a thin surfacing of clean freshly-gathered Sphagnum Moss being best. Large pieces of crocks should be laid over the bottom rods of the basket, the sides being lined very thinly with Moss. During winter not much water is needed, but enough to prevent the leaves shrivelling must always be allowed. — H. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— ORCHIDS. Lycaste Barringtonia. — This species, a native of Jamaica, was first imported in the eighteenth century, and is still occasionally sent to this country, but it has never become at all popular, and is less so now than formerly. It hag yellowish flowers and grows very strongly in a cool house, where to be satisfactory it should be kept moist all the year round, and potted in peat, loam and chopped Moss. Bestrepia Lansbergi.— The flowers of this Orchid are small, and some may call them insignifi- cant, but they are really charming, and it is a pity such a lovely little thing has become so rare. The flowers have an orange-crimson tint, spotted with deep crimson. It is one of the prettiest in the genus, and may be grown in a fairly cool house with Masde- vallias, the pots used being rather on the small side than otherwise. "HARPER'S MAGAZINE" VERSUS ARTISTIC GARDENING. In the September number of "Harper's Monthly Magazine " there appeared an article extolling builder's garden design. As is usual in produc- tions of this kind, the writer appeared to think that his strongest position of attack and defence was in abuse and ridicule of artistic garden- ing. The usual arguments in favour of the pattern style were duly set forth, and there was nothing new of importance in the essay except- ing the very ugly illustrations, which were its justification, or rather excuse. The mistake made by these apostles of the T square and compasses is in supposing the two styles to be hostile ; that the safe existence of either of them can only be assured by the death of the other. They are not hostile. Pictur- esque gardening has this advantage : its spirit is basic both in Nature and Art, and it must sur- vive so long as there are trees, bushes, and flowers not cut into patterns in gardens made by man or in gardens made by God. The enemies of such gardening are enemies be- cause they do not understand it ; because they have eyes and see not ; because it is all around them and they do not know it. Yet even builder's gardening itself cannot well get on without natural form, and most extensive formal schemes and all the more interesting ones find in it much of their attraction. Some even of the finest of the Italian gardens depend much on informality for their best charm, on uncramped forms and irregular arrangement of vegetation. It is always assumed by the opponents of informal gardening that it is an imitation of Nature, and thus out of place round a liouse where everything should suggest the restraining hand of man. It is not an imitation of Nature any more than a picture of Claude or Turner. The art could not have existed without Nature to suggest it, to provide motives and materials ; but these motives she scatters around with a hand as reckless as generous, and the painter or gardener is compelled to choose from them, not to take them indiscriminately. He finds some of them better than others, and selects and alters, adds and subtracts to make a com- position of unity ; and the innate faculty of doing these things being exercised and de- veloped, the artistic power of realising natural beauty, which is the justification of the artist, is produced. To do this, not with brush or pencil, but with the real and perfect materials of trees and plants and on the broad and varied surface of the earth, is surely as fascinating and idyllic an idea as art possesses. That it can be realised is proved — sometimes, and when it is proved it is often not recognised because of its very grace and fitness. These zealots of formal gardening are usually architects of a certain class who do such work when they can get it, and are struck by its profitableness. What a fine thing it would be (for them) if every house had a stone garden 1 Thus, being unable to understand an art that is not of lines and measures, whose proportions cannot be reduced to matliematics, they falsify its prinoijjles to suit their own purposes and draw conclusions as shallow as they are unfair. They all show a surprising ignorance of landscape gardening and its best examples and an e(iual familiarity with some of its worst. It would be as fair to take the crudest row of speculators' houses in London or New York as a type of contemporary archi- tecture, or the saddest impertinences in terra- cotta and tortured Alternantheras of the archi- tect-gardener as a type of formal gardening. It can hardly be supposed that these misrepresen- tations are made deliberately and of knowledge ; they can only proceed from liaste and ignorance. They show that their makers are cjuite imper- vious to a kind of beauty in which most of the civilised world delights, or at least by which it is soothed and pleased in one way or another. To what, then, does all this tend ' Does it mean that the endless phases of horticulture, from the village garden to the great parks of Europe and America, are things of no account ? Has the cottage with its Vine-covered porch, its bushes and annuals and tiny plot of grass, as well as the calm and majestic vista of lawn and wood, at last been found futile and valueless ? Does it mean that they are not beautiful, and so not art, or that they must all be swept away to make room for the barren pattern, the puissant triangle and the satisfying cii-cle, for the pliant forms and many-twinkling smile of masonry and cast-iron, for the free and genial outlines of sheared plants and bushes ? And are we to suppose that the myriads on both sides of the Atlantic who delight in the trees and flowers of the field and their unaffected array are imagining a vain thing ? Is the vital and ever-renewing fascination, unreachable by any art dependent on geometry, that they find in these living children of the soil a delusion and a snare > And are they to be educated into regarding them as mere materials for making colours and forms crudely based on rigid and unchanging architecture ? Naturalistic gardening at its worst is never so bad as the worst of builder's gardening, for it shows us the unmutilated forms of plant and tree. Linoleum patterns 1 How many of them are as interesting as most of the absurdities perpetrated with coloured plants and the de- vices that often go with them ! Naturalistic gardening at its worst may be trifling, but it owes it largely to the confusing wealth of its material. It is so difficult to know when to stop selecting things from the tempting cata- logues of the nurseryman. These great re- sources bewilder the average designer of a garden, who is usually an amateur or local nurseryman, and he fills in too often with freckled monstrosities or the latest freak in variegation. Thus he gets " variety " of a poor sort and loses general effect, and the serene art of naturalistic gardening is supposed to be a thing of pettinesses and superfluities, and its enemies revile it for the things it has not done. H. A. Caparn. PRIZES FOR WINDOW GARDENS. Not long ago I spent several weeks in summer in the little English village of Ketton, and while there came to know of a pretty custom which it seems to me might be introduced into this country — that of giving prizes for the most pleasing windows filled with house plants. The houses in Ketton are built of stone, and many of them were in existence as long ago as when the Pil- grims were coming to this country, and have been lived in ever since. Almost without exception they stand close to the street, for English gardens are behind the houses, or behind high walls, and so the quaint lead-sashed windows are so near the sidewalks that the flowers which fill them show to the best advantage. A small fund had been set aside some years before by a lady, the income to be devoted to giving prizes each year to the owner of the finest window garden. The sum available for premiums was not large — as I remember it now £2 a year — and the onlj' restrictions were that no one should compete who had a greenhouse — small glasshouses for forcing are much more common in England than they are here — that the competition should in- clude only one window in a house, thus putting the occupant of the smallest house on a fair foot- ing with her more prosperous neighbours, and that the general scheme of arrangement should be decided on at least one month before the day set for awarding the prizes, and not altered during the month. This last condition was to prevent anyone from procuring greenhouse or other plants at the last moment and making a temporary display. There were three judges. The year I was there the judges were the vicar's wife, another lady, and the village schoolmaster. There was a great deal of variety in the different windows, more than one would at first think pos- sible, for the English are natural gardeners. The interest taken in each other's windows as the designs developed was intense, not only by the contestants, but by all the residents of the town. The window which took the first prize the year I was there was a study in green and yellow. A number of shelves were fastened across the window inside, and alternate shelves were filled with pots of Musk, with its delicate light green leaves and yellow flowers, and pots of Lobelia, with dark green foliage and dark blue blossoms. There were enough shelves so that the window was filled solidly full by the day the judges made their tour of inspection, and the effect of the mass of foliage and flowers in the soft grey setting of time-worn stone, of which the cottage was built, was very beautiful. — M. B. Thrasher, in pjci's Magazine. :N'ov£mber 11, 1899.] THE GARDEK 373 TERRACE PLANTS. tinent and tu tho United States. As seen i are only intended as such, finding a market WELL-iiRowx plants in tubs or vases for the pur- , growing in the nurseries in and around Ghent : chiefly in Germany, being in request most (so I pose indicated have an individuality quite their | and Bruges these Bays are wonderfully attrac- ' am informed) at marriage festivities. My tive, serving many good purposes. Oranges in ' plants in tubs of both Myrtles and Aloysias own. Given suitable positions for them, they are most attractive and add greatly to the charm of a garden, especially that part of it which is contiguous to the house. Our forefathers used to adopt this system of ornamentation during the ISth century to a large extent, as tubs for the decoration of our terrace gardens are not now so often to be met with as they were a quarter of a century back, nor does it appear that any of the trade hold any specially good stock of them. This is to be regretted. may be gathered from cuts and illustrations of I for when well grown they are splendid features the period. Their plants, however, were in ray ^ and decided acquisitions for the purpose in opinion too formal, being kept so by constant question, stopping and pruning. We see indications now ' There are other plants, however, which should (see illustrations) are now from nine to ten years old, all of them being my own propaga- tion— the Myrtles from layers, so as to save time, the Aloysias from cuttings. The Myrtles were layered into ;5-inch pots from an old bush during the .summer of 188!», each layer when rooted making a compact, well-furnished ex- ample with five or six shoots. These have been grown on until now they are from .5 feet to 6 feet, and some 7 feet in height, with a diameter of 5 feet in most instances. By regulating the growth and by a small amount of tying they are now almost self-support- ing. In the earlier stages I potted them annually, then every other year until tubs were adopted. They were placed in their present square tubs in 1898, from a pattern furnished by Mr. Leopold de Rothschild. These tubs, and all others of the same shape, are made of Pitch Pine as a frame- work with slate interiors, so that nothing but the slate comes into contact with the roots. By this means there should not be any risk of premature decay in the case of the wood, whilst the slate is better than wood, as it pertains to the roots. The Aloysias are treated in a somewhat similar manner. These were struck from cuttings in 1890 (in the spring), being planted out in May, and kept to one shoot to each plant in order to obtain as long a stem as possible for the foundation of the future specimens during the first season. These have now developed into large plants, partaking more of the standard form, the tallest being from 7 feet to 8 feet high. This season in the spring I put two into the square tubs from round ones, and I find the increased rooting medium has greatly benefited them ; so much so, that now I projMse putting other specimens into the same kind of tub. The square tub has a better appearance, too, than the round one, being also safer against toppling over during strong gales. In the painting of these tubs dark green prevails. I find the best results follow when the Aloysias are started into growth in an absolutely cold house or in a sheltered spot out of doors, preferably the latter. The foliage is in consequence quite hardy and does not drop, which failing occurs when grown on early inside during a cold spell of weather in May. The Aloysias are pruned as in the case of a specimen Fuchsia and but little tying re- sorted to. The soil I use consists cliiefly of turfy fibrous loam with some leaf-mould and a little lime rubble, all being rammed down firmly. The Myrtles have never been re- duced at the roots, but the Aloysias have (again as with Fuchsias), and then placed into the same size of tub again. The Pomegranates (both double scarletand in many gardens that a revival is setting in in receive encouragement, such, for instance, as white) are grown as standards, these being im- their favour, but I trust it will not develop into ' those now illustrated, viz., Pomegranates, ported plants. The ditticulty with these has the strictly formal character followed by our Myrtles, and Aloysias (otherwise Lemon plants I been to get them to flower. I found prun- forefathers. It need not be so in any, even the or scented Verbenas). These all serve dis- ] ing, either severe or moderate, did not pro- slightest degree ; rather let us have a free, un- tinctly good purposes and find plenty of ad- I duce the desired results. Then I tried the let- conventional growth, with suflicient moditica- rairers, as I can personally testify in the case of alone plan, and this, the second season of trial tion of the form to ensure well - balanced our own plants. When I have been questioned | has been very satisfactory in the case of the examples. We have quite sufficient proof that as to the sources of supply for Myrtles and ' scarlet variety, the multiplicity of weakly such plants are being sought after when we scan , Aloysias I have been compelled to answer in ! shoots being more productive of flowers. The the advertisement columns of the weekly gar- the negative. I do not know where they can white variety has not responded so kindly ; dening papers. Sweet Bays, too formal often- be procured in any quantity of full specimen ' perhaps it may do so another year. These I times, are, we know, grown by tens of thousands size. Small plants of the Myrtle, i.e., the Box- ; treat like the Myrtles, not disturbing their in Belgium chiefly for exportation, but not so ! leaved form, are largely grown in Bruges and ' roots. Next spi-ing, however, I hope to put much to England as to other parts of the Con- ' around, but these are quite pigmy plants and them into the larger square tubs using, in Tlie Box-leaved Myrtle in a tub at Qunnersbury House, From a photograph hy Q. Champion. 374 THE GARDEN. [November 11, 1899. addition to the soil already alluded to, some fibrous peat. All of these plants have to be housed in this locality during the winter season for safety. So long as the frost to which they are subjected is not more than 5° or 6" they will not catch any harm. With more than this the tubs should be protected, but then even there is a risk which it is not safe to incur. So far I have housed them in an empty museum, but now, owing to their increased size, a larger place is being made ready for them, with more light in addi- tion. The Myrtles have been used every season for the past four years in London : they stand well in Park Lane and never return any the worse for their change. Now these Myrtles are well established they flower most profusely every year, being at their best during Sep- tember. The Aloysias have also been used for the same purpose. In each case a sunny posi- tion is preferable. Veronicas, as V. Andersoni, V. Hendersoni, and La Seduisante, are also being grown for the same purpose, but these are not yet at their best ; to form such into standards takes time. The silver variegated form of Euonymus elegantissimus is also being brought on in the pyramidal shape. This, un- fortunately, is not hardy : if it were so it would be a grand plant for more general planting. I treat these— Veronicas and Euonymi— as in the case of the Myrtles, &o , keeping them just free from frost. J. HmsoN. Kitchen Garden. QUALITY IN POTATOES. The first aim of a Potato grower should be to obtain quality, and in the selection of varieties this most important attribute should receive consideration. Speaking of varieties of Po- tatoes, one has to admit that their name is legion, and year after year new sorts, many of them, perhaps, only so-called, are placed on the market. Considering this, it is a wonder that the whole thing is not in a state of chaos and that varieties have not got mixed up in a perplexing medley. But such is not the case, and the reason is, I think, that out of the almost unlimited number of varieties in exist- ence there is only a small proportion possessing good all-round qualities, and these have got a firm hold on public favour. The few leading varieties of both early and main-crop Potatoes are known and grown in every county and nearly all localities, which goes to prove that if a Potato possesses good quality it is certain to become popular. Nor is a tuber of this charac- ter long in gaining public favour, and if an illustration be wanted, take the well-known variety Up-to-date. This Potato is of recent introduction, and yet perhaps no maincrop sort enjoys a wider popularity. It would be in- teresting to know how many new varieties of Potatoes have been put on the market since Up-to-date was introduced, and how far the majority have succeeded in gaining public favour. Admitted, then, that there are only a few really popular Potatoes, the advisability of in- troducing so many new sorts may be ques- tioned. The argument is quite feasible, and it is an open question whether we are not getting too many named sorts of Potatoes, because numbers of them have so great a similarity that it would puzzle an expert to tell the difference. Considering the tendency there is to swell the already large Potato family with varieties that may or may not be distinct or new, it is quite time some means was adopted to put a check on the output. As the matter now stands. there appears to be no reason why any indi- vidual should not raise a Potato, or get it from some other source, and send it out with a name without ever taking the trouble to ascertain whether it is the same as some other sort already in commerce. At the same time it appears to be equally necessary that new varie- ties should be mtroduced, for without these there would be a certainty of deterioration in the tuber and a possibility of its going out of cultivation altogether. In spite of arguments to the contrary, facts go to prove that the existence of any variety of Potato has a limit, according to its constitution. The best of Pota- toes, however, perform a double office, for not only do they provide us with a staple food during their existence, but they are the parents of the standard sorts which follow them. If support is needed to the statement that even the best of Potatoes do not last indefinitely it can readily be found. Think of the grand old varieties which were popular say a quarter of a century ago. Referring to Potatoes that are on the wane, take Magnum Bonum, which still has many supporters. At one time this was the most popular main-crop Potato in cultivation, but the same cannot be said of it now, and the reason is that ifc has lost some of the high quali- ties it once possessed. In some districts where JIagnum Bonum was the staple variety, it is hardly grown at all, and though I am quite pre- pared to be criticised for saying so, I am of the opinion that it is slowly following in the wake of other good sorts. Many of our best varie- ties, including Up-to-date, owe their origin to the well-tried Magnum. I am not sure whether the ways adopted to encourage the culture of the best Potatoes are as good as they might be. Too much attention is given to appearance and not enough to quality and productiveness. The monster tuber is not encouraged in the best gardens, and rightly so ; but at small shows a prominent class still is that for the heaviest tubers, and the gross, malformed specimens seen prove that this is not encouraging the best culture. We all know the value of an even tuber possessing no deep eyes, but this is not everything in a Potato, and tubers that are nice to look at in- %'ariably take first prize irrespective of their eating qualities and cropping. I know of one Potato now, a pretty kidney, which I have seen among the prize-winners at a score or more shows this year, and yet I have never heard anyone speak well of its flavour or productive- ness. At present there is no other standard for adjudicating prizes for Potatoes except appear- ance, and this accounts for many sterling varie- ties never being seen on the show-board. We hear of this or that Potato being a good exhibi- tion variety, and why '. Simply because it pre- sents an attractive appearance, and to the worship of this, profitableness and quality are sacrificed. I am not sure whether there is a direct way out of the difficulty, but growers can soon find out the sorts that are profitable ; the worn-out, inferior, and synonymous varie- ties being weeded out and only the best quality varieties grown. G. H. H. but partial curtailment of the leaves may safely be practised, also the pinching of all laterals. This will allow of a free circulation of fresh air and ingress for light and sunshine. Great care must be taken in watering. The early part of the day must be chosen, and rather than fill the atmosphere with moisture on a wet or foggy dayj allow the pots to get dry. Patience is nteded to allow the fruit to attain to its full colour, as semi- ripened fruit is certain to realise unsatisfactory prices. A good late, but a free setting Tomato is really worth any amount of pains, as after the middle of October prices invariably rise, that is, for really good fruit. A rather more than usual restricted root-run, manure-free soil, and expo- sure to every ray of light and sunshine are impera- tive if a free set, normal size, and good finish are to be secured. It is not always our Septembers ate as sunny and dry as those of the last two seasons have been, and it is when this month is wet and sunless that the evils of overfeeding and an unlimited root space are most apparent. — J. N. N. Finishing off late Tomatoes.— It is a good plan to grow late autumn batches of Tomatoes in pots, as when planted out they must remain where they are, whether the house is furnished with hot-water pipes or not. When in pots they can be removed with comparativelv little trouble from one structure to another. In order to pre- vent cracking and to bring the fruit up to the best possible condition for sale, a little fire-heat from the present time onwarHs is imperative, also regular and very careful ventilation. Wholesale defoliation must not for a moment be entertained, CROPPING SMALL KITCHEN GARDENS. Many having large kitchen gardens have no idea of the trouble and anxiety inseparable from the task of supplying even an average establishment from perhaps an acre or an acre and a half of ground. There are far too many such instances, the case being worse still when such permanent fruits as Strawberries, Rasp- berries, and (iooseberries have also to he accommodated. Much may be done, however, by a little forethought. Of course, it is useless to talk of spare plots in such gardens being rested and turned up roughly for exposure to the weather. One crop must follow another as quickly as possible. In such gardens the dwarf • kinds of Peas should always be grown, as they do not obstruct the light from other crops and various dwarf vegetables may be grown between the rows. For instance, between such varie- ties as Chelsea Gem and William Hurst occupy- ing the earliest borders at from 3i feet to 4 feet apart may be planted early dwarf Cauliflowers, protected in frames through the winter or raised in heat in spring. The best of Spinach may also be secured from the same position. Where more than one row of second early and successional varieties is grown side by side, the same course may be adopted. Per- haps, however, a row here and there at a con- siderable distance apart is the best, such sorts as Stratagem, Fillbasket, and W^ordsley Wonder being adhered to. All that is then needed is just sufficient walking room between the rows of Peas and the other vegetables to allow of picking. The same remark applies to Runner Beans, which in such gardens should be sup- ported by ordinary brashy Pea sticks, the haulm being pinched when the summit is reached. The great point to be observed in growing one kind of vegetable between others is equality of growth, especially as regards height. The short to medium-haulmed Potatoes should be grown, there being many of such character very free-yielding and of good quality. If these are say 2^ feet apart in the rows, various green crops, such as autumn Cauliflowers and winter Broccoli, Kales and even Brussels Sprouts, may be planted between without fear of being smothered. I would not, however, advise the planting of many midwinter and spring Broc- coli in these small gardens, as they so often succumb in severe weather, and the loss can be illaft'orded. A winter vegetable the import- ance of which I would strongly impress upon the owners and tnanagers of small gardens is the hardy little Rosette Colewort. I regard it as indispensable, as, being compact in growth, the plants may be given as little as 15 inches November 11, 1899.] THE GARDEN". 375 from each other. The thing is to sow the seed at the right date. So many, especially ama- teurs, make a mistake here. From July 7 to 21, according to locality, is a safe time for securing plants that will heart in in rotation throughout November and January. As for their quality, when grown on fairly good ground no winter vegetable surpasses them. They may follow Strawberries, second early Potatoes, Tripoli Onions, or indeed any crop which is cleared off the ground about the middle of August, at which date the young plants should be fit for transplanting. They do not require newly-dug ground, so that planting may take place between rows of spring-sown Onions ap- proaching ripeness. Indeed, no better site can be chosen provided the Onions are sown in rows from 18 inches to 2 feet apart. The extra space is beneficial to the Onions, and more stump-rooted forms of Carrots and small varie- ties of Beetroot. Another point of paramount importance is not to confine oneself to one variety of such uncertain things as Cabbage, but to have several strings to the bow — a row or two of each sort. B. S. N. VEGETABLE REFUSE FOR PEAS. It is amusing to read such notes as that by " J. C. B." on p. .3,37, where at one end he recom- mends the use of vegetable refuse and no manure, and at the other two lots of manure, one in November, the other in spring. No better friend to the gardener exists than good farmyard manure, and to think that by using the refuse of the crops one year we can grow a good crop the next is ridiculous. We have all met the gardener with some brilliant notion to revolutionise gardening and may have been impressed by his theories for The Pomegranate (Punica Qranaium) at Gunneishury House. (See p. 373.) profitable even in small gardens than crowding the rows, as much finer, heavier, better ripened bulbs are secured. Where it is the rule to destroy one Strawberry bed every year — and it pays to do so even in small gardens — no root- run is more favourable to the growth of Cole- worts than the hard moisture-retaining Straw- berry plot, and the ground has not to lie idle. One sometimes sees the throwing out of Celery trenches early in the summer advised, and in small gardens it is of the utmost importance, as the intervening ridges can then be used for a variety of subjects until the final earthing up is given. Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Lettuces all do well on the ridges, and no position suits dwarf Beans better, as the plants reap the full benefit of sun and air. Onions may also be so grown. Where the ground has to be cropped so continuously, it is wisest to grow the short or a time, but there comes a time when his argument fails, and gardening as a whole is left in much the same position as he found it. Again, "J. C. B." in the first part of his article agrees with the gar- dener in question in placing the vegetable refuse in the bottom of the trench, while in the latter he sides with the farmer who keeps his manure near the surface so that the young plants feel the bene- fit of the manure from the start. Would it not be a better plan than either to dig the Pea quarters deeply in autumn in the old way and dig in what- ever manure could be spared for this important crop as well as any vegetable or charred refuse to hand? I have just finished the preparation of the ground for midseason Peas — that for early varieties is occupied with Endive and July-sown Carrots — and have treated it as liberally as I can with regard to manure. I can quite understand that gardens where manure has been dug in year after year get sick of it, and a dressing of vegetable refuse or even nothing would do it an immense amount of good, but to think that the fertility of the soil can be kept up out of the refuse of the crops that grow upon it is another matter altogether. Every bit of woody matter and all prunings from trees, stumps of Brassicas, and every other class of refuse that is useless to dig in I char, and keep another heap of vegetable matter, leaf-mould, odds and ends of compost and lawn sweepings. This I find of great value both in the kitchen garden and the flower garden, but I have never been able to keep up the fertility of the soil by its use as the gardener "J. C. B." speaks of has done. H. R. NOTES ON TOMATOES. I consider for early work and general use Conference and Conqueror to be two of the very best ; in fact, I have discarded many others for them. They are free setting and give fine fruit. I consider Ham Green Favourite the best for outdoor and late autumn work. Conqueror has been very good all this spring. Ladybird also is very good for this purpose, and so satisfied have I been with these that I have not tried any new ones this year. Green Gage is liked fresh for eating. I certainly consider the Tomato a vege- table, being used for cooking with seasoning, not sugar, and also classed with other vegetables in pickles, &c. — H. Elliott, The Wildernessc, Sevenoaks, Kent. The best Tomato is The Cropper. I have never seen anything to equal it for cropping, and the flavour is splendid. The above and Ham Green are, I consider, the best in commerce. The best outdoor kind is Cherry Ripe, and the best for winter and early spring crops is, I find, Frog- more Selected. I should say that a Tomato is a fruit, although it is admitted as a vegetable at horticultural shows. Still, I think it has more claim to be called a fruit, as it can be served up as dessert. — H. Sandwith, jun., Colder Abbey, Calder Bridge. The best Tomatoes are Ham Green Favourite and Chemin Rouge. Earliest of All is the best for outdoor culture and also for winter and early spring crops. I consider the Tomato a vegetable. I can appreciate a Tomato cooked in various ways or raw as a salad, but I am not of sufiiciently educated taste to take it as a fruit, neither do I know anyone who, after a good dinner, would eat a Tomato by way of dessert. — J. Cleare, Toddlngton, Wiiichcombe, E.S.O., Oloucester. There are far too many Tomatoes even to satisfy the largest cultivator. I always make a stand by older, well-tried kinds and give the newer sorts a trial by their side. If then they surpass in merit the older favourites in every point, then their position is assured. Some of the older kinds are difficult, however, to surpass. This much must be said of Tomatoes, that there is no uniform result attending the varied con- ditions under which they are grown. Were it so, then it would be an easy matter to say which are the best or the worst. 1 am no advocate for bind- ing oneself to one or two sorts, even when grown in small numbers, simply for the reasons pre- viously mentioned, and there is always interest to be found in variety. Frogmore Selected I have ' grown now for several seasons, and for general I purposes there are not many others that can sur- ! pass it. 1 have had the heaviest crop of this, which furnished the roof of one small house, ' grown in pots, that I have yet seen. They were I simply a rope of fruit from the base to their ! points and the individual fruits of uniform size i throughout. Ham Green is a very similar i variety and is one I grow largely. Its fruits are ' not of the exhibition type, but large enough for I any other purpose. The Cropper and Champion are two of my newest additions ; the former is the better of the two in weight of crop, but the latter has a particularly nice flavour. The former justi- fies its name, and has fruits of medium size and good in colour. For indoor culture Duke of York completes my list. Not being in favour as dessert 376 THE GAUDEK [November 11, 1899. here now, the yellow varieties are not given a place, but Sunbeam and Golden Jubilee have been proved to be first-rate. It ia curious that they are not more in favour with lovers of the fruit in a raw state. The best kinds I have proved for walls are Early Ruby, Eckford's Prolific and Sutton's A 1. Hathaway's Excelsior is an excel- lent one for the open border, as also is Sutton's Maincrop. Ham Green and Frogmore Selected are hard to beat tor winter and early spring supplies. Of the latter I get full crops from pots in a moist forcing house in spring. The Tomato I consider strictly a fruit and not a vegetable, although it is eligible in vegetable classes. All the same, I cannot reconcile it classed as a vegetable pure and simple. It is a point that has long been con- tested, some claiming that Tomatoes are both a fruit and a vegetable, while others disagree with such a decision. Staged among choice fruits at a flower show they weaken the whole ; associated with vegetables, ciuality and general appearance are distinctly enhanced. This comes from no fault of the fruit itself, but from the prevailing fashion and from an undecided point in their original cultivation as to whether their associates should be fruits or vegetables. The point could not apparently be decided then : it is rendered more difficult now.— W. Strugnell, Rood Ashton Gardens, Trombridqe. I have not tried many of the varieties in commerce, but for several years have had a small collection, and have come to the conclusion that Ham Green, Earliest of All, Polegate, and Buke of York are the four best. All tihe above varie- ties I grow out of doors. Polegate and Duke of York produce larger clusters and finer fruit than the other two kinds. Ham Green and Earliest of All I use for early spring and winter use, as they set more freely than the others. Although when speaking of a Tomato we say fruit, yet I con- sider it a vegetable.— Herbert Noble, The. Oar- dens, Ashton Court, Clifton, BrUtol. The Tomatoes I usually grow are Acme, Frogmore Selected, Ladybird, Hackwood Park Prolific, and the old Large Red. Outdoor To- matoes are not grown here, as we are rather too far north for them to do well out of doors. For winter and early spring work I consider Lidy- bird and Frogmore Selected about the best. I never could see how the Tomato came to be classed as a vegetable. My opinion is that it would be better to give it a place among fruits. Of course, this question has two sides to it. and is very much a matter of opinion.— D. Melville, Danrohia Castle Gardens. — — A few years ago I used to grow a few varieties, including some of the newer ones, and found Challenger one of the best, so for the last year or two I have only grown it. I only grow Tomatoes under glass. It is of no use trying them out of doors in East Abardeenshire; our winters are too cold and days too short to permit growing them even under glass.— J. Forrest, JIaddo House Gardens, Aberdeen, N B. I confine myself to two sorts, namely, Hackwood Park and Challenger. I have grown several other sorts under the same conditions, but found the two named to be the best setters and even-shaped fruit, the flavour also satisfac- tory. I think the manure they are fed with has a great deal to do with the flavour. When wanted for outdoors the plants must be well forwarded under glass. Ham Green will do well. Laxton's Open Air is a free setter, but comes too rough to be pleasing. I have seen Perfection do well out- side. I prefer Hackwood Park for winter and spring crops. It is difficult to say which is the beat, as so much depends on the culture at this time. I get fairly good results from this sort. In speaking of the Tomato we always speak of it as a fruit, and when shown it is generally as a vegetable. I think it should be called a fruit, as it can be eaten like an Apple or Peach, and its bright appeirance seems to justify its being called a fruit.— Charles Lacey, The Gardens, Barnhope- side Hall, Lanchester, Durham. I try most of the varieties, and I cannot find any to beat Frogmore Selected, Ham Green Favourite, Perfection, and Challenger for all pur- poses. The two best for indoor work are Frog- more Selected and Perfection. I always consider the Tomato a vegetable. -S. J. Richards, Mount Jidf/cumbe, Ph/moiUh. — — The varieties I prefer for inside culture are Polegate, one of the best Tomatoes yet raised • Duke of York, and a good type of Perfection.' These are, in my opinion, three of the best, taking into consideration appearance, flavour, and free- dom of setting. Golden Jubilee is a grand yel- low, of exquisite flavour and of fine appearance. Carter's Outdoor is far and away the best I have tried for outside ; it is most prolific, of good flavour, and extremely early. Earliest of All is a splendid winter and early spring Tomato. I con- sider the Tomato should be classed as a vegetable. —Edwin Beiicett, Aldenham House, Elstree. The best-flivoured Tomato I know is one I have grown here for some years. It was selected from Hathaway's Excelsior. For general pur- poses I grow my own selections of Challenger and Frogmore Prolific. When I choose one to propa- gate from, I generally use cuttings in the first place, then 1 get what I actually reiiuire, which IS not always the case when saving seed from a selected fruit. On a low wall facing south I have had a fine crop of fruit. In addition to the two last named I have Hackwood Park and a variety named Laxton's Open-air. The latter is a capital outdoor kind. In ray opinion, no one can expect to get Tomatoes tit to eat unless grown against a wall or up the roof, the same as Vines are grown. Fruit produced by plants grown together in great masses are only an apology for Tomatoes when compared with the real thing. — H. J. Clayton, Grimston Park, Tadcas'.er. • I find Duke of Y'ork, Ham Green Favourite, and Frogmore Selected the best Tomatoes for indoor culture, the three being very free-setting, of good shape and flavour, and less liable to succumb to disease than many of the other varie- ties. In favourable seasons the above-mentioned do very well outside. The Tomato that I would recommend for outside is Up to-date, which sets freely. For winter and early spring work I would strongly recommend Earliest of All. My opinion is that the Tomato should be classed as a vegetable, as one very seldom sees it dished up as dessert.— C. Allen, Worth Pari; Gardens, Crairlty. I consider Early Ruby, Hackwood Park, Prolific, and Hathaway's Excelsior the best, being heavy croppers and of excellent flavour. The best outdoor kind here is Early Ruby. The Tomato is a fruit used as a vegetable. — A. Black, Carton Gardens, Maynooth, Kildare. With the many varieties of Tomatoes now in cultivation, it is somewhat doubtful if any two persons would make the same selection of, say, one half-dozen. I have found the following as good as any : For early winter work. Early Ruby and Frogmore Selected, and for a general crop Chemin Rouge and a good selection of Ham Green Fav- ourite. For outside. Early Ruby is, I find, the best. As to a Tomato being a fruit or a vege- table, it evidently holds the distinction of being both fruit and vegetable, but it will be some years before it is generally recognised as a dessert fruit. At the present time its proper place seems the salad bowl or the kitchen, although at times it may be seen staged amongst a collec- tion of fruit. I was judging a few days back when I noticed a dish in a collection of eight kinds of fruit. But I do not think many gardeners would admit the Tomato in a collection if they had any of the usual kinds of fruit in a presentable condition.— J. Lee. Gopsall Hall, Leicester. I consider Challenger and Perfection still hold a foremost place as regards setting and flavour. Frogmore Selected and Swinton Park, new varieties of late years, are also good croppers, the flavour being all that can be desired. When true seed can be obtained of the old variety Comet, this, from a marketing pointi of view, is hard to beat. For outdoor culture. Comet, Large Red, and the Dwarf Orangefield give good results, either planted out or in pots against a south wall. For winter and early spring supplies I have seen nothing to beat the Large Red. The Tomato, though classed as a vegetable and shown as such, should, by its habit of growth and handsome appearance, be entitled to what it is by right (botanically), a fruit.— J. HiLSON, XaworiA Castle, Carlisle. Varieties of Tomatoes cultivated here are a half-dozen, and the supply from May onwards is kept up from sowings made in January and about the middle of March. I have discontinued growing plants for fruiting in the winter. The varieties are Early Ruby, Conference, Perfection, Hackwood Park, Ham Green Favourite, and Frogmore Prolific. Early Ruby is included only for its earliness. It is not considered of such good flavour as any of the others, especially the two last named. Having room to grow sufficient Tomatoes indoors in a house devoted earlier in the year to Strawberries, I do not cultivate any great quantity outside, but Frogmore Prolific does well on walls confined to single stems, as also does Perfection. In another part of this county where Tomatoes are extensively grown tied to stakes in the open. Earliest of All crops heavily, and in parts of Worcestershire a variety called Evesham Early is much favoured. These have not yet been grown in this garden, but certainly appear to be good ones for out- doors. Although botanically a fruit, the Tomato IS here u^ed as a salad or cooked in some way as a vegetable.— J. Garrett, Bats ford Park, More- Ion in-Marsh. ■ If I were limited to one variety I should certainly select Austin's Eclipse as being the most productive and equal in flavour to any other variety. For main crop I usually grow Eclipse, Frogmore Selected, Comet, Hackwood Park, Per- fection and Dicksons' Monarch. For outdoor cul- ture none do so well here as Laxton's Open air, which crops splendidly, some rijjening on the plants, the rest being cut at the end of October and hung up in a warm vinery, where they ripen well and keep us supplied with nice Tomatoes till Christtnas. Though the variety is slightly corru- gated in shape, it grows to a "large size. I cut last year several of this variety outside quite ripe weighing from 12 ozs. to U ozs. each, and the crop was far heavier than anything I had inside. I grew Eclipse and Frogmore Selected for early use this year, having them ripe the end of May. Frogmore was earliest, but Eclipse had double the crop and keeps better, being firmer, and also resists disease better, being of vigorous constitu- tion. I usually speak of a Tomato as a fruit, not in the literal sense, but meaning the fruit of the plant, as I consider it to be a vegetable. Could this question not be decided ? — W. Wright, Tay- mouth Castle Gardens, Aber/eldy, N.B. The best Tomatoes are, I consider. Early Ruby for a first crop. Perfection main and mid- season, and Trophy for late crop. Frogmore Selected, I find, is the best for winter and early spring. In the true tense of the word, I should consider the Tomato a vegetable. — .T. Rainbow, Browjhton Hall, Skipton in-Craven, Yorks. I find Polegate and Ham Green the best for general purposes, with Lady-bird for winter and spring crops. Earliest of All is the best for outdoors. I consider the Tomato a fruit.— Chas. Deane, Cas4obuiy Gardens, Watjord, Herts. My favourite Tomatoes' are Conference, Challenger, and Ham Green. The last I consider one of the best both as regards cropping and flavour. For an outdoor crop nothing does so well as the Old Red. Conference does well for an early crop in pots. I consider the Tomato a fruit.— W.M. Andrews, Triyothnan, Cornwall. The best Tomatoes I grow indoors are Duke of Y'ork, Challenger, and Ham Green, three good and free-setting varieties. The best out- door Tomatoes I find are Early Ruby, the Old Red, and Dwarf Orangefield. [ consider theTomato a vegetable. — W. Driver, Longford Home, Mmrhinhampton. I have grown several varieties of these, bub find Ham Green, Frogmore Prolific, Comet and Hackwood Park reliable kinds to grow i^OVEMBER 11, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 377' Earliest of All and Up-to-date are two good varie- ties for ripening out of doors, especially when strong plants raised either in frames or houses are planted out. Chemin Rouge is a free setter for winter and early crops. As to the Tomato being a fruit, I should not class it as such, but consider the seedsmen are right in cataloguing it in their list of vegetables and salads, for which it is used. I am pleased you are asking this ques- tion, as there is some doubt when it is exhibited in a collection of fruit whether it is admissible or not. I should never stage the Tomato in a col- lection of fruit or exhibit it as such. — A. Chapman, Wtitonbii-/, TiJhun/. The best Tomatoes I 6nd are Frogmore Prolific and Viceroy. Viceroy, a type of the old Perfection, but a freer-setting and heavier crop- ping kind, is the best for outdoors and also for winter and early spring culture. I consider the Tomato a vegetable. No doubt it is both fruit and vegetable. I would like to see this question settled. It should not be exhibited both in fruit and vegetable classes, and I think the Royal Horticultural Society should settle this question. — John Lambert, PoirU Caalc i lardcns, Welshpool. I have grown a good many Tomatoes, and think the following the best : For early, Dunedin Favourite and Trophy ; for summer and autumn. Invincible, Perfection, and Hackwood Park. I consider the Tomato a fruit. — J. Simpson, Har- worth Gi'aiuje, Darlhifjton. I find All the Year Round by far the best I have grown, taking into consideration freedom of setting and flavour. The best kind for winter and early crops is All the Year Round. I should consider the Tomato more a fruit than a vegetable. ^T. Spencer, Goodrich Court, Here/onl. • All things considered, there is no variety to surpass and but few to equal The Cropper, a variety raised by Mr. H. J. .Jones and sent out by Messrs. Cutbush and Son. It is a moderately strong grower, very free setting, the fruit of medium size, Ham Green type, the colour good, and quality excellent. The Comet is also a good Tomato, but The Champion, the result of a cross between The Cropper and Perfection, is superior to it in point of weight of crop. In both instances the fruit is flat, round, very slightly corrugated, bright red in colour, firm, travelling well, and the quality good. Early Ruby is still the best open- air variety, that is for growing quite in the open. It is dwarf, the lower fruit nearly resting on the ground, free-setting, early ripening, not prone to cracking, and the quality is fairly good. Carter's Outdoor is a tremendous cropper, ripening early, not cracking, but the fruits are somewhat coarse. Against walls The Cropper, Comet, and Sutton's A 1 have done well. In point of cropping, form of fruit, and in particular flavour, no variety grown against walls surpasses Dedham Favourite, but the colour is against it. For winter and early spring crops I have found none to equal The Cropper. The Tomato is undoubtedly a fruit. It cannot rightly be termed anything else. It is largely eaten by the working classes, and by many is preferred to an Apple. Tomatoes, however, are not popular, nor apparently gaining in popu- larity as dessert fruit, and must still be asso- ciated with salad vegetables. — W. lociULDBN, Frame. I consider the newer varieties of Tomatoes are a great improvement on the older sorts so far as flavour, size, and symmetry are concerned, but doubt whether any of the newer kinds can surpass the older ones for heavy cropping. Since the in- troduction of the smooth, round fruits of the Per- fection type the corrugated sorts have gone out of fashion, and, compared with twenty years ago, are but little grown now. I was at one time a large grower of these wrinkled kinds, and although long since discarded, I still remember the great crops of fruit that such varieties as Large Red, Conqueror, and Orangefield used to yield. Having once given them up, it would have been useless to think of reintroducing them even if I had wished to do BO, for the superior appearance, quality, and flavour of the newer and rounder kinds proved irresistible, and the wrinkled sorts would not have 'again been countenanced. Among the newer kinds we have some very fine croppers, of which Frogmore Selected, Powley's Up-to-date, Hack- , wood Park, and Conference are a few notable examples, but I maintain that they do not surpass I the corrugated and older sorts in this particular, j while many others do not ejKS. — Careful attention to the bottom-heafc will now be necessary in Pine houses and pits, and where there are no bottom-heat pipes or an insufficiency of them, the Pine grower's lot is nob a happy one during the winter months. The turning over of hotbeds, mixing in fresh material, re-plunging, &c., are not very desirable work, and are also a source of anxiety, from the fact that new or re-made beds are apt to get too hot. A bottom-heat of from 80^ to 8.3= must be main- tained for growing stock ; those resting will pub up with a few degrees less. \Vatering will be reduced to a minimum, but must not be altogether neglected with plants swelling their fruits or with those that have nearly reached fruiting size, but which it is advisable to keep from showing fruit for the time being. Lift plants which are ripening their fruits out of the plunging material and give them the lightest possible position at the warmest end of the house, as this will greatly improve the flavour of the fruit. If the young stock is at all overcrowded, it should 380 THE GARDEK. [November 11, 1899. be overhauled and the most unpromising plants thrown away. Late rjRAPES. — To keep ripe Grapes hanging on the Vines at this time of the year one must be prepared to go over them with the scissors frequently, removing every berry which shows any sign of decay. Fortunately, most of the Grapes grown for the winter season are thick- skinned and keep pretty well, but they give some trouble through the November fogs and must not be neglected. A little fire-heat, with ventilation, should be given during the day, confining the ventilation to the top ventilators in damp or foggy weather, but at night artificial heat will not be advisable except to exclude frost, it being far better to confine the drying-up process to the day- time. CORNUEIAN. KITCHEN GARDEN. Asparagus beds. — In light, warm soils Asparagus beds are assuming a yellow aspect sooner this season than usual, and there will be no gain in postponing mowing or cutting the grass after that stage has been reached. In small gardens possessing only a limited number of beds, cutting the stems off with a strong knife is the best, as the scythe is apt to tear the stalks out and injure the crowns. Some still favour autumn or winter mulching even when the beds occupy a low-lying position and consist of a heavy, retentive soil. On this account beds often suddenly go wrong, and even die off entirely. At the same time, al- though not approving of heavy manurial cover- ings at this date, I think that the crowns and roots, many of the best of which lie near the sur- face, are benefited by a slight covering of some short littery material. For many years I spread old hotbed material over mine, first giving a liberal sprinkling of some approved fertiliser. This affords protection should the winter turn out severe, and on porous, well drained soils the roots never get too much moisture. Some still think good Asparagus cannot be grown without the use of a good deal of salt, but my experience is that that is more imaginary than real, as some of the most noted growers never use salt at all. All the same, salt is a good weed eradicitor, and a sprinkling may well be given as soon as all weeds and rubbish have been cleared off the beds and previous to any mulch being applied. Care is needed in raking the surface of the beds, as after a genial autumn young growths frequently spring up, which are easily snapped off. Those who contemplate making new beds should avoid ele- vating them to any great extent and having deep trenches between, especially on light, well- drained soils, as thus formed much of the neces- sary moisture drains away from the roots, while in heavy, retentive gardens the water drains into the trenches, and there often stops, to work mis- chief. Where any old beds are being forced, avoid planting in the same position, or at any rate the old material. Choose if possible an en- tirely new site, using the old plots for other vegetables. Excellent Peas, Beans, and Cauli- flowers may be grown on old Asparagus beds, bush fruit also doing well. SowiNf! EARLY Peas. — It is, perhaps, full early for this operation in the southern parts of the country, but further north from the present to the •20th of the month is a good date to get in the seed of dwarf hardy sorts. Some ignore autumn sowings, but where the border is light and warm and the situation sheltered, a week or ten days may be gained by open-air sowings. Peas trans- planted in spring, which have been brought on even in cold frames and exposed to all the air possible, are apt to suffer from snowstorms and cutting winds should such prevail immediately after transplanting ; whereas November-sown batches acquire a hardy constitution and readily respond to finer weather and longer days in February. I have found the plan of sowing fairly shallow and slightly ridging the soil over the rows to be of benefit. Thus treated, decay is less likely to occur should a wet period set in just after sowing. Provided the ground is fairly rich, no manure need be added, as it is easy to err in this respect,'especially if the manure used is of a strong, globular shaped. One by one the classes of Chry- rank nature. The latter encourages a growth santhemums go. At first the refiexed, then tbe which is easily afl'ected by frost, basal decay Anemone-flowered, till by and by there will be being hkewise liable to occur. If any is necessary, but one family left. The neat little pompons will use old Mushroom manure, and if need be add to it undoubtedly find favour for a long time to come a small percentage of some safe artificial manure, for cutting ; so, too, will the singles, but tor Any of the dwarf hardy varieties answer well for exhibiting as specimen flowers there will be open-air autumnsowings. Utthedistancebetween nothing left but the Japanese. We should de- the rows be about the same as the height of the ' precate any division of thess whether shown in haulm, this admitting plenty of light and air to the i the usual way on boards or in more imposing vases, roots and haulm in spring. As soon as growth I It is their variety of form added to their many is well through the ground, place a few small Yew colours that give them their beauty when placed branches on each side of the rows to shield from together. , , ■ -n t v, cutting winds. Those who have no facility for The loss of the incurved kinds, then, will not be forcing Peas in early spring, but who have a spare i felt, and I should not be disposed to offer prizes tor cold pTt or two, will find it profitable to sow now ] them. That their exhibition is brought about by such sorts as William Hurst, Chelsea Gem, or a certain amount of artificial means in the way ot others of the same type. These will afford a few ; arranging the florets is pretty well known, and useful gatherings a fortnight or three weeks before I tends to deter would-be cultivators of Chrysan- the earliest spring-sown border lots come in. Use I themums from taking them up because ot this soot and lime freely over the surface in winter if dread of " curling." I do not care to foster the slugs attack them, as they frequently do at this growth of all forms or classes of this particular dull, damp period should it be mild. Watch also i flower because such have once been popular. for sparrows, or a raid by them of a few days' con- tinuance will blast the cultivator's hopes. It is a good plan when sowing to sprinkle a little leaf- mould in the drills before covering them in. It assists root action. once been but rather do everything to extend the culture of the best. Who, for instance, wants the lumpy show Dahlia now that we have the Cactus type, so much more elegant and in every way more use- ful '.' Why grow the somewhat delicate and few- Vegetables and the season.— Many gardens petalled bizarre Carnation when fancy, coloured of a shallow, poor nature suffered much through and self kinds may be obtained with little tro'-bl© the long absence of rain during the time winter out of-doors in the open ground-full, fane, hand- vegetables were making their growth. On the some blooms in rich profusion ? Let the Cliinese other hand, where the soil was fairly rich and j Chrysanthemum go like many another fashion in moisture-retaining, such crops as Brussels Sprouts, j flowers. It will only hve in the metnory of those Broccoli and Kales made firm, good growth, and who, like myself, have spent no end of time in sprouts are now medium-sized and firm. Beet trying to make it presentable for exhibition. suffered much In some districts; several large Grower. market breadths which I saw were lying pros- trate by reason of the drought. Large Beet is not Chrysanthemum Australian Gold. — I was wanted and is almost unsaleable, people prefer- ' much struck with the beauty of this variety when ring nice shaped smallish roots, these being, as a | it was first introduced, but seldom since have I rule, much better flavoured and more suitable for seen it so good as then. I met with it, however, slicing up. Dell's is still highly thought of, and j in perfect form the other day among more kinds it is undoubtedly a good all-round variety, but I that had been cultivated with anything but pre- prefer Veltch's Selected Red, a fine - shaped, | tensions to exhibit. It is an informal pyramid of richly coloured, good-flavoured Beet and just the , light yellow, the florets being placed in charming thing for the dining room. Green vegetables ! lace like arrangement. Probably the cause of which have made a fair growth should be able to , failure with this kind is that it is generally over- withstand a good amount of frost should such i grown. — S. occur, which they will not do when growth is j chrysanthemum Cullingfordi.— One of the gross and soft. J. C. Chrysanthemums. oldest of Chrysanthemums, this is also one of the best for growing in bush form, its bright and effective colour as well as its good habit being in its favour. In common with several others of the reflexed class, the flower-stems are weak and the THE DECLINE OF THE INCURVED tellT^nto^uM w.T' B^l^esCl^useTutf^r CHRYSANTHEMUM. growing in bush form, Cullingfordi is very suit- Tiiat the prim and shapely Chinese type of Chry- ' able for striking late and growing on in small santhemums so popular among older growers is on ' pots. The blossoms in this case are small, and the wane one can see on all sides, and were it not j therefore stand up better, but they are wonder- for the substantial prizes offered for them at exhi- I fully bright, and come in well for late decoration bitions the overshadowing merits of the Japanese in the conservatory. Chrysanthemum rust. — This pest is making I sad havoc again in this neighbourhood, and out of many collections visited I have not found one entirely free. In my own case there was no sign of rust until the plants were housed, though I had ,, , ■ _,• , , ..u 1 t looked carefully for it, but as soon as they came able shape They are less showy on the plants ^^^^^ .^^ ^^^ ,;^|.,g y^^g^„ ^^ ^egan to ap- than are the Japanese varieties, which now m- ^^^ ^^^ ^^e now plentiful in spite of all I can elude every conceivable form, and are therefore g^ ^^ ^^^^^_ "^j ^^j (^^ j ^„^^^^ ^^0 plants less handsome for all kinds of decoration. The ^^^^ ^^J^^ ^^^^ j j^^j stamped it out by frequent> public takes but a languid interest ■" r^a ninaa . .... ^ . ... ,i , which has always been wantin colour. Take away the wh shades of yellow, and there is too, of late years really fine specimens have been rare. They will not respond to the high culture, as it is called, that is practised in the case of the 1 Chrysanthemum Marie Calvat. — This Japanese kinds, and many growers for that reason : Japanese variety, of continental origin has now are giving them up. It seems like ancient his- been in cultivation long enough to determine its tory to think of " Queens " so long regarded the , merits, and those growers who hurriedly discarded ideals of the incurved type. Since they were seen I it because of its roughness from an early bud so fine, varieties which are really bad forms of the | selection may now be interested to learn that Japanese are the leading ones. The flat and ' blooms of exceptional size and high quality are rounded floret has given way to those of any j finishing well. To arrive at this result the plants shape, so that the whole shall produce something ' were stopped towards the end of April, and the forms would soon quite kill them. Much as one may admire their perfect ball like shape, there is no getting away from the fact that they re([uire a ' large amount of skill to produce them, and when they are produced, still mora patience is needed in manipulating their florets to obtain that desir- is not to be checked in this way. — Suffolk. November 11, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 381 strongest succeeding individual shoots grown on strongly. In the course of time this shoot made a natural break, from which three shoots were taken up. These in turn ultimately produced crown buds (second crowns), from which really handsome blooms are now in the pink of con- dition. The colour is a soft rose and the petals are long and broad. The habit also is dwarf and the constitution robust. — D. B. C. CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT SWANLEY. TuE annual display of Chrysanthemums provided by Messrs. Henry Cannell and Sons is always of exceptional merit, and this year's is no exception. The plants are housed in a large span-roofed glass structure admirably adapted to show them off to the best advantage. The collection, always up- to-date, comprises everything that is newest and best. .Japane:e are almost wholly nowadays the feature at the trade displays, other varieties being mainly kept for stock and not contributing so much towards the general effect. This year Messrs. Cannell have varieties from home, colonial, continental, and American raisers, but these last are considerably in the minority. Most of the plants besides being well flowered are dwarf in growth, presenting a striking contrast to some of those we used to see years ago. Dealing first with varieties of continental origin, M. Ernest Calvat claims first attention as being still the foremost cultivator in his country. Fairly well - known varieties from this raiser which appear again in good form this year are M. Fatzer, a grand incurving .Japanese, very close and compact, and the colour tawny yellow ; Marie Calvat, white, flushed purple, is big, but not attractive ; Mme. Ferlat is fine in form and very pure in colour. Others, such as Mme. Couvat (de Terrail, Souvenir de Molines, Mme. Carnot, Werther, Le (!rand Dragon (very large), Mme. G. Bruant (white, flushed purple), and N.C.S. Jubilee, need no description. Some of M. Calvat's newest flowers are President Lemaire, velvety crimson and gold, and Mme. Lucie Recoura, something after the build of Pride of Madford, and not unlike it in colour. Zephoris is a promising golden yellow Japanese, with flat, pointed florets, but Soleil de Dacembre, of the same colour, seems to be too early to justify its name ; M. H. Martinet is a big crimson and gold variety, and also of this year's set is Mme. Aristide Rey, a Japanese with broad Horets, colour rosy amaranth, with reverse of silver. Eliaoe, golden yellow, and Lydia, a rosy ama- ranth, with a silvery pink reverse, are also quite new. Some very promising novelties are on view from M. Nonin, wbose name has only become familiar to English growers during the past three years, and several other continental raisers were also well represented. We noticed especially Amateur .J. Lachapluis, a huge crimson and gold Japanese ; M. Raymond Desforests, reddish vel- vety crimson, with deep golden yellow reverse ; Soleil de Lyon, golden yellow ; Mme. F. Daupias, pure white ; Mme. Alphonse Rodiere, President Dutrail, terracotta and gold ; M. Gatellier, dull terracotta, and reverse of straw-yellow ; Cor- corna, very fine pale blush-pink in the style of Lady Isabel ; and .Jules Bernard, a velvety, rich rosy amaranth with silvery pink reverse. Colonial varieties, which were so interesting last season, are keeping up their reputation again this year, and of these one of the most popular, viz,, Nellie Pockett, is quite as good this year as last. Pride of .Madford, Australie, Mr. T. Carrington, and Purple Emperor are well-known colonial varieties. Not quite so old, but seen in good form last season, are S. R. Upton, a fine yellow, and Miss Mary Underhay, a pretty shade of straw-yellow. Newer forms are to be found in Sydney Brunning, a large bloom of the Japanese type, colour deep reddish terra cotta with golden reverse ; Marjory, bright rosy pink ; Hector Brunning, dark crimson, with golden reverse ; and Sir H. H. Kitchener, bright reddish crimson, I reverse old gold. Mrs. Frank Gray Smith, deep golden yellow, is another of these colonial new- comers, as is also Admiral, a white Japanese, not unlike the old variety Avalanche. Miss Poppy Brunning is very large and of a peculiar shade of colour, the inside being a dull buff-pink with a straw ground. In whites Mutual Friend was large. Queen of Portugal being another. Pale yellows were well represented by an attractive batch of Mrs. W. Mease, and a very fine display was made by a number of plants bearing large blooms of the pale blush-pink Mrs. S. C. Probyn. Kathleen Rogers is also a large fine white. In the incurved sec- tion, which is not largely grown for the purpose of making a display, we might mention Globe d'Or, tine in colour, and Triomphed'Eve. White \ vonne Desblancs also belongs to the same sec- tion. OCTOBER CHRYSANTHEMUMS. There is not an over supply of varieties that are at their best in October. Many by retaining early-formed flower-buds are made to produce blooms in that month, but they are usually of bad colour and ragged in shape. Some of the so- called outdoor sorts are really October ones, which if left outside run the risk of being cut oti' by frost ere they are in full bloom. These early autumn sorts are well worth growing in pots, as they provide a rich display of colour, although they will not, as a rule, respond to the disbud- ding so freely followed for the production of big blooms. At the present time we have Albert Chauson, orange, shaded red ; Clinton Chalfont, bright yellow ; Emily Silsbury, white ; Gas- pare! Boucharlat, bright bronzy red ; Gladys Roult, white ; Lady Selborne and its yellow form ; Margot, salmon-pink ; and 0. J. Quintus, light pink. Queen of the Earlies and Yellow Queen of the Earlies are two really charming kinds at this season. Source d'Or has a bronzy shade quite its own, and Wm. Holmes is an old sort not beaten in its way. Soleil d'Octobre is a good yellow which blooms early, and one that may be thinned to get large flowers. General Paquie, too, produces large blooms in October. This is a good new kind, a bright bronzy yellow in colour. Mutual Friend is a fine white variety, gene- rally at its best early in the autumn. Mile. Lacroix, white, with its sport of a pink shade, and Annie Clibran form a useful pair to grow for early blooms. Elaine, a favourite white kind, is still noted for its purity of colour, although it has been cultivated so long. Lady Byron, white, and Lady Ridgway, salmon-buff, are now at their best, and will be past by Novem- ber. Ryecroft Scarlet is dwarf and free, and highly recommended for October flowers. Edith Tabor, clear yellow, is now in full bloom. This produces fine blooms, but the plant is of rather ungainly habit. Mme. G. Bruant, white, tinted rose, is a full, well-shaped flower thus early in the year. This season, however, it has not bean so satisfactory as it was last. Klondike, deep rich yellow, is an ideal market grower's variety for October supply, the blooms being stiff and lasting when cut. A well-formed incurving bloom is Louise, and a dwarf grower too. This is early. The colour is blush white. The pretty little pompon Mile. Elise Dordan blooms early, and its neat light pink flowers form a capital contrast to the large Japanese sorts. This is much admired. A variety I have under the name of Mme Vaucher is a charming October kind. The shade of salmon-pink is rich and pleasing, and the plant is especially bushy and free. Riyonnante is a kind which blooms early. I do not admire its quilled florets, although it makes a good decora- tive variety. H. S. Yellow dirysanthemums of recent ori- gin.— These seem to be almost overwhelming this season, and some of the yellow novelties are really grand. Le Grand Dragon has shown aome splendid blooms long before Octobsr was out. M. Louis Remy is a pxla yellow sport from one of the Mrs. C. HarmanPayne family. R. Hooper Pearson is not only a noble bloom in size, but the colour is deep, rich, and attractive. Among the colonial seedlings. Wattle Blossom, Lord Salis- bury, and Mrs. Frank Gray-Smith are of this colour. The continental novelties include Soleil de Decembre, which was well developed at several places long before October was over, and is of a golden-yellow shade. It is one of Calvat's, as is also Eliane, which has long strap-shaped florets loosely arranged. The same raiser sends us Zephoris, one of his best for 1!^!)9. This is large in size ani pale golden. Soleil de Lyon is also a yellow novelty. Edith Pilkington, a certifi- cated .Japanese, has very long, drooping, medium- f-ized florets, which are twisted and curly. This is a beautiful shade of canary-yellow, deepening towards the centre. Mrs. A. Cross, .J. E. Clay- ton, and several others of less attractive appear- ance must complete the list. — C. H. P. Chrysanthemum Gloire du Bocher. — This is now left behind in the race for huge blooms, but for decoration it occupies a prominent posi- tion. On October 28 at the Chrysanthemum exhibition in Battersea Park it was one of the most noticeable of all the varieties there repre- sented, the warm, light red tint of the handsome blossoms causing them to stand out from all their associates. Its comparatively dwarf, sturdj' habit is greatly in its favour, while the distinct-looking foliage is well retained. It is quite an old variety as .Japanese Chrysanthemums go, for it received a certificate from the National Chrysanthemum Society in the autumn of 1.S90, and was, I believe, distributed the following spring. The history of this variety is very interesting, as cuttings of several kinds were sent to Algiers, and the seed saved therefrom was returned to England. Among the varieties of which cuttings were sent was the then popular Val d'Andorre, the seed from which yielded Gloire du Rocher. — T. NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS AT HEYWOOD. In' Lord Ludlow's gardens at Heywood, Wilts, Chrysanthemums have not only been well grown for some years past, but new kinds have received more than average attention, every season the best of the current novelties finding their way thither. By the first week in November a great many of the blooms were at their best, needing heavy shade to keep them for some later shows. Between -tOO and 500 plants are cultivated for specimen blooms, and among this number only a rigid selection of the best of the older kinds is retained from year to year, many not justifying their retention after their first year's trial. New varieties of the present season would seem to be better in colour and bloom than usual. That fine yellow, .J. R. Upton, was the first to attract attention, and of its colour it is probably the finest to be seen. Its petals are very long and gracefully drooping, the colour bright and clear. Some blooms of Edith Dashwood, a good one that will be grown again, measure fully 7 inches in depth, of a silvery mauve shade of colour. Henry Weeks is a good addition to the incurved Japanese section, a rosy-crimson with bronze reverse. Hero of Omdurman produces a large crimson and gold bloom ; Mrs. Barkley has fine broad petals of splendid substance, silvery rose in colour ; President Nonin is a very solid incurved yellow .Japanese, and President Bevan, another good addition to the same section, is of a bronzy- yellow shade. Miss Mary L'nderhay produces soft yellow-coloured blooms and has a particularly nice petal. Mrs. White Popham was enormous, as were also Mrs. Mease, N. C. S. Jubilee, G. J. Warren, and Mary ilolyneux ; these are not strictly new, but are indispensable sorts of recent date. M. Fatzer may be described as apricot with a deeper flush, and gives a neat flower. Miss Nellie Pockett, afineincurved white, isgood. Marie Calvat is a very striking flower both in character and colour, a delicate flushed rose. R. Hooper Pearson is an incurved Japanese of the deepest yellow ; Mrs. Coombes, a rival to the old and well-tried Viviand Morel both in colour and size. Kathleen Rogers is a fine white, as also is Jane 382 THE GAEDEN. [November 11, 1899. Molyneux. Le Grand Dragon, a magnificent yellow, is both broad and deep. Lord Ludlow is a promising incurved Japanese of a bronzy-yellow hue, and Purple Emperor, one of the finest of its colour, was represented by some fine blooms. M. Louis Remy, the yellow sport from Mme. Louis Remy, too, is of pleasing appearance and large in size. Sir Herbert Kitchener and Mr. T. Carring- ton, the latter a silvery purple flower, complete a selection that to me seemed the best among the newer Japanese kinds open at the time of my visit. Incurved are grown in less numbers than are the Japanese, but each year the collection is en- hanced by the introduction of the best of the newer ones. Mrs. H. J. .Jones is very massive, and in colour and appearance resembles a much enlarged Mrs. R. C. Kingston. Chrysanthemiste Bruant, a neat, pale bronze, is large and good. Dome d'Or has a descriptive title. Hanwell Glory is deep in build and of a pretty shade of bronze. Miss Annie Hills has a large pink flower. W. Neish in point of colour is perhaps the most striking of the new ones, bright gold, with a suf- fusion of reddish bronze. This is best on a late bud, the earlier ones being coarse or uneven in petal. These are only a few of those open, but they comprise those that will be retained for future growth, because of their desirable colour, smooth petals and perfection of character. W. S. NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Stove and Greenhouse. CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM. This warm greenhouse climber is a native of Jamaica. The seed must be sown in a pot in heat in spring, the plant being an annual. It grows rapidly, and commences to bloom in the early stages of growth. The plant here illus- trated was grown in a pot, the shoots being trained to the top of a young Larch tree in- serted in the pot. The plant was about 4 feet hioh. The flowers, which are white and very small, are followed by big green pods, very similar to those of a Cape Gooseberry. In these pods are two round, black, hard seeds. As these seeds ripen, the bladder-like pods Chrysanthemum soeur Dorothee Souille. — Looking round & lot of Chrysanthemums grown for cutting receutly, I noticed a large number of this pretty kind. It is many years since it was sent out, and it belongs to a not very popular set — the Anemone- flowered— but the grower of these plants assured me it was a profitaljle kind. — J. Chrysanthemum Peter the Great.— Natu- rally gri.wn plants of any variety of Chrysantlemum are seldom seen, but there are some that are very beautiful when so grown. The old kind above named if struck early and allowed to take its own way makes a fine open pyramid quite naturally, and the point cf every shoot is wreathed with tie pale yellow blos- soms. There may be others equally good, but I know of no other that makes such fine plants. — H. Chrysanthemum Le Grand Dragon.— The present season has evidently suited this variety of last year's introduction, judging by the b'ooms recently Fubmitted to the ditferent (loral commit'ees and also by displays now being made by it in various private collections. Last season the impresion prevailed that the bloom was thin and flimsy, although its rich deep yellow colour, sometimes tinted crimson-bronze, gave it a value which was not seen in other varieties. This season, however, the blooms are large, deep and rather full, nhile the petals are very long and the colour distinctly good. It is a plant of easy culture and of medium height. — D. B. C. Naturally - grown Chrysanthemums.— Chrysantbemnm societies should, I think, make a class for growing plants carrying from three to nine blooms, and exhibited so as to show the points of a perfectly grown plant. Groups are very pretty to look at, but do not afford one much opportunity of studying the individual plants which compose it. There must be , turn yellow and drop down. many people who would much appreciate a chance of semble those of a Hop. comparing their own plants at home with those grown The seed was sent me by a lady travelling in in a first.class nursery, so that they might observe the Eoypt. It is not particular as to soil provided Cardiospermum Halicacabum. From a photograph sent iy Mr. J. Crook, Forde Abbey, Chard. The leaves re- The pods are produced stems and leaves and gain a useful object-lesson by i .. -■- - • (.„.jt„_„ seeing the condition in which a plant must be before It " ^^"P^" '" ^s^"^""^^' - ., - ,. ,„ oceiug = „ . , ^, g ^ freely, and, bemg uncommon, the plant is i i always admired. J. Crook. can give perfect blooms Chrysanthemum Australie. — This varie will no doubt be seen in exceptionally fine condition at the leading shows this season, and from what I have seen the blooms will be set up true t3 character. The inside colouring of the petals, which are very long and broad, is rosy amaranth with a silvery white reverse, and these being of incurved Japanese form, it will be readily seen how massive is the bloom wheu finished. The National Chrysanthemum Society last season bracketed Mr. T. Carrington as "too much alike " to the above variety, but upon comparison the newer sort seems to be of a much prettier shade of colour, with shorter florets and smaller flowers. There certainly is some resemblance, but they are sutficiently distinct.— C. A. H. Furde Abbey. the leaf axils new racemes were issuing from the pot upwards, intensifying the already dazzling masses of colour. They were the finest plants I have seen anywhere, and there are many others who have expressed similar views. These stood on the floor of a span-roofed house, which was both warm and light. — W. S. Momordica Charantia. — This when in fruib is a very ornamental climbing plant. In America it is known as the Balsam Pear. I grow a few plants every year on account of their highly orna- mental fruit. It is an annual. My plan is to place three plants into a 44 inch pot, and when well rooted these are transferred to 8-inch or 9 inch pots, using a Larch Fir top for the plants to trail over. They are grown on in a, warm house till they have filled the pots with roots and set the fruit, when they are removed to a cold greenhouse for the summer. The fruit is long, like a Pear, prickly, _ and of a bright orange colour. When the fruit is ripe it bursts and shows the inside, which is of the deepest red. The fruib hangs on long thread- like shoots. — Dorset. Salvia splendens and its varieties. — Always a welcome plant for the autumn because of its rich colour, its cultivation should be taken up more freely than it is. Where there are conservatories to be kept gay Salvias aie invaluable, but to be really effective they should be grown in sufficient num- bers to furnish well the structure intended for their reception at flowering time, and not arranged a plant here and there amorg others of a different shade. Grown and arranged in groups they at once arrest attention, but solitary plants, unless of excep- tional size and merit, are ineffective. At Gunners- bury House at the end of September Mr. Hudson had a batch of 150 plants all in bloom, not of the old type, but the newer splen- dens grandiflora and com- pacta. S. s. grandiflora is a fine sort, having large spikes, the desirablefeature of these being the retention for a long time of the calyx after the tube has fallen. This is a greab gain over the old splen- dens. S. s. compacta, as its name implies, is of dwarfer habit, quite as free-blooming, if not more so, and almost as fine in the flower. These, standing on the floor of the fruit houses devoted at the time to pot trees, presented quite a glow of colour. The plants were growing mostly in 8-inch pots. — W. S. Drosera dichotoma. — This is perhaps the most generally grown of the Sundews, and a pretty and interesting plant. The leaves grow 6 inches or more in height and are cleft into two lobes, which with the long stems give the plant a very graceful appearance. Its culture is not difficult in a suitable house, a good position being the lightest part where cool Orchids thrive. The plants are best grown in well-drained pots or pans, these being placed on others inverted over pans of water or on a stage over very damp Acalypha hispida. — For a time this created quite a sensation, and when exhibited as a new and rare plant won many prizes. As ordinarily grown it has lost a deal of the novelty it first possessed, but anyone privileged to see the plants grown by Mr. Hudson at Gunnersbury House would not soon forget them. They had been _ „ . _ grown on from cuttings into large single-stemmed j material. The compost most suitable for them specimens quite 6 feet in height. Their foliage is three parts of living Sphagnum Moss to one of was immense, and the floral racemes both ex- peat fibre and a little coarse silver sand or crock ceedingly numerous and of great length. From I dust. Anyone who knows the British species of November 11, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 383 Sundew and has seen them growing in our native woods will at once see the kind of treatment the roots need. Usually they grow in native Mosses, often with their lower roots pushing under stones or sticks, and this is what they like under culti- vation. Light syringings overhead are of great assistance to them, but one point must not be forgotten— fumigation is very dangerous. Occa- sionally one may fumigate a house in which they are grown without injury, but it is very seldom. Bouvardia President Garfield.— It is now a good many years since this and the double white B. Alfred Neuner were sent out, but it is doubtful if we yet have any better. The pleas- ing flesh-pink double blossoms are very useful for cutting, and they last better than single forms, while on the plants they are very tine. I saw a nice batch of President Garfield recently at Cul- ford, where it was growing in a cold pit with others and flowering freely. Bouvardias, like many other fine greenhouse plants, sutfer badly from being coddled up in a great deal more heat than is good for them. It not only produces a weak, attenuated growth, but it brings insects in galore to feed on the already weakened growth. Such plants cannot be satisfactory in any way ; they are not pretty to look at, they do not flower freely, and, moreover, the blossoms that are pro- duced last but a short time only. Those who do not care to plant them out should at least, after repotting, give them a cool and airy position in a frame without the lights in summer, so that the growth is hard. The shoots during the summer should be kept pinched, the last pinching taking place in August.— H. R. Early Roman Hyacinths.— One of the chief mistakes that are made in connection with the early forcing of this crop is that of putting the bulbs too early into strong heat and before the plants have rooted sufficiently. For those who must have these things in flower at the very earliest moment they are to be obtained, there must be no delay at any time. Nor must there be any mistakes in the work as it proceeds. There are those who are only now potting their supplies of these things, while the earliest batches of bloom are finding a ready sale in the leading markets. To get these thus early in flower, how- ever, requires the greatest care and judgment, much more so, indeed, than at any subsequent period. These early supplies are obtained by potting the bulbs in August as soon as they are to hand, and after a good soaking of water covering the plants with about 4 inches of cocoa fibre refuse in the open. The time of introduc- tion into heat should be proportionate to the time the roots have been potted. If from any cause the bulbs are not received or even potted as early as usual, allowance must be made for this by keeping them longer in the open, that the fullest possible amount of root fibre may be produced. Much of the success of the crop rests upon this, for with abundance of roots the plants will quickly respond to the warmer conditions of forcing. It is usually the weakly rooted or in- sufficiently rooted plants that produce feeble or stunted spikes, and such are of no value to the florist. Varieties of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. — The beautiful Begonia above-named a year ago, possibly less, was alone, and varieties of it appeared to come quite slowly. Now, however, in the space of a few weeks two distinct forms of it have put in an appearance, each possessing a value of its own. One of these is the pink-flowered sport that originated with Mr. Hudson at Gun- nersbury House, and quite recently secured the award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society under the name Mrs. Leopold de Roth- schild. In this the blossoms are not only con- siderably larger, but of a decided pink tone. It was regarded as a charming addition to the original kind. Last week another variation appeared from Hawick, this time a pure white form, bearing the distinctive name Caledonia, or White Gloire de Lorraine. Such a kind has long been desired, and now that it really exists it is obvious that it is a veritable pure white of the above plant. The floral committee, neither doubt- ing its value commercially nor its merit from a horticultural point of view, desired to see it again, as the plants shown were but little removed in many instances from cuttings, ^'eteven the very smallest of these proved quite conclusively its chief value — its freedom of flowering. It is quite possible the plants have been hurried somewhat, or possibly over-cared for, hence the exceeding paleness of foliage, verging in some plants almost to yellow. Another season, however, will see the plants more fully developed and in their true character. It is one of the most important novel- ties of the year. OLD AND NEW TREE CARNATIONS. It is somewhat strange that while during the last twenty years great strides have been made in border Carnations, and almost innumerable really good varieties have been added to the list, com- paratively few sterling additions have been added to the Tree or winter-flowering section. It is now some twenty years since I first commenced the culture of Tree Carnations, and were I to-day forming a collection, I would, having profit in view, confine myself, with one or two exceptions, to the sorts I grew then. I am aware many of the newer introductions are fine so far as the individual flower is concerned, but what both the grower for sale and the private gardener who has to fill the basket must have are good growers and free bloomers. Many of the market varieties would also please those who prefer good-sized blooms if good all-round culture is given and a little disbudding practised. Really good scarlet sorts are scarce, and whites even more so. Purity and Mme. Carle were considered the two best whites for years, but both had to give way to that, in my estimation, unsurpassed variety La Neige. True, the individual blooms are a trifle less in size than those of some of the shy-blooming whites, but the quantity a well-grown healthy bush will produce is something astonishing. The flowers also expand readily during the dull dark days of winter and are of the purest white and sweetly scented. The growth is particularly vigorous and branching, and the constitution so good that it is very seldom a plant dies. It is, moreover, one of the easiest to propagate. I have heard Uncle .John well spoken of, but have not grown it myself. It may be a larger, but not a more prolific sort. Good reliable reds are also none too plentiful, my old favourite, Alegatiere, not being, I think, yet surpassed. One can always depend on it, its extra large, noble, brilliant blooms being always admired and commanding a ready sale. The at one time much-applauded rival, Winter Cheer, has not proved a success — at least generally speaking. For every fully developed bloom I cut from it Alegatiere gave me half-a-dozen at least, but the worst feature about Winter Cheer is its liability to partial withering and discoloration before the blooms are expanded. No doubt there are growers who succeed with it, but they are, I think, in the minority. Another good red Carnation I used to grow is John Bald- win, a lighter shade of colour than Alegatiere and apt to show white veins, which at the present day would, I suppose, be considered a drawback from a market point of view, but which is immaterial in private gardens. Pink varieties of sterling merit are few. In soite of the noise made about Mme. Thercse Franco when first introduced, it has proved an indifferent variety, not a few having discarded it. Like other poor growers and shy bloomers, it may suit those who are satisfied if they secure a few large flowers, which are allowed to remain on the plants till they fade, but I should say that for every hundred plants of Th^rfese Franco grown for market there are a thousand or more of Miss .Joliffe and Reginald Godfrey — a prettv good proof of its marketable value. Miss Joliffe is a lovely Carnation, its rich shade of colour being so much appreciated in bouquets and button-holes, but, although of vigorous branching growth and very free-flowering, it has, unfortunately, a ten- dency to die off suddenly. Some growers havo no trouble with it, while others who once suc- ceeded with it have had reluctantly to abandon its culture. Such no doubt hailed with much satisfaction the arrival of Reginald Godfrey, which, if not quite so vigorous and free, has a more reliable constitution. Vellow Tree Carna- tions are the scarcest of all ; in fact, I do not know of a really yellow Tree Carnation worth growing from a cut-flower point of view. The best yellow, I believe, is Miss Audrey Campbell, which is really a border variety, but which, if struck in autumn or early in spring and grown on quickly in not too large pots, will give a nice lot of richly-coloured flowers during the winter and spring. J. Crawford. Freesias failing.—" Cornubian," in his reply to a correspondent, says he has never met with a case of Freesia bulbs dying in the manner described, and it only shows that he has been very fortunate and successful in their culture. It is not at all unusual for them to die in the way described, especially when, as " Cornubian " says, they are dried offer removed from their pots too early btfore the growth is properly finished. I recollect purchasing a lot at a sale in Suffolk some four years ago, and on shaking the bulbs out I found every one "mummified," as "Cor- nubian " so aptly describes it. — H. R. Thunbergia fragrans.— Though the specific name of this Thunbergia is somewhat of a mis- nomer, for as far as my experience of it extends it is scentless or nearly so, yet for all this it i-i a very pretty climber for the stove or intermediate house. The pure white flowers, each about a couple of inches across, are borne throughout the summer and autumn months, and nestling among the very dark green leaves have a pretty effect. It is of a medium rate of growth, and may be used as a rafter plant if the structure is not too lofty. Unlike many climbers, this Thunbergia may be grown and flowered well when confined to a large pot, whereas the vigorous kinds, such as T. grandi- flora and T. Harrisi or laurifolia, succeed much better when planted out in a prepared border. — T. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— STOVE. Saxifraga Fortunei. — lo the outdoor garden this autiimu-flowerirg species is of but little value by reason of its tender nature. In the greenhouse, how- ever, the plant is woith growing in pots, and with liberal treatment, flowers with considerable freedom. It is only rarely, however, that sutiicient interest is taken in these out-of-the-way kinds to do them .jus- tice. All the same, a well-grown plant is very pretty at the present time. Manettia bieolor. — The bright yellow and orange tube-shaped flowers appear all the more eiTec- tive as winter approaches. The plant can he grown and flowered in quite a small state. Single plants grown in 4^-inch pots, with the growths trained round four or five small sticks about 1 foot in height, bloom very freely, and when flowering subjects for furnishing have to be forthcoming at this time of year, such prove very serviceable. — A. \V. Tacsonia Van Volxemi fruiting. — Inquiry is made if this is edible by Mr. Renshaw (p. 294). Though not usually acceptf d as a dessert fruit, there are instances where the fruit is eaten and much liked. I have eaten it myself some years since. I have nevf r known the fruit to he sent to table as des.sert, but it has been gathered when (luite ripe from consprvatory plants by younger members of the families with whom I have lived. I have never heard of any harm acoru- jug from eating the fruit. — W. S. Celoaias. — These are useful in many ways in the autumn aud winter months, especially wlien used amongst Ferns, i'C. Recently I saw a grand strain at youth Villa, Regent's Park. All shades of red and the richest yellows were represented, the plants each from 1 foot to U feet high and well branched. Mr. Keif is.jlates his best plants every year for_seed._ A few days later I saw some nice dwarf plants in 41-inch pots branched down to the pots and not more than a foot high at Didlingtoa Hall, Norfolk.- Dorset. Salvia splendens.- This showy plant is most useful for providing colour during the dull months. 384 THE GARDEK [November 11, 1899. At Bramley Park it is grown in quantity. Tlie scarlet flowers are borne in great abundance and are found excellent for cutticg. Cuttings are rooted in spring and the plants put into the open ground. They require but little care except topping tlie shoots once or twice during the summer to form bushy plants. They are lifted and put into pots early in autumn and come quickly into flower. — H. Nerine japoniea — Notwithstanding the im- mense numbers of this Nerine that are sent here every year from Japan, it is very rarely that one meets with it in bloom, and I have tried various modes of treatment with but little success. Whether the above name or that of I.ycoris radiata is the cor- rect one, it is certainly quite distinct from the gener- ally grown kinds of Nerine, the rather narrow glaucous green leaves being one distinguishing feature, while another is the reddish crimson - tinted blossoms, with their unusually prominent stamens. I have not succeeded in flowering it regularly, and if any reader of The Garden has done so, I shall be very pleased to learn the treatment given it. — H. P. Flower Garden. THE NIGHT-SCENTED TOBACCO. (SICOTIANA AFFINIS.) This well illustrates the fact that a really good plant will come quickly into favour provided no special ditliculty exists in its culture. It was first mentioned in The Garden of .July 0, 1881, by Mr. W. H. Cullingford, of Kensington, who appears to have been the first to introduce it. He received seeds from Hjeres, and showed a splendid plant at one of the evening fetes of the Koyal Botanic Society. No one has been deceived by the first appearance of this Nico- tiana, as wherever one goes, either in town or country, he will be sure to find it grown, espe- cially in suburban gardens, where few things as a rule do well. In the evening, when the flowers are open, the fragrance is the strongest, and the bold long-stalked flowers have a pecu- liar efl'ect in the dim twilight. It does well in pots for the decoration of the conservatory and groups in the border look well. A bed on the grass tilled with plants is very etfective. A somewhat sheltered position is necessary, as rough winds give the plants a ragged appear- ance. It also requires a rich soil and plenty of moisture during dry weather. I have found that when the winter is not too severe the roots live and the plants start strongly in the spring, coming into flower much earlier than those which have been raised from seed and planted out. W. T. Lobelias for stock.— I was very much inter- ested in the note by " E. J.'' on p. 334 respecting keeping up a stock of Lobelia. Everyone who has had to keep up a large stock of this plant knows the liability of the plants, not only to damp, as " E. J." describes, but also to take mildew badly, a condition of things quite fatal to raising a large or healthy stock. As your corre- spondent says, such a method cannot be too widely known, and I for one am greatly obliged to him for the simple but useful hint. As I am situated I have not a great demand for this or any other bedding plant, but I have known the time when such a stock as he describes would have been invaluable. — H. K. Fuchsia fulgens planted out. — Despite the innumerable varieties of Fuchsia that we have now in gardens, some of the original species still hold their own, being, at least in a few instances, particularly showy and quite distinct from the hybrid forms so generally grown. The tendency towards mixed beds in the flower garden during the summer months, which has made con- siderable headway of late years, has led to F. fulgens being grown more now than was at one time the case, as it is well suited for such treat- ment. Numerous examples of it have been very satisfactory in many of the London parks during the past summer, and a bed of it at Kew near the Palm house was throughout the latter part of the season very attractive. The entire bed was filled with this Fuchsia alone, which grew freely, thus presenting a mass of its handsome rugose foliage set off by numbers of its showy blossoms. — T. A pretty mixed bed. — A large round bed here, planted in the following manner, has been greatly admired during the past season. In the first place, Lilium speciosum and Lilium Kra?tzeri were planted three bulbs together about 5 feet apart, and not nearer the edge of the bed than 4 feet. Next came dwarf flowering Cannas, set out about the same distance apart, and which reached to within 18 inches of the margin of the bed. Lord Beaconsfield and Lady Heytesbury Fuchsias were planted round the Cannas, and then Betteridge's Quilled Asters were thinly disposed all over the bed, and the groundwork filled in with Sedum Fabaria, the same forming the outside ring or edging to the bed. About the middle of September, when the whole of these plants were in full bloom, this bed formed a " H.'s " plan is an excellent one for those growers who are short of glass space, especially when there is an absence of the means of early seed- raising. Cuttings strike freely enough on a warm manure bed or in propagating pits, and a stock can soon be worked up in this way. From seed, however, it is quite as easy ; in fact, more so, be- cause careful sowing and watering ensure a suffi- ciency of plants from one sowing, and once pricked out no further anxiety remains. — S. October climbers in South Devon. — The large purple stars of Clematis Jackmani have for the most part disappeared, though here and there a few belated blossoms may still be seen. Varie- ties of C. lanuginosa are still holding their wide- spread pale lavender and white blooms, while C. songarica creates a pretty efi'ect now that it is covered with its feathery seed-vessels. C. Vitalba, the Traveller's Joy or Old Man's Beard, is also particularly decorative at the present time, espe- cially when garlanding tall evergreens with its smoke-grey trails. Some lofty Ilexes are now objects of great beauty, so thickly is their dark green foliage mantled by the growths of this Tlie Night-scented Tobacco {Nicotiana affinis). From a pJioiograph sent by Mr. J, T, Newman, Berkhamsted, charming picture. This Sedum might be used a great deal more often than it is, either alone or in conjunction with other subjects, its masses of pink flowers being always effective. — A. W. Lobelias from seed.— On p. 254 " H." points out the uncertainty of Lobelias from seed, and advocates cuttings for next year's supply. Except for carpet bedding, where, of course, uniformity is most desirable, seedlings can be obtained quite true enough for edgings or carpeting ; indeed, from a reliable source one gets seed so true to character, that very rarely are there any " rogues." No one can deny that seed-raising in spring is far less trouble than having to save one's store plants throughout the winter, especially when stock has to be potted up in summer and grown for several months. It is quite true, as "H." says, that Lobelias winter much better if established early in pots. Lifted in autumn, damp is a great enemy to late-potted Lobelias, though the precaution of topping them and getting a new growth just prior to lifting obviates this to a great extent. Clematis, whose rope-like stems hang from the boughs in a fashion that recalls the lianas of the tropics. CobK'a scandens is still bearing its cupped blooms of deep purple, and Eccremocarpus scaber shows an infrequent orange-yellow flower- spray. Lapagerias, both red and white, are yet in bloom on a shady north wall, and the blue Passion Flower is bright with its thickly strung oval fruits of clear orange hue. Plumbago capen- sis in a sheltered nook carried its pale blue bloom- trusses through the greater portion of the month, and Solanum jasminoides at the commencemen of October was at its loveliest, every swaying spray from the eaves downward being terminated by a many-flowered white bloom cluster, the whole forming a very cataract of blossom. Tropseolum tuberosum has retained its gorgeous appearance through the entire month, its orange and scarlet blossoms standing well out from the foliage, form- ing a bright flower fringe to the green back- ground. T. Lobbianum has also created a bril- liant effect with its scarlet flowers on a cottage November 11, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 385 wall, and I noticed a vermilion trail of T. spe- ciosum on (he horizontal bough of a Yew in the early days of the month. The Virginian Creepers have been especially attractive, their glowing colours having doubtless been enhanced by the hob summer, Vitis inconstans in particular being remarkable for the richness of its colouring. Many of the Vines have been very decorative, V. humulifolia presenting a pretty picture early in the month with its bunches of turquoise berries. — S. W. F. Crocus speciosus Aitchisoni. — To some of us at least the later flowering of this variety of the ever useful Crocus speciosus is a merit of no mean order. It is not everyone, of course, who cares for the Crocus in the late months of the year, and to such it seems unseasonable. Many of us, however, look upon these late blossoms as precious things, bringing us pleasure at a dull season. Those of like mind with me will not regret making the acquaintance of Dr. Aitchson's Crocus. In my garden it comes into bloom when the flowers of the type, in a practically similar position, are over. Nor is this later blooming its only recommendation. It is also noteworthy for its larger flowers, of equal beauty to those of the older form. To-day (October 23) it is only about a quarter of an inch above the soil, and cannot open for some time to come. Crocus speciosus Aitchisoni is an excellent grower in the light soil in which it is planted here, and gives little trouble beyond keeping deep-rooting weeds from trespassing upon it and giving it a slight annual top-dressing. Its flowers, like those of the type, are very pleasing with their purple lines and feathering on the blue ground of the main colouring of the segments. Although Dr. Aitchison's Crocus was rather high in price on its first introduction it is now much cheaper, and a few bulbs, or rather corms, are not beyond the reach of most admirers of hardy bulbous flowers.— S. Arnott, Carsethorn, by Dumfries. Callistephus sinensis. — The caution re- garding this single-flowered form of the China Aster on p. 348 is particularly well- timed, for it has attracted a good deal of attention lately, and while personally I think it a delightful flower, yet many prefer the double blossoms, and would be disappointed to find it almost a counterpart of some that were destroyed directly they showed their true character, for the practice of eradicat- ing the plants bearing single or serai-double blos- soms has been rigorously followed for years. We shall, however, now probably see this Callistephus grown regularly in the future, and in addition to the form of which a coloured plate appeared in The Garden of March 26 last year we may ex- pect other colours now that attention has been directed to the beauty of the single-flowered kinds. — H. P. Is not this plant simply a single China Aster ? Certainly I have seen it only at the Drill Hall, but I gather from Mr. John Weather's note that it is but an annual and needs the same treat- ment any ordinary annual Aster does. If this be so, would it not have been much better to have in- troduced it to commerce as a single-flowered annual Aster under the name of Mauve Beauty or some such name, as being then so much more likely to catch on with the flower-loving community than if ofifered under its botanical appellation ? That it is a very charming garden flower there can be no doubt. Lovers of pleasing single flowers and of a soft and charming hue of colour will like it immensely. It simply needs treating as an ordinary Aster. — A. D. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Qerbsra Jamesoni. — Thia ig one of those striking plants that attract a good deal of attention even in small quantities. This latter phase, however' for the present appears almost characteristic, for only by solitary flower-heads is one now and again reminded of its beauty, and not least its value in a cut state. It is one of those plants that not a few culti- vators would like to see plentiful, or at least obtain- able at a cheap rate. — E. J. Helianthus H. G. Moon. — Those in want of one of the boldest of the Suniiower family should add this fine kind. It is one of the H. multiflorus group, and more closely approaches H. multiflorus raaximus in stature than any other. Side by side with this it may not be widely removed in point of colour, yet I am inclined to regard the above — -speaking entirely from memory — as having less pointed florets. In any case it is a fine subject where bold effect is desired. — E. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. November 7. There was a great falling ofl' in the number and extent of the exhibits on Tuesday last, owing no doubt in some degree to the Chrysanthemum shows, both suburban and local. It is well known that both this week and next the majority of these exhibitions are being held ; hence it need not cause any surprise if the first meeting in this month is a smaller one than usual It was worth the journey, however, to see the charming exhibit of Nerines from Mr. Elwes, many of which are quite unique both in their character and colouring, being perfect gems in their way. Fine as the Chrysanthemum may be and appropriate to the season also, these Nerines are not one whit behind as regards beauty ; no finer plants at this season could be desired for indoor decoration. A large group of Begonias (Gloire de Lorraine and Mrs. Leopold de Roth- schild) came from (lunnersbury and made a pleasing display. Conifers of useful size and dis- tinct character came from Bagshot. Chrysanthe- mums were shown in excellent condition from two or three sources. Orchids were not numer- ous, the best being Cattleya labiata in variety, than which there is not a finer autumnal flower in its class. Fruit exhibits were also limited, owing no doubt to the reasons already given. Fine collections of Apples and Pears were, how- ever, sent from Belvoir and also from another source. Orchid Oommittee. First-class certificates were awarded to the following : — Cattleya labiata. — Strange to say, no record exists of this well-known Cattleya having been certificated. Plants were shown by Mr. R. I. Measures, Mr. A. H. Smee and Mr. Leopold de Rothschild. Mr. Measures showed a plant with eleven flowers, Mr. Smee two cut flowers, and Mr. Rothschild a group of cut flowers, illustrating the varied forms. This species is too well known to need description here. Cattleya lai5l\ta alba Prlncess of Wales. — This is a lovely form, the petals beautifully crisped on the margin, the lip white, with indis- tinct tracings of rose on the centre area of the front lobe and bright orange-yellow through the throat. It is one of the most distinct and beautiful forms of the white C. labiata. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea. Cattleya labiata Gilmoitria. — A grand form, with pure white sepals and petals, the front lobe of the lip white around the margin, the whole of the centre area deep crimson-purple ; the side lobes white, shading to yellow at the base and through the throat. It somewhat resembles C. 1. Cooksonia; (previously certificated), but the blotch in the centre of the lip is larger and of a deeper colour. The plant carried a two-flowered raceme. From Mrs. Briggs-Bury, Bank House, Darlington. An award of merit was given to — Denhrobium CiELoriYNE. — This is an old and well-known species, the sepals and petals greenish yellow, suffused and barred with deep brown, the whole of the front lobs of the lip deep, almost blackish brown, the side lobes green, spotted brown, having some yellow at the base. The plant carried fifteen flowers and buds. From Messrs. H. Low and Co., Bush Hill, Enfield. Messrs. H. Low and Co. were awarded a silver Banksian medal for a nice group consisting prin- cipally of Cattleya labiata in varied tints and forms, Lielia trentonensis, several varieties of Oncidium Forbesi, a plant of the lovely Sobralia Lindeni, the sepals and petals blush-white, the lip white, splashed with two shades of colour on the disc and through the throat, and a plant of the distinct Catasetum callosum with ten of its green and brown flowers. The distinct Cypripe- dium insigne Laura Kimball was also included. The top of the dorsal sepal of this is white, shading to greenish yellow, veined with deeper green at the base. The petals and lip have a greenish yellow ground colour, with a light sufi"u- sion of brown. Mr. E. Kromer, West Croydon, was awarded a bronze Banksian medal for a col- lection of about eighteen varieties of Cattleya labiata. The most distinct were C. 1. Kromeraa, a distinct and pretty form, the sepals and petals having a blue tinge, the lip pale, almost white around the margin, with a distinct blotch of plum-purple in the centre. Another distinct form had rose-tinted flowers throughout. Several remarkable dark varieties were also included. A good variety of C. granulosa with a five-flowered raceme was also attractive. Mr. J. Douglas, Great Bookham, was awarded a bronze Banksian medal for fourteen distinct varieties of Cattleya labiata (cut flowers), also four spikes of C. Harrisoniie, three spikes of Aerides nobile, three flowers of Cypripedium Juno, and Otlogyne Massangeana. Mr. R. B. White, Arddarroch, was awarded a silver Banksian medal for a group of cut spikes (about twenty-one distinct varieties) of Odonto- glossum crispum. The most prominent were O. c. Geraldine, the sepals delicate rose, tinted with a darker shade, and a few brown spots in the centre, the petals lighter than the sepals, and beautifully fringed on the margin. The base and central portion are thickly covered with minia- ture brown spots, the lip white, with a large blotch of brown in the centre. Major Joicey sent flowers of Cattleya labiata. Sir F. Wigan showed a pale variety of Cattleya labiata, C. Bowringiana concolor, similar to that known as C. B. lilacina, and Lajlia pumila (Low's variety), in which the sepals and petals are white, faintly tinted with rose, the lip deep violet, margined and mottled with white in front, the side lobes white, shading to deep yellow at the base. Mr. A. S. Hitchins, Clynton, St. Austell, Cornwall, sent Cypripedium Hitchins.-e (insigne montanum X Charlesworthi). The dorsal sepal is white, spotted with purple in the centre, shading to green, and spotted brown at the base, the petals greenish, suijused with brown, the pouch yellow, suffused with brown. Mr. M. Gillespie sent a yellow ground form of Odontoglossum Andersoni- anum. Mr. E. Ashworth showed Cypripedium insigne George Ashworth. Several hybrid Cypri- pediums were also included, consisting of the following crosses : Harrisianum superbum X Druryi, the dorsal sepal white, purple at the base : and lo grande x Charlesworthi, in which the influence and intermediate characters of the parents could be plainly discerned. C. Chamber- lainianum with varieties of insigne were also in- cluded. Mr. N. Cookson sent a hybrid resem- bling forms of Lselio-Cattleya Dicea with two flowers. Mr. Leopold de Rothschild showed ten varieties (cut flowers) of Cattleya labiata. Floral Committee. The following were granted the award of merit : — Begon'L\ Caledonia. — This is a first-class addi- tion to this family, and a plant likely to be much in request in the future. It is a pure white variety, a sport probably from the well-known Gloire de Lorraine. In all other respects save the colour it is the counterpart of the typo. From Mr. J. Forbes, Hawick, N.B. An'tholyza .t;TUioi'iCA viTTiOERA. — This is fortunately a re-introduction of a plant lost to cultivation. The plant possesses the growth of the strongest Montbretia or a small Gladiolus. 386 THE GARDEN. [November 11, 1899. In the multiplicity of its growths from the corms it favours the former group, the leaf-blades being about '2 feet long, or nearly so. From this in Montbretia form the flower-spikes issue. These are quite 2^ feet long and carry numerous flowers which in colour are orange-scarlet, the tubular portion without being of a yellow tone. The blossoms are composed of six unequal segments, the upparmoat nearly 2i inches long, curving slightly, and extending completely over the sta- mens. The fiery colour renders the plant most attractive. It was received about eighteen months ago from Port Elizabeth in the shape of small Crocus-like corms, since which time it has attained quite vigorous proportions. It is fortunate so attractive a plant is so vigorous and free in growth. At present only two potfuls of this are known to be in this country. From Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poij, Cheshunt. Violet Mrs. J. J. Astob. — A welcome addi- tion to the double-fiowering Violets, the colour described as pink and heliotrope. We saw neither the one nor the other of these shades, and would prefer to call it dark reddish lilac. Indeed it is almost exactly the dark tone that is seen on the outside of the single pips of some of the darker coloured lilac blossoms. The flowers are large, fully double and fragrant. From Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford Lodge, Dorking (gardener, Mr. Bain). NerineMissWillmott. — A remarkably striking shade of brilliant orange scarlet, the orange being almost flame-like in intensity. From Mr. H. J. Elwes, Colesborne, Gloucestershire (gardener, Mr. Lane). Nekine Mrs. Berkeley. — An entirely new shade and one of the most decided novelties of the year. The colour is of two shades of salmon, intense salmon prevailing, the margin of the petals being of a paler salmon hue. A very strik- ing plant. From Mr. Elwes. Nerine Mrs. Godman. — This is also a decided novelty, yet one most difiicult to describe. It is, however, one of those flowers wherein rose and magenta mingle to a large extent and to an almost equal degree. From Mr. H. .J. Elwes. Compared with many past exhibitions, this one was decidedly small, much vacant space Ijeing noticeable. This is of course directly due to attractions elsewhere. One of the largest exhibits before this committee, however, was that of Bego- nias from Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, Gunners- bury House, Acton (Mr. J. Hudson, gardener), which completely filled one side table, the two varieties being Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and its sport, Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild. The former is well known, the latter is the large pink sport that originated at Gunnersbury House. This is not only a decided change of colour, but the blossoms are also larger and of a pleasing pink. The newer kind is of firmer, denser habit of growth and a model of a good pot plant. All the plants were admirably grown and flowered, something like 120 excellent examples being staged. A silver- gilt Flora medal was awarded. A batch of some four dozen blooms of Chrysanthemums, all Japan- ese, came from Mr. Chas. E. Shea, Foots Cray (Mr. Miller, gardener). Some of the blooms were of high order, showing excellent culture. A few of the more noticeable were Sunderbruck, fine golden yellow ; Dorothy Shea, bronze ; Lord Cromer, crimson and gold, very fine ; Miss Elsie Teichmann, pearly white; Lady Ridgway, salmony buff, shaded gold; Oceana, very fine yellow; Mutual Friend and Gustave Henry, grand whites ; Lady Hanham, rosy cerise, with gold ; Edith Tabor, Pride of Madf ord , Lionel Humphreys, reddish crim- son, Mons. Chenon de Leche, &c. (silver Flora). From Messrs. J. Waterer and Sons, Bagshot, came an excellent group of conifers of medium size and well grown. These comprised such things as Abies Nordmanniana, Retinospora fili- fera, R. pibifera, R. p. aurea. Thuja occidentalis, Abies Hookeri, very distinct and compact ; Cryp- tomeria elegans, Sciadopitys verticillata, a beau- tifully compact example, 3 feet high, of this rather scarce plant ; Cupressus Lawsoniana densa, Librocedrus decurrens variegata, Taxus hiber- nica Standishi, T. grandis, Juniperus japonica aurea, and others, all well furnished (silver Flora medal). Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, staged a collection of the hybrid greenhouse Rhodo- dendrons, which seem possessed of a perpetus.l flowering character, while Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. contributed a well-flowered batch of Statices, probably S. Butcheri, the colour of which is very fine. A small collection of cut Chrysanthemums from Mr. W. Wells, Earlswood, Surrey, included the fine decorative kind Etoile de Feu, Lord Salisbury, a large flower of a pale primrose tint ; Miss Lucy Cheeseman, rich gold ; Margaret Silhol, pure white ; Francois Pilon, a deep golden Japanese incurved ; Silver Queen, delicate rosy lilac ; T. W. Barkis, white ; Sir Herbert Kitchener, &c. From Mr. H. J. Elwes, Coles- borne Park, near Gloucester (Mr. Lane, gardener), came a beautiful assortment of Nerines, all seed- lings, as yet unnamed. A few of the most promising have already been noted, but here also in a group of several dozen plants all in flower were many notable forms, and every con- ceivable shade of pink, rose, flesh, pale salmon, with nearly pure white or these with a scarlet rib, and others of intense colour, showing in no small degree the remarkable range of colour and not less so of form and beauty that is obtainable when discretion and judgment go hand in hand with the hybridist. Even the poorest of these things would be very beautiful in the cut state, and seeing the little room occupied in their cul- ture, it is surprising that greater interest is not centred in these plants (silver Banksian medal). In a cut state the Sweet Violets from Mr. H. Rogers, Rendlesham Hall Gardens, Woodbridge, were very beautiful, the varieties Marie Louise and De Parme being those shown. The former is much the darker of these two double kinds, the flowers being very large in each case. A box of plants of the first named was also shown (bronze Banksian medal). A Tree or perpetual-flowering Carnation called Oxford Yeoman came from the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace (Mr. T. Whillans, gardener). It is a Ecarlet - flowered kind possessing but very few petals. Mr. W. Seward, The Firs, Hanwell, had the following Chrysanthemums : Thos. Stephenson, bronze. May Neville and W. H. Whitehouse, red-lilac. The Hon. W. H. Smith, Greenlands, Henley-on- Thames (Mr. Henry Perkins, gardener), had Chrysanthemums H. Perkins, Jun., gold and bronze, and the Hon. W. H. Smith, a crimson velvet shade, good in colour. Mr. J. Corbett, Malgrave Castle, Whitby, also had one or two Chrysanthemums, the most telling being a rich yellow sort named Jessie Corbett. The flowers were, however, small, and not equal to those of present-day kinds. Fruit Committee. A first-class certificate was given to — Pear Emile d'Heyst. — Very fine samples, flesh soft and rich in flavour. It has been long in com- merce, but its merits had not been previously recognised. It is a good cropper and has a strong constitution. From Mr. G. Woodward, Barbara Court, Maidstone. Awards of merit were given to — Apple Miss Philumore. — Fruits of medium size, much in shape resembling those of Cox's Pomona, one of the parents. The flesh is of ex- cellent flavour. From Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Maidstone. Cabbaoe St. Martins.— One of several tried at Chiswick and sent up from the gardens ; heads round, solid, white, turning in early. From a cross between Christmas Defiance and the Rosette Colewort. From Mr. G. Wythes, Syon Gardens, Brentford. A collection of fifty dishes of Apples and thirty dishes of Pears was shown by Mr. Divers, gardener to the Duke of Rutland. The samples were good generally having regard to the district and climate, and were chiefly of Apples grown on bush trees on the Paradise stock, and of Pears on horizontal trained trees on walls. These latter were quite^old, whilst the Apple trees have been planted within a few years. Good samples of Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King, Dewdney's Seedling (like Stone's Pippin), Bis- marck, Stirling Castle, Pine-apple (like Waltham Abbey Seedling), Newton Wonder, Alfriston, Bramley's Seedling, Tower of Glamis, Wellington, Prince Albert, and Lord Derby were prominent. Of dessert varieties there were capital Rosemary Russet, Ribston Pippin, Worcester Pearmaio, Cox's Orange Pippin, AUington Pippin (very handsome), Bess Pool, Ross Nonpareil, f4olden Winter Pearmain, Reinette du Caux, Cockle Pippin, and others. Of Pears there were excellent samples of Huyshe's Victoria, Easter Beurre, B. Clairgeau, Emile d'Heyst, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Jean van Geert, very rich colour : Gilogil, very fine ; Beurre Diel, Beurre Ranee, and others. The entire collection was prettily dressed with coloured foliage, feathery blossoms of the wild Clematis, and highly coloured Dart- mouth Crabs (silver-gilt Knightian medal). The other collection from Kent was that of a well-known market grower, Mr. A. J. Thomas, Rodmersham, Sittingbourne, who set up seventy- eight dishes of Apples and thirty -nine of Pears, nearly all very fine samples. Some exception was taken to the fact that several duplicate dishes were staged, a practice which the committee agreed must not be repeated. The Pears included Beurr^ Samoyeau, like a richly coloured BeurrS Clairgeau, which also was shown ; Belle de Thomas, large green obtuse fruits ; Princess, Bellissime d'Hiver, Marie Louise, Duchesse d'An- gouleme, Belle Fouqueray, Columbia, Doyennfi du Comice, Grosse Calebasse, &o. ; and of Apples the dessert included very fine clean Cox's Orange Pippin, Court Pendu Plat, Claygate Pearmain, Worcester Pearmain, Carlisle Castle (like Gas- coigne's Scarlet), Baumann's Red, Egremont Russet, Gooseberry Pippin, Scarlet Nonpareil, Blenheim Pippin, Ribston Pippin, &c. Of cooking kinds, very fine were Prince Albert, The Queen, Lord Derby, Newton Wonder, Royal Jubilee, Gloria Mundi, Chelmsford Wonder, Bismarck, Lady Henniker, Mere de Mi-nage, Striped Beau- fin, (iolden Noble, Yorkshire Beauty, and Withington Fillbasket (silver ■ gilt Knightian medal). Mr. Vokes, Winchester, sent a small Apple, said to be the sweetest grown, but the sample hardly bore out that assertion. He also sent samples of a large Cobnut, said to be a chance seedling. It was agreed to ask for samples in the coats, also that Gosford Cobs be obtained for comparison. Mr. Allan, gardener to Lord Sutiield, Gunton Park, Suffolk, showed huge General Todtleben Pears, some 2 lbs. each in weight, from a south wall. Mr. C. Ross, gar- dener to Captain Carstairs, Welford Park, New- bury, sent an Apple named Tyro, from Welford Park Beauty and Pearson's Plate, also Pear McKinley, raised from Ne plus Meuris x Duchesse d'Angoulume ; fruit medium sized, having the form of Ne plus Meuris. It was very sweet, but had little flavour. Messrs. James Veitch and Sons had a large dish of a Crab named Mr. L. de Rothschild, raised by crossing John Downie Crab with Cox's Orange Pippin. It was pretty. Mr. R. Morrow, Leominster, had a pretty rich-coloured Apple, Robt. Morrow. Mr. G. Woodward, gardener to Mr. Roger Leigh, Barbara Court, Maidstone, sent very large fruit? of Cox's Orange Pippin and a sraaller sample to show greater fitness for the dessert. Mr. R. Handley, gardener to Miss Breton, Sandhurst, Berks, had fine blanched Cardoons. FRENCH CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. At Lyons on November .3 to 12 the above society, which has only been established four years and which has now held its fourth annual show and congress, and numbers nearly 000 members, had a most attractive gathering, at which a number of well-known Chrysanthemum admirers and growers of various nationalities were present. The schedule made full provision for a representative exhibi- tion, and there were numerous works of art, gold, silver-gilt, and silver medals offered aa November 11, 1899. J THE GARDEN. 387 prizes in the various classes. Among the exhibi- tors of new seedlings, Messrs. Vilmorin and Co., Ernest Calvat, Heraud, de Reydellet, Chantrier, Bonnefons, and W. Wells were the chief, and the floral committee of the society were engaged in a long and somewhat difficult task in making the awards, one of the exhibitors contributing no fewer than fifty-four novelties. Several first-class certificates were awarded to M. Calvat, whose blooms were bright, clean, and fresh, and of gigantic size, being by far the best in the show. Mme. AdMe Cordonnier Wibaux, a fine reddish crimson Japanese with gold reverse ; M. O. de Meulenaere, a deep chestnut-crimson Japanese incurved ; Mme. Alice Capitant, a pretty sul- phur-white, tinted deeper in the centre ; Mme. L. Druz, deep apricot-yellow, with golden centre ; SalomtJ, a fine golden - yellow self ; Mme. de Franqueville, rosy salmon, with golden reverse ; Marquis Visconti-Venosta, deep rosy amaranth, with reverse of silvery pink ; and Mme. Victor Delavier, very pale blush, very deservedly re- ceived first-class certificates. In the cut bloom classes there were many exhibits, but the arrangement of them difl'ers considerably from ours here in England, as does the general aspect of the show. In order to pre- vent any monotony in the arrangement the show is divided into groups of plants and blooms, which are arranged in beds on the level of the ground, and in some cases after the judging is over to improve the general effect, exhibitors' lots are mingled, which renders it difficult sometimes to particularise. Inasmuch, however, as the French exhibitors are not generally known to the main body of our growers and readers there will be no need to deal with the exhibits separately, and it must suffice to say that in the sections for cut blooms the best from an English point of view were such as President Nonin, Oceana, Mme. M. Ricoud (a beautiful shade of bright pinkish rose), Mme. Rozain, Mme. Deis, Secretaire Rivoire, Mrs. C. Harman-Payne, M. Louis Remy, G. J. Warren, Marie Calvat, N.C.S. Jubilee, &c. Chrysanthemums in pots were largely repre- sented, as is always the case at these continental shows. At Lyons a great feature is the large- flowered dwarf-growing varieties, and of these there was almost any number. M. Choulet, of the Municipal Gardens at the Park Tete d'Or, has practised this method with much success, and it seems to be generally adopted by his fellow townsmen. The city of Lyons contributed (not for competition) a large oval bed of these, and among them varieties such as La Colosse Greno- blois, Mrs. C. Harman-Payne, Van den Heede, Mme. E. Roger {the curious green variety), Mme. Deis, M. Louis RiSmy, Iserette, Surpasse Amiral, Australian Gold, Mme. Gustavo Henry, Eliane (new). Souvenir de Molines, Mme. Carnot, Mme. Aristide Rey (new), and others figured very conspicuously. Messrs. Rivoire and Son, M. Rozain, M. Boucharlat, Messrs. Biessy and Com- bet, and M. Charmet also were prominent exhibitors in the group classes. In the middle of the hall was a large circular group from Messrs. Vilmorin - Andrieux and Co., very bright in colour and well arranged. The principal varieties known to English exhibitors that it contained were N.C.S. Jubilee, Phctbus, Pride of Madford, Marie Calvat, Mme. Ed. Roger, W. Seward, Reine d'Angleterre, W. Tricker, C. Davis, Mrs. C. Harman Payne, General Paquie, and President Nonin. Very charming were some of the floral decora- tions, and in this department Messrs. Biessy and Combet distinguished themselves by the light, delicate arrangement of some of their vases and baskets. Dinner-table decorations were also in- cluded. Miscellaneous groups of Palms, Ferns, fine-foliaged plants, &c., were not wanting. Some Dahlias, Cannas, Cacti, standard Roses, and other things of the kind were arranged round the sides and ends of the show room, and lent their variety to the general effect. Fruit was also shown, Grapes, Apples, and Pears bemg the chief, M. Henry Fatzer, of the Forceries de I'Aisne, making a fine display of his Cannon Hall Muscat, Gros Colman, Black Alicante, and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, about a dozen bunches in all, under a glass case, and for which a special award was made of a work of art in bronze. In the grounds there was a good display of Mag- nolias, Bamboos, conifers, ornamental shrubs, and gardening tools and implements. The conference was an important part of the proceedings and extended over two days. M. Vigor occupied the chair at the first sitting, and on the platform were representatives of the English, French and Italian National Chrysan- themum Societies. A welcome was given by M. Maximo de la Rocheterie to those present. Subjects of interest relating to the popular flower were dis- cussed, M. Gerard leading off with a paper on cross-fertilisation, and showing the influence of the male and the female parents on the progeny. Following him came M. Chitilot, who discoursed on insect pescs and maladies, and of which he said there were forty-one. The rust and remedies were explained and discussed, and this gentle- man's paper was rendered the more interesting by a series of coloured drawings of the various insects and diseased leaves upon which he was treating. Other speakers followed. On the second day the conference was resumed, M. Maximo de la Rocheterie presiding. Further papers and discussions ensued, and these being brought to a close, the numerous company adjourned to the Park TOte d'Or, there to inspect the municipal greenhouses, the winter garden, the botanic garden and the alpine garden. A lunch to the jury — a grand banquet presided over by M. Viger — formed part of the entertainment, and as the weather was exceptionally favourable even for that district, the whole proceedings were specially enjoyable. National Chrysanthemum Society Owing to pressure on our space we have been obliged to hold over the report of this show till our next issue. Notes of the Week. Begonia Gloire de Loiraine. — It is doubtful if any other variety can equal this lovely Begonia when grown in small pots (-l-inoh to .5-incb) for autumn decoration. It is a continuous bloomer over a prolonged period and ia a good lighting-up colour, which is most essential. — Growkk. Clerodendron triehotomum, referred to in last week's G.\kden' as flowering in Devonshire, also flowered well at Penrhyn Castle, Carnarvonshire. Two small trees, each about 7 feet high, were covered with the pretty and very aweet-seented blnssoma dur- ing September. — P., Penrhyn Castle, N. Wales. Salvia Pitcheri. — If not remarkable for com- pactness of habit, this pretty Sage is certainly note- worthy for ita spikea of diatinctly- coloured flowers. Small though these undoubtedly are, they are singu- larly attractive, and, appearing here and there amid foliage of quite distinct character, the result is very pleasincr. A heavy rainfall. — Late in the afternoon of Friday, the 2ud inst.,a batch of S.j-inch pots with watertight bottoma was placed in the open, being quite empty at the time. There were possibly a dozen or so of this size. Rain fell more or less steadily all Friday night, and the following morning nearly 4 inches of water were found in them. As it still rained and showed no sign of abatement, the pota remained, and on Sunday at 10. .30 a.m. were full to the rim. — K. J., Hampton Hill. Tibouchina maorantha. — The large saucer- like blooms borne by this are always admired. The plant is particularly fine in the waning months of the year, not merely for its attractiveness .as a flower- ing plant, but for ita distinct and striking aspect. Most frequently the plant is seen in small 'oush form, which ia leas striking than as grown at Kew. Here, trained near the roof -glass, the plant seem# quite con- tent, as evidenced by the large number and the fine colour of the flowers produced week by week. That planting out agrees with it is plain, and worthy of imitation. Anomatheoa cruenta.— This charming little South African bulb haa seeded freely with me this year on a sunny rockery. I grew all my bulbs from I seed sent me by a Cornish friend in whose garden it grows like a weed. I find no difficulty in raising them, and, unlike most bulbs, they bloom freely the year after being sown. I sow out of doors where they are to bloom iu April, and having more seeds than I can use I shall be pleased to forward some to any of your readers who care to have same as long as my supply lasts,— Heriiekt E. Molyneux, Brantwood, Culverden Road, Baltiam, S.W. Primula floribunda. — This is certainly one of the moat abundant bloomers of the whole genus, and, with the exception of P. obconica, will hold its own against all comers. As one of those easily managed plants that come so freely from seed it is a desirable subject in small pota whpre fringe plants are employed in the conaervatory. or in groupa and each hke. A weak point, perhaps, iu this speciea is the shortneas of the main flowering stem, and greater boldness in this reapect would be a gain. There is a pale prim- rose-coloured form of this plant, and, though somewhat larger iu the blossoms individually, it ia perhaps lacking the chief quality of the original kind, viz., its striking richness. Anemone Pulsatilla. — I notice a note iu your number of 4th inst. from J. Cornhill on the results of sowing home-grown seed of this beautiful Anemone. I had some very good seed from one of my plants this year and sowed them as soon as ripe. They came up even sooner than Mr. Cornhill mentions, and I have now a good stock of thia valuable Anemone. — G. W., Mount Usher, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. Although I have raised this Anemone from seed, 1 have never had it germinate so soon after being sown aa your correspondent Mr. J. Cornhill. I must admit, however, that my usual practice haa been to sow in spring from want of the accommodation for a number of small seedlings in winter. Fresh seeda do not always remain for the twelve montha mentioned by your correspondent. Frequeatly seeds obtained from seedsmen are, however, qu^te that time before germinating. As a general rale, few of the Ane- monea germinate so quickly as A. coronaria. Your contributor's experience ia likely to be useful to some who may wish to grow the Pasque Flower from seed — a convenient way of raising a number of plants at a small cost. If I remember aright, the shortest time taken by A. Pulsatilla to germinate here was about two months. — S. Ar.xott. Sternbergia lutei. — Here on a limestone soil Sternbergia lutea comes up year after year without any attention being paid to it. Last year the soil of the border had to be raised, and the bulbs were dug up and replanted, to the manife&t improvement of the flowers this year. Two flowers among the lot turned up of a large si/.e and decided Tulip shape. These I apprehend to be the trae S. macrantha, a aomewhat rare species. Is anything known of S. colchiciflora with a Jasmiue-acented blossom ? I have not been able to obtain it. — Sherboune, Gloucester. Unfortunately, Sternbergia lutea does not ap- paar to be any the better of t'lo plan of leaving it undieturbed here, although *' W. R." has proved it to be efficacious with him. I have bulbs here which have not been moved for eeveral years, but these have not bloomed since the year they were planted. The hope of inducing them to flower by adding lime to the soil will lead me to persevi re. I desire, however, to thank your contributor for his note. Tlie question of climate, which would occur to one, does not aeem to apply in my case, as iu a garden in the aame county, with an almost identical climate, the Sternbergia flowers regularly and freely. — S. Ahnott. When " W. R." on page 364 tells us that this bulb flowers every year in his gar- den, and that therefore it ought to do the same in Mr. Arnott's, he makes the error— too common with correspondents of gardening journals— of omitting to tell us where his garden is. It makes a great difference whether it is in Caithness or Cornwall, in Lancashire or county Cork. If, however, by the blue Bindweed " W. R." means the perennial Convolvulus mauritanicus, and not either Convolvulus major or C. minor, which are also blue Bindweeds, we may infer that the climate of his garden is mild, otherwise that Bindweed would not stand the winter. The fact is that the flowering of all Sternbergias in British gardens is subject to the soil and temperature of each garden. Nothing will make them flower regularly in my garden in Cheshire, where the mean summer temperature is low and the subsoil cold and wet. — C. Woli.kv- Dou, EiUjn Hall, ilalpaa. *»* The district referred to is Sussex ; soil 388 THE GARDEN. [November 11, 1899. rather heavy. We have seen it flowering very freely in Cambridgeshire, where the soil is quite sandy. A fault is not leaving it long enough in the same place. — Ed. Eranthemum pulchellum.— Formerly this well-known plant was justly prized for its free flowering and the colour of its blooms. Now, however, the plant is less frequently seen. The blue-flowered plants of late autumn and winter are not numerous, and this one at least, in con- sequence of its simple requirements, may be had in bloom for a long time. It is when associated with other things in the conservatory, where plants of a more or less enduring nature are necessary, that the above is found useful. Care- ful watering is necessary, water being given only to quite dry examples. Notes from a Cornish, garden.— The seeds of Clematis graveolens were only sown here in April, and this October it has flowered well out of doors. Tacsonia Van Volxemi was planted out of doors on a south wall two years ago, and has had no protection since. Three weeks ago two flowers came to perfection. Senecio pulcher is blooming for the second time, and Ipomaaa cosrulea has at last ripened its seeds out of doors. In the cool house Campanula Vidah is also flowering for the second time. The first flower-spikes were none of them cut down until the seeds were ripe. Cestrum aurantiacum is particularly free-flower- ing this autumn. — C. R. Chamserops Fortune! in fruit. — I send herewith a photograph of a plant of Cham;«rops Fortune!, one of two that have fruited here this season. This Palm usually blooms freely, but it was only this year I noticed that two of the specimens had female flowers. A fine, still day was chosen, and these bunches were fertilised with the abundant pollen from a male plant. The seeds, although plump and well filled, are not yet ripe, nor is it likely they will ripen now, the season being so far advanced, but it is inter- esting to see the Palms with these great masses of fruit. The photograph was taken by the Rev. Mr. Huband, of Killiskea, Ashford, Co. Wicklow. — George W.4i.i>ole, Mount Usher, Ashford, Co. WicMow. November flowers in Devon.— I am for- warding you herewith a specimen of South Devon November flowers of the open air in the shape of a spray of Lapageria rosea, a large plant of which is blossoming on a north wall at Gnaton Hall, near Plymouth. Many finer flower-sprays than that sent are now hanging on the same plant, but at too great a height to be easily accessible. Lapageria alba is also in flower on the same wall. The single white Macartney Rose is blossoming freely on a wall hard by, while on southern walls Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles and Abutilon vexillarium are in bloom, and a large bush of the Mexican Orange Flower (Choisya ternata) in an- other part of the garden is freely studded with its white bloom-clusters. — S. W. Fitziierbert. *»* Splendid in colour and in all ways. — Ed. Alyssum maritimum compactum.— There seems to be a diversity of opinion among your correspondents as to the origin of this plant : perhaps I can throw some light upon the matter. About eight or nine years ago I obtained from a friend, an amateur in the country, a few cuttings of this Alyssum, which I propagated and used for a small bed. Since then I have grown it extensively each season. Last spring I planted out over 3000 of it, and also distributed it in some other parks and gardens. It is very effective as an edging or as a groundwork for Begonia beds. I treat and propagate it precisely the same as Lobelia, the white variety of which I have quite discarded in favour of the Alyssum, which is a totally different thing from the old ragged annual ; in fact, there is no comparison between the two. — W. B. Gi.VGELL, Bai-enscom-t Park, Hammer- smith. Exacum macranthum.— The stove flowering plants that can equal this in richness of colouring are few, and, although very easily grown, the plant is, perhaps, among those things rarely seen in flower save now and f again in some botanic collection. Why the amateur and the private gardener generally cultivate it so sparingly is not easy to say. By regulating the time of sowing the seeds it is possible to have quite a succession of flowering plants during the autumn months. Well-grown examples of this tine stove annual will attain to a foot or 18 inches high. Though a native of Ceylon, the plant was originally dis- covered at a considerable altitude and on this account will be found to do well in a warm inter- mediate house, rather than in the warmest part of the stove. A point toguard against is thatof crowd- ing the seedlings while yet small. Above all things it is necessary to keep the young plants moving. The corolla when fully expanded is about 2 inches long, divided into five broad segments. Its colour is of the most intense purple-violet, very rich and striking. The flowers, borne in a terminal corymb, are rendered all the more attractive by reason of the rich yellow of the prominent anthers. A blizzard in Dublin. — A blizzard which passed over Dublin lately fell with especial violence upon Trinity College, whose grounds presented an appearance of extraordinary disorder and devastation. The portion of the park known as the "wilderness " was totally wrecked, nearly all of its fine old trees having been blown down. Some were uprooted, others — and these the largest — were snapped across, and in many cases trees were carried a distance of 15 yards or 20 yards. A great deal of injury was done in the college park and Fellows' garden. The force of the wind bent and twisted into almost every possible shape the wire railings along the engineering school. The damage done is very considerable, but the amount has not yet been estimated. Nothing, however, can replace the grand old trees which were such an ornament to the college grounds. — Times. *^* I am very sorry to say the above paragraph is too true. On Friday, November ,3, at 11..30a.m.,a sudden blizzard, or cyclone, swept over the college park, uprooting and breaking off Elms, Willows, Hawthorns, Sycamores, Maples and Poplars. Some of the old Elms and Poplars were decayed and of no great ornamental value, but fine Thorns, Canadian Maples and a spreading Wych Elm beside the "broad walk" could ill be spared. Fortunately, bad as the results of the storm proved, its track was a limited one, 60 yards or 70 yards only, and so a far larger number of trees escaped than was injured ; still in a park lying as it does in the centre of the city the loss was lamentable and in some cases well-nigh irreparable. The wind and rain , sleet, &c. , lasted about an hour, but the actual damage to the trees took place in half a minute at the outside. — F. W. B. Crocus longiflorus. — Some of the autumn Crocuses are not yet cheap enough to plant in sufficient quantity to delight us in fine autumns with a mass of their beautiful flowers. There are, however, some species not a whit less charming than those of high price, which are obtainable at a cost which would permit of their being planted in a free manner in many gardens. Crocus longi- florus is one of those. It is considerably more expensive than the spring-flowering Dutch Cro- cuses, but, when it can be procured from British firms of the highest class at a cost of 5s. (id. per 1000, or less, it cannot be said to be a price be- yond the reach of the average lover of flowers. It is, in point of beauty, worth far more. There are, as this is written (on November 6), several clumps in bloom here. Although the weather has been very stormy for some days, the scant sun- shine of to-day shows them in a bright and pleasing aspect, calculated to yield us more than a passing pleasure. Crocus longiflorus is truly a charming species, charming alike in its rosy lilac flowers and in the fragrance they possess. It is of remarkably free-flowering habit, and only needs to fully appreciate its beauty that the flowers should spring through a carpet of some low-growing plant wnich is not leafless when the Crocus is in bloom. It is abundant in South Italy, Malta, and Dalmatia. It was classed by Mr. George Maw in the section named Reticulati, on account of its corm tunics being composed of reticulated fibres. One can hardly refrain from expressing a hope that those who want to enjoy their gardens to the fullest extent will pay more attention to such flowers as this. — S. Arnott, Ciirstthorn, hy Dumfries, N.B. Crocus lasvigatus. — Under this name I have had for a few years a little Crocus which is almost an ideal one for blooming in autumn. It came to me from a trade source which is usually a re- liable one, but the colour does not tally with that given in the description of the species by Mr. J. G. Baker in his "Handbook of the Irideae." That work states that the segments are "white, concolorous, or the outer with three to five distinct stripes of lilac down the back." In my specimens there is a much larger proportion of lilac on the flowers than one would gather from the description by Mr. Baker. They, however, nearly approach the colour given in the catalogue of the firm from whom my corms were purchased, and the vendors are usually so careful in verify- ing the names of the plants they sell, that I think this Crocus is correctly named. The general character answers in other respects than colour to the description in the handbook by Mr. Baker, and there is considerable variation in the colouring of the Croei in their native habitats, so that one is inclined to rest satisfied with the name given. One advantage this Crocus possesses to justify the remark with which this note opens, i.e., that it is almost an ideal one for blooming in autumn. This consists in its exceedingly dwarf habit and the shortness of its tube. It is thus less exposed to the wild autumn winds and gales which, combined with the heavy rains which so often accompany them, are the potent enemies of the autumn-blooming Crocuses. Compared with some of the other species which come into bloom or are yet in flower beside it, the Crocus under notice is certainly small, but its less liability to premature destruction and its pretty appearance are merits of no slight degree. It also differs from most of the others in produc- ing its narrow, grassy leaves along with the flowers. This is, I think, a pretty feature which adds to the beauty of the little flowers. Crocus lasvigatus is said to come from the Greek moun- tains and the Cyclades, where, we are told, it grows from the sea level up to 2500 feet. It is quite hardy with me and never receives protec- tion of any kind, although its flowers would pro- bably be purer in colour if protected by a sheet of glass. — S. Arnott, Garsethorn, by Dumfries, N.B. Hardiness of the Japanese Maple. — I am astonished that a eoi-respondent on p. 342 of TnE Garden considers the Japanese Maples tender. Since 1882 about twenty of these shrubs have been planted out here, and tlinugh they had several times to endure 6" Fahr. without a cover, they never suffered cold and are in robust health.— O. F., Lehenhof. The weather in West Herts.— The past week was very warm, wet, and sunless. On two days the shade temperature rose to 60", which is a very high reading for so late in the year. With one exception the nights were also very unseasonably warm. Both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep the ground is at the present time about 4° warmer than is seasonable. During the week rain fell on all but one day, to the aggregate depth of over 2| inches, which is in excess of the average quantity for the whole month. For six minutes on the evening of the 3rd the rain was falling at the unusual rate of over an inch an hour. Since the month began eleven gallons of rainwater have come through the heavy soil gauge, and nearly as much through the light soil gauge. Both gauges are a yard square. In the last six days the sun has shone brightly for altogether only 3J hours.- E. M., Beikhamsted. "The English Flower Garden." — J7io- roughly revised, loith full descriptions of all the hest plants, their culture and arrangement, beautifully illustrated. Medium 8vo, 15s.; post free, 15s. 6(J. Bound in 2 vols. — sage-green morocco — for library or presentation, one guinea. Of all booksellers, ^c. THE GARDEN. No. 1461.— Vol. LVL] [NOVEMBER 18, 1899. Flower:— Bulbs, planting small and choiee - .- .. 390 Crown Imperial, dark- flowered S90 Daisies, Michaelmas _ .. 390 Funkia subcordata gracdi- flora .. .. _ 390 Montbretiaa, hybrid .. .. 3£9 Plants in bloom in the lole of Wight .. .- .. .. 390 Poppy, Mr. Moon's hybrid ^ 390 Pyrethrum uliginosum ., 390 Tropaeolum tuberosum. . .. 389 Btovo and GreenhouEe:— Begonia i-irmiuatj. .. .. 391 Begonia Itregei 391 EuchariB ama/.onica .. .. 391 Gloriosa vireecens . „ _ 391 Ixora macrothyrsa , . ., 391 Rondeletia speciosa „ , . 391 Room plants, choice .. .. 391 Notes of the Week :— Begonia Dregei .. « -. 891 Begonia Mrs, Leopold de Rothschild 392 Berks, November flowers in 391 Campanula bilchinensis .. 392 Chrysanthemum Etoile de Feu _ 391 Colchicum Sibthorpi .. .. iOl Crocus asturicus 392 Nerine japoniea 392 Nerine roteo-crispa .. .. 392 Nerines, eeedling 392 Pulmonaria saccharata picta 392 Statice Butcheri 392 Sternbergia lutea „ «, « 392 Violet La France 392 Violet Mrs. J. J. Aster ^ „ 391 Orchard and Fralt :— Apple Armorel _ . _ 394 Apple Emperor Alexander., 895 Apple Golden Reinettd .. 39G Apple Mabbotfs Pearmain.. 896 Apple trees, planting ., .. 397 Apple Washingtm .. .. 396 Apple Wormsley Grange Pip- pin .. - .. .. « .. 394 Apples, late dessert .. .. 398 Blight, American, treatment of « .. ^ .. .. -, 896 (RUiStrations in Italics.) Figs casting their fruit - . 397 Grapes, decorating exhibi- tion,. .. _ „ „ .. 894 Grapes, winter - 397 Nectarine Speneer 396 Peach and Nectarine trees, young and old 895 Peaches, two good late . . 396 Pear Aston Town . ... .. 398 Pear Flemish Beauty . . - . 897 Raspberries, autumn-fruit- ing . . ... . . _ , . _ 895 Raspberries, cutting baok.. 396 Strawberry Latest of All .. S97 Strawberries .. - 39i Strawberries, lato, on north borders.. _ 396 Garden Flora !— Roea hl&pida 398 mreek's Vork:— Fruits, hardy, work among . 399 Kitchen garden, work in the 400 Treaa and Btarnba i— Bignonia radicana . . „ - . 401 Catalpas fruiting 401 Choisya ternata . . ^ . , Crab?, some ornamental Hibiscus co^lestis Shrubs, ornamontal, of Oc- tober Viburnum plicatum „ Yew tree poisoning .. .. Orchids:— Cypripedium inslgne gigan- teum Dendrobium infundibulum Odontoglossum blandum .. Odontogloasum odoratum _ Oncidium varioosum .. .. Societies:— National Chrysanthemum _ Royal Horticultural „ .. Publlo Gardens !— Battersea Park, Chrysanthe- mums in . . . , . . . Chancery Lane, oasis in Open spaces 402 Obituary:— 408 418 408 Shrimpton, Mr J. — iOS Hlsoellaneous :— Antholyza ajthiopici vittigera 408 BantbooB in a seashore Corniih gardt:n -- » .. — — 399 Birds in gardens, usefulness of . .. .. „ .. .. Ftrna, Tt'o:, and Japan Muia in an old 'luai'ry (Corn- wall) » ^ Garden, in a Cornish _ .. Qard.:n, in a Corniik « .. Garden, planting a .- .. Hydrai^'jitis in wood in Corn' trail ~M Landscape architects .. _ Machine, a labour-saving . . Sedum amplcKicaule -- Solanum, Jasmmt-'jlolr'n-'id .. Weather, the. In W- Herts _ Women, teaching gardening to - WoodwJirdiZ out of doors (Cornwall) » 403 S93 404 408 408 393 402 895 408 408 402 Flower Garden. HYBRID MONTBRETIAS. Some gardeners reject these as troublesome, and producing after a year or two notliing but a forest of green Sword-grass and spread- ing inordinately, but by attending to a few very simple rules they may be made a great addition to the ornaments of the garden. They like moisture and rich soil, and ti have their head in the sun and their feet in the shade. In Cheshire they are not absolutely hardy, but only in ordinary winters. A long and severe frost kills them outright it not littered over. To make them do well, the chief point is to keep them thin, and so they must be divided every year. This may bo done at any time in autumn before the ground is frozen up. My practice at Edge after digging them up— suppose there are twelve stalks, that is, twelve bulbs in each clump, with three or four young points to eacli bulb — is to have fifty or one hundred pots ready and to put three bulbs into each pot, filling up with any waste soil, drainage being super- fluous. The less they grow before March the better. They must not bs cut down till spring. When all the pots are full they are placed together in some sheltered waste spot out of doors and well watered — for if kept dry they die — then they are covered with a foot or two, according to weather, of dry leaves or other litter, enough to ensure their safety from frost. By the end of March they are safe, and may then be planted out anywhere, letting the bulbs be at least 6 inches deep, either amongst herbaceous plants, which they like, or amongst low shrubs. I have some in beds of dwarf Roses, where they do and look very well. As they increase at least four-fold every year, the gardener must harden his heart and not be tempted to let them grow more densely, but as he will find that most of his friends have as many as they want, throw the surplus on to the rubbish heap or the weed bonfire. I find one morning in each year enough to dig all up and fill a hundred pots, for the work may be done in the roughest and most hasty way without detriment to the welfare of the bulbs. Indeed, I have some- times buried the clumps in a soil heap for winter, littering them over as described, and planting the bulbs nut by threes in spring. The main objects are not 'to let them get frozen and not to let them get dry or grow during winter. I generally also replant three bulbs where I dig up each clump. If the winter is mild, these survive and the pots are not wanted ; if they are killed, the pots take their place. They flower better if a spadeful of lich stuif is put in where each pot is planted. If in full sun without shelter at the base the leaves become brown before flowering ; if quite in shade, the leaves grow very fine and retain their green to the end of the sea- son, but there are no flowers. M. Lemoine, of Xancy, the raiser, has sent out more than thirty kind?, most of which I have tried. I recommend especially Etoile de Feu.— Scarlet, A 1 both in colour and habit. Aurore. — Bright orange and very robust, growing more than a yard high. Drap d'Or. — Bright yellow. Solfatare. — Pale yellow. Feu d'Artifice and Bouquet Parfait. — Mixed orange and yellow. Pottsi grandiflora. — Scarlet outside, yellow inside, distinct and free-flowering, with orna- mental seed-heads. Besides the hybrids there are Crocosmia imperialis and C. maculata, with larger flowers than any of the hybiid Montbretias, but flowering later and rather less hardy. Edge Hall, Malpas. C. WoLLET-Dop. TROPAEOLUM TUBEROSUM. Mr. Arnott's note (p. 24!t) on the non-flower- ing of this plant in his neighbourhood must have caused surprise to growers of it in various parts of the country, particularly those in Scot- land, who experience no difficulty in getting it to grow and flower freely. It is well known that soils and climatic conditions prevailing in some districts are more favourable to the well- doing of certain plants than they are in others, and in this the Tropajoluras are, perhaps, more fastidious than any other genus — T. speciosum especially so — but I was unaware that the variety under notice shared in this, as it suc- ceeds well here in any position, and never fails to elicit admiration from the numerous visitors who pass through these gardens during the summer and autumn months. To the frequent inquiries as to the necessary treatment of the tubers and the methods of planting to ensure satisfactory results, I have always recommended it as the best and most easily grown of any of the summer-flowering creepers ; but now that Mr. Arnott has enlightened us upon its be- haviour around Carsethorn, I fear this lauda- tion has been carried rather too far. It has been grown here for several years in very diverse situations as to shelter and aspect, and for covering bare walls, fences, or arbours for several months of the year very few are equal to it, and it requires but little attention. Flowering usually commences in July and con- tinues until November, according to the situation of the plant and the amount of sun-heat available. Some of the fruit tree walls here are of an ancient style of construction, through which several wide doorways or arches giving access to the dif- ferent departments are prominent features. Over these a wire or string following the curve of the arch is fixed, and the tubers being planted at the base, the shoots as soon as they appear and are of sutiicient length are tied to these. Afterwards they have pretty much their own way, and ramble at will until the keystone is reached. Being planted on both sides of the arch, it is obvious that those on one side must receive more benefit from the sun than those on the other, but, with the exception of earli- pess, very little ditference can be detected. 390 THE GARDEK [November 18, 1899. One of these growing on the east side and but a few feet distant from an intersecting wall in a southern direction is now (October 2;5) at its best, and on a 5-feet length of stem is bearing upwards of a hundred blooms, which for size. freshne-'s, and colour are equal to any that I have ever witnessed. This plant, owing to the position it occupies, has probably never re- ceived the direct rays of the sun ; certainly it has not done so for many weeks past. For twining around the pedestals of flower-vases, pillars, or sculpture work, this plant is most useful. The culture followed here is to lift the tubers when the foliage is destroyed by frost and store them in company with Begonias, Dahlias, and similar roots until March or April, according to the weather. In planting out, a shovelful of good sandy soil is placed around the tubers, which are left about ;{ inches deep when finished. Nothing else beyond tying the shoots is at- tempted or re(iuired. Such an expert hardy plant grower as Mr. Arnott should try this plant in his own garden, as, seeing that Carse- thorn and this place are nearly in the same latitude and the climate very similar in both, a fair amount of success would probably attend his efforts. James Day. Gallowat/ House, W Ujimonshire. Funkia subcordata grandiflora.— Because this plant when pot-bound continues to send up flowering material year after year, this enduring characteristic is too frequently interpreted the wrong way. lb is a plant that quickly puts on a root-bound condition, yet at the same time it well repays very liberal treatment. For example, when the plants have finished their flowering in the autumn, a periodical shift to a larger pot and freshsoil will not be lost upon them. If this is done and the plants plunged in the open, covering the crowns deeply, greater vigour may be looked for the following season. This may be done every other year. Liberal supplies of manure water during growth will also assist this useful plant. Hichaelmas Daisies.— The importance of choosing a selection of these from flowering plants in the nursery is probably greater than in the case of any other plants, owing to the free- dom with which they hybridise. Notwithstand- ing the labours of the conference, erroneous names are still too frequently found in trade catalogues. A. densus, for instance, is labelled dumosus ; Bobert Parker is sometimes called Chapmani, whereas the plant formerly known as Chapmani is now liBvis, and so on. Had I to start again forming a collection I should select a few distinct species, and from the self-sown seedlings grow on and select the best. I have now several distinct forms obtained in this manner. One, a white form flowering in October, having flowers some- what after the style of acris, but with more rays, branching somewhat like horizontalis, and form- ing a rounded, symmetrical bush about 2 feet high, is very eff'ective. Another has the flowers of horizontalis with a tall (4 feet) branching habit rather like polyphyllus. A third has rosy purple clustered heads of flowers similar to A. Novie-Angli.-B, but with the habit of Novi Belgii type, if there is one. Ordinary varieties, many equal to named sorts, are plentiful, but of course rigid selection is neceesary. The sorts I should select as distinct are vimineus, one of the most graceful and attractive ; lievis, a tall, spreading, sky-blue sort ; Iffivigatus, rose, of dwarf, bushy habit ; Shorti (or what I have under that name), one of the cordifolius section, dwarf and spread- ing, flowers of a lovely blue tint ; polyphyllus, tall, white; Amellus, cordifolius, Coombefi«h- acre, and last, but not least, A. spectabilis, which seems to be less known than it ought to be. This is very distinct from most, forming a tuft of large leaves close to the ground and throwing up almost leafless branches with dark, glistening purple flowers. I also have a fine late-flowering sort I got from Mr. John Wood, of Kirkstall, which I only know as Mr. Wolley-Dod's best blue. .Just now it is in perfection. I do not much care for the white varieties of Novi-Belgii on account of the blackish centres so many develop in a few days. They quite spoil the ap- pearance of the bush. I should like to know a variety in which the centres turn reddish brown only, as in polyphyllus. — T. J. W., Woodside Pari:, N. PLANTS IN BLOOM IN THE ISLE OF WIGHT. It may be interesting to some of your readers to study the effects of the unusually hot and dry summer of 1899 from such evidence as is aff'orded by the following list of p'ants actually in flower on November 1 in this garden. The ground, a few hundred yards from the sea on the undercliff, is on a steep slope facing south, and up to Sep' em- ber, 1S98, was waste ground, thickly overgrown with weeds and Brambles. Nearly all the plants mentioned were planted out between Octob3r and January, but some few, notably Lasiandra, Spar- mannia, Abutilon, Plumbago capensis. Helio- tropes, Bouvardias and standard Geraniums, have not yet endured a winter in the open ground. Very few annuals are grown here, and many perennials and bulbs being young and small when put in have not yet attained sutlicient maturity to add to what in another year should be a much richer list. Abutilnus, two fpeciep, Gaillanlias white and yellow Helenium grandiceplia- Amaryllis lutea luiu Anagallis grandiflora *Hyper!eum Wo3erianum Arbutus coccinea and H. elatum Asters (several) Heliotrnpes (standards) Bouvardia triphjUa and Ipon iim atro-purpurea B. Vreelandi Lasiiudra macrantha Boufsingaultia base 11- Lithoipermum prostra- oides turn Cassia corymbosa Lobelia lasiflora *Cimicifuga japonica Leonitis Leonurus (buds Cistus formosus just opening) ♦Coronilla Emerus Pansies Cannas Pentstemons Coreopsis Phlox (several) Cyclamens Pbygelim capensis Convolvulus mauritani- Polygonum baldEchuani- CU9 cum Colchicoms Physianthus albens Desmodium penduli- Plumbago Larpentae and floruni P. capensis Diplacus glutiaosus Portulacas Delphiniums *SantoUna ineana Dahlias Statice prcfusa and *S. Eljeagnus macropbyllus ineana Erigeron splenjens *Spira;a lUiraalda *Ei-ytbrina cri^ta-galIi Sutherlandia frutescens Echinacea purpurea Sagittarii montevidensis Erysimum belveticum Salvia angastifolia and Fuchsias (several) *S. patens Gazmia latitiora and *G. Tritoma nobilis nivoa Couronue Tuberoses (still very fine) Geraniums (Ivy -leaved) Veronica raelensis and Mme. Cronsse and V. saUcifolia Souvenir de C. Turner Violets Geraniums (standards) Zauschneria calif ornici * A few small late or abnormally early flowers only. Freesias, which bloomed freely after being out last winter, are now showing leaves. Hjla arborea, the green tree frog, has bred here during the summer, and after an interval of dis- appearance, one young frog and two tadpoles were seen in the tank lately, the majority having already hybernated. Henry Cook. Belfedere, St. Lawrence, I. of Wight. Pyrethrum uliginosum. — That cutting back stems of this tall-flowering, tall-growing perennial may not be desirable in Scotland it is easy to understand. But in the south I have often found it to be capital practice, as here the shoots that have broken out from the shortened stem have flowered very little later, indeed almost simul- taneously with the uncut stems. But if anyone will when the stems are '2 feet in height take off the tops 6 inches long, set them singly into 3-inch pots as cuttings, and root them in a close frame, he will find that these, either grown in pots a couple of sizes larger and flowered in the greenhouse or planted outdoors, will bloom quite dwarf and make most useful plants. I prefer to have them, however, kept in pots, as under glass they bloom for a long season.— A. D. MR. MOON'S HYBRID POPPY. 1 .451 glad to learn that Mr. Moon actually ferti- lised Papaver rupifragum, or rather P. orientale br.icteatum, for as he distinctly says (p. 365), "my plant of P. rupifragum has never produced any seed itself." It may be, however, that it does so if fertilised with P. bracteatum. Will .Mr. Moon still further oblige and enlighten us by saying which of the two parents is the seed- bearer and which the pollen parent in the case of the beautiful hybrid illustrated. According to Mr. Cirrington Ley, however, it seems that spontaneous or accidental hybrids do occur, and also that some individuals of P. rupifragum after, as is presumed, a previous pollination con- tinue to produce hybrid seedlings. This is a very perplexing statement, and may, as I said before, be due to the wind or a lucky fly carrying pollen unknown to him. Otherwise it seems in- explicable why one plant of P. rupifragum pro- duces hybrid seedlings in his garden and else- where, while "several other plants" of that species in the same garden give seedling repro- ductions of itself pure and simple so freely as to become "almost a nuisance. " In one case we have Mr. Moon's hybrid produced by actual hybridising or pollination, and in Mr. Ley's case we are asked to believe that a similar hybrid occurs without immediate pollination, but I think that wind or insects must have carried out that operation unknown to Mr. Ley. In any case I cannot b;lieve in pangenesis as a cause of his P. rupifragum continuing to produce hybrids. I shall be very glad of the seeds Mr. Ley is so kind as to promise me, and hope to experiment in other wajs likely to throw additional light on this curious and complicated question. The flowers of nearly all the Poppies are so much fre- quented by pollen eating flies and minute beetles, that the wonder is there are not more hjbrids in this genus. Even P. rupifragum itself may pos- sibly be a fertile natural hybrid, in which case one might the more readily understand the vagaries of Mr. Lsy's plant. Nature is vast and often inscrutable, and it is an axiom of mine that "Nature does everjtbing sometime?," by which I mean that a plant will naturally seed freely in one place and even produce hybrid progeny and fertile seeds, though as a general rule it may not do so in other places even when carefully fertilised. Wo cannot dogmatise on the mere groundwork of our own limited experience, as every observant gardener well knows. F. W. B. NOTES AND QUESTIONS.— FLOWER. Planting small and choica bulbs.— Many choice bulbs, such as some Tulip species, are very small and liable t? be disturbed or lost if planted in the open border. To obviate this, I find it answers well to pot tliem carefully in well-drained pots, whieh are then sunk a little below the ground level. I have so flowered the tiny-bulbed Tulipa linifolia, wh'ch had previously failed 1 1 bloom phnted out in the ordinary way. I am now trying Tulipa orphanidea in this way, as this ah > is very small. It seems to be baueticial in another way— that is, ensuring better drainage and more warmth in the so'l by which the bulb is sur- rounded.—T. J. W., Woodside Park-. Dark-flowered Cro^wn Imperial.— Can any- one give me information about a dark reddish plum- coloured Crown Imperial ? I saw one at Kew a few years ago, but as there was no label attached to it I could not ascertain its name. The darkest-flowered sort I have been able to get is the variegated-leaved variety. The flowers of this are much darker than in the ordinary red, and .show up conspicuously in the border. The variegation of the foliage is also hand- some, making the plant a most effective sfring flower. November 18, 1899.1 THE GAEDEK 391 Since writing the above The Garden has come to hand with tbe coloured plate of F. i. longipetala. This flower resembles that of the variegated variety. Is it iu commerje !■'— T. J. W., Woodside Park. Stove and Greenhouse. EUCHARIS AMAZONICA. I READ " H. R.'s" remarks on Eucharis amazonica, in the issue of September 30, with great interest. I have hitherto considered and treated it as a stove plant, but have often won- dered if it really was or not. I should be glad if " H. R." would give us his mode of treating it.— C. R. *,* In the first place it is necessary that the house, though cool, be nicely tempered as regards atmospheric moisture. To attempt to grow it in an ordinary greenhouse where the air is dry and draughty is worse than keeping it in stove heat. A house to grow Eucharis properly should have a night temperature of about o.j''. It should be provided with blinds to screen the plants from bright sun, and the ventilation must be care- fully attended to so that a constant change of air is going on, but no draughts of cold air must reach the plants in winter. Any bulbi that need repotting must be shaken out of the compost at the end of March and be repotted in good fibrous loam, a little paat or leaf-mould, and a sixth part of well-decayed cow manure. Add to this some well pounded charcoal or crock dust and sand, and an excellent rooting medium will be the result. In potting the bulbs use the 9-inch or 1(1 inch size, this taking about half adozen fair-sized bulbs. Drain well and cover the drainage with a little rough Moss or similar material. In potting keep the top of the bulb about an inch below the surface, if possible. But if the bulbs have been more deeply buried, it is not wise to bring them right up at once ; do it a little at a time at each potting. Previous to repotting, the plants will have been, comparatively speaking, at rest, and a slight rise in temperature will just give the little impetus needed to start and re establish the bulbs. Damp the foliage over frequently with tepid water, but keep the roots on the dry side. If the compost is in proper con- dition at potting time no water need be given for a fortnight, but after this, as the foliage begins to pick up and the plants to grow, gradually in- crease the supply. Growth will be rapid all through the summer, and though all the plants will not probably flower at the same time, the great bulk of the blossoms will be produced from the end of July until September, after which a few chance spikes may push up. When growth is well away and until the flowers appear on the spikes, occasional waterings with well-diluted soot water are very helpful. The soot gives colour to the foliage and may be varied by occasional applications of nitrate of soda, say about three times during the season. After the flowers are past the plants make a little more growth, but not much, and it is more in the filling out of the leaves than in producing new ones. By November they should be prac- tically at rest and must be kept well on the dry side, not, however, going to the length of allow- ing the least shrivelling. The night temperature may now be reduced to .50°, and only increased again as recommended above at the time of repot- ting. Once in three years is often enough to repot, and a sorting of the bulbs should take place then, bringing all those of flowering size together and growing the smaller ones by them- selves. I need hardly add that a clean stock is necessary to success, and all mite-infested bulbs should be thrown away. — H. R. Begonia carminata.— Of late years we have seen numerous additions to the shrubby section of BogoniaF, many of which are particularly valu- able for winter iiowering. The variety under notice may be regarded aa almost perpetual blooming, for it will often commence to flower quite early in the summer and continue till nearly the end of the year. This variety was raised from the white flowered B. Dregei crossed with the pollen of the Brazilian B. coccinea, well known as a tall-growing species with large droop- ing clusters of bright red flowers. B. carminata is of a more bushy habit of growth, with flowers disposed much as in B. coccinea, but of a bright carmine pink colour. It is just now flowering freely aad forms a pretty object in the inter- mediate house. — H. P. Ixora macrothyrsa. — This Ixora, which is quite as well known by the specific name of Dutfi as that of macrothyrsa, is a truly gorgeous spe- cies that differs widely in general appearance from the varieties usually grown. It is of a tall, rather straggling habit of growth. The flowers are borne in huge terminal heads, which in vigor- ous examples are over a foot across. Their colour IS a kind of reddish scarlet that with age changes to more of a crimson tint. It is useless to attempt the culture of this Ixora in the shape of little neat bushes as in the other kinds, for its loose style of growth would necessitate continual stopping, and this would be done at the expense of flowers. The plants should be grown on freely, allowing two or three shoots to develop, and in the autumn these may reasonably be expected to each pro- duce a huge head of brilliantly coloured blossoms. Plants that have done flowering should be cut back hard in the spring. This Ixora was intro- duced from the South Sea Islands, and was figured in The Garden over twenty-one years ago. — H. P. Gloriosa virescens. — The Gloriosas are usually treated as stove plants, but a specimen of this kind has been growing during the summer and flowering freely in No. 4 greenhouse at Kew. Though pretty and interesting, it is not nearly the equal of the old G. superba, whose wavy petals with their quaint markings combine to form a strange yet showy blossom. G. virescens differs therefrom in the segments of the flower being broader, while the petals are not crisped as in the other. The colour of the flower, too, is less bright. G. Planti is a form of this plant with reddish yellow blossoms. Considering the num- bers of G. superba that are imported every year and the extremely gorgeous blossoms, it is a matter for surprise that we do not meet with it oftener. One reason, I think, is that many people attempt to grow it in pots, under which condi- tions it is seldom satisfactory, for the curiously shaped tubers extend in a horizontal manner. — H. P. Begonia Dregei. — This pretty species once almost dropped out of cultivation, but of late, owing to the increased interest shown in this section of Begonias, it is grown much more than was at one time the case. It is a very useful plant, and of especial interest as being one of the parents of the now universally grown Gloire de Lorraine. B. Dregei forms a stout, fleshy root- stock (almost a tuber), from whence are pushed up succulent shoots that reach a height of 1 foot to 18 inches. The leaves are rather small, thin, and freckled irregularly with grey, while the small white flowers are very numerous. Whether it will be eclipsed by the new white-flowered form of Gloire de Lorraine, time will show. Another hybrid of B. Dregei is B. weltoniensis, which twenty-five years ago was much grown for market, in the shape of neat little bushes about IS inches high. The bright green leaves with their reddish stalks were decidedly pretty, and, given much the treatment as a Fuchsia, the at- tractive pink blossoms were freely borne. — T. Choice room plants. — It is particularly in- teresting to be reminded of some uncommon plants that do well in a cool room, and to those mentioned on page .324 I would add the distinct and charming Draca'na GodselBana, which in the London district has been in a cool room facing the east since last February. During that period it has twice pushed out a number of new shoots. As this Dracieua is a native of Lagos, in Upper Guinea, the fact that it will succeed under such treatment is all the more surprising. By arti- ficial light it is particularly attractive, the cream- coloured blotches being very noticeable against the deep shining green of the rest of the leaf. The free, yet twiggy growth eminently fits it for growing into an effective specimen. Plants in dwelling-houses are liable to suffer from draughts, erratic watering (generally in excess), as well as from dust, but if carefully attended to it will be found that many subjects are not so difficult to keep in health as they are usually considered to |be.-H. P. Rondeletia speciosa. — This old West Indian shrub, which at one time was far more popular ! than it is nowadays, forms a delightful feature in the greenhouse towards the end of the summer and in autumn, as when grown in the form of a neat bush and studded with its rounded clusters of brightly coloured blossoms it stands out quite distinct from its associates. The colour of the flowers is a kind of vermilion-scarlet with an orange-coloured eye. The variety major, which is better known than the typical kind, is of looser growth, while both the clusters and individual blooms are somewhat larger. The colour of the flowers too is rather paler. The blossoms stand j well in a cut state, and in the variety major may I be cut with long stalks, which greatly adds to I their value in this respect. After flowering the ! plants should be kept fairly dry, even though many of the leaves may drop. In the spring it is better to prune them back hard, when in a stove temperature they will break at once and grow away freely. R. speciosa is also known as R. odorata. — H. P. Notes of the Week. Chrysanthemum Etoile de Teu.— There is a striking individuality in the colour presented in this kind, which comes midreay between thit of Val d'Andorre and the still older Tokio, both bright colours among the so-called red shades. The kind here mentioned, however, is distinct from both, being of a red-orimsnn tone somewhat, and one that will prove particularly showy under artificial light. Colehicum Sibthorpi. — Mr. A. Kingsniill sends us from his garden at Harrow Weald some tine flowers of this scarce Meadow Saffron. The flowers of this, which are among the largest in the family, are of a fine lilac sha'le, beauHfally chequered. The blooms previous to opening stand boldly erect on stout stems 8 inches high and are very effective, and, owing to their great substance, last a loaj; time. Begonia Dregei. — This is a neat-flowered and pretty kind that may be grown in small pots for furnishing and for the greenhouse. The plant is of quite easy culture, and where the rose-coloured Gloire de Lorraine is grosu freely, tbii should pr jve a use- ful companion. This pretty kind u iw, hoivever, has a great rival in the white-flowered form rif Gloire de Lorraine called Caledonia, that has recently put in an appearance. November flowers in Berks.— I herewith send you samples of the variety of flowers which I gathered last evening in my garden. All are growing out of doors, the Louicera and the two Veronicas growing against the house. This will show the ad- vantage of having a garden on a hill a>)out 320 feet above "high-water mark," and sheltered from north and east, but, above all, the result of following the " English Flower Garden," my garden even now being gay and sweet.— B., Forest End, Sandhurst, Berks, Niivember 14. *** Many beautiful plants, too numerous to men- tion, in flue fresh condition. — Kn. Violet Mrs. J. J. Astor.— This is one of the most charming additions to the double-flowered Violets that has yet appeared. Hitherto the new doubles have had but very minor distinctions ; so small, indeed, as not to be discernible in every instance. There is no fear of that in the kind named above, for in colour alone it is quite new, if not indeed unique. The colour may be de- scribed as reddish lilac, but is catalogued as pink and heliotrope. In any case the shade is quite novel and distinct from all that has gone before. Not only this, the flowers are very large— quite as 392 THE GARDEK [November 18, 1899. large as the largest double sort we remembar, and, above all, deliciously sweet-scented. Violet La France.— In the singles, this hand- some as well as richly coloured form is a great gain. Large as that universal favourite Princess of Wales is, this kind is larger still, and while producing fine long stalks that render it of much value for bunching, it is said to be twice as free- flowering as the other kind named. Varieties that produce large ilowers and plenty of them are nob long in making way, and we have little hesi- tation in placing this handsome kind in the very front rank of single Violets. Begonia Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild.— The fine batch of this brought to the Drill Hall last week by Mr. James Hudson, Gunnersbury House, shows to what an extent this and the parent kind, (Jloire de Lorraine, are grown at the above place. The large batch of plants, every one of which was in fine flower, made a capital display, at a moment, too, when a large number of the usual exhibitors at the Drill Hall had gone elsewhere. The above-named kind, besides hav- ing much larger blossoms of a decided pink tone, possesses a much denser habit of growth, this alone rendering the plant pleasing and attractive. Statice ButcherJ.— For its fine colour and freedom of flowering this Sea Lavender deserves to be extensively grown. To the properties already named should be added dwarfness and adapt- ability to small pot culture. This from the decorative point of view has a value of its own, and is increased when the plant is one that may be easily grown. Bushy plants little more than a foot high and with freely branching cymes to almost the same diameter may be grown in pots 4^ inches across, so small, indeed, compared with leafage and flower that the pot is hardly seen at all. Thus grown it is certainly one of the most desirable of autumn-flowering plants for the greenhouse. Campanula balchinensis. — This pretty crossbred Campanula is of twofold value, viz., as a flowering pot plant during summer, and, given greenhouse treatment, as a fine-foliaged plant during winter. To achieve the best results in the latter direction it is not prudent to allow the plants intended for winter work to flower to their fullest extent during summer. Rather should this be checked a little, and so allow a fuller leaf- growth. Even the flower-sprays long retain the pretty variegation which is so strong a feature of the plant, and the varying tints assumed when the plants occupy a light, sunny position in a warm greenhouse alone make it a worthy occu- pant of such in winter. Nerine japonica.— Like " H. P." I am unable to flower this bulb satisfactorily. I have four dozen plants purchased two years ago, and up to the present have only succeeded in getting four lots to flower. I have grown them well this past season and given them a thorough rest. I only brought them to the front and watered them w hen I saw new growth starting. These few were in bloom about six weeks ago. The rest of the batch are growing freely in a midseason vinery on a shelf, but I cannot detect any more spikes of bloom showing. I thought of planting them out- doors close up to a wall and giving them the same position as I do Amaryllis Belladonna, which flowers abundantly every year. — J. Mayne, Bicton, Pulmonaria saccharatapicta.— Itis doubt- ful how far we are justified in applying specific names to some of the Lungworts, most of which are so close to the ordinary P. officinalis that there is no apparent difl'erence between them except in the form or markings of the leaves. One of these is that known in gardens as P. saccharata or P. s. picta. Although, like most of the genus, rather a coarse plant, it has its uses. I am induced to write of it at present because of the appearance it yet makes on the top of a bit of rough rockwork where its large, spotted leaves make it noticeable at a time when moat plants of similar style have lost all beauty for the year. I am aware that some do not like plants with foliage marked like this. One is quite prepared to admit that plants with spotted or variegated foliage may be, and often are, overdone in gardens where one often sees them far too largely used. The specimen to which I refer is, however, not near anything else with similar foliage, and is, all the time it is in leaf, of good appearance. It makes a pleasing combination of silvery grey and green, in some degree reminding one of the more aristocratic Rex Begonias. This is much improved when grown, as here, in a dry position. The flowers I do not much care for. — S. Arnott. Nerine roseo-crispa. — The plate in The Garden of November 11, and the references to the Nerines which have recently appeared in your columns, remind me that little is seen of this hybrid, which has, I think, been in cultivation for some time. It comes from N. undulata and N. flexuosa if Mr. Baker is correct in his mention of this plant in the " Handbook of the Amaryl- lideas," page 103. It cannot by any means ba called a showy plant, but it has a quiet beauty which is often pleasing by way of a change from the more brilliant flowers under glass at the same time. It was sent me by Mr. .1. N. Gerard a few years ago, and with simple treatment in a cool greenhouse has never yet failed to bloom. Its segments are narrow, but light and graceful in appearance and prettily crisped. The flowers are pale pink. The treatment it receives here is very simple and consists in allowing the plants to go gradually to rest in spring. They are repotted occasionally, but not annually, in August or September. At all seasons the pots are kept in a house from which frost is just excluded. Nerine roseo-crispa is yet in bloom with me in a greenhouse which has had no fire-heat since spring. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn,by DumJrua,N.B. Crocus asluricus.— Despite the wild gales and drenching rains which have prevailed for some time, the autumnal Crocuses in sheltered positions in the rock garden have given us bright patches of welcome colour. They have not, of course, been seen at their best, yet one can appreciate their modest beauty even amid the gloomy weather which has prevented them from exhibiting their full charms. In addition to those previously mentioned in The Garden the pretty little Crocus asturicus has been very pleasing, and, should we have better weather now, will be pretty for some time still. I regret that I have here only one colour in this Crocus. It is said to vary from purple to white, through every shade of lilac. Those I have here I should call a deep lilac. It much resembles in its general appear- ance Crocus nudiflorus, from which it differs by its leaves appearing at the time of flowering and by its bearded throat. The anthers are bright yellow or brown ; the filaments are white and the stigmas deep orange. According to Mr. George Maw, Crocus asturicus abounds in the meadows of the Asturias at altitudes up to 4000 feet, and goes as far south as the Sierra de Guadarrama. Mr. J. G. Baker says it is inter- mediate between C. serotinus and C. nudiflorus. It is a neat Crocus, not so tall as some, and thus the better able to withstand the rude winds which are the arch enemies of the Crocus. — S. Arnott, Carsethorn, by Dumfries, N.B. Sternbergia lutea. — In the notes sent recently on the above plant I have seen no refer- ence to the form known as S. 1. angustifolia, a form of S. lutea which flowers under ordinary conditions every year, and of which the flowers are quite as fine as those of the typical plant. Some twelve years ago I planted a group of bulbs in a narrow, well-drained border by the side of a house, and took some trouble in preparing the soil, mixing in a good quantity of porous material, broken bricks and mortar, and the staple soil was sandy. These bulbs turned out to be the broad and large-leaved form and they grew splendidly, but in spite of the border being a dry one, in which the Belladonna Lily did remarkably well, they only flowered well in four seasons out of twelve, and always after a really roasting sum- mer. In a neighbouring garden less than half a mile away some bulbs of the narrow-leaved form were planted in very deep and rich soil in a her- baceous border, and though no care was taken to prepare for them in any way, they flowered every year. These were not planted until the present cycle of dry seasons had set in, but it was suffi- ciently long to prove that the bulbs were far more free-flowering than those I had planted, and that they did not require the same amount of roasting. Perhaps some of your readers who have this plant under observation will compare notes on the foli- age borne by their own and other plants which have differed in their flowering capabilities and report on the result. Will Mr. Lynch, of the Cambridge Botanic Garden, tell us something about the foliage of his plants, which, I believe, flower remarkably well ?— J. C. Tallack. This pretty autumn - flowering bulbous plant very frequently puzzles the cultivator. Now and again one may come across it a inass of bloom quite unexpectedly, and that with- out helping one to determine its special needs in the slightest degree. A few years ago I saw quite a plantation of it in a small nursery in the Thames valley. There must have been not less than 300 bulbs in the original planting, and these had increased largely, for there was notagapany where. What surprised me was the fact that they were growing on a shady border. On inquiry I found they had occupied the ground some three years or so, and were planted in quite an ordinary way with no special knowledge at the command of the planter. So far as the soil was concerned, this was light and sandy, resting on a bed of gravel, the bulbs being planted about 5 inches below the surface. Years ago in the then famous nurseries of Messrs. BoUisson at Tooting a bitch of bulbs on a narrow south border flowered quite freely. So far as position alone was concerned, these were in just theoppositeof the former lot— indeed, were companions in a sunny spot with some clusters of Belladonna Lilies. In most instances of success, however, some time has usually elapsed before the plants have become established, and I incline to the opinion that a cold subsoil has more to do with failure than is usually imagined. In gardens where clay abounds it is rare indeed Sternbergias succeed. In a trench of lighter and well-drained soil, planted deeply and with plenty of old mortar rubbish, a better opportunity is afi'orded them. Usually the failures outnumber the successes. — E. J. Seedling Nerines. — Those who were present at the Drill Hall last week had an excellent opportunity afforded them of inspecting quite a unique lot of cross-bred forms of these beautiful bulbous-flowering plants. As is pretty well known, Mr. H. .J. Elwea has been engaged among these plants for some years past, the new and beautiful shades of colour, of which examples last week were brought to the Drill Hall, being some of the results of his labours. In mentioning new colours in the flowers of these plants one cannot omit that remarkable kind bearing the name of Mrs. Berkeley, the intense salmon hue of this being absolutely unique. Hitherto no such remarkable colour has appeared among the selections brought to Westminster, though it is said there are approaches to it somewhat less fine and distinct. Equally attractive is that named Miss Willmott, a bold and telling kind bearing a handsome head of flowers of the most brilliant orange- scarlet. Both kinds possess well-balanced heads of flowers that will be difficult to surpass. Again, too, among the several dozens of seedlings not bearing any distinctive names were many pleasing and attractive forms, not merely showing colour advancement, but a beauty of form or exceptional markings that distinguish them from the older kinds, as well as the earlier seedlings from the same source. Of course, the chief drawback to such things is the great length of time that must elapse before such plants can be put into commerce. The two kinds here mentioned, for example, will probably take many years before a sufficient stock can be secured for distribution, assuming, as is highly probable, that the plants at the Drill Hall were the only ones. November 18, 1899.] THE GARDEN. 393 IN A CORNISH GARDEN. I HAVE been to the south of Ireland and seen the Azaleas there, visited many a sea- shore garden, and naturally made up my mind that I knew something about what our island could do in shore gardens, Ijut I had not the least idea of the beauty to be seen in Cornish gardens, and in none more than this nameless one about which I now have to say a few very inadequate word.«. The owner, dreading the advent of the touri-t, prefers to remain fanieless, and so I can have my say without let or hindrance. The cool country and may be grown round our ; self — has a fine notion of wild gardening coast in many places. It was even more surprising to se3 out of doors the Japanese lUnana quite vigorous here and tall — in fact, as lirgo as I had ever seen it in a conservatory — growing with most with such things as Azileas and Hydrangeas, which the climate encourages him to plant on a large scale, and he would do the same with the Tree Rhododendron (R. arboreum) if seedling plants could be got in sufficient graceful elTect in a sheltered corner. But ' quantity. The effect of the Hydrangeas in perhaps the finest picture of all was that of Tiee Ferns in an old quarry, with handsome healthy leaves and fine thick brown stems. The photographer has done his best to get the effect of these from the only available point of view, but the result Tree Ferns and Japan Musa in an old quarry {Coriniall). From a pliotograph by 0, Champion. garden is very near a cove by the sea, while the house faces sunwards, and on its cool side is a magnificent curtain of Lapageria, both red and white varieties, which were in tine bloom in the early spring days. It flowers early in winter and is a picture at Christmas- time. One can imagine what a delightful plant it is to have at such a season in perfect health, as it certainly was here, growing In peat borders in the .'■hide of the house and with no enemy but ths slugs, which have to be diligently watched. This plant is from a the woods is very fine, they escaping the winter cold, which cuts them down so often in the midlands ; here every shoot blooms. Such plants as the Gunnera and giant Sea Hollies are quite at home, as are also Dracrenas and the rarer Yuccas. The beautiful Jasmine- flowered Solanum is, as might be supposed, happy here, and displays a luxuriance of growth, bloom and fruit which are rarely seen further north, graceful as the plant is everywhere. The Bam- Ijoo also is quite at home in this beautiful and varied garden, which is also rich in the possession of many AVater Lilies that float in a picturesque sheet of water below the house. Where there is so much of sub- tropical, and, as one might almost say, of tropical in- terest, one would less expect to see great attention paid to hardy plants, but they were as much thought of here as any others, and in- cluded a very fine collection of Narcissi, the raising of new varieties of which is diligently pursued and with very interesting results. V. A LABOUR - SAVING MACHINE. Is these days of economy in private gardens anything that will save labour ought to be welcomed on all sides. Nearly all the year round there is much sweeping to be done, and in the case of extensive lawns and long drives the labour ex- jiended in this direction falls rather heavily on those re- sponsible for the management of the gardens generally. Any way it is a great relief to ha\e men doing good work in the kitchen and fruit gardens who but for labour-saving arrange- ments would have been working to less advantage elsewhere. does not in the least gi to be seen as one stan ve the fine picture Mowing m.achines effected a great saving in ids undernpath thp I labour, also improving the appearance of ^^'^ u>i 'f ■ f^i. "^'^VyMi m Bamioos in a seashore Cornish garden, (See p. 393.) a better idea than any words can. The colour is certainly, I consider, one of the most charm- ing to be seen among these wild Roses : at first a delightful soft shade of yellow, it becomes paler and more creamy with age. As has already been intimated, this Rose can be increased by means of seed. Of this its black fruits enclose an abundance. Plants can be obtained more quickly, but in less quantity, by layering. A group of some half a dozen plants in the sunk Rose garden at Kew always makes a lovely picture in the early days of June. To see it at its best, not less than that number of plants should be grouped together. Of course, ' it only blooms once a year, but, after all, that is a characteristic common to most shrubs, and there is certainly no lack of flowers when it is in bloom. To those who share in the reviving the leaf, the chances are that orders given will not have been dealt with so early as usual, and the most one can do is to be as nearly as possible prepared to deal with the trees when they come in. Nurserymen's ways aie not those of the private garden, for they are obliged to antici- pate orders and to lift large numbers within a short time. This is unavoidable, and the best is probably done under the circumstance?, but the fact remains that trees often come to hand with their roots and branches somewhat shrivelled or in a drier state than they ought to be, and it they are planted right away the bark is a long time in plumping up again. The best thing to do with all those that are not too big for such treatment is to bury them for a day or two, root and branch, in damp soil ; this acts like magic in the way of plumping them up, and they are then in a better state for planting. Trees too big to bury may, however, be helped by heeling them in thickly fice of some of them. It is best to cut back to the pQint of junction with another root if possible. Pkuninc— After having finished the trees on north walls go on to those on other aspects. The occupants of these are generally more mixed, and as the wood of the Pear tree is much more brittle after the turn of the year than it is before, I like to deal with these early enough to avoid this extra brittleness. There cannot be the least doubt that most of the old Pear trees throughout the country are carrying far too many fruiting spurs, and this will account for most of the poor, scabby fruits that one sees about. There is no sense in leaving so many, as, provided there are sufincient to carry a crop, the rest are superfluous for the time being, and the timely removal of a few spurs bodily here and there all over the trees not only givej those left plenty of room, but it forces new spurs to form round the point of sever- ance that take the place of the older ones which 400 THE GARDEK [NOVKMBER 18, 1899. are removed in their turn in future years. Conse- quently the trees eventually have plenty of vigor- ous fruiting spurs close at home and none of the rugged, Moss-covered and unsightly ones, which can only produce mediocre fruits. In addition to the wholesale removal of spurs, some of those left on may be judiciously shortened with advantage. On wall trees the wood growths must be cub back to within a bud or two of their base unless they are required for extension. Young trees which have not yet filled their allotted space must be pruned with an eye to form. For those trained horizon- tally the leader must be left just the length to provide a pair of branches next year at the proper distance from those immediately below, and with one bud above to carry on the upward progress. No matter how carefully one may prune, some of the side branches will grow stronger than others, and those who attempt to cut these strong leads back close only encourage the evil, for they break again with extra vigour, and it is really the weakest that should be hardest pruned to encourage stronger breaks. The strong ones may be toned down by depress- ing the ends of such branches when train- ing, and the weak encouraged by elevating them. The only time when shortening back tends to weaken shoots is while they are growing ; we may then check them by pinching out their points soon after midsummer and supplementing this by vigorously stopping further breaks at the first leaf, ultimately at the winter pruning cut- ting back to the next bud behind that which broke into growth after the shoot was pinched. Fan-trained Pear trees are more easy to form, and though they are not often seen, they are equal in every way to those of the more orthodox form. It is necessary with these to keep the centres in check until the lower branches have become well extended, and it must not be forgotten with these or any other trees that the promptings of Nature are towards vertical growth ; consequently the upright portions of a tree are always the strongest unless counteracted by the art of the cultivator. Plums. — In pruning Plum trees one has to allow more license to spur-growth than is advised above for Pears, as their nature is to be more straggling, so that it is impossible to keep them close to the wall and get good crops at the same time, but it is often possible to shorten a few spurs slightly, and this should be done whenever there appears to be a good show of flower-buds. Old Plum trees are rather subject to branch- dying, and where any branches show signs of this it is advisable to lay in new shoots to replace the old whenever the collapse comes. This, of course, has to be provided for during the growing season by allowing a few of the best placed shoots to run on without stopping them when summer prun- ing. I allude to these now to caution young growers against over-shortening such shoots, as hard pruning will never assist in building up fruitful wood. If laid in to full length, or only slightly shortened, a year or two is sutticient to bring them into a condition in which they will be bristling with fruiting spurs in place of the gross and fruitless shoots produced by hard pruning. The only excuse for shortening such shoots is to remove unripened wood, if any, and well-ripened shoots may be laid in intact. Breast- wood must of course be cut hard back to the spurs, and other useless shoots that may have developed must be cut clean away. Figs. — To make certain of a crop of outdoor Figs, protection of the wood is necessary, and to this end the branches should now be unfastened from the wall, tied loosely into bunches and brought down as low as possible into a position where they can be conveniently covered with some dry protective material, such as Bracken, over which some Russian mats may bs lightly bound. The branches should then be fastened securely either to the wall or to stakes, but the nearer they can be brought to the wall the more shelter they will get from rain, and the protecting material should always be kept as drv as possible. The old-fashioned way of protecting Fig trees, i.e. . bringing the branches quite down to the ground and burying them in soil, is a really good method to apply to those trees whose branches are still supple enough to bear it. Cor.nubian. KITCHEN GARDEN. November Cabi!a<;es.— Presuming a sowing of Cocoa-nut, Wheeler's Imperial or St. John's Day Cabbage was made in .June, nice-sized white heads should now be plentiful. These are prefer- able to ordinary side sprouts produced by summer plants havir(g been cut hard back and allowed to break again. Slight frost improves the flavour of these Cabbages, but in such an advanced state they will not stand much hard weather, especially should such occur immediately after soaking rains. They should be used freely while in a sound state. The more hardy Colewort may be reserved, as the plants which have not yet arrived at maturity will continue to grow and heart in, even in December, provided only ordinary frost occurs. Many gardeners do not now sow the main batch of spring Cabbage so early as formerly, as if September is warm and the ground sufficiently moist, the plants get too advanced in growth, especially in warm, sheltered gardens. Even in the midlands I did not sow till the end by embedding the crowns in leaf-mould in a brick partition between two Mushroom beds. The slight heat from each bed induced root-action, the top being covered with boards to husband all the heat possible. The partition was sufficiently large to admit of several batches in different stages being placed in. When extra early dishes are needed and well-ripened crowns are at hand, it may be accomplished by putting some half- dozen into a 12 inch pot, covering these with another inverted pot, and standing them on a board over pipes in a Pine stove or other simi- larly heated structure. I would advise lifting a good number of crowns from the most forward bed before the month is out, laying them behind a north wall in leaf-mould or ashes. This entire rest secures a readier response when placed in heat. The Lily-white is certainly a very fine, dehcate-looking Kale, but I have an idea that it does not respond quite so quickly when placed in forcing quarters early in the season as the old variety. It has a very delicate appearance when dished up. After plunging the roots in leaf- mould I always soak the compost with warm water, and moisten overhead as required with the syringe, the slight steam engendered being bene- ficial to growth. Endive. — It will not be safe to leave Endive out on wet, exposed borders and quarters after of July, and then the plants were too large and sappy in November to please me. I have known growth to be checked at this season of the year this date, especially in the case of the curled by thrusting the spade in on each side of the varieties. With repeated rains and frost, the plants and severing the lower roots, but I do not centres soon get crippled and practically spoiled, care for the practice. Where this is done, the -A^i.V surplus plants of the latter section still out soil must be made very firm again by treading of doors may be blanched where they stand by raund each plant. simply covering them with flower-pots, or by Proteotinc! Globe Artichokes. — It is, per- i placing broad slates flat on them when in a per- haps, rather soon to advise packing material ' fectly dry condition. In hfbing the ordinary round this somewhat tender vegetable, but as bad broad-leaved plants, see that they are quite dry ; weather may come at any moment, it is as well to j then tie up each with a piece of matting in be provided with an ample quantity of the right order to prevent any soil finding its way into the kind of material, so that covering may be done centres. Where room is scarce the plants are expeditiously. A few gardeners do not favour ! sometimes of necessity crowded together, but. covering the stools at all, but I am convinced that even on retentive soils it pays— that is, if the material used is of the right kind. To pile a quantity of semi-decayed manure round the roots as some do is simply to court disaster, as if this becomes saturated and afterwards frozen it only adds fuel to the fire, as it is converted into a soddened mass, which is sure to cripple, if not entirely ruin, the crowns and roots. What I pre- fer is a covering in November or early in Decem- ber, if the weather remains open, of Bracken, or, failing this, light strawy litter, working this well in amongst the few remaining leaves and around the crowns, renewing the covering in January. Many postpone covering until frost has actu- ally wrought mischief, which is, I believe, done sooner on strong soils than some people imagine. The practice of severing a number of stout sur- plus side offsets, say, in autumn, potting these up, and giving frame protection during winter is commendable, more particularly where the garden lies low and the soil is strong and re- tentive. Planted out in March with good balls of roots intact, nice useful heads are secured the first season. unless compulsory, avoid it, a free circulation of air between and around the plants being neces- sary to preserve them in the best possible con- dition, especially with plants that are to be kept till spring. Do not coddle, but, while admitting plenty of air, prevent, if possible, the ingress of snow or heavy rains. For latest supplies in spring I have found no variety surpass Fraser's Broad- leaved. It has a very hardy constitution and does not run to seed so soon as some sorts. J. C. Trees and Shrubs. SOME ORNAMENTAL CRABS. Althoi'GH an orchard in bloom is one of the most beautiful sights that could be seen, the Apple tree for various reasons, including the ephemeral nature of its bloom-time, is not the tree that all desire for the adornment of parks and pleasure grounds. Yet we need not Let the frame in which they i be altogether deprived of the glory of Apple stand on a hard ash bottom be drip-proof, as if ' blossom in such places, seeing that the numerous once wet gets into the centres, decay may ruin i Crabs which we have not only excel in beauty many of them. .Jerusalem Artichokes may now ; of foliage and grace of form the homelier orchard have the old growths removed, if only for appear- , tree, but also in the profusion and splendour of ance sake, cuttmg them off about 6 inches from ! their blooms, and their fruit, if small, is often the ground. When hfting, preserve only the : quite as effective. Among those introduced into ^s^thrnnirw„ even-Shaped tubers for seed. This ^^^ country, mostly from the Far East, there is a IS the only way to keep a good stock true. !„,.„„ „„.„u c i u -j j ■ ,.■ i ^l Earliest SLvKALE.-The time has now arrived : l^'Tl """".^f "^ '^^'^"'1? *"f . varieties, and the when all who wish for early dishes of Seakale I"", •^'""""ledge and systematic grouping of the should get a batch of crowns into warmth. No '^i'^'"'^ l^^^ ^'^^ very difficult to arrive at. One advantage is gained by attempting to force badly °^ the best known kinds is ripsned crowns, as these are generally slow in | Malus baccata, a tree with a pyramidal or coming away and the erowth is always inferior in ^ dome-shaped crown which will grow to the height size and quality. Where the advice given in ; of 33 feet. The flowers of this type are pure spring was acted on and a sunny border planted white and fairly large, the leaves are long, oval with thongs for early work, these will now be shape, smooth and hard in texture. The fruit valuable. The temperature of a Mushroom house, I the size of a Pea or rather larger, is yellow or red pr. say, 5.3° at night, is suitable, as in such growth in colour and borne on a long stalk. The fruit is sturdy and of good flavour. Some of the best , calyx falls soon after the blossom. The species Seakale forced indoors I have seen was produced has been freely hybridised, particularly with Malus November 18, 1S99.] THE GARDEN. 401 prunifolia, which in growth, foliage, and bloom resembles M. baccata, but has larger fruit, the caljjces of which sometimes fall off and sometimes remain. These hybrid forms Wenzeg included in one, viz., M. cerasifera; often, however, they have been considered to be varieties either of M. baccata or M. prunifolia, as they happened to resemble one or the other. M. prunifolia is in habit of growth and foli- age very similar to M. baccata. The fruit is aoout the size of a Cherry, and a bright purple- red in colour. The fruit calyx, however, is not set in a hollow of the summit, but directly on the summit. The blossoms of the type are wliite, and the leaves are almost smooth. There are numer- ous hybrids of M. prunifolia the blossoms of which are tinged with rose and the under sides of the leaf more or less covered with hair. In particular the hybrids with M. paradisiaca are much to be recommended for the fair size and brilliant colouring of the fruit. M. coronaria is a tree with broad and rounded crown and horizontal branches. It is a native of North Americi and will grow some 3.'5 feet high, though oftener much smaller and sometimes quite shrubby. It is the latest in blossom of all Apples. The blossoms are rose-coloured or white with rosy flush or fleckings, and exhale a pleasant perfume of 'S'iolets. The leaves are broad ellip- tic or broad oval shape, the under sides being hairy at first and afterwards smooth and slightly lobed. The fruit, which is of fair size, long, and borne on slender stalks, is of a yel- lowish green colour and perfumed, and at both ends hollowed as in the cultivated Apple. A variety with rather narrower, more lobed, and more hairy leaf, is the variety ivensis, to which belongs the handsome variety known as Bechtel's Crab, which is distinguished for its scented rose- red blossoms. Closely related to the preceding is M. angustifolia, but the leaves are smaller and narrower, generally unlobed, leathery in tex- ture, and almost evergreen. It is a native of the Southern States, is nearly always of lower stature, and is even more to be recommended than the preceding. Very different in habit of growth is M. spectabilis, which is tall in the crown with upright branches, and grows about 26 feet in height. It is native of China and quite hardy. The blossoms are white, flecked wioh red, and generally double ; the leaves are long, slightly indented, on the upper sides glossy and on the under sides hairj-. The fruit is globular, medium sized ; the fruit-stalk also is not set in a hollow, and is stout and fleshy in texture. The hybrids of this variety are numerous, the best known being M. Kiversi, a cross iwith M. paradisiaca, and M. Kaido, a cross with M. Ringo. M. Kingo resembles spectabilis in habit of growth, but is smaller and shrubby. The blos- soms are likewise flecked with rose. The leaves are thinly haired on the under side. The fruit is oval-shaped, generally yellow with red cheeks, hollowed out at the base. A handsome full- blooming pyramidal-sbaped variety is M. Ringo fastigiata bifera, which often blooms twice in the autumn. A very handsome, distinct Apple is M. Halleana (syn., il. Parkmani), which is a small tree In feet to 13 feet high, with a broad, open crown. The leaves are smooth and leathery in texture : the leaf-stalk is russet-coloured like the twigs, the blossoms rosy, double more or less, and gracefully borne on long, slender, red-brown stalks. The fruit is small, scarcely the size of a pea, and covered with russet. It ripens very late in the autumn, and the seed is remarkable for its large size. This Apple is one of the most ornamental and distinct in blossom, and is, like M. floribanda, particularly handsome in its branches. M. Halleana is a comparatively little- known species, and if not so abundant in bloom as some others, yet deserves a prominent place in the garden for the sake of its graceful shape and delicate colouring. M. floribunaa is one of the most deserving of a place in decorative planting as well as one of the best known kinds. It is always a shrubby tree, never much more than 10 feet or 14 feet high ; the branches spread more or [less hori- zontally and its breadth is great in comparison with Its height. The leaves are small and lance- shaped, indented, somewhat leathery of texture, and in the young leaf hairy. The blossoms are borne upon long stems, the buds are a dark purple-red, but the open blossoms are bright red or white and rosy flecked. The fruit is about the size of a Pea, yellow, and the calyx falls oH'. M. floribunda var. atrosanguinea is a very distinct variety, which has much to recommend it. Here the flowers change from deep purple-red to a bright rose colour. M. floribunda is a particularly delightful variety by reason of this changing colour of its blossoms ; these in a single branch may display all gradations of tone from deep purple to tender red and white. A very hand- some cross between it and M. prunifolia is M. Scheidekeri, with its double, rose-flecked, abundant blossoms and its vigorous upright growth. M. Toringo resembles M. floribunda, but is more straggling and looser in habit and the twigs often droop to the ground. The leaves, which are more or less lobate, are a dead light green. The blossoms are less striking than in floribunda and rose colour on the outsides only. The fruit is very small and is formed of three or four compart- ments, whereas in M. floribunda it is formed of five. M. Toringo, if less handsome than M. flori- bunda, is to be recommended on account of its low growth for planting in front of taller shrubs. A striking variety, which is known to me only as a small specimen, is M. Niedzwetzkyana. The branches of this are a deep brown colour ; the leaves are at first a deep red-browD, changing later on to deep green, and the fruit and flowers are red. It is a native of the Caucasus and closely related to M. para- disiaca, the parent stock of our cultivated Apple. M. cratsegifolia and M. rivularis, both with small fruit and white, not very showy blos- soms, are of little importance for decorative planting, and are found only in botanic gardens now and again. In spite of their close relationship, there is a great difl'erenoe between the varieties as regards habit of growth, which allows of a wide choice in their use for the park and garden. Thus for grouping among the higher trees, M. bac- cata, M. prunifolia, and M. cerasifera are well suited, and for something lower, M. spectabilis, M. coronaria, and M. Halleana. In planting in the forefront of the higher trees, M. floribunda, M. Toringo, and M. Halleana are to be recom- mended. To the handsomest Crabs, as regards blossoms, belong the tree- like M. baccata and M. spectabilis, and the lower-statured M. flori- bunda and M. Halleana. On account of its late bloom time and its large, agreeably-scented blossoms, M. coronaria is particularly deserving. The most decorative as regards tlieir fruit are M. prunifolia and M. cerasifera, also M. baccata, with its numerous varieties and forms. For profusion of blossom and beauty of fruit, com- bined with their inditfereuce to soil and situa- tion and perfect hardiness, the Crabs are well deserving of a foremost place among flowering and ornamentalfruit trees and shrubs. — Dtuischt- Garten Ztitnwj. Hibiscus (Althaea) ccelestis. — Most readers will, I think, agree with .J. C. Tallack (p. 326) as to this variety being one of the most beautiful of all the garden forms of this species of Hibiscus. It can scarcely, however, be regarded as new, for it is at least fifteen or tixteen years ago since I first became acquainted with it. The variety cu'lestis is, I believe, of continental origin. Other good single varieties that have come under my notice are totus albus, pure white ; Painted Lady, blush-white, with a crimson blotch at the base of the petal'?, which received an award of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society two years ago ; roseus striatus, pink, striped with a deeper tint ; and one met with in some nurseries as albus, a pure white flower with a conspicuous crimson blotch at the base of the petals, thus forming a crimson centre to the blossom. This I take to be the typical Hibiscus syriacus, or Althaea frutex, and if so, it is certainly equal to any and superior to most of the garden vaiieties. — T. Catalpas fruiting. — Reference has been made to the fruiting of two varieties of Catalpa recently in The Gakden— syring;efolia and bignonioides — which, though perhaps not of rare occurrence, is not common. No doubt the great heat and drought of the present and past years' summers account largely for this. I have seen several trees more or less freely fruited this year— at Heywood, Wilts, Rood Ashton and Gunnersbury House. The last-named is the one referred to in The Gar- den of September 23, and is much the freest- fruiting specimen I have ever seen. It is not so large as either of the other trees mentioned, but there are mora seed-pods on it than on both the others put together. It would seem that this fruiting is somewhat general, as in Mr. Webster's note he speaks of the abundant flowering of the Catalpa all over Southern England. The two first-named trees I have seen in flower for several seasons, Ijut uutil last summer no pods were noted, and then only a few. The Gunnersbury tree was a perfect picture. Its position did not seem to me to be the most favourable for giving such a wealth of fruit, as it stood in a break of other trees. The only interence that could ba drawn seems to be its protection from frost and cold winds and the husbanded sun-heat gathered from the nature of the surroundings. The Catalpa is such a distinct and ornamental tree, either as a lawn specimen or planted in a clump, that the wonder is more planters do not favour it. It is so late in coming into leaf, that the older native labourers here regard it here as a sign of safety for putting out the more tender bedding plants when the Catalpa buds burst into leaf, which is not until the month of May is more or less advanced. It would be interesting to learn from other readers whether the fruiting of the Catalpa is general in the warmer counties. — S. BIGNONIA RADIGANS. I HAVE seen one or two notices about the beauty of Bignonia radicans lately in The Garden. I have one I planted some ten or twelve years ago in a S.E. corner which has a stem nearly 6 inches in diameter. It is the major variety. When I first had it I wanted it to grow so as to form a coping to a wall, which it will do if the soil suits it, because the shoots cling and run along like Ivy, but the border I planted it in was a rich one, and though it lived it did not increase in thick- ness of stem, nor did it send out any fresh shoots. Seeing one day in The Gardes' that it grows on hills and naturally roots like a Vine amongst rocks, &c. , I moved it to its present position beside an old lean-to pottingshed with an ugly roof, which it now completely hides and is a sight to behold every season. In making alterations I had to raise the ground some 3 feet on my garden side to the level of the field behind, which I had bought in order to make a cart road into the field. This I did by heaping up some 3 feet of broken tiles I had handy and surfacing with gravel. I had forgotten this when I ordered my gardener to plant it where it now grows so well, and well do 1 remember his look of disgust when I came home in the afternoon and found him with a crowbar still working out a hole to plant it in and not finding any soil. As he had got down some 3 feet I told him to stop and to fill up the hole with some soil and plant it. The next season it started into vigorous growth, and in about twelve years has reached its present proportions. I kept layering the terminal shoots every year till it had covered the space I wanted, from which every year from every joint it throws up shoots some 3 feet long, each terminated by a magnificent bunch of its orange-red flowers. These annual shoots at about the end of March I prune back to one or two base buds, and the 402 THE GARDEX. [November 18, 1899. display is reproduced every season. To show how it likes and has taken possession of its well- drained mass of old tiles, I may remark that suckers from the roots are constantly springing up in the roadway and as far as 10 feet from the base. It is rather difficult to strike, but if at the spring pruning some of the shoots are laid in at the foot of a wall, as one does scions of Apple trees to keep them plump, longways and buried about (i inches, they will root from the joints and throw up shoots the following year ; these can be lifted, and make nice plants without any trouble. Colchester. H. D. Palmer. YEW TREE POISONING. Last week a fine four-year-old cart-horse, in the best of health, was turned into a paddock adjoin- ing my garden in Wiltshire. On the next morn- ing he was observed to be grazing, about 9 a.m., without a symptom of illness. About 9. .SO a man who was near saw him floundering against a gate. He then recovered himself to some extent, blun- dered on for some 15 yards, supporting himself to some extent by an iron fence, and then tumbled over, taking the fence with him, and, after a few kicks in tlie air, was found to be dead. That morning he was opened by the local veterinary surgeon. All the organs were healthy — no trace of any poison was to be found — but in the stomach there were from twelve to twenty shoots of Vew, about 3 inches long apiece, unchewed, lying on the surface of the stomach. No one connected with the place was aware that there was any Yew tree accessible from the field, but after minute research there was found to be one stunted speci- men of an Iiith Yew under a Beech tree, almost merged in other little shrubs, and from this it was evident some shoots had been recently torn off. The nearest could not have been less than from '2 feet to ."} feet distant on the inside of the fence, and Iho horse could only reach them by straining his neck over the iron fence, which had a barbed wire running along the top bar, and tearing them off, for they bore signs of being to; n rather than bitten off, and were so undamaged in the stomach that some of them were afterwards fitted to tho branch from which they were taken. The horse seems to have died within ten or fifteen minutes of I he first shoot having been eaten. It seems extraordinary that the virus of the undigested shoot should have been so power- ful as to destroy vitality so completely and in so short a time. I may add that calves and horses and a donkey have been in the field throughout the summer with absolute impunity. — Granville R. Rvdei;, in Times, October 12. Choisya ternata. — Considering what a beau tiful plant this is when it does well, it is surpris- ing that it is not much more grown — at least in the southern and western counties. It is hardy when well established on a suitable soil, and that is a deep holding loam, not very wet or cold. Here growth will be very free in summer, and the beautiful white tiowers will be freely produced in spring. Like the Andromedas, it is apt to start away rather early in spring, and should cold winds occur, the young foliage is often cut about, but the plants get over this, and by midsummer are a mass of the bright glossy leaves. Some- times in a fine summer a second lot of flowers is produced, but these are seldom so good as the tirst. The flowers and foliage have both a rather pleasant scent, and both are nice for cutting. The best place for C. ternata to flower is on a sheltered wall, but here the plant is not so pretty as when grown into a large, rather spreading bush in the open. It is one of the plants that so easily strikes root, that nurserymen can easily supply it not grafted, and if it is required to be propagated at home, take cuttings bi the halt- ripened shoots now and place singly in pots in a greenhouse or frame. — H. Viburnum plicatum.— On p. 325 attention is directed to the value of the sterile form of our native Viburnum and also of the Chinese V. macrocephalum for forcing into bloom early in the year, but no mention is made of the .Japanese V. plicatum, than which there is not a more beauti- iul kind either as a shrub in the open ground or for flowering under glass. It has of late years been largely grown for this latter purpose ; in- deed, though by no means a novelty, it is only within recent times that its merits have been generally recognised. At one time it was con- sidered tender, and this idea limited its planting till our American cousins repeatedly called atten- tion to its great beauty, the result being a far more general recognition of the value of this beautiful shrub. Now considerable numbers are grown for forcing alone, not only in this country, but also by the Dutch cultivators. Like the other Viburnums, this must not be forced at all hard, but brought on gently, otherwise the dis- play of bloom will be but meagre ; wheieas when assisted with a little heat it flowers so freely that the entire bush will be quite a mass of blossoms. The partially expanded plaited leaves are of a Escallonia macrantha, while E. montevidensis still retained a few of its white flower-heads at the commencement of the month. The Habro- thamnus in a sheltered corner showed a cluster or two cf tubular crimson flowers, and the double Jew's Mallow (Kerria japonica fl.-pl.) against a, cottage wall was bearing a goodly number of orange blossoms, while the Laurustinus is rapidly changing the maroon of its flat flower heads to white as the blooms expand, but the tasselled bracts of Leycesteria formosa are now flowerless. Kcelreuteria paniculata has been particularly gor- geous in its autumnal colouring, and the Snow- berry (Symphoricarpus), absolutely loaded with its white balls, has created a surprisingly striking effect where planted in breadths at the edge of the shrubbery. The large standard Magnolia grandi- flora continued to expand its fragrant ivory-white chalices to the end of the third week in the month after twenty weeks' profuse blossoming. Many of the shrubby Veronicas are in flower, and in a sequestered garden the massive flower-spire of a Yucca stands out prominently, while the WoodwarAia oul-of-doors {Cormcall). (See p. 393.) pleasing bright green tint. As an outdoor shrub it is unsurpassed for its wealth of blossoms, and its distinct, somewhat spreading habit imparts to it quite a distinct appearance. — T. Ornamental shrubs of October. — Abutilon vexillariura has continued to produce its crimson and yellow blooms on slender arching shoots, and Abelias have borne a few flowers, while the ivory- white inflorescence of Aralia spinosa was noted in the early days of the month, after which the large deeply-cut leaves became highly decorative as they changed colour. The autumnal tints of the Amelanchier have also been extremely beauti- ful. The Strawberry Tree (Benthamia fragifera) is thickly set with its crimson fruit, and the Bar- berries have been ornamental both in their fruit and foliage. Caryopteris mastacanthus bore its pale blue flower-heads well into the month of October, and the Mexican Orange Flower (Choisya ternata) and the yellow- flowered Cytisus race- mosus were both to be seen bearing autumnal bbom hero and there, as was the pink-blossomed feathery plumes of Pampas Grass and Eulalia have attained perfection.— S. W. F. Sedum amplexicaule. — Those who admire alpine flowers can appreciate and take an interest in plants which may be of value to the botanist, but which those who only care for flowers of bril- liant effect do not trouble about. The former may think Sedum amplexicaule worthy of a re- mark or two, but the latter will assuredly think it beneath their notice. Yet it is a plant which, when seen in autumn, is an object of much curiosity on the part of visitors to the garden to whom it may be pointed out. The curiosity is tempered, it may be, on the part of some unversed in the ways of plants by a little incredulity when informed that the apparently dead fragments of a plant will before long spring afresh into life. One can well forgive this touch of incredulity because one knows that it arises from want of knowledge, and a feeling that one may be too November IS, 1899.J THE GARDEN. 403 sanguine in expecting that that singular-looking object can ever become the source of plant life. Sedum amplexicaule is in late summer and early autumn reduced to grejish, swollen, spiny-look- ing stems, which look more like some dead creature of the sea or air than a plant. Later, from these stems rise the green leaves. These are verdant throughout the winter, and in early summer the greenish yellow flowers are produced. There are several forms of this plant, or, it may be, twoor more species of similar habit. There are here three forms differing but little from each other. One came as an Italian form. An- other was called S. "retroridum." It was sent with a query added to the name, and one has little hope of ever ascertaining with confidence whether or nob the query is justified. At the present time these Stonecrops are pretty in the rock garden, with their neac green carpets of foliage. — S. Arnott. THE USEFULNESS OF BIRDS IN GARDENS. Ix each order of the animal kingdom there are species both useful and hurtful, the latter seeming to increase in number as the scale descends. Insects, for instance, are generally to be feared ; whereas the presence of birds is in very many cases of inestimable benefit. They are the best friends of plant life. They seem to have been created specially to keep in check the multitudes of insects which swarm upon foliage and even attack the bark of trees. A rapid view of our native birds will be enough to show us how much good the garden derives from their presence. Buzzard. — This is a very inactive bird: ordinarily perched on a post, a mound of earth, or a stone, it spends a good part of its exist- ence in a state of inertia. The food of the buzzard is composed of mice, moles, young or disabled birds, frogs, lizirds, serpents, the larger insects, and worms. Mice, however, are its favourite food. It watches the holes of these rodents, and when the little furred tenant makes his appear- ance snaps it up in a twinkling. It costs the lives of twelve to fifteen mice a day to keep the buzzard in food ; nay, as many as twenty have been found in the crop of a single bird. It is computed that one buzzard will on an average destroy 5001) to 6000 mice in a year, nob counting those which go to furnish food for the young buzzards. The buzzird seldom attacks game, being but poorly provided with arms for such encounters unless ib be some sick or disabled bird, or perhaps a young hare. For casual poaching of this sort, however, it ought not to be condemned, as its usefulness far surpasses the harm it occasionally does in this way. Tile kestrel. — Thi-i also lives chiefly upon mice and insects. Its favourite haunt is the church roof and among old ruios, where ib keeps a ceaseless lookoub for ibs prey. Owls are equally beneficial to agriculture by reason of the quantity of mice they devour, which is a strong argument for their protection. Charles Waterton, the naturalist, protectad the owl and established him in the neighbourhood of his own dwelling. " If these birds," he said, " only came out in the daytime, one could then perceive what numberless quantities of mice they destroyed, because, when rearing their young, they take a mouse ti the nestevery twelve or fifteen minutes." He speaks of having collected a p;ck of balls of fur, the excretions of owls during a period of six- teen months, and which he found among the ruins, (ienerilly speaking, all owls, large and saiall, are of great utility in the country, excepting the great horned owl, which do3s great harm by destroying game. The smaller kinds of owl are so necessary to agriculture, that their propagation might well be assisted and a hollow trea left here and there for their habitation. Wherever there are several of these birds one can surely I count upon the extermination of mice, and the ' good which they efl'ect in this way is far above the profit one might get by cultivating the ground occupied by such trees. The Belgian farmer, however, is so much bent on utilising every little corner of his land that every hollow tree must go, so it happens that owls which live only in the hollows of trees have almost totally disappeared from Belgium. Tlie Fern owls are productive of great good by the nature of their food and their voracity, as they consume innumerable quantities of butter- flies the caterpillars of which are so destructive. After sunset they capture swarms of gnats, which disport themselves among the marshes, and ex- terminate thousands in a very short space of time. Swallows also live entirely upon insects, which they seize on the wing. They are always hungry, and the chase after food continues far into the night. The good that swallows do is well known ; they destroy legions of noxious insects, and for this reason their propagation ought to be encouraged. Cleanliness, however, requires that when the breeding time is over the nests should be demolished, as they always swarm with vermin. Tile flycatcher also is extremely useful, and might bo called the martin of the wood. It destroys a host of insects noxious to man and beast. The shrikes also are of the number of benefactors, but these are accustomed to prey on insects much larger than grasshoppers and butter- flies. Crows and rooks often follow the labourer to the field to pick up and feed upon the insects which the plough has uncovered, including the grubs of cockchafers, and later on, when the season is more advanced, the cockchafers themselves fall victims to their appetite. The method of the rook is to alight upon soma trea where these cock- chafers are to be found and shake the branches by the movements of its body and wings, so that the cockchafers are thrown to the ground, whence they are easily picked up and devoured. The presence of these birds is beneficial in agricultural places, as the birds and eggs wliich they occa- sionally destroy are not to be compared with the multitudes of hurtful insects which they devour. There are localities where, owing to a false pre- judice, the crows have been completely destroyed, and too late the good they might have done has been recognised. Nightingales, redbreasts, linnets, finches, tits and wrens feed principally upon insects, some also on worms and caterpillars, but for the most part they live upon berries in the late season. What evil they do is of little importance, whilst their usefulness is great in exterminating a host of noxious grubs. By many the usefulness of The tomtit is unrecognised. Yet this bird saarches out in the Moss which covers the stems of trees the eggs of butterflies, Gastropaoha neustria, Liparis dispar, Gasmetra hirtaria brumaria, &c., and in addition a multitude of caterpillars. Be- sides being actively useful, there is nothing to be said against this bird in any way. In winter it lives upon the seeds which it stored away in the autumn. The tomtit builds in the holes of trees, where it makes a nest of very simple con- struction, in which it deposits ten to fifteen eggs. As the presence of these birds is of immense benefit in orchards, it is the practice, in the absence of hollows in trees, to supply a substitute for these in the shapa of boxes made like those used for tame starlings, but rather smaller, say G inches long and 4 inches wide, inside measurement, with a round hole in the upper part at the side large enough to admit the bird and small enough to keep sparrows out. The roof should be slightly slanting, so as to let the rain water run off, the whole baing covered with birk and Lichen in order to look lilie a part of the tree itself, and fastened to the stem of a fruit tree. One such box sheltering several tomtits will suf- fice, especially if the birds are young, when they are very voracious in the destruction of all the insects in a garden, a result which would be im- possible without these birds, whatever other pre- cautions might be taken. The tree creepers inhabit woods and orchards where the bark of the trees is thick and rugged, never ceasing to climb and flit about in quest of the insects and grubs on which they feed. They do not appear to be so fond of seeds and grains, which they swallow without taking the trouble CO open. They are beloved of the farmer and gardener, as they keep the fruit trees clear of caterpillars. The nuthatch runs along the branches, and hops from twig to twig in a continuous hunt after the insects and worms which form his food. He is a remarkable climber, and even clings up- side down to the undersides of branches. The nuthatch is very fond of caterpillars and the eggs of butterflies, which he eagerly searches after in the hollows and fissures of trees. He also eats seeds and all kinds of grain, even the hardest. His way of opening nuts, of which he is very fond, is to place them in a narrow fissure, and, gripping hold of them at the same time, uses his beak with such violence that in the end the shell is broken. For the winter the nuthatch lays in a store of nuts and berries, which he hides in the hollows of trees, where also he builds his nest. When the nest is quite made he walls up the open- ing with clay, leaving an aperture hardly large enough to admit of his own going and coming. The wryneck, which is allied to the wood- l>acker, is known for its remarkable way of turn- ing its neck in circles like a snake. It is never found in treeless |ilaces, but neither is its home in the denser forests. It clings obliquely to the stems of trees, and remains so poised for some minutes. It is not made for climbins, and its tail, owing to its extreme flexibility, affords it no leverage. It, however, flits from branch to branch with ease and can run along the ground very swiftly. It is fond of its bath also. The food of the wryneck consists principally of insects, grubs, and the eggs of butterflies and ants, which it takes b}- thrusting its long viscous tongue into the cracks and hollows of trees or by darting out its tongue. It has the reputation of being a very useful bird and one that does no harm. The female wryneck lays her eggs in the holes of trees in the dust of decayed wood without any pre- liminary preparation. Thesa same holes are used by these birds as night shelters. The woodpecker is a very active bird, con- stantly on the move examining the bark of trees for insects, grubs, caterpillars and butterflies' eggs, which it seizes with its long and adhesive tongue, or when this is not long enough it splits the bark with repeated blows of its beak and so gets at its food. The woodpecker builds in decaying trees, which also serve as shelter in the nighttime. Its instinct is unerring in selecting the tree for its purpose. Its dwelling it hollows out with its baak with infinite pains and skill. It is careless in the construction of its nest, and a few chips form the only bed of the young brood. As thisliird never selects a sound tree for this pur- pose it is nob destructive. It is rightly regarded as a useful bird by reason of its ridding the trees of ereat numbers of insects and caterpillars. The cuckoo feeds chiefly upon insects and caterpillars, even t'lose of the hairy kind, such as Bombyx dispar and B. pini. It is quite common to find the hairs of these caterpillars in the stomach of a dead cuckoo, and sometimes com- pletely lining it. As they are very greedy birds they consume a prodigiousquantity of caterpillars. They have a right, therefore, to ba considered as very useful birds for the plantation and forest. One may get an exact idea of their utility when one considers that the Bombyx pini lays 600 to SOLI eggs and lays twice in a year. The multipli- cation of these insects would ba frightful but for the great voracity of the cuckoo. Tha cuckoo devours eggs, grubs and caterpillars with an eagerness which knows no interruption except during the period of sleep, as it eats continu- ously. It is easy to estimate the number of these insects devoured by the cuckoo. Suppasa one cuckoo to devour a single caterpillar every five minutes in the long summer days of fourteen hours, we may estimate the number disposed of 404 THE GARDEK [November 18, 1899. in one day at 168. Accordinff to this computa- it does not require to be always in a hot and tioD, 100 cuckoos consume 16,800 caterpillars per ; very moist state, as though this enervating con- day. Assume the number of female butterBies dition may at first produce apparently good among these to be 8400, and that each female lays I results, fresh green leaves and large pseudo- o 0 eggs, the result is that in a single day | ^ulbs, the hardening influence of sun and air is 100 cuckoos will have destroyed 4,200,000 cater- „ „j 'i ,.„ • .