UMASS/AMHERST linn 312066 0333 3064 5 Wmm. iliMflfBuilHfltii mm jfijfflljij • i^llfwliilili t nn . i ! Jin lij|||ij|(ijj|;j; DDannDDDDnDnnnnnDDDDDnnaDDnDDnaa i a 3 a 3 a ■<0 fjR frr isi m 7. l»\ufl /« ^? ~2 •? iSvp^v^» ^ D 3 ^SRSt-'1** s D D 3 D D D ] UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS [ LIBRARY 3 D 3 D D D _l LJ 3 D 3 D D D 3 D 3 D 3 D 3 D 3 D 3 a 3 a D D a d D D □ D □ a a d □ □ a d D D □ □ a □ D □ D D D D D □ D D D □ n n D ' D □ a a d aaDDDDDDnnnnnDnnnnDDDDaDnnDDDnnn 53 The Garden.] C*"™ 30, 1900. The Garden.} I.Iink 30, 1900. Sir Wiij.iam Turner Thiselton-Dyer, k.c.m.g., f.r.s. t-::x Illustrated Weekly Journal Horticulture in all its Branches. Founded by W Robinson in 1871 Edited by Miss Jekyll ami Mr. E. 7. Cook. VOL. LVII.— MIDSUMMER, 1900. LOViDOU^: Office: 20, TAVISTOCK STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. Published by HUDSON & KEARNS, 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C, and by Messrs. GEO. NEWNES, Ltd., 7-12, Southampton Street, strand. The Garden.] Pet | Jink .'in, 1900. - — TO — SIR WILLIAM TURNER THISELTON-DYER, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL GAR 1)1- AS, k'hW, THE FIFTY-SEVENTH VOLUME OF -THE GARDEN Is dedicated. BORN in 1843, Sir William Thiselton-Dyer became, forty- three years later, Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, in succession to his father-in-law, Sir Joseph Hooker. In his earlier years Sir William took honours in Mathe- matical and Natural Science at the universities of Oxford and London, and held the Professorship of Natural History and of Botany successively at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester and the Royal College of Science for Ireland, entering on his work at the Royal Gardens as Assistant Director in 1875. As Professor of Botany and of Natural History, as lecturer to classes of teachers in training, as President of more than one section, on different occasions, of the British Association, as Vice-President of the Royal Society, as Mend ler of the Senate of the London University and in other allied offices, he has already done a life's work of steady labour in botany. In botanical literature Sir William published in 1865, with the late Dr. Trimen, A Flora of Middlesex, for which the collection of material was begun in school days, and in 1875 edited the English edition of Sat ■/,'.•< Text-book <>/ Botany, and is now engaged in editing the Icones Plantarum, and the continuation of the Flora Capensu and the Flora of Tropical Africa. Since his appointment to the Directorship of the Royal Gardens, Sir William has laboured with conspicuous success to the perfecting of their scientific organisation. The Gardens now contain 20,000 species and marked varieties, and these are nearly all catalogued in a series of hand-lists, which are generally accepted as authoritative standards of botanical nomenclature. The Director is now mainly occupied with the organisation of botanic establishments in India and the colonies and in training men for their service. The labour entailed by these works, besides that of advising the Government on technical questions and the constant pressure of an immense and important correspondence, must be more than enough for a man who has all his life had to struggle with indifferent health. But in addition to his earnest and arduous labours in botanical science and organisation, all who have delight or interest in horti- culture owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Director of the Royal Gardens, in that he has so raised their horticultural standing as to have made them a living exposition of a vast collection of plants so grown ami arranged as to make the Gardens a place of beauty and of the highest instructive value in gardening, of a kind that may be understood, not only by the owners of large places, but by those who are holders of the tiniest plot of ground. {June, 1900. Vol. LVII.] |" 77m Garden" Juru SO, 1900. INDEX A. Acacia dealbata, 45; Drumraondi, 148; in California, 170; obliqua, 345 Acarj pha hispida, 42 Achillea tomentosa, 196 Aconite, Winter, and Siberian Dogwood, 124 ; Winter not flowering, 169, 208 Ada aurantiaca, 250 Adonis amurensis, 90 Agapetes buxifolia, 172 Agathsea coelestis, 196 Agricultural packing at Rome, exhibition of, 300 Akebia quinata, 474 Alexandra Palace and Park, the, 376 Almost a Centenarian, 91 Alpine garden, Primula viscosa in. 341 Alpines, some May-flowering, 46] Althaea flcifolia, 3 Amaryllises at Chelsea, 284 Amelanchier florida, 417 American notes, 194, 259, 274, 297, 319, 355 ; plants and seeds, notes on new and rare, 235 Amorphophallus titanum, 6S Anacyclus formosus, 436 Anchusa Barreled, 455; italica grandiflora, 471 Andromeda japonica, 448 Androsace carnea, 286 Anemone, blanda synthlnica, 286; blue wood, 234, 319, 323, 369; coronaria and A. hortensis, forms of l!)!t; fulgens bicolor, 3E7, 406; King of Scarlets, 433; King of Scarlets from Lincoln, 433 ; nemo- rosa robinsoniana, 362 ; rannunculoides, 398,407,428, 449; robins ana in Ireland, 302; vernalis, 338; Wild, 338 Anemone, the St. Brigid, 474 Anoiganthus breviflorus, 248 Anopteris glandulosa, 148 Anthericuni algerense, 455 Antholyza sethiopica, 43 ; coccinea, 155 Aphelandra nitens, 42 Apple trees, pruning, 483 Apples, :m election, 413; best for Britain, L95, 249, 309, 346, 280; choice preservation of, 175; Cockle Pippin, 8; Cox's Orange Pippin, 400; growing from cuttings, 197, 259; injured by hail, 50 ; in Warwick- shire, 441 ; late, 127 ; Lord Burghley, 368 ; Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, 34 ; Nancy Jackson, 135; notes on, 259; the best, 388; thinning, 472; too many kinds of, 153; tree, bush, 34 ; upon walls, 127, 259; very late in Scotland, 420 ; well kept, 412 Apples and Pears, 89 Aquatics in America, 356 Aquilegia Stuarti, 455 Aquilegias and their hybrids, 398 Arabia, double white, 80S 375, 150, 465 Alalia (Fatsia) japonica in the open, 107; Sieboldi out oi doors, 58 Arboricultural Society, English, 131 ; the Royal Scottish, 131 Archer-Hind, Mr., 204 Armeria eephalotus alba, 436 Aristolocliia ornithocephala, 414 Art and craft of garden making, 345 Artichokes, Chinese, 161 ; Globe, 33 Arum Lilies in Abbotsoury Gardens, 245 Arums, yellow-flowered, 298 Arundo donax, 4^7 Asparagus, bed making, 189; cooking, 356; culture, 389, 112; forced, 33; obtaining, 432 ; planting, '.'2 ; tennissimus, 177 Asphodeline Balansiee, 397 Asystasia scandens, 321 Aubrietia Souvenir de W , Ingram, 255 Aubergines, m Aubretias increasing, 432 Aubrietia Qendersoni, 455 Auricula, the, 270; show, 302 Auriculas, Alpine double, 374 ; and Primula National Society, 251, 316; Amateur I lardeners' Association, 471 ; exhibition, 287; florists from Mr. Horner, 374; from Mr. Horner, 354 ; garden, 339; in winter, B5 ; raising from seed, 438; sweet-scented giant border, ::74 Azalea Deutsche Perle, 121 ; Duchess of Wellington, 363; illuminator, 19; mollis, new varieties of, 300 ; obtusa, 12 Azaleas, hardy, and Douglas Pien, 435 B. Baden-Baden, notes from, 180, 303, 856 Bamboos, hardy, and the past winter, 335, 369 : flowering of, 456 Hanks, sloping, coverings for, 387 Barr, Mr. Peter, 455 Baskets, filling wire, 132 Bath Horticultural Society, 431 Beans, Butter, 283, 307 ; climbing, the new, 354 ; dwarf, 330; early Broad, 68 : Beckenham Horticultural Society, 409 Bed, planting a, 54 Beech trees, soil about, 449 Beet, Sugar, 176 Beetles and fruit tree blossoms, 432 Begonia flowers not opening, 252 ; Gladys Hensley, 430; Gloire de Sceaux, 14'. i ; Haageana, 90; hemsleyana, 13; Triomphe de Nancy, 356 Begonias after flowering, 28 : tuberous, 148 Berberis stenophylla, 356 Berlin, a letter from, 175 Bellies, late, abundance of, S3 Betula (Birch), 3 Bilbergia nutans, 150 Bird life in the City, 356 Birds in the garden, 14 Bird s-nest Fern, 13 Bishop's Park, Fulhain, 455 Blackberry crop of 1899, 33 Bluebells, the, at Kew, 338 Hooks, 325, 326, 327 ; sale of, 820 Border, a beautiful mixed, 457 Borders of flowers, 31 Boronia elatior, 397 Boston show, the, 455 Botanical Exchange Club, 455 ; work at York, 196 Bougainvillea Maud Chetl lebrugh, 411 Boyd, M. T., 249 Briar, double yellow Persian, 485 Brighton and Sussex Horticultural Society, 71. 191 Bristol and District Gardeners Mutual Improvement Association, 19,91, 131, 170, 210, 335, 431 Brodisea (Triteleia)sellowiana, 174 Broom, White Portugal, the, 365 II row ilea < 'rawfordi, s Buckbean, 189 ; growing in a tub, 240 Bulbocodium vcrnum, 306 Bulbs, cutting grass kind planted with, 366 ; growing, in water, 246; Bpring-flowering, 317 Burpee's golden yellow Tropncolum Sunlight, 396 C. Cacti, flowering, 156 Calanthehamatodes, 281 ; Regnieri hololeuca, 69 Calceolaria violacea, in:: Calceolarias, hardy, 402 Calliopsis, hybrids of , 3 13 Callistephus sinensis, 27, 66 Calochortus pulchellus, 434 Cambridge Horticultural Society, 4lo Camellia, General H. Macdonald, 172, L id.\ Audrey Buller, 175 Campanula, a new (C. May i), 349; persicifolia moerheimi, 471 Canker in fruit trees and its treatment, 197 i annas resting, 20 Capsicums, 294 Cardiff Gardeners' Association, 131, 171 Cardoons, 68 Carnation and Pieote.es, 277; and Picotee Society, Midland, 112; dying off, L45, 44s, 409; H. J. Jones, 270, 287; Mine. Therese Franco, 25; the, 4S0 ; The ' "Unless, 337 Carnation and Picotee Society, National, 473 Carnations, 28; garden, 135 ; Grenadin, 315; growing in America. 104; in pots, 102 Carrots, early, 32 ; failure in, 4,2 1 latalpas, 179 Cattleya intermedia, (Fowlers var.), 199; Our Queen, 410; Mossiae rouseleana, 410 * Rosalind superba, 299; Schcederse (Pitt's var.), 299; Trianie, 172; T. Katie Wigan, 250 ; Wagneri (Hassall's var. ). 410 Cauliflowers, early, o.s, 452 Celeriac, 14, 42:1 Celosias, 92 Centranthus ruber, 484 < lentropogon Lucyanus, 56 ■• Century Book of Gardening," the, 822 Ceylon, jottings from. 130 Chanuelirioii caroliniana, 411 Channerops excelsa, 23 Charities, the gardening, 157 ( 'heiraiitlius versicolor, 397 Cherry pest, a new, 259 ; season under glass, 375, 472 Chicory, 432 ; as ;i vegetable and salad, 390 Chilian Crocus, the, in S. Devon, 388 Chillies, 204 Chimonanthus fragrans, 79; from seed, 83 Chinese Primulas, 92 Chionodoxas at Kew, 270 Chionos :illas, 258 Chiswick Gardeners' Mutual improvement Society, 91; lectures at, 450; the new, 315,427; trials, notes on the, 325 < Ihorozemas in bloom, 255 Christmas Roses and Pernettya berries, 01 Chrysanthemum Society, Kingston and Surbiton, 151 ; National, 91, 112, 171, 251 Chrysanthemum Society. National, 474 Chrysanthemums, 65, 104, 145, 190; border, 343; early-flowering, for outdoor border, 152; February, 29 ; for decoration, 15; H. J. Cutbush, 411; in bud. lifting summer-flowering, 395; in vases, 4;;; Italian National Society, 410; Japanese for exhibition, 125 ; late,82; most popular*, 23; of a crimson colour, 152; outdoor, 49; show at Paris, 410 ; seasonable notes, 190 Cineraria kewensis, 209 ; Lady Thiselton- Dyer, 320 Cistus, the Gum, 455 Citrus Medica var. Limonum, 41 Clematis alpina, 377 ; disease, a note on, 74 ; iudivisa, 148; montana, 436 Clematises as wall climbers, 141 Clerodendron splendens, 302; trichotomum, 00. 95 Climbers for Greenhouse, 132 Climbing and trailing plants, some of the rarer, 339 Climbing and trailing plants, some of the rarer, for walls and pergolas, 271 Climbing plants for a north wall, 472 Clock, floral, 260; floral, De Candolle's, 368 Codiseums and Dracaenas, propagating, 191 Coelogynes and Cypripediums, 248 Cold weather notes, 79, lis, L37 1 ''ileus thyrsoideus, 07 Coleworts, 472 Colour study, a, 420 Columbines in pots, 319, 4:i2 Commons Acts, 1899, the, :;77 Common and footpaths Preservation Society, 131, 211 Conifers at Murthly Castle, 358 1 osni'is bipinnatus, 462 Coreopsis verticillata, 127 Cornflower, blue, 4:;t Coruus (Dogwood), 3 Coronilla coronata, 319 ; glauca, 15 Correa cardinalis, 96 Corsica, notes from, 249 Corydalis, the white, 89 Cotoneaster on sloping bank ;ii Linton Park, Maidstone, 331 Crainbe inaritini;t, i85 Crinum capense, seeds of, 9, 130, 207 Croci at Kew, 100; in Macedonia, 209 Crocus ancyrensis, 90 ; gargaricus from Bithynia, 24S ; Iniperati, 120; Sieberi and c. Imperati, 170; Sieberi and C, Olivieri, 140, 170 ; the, 243 ; Toniniasmianiis, 255 Crystal Palace, great fruit exhibition at the, 457 1 lucumber in frames, 172 Cultivation, deep, and its benefits, 32. 46 ; of soil, deep, 88 ; deep, 120. 10s, i:n 3110 Cupressus macrocarpa lutea, 79 Currant, Red, La Versaillaise, S Cyclamen coum, 22, 96,109; persicum flm- briatuin. 250; the Feathered or Fringed, 333 Cyclamens not tlowei in-. 20 Cyclobothras, 172 Cymbidium i'Ansoni, 410; Lowiauum, 67 ; \l.u.\ Beatrice, 4lo 1 > rtanthus McKeni, 37 Cytisus tilipes, 177 < > pripedium actoaus langleyense, 69 : Cal- eeolus, 433; Godefroya?, 431 ; insigne in summer, 4so ; J. Gurney Fow ler, 299 ; Lord Roberts. 136; Sanderiano hybrids, 74; Sanderiano-Curtisi, 69 ; seasonable notes, ion; sir 1;. Buller, 22; Bpectabile and C. califoiuicuiii from Ireland, 454 Daffodil Society, the Midland, 279; at Surbiton, 314 Dsedalacanthus macrophyllus, 45 Daffodils and the season, 876; forced, 90, 148; from Carlisle, 373 ; King Alfred, 315; planting after, 252 ; under glass, 181 Dahlia shoots, 192 Dahlia Society, the National, 71, 170. 191, 210 Dalmatia, notes from, 17s Daphnes, deciduous, 142 Darwiuia macrostegia, 136 Deep cultivation, 154 Deepdene, Dorking, in the gardens of, 367 Delphinium, Queen of Huish, 471 Dendrobium aggregatum, 250; Cliosuperbum, 250 ; Dal lions- nobile, 431 ; Melpomene, 250; Mr. Engleheart 5 seedling, 318; nobile album, 251 ; nobile virginale, 281 ; Wardia- num, 50, 333 Deutzia gracilis, 149; hybrida rosea, 396; new, of Lemoinc, 424 Dianella aspera, 400 ; ccerulea, 354 Dianthus siipcrbuni chinensis, 13 Diospyros Lotus, 50 Diplacus glutinosus, 417 Double diguing, 92 Dracaena Beckhautei, 25 Dracaenas and Codianims propagating, 191 Dublin, a garden near, 415 Dundee, a winter garden for, 170 E. Early bulbous Irises. 1 10 Earth Life, Is.:; Echium callitnyrsnm, 411 Edgings, plants suitable for. 280 Edinburgh Botanic Garden Library. 436 Edrianthus dalmaticus, 411 Egg Plants, 432 Elder-flower water, making, 247 Elder, Golden, and Purple Hazel. 127 Eleeagnus multiflora, 439 Embothrium coccineum, 424 Engines injuring Howers, 268 Epacris in bloom, 150 Epidendrum Clarissa, 299; Wallisio-ciliare superbum, 69 Epigtea repens, 332 Epimedium pinnatum, 37. 320 Eranthemura nervosum, 45 ; pulchelluin, 134 Eranthis eiliciea, 1 s:: Eremurus himalaicus from seed, 248; and Japanese Primrose, 4;;o ; Warei, 471 Erica carnea alba. 33; barbata, 101; Codo- nodes, 150; hybrida, 254 ; inelanthera, 15 ; Wilmoreana, 149 Eriostemon cuspidatum, 96 Eritrichium nanum, 450, 468 Erysimum Golden Gem, 157 Eseallonia scilloniense, 90 Eucalyptus globulus, 1211 Eucomis punctata, 360, 400 Bupatorium adenophorum, 357 Euphorbia jacquinireflora, 29; jacquinise- flora as a conservatory plant, 42; Wul- feni, 377 Euonymus japonicus, fruiting of, 55, 57. 148 Fabiana imbricata, 456 False ideals, 37, 75. 140. 174. 202 Fatsia japonica out of door§, 55 fences for woods, 7S Ferns, hardy, 240; new, 20; Spore sowing, 267 ; best British, 125 Fertilisation of flowers, historj of the know- ledge of the, 233 VI. NDEX. [" The Garden" Junt $0, 1900. Firs, big, 26; lowland, L63; the hardiest, 4 Floral clock, a, 169, 189 Floral Farms, Wisbech, the, 35] Flower bed, spacing and colouring of, 92 Flower garden, the, 164 Flower shows and their influence on horti- culture, L53 Flowers, engines injuring, 268; out of season, 156 ; Hiring, M Kew, 80S Flowe ardy outdoor, a Christmas, 180 ; originated in Nature, how, 177: some hardy, at the i>rill Hall, 176; spring, on grass, 381 ; wild, 319 Flowers, garden, old, origin and historj of, 100 : hybrid, origin of, 138 Foresl trees, planting, 59 Forestry : A lost crop, -''I ; the new, 263 Forget-me-not, New Zealand, LQi Forsythia intermedia Frames, Violets in, in winter, 54 Kraueisceas, 2U£> Fraser, John, 70 Fritillaria aurea, 339; aurea var., 2S6 ; im- perialis, var., 287 Fritillaries, 383 From other lands, 74 Fruit exhibition, -nut, at the Crystal "Fruit Farming for Profit," 36; Garden Notes, 104; growing in the British Isles, 173 Fruit garden, 267, 309; for tin; garden, i Fruit tree protector, a. ;; 10 Fruit trees, gumming on. 298, 401 ; harvest, the. 451 ; prospects, 436; thinning hhn.ni on, 252 ; thinning of, 441 Fuchsia for greenhouse ratters. 21 in : globosa outside at Hitchiu, 177 ; hardy, K>2, 255 : pyramidal, 152 Fumitory, a seedling, 315 G. Galauthus Elsse, 56 ; Elwesi var. Whittalli, 90; Gusmusi, 303; Iraperati Atkinsi, 120; virescens, 255 Galas aphylla, 33 1 larden, a midget, 380 Garden city, a, 113 Garden destroyers, 245, 418 Garden, rock, and herbaceous border, 425 Gardens, Gordon, at Khartum, 349; new, for the Royal Horticultural Society, 318 ; Rock and pool Japanese and English, 3i 3 Roman kitchen, 357 Gardens, Kew, 7.".; bulletin, 210; earlj Mowers at, 195; Guild, dinner of the, 320, 409; late Tulips at, 370 ; Lilac at. 370; notes from, 370; plants in flower in the rock garden, 370 ; Rubus deliciosus in, 370 : some plants in floweT at, 338 "Gardener's Assistant, the," Thompson's, 320, 42;; Gardeners' Association, Cardiff, 131, 171 1 lardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, 19, 38, 130, 159, 320, 376 Garden flower, the, 164 Garden flowers, old, origin and historj "{- 100 Garden hedge-hank, a. :u Gardening for the Hawaiian lepers, 55 Gardening, Japanese, 3 i0 Gardening of the week, in, 20, 30, 48, 60, 86, 115, 144, 169, 184, 200, 249, 21;:.. 278, 290, 313, 328, 347, 365, 386, 104, 121. 4:;::. 1 .9, 47f, ■• 1 hardening; < Mir and All, L43 Gardening, Riviera, :•. 31; notes, 1 1 4. 158, 174,195,258,376; thoroughness in, 233 ■ Gardening Veai Book and " Garden Oracle,' 143 Garden, note.- from an oblong, 104, 118, L59, L94, 237, 287, 342, 360, 394, 428 Garden Pinks. 472 ; wants, 68 " Garden, the, 2 Garrya elliptica, a remarkable, 338 Gaultheria procuinbens, air the berries of, edible, 19 Gentiana, 468 Geranium sanguineum album, 471 Geranium, scarlet-leaved Ladj Scarborough, 209 Germany, horticultural training in. 435 1 iesnera cardinalis, 377 i Minn coccineum fl.-pl., 475 Geum montanum aurantiacum, 357; Held- reiehi, 103 Gladiolus, the, as a garden flower, 2,2 1 rlassb mse, ral ing of, 205 Globe Artichokes, 33 < rloxinias LOS ; si ed, 72 Gooseberrj hushes and grubs, 432 ; pot. 452 Corrie. the late Mr. William Bugh, 212 Grapes, diseased, 112; scalded, 172; white, late, 3i. 89 Grass, flowers in, 9 Grass, spring (lowers on, 381 Class laud, cutting, planted with hull'-, 309; 3eed sowing, 418 Grei nhouse, Schizanl hus tor eool, 486 1 rreenhouse, syi inging plants in. 1 12 Ground, shrub lor carpel ing, 50 cum, blue, losing it> leaves, 20 H. Ha inanthus Katlierina-, 454 Hah sias, 3B1 Bamamelis arhorea, 50, 156, 248 Hanipstead Heath Protection Society, 170, 193, 2iu Ilardv Mowers at Ciasm-vin Botanic Garden, 41.S Hardy plants, improvement of, by hybridis- ing, 3 10 Hardy plants in pots, 283; succession with, 4 2C. Hartland, Mr., and the Shamrock, 269 Haylockia pusilla, 68 Hazel, I he t on-taut inople, 283 Heath, the winter. 50 Hedge-bank garden, a. 134 Heleuiuni, striatum, 298, 351 ; striped, the, His, 150 Helianthella quinguenervis, 283 Helianthemums, two good, 4sf> Heliophila scandens, 56, 68 Helleborus, 2i>4 ; altifolius, l; sent from Devonshire, 270 Hepatiea and Cyclamens, 85 ; angulosa, 254, 289 Hepatiea leaves, 432 Heiacleum, a beautiful, 269 Herbaceous border and rock garden, 42f> Hexacentris mysorensis, 377 Hibbertia dentata, 24, 209 Hidslgoa Wercklei, 13 Higllgate, plants in flower at, 249 Himalayan Rhododendrons, 303 Hippeastrums new, 299 Holland, plant shelter in. 262 Hollies, good, some, 31 Holly, Sea. the native, 472 " Home and Garden," ill Hone] suckles, forcing, 112 lion- Cong, a letter from. 44."' ; note-, 481 Hop, the, 209 Horticulture, a school for, 133 Horticultural Association, Scottish, 351 ; Society at New York, 371 Horticultural Benefit and Provident Society, 1 mted. 172; Club, 131, 371 ; Society, National, of France, 151 Horticultural Club, 474 Horticulture in 1899, 21 Horticulturist, reminiscences of an old, 401 Hugh Gorrie, the late Mr. William, 212 Hyacinth, the feather. 175 Hyacinthus azureus, 22, 96, 140 Hybrid garden Mowers, origin of some, 13S Hybridising improvement of Hardy Plants, 330 Hybridist, the work of the, 317 lheris Piuiti, 44'.' Ideals, false, 54, IOC [lfracombe market in Bpring, 24o [mantophyllums, 244 Impatiens Sultani, varieties of, 1; Implement, a useful gardening, 350 "In a small way,' lis, 159, 194, 237, 342, 360, 394, 420, 4iiii, Indoor garden, the, 105 In memoriam, 2s4 Inner Temple Gardens, 455 Insecticides, sale of. ; lonopsidium aeaule, 321 Ipswich District Gardeners Association, 71 Ireland, a bulb farm in, 423 ; flowers from, 315; Hower notes from Belgrove Garden, County Cork, 398 ; notes from, 149, 196, 329, 356, 396, 460 Iris border, an. 357 ; root of Japan, 4_3s Iris germanica, Black Prince, 4< l. 4s7 ; japoniea, 196; orchioides paradoxa, 171; reticulata in pots. 96, 242, 202, 204. 350; r. major, 203; stenophylla, 173, 202; stylosa, 252; stylosa speciosa, 286; mini en is, i7i ; variegata aurea, 184 [lis, Spanish, 474 1 dwarf, 105 I\ > , a g 1 winter, 37 tvy Snowdrops amongst , 368 [vy, the poison, 439, 1-1 [vj trimming, 152 Japanese Chrysanthemums for exhibition, 1 ■, Japanese gardening, 350 Japanese Horticultural Society, 396; fruit and forest trees, sale of. 136 Japanese plants, sale of, 174 Jasminum nudiflorum, Ts Jersej Potato crops ruined, 320 K. Kalanchoe flammea, 13. 22 Kaiinia angustifolia, 475 Kerria japoniea fl.-pl., 338 : under glass, '.4 Kennedys rabicunda, 357 Keu Bulletin, 474 Kew Gardens, 7.'. ; hulk-tin, 210 ; earlj flowers at, 195; Guild, dinner ••i the, 820, 409; late Tulips at. 370; Lilac at, 870; notes from, 370; plants in flower in the rock garden, 3711 ; Rubus deliciosus in. 870; some plants in flower at, 888 Kitchen garden, 115 Kitchen garden notes, 104 Kitehen gardens, Roman, 357 Khartum, Gordon's garden at. 349 Kniphofla, a Bpring-flowerlng, 206 Kowhai, 152, 469 Lachenalia Nelsoni,149; from Gunton Park, L6S haeheiialias, 134 Leelia anceps var. Leeana, 22 ; Edissa, 172; jongheana, 212 ; \l re. M , Grat 1 i\ var. superba, 69 ; purpui'ata Httleana, 410 Lselio-Cattleya Berths Founder var. splen- dida, 114; callistoglossa excelsa, 410; G.S. Ball, 410; herode,4l0; massangeana, 410 Lselio-Cattleyas, 69 Lambeth Palace Grounds, 396 La Mortola, plants in flower at, 244 Lapageria, scale on, 72 Law, 172 Laurel, the Tasmanian, 148 Lawn and cricket grounds, a book about, 128; weeds, 132 ; weedy, 72 Leaf-curl, 350 Leaves, Hepatiea, 432 Leeks, 412 Lettuce from May to October, 332 Leucopogon lanceolatus, 130 Libonia floribunda, 121 Lilac Marie Legray, 65 : Mine. Mabel Chatenay, 431 ; Persian, the, I3ii Lilacs, the, 437 Lilies, 362, 363, 364; in the British Isles, 453, 474; Mr, G. >'. Wilsons, 54; when tn plant, 269, 368 Lilies, Water, 452 : in tubs in America, 355 Lilium canadense, 412; candidum, failure of, in Kirkcudbrightshire, 387; damaged hv frost, 469; giganteum, 247. 283, 383, 405, 448; leucanthum, 68 ; speciosum in pots, 165 ; szovitzianum, 474 ; I enui folium, 482 ; Thunheigianum Orange Queen, 395, 411 Lily of the Valley, 20 ; in Lincolnshire, 414 Lily, the old Orange, and shrubs, 455 Lily, White, 452 Li nips fu-ld site, the, for the "new Chiswick," 252 Linaria pallida, 262, 270 Lincolnshire, Lily of the Valley in, 414 Linneaii Society, 71, 112, 151, 191,251,410, 451 Linton Park, Maidstone, < lotoneaster on Sloping hank at, 331 Lithospermum pros tra turn, 44'' Lobelia tenuior, 169, 474 Lotus peliorhynchus, 239 Love or fashion, 14 Lowe, the late Mr. E. J., 212 Lycaste Ballae, 410; Skinner!, 100 M. Mai edonia, Crocuses in, 209 Magnolia Stella ta, 320 Maize. 462 Manchester, Royal Botanical Society of, 451 Manure, seaweed as, 72 Markel . [lfracombe, in spring, 240 Marrow, Vegetable, a useful, 141 ; seed- growing, 102 May, glories of the, 377 Megaseas, the, in puts, 304 Melon, the best, 412 Melons in pot?, 291; not setting, 472 Meteorologists, two eminent 23 I Mezereon, white, the, 296 Midland Auricula show. 335; Daffodil Society, 334 Mignonette, giant, 147 Mischanthus nepalensis, 3! Mistletoe, 8 ; from seed, 169; seeds of, 132, 207 Mixed borders, brightening, 414 Monstera deliciosa, 166; flowering out of doors. 396 Morisia hypogcea, 303 Morsea iridioides Macleai, 90, 1 19 Mountain Avens, the, 196 Movements of plant-organs, nyctitropic and allied. 322 Mulching, value of. :■;, Mulgedi (Lactura) Plumieii. 184 Mutthly Castle, Conifers at, 358 Muscari comosum monstrosum, 4,5 Mushroom growing, 88 Mussaenda capsulifera, 13 Mustard and Cress, 152 Mutisia decurrens, 148, 169, 176, 207, 262 ■ \1> Gardener," 263 Myosotis German star. 320 M\i tie. 1 landleberrj the, 79 N. Nasturtium, the Flame, in Devonshire, 43. 206 Vu< issuablcolor^ ictoria,303 ; Chromatella, 320;cyclamineus,177; for pot culture, 201 ; King Alfred, 338; monophyllus, ■■■■ chatus and N. Johnsl )ueen of Spain, 321, 356; mi nil n us.; 11 1. 249; pall idus preecox, 49, mi;, L29, 148, 190, 248, 263, 282. 806; poeticus, 414 Princess Ida, 327; seedlings, 245; Stella improved, 302 ; triandrus, 820, :•; N< 1 1. nine-, g 1. 4-4 ; largi 1 ■>■ NeilL Mr. Patrick, 266 Nc'iiie undulata, 4 New Garden Plant-. 1898, 6 New plants in prospect, 156 Newry. notes from, 185 Newton Abbot, flowers from, 394 New Zealand Forget-me-not, the, '■<'■ Nieotiana BJ Ivestl is, 186 Notes on new plants, some, 209 Nova Scotia fruit growers convention, 151 Nursery and Seed Trade Association, 192 \ in -1 rj gardens, note- from, 314, 351, 388 Nuttaliia cerasiformis, 254, 3J 6 Nympha-a pulcherrima, 37 N> mpmeas, 299 ; orange, the so-called, 298 O. 1 takwood, a day at, 373 Odontoglossum Adrians Arthui Vsll worth, 4Hi ; Adrianae Ernest Ashworth, 410; Adiianse var. Lord Roberts, 172 ; Adrianae Victoria Regina, 410 ; Indersouianum, Cooksoni, 3 ■;;■; ; Ardina var. radiosum HO; crispum, 212; ciispum confetti, 410; crispum Harryaiiiiin, 13ti ; crispum Mundayanum, 114; Crispum Mrs, 'I'. Peters. Jin; Ciispum the Karl, 333; loochristiense, 172 ; elegans, 212; luteo - purpureum Mossi, 299; Bolfese, 471 ; Rolfese ardentissimum, 410; Rolfese var. optimum, 410; Souvenir de Victor Hye de Crom, 410; Triumphans Raymond Crawshay, 251 ; Wendlandianum (Crawshaj 's var.), 333 (Enothera lamarckiana, 201 Oenothera, speciosa rosea, 411 Omei'ods, Miss, reports general index to, 14:; "m ms, giant, 72 Onward ! not back, 51 Open spaces, preserving the beauty of, 1 t3 Ophrys, the, or Pee and Fly Orchids, t37 Orange Otaheite, 375 ; seedling, 252 Orchards, unprnned, of Worcestershire, 419, 4411 Orchids, new, 355; at Oakwood, 204; hook upon, 72 : cultural notes. 10 Orobus vernus, 319 ; Palm, useful hardy, a, 23 Paeony, Cream Perfection, 430; 455; herba- ceous, Lady Curzon, 430; Lady Sarah Wil- son, 411; tree, Lord Roberts; 430; Tree (Pseonia Moutan), 339 Paeonies, Tree, at Nice, 33s ; Tree or Moutan, 179 Pansies, fancy, 432; good bedding, 152; large, 462 ; seedling, 454 ; spring planting, 258, 272; at Tainworth, 388 ; Trimardeau, 377; tufted, 372; Violas, Ac., a show of fancy, 397 Pansy, Tufted. Florizel, 4.">7 : Jesse Cottee, 457 Papa \ ei pilosum, 455 Paper, printing, highly-glaze '. 302 Paris International Exhibition, conference at, S96; Universal Exhibition, 270 l U Parks, public, 110 Parks, spring gardening in the. 254 Parting wall and rockery combined, 246 Pasque Flow er, 67 Passi flora coerulea, 330 Passion Flower in bloom on New V ear's Day 19 Paul, Mr W illiani. 166 Paulownia imperialis, 454 Pear, P.euiie Bosc, ->: ; Broompark, 90 Pear-, cordon, 65; for flavour, 7: late, 38; Ne plus Meuris, 34; pyramid, 267; scale on, 72 ; stewing, 34 : sweet, from Ireland. 434 Peach leaf blister, 427. 482 Peach tree-, double-flowered, 56 ; Dr. Hogg s Crimson Gland e, 246; leaf blister, 2 9, 2 > Nectarine trees, suckers on, 333 Pea, Sweet, Conference, the. 4»i. 76, L07 ; bicentenary celebration, 171, 251; exhi- bition, 112 Peas attacked b\ weevils, 40G ; in pots, 402; late, 472; Sweet, autumn-sown, 156, 482; at Fawkham,438; Sweet, bicentenary celebration, 371 ; the best. 132, 190 Pelargoniums, tricolor. 412 Pelargoniumzona), 244 ; \n flower, 250 : for a long journey. 170; ivy-leaf, 192; ivy- leaved for walls. 258; Mrs, J D. Day, 411 ■• fhi Garden," Jv.ru SO, 1900. | INDEX. Pentstenions from seed, 412 Pentapterygium serpens, 212 perennials, dwarflug, 35, 106; hardy, 462 Pernettya mncronata, 8, 433; berries and Christmas Roses, 61 pests, destruction of, 18, i L9 ; garden, i i Phaius grandifulius, 90 Phalrenopsis Sanderiana intermedia Bry- raeria, 69; Lady Rothschild, 299; Schilleriauo-Stuartiana, 6 < Pharniaeeut ical Society, the, 53 Philadelphus mexicanus, 339 ; Lemoinei erectus, 474 Phlox maeulata, 193 Pliotmia seiTu'ata, :;77 Physalis Alkekengi, 432 ; the hardy, as a pot plant, 120 Physalises, the hardy, S3 Picea omorica, 7ii Picture, wintry, a, 1 Pine, tree region in Britain, 380 ; Umbrella, the, 27 Pinguieula vulgaris, 335 Pink, the common white, 475 Pinks, garden, 472 Pitcairnia corallina, 5G Planting, experimental, 42 Plant, organs, movements of. 322 ; portraits, recent, 9, 25, 107, 143, 190, 194, 341, 361, 388,451 Plants, at the Temple show, 407 ; hardy, in pots, 185, 383; how they climb, 160; in- door, SO; injuries to, through fog and smoke, 353; new garden, 6 ; over-rated, 422, 468 ; shade loving, 368 ; some climbing, 289 Pleasure grounds, reform in, 150 Plum districts, bad news from the, 457 ; Guthrie's green, 259 ; pot culture of, 7, 35 ; prospects, 396 ; the Date, 29, 56 Plums, 2L»7 ; Gage, 202 Poineiana Gilliesi, 298 Poinsettias, dwarf, 71, 150, 229 Polemonium confertum melitum, 300, 330, 338 Polyanthuses, bunch Primroses, with, 338 ; from Surrey, 356 ; seed, 472 Polygonum baldschuanicum, propagating, L8, 89, 168 Poppies, Shirley, history of the, 385 : in turf, sowing, 132 Poppy, Oriental Pink, 417 Posoqueria longiflora, 454, 486 Pot soil, 112 Potatoes, Crop in Jersey, 320; culture in Great Britain, 254 ; diseased, no; early, 152; intercrossing, 72 ; Jersey, 473 Preservation Society, Common and Foot- paths, 131, 211 Primrose, blue, from Wisley, 270; bunch with polyanthuses, 338; double from South Devon, 319; form of wild, 356; garden, 324; hybrid, 297; purple and crimson, 319; removing Bower-bud, 252; Bowing seed. 132 ; the Evening (Oenothera lamarckiana), 201 Primula alpine, 168; I hinese, 156; Chinese at -Messrs. Sutton and Sons, 52 ; floribunda, 32 ; General French, 22; glutinosa, 370; Kewensis, 172; obconica, irritation from leaves of, 336 ; rosea, 320 | verticillata, 131 Primulas, double, 257 Printing paper, highly-glazed, 302 Privets, the, 296 Protea cynaroides, 90 Protection for outdoor flowers in winter, 13 Prunus (Persica) Davidiana. 254 ; mains angustrfolius, 300 Pteris scaberula, 127 Pterocarya caucasica, 127 Public parks, 116 Punica granatum, 339 Puschkinia libanotica, 327 Pj i ethrum, Jubilee. 475 Pyrus Balicifolia, 376; Schiedeckeri, 356 ; jap mica, sport from, 377 R. Ranunculus Lyalli at home, 208 Raphiolepis ovata, 485 Rare climbing and trailing plants, some of the, 271. 339 Readers, to our, 1, 193 Relnwardtias, 359 Reminiscences of an old florist, 329 Kbapis aspera, 257 Rheingau, Walluf, notes from, 12 Rhodochiton volubile, 339 Rhododendron Brilliant, 47 ; campanulatum, 335; c. from Fifeshire, 319; Dr. Stocker, 25n; fosterianum, ::7^ ; II. Elliott, 300; hybrid, from Mr. Mangles, ::74 ; hybrid, from Wisley, 274 ; kingiauum, 68 ; leaves, diseased, 336; Maddeni, 450; Manglesi, 417; multicolor Triton, (ill ; Pink Pearl, 430; Shilsoni, 300, 321 Rhododendrons, 79, 470 ; at Regent's Park, 457 ; for colour, grouping, 393 ; hinialavan. ; >3 . hybrid, 96 Rhodora canadensis, 356 Rhus toxicodendron, 439, 4>4 Rhynchospermum jasminoides, 339 Ribes bracteosum, 4S4 Riviera gardening, 9, ;;i ; notes, in. L58, 174, 105, 25S, 376 Roadside wastes, the filching of, 439 Rockets, double sweet, 474 ; from Ireland, 154 ; white double. 20, 67, 75, 206 Rock garden, the, at the Friars, Henley-on- Thames, 338 Roman kitchen gardens, 351 Romneya Coulteri, l<;:> ; in Yorkshire, 468 ; propagating, 372 Rondeletia cordata, 207 Root-pruning, the wisdom of, 07, loo, 129 Roots, winter, not much grown, 240 Rosa gigantea, MOO ; rugosa and its varieties, 166, 180 ; simplicifolia, 283 "Kosarian's Year-Book, the," 60 Rose, an American, Bociety, 377 ; Blanche de Coubert, 475 ; culture, amateur, 62, s-l \ exhibition, -J40 ; exhibitions, can we improve our. 208; gardens at Midas, 55 ; Harrisoni Austrian Briar, 435; hedges, making, 44; L'Innocence, 300; Marechal Niel, of poor colour, 483; Mine. Alfred Carriere, 475; notes, seasonable, 205; of Sharon, the,; 12 ; Papa Goni ierasan indoor, 110; Rambler Leuchstern, 436; Reine <>1m;, de Wurtemburg, pruning of, 1.50; Safrano for indoors, 2:1;:; show fixtures for 1000, 412; Society, National, 12. 19,00, 81,396, 451 ; Society, the American, 377 ; the Guelder, 72 Roses, among the, in April, 2:>3 ; as stan- dards, 84; attacked by white fly, 452; Briar, in greenhouse and garden. 380 ; Chinese Guelder, 463 ; Christmas, 1 ; climbing, 452; climbing multiflora in pots, 370; forcing, 379; garden, at the Drill Hall, 478 ; hardiness of Tea, 114, 115, 150 ; hybridisation as practised by the late Lord Penzance, SO; Hybrid Tea, 242, 201; Hybrid Tea Tennyson, 43n ; infested with thrip, 212; in Indian gardens, 439 ; in the flower gar- den, arranging, 204 ; Irish Glory, 457 ; Jersej beauty, 375 ; Mine. Berard from Padstow, 319; Mare-chal Niel of poor colour, 440; mildew proof , 415; Nabonnand's, 140; old garden, 312 ; pink roamer, 430; planting, 81; single and semi-double, 342 ; sinica Anemone, 43f> : Society National, the, :;r.'>; some early, 458; Standard Tea, 10s ; Sweet Briar, for exposed positions, 107; Tea, and Wallflowers, 98; Tea, the pro- tection of, 71;, 12, 150 ; two interesting single, 242 ; wanted, some good dark, 168. Royal Gardens, Kew , menace to the beauty of. 302 Rubus biflorus, 101 ; bramble, 3 ; deliciosus, 370, 396; in Yorkshire, 468 Rudbeckia, striped, the, 55 Ruskin, John, 74 Russia, flora of, 370 Sage, 161 Saintpaulia ionantha, 59 Salads, 390 Salix (Willow), 3 Salvias, blue, 336 Sambucus racemosa tenuifolia, 165 Sandersonia aurantiaca, 375 Sandworts, the, 437 Sa] Miliaria ocymoides var. splendidisshna, 24:$ Saxifraga Burseriana, 439 ; B. major, 482; Boydi, 336; oppositifolia, 49, 76; sancta, 2i;: 1 Saxifrage, Burser's, 430 scalded grapes, 472 Scented-leaved Geranium Lady Scarborough, 21 i'.i Schizanthus for the cool greenhouse, 186; in Ireland, 435 ; wisetoniensis, 396, 411 School for horticulture, a, 133 Scilla bifolia rubra, 303 ; sibirica alba, 120; under glass, 148 Scotland, notes from. 102, 474 '■ Scots' Gard'ner," Reid's, 302 Screen Creeper, a simple, 372 Scyphanthus elegans, 340 Sea I lolly, the native, 472 Seakale, 152 Seaweed as manure, 72 Sedum brevifolium var. Pottsi, 22 Seeds, 150 ; sowing, 241 Selhorne, White of, diary of, 320 Senecio niacroglossus, 43 Shade-loving plants, two charming, 42s Shamrock, Mr. Hartland and the, 269 Shelter, planting for, 120; plant in Holland, 262 Show, Temple, the, 356 Shows, lessons learnt at the, 200, 318 Shrubbery, the, 24 Shrub for carpeting the ground, a good, 50 shrubs and climbers, some of the rarer, 153, L86 ; and trees, flowering, in South Corn wall, :;4:i ; flowering, 152 ; flowering in < raw ley, 354 ; for dry soils, 50 ; in an \biiotsiiiiry garden, 435 ; in gardens, want of variety in, 393 ; some good winter, 19 Sidalcea malvieflora Listeri, 24* silver Bell or Snowdrop trees, 861 skinimia Formani, 156 smilax rotundifolia, 340 Snowdrops amongst Ivy, 312, 368 ; and other plants among Ivies, 128 Snowflake, the twin-flowered, L76; spring, 383 Snowstorms. 177 Sobralia Veitchl aurea, 471 SOCIETIES— Bcckcnham Horticultural, ;i71 Krancaise d'Horticulture de Londres, 410 Reading Gardeners' Society, 71, 91, 151, 171, 252, 352 Royal Botanic 315, 371 R03 ai 1 ialedonian, 131, bo Royal (hardeners' Orphan Fund, 01, 112, 133, 157. 191 Royal Horticultural. 19, 70, 93, 112. 11::. 170, 171, 191, 211, 251, 310, 302, 333, 108, 131, 451. 4(15, 470. 483 ; and Chisw ick trials, 352 ; and its future, :;:i", 369, 374; and Richmond, 112; hall for the, 334; new gardens for the, 318, 352; of Ireland, 71, 151, 210, ::71 ; policy of, 301; special meeting of, 270; Temple show, 373; the centenary of the, 318; Tulips at Chiswiek, ■• '■'.:'> Selborne, the. 391 Shropshire Horticultural, 170,210 Wolverhampton Chrysanthemum, 371 Soil samples, 249 Sollya heterophylla, 340 Some welcome encouragement, 38 Sophro-Lselia marriottiana, 281 South Devon garden, in a, 399 South Devon, the Chilian Crocus in, 338 Southwark, a new open space for, 45G Spearwort, the great, 156 Species arise in Nature, how, 411 Spinach, sowing, 72 ; New Zealand, 161 ; summer, 192 Spinea arguta, 350, 406 ; prunifolia fl.-pl., 50 ; Tlmnbergi. 335 Sprekelia formosissima, 270 Spring flowers, double. 432 ; on grass, 381 Spring gardening in the parks, 254 Spring, Ilfracoinbe market in, 240 spruce, the Servian (Picea omorica), 70 Stal ice Limonium, 350, 387 Stephanotis ii"i flowering, 20 Sternbergia colchiciflora, 209, 263,283; col- chica, 249 Stocking a new vinery, 241; Stocks, Brompton, 452; East Lothian, 263, 298 ; in flower now, 149 ; John Bright, 41s Stokesia cyanea in Devonshire, 24 Strathfleldsaye, in the garden at, 435 Strawberry, a new, 431 Strawberries, for early forcing, 395; from seed. 75; in a County Down garden, 424; mulching, 330. 40s ; perpetual. 417 ; plant >. barren, 472; runnels. 472; Trafalgar, 131 Strelitzia Regina, 356 Streptosolen Jamesoni, 416, 408 Sfuartia pseudo Camellia, 3 9) Success and failure with flowers, 40. Sulphur, use of, 472 Summer flowers, winter thoughts on, 134 Surrey Hills, among the, no Sweet Pea Conference, the, 40, 76, 107 ; ex- hibition, 112; bicentenary celebration, 171, 251 Sweet Peas, 472 : at Fawkham, 438 Symons, the late Mr. G. .1.. 212 Symphyandra Hoffmann i and s. pendula, 399 Syntln ris reniformis, 321 Syringa villosa, 457 Syringing plants in greenhouse, 112 laiiiio shan, a trip to, 236 Tamworth, Pansies at, 3SS Tasmanian, Laurel, the, 14s Tea Roses from frost, protecting, 40 Tccophykca cyanocrpcus, 254 Temple show, the, 373 Thunbergia alata and its vagaries, 299; my- sorensis, 377 Thyrsacanthus rutilans, 360 Timber : A crop that paid, 99 Todea superba and T. pellucida in the open garden, 254 Tomato grower, the first, 14 ; outdoor, 152 Torquay spring show, 251 Toxic. iphhea spectabilis, 50 Trade notes, 2.52, 440 ; protection societj , a, 270 Trees and si nubs flowering in 1 lorn wall, 343; in winter, 3 ; of recent introduction, 143; -election of, 70 ; want of variety in. 413 Trees not successful, 169 Trenching, double-digging, 112 Tricuspidaria hexapetala. 340 Trillium and Apennine Windflower, 377 Trilliums growing, 372 Trinidad Botanic Gardens, work in. 455 Tropseolum speciosum, a note on. 75 Tropseolums, pot, 452 Tulip a failure. 412 ; Batalini, 410 : galatlCa, 411 ; Mabel, -in ; Mrs. Moon, 4ii ; Society. Royal National, 409; with three flowers on spike, 396 Tree, fruit, protector, a, 800 Tulipa Borscezowi, 357 ; elegans pallida 196 ■ kaufmanniana, 369, 387; kolpakowsfciana and other Turkestan. 402 Tulips about wild. 150; an effective bed of, 390 : at Chiswiek, 39] : Darwin from Hol- land. 394; Darwin, for forcing, 286, 307 . diseased, 372; Florentine, wild, the, L89; from Ireland, 337, 394 ; in masses. 377; late border, 398 ; late flowering garden, 370, 446; late from Ireland, 364; May-tlowet- ing, perfume in. 416 Turnip. Carter's new early forcing, 101 Turnips in spring, forcing, 161 Tussilago farfara variegata, 283 Minus alata, 90 V. Vanilla, the, 35 Variety, want of. amongst trees and shrubs, 413 Vegetable, a useful, 14; Marrow seed grow- ing, 192 Veltheiniia viriditolia, 191 Verbascum olympicum, 475 \ erbena -Miss Ellen Willmott, 307 Verbenas, 35ii; in the future, 253 ; seedling, L92 Veronica hulkeana, 340, 405 ; rupestris, 55 ; spicata, 130, 189, 234 Veronicas, shrubby. 14s Victoria Regia var. Trickeri, 306 Victoria, the, and other tender Water Lilies in the open air, 463 Villa garden, a. 122, l 10 Vilmorin, Henry de M., 26 Vine shoots. Imperial, 372 \'inery, new, stocking a, 246 Vinery, the curate's. 400 Vines destroyed by weevils. 44s Violet La France. 250 Violets, diseased. 72 : in frames in winter, 54; single, 367; throughout the winter. 296 unsatisfactory. 252 W. Wallflower, yellow rochet, 319; double yel- low, 357 Wall gardens, 275 Wall, to clothe a dry. 4s2 Walls in city, plants for, 400 Walluf, N.. Rheingau. notes from. 12 War, on the eve of the, 299 Wasps, queen. 387 ; destroying. 32 1 Wastes, roadside, niching of, 439 Water gardens, 253 Water Lilies for tank, 359; pond for, 42.1; spawn on, 112 Weather in 1899, 38 ; in West Herts, 72, 02, '.ii'.; notes, cold. 98 ; the. isi Weeds, 132 Weedy lawns, 72 Weevil, the brown, lis Weevils, Vines destroyed by, 448 Welcome encouragement, some, 3S West Herts, weather in, 72, 92, 96 White of Selborne, diary of, 320 WiM flowers, 319 Willows, 3 Wilson, G. F., F.R.S., V.M.H., 17 Windflower, Apennine, and Allium, 377 Winter Aconites (E ran this hyemalis), SI, 149; garden, the, 40; moth and its de- struction, 18 ; the last cold, 152 Winter garden for Dundee, a, 176 Winter, protection for outdoor flowers in, 13 Wintry picture, a, 1 Wisbech, the floral farms at, 351 Wistaria at Soham House, a curious, 428; sinensis, 344; the forced, 270; the, in Japan, 458 Wistarias, 311 ; of many kinds, 457 Woods, by-products of. 238, 255: mixed. 381 Wych I Bezel. Tree. 50, 156, 248 Vol N floral t'.. 70 Border, a mixed at Downside, Leatherhead, 47 British Ferns, unique, 46 Brodisea sellou iana, 162 Broom, white, the, 364 Bo1 anic • lardens, Ke« . 5 Butterw mi i . :::. i abbage, SI Martin, 1 1 ! Cabbages, autumn and "inter, 332 Cactus, night-flowering, in Cape Colony,32D Camellia, Ladj Audrej Buller, L62 Campanula gargarnica, 425 Campanula isophylla alba, 93 Campanula Mayi, 349 Campanula ] crsicifolia, \. - < 'aiupioii Sea, 372 Carnation, 11. J. Jones, 388 Ceptialotus follicularis Chamserops fortunes in fruit, 145 Cheltenham, l.alia anceps at, 241 Cherry trees in blossom, 207 Christmas Rose, an Irish, 32 Cinerarias at Farnham Royal, 220 Clematis alpina, 481 Clematis coccinea, Countess of Onslou , 376 Clematis indivisa lobata in pots, 182 < 'lematis. paniculata, l 55 Climbers upon old Abbey wall, Battle, 187 < !limhing plants, 108 Conifers at Murthlj < asl le, 359 i tottage, creeper-clad, 25 Crocus speciosus, 61 Crocuses under Beeches, 139 * iyclamen coum, 260 Cyclamen, Persian, 271 ; crested or fringed, 299 < lyclamens and Hepaticas, 85 Cypripediura Sanderiana-Curtisi, 74 < lypripediums, two interesting, 164 Daffodils at Warlej Place, 39 Daffodils, two, 62 Daffodil Mine, rie Graaff, 121 Deepdene Gardens, Dorking, 367 Dendrobiums and Lfolia hybrids, 24; Clio superbum, 268; Melpomene, 284; nobile album, 268 : some trumpet, 296 Dendrobium burberryanum, 212 Dendrobium spectabile, 483 Destroyers, garden, 224 Downside, Leather-head, a mixed border at 47 Downside, the rose-garden at, 403 Drosera burkeana, 33 E. Epidendrum Wallisio-ciliare, 422 Epiphyllum, the, 49 Eranthis cilicica, 202 Eucalyptus, globulus, 23s ; trunk in an Irish garden, 420 Euphorbia, a fine new. 440 Farnham Royal, Cinerarias at, 2211 Ferns ami Foxgloves in Devon, 21ii Firs, Douglas, at Murthly, 858 Flowers, spring, at Bath, 321 Foam Flower. 23 Fritillaria pallidiflora, 383 Fritillaria acmopetala, 481 Fruits, October, at Skelton Castle, York, v\', G. Gallfly, the Rose, 273 Galtonia candicans, 191 Garden Mowers at home, ■. L99, 2S1 Gardens, cottage, 217; artificial, rock and I I. 378 ; wall, 97 Gardens in the Kelly House, Tavistock, 313 Gardens of fnverary Castle, 347 Garrya elliptcia, 122 Grocers scoop for garden use Si 0 H. Hamamelis arborea, 102 Ham House, in the garden of, 426 Hayes, Kent, ancient Pollard Oaks at, 217 Heliophila scandens, 28 Holme. Lacy, in the garden at, 177 ; one oi the pools at, 4l!l Hydrangea, a double-flowered, 439; hortensia fl.-p., 439 Kew. Royal Gardens, 5 Kitchen Gardens, Roman, 256 L. Lachenalias, 195 Lady's Slippers, hardy, 442 Laelias and Dendrobiums, hybrid, 241 Lselia anceps at Cheltenham, 241 Mia anceps hybrids, 174 LTlio-Cattleya. Fanny Leon, 95; eallisto glossa splendens, 231 Lselia Jongheana, 202 f.iw as, 322 Leucojum (acis) autumnale, 338 Leuoojum vernum, 381 Lilly of the Valley, Fontlns, 222 Longford Castle and its gardens, 467 M. Mallows, the Tree, 4til Maples, a group of, and other trees and shrubs, 405 Maples, Japanese, 276 Me^asea eor.lifolia iriandilh.ra, 413! Melon, Beauty of Syon, 291 Merendera caucasica, 143 Meyenia erecta, 4112 Monea iridioides, 122 Murtlily Castle, Perthshire, 369 Muscari prcecox, 142 N. Nectarine, cardinal, 407 Nelumbiums, culture of, in Italy, 397 NTymphaea Marlacea carnea, 287 Oaks, ancient Pollard, at Hayes, Kent, 217 Odontoglossum crispum, Britannia, 415 Pittianum, 355 Orchi Is a* Rosslyn, Stamford Hill, 321 [reland, notes from, 158 [ngestre, the straight walk at, 282 Inveraiy Castle gardens of, :;i7 iris border, an, 357 Iris, Danfordise, 162 Iris foetidissim t, il5 Irises Flag, group of, 1 n Iris, Florentine, the, Iris Germanica Black Prince, Iris, korolkowi, 443 Iris reticulata major, 243 iriv st\ losa, 28 J. Japanese rocks ami pool garden, 378 Japan, the flower garden of, 304 Jasminum Main Gayi, 344 K. Kelly House, Tavistock, gardens in the, :;>j Iverria japonica, 277 P. Pttonies, the. 4:;7 Piconj Tier Bush, 3 19 Palace at Mathern, the old and its gardi ns Palm house at Streatham Hall, 128 Palm in an Irish garden, 255 Papj in-, the, in Sicily, 106 Pea, Veitch's maincrop, 343 Peaches ami Nectarines, leaf-curl in, 224 Pear, Durondeau, 135 Pernettyas, 152 Persimmons, ui> Phalfcnopsia Sanderiana ami its varieties, 44 Physalis, hardy, the, 21 Pine. Norfolk Island. 137 Pitcher Plant, Australian, the, ::77 Plants, garden, our. at home, 288 Poinsettia, the double in Jamaica, 4S5 Poppy Bush, (lie California. 2H3 Priest's Garden, the, 124 Pyrus Mains angustifolia 11. -pi., 344 R. Ranunculus carpaticus, 123 Rheum ribes, 41'.:. Rhododendron, new hybrid, 455 Rhododendron Shilsoni, 261 Rockets, Donble, 67 Koine, a letter from. 198 Rosa bei beridifolia 'A ■ Rose, China, Miss Willmotl Rose Jersey Beauty . .:7;- Rose Marquise de Salisbury (coloured sup- plement) Rose, Pan! - Single White, 222 Rosslyn, Stamford if ill, Orchids at, 321 Royal Gardens, Kew 5 Ruskin, John, the iat< . 6fl S. Sanguinaria canadensis. 457 Sarracenias, 326 Saxifraga Burseriana, is2 Sea I ampion, double, 127 Severn End, a. border, 87 Shelters, L96 Shirley Vicarage and Church, : s.~. Shot-hole fungus, 245 Sir Trevor Lawrence, 114 Sisyrincliiuiii grandirlorum, 2S6 skelton Castle, York. 1 >■ .,\ er fruits a L97 Smilax aspera, 292 Snowdrop, a new, 44 Solomons Seal in half-wild garden ground 237 Spiraea prunifolia flcre-pleno, 142 Strawberry, a new , 450 strawhern tree (Benthainia fragifei-a) in tin fruit. ^:; streatham Hall. Palm Hon eat, 128 Sundew. Australian. 3 Symphyandra H< ffmanni, ! 1 : Taormina, Sicily, a lett< 1 ficm, 177 Temple of Concord at Girgenti, the, 140 Thiselton-Dyer, sir William ( frontispiece) Thunbergia alata, 235 Tiarells cordifolia, 23 Town Garden, the, 14**. Tulipa Kanfmauniana. 327 Victoria Regia, the. 280 Vines in the open air, 110 Violets, giant, in W. \\ all Gardens, 97, 117 Warley Place, Daffodils at, D Water Lily, a hybrid, 287 Water Lilies, 280 Wilks. tiie Rev. W., 384 Winter protection, crop, Eor, 101 Wistaria sinensis, a standard, 311 Workers among the flowers, 166, 21:4. 307. inn \\ ych Ha/el Tree, the, 102 \ ews, ancient, at .Murthly. 359 Zygadenus muscfetoxicum, 160 Zygopetalum (Botemannia) Burti, 307 iW~^- iSte<^— ::=s<9?. GARDEN,* No. I K58. -Vol. LVIL] [Janitary 6, 1900. A WINTRY PICTUKE. Niiw in the woodlands from the creaking boughs The last sere leaves are loosened and unstrung, Where once the tender honeysuckle clung, And the fond mavis fluted to his spouse. Already dreaming of her winter drowse, And brooding dimly on her unborn young, The dormouse rakes the beechmast, and among The matted roots the moldwarp paws and ploughs. Over the furrows brown and pastures gray The melancholy plovers flap and plain : And, along shivering ] 1 and sodden lane. As lower droop the lids of dying day, Like to a disembodied soul in pain, The homeless wind goes wailing all the way. Alfred Austin. TO OUR READERS. WITH the present issue, The (I lrden, under new owner- ship and direction, enters upon another period of its existence. During the twenty-eighl years through which it has reflected the thought and intention of its blinder, it has been the instrument mainly employed for the furthering of the object to whieh the best years of his life have been ievoted. This objecl has been to promote the knowledge of the better ways of horticulture, and to give to all who would garden well in the temperate world, a clear knowledge of beautiful plants and shrubs and tree.-, and of the best ways of using them. That such helpful instruction was much needed has been proved by the eagerness with which it has been accepted, while its clear result is shown in the widespread and intelligent interest now taken in matters horticultural. And although the newer and better ways of gardening are only a return to those of our ancestors, yet the precious heritage they left us had for many years been lost. To have been the means of restoring it, and also to lave awakened many more minds to the know le [ge of the happiness that may be found in a garden, is an achievement of which anyone man pay well be proud. The benefit is one which is not only individual, but national. Indeed, it is probable that, during the century of extraordi- nary progress upon whose last year we are now entering, movement that has been kindled into life has had so direct a bearing upon the happines- of so large a number of people. When, towards the close of the year 1871, Mr. Robinson founded Tut: Garden, the good hanlv border flowers, beloved of our ancestors. had long been banished, and the bedding system, in the wearisome monotony of its all prevailing practice, was almost the only ex pression of gardening existing throughout the country. Tt was a bondage of fashion, spreading from end to end of the land, that had even in many cases driven the good old border flowers out of the little cottage plots. Mr. Robinson set himself the task of combating this evil, and of restoring to favour the simple and delightful ways of the older gardening, that for so many years had been thrust aside. There can be no doubt that it is mainly owing to his work and influence that our gardens have regained their ancient and most precious character of peace and beauty .and power of giving happiness. The love of beautiful Mowers and of garden- ing is deeply rooted in the heart of the English people, and the remarkable evidence of the reawakening of its latent vigour that has taken place during late years, shows how gladly and gratefully people have seized upon the oppor- tunities that have once more been placed within their reach. It is not only in private gardens, .meat and small, that the wholesome change has been wrought. The present Director of the Royal Gardens at Kew was quick to apprehend the importance of the movement, and to appreciate its value as a means of national education. And now at Kew the intentional pictorial treatment of tree and shrub and flower adds a new and vast range of instructive teaching to an already magnificent scientific establishment : moreover, following this good example, the curators of Botanic Gardens throughout the kingdom now appear to vie with each other in adding to the beauty as well as to the scientific efficiency of those that are in their charge. The .meat improvement in the treatment of Mowers in London parks is traceable to the same good influence, while the beautiful grouping of plants, especially as in Regent's Park, has become an important means of popular instruction, both in the making of good acquaintance with ornamental vegetation and in the enjoymenl of one of the Lest and purest of human pleasures. We desire to strengthen all The Garden's good traditions. Tt is to be, even more than heretofore, a paper for everybody. We trust that the learned botanist and the consummate horticulturist will still give a helping hand to the amateur, who begins equipped only with his love of Mowers, his honest enthusiasm, ami his desire to learn ; that the working gardener, whose life's experience is beyond all value, will write of it for the good of all ; that the paper will continue to be a medium of pleasant interchange of thought, suggestion, and record of practice. We earnestly request its old friends to give it, in its new life, the welcome help that has contributed in so large a measure to the build ing up of its present position and utility. We ask for the courteous and kindly countenance of our brethren in horticultural journalism, and especially for that of our older and graver con- temporaries. We also desire that our friendly relations with all the branches of horticultural trade may not only lie to their own benefit, but maj enable ns to co-O] erate with them to the working out of the many matters that bear upon the Lest and worthiest aspects and in- terests of gardening. So it is that we take up the work of The Garden; remembering the long labour and wealth of solid material that have gone to its making : ever mindful of the clear purport of its teaching, that has won it honour from the beginning; looking forward with g 1 courage to gaining for it an ever-widening held of use fulness, and working onward with the deter- mination to build well and soundly upon its firm foundation. The Editors. CHRISTMAS ROSE (HELLE- BORUS ALTIFOLIUS), which usually commences to bloom towards tin- close of October, is, for the most part, past its best by Christmas-tide, but its place is taken by the chaste St. Brigid's Christmas Rose (11. juvernis), with its capped blossoms and pale green stems, tie Riverston and Lath varieties, and the handsome Madame Fourcade. The flowers of the Christmas Rose often remain uninjured, in a dormant con- dition, through a spell of severe frost. During the hitter cold that marked the opening months of 1895 some partially-expanded blooms and buds of varieties oi Helleboras niger were caught by the frost in the Ih -I week of January ami remained frozen on the ground until the month of March was well advanced and the long-deferred thaw set in As the frost relaxed its grip the Mowers gradually assumed an erect position and continued the r abnormally-delayed expansion unharmed. The gold of tin- Winter Jasmine (J. nudiflorum) light- up many a southern wall and cliff face, and is particu- larly charming when associated with the crimson .if the bountifully-berried Cotoneaster microphylla. On not a few houses the Passion Flowers still display their oval orange fruits beneath the sheltering eaves, and the Winter Sweet (Chimo- nanthns fragrans) diffuses on the air its delicate perfume. Some of the earlier Rhododendrons, such asR. Nobleanum, are already showing colour in their flower trusses, and in positions screened fr the effects of the frost a few Violets are to be found. "THE GARDEN." IT is written on the first page of the first volume of The Garden, sen) to me by my friend the Editor : — " My dear Mr. Hole,— We talki-il one da\ in Regent's Park of The <;\km:\ before it came into existence, and on the same day gave it its name. Kindly accept the first volume as a small token of mj deep gratitude for the great help you gave me, in endeavouring to conduct it safely through the first and most difficult year of its life. — Always yours, William Robinson.- November 29, 1872."" I had retired with my friend from the heal of the Exhibition tents when he first announced, as we sat, subtegmine fagi, his intention to edit a weekly newspaper exclusively devoted to horticulture. At that time there was only one hebdomadal publication on the subject which kept within the boundaries of the garden, and this, the Gardeners Magazine, although it was conducted by a most zealous and capable editor, Mr. Shirley Hibberd, hail not the circulation which it deserved. The Gardeners' Chronicle, admirable then as now, arid supported by a vary large staff of efficient contributors, was combined with an Agricultural Gazette, and many of the pleasant practical pages of the Cottage Gardener wen' devoted to beehives and cocks and hens. I therefore welcomed with acclamation .Mr. Robinson's proposal to establish a news- paper which would treat of the garden and the garden only, and so far as other topics were ncerned should " brook no rival near its throne." 1 was impelled by stronger motives and happier anticipations to express my sympathy, and to promise such help as I could give, as I knew that my companion was resolved to main- tain against all comers the superiority of the Natural to the Artificial system, of the English to the Italian, style of garden, and that he had not only the will but the power. He believed, as I believed, in Tennyson's words: "Great Nature is more wise than I." We weic troubled with sceptical notions on the subject of " bedding-out." The new toy had fascinated the childish heart, which delights in coats of man> colours by day, and in fireworks by night, but the eyes began to ache and tire of the kaleidoscope. I had been constrained to ask a gardener who grew scarlet ( feraniums, yellow Calceolarias, and blue Lobelias by the acre, to take me to his kitchen garden that I might cool my organs of vision on tin' parsley. Hundreds of us who thought that we were gardeners had been dazzled into a serious form of ophthalmia which forgot the wise warning: " 0 formose puer illinium in crede colon," and had forsaken our first love, expelled ill many instances our (lowering shrubs and perennial flowers, so that we might entertain and admire this delicate visitor, with her hectic flush and her gaudj habiliments. We were beginning to tire of her smart full-dress, "company" clothes, her perpetual toupe", her society manners, her changeless expression. She was too bright, if not too good, for human nature's daily 1 1 : and, as with a guest who first charms us with outward demeanour, and then bores us by imbecility of mind, we felt a strong desire that she should go. We became exceedingly wroth, as people always are when they do foolish things. We were never tired of telling our deluded com- panions that they had ruined their gardens. We spoke with bitter sarcasm of the Pelar- gonium family in general, and of "Tom Thumb, vivid scarlet " in particular. We THE (lAlM)KN attributed all the disastrous results to the malignant influence of Coleus Verschaffelti, and to the satanic power of ( Viast ium lomen- tosum. We rushed, also, as a matter of course, into the opposite extreme. We would annihi- late this bedding-out. In no place, in no form, would we tolerate this gorgeous impostor, who had robbed our gardens of so much graceful beauty, who had induced us to substitute angles for curves, uniformity for variety, gravel for grass, perishable lor permanent plants, dead levels for undulating ground, scentless for fragrant flowers. Time and experience have told us that there is no rule, be it never so golden, which is with- out exceptions. All who are familiar with our palaces, castles, and grand mansions, with our public buildings, public gardens, and parks, must recognise the effective ornamentation which taste and money can make by the intro- duction of the " movable feasts " of spring and summer flowers. They relieve with their bright colours the massive monotony of our great buildings, and, where a garden is impossible, they charm and cheer. ( dily let it be distinctly understood that this form of floriculture does not make a garden. Admire it as much as you please; when you see it with terraces anil stairs anil balustrades, and copings and statues and fountains, regard it as a picturesque combination of the architect's and florist's art, but please don't call it a garden. A garden is not a place in which you are observed by all the dwellers in the house, by the proprietors and their guests below stairs, the housemaids in the bedrooms, the footmen m the lobbies, the children in the nurseries, by the grooms exercising in the park, or the visitors coming to call. A garden is a place of seclusion, of peaceful rest to the weary, in which joy can sing with the birds and sorrow can sigh with the summer breeze. It is a place in which children can play "1 spy" and "hide and seek," instead of being continually warned by the governess to "keep on the walks." It is a place in which lovers' vows arc sweet in every whispered word, but who ever heard of a proposal (except on the terrace by moonlight) in front of fifty windowsof plate-glass, without a nook, or an arbour, or a garden chair! Nevertheless, and though there was a time when, in a spirit of vendetta, 1 would have stamped out every symptom of "bedding-out1 as though it had been hydrophobia, 1 am con- vinced that in the surroundings to which 1 have referred it may be introduced with becoming effect as a peaceful adjunct to the scene, an ornamental appendage, but not a garden. .Mr. Robinson, in his magnum ojms, "The English flower Garden," the best book which a gardener can have in his library, has re- marked that there are positions where stone- work is necessary owing to the peculiar formation of the ground, but lie strongly protests against masonic intrusions upon beauti- ful lawns ; ami whatever concessions he might be disposed to make where the houses were large and the boundaries extensive, he would never dignify these arrangements with the title of a garden. As we sat under the tree, this " English flower Garden," which now claims our grate- ful admiration, was only an idea in the brain of the author, to be realised by a laborious life. But I knew his mind and spirit the spirit of Walpole, Addison, Pope, Kent, Whateley, Mason, and all our great English gardeners, and I listened with delight to his declaration of war against stucco, squirts, in- congruities and shams of all denominations, proudly accepting his invitation to act as an honorary member of his staff. [•I INUAlty I'., 1900. He and his coadjutors ami I would include in this alliance all the writers, landscape anil working gardeners, | rofessional and amat< ur, who would promote the natural garden have made great progress in the last quarter of our century. The love and cultivation of flowers in general, the interest in horticultural litera- ture, the laying out of gardens and grounds, have rapidly increased and improved. The desire develops on every side to regard the garden as a thing of beauty and as a joy for ever, rather than the sort of thing you must have, don't you know, supplying pretty bouquets, tender peas, new potatoes, anil a clean pro menade on Sundays. There is a manifest decline in the mutilation of evergreen shrubs, and in the conversion of yews into poultry. The conviction grows that naturam expellas /wed tiiiin a usque recurret — you may shut out Nature with long straight lines and sharp angles, with brick-dust, and gypsum ami iron palisades, but she will reappear round the corner and reproach you with an irresistible smile. It is a march which must end in victory ; but, like that of our armies in Africa, it is through the enemy's land. It is opposed by prejudice, ignorance, indolence, colour-blindness, grosser enjoyments. "Don't care," "haven't time," "can't afford,'1 arc the coarse, clumsy giants who would stop the way. They bellow, and they boast, and wear gaudy uniforms ; but they are only half hardy, and in their contest with refinement and common-sense they are as the children of Ephraim, who turned themselves back in the day of battle. There are other adversaries, pigmies, and people of all sizes and sorts. Men anil women with no taste, with bad taste, with a little good taste which should be educated- all these must be dealt with. We want leaders and teachers object- lessons beauty placed by the side of ugliness. And so, when a field-marshal, after a long campaign of brave, patient, and successful service, returns from the front, still to guide with his counsel those whom he had led with his sword, and we cheer him as he lands on our more peaceful shores, the anxious question interrupts our welcome, "Who is to take his place?" Leaving metaphor, where shall we find a new editor for The Garden. The Americans affirm that in each great crisis of their history, although there did not seem before its occurrence to be any "kings of men " in their midst conspicuously qualified to overcome all difficulties, and to achieve great- ness, and lead on to fortune, such a champion never failed to present himself — the right man, at the right time, and in the right place. Assuredly we gardeners, on the present occa- sion, can make the same jubilant boast. We can say of floriculture as of the Phcenix, una avulso mm ili tint alter, the throne is no longer empty, and although we cannot cry " Long live the king," all of us who have lived in the happy and glorious reign of Victoria will sing with all our heart and voice " God save the Queen." My ideal of a perfect gardener, and therefore of a teacher best qualified to instruct others, would be one who combined the devout reverence of a Christian, the sentiments of a poet, and the accomplishments of an artist with the long experience of mental and manual work ; and all who have read the records of this work in "Wood ami Garden," they espe- cially who have been privileged to see it, will anticipate with a sure confidence a grand success for The Garden under the combined editorial auspices of Miss Jekyll and of Mr. Cook, her able and energetic co-editor. S. Reynolds Hole. Tin' Ihn in rij, Rochester, December, 1899. .lAMAHY 6, 1900. THE GARDEN. THE FLOWER GARDEN. THE LARGE BLUE ANEMONE. WOOD OUR common Wood Anemone in the Weald of Kent or Sussex varies but little, ami we see it often exactly of the same type. But in woods in warm and gritty soils it grows more vigorously, and varies sometimes in an interesting way. Once, in the north of Ireland, I remember seeing nearly a dozen forms of it in one wood on free gritty soil. Now, this precious large Blue Wood Ane- mone of our .gardens, which has come into cultivation within the last thirty years, is a pale blue variety of one of the larger forms of our wild Wood Anemone (A. nemorosa), and it was sent in the first instance from Ireland to the Ox- ford Botanic Gardens, where, in the time of the late Mr. Baxter, I first saw it. The blue forms of onrnative Anemone, like the white, vary, and one I saw wild in North Wales and plentiful is distinct from our plant. Blue forms of the Wood Anemone occur here and there both in England and Ireland, but are far rarer than the white forms, and smaller. Our present plant merits attention because it is the most precious of these native varieties, one of the most widely spring flowers on warm banks, but it is also, where there is room enough, a lovely plant near .mass walks and on the north side of trees and mounds, as in that way we can prolong the bloom in a sensible degree, for if there happens to lie a few sunny days when the flower is in full bloom, and the flowers in the sun seem faded, we have still our reserve of blooms on the north side. Being a native plant, one of its charms is that, when sufficiently plentiful for the roots to be spared, it is one of the prettiest things to naturalise by mossy or grass walks, and the increase of the plant in cool soil of ordinary quality is very rapid. W. li. ALTHAEA FICIFOLIA. A vkak ago one of my best garden friends gave me some seed of Hibiscus or Althaja Scifolia, and it is many years since a plant hitherto unknown tonic lias given me so much pleasure. It is a kind of single Hollyhock, but much lietlcr than any single Hollyhock I have ever seen, for it has just that quality of grace and refinement that in these is lacking. The flowers are of a delicate texture and of a tender lemon colour, in some cases approaching white. The stem-leaves are lobed. and the 7-feet-high stems are slight and gracefully carried. From July to September it was one of the most delightful things in the garden — a plant that one could not pass without a feeling of pleasure and thankfulness. 6. J. Went Surrey. THE LARUE BLUE WOOD ANEMONE (ANEMONE KOBINSONIAN A I. distributed, and best of all native Anemones, and aKo the bestof the blue Anemones by reason of its hardiness and freedom in all soils, constant and prolonged bloom. When we compare it in this way with such very fine plants as the Apennine and 'deck Anemones we are setting up a high standard : but this surpasses them in free growth, and 1 think, on the whole, in beauty. That beauty anybody can see in some degree from the smallest tuft fully open in the middle of a spring day. but its full charm can only be .■■li when we use it in quantities enough to form carpets among shrubs. In that case, even if dull weather prevents the beautiful quality of the colour of the open flowers from being seen, the effect of the large soft buds is vci \ pretty. It is excellent for use among early TREES & SHRUBS IN WINTER. The midwinter beauty of hardy trees and shrubs, especially deciduous ones, is a] it to be over- looked. Yet woody vegetation at this season possesses a distinct charm. Tile rugged form of many trees —the ( )ak and Horse ( 'hestnut — is only fully revealed then, and the delicate grace of others like the Birch is never so apparent. Nothing of its kind is more im- pressive than a giant Elm with its huge, rugged trunk and towering mass of branches and twigs -the fretted outline of which is unsur- passed in beauty among hardy deciduous trees. In this note, however. I wish to draw attention to those trees ami shrubs conspicuous for the beautiful colour of their bark in winter. Many gardens already contain the majority of the things mentioned, but they are often scattered about the ground in a haphazard way, no attempt being made to bring them together in positions where their winter beauty would be most manifest, nor to give them the special cultivation they need. Salix (Willow). Amongst the most noteworthy are the red and yellow -barked varieties of Salix vitellina. To see these Willows at their best they should be grown in masses near the water side. Although naturally trees (Salix vitellina being considered by some authorities to be no more than a variety of our native White Willow) lln\ show the line colours of the bark better when kept to a shrubbj state bj pruning. It is, of course, only the shoots of the year that are coloured, and the system of cultivation should be to obtain as many of these young shoots as possible and to get them of g ] length and thickness. There ale some groups of these red and yellow Willows on the islands on the lake at Kew. They are pollarded hard back every year in March, the "stools" remaining '■'> feet to \ (Vet high. By means of this annual pruning, dense thickets of slender wands. 4 feet to li feet long, are obtained which during the four dullesl mouths of the year give some of the brightest effects that can be had out-of-doors at that season. Salix daphnoides and S. acutifolia can be Healed in the same way. The bark of both is covered with a bluish white bloom — really a waxy secretion — and although the colour has not the warmth and attractiveness of the S. vitellina forms, the effect of a group of one or other of these specie's is very striking. ( 'nllNIS (I )oi:Wood). The Willows are naturally best adapted for moist positions, near a lake or pond. For drier places several species of Dogw 1 (Cornus) can be used, some with red ami others with yellow bark. The best of the red ones is (A alba and its varieties, but ('. stolonifera, C. Bailei, and 0. circinata are also red tinged with brown. There is a yellow-barked variety of (A stoloni- fera introduced recently from America, also a similarly coloured variety of ( '. alba called ttaviramea. Both are bright ami worth plant- ing m masses for colour. Kubu* (Bramble). The white-stemmed Brambles are also worthy of mention. There are several species that possess these blue-white stems, due, as in Salix daphnoides, to a waxy secretion on the bark which can easily be rubbed off. Undoubtedly the best of the group is Rubus biflorus — a species from the Himalaya frequently to be obtained from nurseries under the name of H. leucodermis. It grows s feet or more high, and its thorny, arching shoots are often 1 inch in diameter. The stems are biennial, flowering the second year. After fruiting they should be cut out. only the clean young wood of the year remaining. It requires generous conditions at the root to be seen at its best. Although similar in colour to Salix daphnoides and S. acutifolia it is, for the qualities under discussion, a better shrub, especially near London. It should be planted in groups consisting of not less than half a dozen specimens. The best of the other species with whitish stems are It. leucodermis, R. negieetus, and K. occidentalis, all three of North American origin. Betula (Birch). The silvery trunks of the common white Birch are amongst the most conspicuous THE GARDEN. [Ja.M \i:y 6, 1900. Iimi tires of tin- garderi landscape at this season. Associated with dark evergreens like the Bolly or Rhododendron, they give a singularly cheer- ful effect, especially in positions when- the low rxys of the winter sun can strike upon them. There are, however, other Birches with trunks even more vividly white than those of our native species. One of the must noteworthy of them is Betula papyrifera the famous Canoe Birch of the forests of North America. Others equally good are 1!. corylifolia and B. ulmifolia (also called B. alba costata) from Japan. The freshly-exposed bark of II. Intra lias a warm bro wnish-yellow colour, not,however, sufficiently pronounced to produce a noticeable effect. The trunks of the River Birch of North America (B. nigra), if not exactly handsome are peculiarly striking because of the bark peeling off in great Hakes, which remain on the trunk fur several years. Other trees that deserve mention are thegolden- twigged Lime (Tilia platyphyllos aurantia), the yellow-bark Ash(Fraxinus Excelsior amea), and the variety of Alnus incana with red twigs (ramulis eoeeineis). Some charming effects can lie made by plant- ing the early flowering bulbs beneath groups (if shrubs with coloured bark. Oornus alba <>r ( '. alba sibirica with a carpeting of the yellow winter Aconite (Eranthis) makes a very pretty combination. The white-stemmed Rubus iua\ In- associated with Ohionodoxa or Scilla in I In- same way. W. .1. ISkan. The Rut/til Gardens, Kew. WOODLAND AND FOREST. THE HARDIEST FIRS. BY the term "Firs" is here meant any of the conifer family. What constitutes hardimss in a forest tree in this country is a question that may be asked at the outset? Generally speaking, the answer would be "power to withstand our severest winters" otherwise exposure and a low temperature. But then- are other influences at work than those that prevent the healthy development of some of our forest trees, and these are neither a low temperature nor e\ liosure, but are such as the tree cannot endure. Take the common Deodar, for example. It is now well known that tin- Deodar is not hardy enough to endure the enervating conditions existing in such localities as the valley of the Thames, in some places at least, or the climate ol the New Forest, while it is quite at home in the coldest parts of the north of England and Scotland. The common Spruce, the Silver Fir. and the Douglas Fir are also sensitive subjects, anil all the Spruces are more or less peculiar. The three named are at home any- where in Scot land, where the rainfall is abundant and the soil moist, and an- often subjected to a temperature below zero without the least injury, but in many parts of the east of Scot- land and England, where the winds are keen though not strong, they will not thrive, and in some spots will hardly live. Inside of a dense wood they will grow and do pretty well, but nowhere else. Tin- Wellingtonia has the same peculiarities. It becomes a scarecrow in the open, iu exposed -ul uations where keen spring winds are felt, but it will'grOW fast in a wood. Frost has no effect upon it, lint cold keen persistent east winds it cannot endure, and on not a few estates it has been discarded for these reasons. I'll till now, our so-called pinetnins have done little else than lead us astray as regards the fitness of many exotic trees for this climate, as timber trees, because pinetum culture does not .Li i \ i ■ the trees a fair trial. There are many species that will grow under plantation culture that will not succeed well in an open piuetum 01' lawn. Any species that will endure our severe winters in the open may be relied U| to succeed in a forest, but some species that endure severe cold, but do mil grow fast iu the open, will also pull up into a good useful pole in a wood. Fines of the Scots, ( lorsican and Austrian Fir class behave very differently from the Spruces. Provided the soil is fairly well drained they are alike indifferent, comparatively, to severe frosts and cold winds. The peculiar constitutional difference between the Fine and Abies in that respect has never been explained, and 1 have often wondered if it was anything in the habit of the trees or the disposition of their leaves that caused the difference. Abies Nord- tnaniana, for example, has never, 1 believe, been known to suffer from the severest frost in this country. Vet I have seen this tree on an eastern aspect in Yorkshire suffer so severely from keen cold winds iu February ami March as to lose its leaves at the extremities of the branches, while the Scots Fir and Austrian Fir hard by showed no signs of injury. Probably excessive evaporation from the foliage caused by these dry winds causes the leaves to fall. None of the Spruces are good subjects for planting round the margins of woods in cold eastern aspects. They are all trees for gullies and glens and the inside of dense plantations. The hardiest Firs for any aspect are un- doubtedly the ('orsican, Scotch, and Austrian Firs and Larch. There may lie others but I know of none that I would trust like these, and T put the (.'orsican first, Scots Fir second, and Austrian last. A good many years ago a ham strip of these three species, with Larch and Beech, were planted on a most exposed site at the top of Wharncliff Craggs, over 1,000 feet above the sea, on a poor peaty but dry soil, ami the ( 'orsican has over-topped all the others by a good bit : the Scots Fir coming next, and the Austrian last — a mere bush in fact. The long silky, tine glaucous leaves of the ( 'orsican show that it is at home in such situations. Unfortu- nately, a fire from the railway, extending a mile from the point of origin, almost completely destroyed this Hue plantation some years ago, leaving onlj a fragment, but quite enough to show what I have described. The fault of the Corsica!! as a shelter tree is that it isasparse brancher, but that can be got over by thick planting. The Cprsican's hardiness is beyond all doubt. In the exceptionally severe winter of 1894-95, when, with us, the thermometer remained at zero or near it I'm- weeks, and native trees like the Holly and Yew were much injured, the three species that did not show the least sign of injury were the Corsican and Scotch Firs ami the Deodar. I am somewhat alone, I believe.iii championing the latter, but I know- it so well in many parts of England and Scot- land on high-lying exposed situations and in drj sods that 1 am sure of it. If I wished to plant a shelter belt that would not take up much room and would be high and dense a thorough barrier to piles 1 would plant Corsican, Scotch, and Deodar, putting the first on the cold side, Scotch in the middle, and the D lar in front. In a few years these would produce a shelter from cold wind and -ales that a stone wall of the same height could not surpass. Comparatively speaking, these are all storm-fast trees, and do not go down before the wind like the Spruces. I am aware that there are other species as hardy as those named, bul I am here speaking ol hardiness in conjunction with trees worth growing for timber or purposes of shelter. Such species as tin- dwarf mountain Fine Siberian Fine, Abies alba ami nigra (white and black Spruce) I regard as worthless for either of the above purposes. .1. Simpson. FRUITS FOR THE GARDEN. Those who have still to give orders to nurserymen for trees may- like tin- names of the best varieties1. Other good kinds may In- added that an- known to succeed in the neighbourhood. It is better t" plant several trees of the best kinds than to plant inferior ones for tin- sake of variety. Apples, Dessert. Beauty of Bath, lush Peach. 1 Devonshire Quarrenden, Worcester Pearmain, Blenheim Orange, Margil, King of Pippins, Ribs ton Pippin, ('ox's Orange Pippin, Cockle Pippin, Malil lot's Peaiinai ii. Adam's Pearmain, Mannington's Pearmain, Scarlet Nonpareil, Claygate Pearmain, Golden Russet, Lord Burleigh, D'Arcy Spice, Court pcnilu Plat. Wealthy, and Wyken Pippin. Kitchen Apples. Keswick Codlin, Lord Suffleld, Lord Grosvenor, Ecklinville, Stilling Castle. Golden Spire. New Hawthornden, Golden Noble, Lord Derby, Tower of Glamis, Warners King, Bismarck, Yorkshire Beauty, Mere We Menage, Wellington, Lane's Prince Albert, Newton Wonder, Lady Henniker, Bramley's Seedling, ami Dutch Mignonne. The last-named and Lane's Prince Albert arc the two heaviest cropping varieties I am acquainted with. Pears. Doyenne d'Ete, Beurre Giffard, Souvenir du Congres, Clapp's Favourite, Williams' Bon Chretien. Trininphe de Vienne, Fonilantc d'Automne, Louise Bonne of Jersey. Thompson's, Baronne de Mello, Durondeau, Marie Louise. Pitmaston I >u"Chess, Emile d'Heyst, Benin- Supei tin. Beurre' Bosc, Knight's Monarch, Doyenne du Cornice, Josephine i\r Malines, .Mine Treyve, and Olivier des Scries. Stewing1 Pears. Catillac, Gilogil, Uvedale's St. Germain, Verulam, and Crassane. The last-named is a very heavy and regular crop- ping variety. Plums. Rivers' Early Prolific, New Orleans, Dcnniston Superb, Transparent Cage, early ami late Kiike's. Victoria, Green Cage and Monarch. All varieties mentioned may be grown as pyramids oi- hushes. Currants, Red. Raby Castle, Red Dutch. and La Ycrsaillaise. Currants, White. White Dutch and White Versailles. Currants, Black. Lee's Prolific. Gooseberries. Yellow Sulphur, White smith. Langley Beauty. Crown Bob, Whiuham's Industry, and Warrington. Raspberries. Superlative is the finest of all. G. Norman. Tin Gardens, Hatfield House, Herts. Nerine undulata. During the last three months of the year tin- different species anil varieties of Nerine are very pleasing, hut with the advent of January few arc left. Two are. how- ever, still in flower, viz.. X. Manselli and X. undulata. also known as X. crispa. In this last the slender flower stem reaches a height of 15 inches to IS inches, and the flowers, which an- arranged in an open head, have the segments reduced to extremely narrow proportions, so that a cluster c f bloom has a particularly light ami elegant appear- ance, which is heightened by the wavy character of the petals, from whence the names of undulata anil crispa are both derived. The colour of the flower is light pink, varying considerably iu intensity. Greenhouse treatment suits the Nerines well, the original species being all natives of South Africa. but there are now in cultivation a great many sai Wen hybrids. • I \\i \i;v 6, 1900. THE GARDEN. OUR BOTANIC GARDENS. I. ROYAL GARDENS. KEW. IT is our intention to illustrate the botanic gardens in the British dominions, and no one will quarrel with us for selecting as the first of the serifs the Royal Gardens at Kew. This is a splendid scientific establishment and a beautiful garden, which are not always sj yinous terms. Not many years ago everj ■ with a grain of artistic feeling entered a botanic garden with apprehension. One was always prepared for a rude shock, and the lessons that were supposed to guide one in learning some- thing of the flora of our own and other lands remained unheeded. Why? Because the plants wore set out in ugly ways, stuck in beds regi- mental fashion, and behind labels big enough tn hide leaf and flower a collection of species and varieties arranged in astyletomake scientific study as palatable as teaching history with a table of date-. An awakening has disturbed the "Id order "t things. There is much work to accomplish before all our botanic gardens can be called I' ai^ful. but the healthful change in arranging the flowers and trees proceeds steadily, until in the near future a botanic garden will be a place I" \isit with a knowledge that the plants there collected together are shown in ways to display as tar as possible their natural beauty. It loses none of its usefulness because artistic planting has been thought of. A lb.se i> a lb.se still when garlanding a bush or flinging its trails oi blossom over pillar and wall, but the gardeners ol old thought otherwise, and crowded every species of a family into one place, with strange results. Tall and short, stout and lean were shoulder to shoulder in that unhappy medley of species to represent certain orders. Kew, with its splendid scientific past, lias I. come A Great .Teacher, not merely to the'seeker after technical know- ledge, but to the man in the street, win. cares little concerning botanical lore. He becomes, however, insensibly interested in the world of Mow eis. their infinite variety and degrees of beauty, when shrub and plant are disposed in big groups to [.lay their part in garden adorn- ment. No longer are the plants set out in a living herbarium, but spread in pleasure ground and woodland, on turf ami by lake- issue of The Gardes to show how much has been accomplished, and to express a hope, to... that the work now | seeding will not be. checked or cramped by narrow views of what such a place should be a garden to roam in and learn from the flowers spread over the grounds that in a smaller acreage maybe it is possible to obtain good effects, even when the 2* »>, is Tin; i.ii.v n side, in rock garden and in dell, and each yeai brings with it some improvement in artistic planting. .Mistakes are committed, and a lingering love exists for lines of liver-coloured 1 ts, but no gardener is perfect, nor can one hope for perfection wheiij painting the earth with the colours of a thousand flowers. We have illustrated la lew phases of Kew in the present I IIVr.KII. WATER I.II.V :ol l-s on THE LAKE. smoke clouds of a great city hover ne Pleasure Grounds are tilled with flowers through spring, summer, and autumn : and even in winter, when the earth is not frost-bound, Cyclamens, the early Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, and other har- bingers of brighter skies open shyly ill the weak sunshine. Upon a winter day we have seen I many shrubs in beauty-— the golden-flowered Wych Hazel (Hamamelis arborea), Lonicera Staudishi, scenting the cold air. Chimonanthus or Winter Sweet, and Heath, lint colour, too, c - from the Sea Buckthorn (Hippopha; rhaninoides) by the lake, and from Siberian Dogwood and Scarlet and Golden Willow. Many good gardeners have told the writer that UOt a leu of their best effects have been sug gested b\ the grouping of families of shrubs and plants at Kew ; and in May Tulip time. when the spring flowers have flown for the most part, and there comes a lull in the garden, the beds on the rich sweeps of grass are a blaze of glory. We have never seen richer colour: it seems to pour from the bin goblets of Gesner's Tulip its varieties and species almosl as gorgeous in their shades of vermilion and scarlet. Until a flower is grouped its usefulness for garden decoration remains unrevealed. A Gesner's Tulip alone is sumptuous; but in a well-planned yel simple group the flower become-, of intense brilliancy, suggesting that in all places where rich pictures are desired this late spring bull, should receive its proper place. We write of the May Tidips in particular, for we think Kew is the first botanic garden to show how much has been lost in the | ast by not using liberally bulbs almost unknown to many good gardeners that have flowered unostentatiously in the cottage plot for generations. The same may be written of a host of other good things, rare except at Kew, where, of course, the Director has oppor- THE GARDEN. .1 \\ I \K\ l'i. t unities of making handsome and artistic effects, and ha.- happily neither forsaken nor forgotten true gardening for a dry-as dust herbari BoT VNICAL KNOWLEDGE ANI> < tOOD < iARDENINO should go hand in hand. This meeting of two phases of flower life is seen here, and such a noble garden has an important influence upon horticulture in this country. How great has been the change from the former ugly ways of planting, maj be seen in tl arly spring months, when the Royal Gardens are in their sweetest dress. The grass swards are filled with flowers happy under such conditions, Star Narcissi, double Meadow Saxifrage, Crocuses, Lady's Smock, Snowdrops, the fragrant Tulipa suaveolens, Poet's Narcissi, and hosts of other precious flowers of the earlj year. The whole garden is perfumed anp coloured with these wavy colonies and sweeps of blossom. Near to the principal entrance from Kew Green the mass is full of bulbs which have now become almost naturalised, laud. But this garden is an object-lesson of great value, showing thai even in a low-lying river side woodland the Bamboos are not merely comfortable bu1 make tremendous growths. Those who visit Kew to gain information con cerning things which at present are a closed volume, and wish to know how well Bamboos thrive, should spend a few hours here, where the plants have mm become thoroughly established, and are fresh-looking in fneir green colouring throughout winter. ( If course shelter is necessary, and this is provided by the sur- rounding w Hand, thegarden being set, so to speak, amidst trees, and approached it - way from the delightful dell of Rhododendrons, w here many rare hybrids and Himalayan species have-grown into vigorous hushes. Readers of Thk Garden, however, have been well in- formed as to the speci s and varieties of Bamboo that succeed at Kew, and the method adopted for forming the present garden. There is no haphazard system of culture, but every- thing is assisteil to promote its full vigour ami develop its natural beauty of form, leaf. FOUSYTHIA SUSPENSA AND as also in the woodland or arboretum. Poet's Narcissi in thousands gleam in the openings between shrub and tree, companions to the Bluebell, which carpet the ground in rich pro- lusion. As the illustrations depict, happy ways of using flowers are considered ; and this beautiful gardening is not of one season al :, but in summer and autumn pictures of interest and splendour are unfolded. It may be of a hundred Tiger Lilies massed beneath a group of Chili Pine, or the fragrant Me/.ereon with a carpeting of Butcher's Broom. Kew is a botanic and experimental garden too, uid plants one would not suppose sufficiently hardy or vigorous for a climate near the metro- polis of London thrive unharmed by a murky atmosphere, unless saturated with visitations of dense ton. One of the most interesting addi- tions of recent years is Tun: Bamboo Garden. This has been the means, in no small degree, of popularising a graceful family, hitherto regarded a-- too tender, save Arundinaria Metake, for our numerous plant houses new introductions are flowered and new hybrids and varieties raised. These will he recorded in our pages week b\ week, and it must not In' forgotten that it is a place in which flowers are hybridised to create fresh races. The Streptocarpi of our gardens practically had their birth here, and visitors to the Hybrid Conference in the Royal Horti cultural Gardens last year will remember the splendid group of Kalanchoe flammea grown at Kew. This i-, without question, the most important new plant of last year. Thus we commence this present series with thegreatest garden of its kind in the world. An immense work is quietly performed by those responsible for its management, in giving advice to horticulturists at home and abroad, and in maintaining a botanical influence that is felt not only in Britain, but in our colonies and countries of other nations. ( )f that great work we have no intention of writingabout now. We regard the gardens rather from another stand point, that of their importance in teaching thai botanical science need not disfigure the wood- land or pleasure ground. The Arboretum is not merely a collection of trees and shrubs, labelled and classified into their respective families without a thought of their natural growth. Furze and Tamarisk, Oak and Beech, and every other tree and shrub group are represented by all the species and varieties It is possible to procure, ami this may be written of every plant family, whether it be the glorious hybrid Nymphasas basking in the summer sun on the lake surface, or tender exotic sheltered under glass. We are happy in the belief that the director ami his assistants realise the great teaching importance of the gardens under their charge, from whence are sent men to the four quarters of the globe to work out the knowledge of the gardening and botanical science acquired dur- ing their apprenticeship. Kew is a beautiful botanic garden : it was not always so, but the gardening spirit has made itself manifest and will reveal itself more strongly as the years roll on. or flower. We have never visited this garden without leaving it wiser and better informed than when we entered it, gaining fresh ideas of the way of grouping certain shrubs or flowers, and learning something of their requirements. It is to assist our readers that we shall in the future give notes of everything at Kew likely to interest and instruct. Of course there are many failures, but if a plant expires or feebly struggles tor existence in one spot it is tried in another, until its requirements are so supplied as to ensure success. Last year an important addition was made to the gardens by Her .Majesty, who sanctioned throwing into the grounds the Queen's Cottage and surrounding woodland, a paradise of birds and wild flowers. This, we believe, will bo preserved in its natural wildness, and visitors in Bluebell time will enjoy a walk of the azure flowers, a sea of colour, hiding the sparse .mass beneath the trees with a mantle of scented blossom. Hut it is difficult to write about Kew without encroaching upon space that can ill be spared in this issue. In the grounds and the NEW GARDEN PLANTS, 1898. Although later than usual, tlie Supplement of the Kiill> tin. containing a list, briefly descriptive, of all the plants newly introduced into gardens in 1S98, and described in botanical and horticultural publications, English and foreign, in that year. will be found useful as a permanent record tor future reference. A similar list has been issued annually since 1SS7. It c prises not only plants brought into cultivation for the first time, but the most noteworthy of those which have been re-intro- duced after being lost to cultivation. Species, varieties, and hybrids, with botanical names, an' included. Some idea of the character of the list will he obtained fr the following example of a description taken from the list for 1898 : " Passi flora Im-Tlnunii. Masters (Gardi. Chrmi. , xxiii., 305, fig. 1141. Passifloracefe, Stove. A new species. near to P. glandulosa. Leaves broadly oblong, acute, leathery, glabrous above, setulose below. Flowers erect, 4 inches wide, with oblong glandular sepals coloured bright scarlet : petals smaller, rose coloured or almost white. Mr. Im-Thurn calls it 'the nil and white Passion-flower.'- Guiana." This last list contains over Sun descriptions, but in some years over 500 have been recorded. The lists are sold at the gardens, price -kl. \V. \V. Varieties of Impatiens Sultani The How ers of the normal form of this Balsam arc bright and pretty, while two varieties are very distinct, and, though not so five, an' still decidedly attractive. Due of these, earminea, has blossoms of a bright carmine-red shade, while in safnionea they are salmon. Like several others of their class, these Balsams are easily grown. ANTAin 1) I '.Mill. THE GAKDEN. FRUIT GARDEN. POT CULTURE OF PLUMS. TH I*] culture of Plums in pots has nut advanced so rapidly as in the case i>i Peaches and Nectarines. Various explanations might In' given of this tart, bul it still remains the same My own impression a few years ago was that Plums were nut so amenable to put culture as other stone fruits, luit I have found from practical experiments thai quite the opposite is the case. Some varieties fruit more abundantly in pots than when planted out in either the orchard house or the open air. V m.ik of the Transparent I ! \<:E. Tile \aricticsol tin-Transparent Gage (which I consider the finest of dessert Plums) are instances of this. These Plums are very strong growers when planted out, but « hen restricted at the roots by pot culture they are quite manage able. In our collection of sc\ eral kinds, the Transparent < rages are I lie most prolific of any, a tree rarely failing to carry a good crop. This is far from being the case w here the tires ale planted out, so far as my experience has en abled me to form an opinion. These instances could be multi- plied, but it is hardly necessarj sa\c to state that it applies to all strong-growing kinds as well as those that are supposed to crop badly. Not only is it advantageousfrom the cropping point of view, but it applies also,and in an equal degree, to the quality of the fruit, except, perhaps, in the more highly favoured situations and soils. I find the flavour of fruits gathered li pots more fully developed than those from the open air. This is not peculiar to any one variety, but is applicable to all. Take, for instance, the Gages already alluded to, pot-grown examples of which are extremely delicious; so, also, are such as ( loe's ( folden 1 imp, ( (ullins Golden, Golden Esperen, and [ckworth [mperatrice. There is scarcely any loss; birds, wasps. w llice, and earwigs rarely destroy fruits upon pot The two last mentioned s enemies are. nevertheless, destructive to wall fruits. of injury to the crop by autumn, which will often cracking, nor figured. Thos the end of May or the first week in June, and thence onwards to nearly the end of October a supply may be maintained. For forcing I have grown, ami am well satisfied with, Early Trans- parent Gage, Jefferson, and Reine Claude de Comte Althaiin. These have fruited well in June and July, each variety when ripe being quite distinct from one another. The stone of a pot-grown fruit of the Plum is not so large, comparatively, as from trees growing in the open, but it puts on no less flesh for all that, in some cases even more. From the standpoint of beauty, I'lunis in pots have much to recom- mend them there is first the flowering season ; and, sec lly, the fruiting stage. In flower the pot Plums make a beautiful display in the trees. mallei very There is no risk heavy rains in the cause splitting or are the fruits in any way dis- grown in pots under ijass retain their bloom to perfection : in tact, it is more per- fectly developed, whilst the colour is intensified in nearly every instance, the peculiar freckles, spots, ami other well-defined markings being thus brought out to perfection also. Forcing Plums. Some kinds are well adapted for this, and suc- cess is as certain as in the ease of Nectarines under exactly the same treatment. I'lunis in pots may be had ripe without any difficulty by MBARDY POPLAR AMI BHOTAN PINK NEAR TIIK PALM IP spring, but 1 consider the autumnal effect is far more beautiful when the trees are well laden with fruit, whether they be the varied tints of e casi , more or less, on no account potting the] i into larger pots without any reduction at all this is another mistake, not unfrequently made in pot-fruit culture. In nearly ever,) case these newly acquired plants or trees will go back into i he same size of pot again. Pots of !i inches or In inches diameter arc quite large enough for the first few years. Firm potting is essential, and it should be done equally as well as if potting a greenhouse Erica or a ( 'ape or New I [olland plant, t han which no plants need more care. ful handling. The best soil is a calcareous loam, to which little need be added a small pro- portion of well decom] osed hot- bed manure to encourage fresh ■ root action the same of lime rubble or crushed bones (bone, meal is almost too line) to aid in the proper development of the stones (when the crop is swelling freely, then more manure can I e applied, rather than in the soil at the time of potting). After potting give a few good waterings and let the trees stand in an open position, covering up the pots as a protection against frost. Here the trees can"; remain until the first flowers are expanded. Then it is desirable to bring them under ".lass for greater safety rather than run any risk from frost which, to our out-of-doors Plums, is often disastrous. For these, a house that is provided with abundant ventilation is most desirable. .1.11 I HsoN. Gwwiersbury linns* Garden*, Actcm', Middlesex. PEARS FOR FLAVOUR. No doubt many will agree with inc that Pears arc the most delicious in flavour of all hardy fruits, .on I good fruits for dessert may be ol tained over a long season, some growers having material from July till April. This may he so in exceptional seasons or localities, or if the grower is content to have Pears without regard to quality; but I fail to see tin- wisdom oi growing kinds (whatever the posi- fiou or locality may be) that are useless except for cooking. This i si, being so. then why grow kinds that are known to possess no flavour compared to others that are of high quality ? During the last thirty-five years 1 have had an opportunity of noting the behaviour of Pears in many gardens placed in various parts of the country . as well as in varied soils and situations. I could name several kinds that 1 have never known to he flavourless, while others are always pool. Some kinds need high culture to obtain their best qualities; and this applies to many other fruits, such as Muscat flrapes and British Queen Straw- berry. Xo hardy fruit repays for .lose attention to their needs more than Pears, and I here is no need to grow many kinds that are known not to keep.' In most cases two trees are sufficient : ami in some instances I should recommend cordons The following kinds I can recommend, having THE GARDEN .1 wi u:\ ii. 1900. grown fcheni in carman soils and situations with the best results. Many others could be added, but these are some of the finest, all points con sidered, for flavour. ,/argonellt must head the list. The fruit is verj fine here, gathered front a smith wall on the abbey, the roots running under the turf and gravel drive. The trees are more than 100 years old. This is generally of finer flavour in the ninth than south ii England. Bon Chretien (Williams's) ever j one knows to be good. Ii is of better flavoui from trees in the open than from those growing on walls. Fondanti (VAntomm is excellent. If is always .it good flavour, and must be closely netted or tin- birds « ill destroy the fruit. Com It •*< wall fruit for appearance. Marit Lonist is so well known that it needs no praise ; while Seck/t should he grown by every one for flavour. Although --mall, f never have known it of poor flavour. Doyenne dtt Comict is a splendid Pear, and is being more extensively planted. lilon Morceau, in a general way. is first rate. especially when the fruit is russety. In Hampshire it was very good from an old tree, and was in season for two months. Joseph-int >l< Matin* - must he mentioned. I saw it in fine condition at Sherborne Castle earl) in December. The fruit is of high flavour from a bush tree. Xoia-illi Fiilm is a g Hate Pear, which succeeds \\ ell at Sherborne Castle. Winter Nelis I consider the best of all Pears. It does well with me under high culture. Easter Beurn and BergamoU iV Esperen are g I in Borne soils ; the latter is of line flavour here on a bush. Olivu i • /< ■ Si rn - ■- reliable, but of poor growth. Culture and site have much to do with flavour as also the stock the trees are worked upon. .1. Crook. ( '/iiifl. No///. /-. /. APPLE COCKLE PIPPIN. Tins is an old and valuable dessei t Apple of medium size and rich aromatic flavour. Although not si handsome as some Apples, tew late keeping kinds an- of better flavour. 1 remember some line trees in an orchard at Hedsor Park twenty live to thirty years ago. ami these produce fine fruit. The tree is not of large growth, but bears abundantly. When at Sherborne Castle, early in December, I saw in the fruit room a quantity of this kind. .1. RED CURRANT LA VERSAILLAISE. Tins should In.' more known, as ii is a long-bunched, late keeping kind. I grew it some two years ago. and the only drawback to it is that the bushes are of stiff growth, and when heavily fruited large branches are apt to break off, which, in some instances, renders the bushes practically useless. This .an lie remedied In pinching or stopping them w hen young SO as to form a base. It would pa\ to train this Currant on walls, boards, Ike, to obtain a late supply. I 'an anyone tell me the difference between this and Fay's Prolific which I saw once in a garden in .ii Mincliead. but had not La Versaillaise for ci imparisi >n .1. TREES AND SHRUBS. Kl K )DODENDRONS IX LARGE GROUPS. THK value of a simple grouping of one g I flowering plant or shrub can hardl) I"' too highly rated. It is a less t such importance in good gardening, that we desire to take even opportunity of referring to ii A group of Rhododendrons tower ing masses of bloom, sonic IS feet high shows how a noble mass of one thing alone goes to the composing of a satisfying garden picture. It also shows the beneficent service of shrubs of large growth in giving interest to the hard line of a rectangular pool by breaking over it. and boldly insisting on the display of its own unrestrained grow th. For this class of treatment no kinds are better than well-chosen seedling- of P. ponticum. But there are also two good old garden hybrids, namely album grandiflonim and album elegans, that have tall, vigorous growth and abundance of bloom. qualities that befit them for large and pictorially- treated groups, while their colour suits admirably with the seedlings of ponticum. Put as these vary a good deal ill tint, it is well to pick them out in the nursery at blooming time, when it is easy, by taking two blooms in the hand, to go round and assort plants, either for one or two groups "t the warmer and cooler shades respectively. 'The effect is much better, even in a huge planting, if one only .it these -hades of purple is used throughout with the tall growing while-. Such a grouping would have a tine effect m a rather large space of moist. peat) ground, and it would look all the better for some well-grown groups of Silver Birch. MISTLETOE. There is something strangely attractive about this .iiiMii- plant, something mysterious that rousesthe imagination. It is attractive, ami yet at the same time slightly repellent, for it has somewhat of a vampire nature, in that it sinks out and lives upon the life blood of some honest tree. Moreover, it is both ugly and pleasant to see, tor it hangs in rather ungainly bunches and masses, and yet is beautiful in detail. In form it is so simply- con- structed that it gives one the impression of being low in the scale .if vegetable creation. It is built almost as simply- as a sea-weed, but there is a strange and rare kind of beauty in the individual twigs, ami especially in the relation ..t colour between the golden-green leaf and the pearl-white berry. The trees it most frequents arc Lime. Apple, Poplar. 'Thorn, and Mountain Ash. The seed can be sown by fixing the berry either in an artificial slit, or a crack in the bark of any likely tree. preferably mi the underside of a branch. Such sowings are often ineffectual because the -eed is used before it i- ripe. It is no use taking il from boughs as -old about Christmas-time, lor the seed i- n.. I ripe till quite two months later. Mistletoe abounds in some English west country Apple orchards, but is in still greater profusion in those of Brittam . ami 1 1 his i energetic g g so far as to write it down ; hut there energ) and interest seem to cease. Figured ome fifteen year? or more ago in Tin-; Garden, and frequently shown in berrj at the Royal Horticultural Society's shows, ii i- passing -I range I hat . a- I say, it is -o little grown. After all. the Peruettya i- not alone in being admired and neglected : it would be easj but useless to make a long li-t of beautiful hard) plan!- w Inch are alw ays admired, but never grown by then admirers. Lovers of the garden ami gardening, who would spare no trouble to secure some plant which the) have -ecu doing well elsewhere, can at times hardly realise thai their friends can really care for I he plants which they admire year after year, when the) seldom get beyond asking the nam.-, .mil seem to never get so far a.- to grow the plant themselves. Candidly. 1 sometimes think they expect one to take the plants round in a barrow and plant them in their gardens toi them. In my early gardening days I was weak enough when a friend asked fm a plant to make a note and send it at the right time but year- ago a very well-known gardener, whom I have to thank not only for many choice plants now thriving here but for the precept and example which ba\ e greatly helped me in my gardening efforts, gave me a most valuable hint, one which has saved me endless unnecessary work. Apropos of this careless butterfly class of gardeners who would like to have a pretty garden. hut will not take the slightest trouble to make one, I will pass on the hint in the hope that it ma) be ot use to Others as it has been to inc. 'The matter came about in this way : 1 was walking round a friend's beautiful garden, and the owner, a Lady, was making notes of any plants I wanted, when she informed me that she always divided her gardening friends into two classes ; t.. the second class she said : "Oh ! you like that plant, then I shall be most pleased to send you a piece if yon will lei m- hart n jjoxtcard in October" (or whatever was the right month), but to tl thers sin- sent the plants without reminder. Naturally, I was pleased to find my-elf in the fit --/ class, but was informed that I had obtained my promotion solely by //• in rfailbig in send 'In necessary postcard. Before that day I was foolish enough to think that when one's gushing gardening friend- were profuse with thanks about some promised plant they were really interested, but when they received it, the letter of acknowledgment showed clearly that they had forgotten all about it. But now that I adopt the above classification I knov better, tor not once in ten times do I get the reminder. May I add that the garden was Munstead. and my friend Miss .lekyll. A. Kim.sii 1 1 i.. Harrow II',, */, I. Middlesex. PERNETTYA MUCRONATA. Win i- it that tin- beautiful, useful, and perfectly hardy plant is, comparatively -peaking, so little known'.' Although its period of greatest charm is from early October to early spring, when, if the winters prove like those ot 1897 and 1898, the lovely berries, which the birds rarel) touch, will In- still in good condition, it is beautiful all the en round, distinct in foliage and flower, of most easy culture, apparently indifferent as to soil. and. although requiring full light to berry really well, it w ill even thrive in half -hade. It is a plant that ought i.. I..- in every garden, and yet in how many gardens doe- one see il * Admired by all. one's friend- invariable a-k for the name, the keenest Brownea Crawfordii. A large specimen of this Brownea in the Palm house at IxYw is just now bearing a number of it- pendant clusters of In iu I it coloured blossoms, w hi eh. seen in the sombre light ..t a midwinter day, appear particularly rich ami idling. It i- quite a tree ot l'ii feet iii height, or thereabouts, clothed with long pinnate leaves. At a little distance the flower clusters suggest tiusscs of Rhododendrons, except that the. arc drooping, but closer inspection reveals the fact that the individual blooms are quite different, and closely packed. 'The colour is a kind of rosy or salmon scarlet. The Browneas belong to the natural order Lcguniin. .-.. . but to the casual observer they appear to have no points in common with the generally accepted types of that order. There arc several specie-, nearly all of which are n g the tinc-t of tropical flowering trees. P. Crawfordii is a hybrid raised in the gardens of the late W. H. Crawford, Lakelands, Cork united as I being the first place in the British Isles to flower Magnolia Campbelli), the parents being B. grandi- ceps and P. macrophylla. These gorgeous plants require a very large structure such a- the Palm house at l\ew . hence suitable accommodation .-an only be given in a few gardens. One species, how- ever, P. coceinea, can be flowered. January 6, l 900. THE GARDEN. GARDEN THOUGHTS. FLOWERS IX CRASS. FROM very early days it has been the practice to grow the commoner kinds of double and single Narcissus in meadows and orchards; and within a recent | >< -ti< ■< 1 must of the rarer kinds have been found to prefer grass- land to cultivated ground, and with the best possible effect : but so far as my observa- tion lias gone, with the exception of Snow drops and Crocuses, the Narcissus stands nearly alone. This seems to me a mistake. There are ni.ua other flowers of equal beauty and perfectly adapted to similar localities. I might i instance the blue, pink, and white Spanish Hare- I lu-lls. Scilla italiea. Snowflakes, and, perhaps, Columbines of different colours : and, when the grass is not very rank. I have found Scilla pra;cox .mil S. bifolia, Chionodoxa, Muscari, and hardy Cyclamen to do well. Perhaps, above all. the chequered and white Fritillaries give most satis faction. Many of the Alliums are very beautiful. but too dangerous in their increase to be lightly introduced; Colchicums are very suitable, where .attle are not likely to be poisoned by them. I have found both Fritillaries and Cyclamens to increase in the grass, but it has been mypractice to keep a seed-lied of each annually in the kitchen garden, and to plant out the second or third year. If it be a fact, that to gather a Fritillary flower is to kill the plant, the seed bed will allow you to gather some of the flowers, and yet keep up the stork. Both kinds are equally graceful, but, for effect in the meadow, the white should predominate. T have always been anxious to naturalise the Sternbergias, especially S. angustifolia ; both Bower very fully in the garden, but in the grass a solitary bloom has been my only reward : they require sun at the root. 1 have also tried one English Tulip (T. sylvestris), which (lowers freely in North Wales lone of its natural habitats), but t have had no success ; it thrives, but does not flower. Even in the garden it does not flower very fully, not to be compared with its very near rela- tive, Tulipa fragrans ; and from its stoloniferous habit it becomesa troublesome nuisance, springing up where it is not wanted, in the midst of other plants. If any of your readers are inclined to enliven the uumown spots in their grounds, it is not too late to procure the material for the coming season. Among the autumn ( 'recuses 1 have found speciosus and nudiflorus the most satisfactory in grass, and least attacked by mice and voles. As regards ( '. nudiflorus, the grass is particularly useful in supporting the long, naked stalks, which in the border are beaten to the earth by the first heavj shower. T. H. Archer-Hind. Cnoinbefixhacn House, South Derou. CRINUM OAPENSE SEEDS. I ii wi recently had a curious experience with seeds of Crinum capense. A few were put aside in a bag after gathering. On opening the bag a lew days since, I found they had all germinated and produced a small bulb with plumule, ready to pot. The experience is not, however, new ; the same thing has occurred before, but 1 never met with any reference to a similar incident. The seeds of the N'erines lieha\ e in the same manner. What a contrast between these seeds and others which no skill can induce to germinate, such as those of the new Polygonum baldsehuanicum. funirirh. WW. Thompson'. KIVIERA GARDENING. GjKEAT pleasures and great pains are SO nearly akin, that northern gardeners who sigh for BUnilJ lands and sheltered valleys will feel somewhat consoled for their own distresses when some of the difficulties of a southern garden are placed before them. Occupied as I am just now in wrestling with " Nature " on a sunny hillside not far from Nice, I am constantly reminded of old Horace's dictum " Xnt a in in in ii- lexpellas, tamen usque recurrit." Yes, indeed, Nature does reassert herself with a vengeance in these climates, even though tint may expel her at the forks end, and by dint of much water and much manure. The bidens the two-pronged fork is still the weapon the gardener uses, and with a mighty effort he delves down to more than a yard in depth before he will allow a plant to be put in the ground, for unless the plant's roots can have a deep run, the summer heat and drought will wither up both root and top, so that on your return in autumn you will bill find a tangle of weed overtopping the dead remains of the plants. All one's loved northern plants must have complete shelter from the tierce heat and sun of summer if they are to succeed : and, as by exceptional fortune there is a moist and deeply shaded valley in my ground where such plants can live, I am occupied in making an English garden, where at least no spring frosts or biting' winds can harm them, so that in a few seasons I trust that a wealth of spring blossom may be realised, set oft' and framed by southern .sur- roundings. The difficulty of getting a French gardener to plant this, may be realised only when one finds that, to his idea, everything must be planted in rows and in a trench, so that left to himself your garden is a gridiron, very convenient for watering and retaining moisture no doubt. Last spring I planted carefully, and as I thought artistically, some hundreds of Cyclamen persi- cum in tin' wood, where there is abundance of good leaf-mould and shelter, and I left, pictur- ing to myself the charming effect the marbled leaves and brilliant flowers would have coming up through ivy trails under the trees. What did 1 find on m\ return, but long rows of my poor Cyclamen which had been dug up to edge the paths in formal lines, and next, a row of Tulips, and then Daffodils behind, all neatly and beautifully edged with an Echeveria - like Sedum. A long grass terrace was planned with tree Tannics at the edge and Irises on the bank. I found the grass carefully sown at the sides, and the Irises edging a stiff straight walk in the middle ; so no further need is there of stating how the nature of that man needs expelling. And yet how infinitely delightful that man is, how deftly he wields his tools, and handles his plants as if he loved them. Yet to him it was not possible to do otherwise ; it was an insult to his best feelings. The rough grassy bottom of this valley is carpeted with myriads of starry Anen es, lilac, white and sometimes crimson, wherever a little natural hybridisation has taken place between the Anemone Stellata and the golden- eyed scarlet " Soleil " Anemone, which also grows there in lesser quantity, and which is so much more lovely than A. coronaria can be at any time. Narcissii-, Tazetta, both the early yellow and the late white orange-eyed, spear up among the bushes, relics of the good old days when they were wild on everj terrace, though now it is only in some nook like this that they survive. Wishing to beautify a bari' spot where brambles Lave been dug up and burnt. I send out some quantity of Anemone fulgens to plant there. Unluckily, I said "sow sonic grass seed over them." In consequence of my rash order the grass was duly sown, but the Anemones were planted in a rectangular pattern round the sacred square of grass — thus destroying all the beauty I had aimed at. There are none the less great pleasures. One for instance is a pergola that 1 planted last May with Tacsonias. Heliotropes. Bignonias oi sorts, climbing yellow Senecios, Ivy Geraniums and Ibises, purple Konnedyas and yellow Cassia tomentosa, which in winter takes the place of ( '. corymbosa. To describe the luxuriance of growth and the abundance of flowers in No vein ber and December is hardly possible without laying oneself out to the charge of exaggeration : and this feast of colour and scent will go on throughout the winter, unless some exception- ally cold night or storm from the mountain nip the more tender plants for a time. As there has never been any frost or snow to cut even a Heliotrope here since 1895, it is only too likely that 1900 may signal its arrival 1>\ an icy blast : meanwhile, it is well thankfully to enjoy the sunshine, while looking forward to the spring display of hardy plants which enjoy a little snap of winter cold. E. H. WOODALL RECENT PLANT PORTRAITS. Tut: hist portfolio of the fourth scries of Messrs. Cogniany and Goossen's " Dictionnaire tconogra- phique des Orchidees" contains admirably coloured portraits of the following thirteen Orchids, with descriptions by the editor : A mi nl i in ' iowesii. — The well-known vellnw Cradle Orchid. i'iiii/fi/ii Atlanta inversa. A beautiful variety. with light rose-coloured upper petals and deep carmine lip. Cattleya Hex. A most beautiful variety, with pure white upper petals and delicately-pencilled tube and lip. Cochlioda rosea. A pretty, small rose-coloured flower. Dendrobium Victoria Regime. A pretty flower. coloured violet and white. Epidendrum atropurpnreum var. longelabre. A handsome variety with dark brown upper petals, with greenish backs and pure white lip. with deep rose blotch at throat. Epidendrum xanthinum.- A curious globular bunch of small golden-yellow flowers. Grammatophyllum Rumphianum. — A medium sized flower, with green petals, heavily blotched with brown and a whitish centre, curious but not beautiful. l.nl'in jiiii/Iii'iiii.- A beautiful yellow flower with whitish centre and delicately-pencilled li)). MaxUlaria striata. A curious flower with brown and yellow colouring, and yellow tips to the two upper petals. M 'iirm mil s (h-niiii . A handsome deep-red flower, the four upper petals curiously spotted. Mormodex buccinator. A curious and not orna- mental laow n flower, with lighter shaded underpetal. Mormodes buccinator rar. citrinmn. A much prettier flower, of a deep yellow colour, with whitish centre and curious incurved petals. The tirst monthly part of the fifteenth volume of Liiiiliniii contains handsome life-size portraits of the four following Orchids : Comparettia speciosa. -A beautiful pendulous raceme of self deep rose-coloured flowers like a small Phalasnopsis. Cypripedium Argus var. nigricans. A rather dull slipper plant, with greenish-white sepals, heavily blotched with blackish-brown. Odontoglossum crispum var. Rosi tte. A pretty variety, with all the flowers in a bunch on top of stem instead of in a pendulous raceme, as is usual in this family. The ground colour of the flowers is pure white, blotched with rosy-brown. Arachnantht Cathcarti. A very handsome large flower, with deep brown petals, regularly and evenly veined with white, and a prominent yellow lip also veined and lined with rose. This was long known as a Vanda, but has now been separated from them and renamed by the botanical authorities as above. W, E. ( Iumbmton THE GARDEN. • i \\i \i:v i> I '.MM I AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. GIANT VIOLETS. I With Illustrations by II. G. Moon.) ON K liears that the Violet is being ruined, that we arc cobbing it of its "modest " character whatever thai may mean that the scent is disappearing, and that instead of a Violet we arc producing a monstrosity which partakes largely of the character of the I'ausv. ■k DOUBLE vlul.ET MARIE LOUISE. We may remark in passing that a flower show is not an ideal place to ascertain the perfume of anything except, perhaps, tobacco and certainly when Violets have been gathered the previous day, carried 200 or 300 miles. and placed by the side of Roman Hyacinths or <>f Apples, it is somewhat irritating to be told on t he third day that "your Violets have no scent." 'nereis no question about this, the Giant Violets are strongly and sweetly scented. People standing on the gallery at York ( Ihrysan- themiim Show said that the perfume was most noticeable, although the Violets were on the Hoor of the hall. Many times we have heard the remark by those who have been standing with their hacks to tl xhibit and yards away "Where are the Violets?" Envelopes in which sample blooms have been senl have that there is a mongrel stock in retained the perfume lor months; and when which can give no correct idea as the boxes of flowers have been taken to the local post office, although the boxes are tight-fitting and closely wrapped in brown paper, the employes have immediately detected t he nature if the contents. With regard to the size of the Violet, there is no reason why this flower should be singled out from all others and no advance allowed in size. In nearly everything else increased size means increased usefulness, provided that other qualities are not neglected, and, in spite of tin' few objections, we are satisfied that the vast majority of those who love Mowers are grateful beyond measure for " Giant " Violets. We may say that increased breadth of petal and length and strength of stem have added immensely to the decorative value of Violets. Varieties. La France is the latest addition, and is an improvement, in many respects, on Princess of Wales. It lias only recently been possible to arrive at this conclusion, but they have now been fairly tested. La France is more compact in growth, which is a consideration where quantities of flowers are required and the space is limited. It is also a larger flower, and of a richer and darker colour. Lastly, it is certainly more free flowering than the other. With regard to Princess of Wales we may say that it will be a long time before it can lie discarded. The Ion.;; stout stems, and perfect blooms and foliage, and the vigorous constitu- tion, have ensured for it a long-lived popularity . In passing, it is perhaps as well to point out of this variet) w hen true. Luxoune is a large and gra< variety, which Hewers verj fre autumn, ami seems as hardy as stems an- long, and the Bowers ai tected b\ tin' abundant foliage. ( 'alifoinia is still good, and is i eirculatii to the val •fill I'Vell ely ill am . • well I I'll, tseful when VIOLET l'l:l\('l'> Violets are grown entirely in the open air. The cultivation ,,f these Violets is by no means difficult. Propagate by cuttings, not b\ division. Keep the plants cool mid partialh shaded during the summer months, and if you must lift them, this should be done as late as possible. If you would have tine blooms, you must have strong healthy plants, and to those who prefer twenty-five large blooms to fifty small ones, we say cut off the runners. lied spider is the great enemy, but this pest is not very troublesome when the stock is healthy to commence with, and the plants have not been allowed to suffer from drought. Westbuni-on-Trt/m. .1. ( '. House. wiaky i;, L900.] THE GARDEN. I i Rosomanes, but far more brilliant, and highly fragrant. \\V want more of tliis type, and also of such Roses as Viscountess Folkestone, < laroline Testout, and Mme. Abel Chatenay. At present the Eybrid Tea group possesses too many nf tin.' Lady Mary Fitzwilliam class. We need to break away from these. Mme. Abel Chatenayand Grand Due Luxembourg are two nt the must beautiful of modern Roses. The former, with its delicious salmon i>ink tint and sweet fragrance ; and the latter, with its distinct shades of brilliant lake and rosy red. As the Hybrid Teas have been frequently alluded to in Tut: Garden during recent years, it will lie unnecessary to dwell upon the merits of such well-known kinds as La France and its sports, Augustine Guinoisseau and Duchess nt Albany, Gamoens, Grace Darling, Gustave Regis, White Lady, Mme. Pemet- Ducher, Gloire Lyonnaise, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, l- warmly welcomed by exhibitors, not so much, perhaps, For its form as for its splendid lasting qualiti ■.-. It was finely shown at Manchester, and also at the Bybrid Conference at Chiswick. < >n 1 >< >t 1 1 occasions the heat was i ropical, but this seemed tn have no effect upon the substantial flowers. /'a j ,n Lambert should make a good exhibition Hower, that is if the colour, which is rose, proves in be clear enough. In growth it much re- sembles Baroness Rothschild. Bessii Brown is a magnificent variety. It is ill pointed globular form, and appears to In1 of vis irous growth. A \\ i inl or two as in Stocks maj be acceptable. 1 have found the Briar the must suitable : but I am aware the Polyantha stock finds much favour, especially it' budded where the plants are to remain. The hedge Briar undoubtedly yields the finest exhibition Bowers, but for the garden the Briar rutting or seedling Briar are by far the best stocks for Hybrid Tea and Tea-scented Roses. If 1 had a shallow soil, 1 should have the majority of my Roses upon the Briar cutting. Their roots are more spreading than the seed- lings, but where a good depth of soil is available, then I would select the seedling Briar. Philomel. THE PROTECTION OF TEA ROSES FROM FROST. It will, I think, be generally conceded that our modern Roses are, as a rule, far nunc beautiful and fai nunc free-flowering than must of the old- fashioned varieties still in cult i vat inn. I mien I. the advance made during the last thirty or forty years towards perfection of form, in variety and charm of colour, and in floriferousness is little short of marvellous. There are, however, two important qualities, in which it must lie confessed many of the old-fashioned Roses, when compared with those of the present day. arc superior. They are, generally speaking, more sweet scented, and arc. cover, of a hardier constitution. As regards the latter quality, with which we are for the moment more particularly concerned. there are but few of our up-to-date Roses which ilo not suffer to a greater or less extent whenever the winter happens to be in any May exceptionally severe. Take, for instance, the last cold winter t li.it of 1894-95; the only Ruses in my collection, with two exceptions, which passed through it altogether uninjured to the tips of their shoots, and which can therefore be regarded as perfectly hardy, were such very "hi favourites as the common Provence or old Cabbage, as it is disrespectfully called : its equally flagrant sister, the common Moss; that ever-blooming Scotch Rose which is much less frci|uently grown than it should lie. Stanwcll Perpetual : all the Austrian Briars; and that rampant and hardy Ayrshire Rose, Bennett's Seedling or Thoresbyana. Two of the pioneers of the Hybrid Perpetual race Jules Margottin and Duchess of Sutherland were but slightly injured. Now, the only modern Roses in my rose garden which could compare with the foregoing in hardiness — if we adopt the same severe lest, and except such single- flowered varieties as some of the Rugosas and Hybrid Sweet Briars were that charming Hybrid Tea. t lusiave Regis and ( irimson Rambler. Among the Roses most largely grown in the p ■escnt day, the Hybrid Perpet aals are undoubted!} the least tender. In this class the varieties which are nunc or less thorny stand. I find, hard winters the best, especially A. 1\. Williams, Mine. I rabriel Luizet, and Marie Kallmann. On t he other hand, such smooth-wooded kinds as (Jomtesse d'Oxford, Pride of Waltham, Reynolds-Hole, and the like arc remarkably susceptible to frost. Next in their ability to withstand keen winters come the Hybrid Teas, some few of which for instance, l,a France and Gustave Regis arc quite as hardy as the hardiest of the H. P.'s. At the bottom of this scale of hardiness we mnsi unfortunately place that lovely section, the Teas and Noisettes. These tender, or at licsl only half-hardy, Teas and Noisettes, are. as is well-known, among the choicest and must delicately tinted of all Ruses, and arc therefore well worthy of any extra care and attention they may require in order to preserve them from severe injuries during the winter months. All varieties are by no means equally tender. Of those least susceptible to cold may be mentioned Francisca Kriigrr. Mine. Lambard, Anna Olivier, ('aniline Kuster (Noisette), Souvenir d'un Ami, and Souvenir de S. A. Prince. Whereas such kinds as Sunset. Perle des Jardins, Mine. de Wattcville. and Niphetos suffer must keenly during periods of severe or prolonged frost. In all Bleak ami Exposed Situations, and particularly where the soil is cold and retentive, Tea Roses should he grown as recom- mended many years ago by Mr. (leorge Paul — in beds raised a few inches above the general level of the ground. This plan will tend to keep the beds warmer and drier than they otherwise would he. In cold districts it will also lie well to thin out all the sappy shouts early in November, in order to arrest any further growth of the plants, and at the same time by admitting additional light and air to enable those that remain to become better ripened before the winter sets in. I have tried many methods of protecting both dwarf and standard Teas, and have come to the conclusion that, after all. the simplest and the most easily applied prove in the end the best. For instance, dwarf plants need only have the .sur- rounding soil draw ii oxer t heir crow lis to the height of 4 inches or .1 inches in order to preserve them from serious injury. In a severe winter the shouts rising above the covering of soil may hi', and no doubt will be. greatly damaged ; hut when these shoots are cut away at pruning time the plants w ill in most cases start again into growth as vigorously as usual. Further protection, if desired, may be afforded by twisting in lightly pieces of bracken among these shoots. I have, however, invariably found that such additional protection, although doubtless of some service in moderate winters, was rather harmful than otherwise during a very mild one. and not sufficient to do any real good in any winter of exceptional severity. Many apply a mulching of manure I" the beds in the autumn, hut the earthing-up method is preferable, as it affords the plants more efficient protection without keeping the soil ill a cold and sodden slate should the winter prove wet. Standard Teas arc the most difficult to protect. Of all the plans I have tried, the following I have found the most effectual. In the first instance, to shield the most vulnerable part of the plants from injury, a hay-band should be wound round the junction of the Rose with the stock. Then, in order to prevent rain and snoxv finding their way into the centre of the head, the best shouts should he gathered together and fastened as far as practicable in a conical form to the top of a stake firmly driven into the ground and passing through the head of the plant and above it. Some straw should then he combed out anil the head lightly thatched with it, and the upper ends secured to the stake, adding one or two horizontal ties lower down in keep the straw in its place during high winds. Ii will lie found helpful in carrying out I Ins met hod of protection to cut out in the Hist instance all the soft and sappy si ts. For climbing Roses on walls I find thai fine cotton matting or failing this a double thickness of ordinary fish-netting, arranged loosely, hut firmly secured oxer them, will lie found in all hut very exceptional cases sufficiently effectual. This plan has the further advantage of nut excluding light and air from the shouts, so t hat they do not I "ine as lender as when a mat or other close material is used in a similar way. Another plan would he to place pieces ,,t fir or bracken ■■ rig the branches. While on the question of bracken I may sax thai I Ins fern In he uf any real service should he cut early in the season, for if cut when it has turned quite brown it becomes brittle and of comparatively little value. When several mild winters occur in Bucces- siun the tendency is in undervalue protection uf any kind, or. at all events, in defer affording any shelter to Tea Roses until reminded of its necessity by the sudden advent of an unusually severe frost, when no earthing-up of tin- dwarf plants is possible and the thatching of the heads "t the standards is equally impracticable. Under such circumstances the only thing to he done is t . . place some bracken ,*]■ dry leaves round tin- dwarfs ami xvork in sonic bracken or light evergreens into the heads of the standards. Rut the wise rusarian will not allow himself to In caught napping in this way. but will arrange some fixed date in the early winter— say the end uf the first week in December and. having a supply of bracken ami straw ready, will at e proceed 1" carry mit the foregoing or similar directions fur the safety uf his Teas. 1 mention a supply of bracken because, should the sod ill the beds be saturated, some uf this can he tucked round the lower part of the dwarf plants in order to keep the wet soil coming into direct contact with the shouts. None but the enthusiastic Rose grower can appreciate the feeling of comfort and relief which comes over him whenever a sharp frost sets in unexpectedly, as it did in December last, when he knows that all his delicate Roses have long since been securely protected, and that no cold wind, heavy snow, or keen frost that may follow can seriously injure them. Knwn. Mawley. Berkhamxted. NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY. Suggestions pob Competitions in Championship Classes. Having been a pioneer iii tlic movement for an amendment of flic National Rose Society Exhibition Schedules iii 1891-1892, iii which effort I was much helped by the then Editor of Tut: Garden allowing me to give my views in extt nso, I do not think that some further suggestions which I now7 make on the subject of X.R.S. exhibiting will be received in had part by the members of the Society. The venerable Joint Secretary of the Society, the Rev. H. Honywood D'Ombrain, was one of my toughest opponents when I carried my point in 1891, but he has been one of those w ho. since then. most frequently and generously acknowledged the value of the changes made on behalf of the smaller exhibitors and stated that it has given them great encouragement, thereby also obtaining recruits. In what I now suggest I hope that Mr. D'Ombrain will he my supporter, for the important reason that be is one of those who has frequently expressed his wonders and fears as to who can he the successors to the present champions among Rose exhibitors in the highest divisions. It is in order that there should lie encouragement foi- such competition in the future that I now write, as I fear that if the highest prizes continue to go year after year to a few — a very limited few it is at present the result may he that when those who are now almost always champions cease t" exhibit there will he nn successors wprthy of the name. The aspirations "f many nuw exhibiting max by then have been so damped by ham waiting thai they will have ceased to he interested in Rose showing, except in a very small way. To remedy this. I would suggest I hat the system of exhibiting in championship classes and for all special prizes but those which are given to lie won outright or within a limited number uf competitions should he varied or altered to the extent that any winner uf a championship or hist prize in any class or division for two or three years in succession should by that fact he barred from showing in thai particular class fur the year following such success. This would give those who are keen exhibitors a chance of winning one of the champion- ANUAKV 0, 900. Ill i: OA-KDEN. ship cii' best prizes, and make them, having been once successful, anxious to retain what they have won. 1 notice little inclination at present on the part of those in Divisions B, C, and 1) to move up ; they stick where they are. partly because thej fear to compete against exhibitors who are well known to be almost invincible in the higher divisions, and partly because they win easily in the small classes. Having to a great extent given up exhibiting. except in ; very moderate way, I speak more for others than for myself; but I believe that unless something lie done by the Society in the way 1 now suggest, or in some way approximating thereto, the future promises poor exhibits in our premier Rose classes after the present champions have decided to retire, having previously frightened away any who might in time have been their equals. This would be a misfortune in a way for the Society, although my own views, frequently expressed some years ago and still unaltered, are that small exhibits of six. twelve, and eighteen distinct flowers are far prefer- able and lead to infinitely more interesting competi- tions than cxhiliits of twenty-four, thirty-six. forty-eight, and seventy two flowers. In the former instances you are likely to obtain exhibits of perfect specimens, whereas in the big competitions the exhibitsare frequently uneven andimperfect ; tailing oH' in boxes is very frequent, detracting greatly from the general appearance oi cxhiliits set up ly even our crack growers. Those who have tried a hand in setting up thirty six or forty-eight Roses know the difficulty in maintaining excellence after the first twenty four are selected, even from a large garden or nursery. I hope this question, which may possibly have .ecu mooted elsewhere, will lie thoroughly discussed in Tin. GARDEN, as I think it is an important one tor the future of the X.R.S. Charles J. < Irahame. Wrydelmids, I.: atht rhi ml. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. ZEPHYRANTHES A J AX. THIS is said to be a hybrid bet ween Z. Candida and Z. eitrina. It is figured and described by C. Sprenger in the Gartenjlora for Dei-ember, p. 649, where it is stated the plant is intermediate between its two parents, but hardier than either, and that it flowers profusely in late autumn. Thefigure represents a tuft li inches high of rush-like leaves and a dozen Howers over li inches wide, coloured lemon- yellow, flushed with rose outside. In appearance it resembles Z. Candida in every particular except colour, and if it he really as hardy and lloriferous as that plant it is a valuable acquisition. Z. eitrina was introduced by Messrs. Veitcb in 1881, and figured in the Botanical Mayazim It. 6605), where it is described as a distinct species allied to Z. candida. but differing in the form and golden yellow-colour of its (lowers. I have never seen a living examplet of this plant, and I think it just possible that Z. Anderson! (Habranthus), a common yellow-flowered species, and not Z. eitrina, is the other parent of Ibis new hybrid. Mr. Sprenger is quite right when he says that the genus is much more useful in the garden than is commonly supposed, and that if its hardiness were better understood it would be much in favour. At Kew, Z. Candida is used as an edging fur flower borders in place of Box. KLALANCHOE FLAM M KA. Seeds of this, perhaps the best new plant of last year, are offered bj Messrs. .1. Veitch A Sons, who ■■ by an arrangement with the Director oi the loyal Gardens, Kew. have secured the whole stock of tins new species oi Kalanchoe, recentlj introduced from Somaliland, in East Africa." Its cultivation is of the simplest, provided one or two essential conditions are observed. Theseare: First, the plant requires full sunlight at all times, a stove tempera- tun for the first 6 months, greenhouse afterwards; second, the seedlings should not be stopped until they arc li inches high, and then tiny should he cut down to within -J inches of the soil : after this lhc\ should not he stopped again; third, the soil besl suited to t hem is a mixture of loam. peat, and leaf mould ; two parts of the first to one each of the other two, and plenty of sand. During winter they should be kept on the dry side. Under proper treatment seeds sown in February should produce plants to flower in about 15 months. CHESTED BIRD:S-NEST FKIiX. The only plant known of this remarkable Fern was introduced to Kew from Queensland two years ago, <\i\t\ as it bore ripe spores a sowing was at once made, from which a large batch of plants were raised. These have grown into nice plants, and a large proportion, probably 50 per cent., have developed the character peculiar to the parent, namely, fronds which, instead of being strap- shaped and simple, are branched or lobed so much as in some cases to be distinctly bi-pinnatilid. Tlie type, Asplenium Nidus, is now one of the most popular of Ferns for use in room decoration, thousands of it being disposed of annually by some of the principal London market growers. It is therefore probable that the new variety ma\ also find favour as a commercial plant. Botanically it is interesting, because of its being a wild sport which has reproduced its peculiar characters from spores. BEGONIA BEMSLEYANA. CHINESE plants are now objects of more attention than formerly, several collectors being engaged in sending new and interesting plants from the interior to England. One of the most energetic in this respect is Dr. Henry, who has discovered and sent to Kew many interesting plants, including the beautiful Lilium named in compliment to him A plant of less intrinsic merit than the Lilium, but still of interest horticulturally as well as botani- cally, is this Begonia, which when not in flower might easily be mistaken for a Hellebore. It forms dense tufts of palmately divided dark green Leaves, on stems about I foot, and produces erect. few-flowered scapes of pink Howers. In view of the value tin' Socotran Begonia has proved to the hybridist, this ( Ihinese introduction is worth atten- tion. Sir Joseph Hooker says of it : " The discovery of a palmate partite-leaved Begonia, the < )hl World, is a very remarkable one. the few known species with this character being all American." It was found at an elevatii f 5,000 feet in Yunnan by Dr. Henry, who described it as a very pretty plant lJ. feet high. It flowered freely and continuously at Kew in a greenhouse from April onwards. DIANTHUS SUPEEBUS ( .'HIXKXKIS. A COLOURED plate of this plant was published in The Garden last year (May, p. 330), when it was suggested that the plant was probably a perennial, as it had survived the winter at Kew. This autumn, and on until the beginning of December, the same plant flowered most profusely, the stems being again I yard high, forming quite a sheaf of grassy-green leaves and starry rosy-mauve flowers ■2 inches across. It is totally distinct in character from all other pinks, and is in every sense a most effective hardy plant. As stated last year, it has lately been introduced from Central China, by means of seeds collected in Shensi by the Rev. Piccoli, a missionary there. In addition to its own merits as a hardy border subject, this plant, which is probably like all other pinks in their readiness to cross freely, may prove the progenitor of a race of hardy late autumn-flowering sorts. It is worth the experiment. MLSS.KXDA CAPSULIFERA. As represented by a figure in a recent number of the Botanical Mayazim (t. TbTl). this has failed hitherto to attract the notice of horticulturists. It is. however, not unlikely to find favour, it onbj on account of lh. delicious odour of its white Jasmine-like Howers; probably, too. it will prove a pretty little flowering pot-shrub when its require incuts arc better known. It comes from the island of Socotra, where it was found by Dr. Balfour .H tin- same time as Begonia socotrana, but it was not introduced until two years ago. when the laic Ml. Tl lore Bent visited the island and I gllf home seeds of it. which wen- sown at Kew. when plants flowered in April last. It forms a leafs, compact shrub, suggestive of a Hypericum, the leaves being lanceolate, dark green, and •! incite to 3 inches long. The [lowers arc produced iii erect terminal corymbs, anil they arc like those ol Jasminum grandiflorum in size, shape, and white ness ; they remain fresh on the plant a week oi more. and. as alrcaiK staled, they are delicioush fragrant. BIDALGOA WERCKLEI. Tins is a new plant of more than ordinary promise. It is a quick-growing climber, self sup porting, with numerous drooping branches clothed with evergreen elegant ternately divided bright green leaves. Even as a climber tor draping pillars. iVc . in conservatories, and probably also for growing outside on verandahs. &c., in summer n would prove of value, and in addition to its leaf attract ions the bright scarlet flower-.. •_'! inches across anil resembling single Dahlias, are freely produced. A small plant received at Kew. and placed in a coo] bouse in April, grew freebj and flowered in July, and it is now 12 feet long, with numerous branches, some of which arc now (December) bearing flower buds. It is easily propagated from cuttings. Foi its introduction we arc indebted to Mr. .1. L. ( Ihilds, the New York nurseryman, in whose catalogue a coloured picture of it was published, together with particulars of its origin, &c. These are to the effect that the plant was found in the mountains of Costa Rica by M. Carlo Werckle, and that in Xew York it has proved suitable for cool shad\ windows or verandahs, where it has received the names of Treasure Vine and Childsia Wereklei. The plant, however, belongs to the genus Hidalgoa. which is related to Dahlia and Coreopsis. There arc possibilities in this relationship which hvhi idists might turn to account. A figure of this plant has latch appeared in the Botanical Magazine. Royal Gardens, Kin-. \Y. Watson. WINTER PROTECTION FOR OUTDOOR FLOWERS. It is well worth while to provide suitable shelters for the few outdoor flowers that we have in mid winter. Of these one of t he most important is the yellow Jasmine, so usually grown against walls, palings, or sheds. Either the rot-proof Willesden canvas or a stout quality of the same scrim are excellent materials for protective coverings. It is easy to have a sheet of this for each section of wall or space where it is likely to be wanted, and well worth the trouble of the slight preparation needed tor taking on or off quickly. If the sheet has a strong tape or webbing sewn to the top and a few- stout rings, and tin- wall is provided with corresponding hooks, it is soon put up and taken down, and is easily folded up when out of use. It several of such sheets are in use. it saves much trouble to have them numbered; best by painting in white or grey a 3-inch square patch in one top corner, on which, when dry. a number in darker colour is painted, also painting the same mark on the wall, then there is no fumbling about or loss of time in rinding out which sheet is for which place. Contrivances for keeping the sheets down in windy weather will suggest themselves to intelligent persons; but the great thing is to have the pro- tection at hand. A number of hurdles thatched w ith straw or red or heath are always of use to be put over Christinas Roses, or ( 'zar Yiolcts. or Iris stylosa. The sw m bloom of any Chimonanthus trained to a wall shrivels and is spoilt in severe frost, but may ho saved by hanging over the bush some houghs ..I Spruce or Scotch Fir. If the protecting boughs are hung up by their stem-ends they are easily lifted oi moved aside so that the How els' may be picked. 1 1 III K GARDEN. \\i \i.'\ 6, I it" » I. CORRESPONDENCE. LOVE OK FASHION I [To THE EDITOR OF " THE ( i A RDEN."] Sill. We liave boasted somewhat of i lie iv\ ival "I the love of gardening in recent years. And as evidences of it we Lave [jointed to the enorm- ous increase In the cultivation of Howers for the London market, to the Hower-sellers in the streets, t < > the | n< > fusion of Bowers in liouse and table decoration, in the almost universal use of real flowers for sprays on ladies' dresses, where ten or twelve years ago artificial ones would almost certainlj liave been employed. And there is no denying these things. The cut-fiower trade of London, .in. I of all large towns, is assuming a really gigantic proportion. Tons and tons of cut lil s come into London daily. The street- sellers bid fair ere long to become almost as great a hindrance to free traffic as the nursery maids and perambulators. The profusion of flowers in some drawing- rooms is so great that it is with difficulty one ran pilot a sale course from one side to the other without being in collision with a basket or vase; ami many dinner-tables are so over- laid with them that not a speck of tablecloth is to be seen, and not a vestige of a spot where a fan or an extra glass of water can be set. These things are undeniable. But do they reallj evidence an increased love of gardening, or even an increased love of flowers? By no means necessarily so. ,\ man may furnish his library with the most expensive I ks, g orioiisly bound, but it by no means follows that he cares for the 1 ks as books, or loves to read them, study them, or pore over them. Tli \ may to him lie merely so much of the furnishing of his house the sort of things to have, you know ! And I fear the present craze for flowers has in very many cases no truer basis. It does not spring from real love of the Howers, but from love of fashion and love of outdoing one's neighbour. Looking back half a century I see compara- tively very few Howers in the house, none at all n| the dinner-table; and a single Camellia or bunch of Stephanotis in tin' hair. Bui do not think that people cared less for their Hardens or their Howers in that " long, long ago." Why, they loved them so dearly that liny almost grudged to cut them for their personal adornment. They would gather one for a sweetheart or a friend, but hardly for themselves. Each country house had its bordering of Howers along its garden walks, ami the mistress was wont to dissipate her household cares l.\ personally caring for her Howers. Where are these old-time countrj ladies now' Now everything is left to Hardeners; I daresay -nay, I know— more Howers are grown : but do not tell me that it indicate- an increased love of Howers. I love m\ gardener I admire him vastly : he is always at work toiling early and late in heat and cold, in wet and dry. He knows a hundred times more about the wants of the plants probably than I. And all lie needs is a hint now and then to prevent his going off in a wrong direction, or after a mistaken idea of excellence : but for all that he does not love the Howers as I do. A doctor may know far more about the children's wants than the mother does, but he does not love them as she does. \Yh\ has the vampire of size in Howers, fruits, and vegetables, been allowed to well- nigli smother out ideas of true fitness and proportion ' Because t he refinement of the countrj lady's personal attention has decreased. Everything has been left to the Hardener, and he has easilj been led astray bj the bugbear of competition without a single hint from master or from mistress that he was pursuing an alto- gether mistaken idea of excellence. And yet I do believe the tide is turning, or has turned. More individual attention i- being paid, more personal interest taken in. the Hardens and plants themselves, and not only in the Howers anil fruits that are .not out of them. The craze the fashion nay, the love of Howers and fruits will not easily decay ; now we want to add to it a revival of the old fashioned personal love of plants and gardens. Shirley Vicarage. W. Wii.ks. [We think and hope that our kind friend the secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society underrates the strong growth that has of late years taken place in the line of gardening. For though there can be no doubt that just now it is the fashion to like Howers, or to pretend to like them, yet the number of people whose love of Howers and gardening one may test by the trouble they have taken to learn something about them, is truly astonishing, and seems to be ever on the increase. - Ep.l BIRDS IX THE GARDEN. [To the Editok of "The Garden."] Sir, Bin Is have In -en placed under the protection of Act of Parliament to enable them to increase and multiply and prey upon destructive insects, thus ridding our Hardens of one of the gravest troubles which the gardener lias to contend with. But gratitude seems to be a sentiment quite foreign to the ideas of the birds, and just as these plagues have, under protection, increased, so. in a like ratio, liave the insect pests increased : thus, be- tween the hirds and the insects, allied to fungoid attacks, the life of the Hardener is becoming wretched. We have credited sonic of the hard- billed birds with a taste for the buds of Plum and other fruit trees, as well as of gooseberry and currant bushes, only when hard driven tor fond in severe weather. Hut the feathered depredators do not wait for tmsts before they liave begun their work, and already one hears complaints that the Plum and Damson trees. Gooseberry and Currant bushes, are being stripped of their buds, thus ren- dering them useless for next season at least. "We have acted on the best advice, and syringed the trees with soft snap, then misted them with lime and sunt, to render the buds obnoxious, but without avail. Accordingly destruction has come on all the same. What can we do tn protect our trees and bushes?" Here is a common form of complaint, and it is tli • appeal of the gardener. What is the good of telling such men tn try the common remedies when they have found them already useless.' Shoot the little pests they may not. Sparrows, linnets. chaffinches, tom-tits, and many other birds seem tn have realised that the law will not throw them over, and they are far more harmful than ever. What is tn lie done '.' ( 'all it he recommended that we shall cover in all our fruit quarters in gardens with small mesh wire or nets tn the utter exclusi t' "those pretty Kirds"'' oh. the selfishness of man thus tn suggest such a tiling. Why may imt the birds have then share'.' If they could he reasoned with by their infatuated admirers, and induced to leave fruit buds alone, and be content to take tithe of the fruit only, few* would complain. But these creatures destiny the embryo fruit-buds iii their inception, and thus unt onlj rob thems lives of their share of the fruit hut tic aggrieved gardener of his share abso- lutely. Birds prefer vegetable tit-bits, such as are the sweet I aids |imdueed mi fruit trees, the delicious points of germinating seeds, the soft green peas in pods lint yet full-grOWn, and. lint least, the fleshy -» eel Pears and Apples and other fruits which they peck. We have had about enough of this faddism, and I he Wild Bird Preservation Acts, so far as thev relate tn known depredators, must be revised. What is the good of constantly urging mil widet planting of fruit trees and bushes if i he products of the labour are in he barren, arising fr the foolish preservati I harmful liirds. To net plenty of good fruit is more important and useful than is bird-pest preservation. The tad or sentiment has ran wild long enough. Now is the gardeners' tune for protection, and against nothing hen at home dnes there seem greater need for such protection than ana nisi thai intolerable t inutile, the protected birds. A. I (. THE FIRST TOMATO GROWER. A good deal has been written about the Tomato of late, and speculation as in its successful culture outdoors is being discussed ; but the culture of the Tomato as a vegetable in this country, either indoors or nut. is not such a recent all'ail as sonic seem in think. Tomatoes were grown both indoors and out- doors at Drumlanrig Castle, in Scotland, at tin time of the Crimean War. about l!C>:i or 1854, bj .Mr. .lames Mcintosh, the gardener there at that time. The reason probably was that Mr. Mcintosh was rather fond of trying novelties. He grew, about the same time, g I crops oi Passiflora edulis. and. I think. I', ipiadrangularis. the Guava, the Egg-plant, and tried the Vanilla, hut did not succeed in fruiting it. The Tomatoes were grown abundantly over the paths in the pine-stoves, and large quantities were gathered. They wen then so acceptable to the conk that an attempt was made to produce a late supply out of doors. The plants fur that purpose wen- grown mi like lie Dahlias in pots and planted out in Ma\ against a close w len paling about 200 feet long. They fruited, hut few of the fruits ripened thoroughly, and about October the plants were pulled up with the partly ripened fruit on them ami hung up in warm sheds tn ripen. 1 forget the botanical name of the Tomato then. but it was not " Snlaiiiuii." and it was called the " Love Apple." The fruit looked so tempting that the writer was once induced tn taste it. hut he never lut another for a dozen years at least. Afterwards, when near Edinburgh, no Tomatoes were grown in any garden near there that I knew of, nor was it till long after that that it became common. Now- adays it is as common as the Potato, and is in i \ ei \ greengrocers shop and on every hawker's bajrow. • I. Simpson. A USEFUL VEGETABLE. CeLERIAC, nl: TCRXIP-ROOTED Cei.EKY. This is a useful winter vegetable, hut it is not so largely grown as it deserves to he ; its value has long been recognised mi tin- continent, and quantities arc annually imported into this country, w huh always find a ready sale and realise good prices. The flavour is very distinct from that of Celery, and makes a most welcome change. The cultivation is simple: it will thrive luxuriantly mi almost any well prepared soil. The seed should he sown thinly iii pans early in March, and the seedlings pricked nut as sunn as large enough tn handle treated, indeed, precisely in the same way as Celery. By tl nd of April or early in May they should be transferred to their summer quarters. A south or west border should he selected if possible. Trench the ground or deeply digit during the winter: no trenches are required, as it should he grown mi the flat. Break the surface up before planting, make quite firm, and rake down level. Lift and plant with a trowel, allowing 2 feet between the rows and IS inches from plant to plant. Like Celery it is a moisture-loving plant, and should he kept well supplied with both clear and liquid manure water during dry weather, keeping the soil constantly stirred with the hoe in promote a free, quick growth. Lift the roots before frosty weather sets in. trimming off the Leaves and store m sand or ashes in the root renin, when tins' may be taken mil as required. These will generally last in good condition until the end of March. Knw i \ Beckett. .1 \\l VRY HUM I. THE GARDEN. In A STREAM AMONG THE MEADOWS. In quiet places of wood and hill and valley, one may often come suddenly upon some quite simple picture of Bower-beauty, or of pleasant natural combination of form and line, or even of both together. In many a tract of meadow-land such a picture a> the one here shown may be met with : of extreme simplicity and yet full of interest in detail, and with a grouping so broad and good that is a practical lesson in what is known in painters' talk as •■composition." It is April; the Alders are not yet in leaf, but the masses ,,t their large red-brown catkins look solid against the sky. The level lines of the meadow give full value to the rounded masses of the Willows, whose young foliage is in the soft velvet-like stage of growth. The trout stream comes gaily along, singing its charming ripple-song as it flows swiftly over its shallow, stony bed. Just now it is not a stream only but a garden, handsomely set with broadly- spreading patches of the Water Crowfoot, the earliest to hi a of the wild flowers of our pools and streams, [n such a scei ne sees the value, as a garden lesson,. of the simple treatment of ■ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR DECORATK >\. TN tew instances, at tlie numerous exhibitions held throughout the United Kingdom, are the flowers of smaller size met with, then only from the collections of those w ho know and appreciate their beauty. A change, however, has set in. and many interested in Chrysanthemums now at last sci/ that In growing huge exhibition blooms their display has been limited and an unsatisfactory result For a year's work. A ( Ihrysanthemum to find favour as a decorative plant must partake of certain features. In the first place it must be free-flowering, bushy, or branching in habit, and by no means tall. Colour is a most important point, ami a good self-coloured variety has many advantages over one of varied shades, the decorative effect of the former being more decided. (In the other hand, flowers of varying shades are less effective, and for conser- vatory decoration anil cut flowers less valuable. J$&$ - T-^ THE GARDEN. January 6 GARDENING FOR THE WEEK PRACTICAL NOTES FOR AMATEURS. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. LL who wish to attain success next autumn in the production of lugh- rlass blooms, whether intended for exhibition or for home decoration, must, if they have not already done so, lose in* time in making a commence- ment. The plants must have a long season of growth, and from the first ureal care and attention must be given to ensure the buildinL' up of A iiinsi naturally do almost dormant for a few weeks after insertion in the euttingpots, the damage d ■ in the young tender growth is more serious than many suppose ; reject any that have the slightest trace of rust, and wherever the stock lias been badly affected with this disease obtain a clean healthy stock elsewhere, after burning even particle of those which have been infested. The cuttings should be struck singly in clean, well-drained thumb pots, and tin' compost should consist of equal parts of light fibrous loam ami well-decayed leal mould, with a liberal addition of coarse silver sand, sufficient to enable the water to pass away freely. The whole should lie passed through a sieve with a half-inch mesh. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together, taking care that the soil is in a moderately dry condition before use. alter placing a little fibre taken from the loam over the drainage. The soil should lie weak should lie pushed along whilst favourable weather (prevails. Trenching is necessary tor all fruit trees, as it allow s I he roots to peiiet rate deeply Into the soil out of the reach of drought in the growing season, anil water ean percolate through tin- soil more freely. When grow n thus the trees become better established, ami produce a larger quantity of finer fruit than those planted in shallow cultivated ground. The ground should he trenched about - feet deep, by placing the top spit at the bottom ami bringing the bottom ■ in the top: the advantages are that the I, est soil goes to the bottom lor the roots tu ramify in ami w eei Is are killed, whilst 1 lie hot torn [ may say inferior soil is brought to thesurface, where it ean he improved by nature ami cultivation. ()hl mortar rubble ami charred earth are valuable for\lressiiig heavy ground, and these ingredients should tie worked :n as trenching proceeds. VIEW IN MR. WII.sons GARDEN PLANTS B^ WATERSIDE. strong, solid growth, without which flowers of the highest excellence cannot he expected. I am of opinion that the Chrysanthemum cannot at any time he ton strong and vigorous, especially in the younger stages of its growth, providing of course a proper svstem of treatment he afforded. How often one hears the remark during August and September, "My plants are nut vei \ strong, hut the wood is well ripened." I am quite aware that well matured wood is necessary, but I am also fully convinced one must have both to achieve the best results. The Selection of Cuttings is important. CI se strong, sturdy root cuttings it possible, hut before doing so the old stools should lie thoroughly fumigated to Pee them from every particle of green or black aphis. When the cuttings are infested with these, and they remain, as they made firm, placing a small quantity of dry sand en the surface, part of which will find its way to the base of the cutting when inserting it with a small dibber. Everything should be in readiness before taking the cuttings. Each pot should he correctly labelled as the work proceeds, tin' cuttings being well watered in with a fine lose watering pot. and placed without delay in the propagating pit. The cuttings should on no account be allowed to Hag. Edwin Beckett. M eradicate. Frequently, however, one imports the enemy quite unintentionally. A few years ago I saw the top soil of a pasture used to improve a poor kitchen garden soil ; the latter. though heavy and | r, was clean, whereas the soil brought in teemed with wireworm, and in its new quarters spread alarmingly, attacking tin- roots not only of vegetables hut even Strawberries. Soils of old, worn vegetable quarters may he greatly impr ived by dressing with lime and gas lime to kill wireworm and prevent clubbing in Brassicas. KnEwii Beans. French Beans should not he toned until the new year, as it is difficult to set the bloom. Some i ineil vegetables lack flavour, hut this depends great ly upon temperatures. Dwarf Beans fortunately retain their good flavour when grown in heat, if well looked after, and from this date to the end of May it is n it difficult to have Beans in quantity. I if course, at the last named period, only cold frames are required. Only those kinds that hear abun- dantly and are dwarf and quick in growth should he used. A variety named Sutton's Forcing, also Progress and Early Favourite, arc excellent for put culture, and to these may he added Syim House. Xe Phis Ultra, and Mohawk. I use rather small pots at the early part of the year, as quick growth is important, and li inch and 7-inch pots are quite large enough, using a light, rich soil, and placing the pots iii a warm place tor tlie seeds to germinate. After that, place near the light, and in a genial, moist temperature not less than 65°. Sown everj three weeks, a supply will he maintained. Si/mi Gardeii-i, Brentford. Geo. Wythes. WORKERS AMONG THE FLOWERS. As tlie editors of The Garden tell me that they propose to give a note mi the doings ami experience nf some amateur working gardeners, ami suggest one mi mine, as a humble member nf tlie fraternity I am happy tn give it. My first work was with an orchard- house. My sister, whose good garden adjoins ray cottage garden, was inspired by one of Mr. Rivers's earl) I ks to put up a large orchard-house. Seeing thai this suc- i:. F. W ii.son. y. R.S., V. M. II. ceeded, I put up, about forty-five years ago, one 60 feet by 20 feet, but being then a hard-worked man I had to prune the trees by candle-light. The rafters had proverbs, principally Spanish ones, pasted mi them. An amateur asked Mr. Rivers how it was that his fruit was eaten by wasps while Wilson's escaped? The answer was. "How could they attack it with all these proverbs against stealing overhead ! ' 1 grew many sorts nf good fruit, and got a first prize for early Tears, against thirty-six competing dishes, at the Crystal Palace show. The next move was at a sale at Stevens's, where there were some Ints ,if Japanese Lily bulbs, supposed tn lie sea-damaged. The old stagers looked askance at them : I hail hopes, and bought lot after lot nf fifties, cut down wine eases, planted, and put them in the orchard-house : these turned mtt well. Among them, a beautiful Lily, allied tn L. elegans, but of much stronger growth, and with a beautiful gold band in centre nf petals, was named L. Wilsoni. Another Lily was a giand form of L. longiflorum, which M. Max Leichtlin named L. longiflorum Wilsoni, but I now believe it tn have been the true eximiuni, This success led Hie In take up Lily growing both in the house ami in the open, and Canon Ella- combe named me "Lily Wilson." I received twentj five certificates from the floral com- mittee I'm- Lilies shown for the first time. There was, besides, a successful rockwork in the cottage garden. (Iii retiring from business, I was able tn attend the meetings nf the Royal Horticultural Society's Committee, and was made chairman nf the fruit committee, ami afterwards nf the floral committee, so I had means nf knowing what was going Oil. In 1878 1 had the chance of buying Oakwood, at Wisley (where heathy laud is not worth, as it is here, B1000 an aero. a farm of about sixty acres, with an old oak wood and many snrts of soil. My business work having been mixed up with many experiments and inventions, this place gave just what I wanted — a gland new field and plenty nf work. The wood had not been disturbed for many hundreds nf years, during which time oak leaves and bracken decaying had made a great depth nf vegetable soil. This, with the light loam nf the hill, gave greal capabilities. Rhododendrons and many other such plants grow vigorously and look after themselves. With a mixture nf loam Lilies are happy, and in beds in full sun the early Irises. Caloehorti, Ixias, and manybulbs liking hot placesflourish. [ris Ka'inpferi having succeeded nil the banks nf our ponds, and now, having a rather damp six-acre field nf good soil, we made a wide winding ditch, planting these Irises in damp soil. These were beautiful, so we have made a larger, wider ditch from which we have great hopes for next year. Gardening friends have spoken very kindly nf the Wisley Garden. In a note in the Gardeners' Chronicii nf 23rd June, 1 883, one of the greatest plant authorities, Canon Ellaconibe, wrote : "1 saw it first three years ago, anil thought it a very pleasant but nnt a very hopeful experiment. When I saw it last year 1 was astonished at the progress made, but 1 was still doubtful nf its general utility. I had the pleasure nf seeing it again last week, anil must confess that it is a great success." Another great gardener who has a beautiful and successful garden nf her own, on going round with me, said : " I don't know what tn call this place, it is not a garden, and mi my assenting to this, said. " I think it is a place where plants from all parts nf the world grow wild ;" this being what I aimed at. was very comforting. George V. Wilson, F.E.S., Y.M.H. Heatherbank, Weybridge Heath, December 15, 1899. [In this slight and very modest sketch of what he lias done, Mr. Wilson gives no idea of the great services he has rendered to horti- culture. For, though he speaks briefly of Lilies audJapanese Irises, he makes no mention of the thousands of plants and shrubs from all parts of the temperate world, planted in different soils and aspects for experimental culture: of the large seed-beds of alpine and border plants; nor of the wide plantings of the many beautiful things that make his woodland and hillside at Wisley not only one of the must interesting gardens from the experimental point of view, but, region by region, one of the most pictorially beautiful. Neither has he said a word about the many articles, letters, and notes constantly contributed tn the horti- cultural press, recording almost every stage and incident nf his garden work. (If his unfailing and helpful kindness to the groping amateur, there must be thousands who would gladly express their gratitude.- Ed.] 18 THE GARDEN. January 6, 1900. GARDEN DESTROYERS. DESTRUCTION OF PESTS AT THIS TIME. AT the turn 'it the year it is incumbent on all actively engaged in horticul- ture tn think civet- what remains in the way of work that is best dune in the winter that has not yet been put in hand, and at once to take steps to cany it out, as the spring work will scion force itself on their notice. Among the most im- portant work that should be clone, and which cannot be effected at any other time of year, is the destruction of certain insects which are now in a position to be dealt with in a manner that is impossible later on. when the buds begin to open, and the insects themselves are in more active con- dition. The members of that destructive family, the Saw-flies. which attack the plants in our gardens, are more easily exterminated in the winter than at any other time of the year, as they arc then in the chrysalis condition in the earth beneath the plants on which the grubs have fed, and they can easily be destroyed lev removing the earth to the depth of .'i inches or 4 inches, and killing the chrysalides that are in it. To do this effectually, the soil should be burnt or spread out somewhere, so that poultry can scratch it over, and pick out the chrysalides. If either of these ways is not feasible for any reason, the soil may be buried not less than 1 foot below the sur- face, and the ground above made tolerably linn, so that the saw Hies, when they make their way out of the chrysalides, may not be aide to reach the outer air. and fly to the- plants on which they wish to lay their eggs. When the grubs drop from the bushes, they do not crawl far, but at once bury themselves, so that it is not necessary to remove the soil for any distance beyond the tips of the shoots. In the case of Pear trees, against a wall, that have suffered from the attacks of those grubs known as Slug-worms, it would only he necessary to remove the soil for about 0 inches or S inches from the wall and tor the length of the branches. With ( .ocischci ry bushes planted in rows there would he of course a con- siderable quantity of soil to move : still, the trouble of taking it away and replacing it with fresh earth would be amply repaid by the bushes not suffering next season from an attack by these grubs. The soil round Rose hushes which have suffered from the attacks of these pests should he treated in the same way. Picking off the grubs by hand, or syringing with an insecticide, is not so effectual. Another insect which can be more easily combatted in the winter than when the leaves are on is the American Blight, which is one- of the most destructive pests to Apple trees. If the trees are espaliers or cordons, they should he carefully looked oxer, and wherever the least sign of the insect can be found, that part of the branch or shoot should lie well wetted with methylated spirit, applied with a camel's-hair brush or a solution of paraffin emulsion. It the tree has been so long infested by this insect that swellings and cracks are present in the- hack, cloths of some- description should !»■ placed under the tree, and the loose rough parts of the hark he scraped oil', carefully collected, and burnt. Well sec uli tin- parts where the insects arc- with a stiftish brush dipped in a solution of paraffin emulsion, or sonic similar insecticide. When a tree is so large that it is almost impossible to reach all t he parts infested by this insect . the 1 ree should be sprayed with a caustic wash, which should he made as follows: Dissolve 1 b. of caustic soda in half a pailful of water, then add ,' of a lb. of pearlash ; stir the mixture until it is dissolved, and pour it into a vessel containing Hi gallons of water; then add 10 ok. of soft soap that have already been dissolved in a little boiling water; stir again thoroughly, and the mixture is ready for use. It is not only most efficacious in killing all kinds of insect life, but also cleanses the trees from any moss or lichen that may he growing on them. As this mixture is very caustic, due care should be used to prevent it getting into the hands and clothes more than is necessary, and when using it wear a vvyy old suit, and stand with one's back to the wind if possible : also choose a calm day for the purpose. The mixture should he applied with one of the knapsack spraying machines, or with a syringe, or garden engine fitted with a nozzle for making a fine spray. Every part of the tree that is likely to be infested with the American blight should he well wetted with the mixture. It is not safe to use this insecticide after the huds show any signs of bursting. Dead leaves only t ften afford a g 1 and welcome shelter to many garden pests, and as they give an untidy appearance to a garden there is no excuse for leaving them lying about under trees and in shel- tered places as is so often done. Some of out- most Injurious Caterpillars often pass the winter snugly curled up in a dead leaf. If the leaves are not wanted tor leaf mould. they should lie collected and burnt : if they are, they should he made into a heap as early in flic winter as possible. When the re-fuse and remains of any crop are being removed, it tin- crop has been infested by any insect en- fungus, they should not be thrown into a rubbish heap, hut burnt, for the mild heating process that takes place- on such a heap does not in any way injure many pests, either animal or vegetable ; and when the contents of the heap are used as a dressing, these- pests are ready at hand to attack the next crop that is planted. The Root Eel Worm, for instance, has been known to live- for two years in a perfectly dry concliticin. and the resting spores of the finger and toe fungus are also capable of remaining dormant for the same time, or fur even a longer period. The seeds of many weeds also are spread over gardens in the same manner, so that to my mind a bonfire in a garden is a much more useful institution than the often much -vaunted rubbish hea]). The Lackey Moth (t'l.isior \mi-a Neustria), whose caterpillars are so injurious at times to the foliage of apple and other tr.es. is one of the i use -its that can be better dealt with in the winter than at other times, tor the females lay their eggs in such a manner that they are easily detected. Small bands, consisting of several rows of these eggs may often In- found encircling the- s] ts of fruit trees, like a bracelet. These an- tin- eggs of this moth, and if a 1 ice- can he free-el from them there- will lie- no chance- of its being attacked by the caterpillars the next season, as it otherwise most certainly would have been. When these bracelets are picked off they should be carefully destroyed, and not merely thrown on the ground, where they will in due time hatch, and the caterpillars will very probably find their way to their trees. When beds and borders are being dug in the winter, a good look-out should lie kept for any chrysalides that may he turned up. A slight blow with the spade or fork will destroy them, and the destruction of one chrysalis means one brood less of caterpillars later on. All the primings and clippings from any plant that has iieen infested hy any pest should be- collected and burnt, and not allowed to tie about on the ground, near the plants. The winter is also the best time to cleanse- fruit trees in orchard houses from the Tortoise Scale that often infests them. The seale-s should be rubbed off with a stiff' brush or a piece of coarse flannel, or canvas dipped in soft soap and water. All the- branches and shoots should then be syringed or painted over with paraffin emulsion diluted with ten times its volume of water, for there- are prohably niany young scales that are very small scattered about the tree that should be destroyed. If the trees an- fastened against a wall or 1 1 ellis. so that both sides cannot readily be- got at. they must be unfastened, for the branches must In- treated on both sides alike. Winn they are replaced, new fastenings should he used, as pests are often harboured in old ones. The walls should he re- limewhited, and the trellis newly painted or thoroughly cleansed. Vines, also, during the resting period, can he mine easily freed from such insects as Mealy-bug and Scale Insects than at any other time. To lid vines from these pests, the rods and canes should he- scraped with a blunt knife or some similar instrument. This scraping process should not he carried too far, or tin- insecticide vised afterwards may prove injurious ; it is only necessary to remove the loose hark, which might act as a shelter to the insects. The- scrapings should be collected and burnt. To facilitate this the vines should be painted over Hist with a lather of soft soap and water, as this will prevent any- thing that is removed from falling about. While thus going over the vines it would be useful to have a small bottle of methylated spirit and a small brush handy, and to thoroughly wet with it any part from which any of these pests have been removed. The young ones and eggs are not always visible because of their small si/.e. The- vines should then he dressed with one of the follow- ing insecticides : Paraffin emulsion diluted with ten times its volume of water, or three parts of clay and one part of tar well mixed, and enough water to form the mixture into a paint. The walls should be well lime-washed, anil all the wood and ironwork scrubbed with soft soap and water. There is an erroneous idea that a cold winter is very detri- mental to insect life. This is by no means the ease, and I do not know of a single instance in which it is true. Experiments have been made with the grubs of certain insects, which were frozen so hard that they could he snapped in two. A number were destroyed in this manner, whilst ecthers that were allowed to thaw again seemed none the worse for the treatment. (i. s. Saunders. WINTEB MOTH AND DESTRUCTION. ITS The winter moth on our greased lands on fruit trees has been more than we have had for several years past. We were led to hope, from last year having less than a tenth of the usual quantity, that our annual landing had lessened their numbers. There seems something in the Wisley garden which suits them : in neither of our Weybridge gardens we find enough to make it worth while to have the cost and trouble of protecting tin- trees. George F. Wilson. Il< alhi i-lttiiil;. Weyhridgt Heath, Svrr-ey. POLYGONUM BALDSCHUANI- CUM. The demand for this beautiful hardy climber is far in excess of the supply, and is likely to continue so for some time unless some readier means of propa- gating it are discovered than we have now. The seeds distributed last year were failures everywhere, so far as records show -. cuttings of young wood failed to strike, and those of older wood, tried in some gardens, were unsuccessful. I am told by one who succeeded that pieces of the old stems which have stood the winter out of doors will strike if placed in a warm frame in March or April. I believe layering in the same way as answers in the eas.- of Lapageria will prove tin- best plan. The growth tin- plant makes is extraordinary. A small pice planted at the corner of a house in the spring in ( '.a nwall had become a large- mass by the autumn. anil dowered freely. Tin- plant was discovered by Kegel, in 1883, on' the hanks of a river in Bokhara, at an elevation of 1200 feet to 1700 feet, and figured iii the Owrtpifiom in 1888. It first flowered at Kcw in 1896, and was figured in flu- Botanical Magazivt th,- \ car following. It is perfectly hardy at Kew, where it has formed a Bindweed-like mass of peren nial stems (i feet high. It is said to grow to a height of -Jo feet, [tbears in summer large panicles of small white flowers, which gradually change to rose-, and an- succeeded in autumn by reddish fruits. AN1AKY 6, 1900. THE GAKDEX. H) ORCHIDS. CULTURAL NOTES. NOTES which will appear under the above heading will possibly he at variance with the experience of many of The Garden readers, but it should be borne in mind that the majority of On-hid collections are confined to certain areas, such as in the neighbourhood of London. Manchester, and large manufacturing districts, where poisonous fogs and smoky atmospheric conditions arc- present for the greater part of the year. 1 therefore propose to devote particular attention to the above- mentioned circumstances. In Orchid culture, like all other branches of horticulture, suitable conditions should be provided. If a certain position in the house docs not appear satisfactory try some other, either by suspending the plant nearer the glass or by placing it on the staging. In my experience I know many instances in which a change in the position of plants has had the desired effect. There can lie no hard and fast lines in the culture of Orchids any more than in the case of other plants. Some < (rchios in Flower. The month of January is perhaps one of the dullest seasons of the year, both as regards plants in flower and the work in the different divisions. With the exception ol < lattleya Triana-. ( Irelogyne crislata. a few Cypripediums, and the early-flower- ing I tendrobiums, very few flowers are open. In the warm division, the flower-spikes of the Phalsenopsis and developing, and will need constant attention to prevent them coming in contact with tin- roof glass. This is most important, because when very near to glass they are liable to be affected by sudden changes in the outside conditions. Though not apparent at the time the ill effects develop at a later period, anil the results are unsatisfactory. 1 tiinl that it is wise to lower those plants suspended by bringing into use small wire hooks to place them in tin- desired positions. When the plants are on the stages t he spikes should be secured bv tying them to a firmly fixed stick, and thus drawing them out of danger. During dull weather, or w hen excessively cold, Watering needs considerable care. The fact of the flower spike developing necessitates the plants being kept fairly moist at the roots, but sometimes excessive moisture would be detrimental. It i- a g 1 plan to give water early in the day. as then excessive moisture can drain away. When watering dip the plants sufficiently deep to cover tin- potting compost, thereby thoroughly saturating the material, but take care to prevent tic water getting into the axils of the leave-.. Allow tin- plants to become quite dry before water is again given. The water used aiso must have attention. After showers or heavy rains the water in the tanks will In- found much colder for several days than the temperature of the house. This being tin- case, procure hot water to add until the water to be- used is raised to the desired temperature. The bulk of the deciduous I lEXDROBIl us. which include 1). Wardianum. I), aureum, I), nubile in its many and varied forms, and the numerous hybrids of the 1 >. Ainswoi thii. I), splendidissiiimm, and I), endocharis sections. that have been placed under cool conditions for resting purposes, arc now getting into forward condition. Extend the flowering season as long as possible, and the most advantageous way of procuring this is to select at intervals the most forward plants and place them in more growing quarters. It is not advisable to remove the plants from their resting quarters and to place them imme- diately into tin- hottest house-. This change must be brought about gradually by first placing the plants into an intermediate temperature and then conveyed into the position where they may be allowed to Howcr. Only sufficient water should be afforded until the flower buds are formed, after which more liberal treatment may be given. All the available light should be afforded, and a liberal amount of humidity in the atmosphere maintained. But the latter must be subject to the outside con- ditions and the temperature of the house. Camberwell. H. .1. Chapman. SOCIETIES. THE GAKDENEES' ROYAL B E X E VOL ENT INSTITUTION . The sixty-first annual general meeting of the mem- bers and subscribers of this institution will be held at Simpson's. 101. Strand, London, W.C. , on Friday, January 12, 1900, at 3 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the report of the committee and the accounts of the institution (as audited) for the year 1899, electing officers for the year 1900, and for the purpose of placing sixteen pensioners on the funds, ten of whom will be recommended to receive the benefits of the institution without election, and the remaining six by votes of .subscribers. The chair will be taken by Mr. Harry J. Veitch, treasurer and chairman of committee, at three o'clock. The poll will open at 3.15 and close at 4.30. after which hour no voting papers can be received. The voting papers have been issued; any subscriber not having received a copy should communicate with the secretary. The annual fiicndh supper will take place also at Simpson's. 1(11. Strand. W.C., at li p.m. on the evening of the same day. when Mr. W. A. Bilney. of Weybridge, will preside. G. J. Ingram, Secretary. /;.;, Victoria Street, S. IV. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The first meeting of the committees of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1900 will be held as usual in the Drill Hall, .lames Street. Westminster, on Tuesday, January 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Seiciititic ( 'oinmittcc will meet in the library on the same day at 4 p.m. NATIONAL HOSE SOCIETY'S CATALOGUE. We have received from the hon. secretaries the official catalogue of the society, which is something more than a men- catalogue, rather a guide to the selection of Roses for the exhibition and garden. with illustrations. All who intend to cultivate Roses for show should consult this catalogue, in which the various sections of the Rose are distinctly set -ait. and we may say that it is almost indispens- able. Copies may be obtained by those who are not members of the society and extra copies by members, post free for "is., of either of the hon. secretaries, tin- Rev. H. Honywood D'Ombrain, Westwell Vicarage, Kent, and Mr. Edward Maw lev, Roscbank. licrkhaiiisled. Herts. BRISTOL GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. THE fortnightly meeting of the society was held at Redland on Thursday, tin- 2Sth ult. A large number of members wen- present, and the chair was taken by Mr. Cary Batton, jun. , in the absence of the president of the society (Mr. H. Cary Batton). The subject for the evening was •• Mis- takes m Gardening," introduced by Mr. Charles Lock, of Kcynshani. The president kindly offered prizes for plants. Messrs. McCullnck. Raikes. and Ross were the prize-winners. Mrs. Cary Batton distributed the prizes. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY <)F IRELAND. THE annual meeting took place recently, when the chair was occupied by Lord Ardilaun. president. The report was read by Mr. W. H. Hillvard (the linn, secretary), and showed a falling off' in subscriptions of £52 8s. lid. We hope this society will prosper in tin- future-, and it will do so it the members take to In-art Lord Ardilaun's advice and increase the membership. '- J' Secretaries of societies an invited to send notes of meetings, exhibitions, and forthcoming events. TRADE NOTES. EARLs (in iff EXHIBITION, s.U. Messhs. John Laing am. sllNx „, forest Hill. London s.F... have been awarded the diploma and gold medal for the manner in which they carried out their contract during tin- run of tin- Greater Britain Exhibition. It'.- hope nurserymen will send their catalogue* for notification, and any news likely in interest horticulturists. Their assistance willbe greatly valued. FORTHCOMING EVENTS. Jan. ti. Royal Horticultural Society. First meeting- of the vein-. 12. Gardeners' Rh.mi1 Benevolent Institution. A al meeting at :: pan. Dinner at 0 p.m. (Simpson's Strand). NOTES OF THE WEEK. Some good winter shrubs. The past hot season suited Raphinlepis ovata. It flowered well, and now its ripe fruit stands in loose upright grey-black bunches. The round leathery leaf reminds one somewhat of Arbutus and Kseallonia. It is a neat-growing interesting shrub for a warm place under a south wall. Here it is grouped with Rosemary and Japan Privet, these three shrubs being among those that look at their leafy best in midwinter. The Privet is specially cheerful with its highly-polished sharp-pointed leaves, much like those of tlie smaller-leaved Oranges. Are the berries of Gaultheria proeumbens edible? -Mr. s. Amott need have no fear in eating or tasting the berries of that interesting little Canadian plant, Gaultheria pro- eumbens. It is a very common plant in the Canadian bush, covering the rocks in damp, shady places. The berries are largely used for flavouring sweets both in America and Canada, and also in some patent medicines. Unfortunately, the birds an- very fond of the berries, and there are few it any left on the plants here as 1 write. G. R. T., ( 'li, tit rfit III. Passion Flower in bloom on New Year's Day. -I beg to enclose for your " Notes of the Week" what is perhaps a record, viz.. a couple of sprays of Passiflora ccerulea cut in the open air on New Year's Day. This Passion Flower is usually evergreen here except in excep- tionally severe winters. We have had some frost — one night about ten degrees. I would like to draw attention to one fact respecting this plant which is, I think, not generally known, that is, that if a spray with well-developed buds be cut and put in water in a room the majority of these will expand, the spray continuing in beauty for a long time. I also enclose a fruit of Physianthus, one of several produced in tin- open air this season. It flowered most pro- fusely, and in one instance I saw a butterfly caught by its proboscis in the flower and quite dead. Greenwood Pim, Eastern Lodge, ifonkstown, Co. Dublin. Azalea Illuminator. This is one of the numerous hybrids obtained by intercrossing the little A. anio-na with some of the larger flowered Indian section. It is of a dense, twiggy growth, but the Mowers are larger than those of some varieties of this class, and arc entirely without the Hose a i id -hose character characteristic of A. am. ma. Tin- colour is a kind of deep rosy magenta, and little- plants in the greenhouse at Kcw an- laden with flowers. It should prove a useful kind tea forcing. Though little known it is by no means new-. Inning bc-c-n awarded a first-class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society about fourteen years ago. 20 THE GARDEN. [January 6, 1900. TO ANSWERS CORRESPONDENTS. RULES FOR CORRESPONDENTS. Questions and Answers.- The Editors intend to make The Garden helpful to all reader* who desire assistance, no matter what the branch of gardening man be, ami with tJiat object will make a special feature of the " Answers to Corre- spondents" miunm. All communications should be clearly and concisely written on one side of the paper only, and addressed to the Editors o/The Garden, .'". Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, Letters on business should be sent to the Publisher. The name ami address of the sender are required in addition to any designation /><■ man desire (<• be used in the paper. When more than one query is sent, each should in' mi a separate piece of paper. Names of Flowers. Not more than six specimens, carefully packed, must lie sent at one time. M. B. — 1, Chimo- nautlius fragrans ; 2, Gaultheria procumbens; 3, Rosemary. T. ./.— Tax us bacoata aurea (Golden Yew). Anon. Odontoglossum crispum (very pour form). iSenex.— Helle- horus fcetidus. Names of Fruit. --Not more than six specimens, carefully packed, must he sent at one time. A'.— Lamb Abbey Pearmain ; 2, Tux's Orange Pippin : 3, Baumann's Red Winter Reinette. INDOOR GARDEN. Cyclamens not flowering" (Abbess). -It is not un- usual for Cyclamens t«> be coming Into flower if the plants he late. But when did yousowthe seeds7 Many amateurs think that these plants will flower from a spring or early summer sowing, just as Chinese Primroses will ; but that is an error. Growers of Cyclamen, to have the plants in bloom before the end of the year, have to sow the seeds in August of the preceding year, and for plants to bloom after Christmas, early in September. Practically the Cyclamen must he treated as a biennial. The plants produce seeds freely in May, and therefore it is always possible to have new seeds to bow in the late summer. They should he sown in '.-inch pots filled with sandy soil, each seed being dibbled in singly and just buried, yet firmly pressed in. When germination takes place the young plants have ample room to grow. Lily of the Valley (PRESTON).— You may safely lift your Lily of the Valley routs and transplant them now. Select a site that is partially shaded by a wall or fence, but which is nut full Of tree or shrub roots. Trench it 1 feet deep, and bury down into the bottom soil, well mixing it with a good dressing of half-decayed manure. Then, when all the piece of ground is done, spread over it a good coat of that manure and well-decayed vegetable refuse or leaf soil. Pork that in, and as you do so chop down with a small spade at inter- vals of 4 inches furrows 2 inches deep, and plant in the strongest of the rooted crowns, lifted from the old bed. treading them well down and covering with soil. Keep the weakest crowns to the last, (live during the summer occasional sua kings of Liquid manure. Stephanotis in large border not flower- ing" (M.). - The large border may he the cause, as the roots having such an extensive run. shoots and leaves arc produced at the expense of flowers. Curtail the border. and thus restrict the rout run. A holder about 4 feet sipiare and 2 feet deep should suffice for a large plant. Of course it must he well drained, and so arranged that the water supply can he increased or diminished as required. At the same time some forms of Stephanotis. whatever treatment may he given, arc shy flowering compared with others, and yours may he one of this class, in which ease the most satisfactory way will he to root it out and plant a specimen of the Elvaston variety in its place. Blue Gum losing- its leaves (Town Uakhenek).- The plants may have been kept too wet in- too dry at the routs; the latter is the more likely, hut in all probability the loss has been caused by the heavy sulphur-laden fugs we have experienced in the London district, which, judging by your signature, has doubtless prevailed in your neighbour- hood. The leaves of plants affected by the fog present the appearance of having been scorched. Many Australian plants, including all the species of Eucalyptus, are especially liable to be injured by London fogs. Cannas resting (K. P.). Cannas of this class should not he kept quite dry during the winter, as the rhizomes or underground stems are apt to suffer if too much parched up. At the same time they must nut he kept very moist, hut receive just enough water to prevent shrivelling. The pots must not he placed too near the hot-water pipes. Some of the varieties, with the finest flowers, especially the yellow-spotted kinds, have the weakest rhi/.omes, and are consequently the first to suffer if kept too wet or too dry during the resting period. If kept in the greenhouse the young shoots will make their appearance on the return of spring, when the plants may he divided if it is required to increase the stock, or they maj . if necessary, he shifted into larger pots. Fuchsias for greenhouse rafters (Enquirer), a selection of the best varieties would include General Roberts, a very long flower, with bright red sepals. and dark corolla ; Monarch, nearly a self- red flower ; Olympia, salmon-pink tube and sepals, and red corolla; The shah, led sepals, violet-blue con. 11a ; Mrs. Kundle, pink tube and sepals, salmon corolla; Mrs. Todman, white sepals, scarlet ernolla ; Alexandria, red sepals, white corolla ; Phenomenal, hold flower with large double purple corolla; sir Garnet \\ oisciey, double flower with plum-coloured corolla ; Mine. Jules Chretien, double white corolla : Lustre, very long White tube and sepals, scarlet corolla. FRUIT. Forcing- Strawberry plants (Mona). It does not at all follow that because you have numerous Strawberry plants in 7-inch pots that you can force them with success. If the plants have filled the pots well with routs and have produced good stout leaf crowns, then you may have success. If such he not the case, then you may get no fruit. We should for early forcing have preferred plants in ti-inch pots, and they should have had in them very early runners. The soil should also be of good loam and decayed manure, and be very firm in the pots. In any ease weadvise you to put sume of the plants into a frame for a fortnight, then shift them into a very moderately warm house fur a couple of weeks, then get them on to shelves near the light in a warmer house to bloom and fruit. Planting- Raspberries (Justice).— It is a mis- take in making a new plantation of Raspberries to use strong Canes, as these seldom have the most fibrOUS routs. We prefer canes that may reach to about 4 feet in height and have plenty of routs. Then you may plant at any time, when the ground is moderately dry and devoid of frost up to the end of March, hut it is always preferable to plant in the early winter if possible. If you prefer to do so fix in at each side of your garden quarter stout larch or oak posts, and drive in a line with those about 10 feet apart other smaller ones. To these secure as tightly as you can four stout wires at intervals of 12 inches, and then plant the canes against these in a single row 1'2 inches apart. Cut the canes down almost to the ground in the spring. KITCHEN GARDEN. Early Peas (S. T.). —Few gardeners sow Peas in November, or. indeed, before Christmas. They should he sown in January only, on a warm sheltered holder, and close under a wall or other protection. For more open ground the second week in February is early enough. Two of the must early and hest-Havuiired varieties are Chelsea Gem, 2 feet high, and Uradus, :i feet high. Both are wrinkled marrows. The first-named is the best one to sow under a wall or fence in January, as, aided by a few sticks to support it. the bloom is well protected. The chief difficulty in getting Peas into pud very early is the harm sometimes dune to the flowers by late frosts. As a rule, even in the most favoured places, it is ditticult to get Peas fit to gather out- doors until .Tune. American Wonder will pod earlier in juts under glass. TREES AND SHRUBS. Overhanging trees (F. C.).— You may cut off branches from a neighbour's trees that overhang yourgarden, hut unl> in a line with your fence, and do so without his consent. But it is better to advise him of your desire, and ask him to do it. In the case of lopping large Kim and Lime, or, indeed, any other big trees, it is best to do it in February. Trees of huge size may be cut hack to branches as big round as a mans body safely then, especially if some thin tar be coated over the surface of the cut portion to protect it from tin weather. The stems will very soon begin to put forth shunts, and in three years there will lie quite a dense body of growth and branches formed, quite hiding the stumps, and forming tine trees. We have seen many apparently flying tr&ss brought into new lif: and vigour by this drastic treatment. The Sea Buckthorn (Hippophse rham- noides) not producing- berries (R). The Sea Buckthorn is dioecious, that is. the male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Should it he a female, and no male or pollen-bearing plant is in proximity to it during the blooming period, the Mowers are nut fertilised, and consequently there are no berries. It is a shrub which is seen at its best in a mass or clump, and if half-a-dozen females are planted in a group, a single male specimen in the central position will he sufficient to ensure tin- production of berries on the whole of them. Unfortu- nately, till flowers are home the male and female cannot with certainty be distinguished from each other, though, as a rule, the male is characterised by stronger habit and larger leaves, hut this is not an invariable guide. Propag-ating- the double pink Bramble (.1 p.). This Bramble is readily propagated, like most of the others, by pegging down the tips of the long arching si ts. ,n ii I covering them with a little soil. They will soon root and push up shoots of their own, thus forming an independent plant in the same waj as a strawberry plant is produced on the runner. This way of increase may he often observed in the Bramble of our hedgegrows and ditches, of which this pretty pink kind is hut a variety. Clematis indivisa mildewed (Pekplexed). This New Zealand Clematis is in low-lying or damp districts Liable to mildew. Take the plant in baud as soon as possible, pick off the worst leaves, and freely dust the entire plant with flowers of sulphur. This must be kept up till the dis- ease is stamped out. If done at once many of your flowers may be yet saved. A free circulation of air encouraged by slightly warming the pipes, even if it is not required to main- tain (In temperature, will often ward off an attack of mildew. Is the holder really well drained ? as, if not. this may have a good deal to do with the matter, while Chrysanthemums under glasfl are often troubled with it, and it soon spreads to neighbouring plants. Hydrangea paniculatag-randiflora (R. M.).— To obtain those huge pyramidal-shaped beads which make such a show towards the end of summer, the plants are cut hack hard in the Spring, and only from four to six of the strongest shoots allowed to develop, the rest being pinched off. During the growing season the plants arc fed with occasional doses of liquid manure, and as their whole energies are concentrated in such a limited number of shoots, the result is seen in the huge proportions that the flower-beads attain. Secure the shoots to suitable sticks, even before the flower buds appear, as if broken, the loss of only one head is an important consideration. GARDEN DESTROYERS. Ferns and Primulas dying* tin grubs of the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchufl snlcatus). As far as I know the only way of destruying these grubs is by unpotting the plants and picking the grubs out from among the roots, as insecticides cannut be made to reach them in sufficient strength tu kill them, for the ground naturally acts as a Alter. These grubs will also attack Begonias, Cyclamens, and other soft-ruuted plants. The weevils arc alsu verv destructive tu the foliage of manj plants. Vines. Ferns. Ihaca'iias, and other plaids grown fur their foliage are often much injured. The authors of these injuries are not often seen, as they feed only at night, hiding themselves so cleverly during the day that they an* must ditticult tu find. The plants that they are attacking should he laid on their sides un a white sheet, and soon after dark a bright light should he thrown upon them. This startles them, and they fall as if they were dead. If they do nut fall, the plant should be given a good jarring shake and be well searched. If the plant he of such a nature that it cannot he placed on the sheet, the latter must be laid under it. If small bundles of moss or hay he tied to the stem of the plant or laid on the soil at the base of the stem the weevils will often hide in them during the day. These traps should he examined every morning. The weevils are about three- eighths of an inch in length, and are nearly black in colour. ' '. S. S. Eggs on Apple tree shoots (York.).- The so- called eggs un the shoots of your Apple tree are not eggs, but one of the scale insects (Mytilaspis pomorum), the mussel scale, a common pest un Apple trees, and so named from its resemblance in form tu mussel-shells. When this insect comes tu maturity it lays its e^gs beneath the shell, and then dies, the shell remaining as a shelter tu the eggs and young scales. Lather the affected parts over with soft-soap and water, ami then scrape off the insects and the lather, and dress the parts with paraffin emulsion, one part to ten parts of water, — G. S. S. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Good late white Japanese Chrysanthe- mums (R. S. K.).- It is unfortunate that more attention is not given to the late-flowering Japanese kinds, mure particularly those white or creamy white. Your mention of Ethel carries us back many years, but this is rarely seen now-a-days. L. ('aiming, which is a pretty paper-white sort, has been the popular December white variety fur some years. Princess Victoria is largely grown, this being pah' creamy white, with a green tinted centre. Western King, when propagated during May and .Tune, develops large, pure white flowers throughout December. Mrs. C Bown is another large white suit of Australian origin. Mile. Therese Pankoueke is suppused tu be the buest late white Japanese variety. The still popular Souvenir de Petite Amie is late, and in this case, as in other mid-season kind.> propagation in the spring or early summer is essential. The select inn may well conclude with Niveum, a flower of the purest white. Catalogues Received. Dobbie's Competitors' Guide. — Dobbie <(■ Co., Rothesay, N.B. Sweet Peas, Culinary Peas, Vegetable and Flower Seeds, &c. — Henry Eckford, Wem, Shropshire. Garden Seeds.' -./. R. Pearson ial»n. Books Received. •■Fruit Fanning for Profit " (4th edition). By George Bunyard, V.M.H., Maidstone, Kent. Price -Js. id., or tree by post, 2s. itd. PHOTOGRAPHS AND NOTES.— Wt shall welcome very much 'fit/ photographs and notes at ut to us, ami hope readers who thru* gin practical assistant in making The Garden interesting and useful will gin their full names and addresses, nut necessarily for tin sah of publication, bid tu enablt us tu thank them for their kind co-operation in our work. THE COLOURED PLATE.— In future tin i-,, litn, -ut plate will not In given weekly, on/// when soine inn- or rare plant likely to creati general interest is introduced. It will, however, a/ways b given with tin .first number of each volume. Supplement to THE GARDEN, January 6, 1900. ROSE MARQUISE DE SALISBURY. to (tgfey- f&UST*- GARDEN. f^^^^^^-^^-^- No. 1469— Vol. LYIL] [January 13, 1900. HORTICULTURE IN r899. AGAIN tin- march of time brings us to the beginning of another year ami the threshold of a new century. Over the later months the cloud of war has hovered, darkening many „ home in our wave-lapped isles and beyond the seas, but we who pursue the peace- ful art of gardening are not unmindful of those brave son- fighting for their country's honour and glory and for our advancement. It is no uncertain sign of a nation's prosperity under severe trial when a horticultural year of con- spicuous progress ran be recorded, a year of commercial activity, and abundant evidence that, although horticulture receives si-ant State consideration, we are advancing steadily in improving its aspect in man} ways in fruit culture, hybridisation, to acquire greater variety of flowers and improved forms of fruit and vegetables, and in working oul the principles of true horticulture. Thus wi mmence our work upon The Garden, knowing that a true spirit of gardening is made more manifest at this time than when tin- year that has closed was Ushered in, and let us hope that this gardening spirit, a whole- some, healthful, and life-giving recreation, will extend its influence to the benefit of humanity. The British are a gardening nation, more so at the present age, perhaps, than in the early days of the Victorian era. and those who at one period considered the garden as a shop from which to draw daily stores, now tind enjoyment in its poetic aspect, and grow the flowers and fruits with a keen sense of satisfaction in the knowledge that a world hitherto veiled in mystery is being explored and is yielding un- dreamed-of pleasure. The hybridisation conference held in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chis- wirk was a notable event, not merely of the past year, but of the entire century. When the horticultural historj of the nineteenth century comes to In- written, plant-hybridisation sin ml, 1 form its most splendid chapter, and every month almost we receive gifts from those who ha\r made this their especial study. In the hands of tin' hybridist, distinct ami beautiful flowers ami improved forms of fruits and vegetables are moulded, ami our gardens made to yield a more bountiful produce. To those nurserymen and gardeners who have given to the world so many good things our thanks are ilue. Horticulturists from abroad came to this conference to take their part in an important event which concerned not merely our own land, but the nations of the world, who have contributed to the storehouse of new and improved forms of plant life. It is with no mixed feelings of pleasure that we see the Royal Horticultural Society pursuing its steady and correct course of true horti- culture, and whilst its direction remains in the present hands, this policy will remain. When a society founded for the good of horti- culture forgets its mission to indulge in show- men's tricks, then it is time to so reform it that a new organisation is practically raised upon the wreck of a false and unworthy constitution. The Temple show was again a complete success, financially and otherwise, and the fruit exhibi- tion at the Crystal Palace was a remarkable display of British productions, which must bring strong influence to bear upon the fruit industry of this country. Whilst writing of the exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society, we must remember that other societies, too, have played a large and good part in the horti- cultural year — societies devoted to the Hose, Chrysanthemum, Auricula, Picotee, Dahlia and others, and we are thankful that greater artistic exhibits are displayed of the various flowers. It is becoming almost a pleasure to visit some exhibitions, where simple groups are arranged to show the true beauty of flowers, hitherto cramped into a set space or jammed together in masses. The object of an exhibition is not to put petals on a box, or to create splashes of colour by fuzzy muddling representations. Ex- hibitions have a great power for good, and it is a power that has not been used to the best advantage in the past. It is no unreasonable wish to expect a still greater development of the policy of remembering that a flower is a thing of beauty, and should be displayed to show forth that beauty in its fulness. Gardens and nurseries suffered severely from the heat of the summer, and drought teaches gardeners wholesome lessons. Those who fail to thoroughly trench their soil, and therefore never provide a foundation for the roots to live upon in times of drought, will always grumble when rain is absent for weeks and even months. The records at Greenwich show that the total rainfall for the year in the London neighbour- fa 1 was -22'\ inches, and this is less bj 2'4 inches than the average. It is interesting and important to know that during the past seven- teen years only three years have shown any excess. August was the driest month, the total measurement being elpMniums,Pseonies, Gladioli, and other plants precious to the gardener : and of Lord Penzance one may write that his name will be perpetuated, not by judi- cial acts, but by the work performed in leisure hours in promoting a race of hybrid Briar Hoses to perfume the English garden. But many articles could be written upon all these worthy horticulturists, of that famous rosarian, T. W. Girdlestone, whose know ledge of Roses and charm of style are lost to Garden readers; Francis Rivers, of Saw- bridgeworth, and Henry Martin, whose work amongst florists' flowers is written large in the greenhouses of the world. We mourn their loss, but are ever reminded of their good work by the flowers and fruits about us memorials, ever tending to our pleasure and comfort. •>•> THE (lAK'DKN. January [3, L900. GARDEN THOUGHTS. CYCLAMEN COUM. THERE is a fascination about the earliest Sowers of the year which is difficult at times tn account for it we compare their charms with those of the summer. It lies nut in their brilliance aor in t he size of the blossoms they display. Many of them have small Bowers, and many have pale colours which semi akin to the faint sunlight which looks wanly upon them. To the former class belong the flowers ut Cyclamen coum, Imt it cannot be saiil that its blooms want for bright colouring. As this is being w ritten t he flowers are yet concealed from the passer's view. If. however, we raise the stems which ere long will bring them into view, we shall see, tightly packed in a spiral form, the flowers already showing the crimson-purple which Looks so bright against the dark earth or. it may he, the snow, when they are in the prime of their beauty. One would think that this colour would have vanished before that time. Not so; the dyes which make up the colour of this Sowbread or Kli riling Nun are less evanescent than the lovely, yet Meeting, tints given by our aniline dyes. When they are fully open these (lowers will show no traces of having withstood the stress of all "the rough weather," as dear, quaint George Herbert puts it. It is little sin ut of marvellous to see these pretty flowers so early in the year. Exquisite as are the marbled leaves of the Neapolitan Cyclamen at present, we can admire still more when they are open the blooms of the winter Cyclamen. Wehave no dearth of leaves, winter though it is, but flowers — and, above all, flowers of this colour are dearer still. The leaves of Cyclamen coum are dull and unattractive when compared with the others. Their flowers are no better, hut then they come at a time when we are wearying to see them appear among the harbingers of the floral year. It is a flower one would fain see more largely grown in our rock garden or in cosy nooks where it would not he hidden by rank growth of other plants. It is not difficult to grow in light soil mingled with leaf-mould. In these places and in such soil it will give much pleasure when it sends up its dark stems, from which depend I do nut know that "depend" is a good word, lmt I cannot think of a better the bright flowers. It is a quaint fancy which has called the Cyclamen the Bleeding Nun. hut it is a mine grateful name to our ears than the old one uf Sowbread, which may he true enough in some of its native habitats, but is un- pleasing to those who grow it for its beauty. I prefer the typical flower with its crimson-purple blooms, but appreciated also are the white, the rose, and the lilac varieties which are to be had as well. One may. perhaps, have been thought too enthusiastic in thus writing in praise of this Cycla- men. It is not easy to write coldly or in faint praise of such gifts of the time. S. T. SEDTJM BREVTFOLITJM VAR. POTTSI. I have been favoured with several interesting and valued letters upon the cultivation of this pretty, but little-known Stonecrop. It is to be feared, however, that the diversity uf experience thej reveal is not particularly satisfactory to those who have had similar troubles to those the writer has experienced in attempting to grow it. It is. not withstanding, pleasant to find that it can he grown with success under conditions of the must opposite kind. The correspondence with which I have been favoured shows in a marked degree the truth that success with many plants eat t he secured by following any one method. Climate must remain a factor which sets at defiance our impressions derived from other gardens. The last remark is dictated by Mr. K. < '. Buxton remarking, in reply to a suggestion uf mine that possibly the wet climate line was the cause uf the failure uf this Seilum with me. that he found it could hardly he kept too wet in summer. He also pointed OUl that the rainfall in his district was from (ill inches to 70 inches. This is a great deal more than we have here. This remark would pro- bably have made one come to the conclusion that the wet was not the cause of the loss of this Stone- crop, had it not been that a note from a good friend in Roxburghshire informed me thai he did nut think that it was quite hardy there. This was fol- lowed by a second note, which told of the experi- ence uf Mi. Putts, the original introducer of it to our gardens in Britain. It appears that it is quite hardy in his garden at Lasswade, near Edinburgh, hut that it requires to he protected from wet in winter by a plate of glass overhead. In North Wales it seems to enjoy all the rain it can get in a wet climate, while near Edinburgh in a dry district it needs tu he kept dry in winter. It is all rather puzzling, yet encouraging to those who have lost it in the past. One is anxious that so pretty a Stonecrop should find its way more largely into gardens of choice alpines. It may appear to some that a Stonecrop is too insignificant to trouble about. That will not be the opinion of those who have studied the beautiful colouring of the one under notice. I am also glad to have had an opportunity of finding out something about the history of Seilum hrevifolium var. Pottsi. It has transpired that Mr. Potts got it about twenty five years ago from the Jardin des Plantes in Paris along with some others. It has probably another name, but it will not be easy to discover what it is. It has found its way into commerce in Britain under the above name, which associates with it the name of a good lover of flowers. S. Arnott. Carxethom, by Dumfries, X.B. HYAC1NTHUS AZUREUS. Tin: little spikes of the pretty Hyacihthus azureus are now coming on as quickly as the weather will allow, and soon we shall see at their best the cone of flowers it gives. It is more like a Grape Hya- cinth or Museari than any of the other plants we grow as Hyacinths, and it might, for purely garden purposes, have remained under its old name of Museari azureum. It is in form a Grape Hyacinth and gives us the earliest hardy flower of the shape so familiar to all who care for the Mnscaris. It is not equal in beauty to some of the true Grape Hyacinths, hut then its earliness commends it in our eyes and makes one glad to see its flowers appear. It is quite hardy here, although some winters its spikes decay before the flowers open through the ice which forms at its base. This loss can he avoided by placing a piece of glass above the plants so as to throw off the rain. The worst enemy, however, that one has to face is the slug. It is exceedingly fond of the flowers just as they peep through the soil, and. if let alone, will soon destroy all one's hopes of a display of the soft blue flowers. This season some plants left unguarded by their zinc rings until too late are pitiful to look at and give one an oft-needed lesson uf watchfulness and rare being required in our garden work. Though it is not hardy in every garden, it is well worth a trial if it were for nothing hut the pleasure it gives when flowers are scarce. A. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. KALANCHOE FLAM M HA. 1AM very pleased to see this beautiful new plant so highly praised. It is one of the finest things of 1899. There was a most attrac- tive group at Kew last year, and it was also well shown from the same source at the hybrid conference held at Chiswick. True, it had flowered previously at Kew for the first time in 1S97, but last year was the first occasi n which its great merits were generally recognised. When exhibited it was generally understood that the entire stock hail passed into the hands uf Messrs. .lames Veitch and Suns, and as they arc already offering seed, it will doubtless he sunn extensively grown, This Kalanehnc, which is a native of Somaliland, is a near relative of Crassula or Kalosanthes coeeinea, and. like that, is a plant uf easy culture. It forms a branching specimen about IS inches high, uf creel growth, and clothed with green spathulate leaves. from 2 inches to .'i inches long, disposed in pairs. The flowers are arranged in a compound umbel nearly a foot across, and have four petals, very much like a Bouvardia, about three-quarters of an inch in width, and of a very charming shade oi orange-scarlet. Owing to their succulent nature the individual flowers remain bright and fresh for a considerable period, and a large number are borne in each bead. T. CYPRIPEDIUM SIB R. BULLEB. This hybrid is said to have been derived from the intercrossing of C. Smithi and C. insigne. Though somewhat uncertain as regards the parentage, h is, however, remarkable. The dorsal sepal is 3i inches long and .'? inches broad, the upper portion being white tinted with rose, thickly spotted with deep rosy purple. The basal two- thirds is pale green, densely covered with deep brown sputs. The petals ate H\ inches long anil I inch broad, pale green at the base, bee ins suffused with purple on the apical halves. There are numerous large purple-brown blotches as seen in ('. Swinhurnei magniticum. The lip is 24 inches long, pale brown, shading to green at the base ; the lower sepal pale green, lined with a darker shade of green with some brown spotting at the base. It is a most desirable acquisition. From Mr. W. M. Appleton, Weston-super-Mare. First- class certificate. Royal Horticultural Society, January 9. L .ELLA ANCEPS VAR. LEEANA. This is one of the oldest of the white section of L. anceps. The sepals and petals are each about ■_' inches long, pure white, of good form and sub- stance. The lip has the apical lobe faintly tipped with rose in front ; the central area white in front of the yellow disc : the side lobes of a rose tint shading to yellow. On the yellow there are numerous rich purple veinings extending from the base outwards. A cut raceme of four flowers came from the collection of Sir T. Lawrence. Bart.. Burforil. Dorking (gardener. Mr White).- Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society. January 9. ZYGO-COLAX LEOPARDINUS (WIGAN'S VARIETY). This is of remarkable colour. It is the result of intercrossing Zygopetalum Gautieri and Colax jugosus. The sepals and petals are each rather mure than 1 inch long, pale green, beautifully marbled and spotted with rich brown ; the lip nearly 1 inch broad, reflexed at the base. The front lobe is pale blue, veined with darker blue, the raised portion which forms the side lobes being of a deeper shade of colour, mottled with white at the base. It is a distinct and desirable form from Sir F. Wigan, Bart., ('late Lawn, East Sheen. — Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society. January 9. ZYGO-COLAX WIGANIANA. This is a pretty hybrid between Z. Maekavi intermedia and C. jugosus. the flowers being about 2 inches in diameter. The ground colour of the sepals and petals is bright green, thickly covered with light brown splitting, the lip white, lined and blotched with deep violet-purple. From Sir F. Wigan, Bart.- Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, January 9. CHINESE PRIMULA GEN. FRENCH. This is one of the most distinct of the semi-double varieties ; the flower is of charming form and intense crimson in colour, a rich velvety and wrli ie shade, so deep that in a group it is remarkably telling. Shown by Messrs. Sutton and Sons, of Reading, at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, and given an award of merit. January 13, 190.0.] THE GARDEN. 23 THE FLOWER GARDEN. A USEFUL HARDY PALM. CHAM.EROP.S EXCELSA. THE Palms that withstand open-air cul- ture in these isles are few in number, and Trachycarpus Fortunei, perhaps better known as Chamserops excelsa, is the hardiest of tliis small decorative group. It is a Chinese and Japanese plant, introduced ti> this country nearly half a century ago, and a large well-cared-for plant is handsome, few ornamental-leaved plants being more effective on the lawn, as the large fan-shaped leaves being a valuable preventive against insect pests. During the growing season copious supplies of water should be given, as the plant delights in plenty of moisture at the roots. THE FOAM FLOWER (TIARELLA CORDIFOLIA). This plant, so suitably named the Eoam Flower, is not nearly so often seen as it ought to be, alt hough it was introduced to this country from North America over 150 years ago. The accompanying illustration represents quite a small patch, but H Inn seen in a mass 20 feet square it is a most beautiful sight. It is of the simplest culture, requiring a fairly light soil and a plentiful supply of rotten ! the leading classes at such exhibitions, we have a far more authentic and reliable selection than all ! the prophets and oracles in the Chrysanthemum world can possibly produce. During the past season it has been curious to ( note the frequency with which some varieties [ have been shown at our autumn shows, and the | almost total absence of some much-laudedhiovelties. Taking the winning stands in twenty-four classes at our best exhibitions in kthe United Kingdom, which seems to me fco be a fairly representative test, I find the following results : — Mme. Carnot, Australie, shown 22 times each ; Mrs. n the other hand, small and weakly plants are less fitted to live along- side old overgrown stuff than those which are well rooted and five or six years old ; therefore the advantage is obvious of starting by filling up the barest and worst section of the garden with a shrubbery that will really form your private nursery, from which you can draw out duplicates and vigorous plants, which, owing to the short distance to their new quarters, can be removed with a large ball of earth and with only a few minutes' exposure of their roots to the air. It should be borne in mind that a good loamy soil is all important to almost every shrub in its young state, though many of them, if they be given a g I start, will, when once well established, fight along very well and push their roots through barren or heavy soil, whereas they would have been quite incapable of such an effort after the first shock of removal. It therefore follows that if disappointment is not to result, you must, unless your soil is exceptionally good, see that your new purchases are hospitably received and treated to the best nourishment you can provide until they have made themselves at home. The clearing out of an old vine border or the top spit of grass- land, where for any reason pasture is being broken up, will provide you with a useful fund for this purpose. Not one penny which is spent on trenching and draining of the ground (assuming it to be properly done), or on care in planting the young shrubs will be found to be thrown away, and in a few years you will be rewarded by your friends saying, "I cant understand why all the things do so well with you, what a splendid soil, climate, Arc, you have, if only I were equally well situated, but I find that all my so-and-so's die off," &c, and you will have to bear with becoming resignation the fact that the last thing which it will occur to your visitors to credit you with is any exceptional supply of brains or pains. Now, to turn to the consideration of the planting of a new garden with shrubs and trees, here too most of the above remarks will apply, and the task will really be at once easier and more satisfactory. Your main object at first ought to lie to secure as rapidly and efficiently as possible for your choicer plants good shelter Iron i the wind. For til is purpose I 'in us austriaen. Larch, Hazel, and even Balsam Poplar should be free!) intermingled, as the) will serve the purpose well and cheaply, but it must be on the implied understanding that you will harden your heart and ruthlessly clear them out w lieu that purpose has been served and before they have begun to inflict injury instead of benefit. You will have also to pay regard to the class of plants which are likely to thrive in your soil and climate, and in the first instance, at any rate, confine yourself to these. Thus, if your soil is very heavy, you would do wisely to avoid all delicate conifers, and to remember that even such ordinary trees as Leech and Larch are not likely to give a very good result, whilst, if your soil is light and shallow, to plant Oak would be a waste of money, anil though none of your trees will in such a case ever assume enormous proportions, yet among the best will be found those mentioned as unsuit- able to clay. ( )f course to give a list of all trees and shrubs suited to particular grounds would be quite outside the limits of an article like this, ami. feeling that 1 have already trespassed on the editor's indulgence, I will conclude with a word of warning to beginners not to attempt the growth of half-hardy plants, as in most places in England other than on the seacoast a collection must be a very large one that includes all the beautiful trees and shrubs which can be grown without needing any protection. Vicary ( Iibbs. Aldenkam House, Elstree, Herts. Hibbertia dentata. In any selection of greenhouse climbers, however small, tins should have a place, as it flowers in the depth of winter and continues fur some time, and its leaves arc handsome also. It is of a slender, twining habit of growth, while the oblong-shaped leaves are deep green in the adult stage, but when young tinged with bronzy-red. The bark of the young shoots is also of the same tint. The flowers are from U inches to "2 inches across and of a bright yellow colour. Their general appearance reminds one of a Hypericum. The Hibhertias are nearly all natives of Australia. Some form little twiggy bushes, while one species, H. volubilis, is a bold-growing climber, with large showy yellow flowers, which are. however, unpleasantly scented. As a garden plant H. dentata is far and away the best of them all. Stokesia cyanea in Devonshire. (In page 480 " E. •!." writes that he was not aware that this plant was generally flowered in Devon- shire. He is right about South Devon — North Devon gardens I am but little acquainted with — but this is owing to its being so little grown, and not to its failing to produce bloom in the open. 1 luring the past five years this plant has flowered well in a flat bed of heavy loam in a very open situation, and was an exceedingly pretty sight during the last week in September, a period at which Aster granditlorus. another late-blooming autumnal plant, hail not attained the full measure of its beauty, which generally reaches its zenith about mid-October. Both plants are sufficiently attractive to deserve pot culture in localities where climatic conditions are unfavourable to flower- production. In a damp and semi-shaded position the Stokesia not unfrequently perishes in the winter even in South Devon. In mild seasons it flowers through the greater part of October and often into November. — S. W. F. January !•"> 1900.1 THE (tARI)EX. 25 STOVE AND GREENHOUSE. CAR N ATION M M E . THERESE FRANCO. a bright orange-red, produced from the axils of the leaves on the tops of the shoots. Dioxtta juncea. — A native of Chili, also known under the name of D. chaimedrifolia, Baillonia juncea, Dipyrena dentata, Lippia juncea and Vervena juncea. It is a curious and interesting trailing shrub, producing numerous bunches of 0 other Carnation probably has created small pure white tubular flowers, many bunches of such a diversity of opinion as to its which crown the extremities of every shoot. It is hardy at Kew and flowers in the month of June. Rhododt ndron arbort mn var. Kingianum. — A native of Manipur. A beautiful bright Indian species, named after Sir George King, and bearing fine trusses of tubular flowers of an intense scarlet, with rose-coloured stamens, resembling those of R. Thomsoni, but rather smaller. The first number of the 26th volume of Revue i;" to? I solemnly pray that he may be judged with mercy. Why, what June flowers can be placed above (] had almost said along with) them ! Not only arc they beautiful, but their scent is delicious. To stroll out on a fine June evening about eight or nine o'clock where some large clumps are in full bloom is a joy. The whole air is laden with perfume, and they smell nearly as powerfully in the day- time. Mr. Arnott mentions varieties, and although 1 know that picking holes in colours is like dancing on eggs— very delicate ground — I must ask him for some clear descrip- tion of "a double scarlet or crimson" variety ! " Double scarlet or crimson " ! I can hardly believe my eyes. I thought I knew as much about double [lockets as most people, as 1 nearly worship them, but anything approaching to such rt colour I never saw or heard of. T at present possess in quantity six varieties : The French white : the Scotch or Eglinton, as it is often called (this kind has. I may say always, a faint trace of lilac at the top of its spike): the true old pure double white; the pale lilac, the most vigorous grower of all ; the true old lilac, now nearly extinct ( 1 was searching for it for thirty years, and at last discovered it to my great joy in an old garden in West- meat h) ; and the lower growing, shorter- spiked purple. This, 1 recollect, used to be called Parke's Rocket. 1 wonder whether my old lilac could by any possibility be Mr. Arnott's scarlet '. I should be happy to give him a plant in April it he cared to write and ask me lor (me. I have had (in a place I lived at thirty years ago) the old pure white and the old lilac -IX inches in spike. Here I have never gone beyond in inches. Many people make the mistake of allowing the side shoots to remain on. This gives the plant rather a weedy appearance, and of course takes from the length ami majesty of the main spike I touble Rockets are essentially plants for rich, deep, moist soils. 1 know that Miss Jekyll finds them difficult to grow on her sandy soil, but she has gone to great trouble with them, and imported strong soil specially for them from a distance. They are plants that cannot be left alone or left long in the same soil. Every third year at least they should be taken up and divided, placed In new soil, with which plenty of well-rotted cow manure and some lime rubbish have been incorporated. They strike very freely from cuttings put down as soon as they begin to push in spring, but they divide so satisfactorily, that now that I have plenty of them I do not go to the trouble of making cuttings. They have an enemy in tin shape of a nasty white grill', which attacks them and eats out the blossom-spike when they are about 9 inches or so high. It must lie searched for and destroyed. The curling of the leaves infallibly shows its presence. It would be indeed a pity were such delight tul flowers as double Rockets to pass out of existence. We have to deplore the loss to the world of several favourites which I remember Ion-, long ago. I may mention the double white Hepatica anil the late double white Primrose. Denis Knox. ]'irijin>l; VILMORIN. years, and would not willingly miss its delightful perfume on the dewy summer evenings. its culture certainly involves a little more labour than is requisite in the case of the majority of hardy perennials, since continued robustness can only he maintained by dividing the plants in the autumn (some growers prefer the spring) and replanting in fresh soil. When treated in this manner, anil provided with a deep and moderately rich root- run, the plants will attain a height of almost 3 feet, anil produce fragrant bloom-spikes a foot in length. It these spikes arc cut as sunn as they commence to fade and become unsightly, the flowering period is extended for some weeks by the formation of bloom-bearing side shoots. Manyyearsago I grew the double purple Rocket, but gave it up. as I con- sidered it far inferior to the while variety. At the same time 1 endeavoured to obtain the double crimson of which I had heard, hut w as unsuccessful. Now that the taste for old-fashioned flowers is spreading, the double Rocket, an especial favourite in our grandmothers' gardens, should lie one of the first plants to benefit from extended culture, since its merits are undeniable. Single Rockets when grown in masses in the wild garden have a simple and pleasing effect. S. W. F. M. HENRY DE VILMORIN. We this week print a portraitof M. Henry de Vilniorin, which was engraved to accompany the dedication of the last volume of Tiik GARDEN, and sonic particulars of whose life will be found in the number lor December '■','>, 1899. The engraving was delayed owing to the congestion caused by the Christmas traffic. WOODLAND AND FOREST. BIG FIRS. Til F big ( )aks and Spanish Chestnuts have often been chronicled, hut. so far as I have read, the big Larches, Spruces, and other members of the Fine family are not so well known. The Silver Fir, 1 believe, ranks first for size among the conifer* in Great Britain, and the largest are on the I hike of Argyle's estate at Rosneath Castle. One day not long since, while walking on the road to Inverarv.': Mmpiired of a man working on the roads if there wire any tine trees in the neighbour- h 1, and his reply was: "Man, ye should see ' Adam and Eve.'" These, I learned, were two Silver Firs standing in a wood near tin- extremity of the peninsula which, near Helensburgh, on the Clyde, is separated from the main land by the ( lareloch. I was not long in getting a skiff and crossing over to the point indicated, where, growing close to the salt water's edge, 1 found one of the finest Spruce woods 1 have ever seen. All the trees were huge, running, I should say, to 400 and 500 cubic feet in Imlk, and near the middle of the wood 1 found " Adam " and his partner, each carefully protected F.v a spiked paling. The tops of both trees hail long ago been snapped off by gales some 40 feet or ."ill feet up, and from the breaks on each, huge limbs, con- taining many cubic feet, had sprung. 1 was told that each tree contained about 7HII cubic feet of timber, anil their height would he about lid feet. The plantation in which they stand is one of the oldest of the kind'in this country. Argyle and Dumbarton are noted for their Spruces. On the high- way to Luss, and close to Loch Lomond, arc extensive woods in which are fine examples of both the Spruces, almost equallingin sizethoseof Rosneath. At Paxton House, near Berwick-on-Tweed, are also sonic grand old specimens of the Silver Fir, as old, I should think, as those on the Clyde, but not quite so large, 'flic east does not suit this tree so well as the west, and when I saw the Paxton House trees they were evidently in a state of decay. The Larch ranks next to the Spruce for size. The two well-known trees in the grounds of the I hike of Athole at I (unkeld are popularly sup- posed to be the first Larches planted in Britain and the largest of their kind. That, however, is not the case. The biggest Larches, of which tlarc arc a niiiiil >er, arc at Monymusk, in Aber- deenshire, on Sir Arthur Grant's estate, noted for its timber, especially its Scotch Fir, said to be the best ill Scotland. I had the opportunity of looking over the woods there last year by the kindness of Sir Arthur Grant, and had the measurements given me of the Larch, one or two of which exceeded the Dunkeld trees in cubic feet, and, if I remember rightly, the latter treasured together nearly 7<«> feet. They are .Tantaky 13. 1900. THE GAEDEN. fine trees in both places. Close by the Dimkeld Larches is one of the largest Douglas Firs in the country also. This tree was planted in L845, and contains about LOO cubic feet. 1 have measured it twice within the last fifteen years, guessing the height, and it cannot be much less than [ have stated. This tree shows what the Douglas Fir may be expected to do as a timber tree, if a lawn specimen will produce lOOcubic Feet in fiftj years or less, plantation trees, reckoned at half that in the same time (an ample allowance), should produce a crop of from 15,000 feet to 20,000 feet to the acre and from 7000 feet to 10,000 feet in fifty years. In German forests 17,000 feet is expected in the final yield of Spruce under fair conditions. There are some very big Larcheshere and there in England and Wales, but noue equalling the Scotch trees. .Manx grand examples of the Scotch Fir are tn be found in Scotland, and there are some line examples at Monymusk, on the river Don, not far from the Larch trees before mentioned. A meat inroad was made in the mature Scotch Fir forests when the Highland railways were made. Sixty thousand pounds' worth was sup- plied from Athole woods alone from near Dun- fceld for sleepers. The Queen's natural Scotch Fir woods near Balmoral are now spared, but there was a time, not so long ago, when trees existed there from which planks :>, feet wide and proportionally long could be cut. The run on big Scotch Fir in England lias swept the older tree-, away, but trees 4 feet in diameter, containing timber everj way equal to the best Scotch, have been felled on the Surrey -amis. At the present time there still exi-t on the Beaulieu Abbey estate, in the New Forest, Scotch Firs running from 120 feet to 130 feet in height with clean, model trunks .1 splendid timber. These trees were planted by .John Duke of Monmouth some time in the last cen tury, but they have been grown on a different plan from that practised on the later genera- tions of Scotch Fir there. Plenty of examples are yet to be found, I believe, in Scotland con- taining from 200 to 300 cubic feet, but such grand tree- as were once felled in (llenmore Forest are, 1 fear, no longer to be found. It is recorded that Scotch Fir :e grew there from which planks over 5 feet in width could be cut, a diameter which would mean something like 500 cubic feet ill tin- trunk. What the dimensions of sonic of the exotic conifer- introduced within the last 200 years may be now we have no good record, but there must be some tine specimens in existence in carious part- of the country. I know of no place where such a collection call be ,-een as that at Murthly Castle. Perthshire. I believe all the conifer- likely to grow in this country have been tried there, the different species having been planted a- soon as they were intro- duced, and the extensive grounds, devoted almost entirely to the newer coniferae, presenl the appearance of a forest more than anything else. The Wellingtonias, Cedars. Douglas Firs, Pinus mollis, I'. Lambertiana, P. Strobus, Abies Albertiaiia, A. fimia, A. Xordmanniana, Arau- caria-. Taxodiums, Thujas. &c, are all of large size, showing their comparative merit- as growers at least, in a climate that must test their hardiness as far a- severe winters are con crned. .Mr. Murray Latley, of .Murthly. and now head forester on Lord PowerSCOUrt's estates in Ireland, could furnish much interesting infor- mation about the Murthly tree-. I spent a »ery pleasant day with him amongsl his trees la-t year, but had not time to take so many not.- a- I could have wished. .1. Simpson. THE UMBRELLA PINE. Planted in fertile soil anil suitably placed, Sciado- pitys vert ieillata (Umbrella Pine) is not only dis- til ut . Init one of the most delightful of Japanese conifers. In its native country it is said to grow to a height of Kill feet or mole, but few plants in the-e isles are as yet 30 feet high, although it was introduced nearly forty years ago. It is of slow growth, of pyramidal habit, with stout horizontal Branches, and long, narrow, deep green leatherj leaves borne in whorls at the points of the shoots. which when fully expanded bear some resemblance to an umbrella — hence t he popular name -although, botanically considered, the tree is quite distinct from the Pine family. This uncommon conifer thrives best in a compost of fibrous peat, turfy loam and leaf -oil. Perfect drainage and a position shielded from east wands should also he secured. ASTER, OR CALLISTEPHUS SINENSIS A few weeks ago several notes appeared in The Garden about this new form of an old friend, but we think that none of them gave it the whole-hearted commendation that so good a plant deserves. We have long wanted a free- growing China Aster, whether single or double, and here is exactly the noble plant of handsome habit and abundant bloom that answers the need. If seed .mower- would only give some atten- tion to producing forms of plants that are reallj desired, how greatly it would add to the beauty of our gardens. As a rule, they seem still to hold to the demands that resulted from the prevalent practice of the bedding system, which required that all plants should be dwarf and compact. Much of this influence was destructive to true utility, derogating the plant from its true place and character as a thing of beauty to a lower position as a mere impersonal unit in a space of colouring of some even height. And though bedding is still practised — and in its own place quite rightlj it has now given way to the better garden knowledge, which desires that each good plant should preserve its own individual dignity and present itself in the best and handsomest form that is suitable to its nature. And a- year by year the eyes of more people are being opened to the delights of good gardening, so they are learning to see for themselves what are the qualities that go to the making of a good plant, and so also they become impatient when a thing that is capable of dis- playing the highest beauty is driven into a form that is no longer approved, and therefore is no longer wanted. Many a time we have heard of late of the owners of good places forbidding their gardeners to -row (Jhina Asters, on the ground of their being Stiff, Ugly, and uninteresting. It cannot In' denied that, judging by the best standards of taste, they are so. Here is a plant, whose fault already was a certain over-rigidity and stiffness of form, stunted into still greater stiffness. We do not want a plant to be weak Or loose or sprawly any more than we want it to be of the inevitable dwarf and compact shape ; but we wish it to be of fair size without being gross, well balanced without being stiff', and handsomely set with good flowers without being crowded. We want the plant to be developed to the best /mint of beauty of which it is capable, but not to be driven beyond that point. Some racis of plants can be bred into several kind- of good forms. Nearly all are capable of distortion and of being driven by 111- judged selection into shapes that are unde- sirable. It has always been one of the chief aims of The Garden to give encouragement to every- thing that will promote the beauty of plants as individuals as well as of gardening in broader views. We therefore make an earnest appeal to seed-growers to give us the beautiful plants that we want rather than to continue in pursuit of an unworthy ideal. How gladly we should hail the coming of a race of double China Asters with flowers id' the older forms, but still more with those of the later and more free and desirable shapes, such as the ( 'oinet class, on huge, free bushes such as 'we have in this fine new — or, perhaps more correctly, new-old Aster sinensis. We have little hesitation in saying that such developments would without doubt meet with the success that they would deserve, and would not only prove of sound commercial value, but would give to thousands of people who love their gardens a greatly desired form of what might be a much more popular plant. The dwarfed kinds need not be aban- doned. Against their use by cottage folk. whose simple minds are attracted by the very qualities that make them unwelcome to those whose views of gardening are wider, we have nothing to -ay. The compact forms will always find favour with market growers, for the plant can be cheaply grown and potted up when in flower straight from the open ground, when it is gladly bought by poor town-dwellers for a few pence off barrows in the street. We want first a good white single flower in all ways like the presenl purple. The many varieties already to hand show how willingly the plant breaks into varied forms, lint we want to retain the handsome bush size and shape, and the strong, wholesome constitution which is shown not only by the length of time the whole plant remains in beauty, but by the long life of the int blooms. We had three successive pickings, each of which lasted in water for a time that was nearer three weeks than a fortnight. On page 501 of last year's GARDEN there is a note by Mr. Jenkins, of Hampton Hill, which speaks disparagingly of the desirability of growing species of plants. He is writing of Callistephus hortensis. of which I have at present had no experience, hut taking it that it is. as he assumes, "the original kind." it is extremely unlikely that the cultivated forms will "revert exactly to the original if left alone.'' Very often it is an un- doubted fact that the species is much more beautiful anil graceful than the plants that are raised by the hybridists from the original, and garden huers are very pleased when a species is re- introduced, and surely such re-introduction ought to he encouraged as much as possible. To take one solitary instance. I may mention the case of Chrysanthemum ciironariuni. which was originally introduced into this country in llilill oddly enough, exactly tin same period which Mr. Jenkins gives for the intro duction of Callistephus. Ill 1882 I saw this Chrysanthemum growing in profusion in Algeria, and brought home two small seedlings from which I ultimately got a good supply of seed. From lin- seed I raised a large patch of the plant, and Mr. Robinson, the late editor of Tin-: Garden, was so charmed with the flower that he figured it in his paper, and alluded to me as having re-introduced it. It was greatly admired, and rightly con- sidered much better than any of the many coloured varieties, the work of hybridists during the la-l 17o years. 1 had so many applications for seed from gardening friends anil correspondents, thai 1 had to lane printed labels made for the packets whuh i sent them. Up till now. thai is after seventeen years' trial, the plant comes absolutely true from seed. A. Kixnsu n.i.. Harrow Weald, Middlesex. *»* A coloured platt of this fern plant «-"* giren in The Garden of November .'.', tss',. 28 THE HARDEN. |.I\mai;v 13, 1900. AN ARTIST'S NOTE- BOOK. THE HARDY PHYSALIS. Til E ii n rit of the old favourite Winter ( Jherry (Physalis Alkekengi) has been temporarily eclipsed by the glory of its newer l>ig brother 1'. Franchetti, This is certainly a grand thing, larger in every way and just as easy to grow. But now that it lias been with us a year or two, many good gardeners see that the older and smaller plant is by no means to be discarded in favour of the new- giant. It is one of the many cases in which it is hard to say that as a garden plant the larger is in all ways the better. It seems the wiser plan to keep and grow both kinds. For indoor decora- tion the old kind is the neater and handier to arrange, and it seems likely that as time goes on the smaller Cerise en chemise, as our French friends call it, will quite hold its own in general favour. It appears doubtful whether there is any botanical distinction between these two plants. P. Franchetti came a few years ago from Japan, and is a very handsome form, bolder and larger altogether than P. Alkekengi. They are both represented in the accompanying illustration. Both like a warm place in rich loamy soil. PHYSALIS^AEKEKENGI AND P. FRANCHETTI (LAROER KIND). (From a Drawing by Agnes Cook.) Though the larger P. Franchetti is far less graceful than the more familiar P. Alkekengi, it is showier, especially when grouped in the garden. We saw late last autumn a noble lied of it, and at a distance wondered what plant iroduced such a rich orange- scarlet colouring. In this way, therefore, to produce bold effect, P. Franchetti is more valuable than the older species. The 1'hysalises are not used so much as they deserve to he for room decoration during the winter months. The wiry stems upon which hang the Chinese ' intern-like calyces remain for many months as fresh almost as when first used, and their bright- ness is a distinct improvement upon many of the dowdy things used as " everlastings " in the winter. Associated with the silvery Honesty, the Physalis is distinctly pleasing, but there are other ways in which it may be employed. HELIOPHILA SCANDENS. The plant illustrated is an acquisition of qo slight importance; it is a climber of free growth, with a profusion of white Jasmine-like flowers in the winter months. We recently noticed it in beaut] in the succulent house at Kcw, the twining stems falling down gracefully and creating an unusual effect. Where Clematis indivisa succeeds, Helio phila scandens is happy also. IRIS STYLOSA. Such rare blossoms as brighten this dull season are all the more precious owing to their infrequency. The touch of fn.st that we have already experienced has acted prejudicially in destroying and retarding bloom in more northern localities, and also in such southern and south-western gardens as lie in exposed situations. In sheltered nooks, however, the lovely Algerian Iris (I. stylosa or unguicularis) and its white variety are in flower, and. where some slight protection is afforded, remain uninjured except by severe frosts, a mulching of some light material round the clump and an inverted hamper placed over the plant at night generally sufficing to preserve the unexpanded buds — in which condition they should be cut for indoor decoration— from injury. BEGONIAS AFTER FLOWEEING. As the plants of that popular winter-flowering Begonia, (tloire de Lorraine, go out of flower they should be taken from the flowering house, and after having shortened back the growth so that they may be stored closely together, placed in a pit where they can enjoy an intermediate temperature, a light position and an atmosphere in which there is a moderate amount of moisture. Very little water should be given to the roots during the next few weeks, as the best cuttings arc given by plants which have been allowed to rest for a time, and nothing is gained by hurrying their production. The best and the only cuttings that should be used, except, perhaps, where stock plants are limited in number, are those thrown up in the form of sucker growths from the base of the plants ; these grow away freely from the first and do not give half the tumble that stem cuttings give in picking off flower buds while the plants are small; thej also make growth of the best character for basket plants, and it is in baskets that this plant is seen at its best. Fumigate the pit frequently to destroj any of the little yellow thrips which are so partial to Begonias, and do not allow any other plants which these insects infest to lie brought into the house, for they are difficult pests to destroy, ami do more harm than any other insect pests to plants which they attack. It is rather late to advise selection of plants for propagating as the flowers will be getting over, but the best types certainly should be picked out, as the stock is decidedly mixed and contains forms poor by comparison with others. CARNATIONS. Winter flowering Carnations must bestruck carh to get good plants by the autumn and prohabh most growers will have already secured an early batch, but successional plants are very useful when room can be found for them, and the present is as excellent time for pvitting in the cuttings, as most varieties will now be producing plenty of the side growths which are the most satisfactory fur the purpose. I like to pull out the shoots in the form of " pipings," and do not use a knife. Use sand freely in the cutting pots, make each piping firm, water well in. and after having allowed the pots to drain, plunge them in a fairly brisk hot-bed. The tops should be kept cool and the soil warm, then they root well without becoming drawn. •T. C. Tatxack. Shipley Hull Gardens, herby. January 13, ifioo. THE GARDEN 29 INDOOR euphorbia [ac inle:flora. QV HKI.IorHII.A SCANDENS. {From a drawing by H, G. jtfoon, i J ) growth. These latter secured when 4 inches long made excellent material for propagation, and were always taken off with a heel attached. With such as these few failures occur. As soon as detached from the parent plant the cuttings may be plunged into dry sand to stop the exudation of the sap. A sharp, brisk bottom-heat is absolutely necessary to mot the cuttings successfully, and if covered with a bell-glass all the better. Always insert the cuttings with the heel intact as taken from the plant. Pots nearly half tilled with drainage and the other half clean sand are more serviceable than soil, retaining less water and more generally ready 1 1 > hand. But whether soil or sand is used it should be quite up to the temperature of the house, or a chill may be given. Such cuttings rout in three weeks or a month on a bottum-heat ot !"i"> . ami when slightly hardened off may be potted at once in the mixture already given. After-culture is a matter of choice. In all cases where the finest racemes are most appreciated it is a good plan to grow four to six plants in a 6-inch pot, selecting at the start plants of uniform strength. These may be grown without stopping at all, and especially well suited for grouping among Palms or in numerous other ways that readily suggest them- selves at the moment. Cuttings of these things may be rooted over a long season, and even such as are rooted in May and June are of considerable value for many purposes for which taller plants are not suited. E. ,1. , The Date Plum.— From a friend in the south of France come the handsome fruits of Diospyros Kaki, now largely grown on the Riviera as a dessert fruit. In colour and general appearance FEW plants flowering through the mirl- winter season and the early year are more generally prized than the subject of this note. The brilliancy of its floral bracts borne on gracefully arching racemes renders the plant one of the most valuable for the season indicated above, an admixture of soils that may be regarded proof The chief enemy of the plant is water given usually against a waterlogged state. Such a soil may be largely in excess of the actual needs of the plant, made up as follows : Rather clayey loam three parts, Asoneof the rather numerous company of the Spurge the fourth part consisting of well-pounded brick or Milk-wort family, it is obvious that much mois- ! rubble or burnt clay, silver sand, leaf soil, charcoal, tore is at once detrimental to it. Equally dangerous, too, is a temperature that wavers frequently between two extremes. It is due to the way the plant suffers from the latter that its use as a pot plant is much curtailed, unless, indeed, as the outcome of experience, a gradual diminution is resulted to. The plant sutlers most when taken from the usually warm and moist conditions of the stove, and is better able to endure vicissitudes of tempera- ture when grown in warm though dry surroundings. Small plants in 5-inch pots or thereabouts are those usually seen, and arc generally propagated in spring from cuttings, propagation being necessary and old cow manure in equal portions. Many us. peat for tins subject, but frequently the water holding capacity of many peat soils is almost that of a sponge, and for this reason peat is not recom- mended unconditionally. Peat of the right stamp is not objectionable, but it is certainly not an essential detail in the culture of this plant. Indeed, the most vigorous plants I have ever seen were planted out for stock purposes in strong brick earth warmed by an old brick Hue. Some of the success of these plants may have been due to the warm and dry condition of the soil, water being very rarely given owing to the free root-run each year, as the older plants resent interference of obtainable. Such conditions are not readily the roots. Being generally a feeble, or perhaps imitated with the present system of hot-water more correctly a sparse-rooting subject, dryness of the soil is at all tunes the safest from the cultural standpoint. Waterlogged plants are rarely long- lived, and for this reason water must be always given with exceeding care. Much may be done to avoid over-watering by a free, perfect drainage and beating. At the same time the experience suffices to show the value of dry and warm soil for this plant. The plants referred to were, however, not the best for producing cuttings, as the growth was too vigorous, anil stopping of the shoots hail to be resorted to. this forcing the axillary buds into they are much like smooth Tomatoes of a good size, as tbc\ are often 10 inches in diameter. When ready to eat they are soft and look halt - trans- parent like a ripe Tomato. Thepulp, though not very distinctl y Savoured, is sweet ami pleasant, and the liking for it i acreases w i t h better acquaint- ance. It is hardy in warm places against walls in quite the south of England. Its near relative, I), vir- giniana. is the Persimmon of the United State-. THE ALGERIAN [BIS. {From a drawing by H . G. Moon.) 30 THE GARDEN. [January 13, '.Mill. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. ORCHIDS. ONE of tlic most interesting and beau- tiful sections "I cool-house Orchids comprises those of the tall-growing Oncidiums to which such kinds as 0. macranthum, 0. loxense, 0. serra- tiun, ( >. superbiens, &<•.. belong. These are useful in summer, especially when required for exhibition, They are easily cultivated if a suitable position to i 1 their requirements 1»- found, but unless grown under suitable conditions they are very difficult to manage. I find that the coolest end of the Odontoglossum lions" is the best place, where there is at all seasons of the year a great amount of moisture about the roots. Shade also, especially from overhanging trees, often proves beneficial during summer. The plants have in many instances com- menced to produce their flower-spikes, and are also freely making new roots, This is a good time, there- fore, to examine the plants for any potting or top- dressing. If the roots are allowed to become vigorous, it is a difficult matter to deal with the plants without injuring the points of the tender roots. When the compost has become sour and the plant too large for the pot, remove the potting compost first, and then carefully extract the roots, avoiding as far as possible any injury during the operation. After removing all decayed material and cutting away any dead matter, again place them into clean, well-drained pots, which should lie sufficiently large to contain the plants comfortably. After the drainage has been brought up to within about 2 inches of the rim of the pot, the remaining space may he rilled up with a potting compost composed of equal pro- portions of chopped living Sphagnum Moss and fibrous peat, pressing moderately firm and mound- ing towards the centre, so that the new roots can get hold of the new compost, and are thus enabled to re-establish themselves in their new surround- ings. As the spikes of these species advance and the flower-buds begin to form, it is desirable that the spikes, which have previously been allowed to roam at will, should he tied securely to three or four neatly painted sticks placed at intervals into the potting compost around the edge of tile pot. If this be done before the flowers are too far advanced, they will expand in their proper position. Treatment of Imported Orchids. Of these, deciduous I tendrobiums are frequently very numerous. One of the first generally to arrive is 1). Wardianum. The plants may he potted up in pans or placed in baskets as soon as received. The receptacles should just contain the plants com fortal.lv. giving ample and clean drainage. Too much material about the base must be avoided, only sufficient being used to properly secure the plants in the pots. Fix the straggling bulbs securely to suspended wires. Too much heat should not be given at first, and let water lie sparingly applied until the growths get well away from the base and nvw roots are being emitted. While in the cooler division ready for transferring to the stove, let the plants he perfectly dr\ at the roots, and the atmo- spheric moisture in the house should he sufficient for their requirements. Other species needing similar conditions to the above are the lovely violet scented 1). aureum (heterocarpum) and the white and purple-tipped 1 >. Devonianum. The handsome 1). Falcoueri is also freely imported, this species succeeding under cooler conditions, such as a Mexican house, where there is a free circulation of air ami plenty of light. They do better in the intermediate house than when cultivated under the same conditions as the deciduous Dendrobiums, H. J. ( II J.FMAN. INDOOR PLANTS. Hard-wooded Plants. Greenhouse hard-wooded plants are somewhat difficult to manage at this lime of the year, as on the one hand on,- has to prevent sharp cutting draughts, and. on the other, stuffiness of atmo- sphere. Both are bad, and the latter is productive of mildew among the Ericas, Genistas, Boronias. anil many others of the section. The preventive is a circulation of air at all times with onh just sufficient lire-heat to maintain a minimum tempera tine of 411 , and the cure is to dust the plants over now and then with the sulplun duster, which should be applied directly there is the [east sign of mildew spots or leaf-shedding. Great can with the water-pot is necessary, for it is easy to make mistakes, especially when the plants are growing on open stages, as the bottoms of the halls of soil arc apt to get too dry. while the upper portion is quite wet enough. If the plants are standing on ashes or shingle by far the better practice they will be more easy to manage as regards watering, for the lower roots are able to gain moisture by absorption, and one can better judge of their con- dition and needs. The atmosphere of the house should he cool and dry. and no water should lie allowed to spill or drip, especially among the plants with small leaves and feathery habit. POINSETTIAS. As these plants lose their bracts they should be removed to an intermediate temperature and alii >wei I to dry off gradually. If room is scarce, they may be laid on their sides under the stages of any house where (he temperature does not fall below 50°, and there remain until they are wanted t.. make growth again for the supply of cuttings. Euphorbia jacquiniseflora, too, may be dried off, but not auite to the same extent or in so low a temperature, as the more slender stems of I his plant are liable to die hack if subjected to any great changes. Sowing Seeds. For the majority of plants it is full early to think about sowing seeds, hut some tilings, such as hybrid Streptocarpi, Saintpaulia, tuberous Bego- nias, and others which flower as annuals, if allowed plenty of time to grow, can hardly lie sown too soon if space and other conveniences can he given them. All the above-mentioned have very" tine seeds, which must be sown on the surface in pots carefully prepared by being well drained to within •2 inches of the rims and tilled up with a nice sandy mixture of soil, of which well-decayed and very fine leaf-mould forms the greater part. The soil should be quite level and well watered before sowing the seed. Place the pots in beat, half plunging them in the hotbed material, cover with glass, and shade always during the day. The Streptocarpi arc espe- cially impatient of sunlight, and will brook no neglect in the matter of shading at any time. Shipley Hull Gardens. J. C. Tallack. KITCHEN GARDEN. Early Peas. Few vegetal. l.s are more appreciated than early Peas, and t here are several modes of culture open to the cultivator. The best results are usually obtained from pot plant sown at this date under glass, the seedlings being planted out in suitable weather early in the spring. I 'arc should he taken with pot plants raised under glass not to employ too much heat at first, as this results in weak plant's and a poor crop. It is far hitter to give the plants a little more time, and by so doing secure a strong growth. My previous remarks, of course, apply to plants to he fruited in the open ground, as if the plants are fruited under glass, more warmth may be given at the start. Peas may be forced in various ways. I prefer the seed sown in the fruiting pots if grown in pots from start to finish, three to five plants being put into 7-inch or 8-inch pots. If the plants are to be grown in frames, we sow in 5-inch pots and plant out when large enough. To save time the seed may he sown in rows in the first instance, hut frequently the frames or pits needed are in use till the last moment, and there is a great saving of time by starting the seed as advised. For pot or frame culture I do not know of better varieties than May Queen, Chelsea Gem, and Daisy; the last named, though not so early as the others, is so good as regards size, ipiality and crop, it cannot he omitted. But as regards forcing varieties there is no lack of excellent kinds, as the new introductions of late have been a great advance on the old white round varieties. Use a good ized pot. not less than ."i-iiich, as this gives re root space, and put six to nine seeds in a pot. If these In- planted out during the earlj part of March, they will give pods the end of May. With dwarf kinds, such as i Ihelsea < lem, Harbinger ami Early Mom. I have, to gain time sown in 3-inch pOtS placed ill heal till the seeds were well through the soil, and then placed them in cold frames t ill planting time. Treated thus the plants may he sown much later, and if the land i,-, heavy and cold this 1 1 1 ; i s l.e again. It is important to have the land in good condition for planting, and as this vegetable, given pot culture at the stall, makes its growth in the open in so short a time, a rich root- lam is necessary. In heavy cold soils it will he a great advantage il drains are added and tin- natural soil lightened. The labour thus spent will not be lost, as after the Pea crop is taken the land will he in g 1 condition for the crop which is to follow, such as salads or other shallow -rooting vegetables. The land should also he got ready for the first -'•xx iii- in the open, the soil being trenched or turned up roughly in ridges in order to become pulverised by the weather, and in better condition for sowing early next month. It is also well to select the sites for the summer crops, as nunc time can now be given to the manuring and preparation needed. Turnips. These are invaluable in April and early May. as at that season the old stored roots arc growing out badly and become flavourless. Turnips are not grown in frames as much as they deserve, and few vegetables can he grown more readily, the chief points in their culture being ample ventilation. Eight . and moisture. Bottom-heat is not a necessity. providing the top temperature is genial at the start lo elicit germination quickly. I would advise a temperature of (lo at this period, with plenty of ventilation in mild weather as growth increases. The soil should he fairly rich, and of a depth of li inches to s inches for tile long-rooting kinds. For frame culture 1 find White Gem and Sutton's Forcing both excellent, as they do not age so quickly as the shallow rooters. For quick growth the Extra Fatly Milan is one of the best, and is also an excellent forcer. Whatever kind is grown, avoid thick sowing, as, unless the plants have room to develop, they run to seed before swelling their roots. If bottom-heat is given, avoid over heating or dry- ness at the roots, and if manure is the heating agene\ it is well before making up the hotbed to get rid of the rank steam, and if procurable to mix some leaves with the manure to make the heat more lasting and less violent. O. Wythes. Si/mi < ;. decora, and its general appearance would suggest that such was the case. The typical form of Poly- podium irioides lobatum has stiff, erect, undivided fronds : it is a plant of wide geographical distribu- tion in a native state, and is a good garden Fern. From this the variety lobatum differs in the tips of the fronds breaking up into lobes, sonic of the fronds having ten to twelve segments at the apex. Adiantum Burni was shown well last year. The slender partially drooping fronds are from •_' feet to 3 feet long, and suggest a certain amount of relationship to A. amabile. As a basket Fern it is likely to be of considerable merit. February Chrysanthemums. Your correspondent t(C. N. " calls Julie Lagravere and the Anemone-pompon Marie Stuart two indispens- able Chrysanthemums, hut 1 consider Maud Dean better than either in colour and hal.it. and it is especially suitable for this lime of year on account of its brightness and lasting properties. I shall he able to cut flowers of Maud Dean until the end ..I February, if not later.— M. Jones, Undermoiivt Gardeitx, Bonchwch, January 13, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 31 RIVIERA GARDENING. We have been reminded of winter lately by one or two chill and cloudy days, and a sudden drop in the temperature at night has brought a white frost in the low-lying grounds, where damp lingers after cold rain. It is curious to see how northern plants have enjoyeda change, for Wallflowers and Stocks, that seemed at a standstill, have grown more in a week than in the previous month of tine, hot weather, and bulbs that refused to stir are now showing signs of renewed vigour. It is at first decidedly perplexingto find one's ideas must be entirely reversed. Iris stylosa, for example, is far finer in a shady and cool position than in the open, and Iris reticulata, which my French gardener insisted in planting in strong clay soil and in the wettest position In' I'imid find, has entirely justified his insist- ence, for those he has planted are strong and vigorous, ready to flower in a few days, while those 1 put in a shady dry part are hardly stirring and look draughted and un- happy. No doubt in its native Algeria it grows near watercourses that are dry in the summer. Tulipa saxatilis has flower-buds as big as a large pea, while T. rlaufmannianaand T. Greigi, planted at the same time, are not yet above ground. Evidently T. saxatilis must enjoy warmth much more than other Tulips, and would force easily when fairly strong. To-day 1 have been planting a shady walk which will be pleached when the trees are sufficiently grown, as I cannot allow them to grow high in that position. I have chosen for that purpose the Judas Tree and the well known Acacia dealbata, as both these trees flower all thr better for being cut well in after (lowering. In old days, before the railroad was made and i lern French gardening, with its Palms and jn/tHis, s, did not exist, there were many such shady alleys in Nice gardens which in April were a real delight to those who love in look up to the sky through a maze of tender rose-purple colour. Acacia dealbata was then practically unknown, and for many years was confined to granitic and sandy soils, such as are found at ('amies and St. Raphael, because it will not grow on a calcareous or clayey soil. Nowadays, thanks to the gardener's art. it grows ami flourishes anywhere when grafted on the hardy .\. floribunda that is at home on all soils ami situation--. English gardeners who wish to grow this very attractive tree should certainly ask for grafted plants, as then there is no need to bother about soil. Moreover, it flowers more Inch in a young state, which is not without it- advantage. These two trees will not flower exactly at the same season, but betweeD them there will be abundance of flower from early February till the month of May, so that with climbing Roses and various climbers to help, the display w ill be continuous all the winter. The demand for flowers at Ohristmas-time is, of course, very unit on the Riviera, and the much colder and less bright weather has prevented any but the hardier flowers from opening quickly. The paper-white Narcissus, so largely grown in spite of its disagreeable smell, is at last being supplemented by an equally early yellow Tazetta Narcissus which is bo closely like the well-known Soleil d'< )r, that I daresay it is generally called by that name in England. It is, however, so much earlier, that when in the beginning of December the first blooms of the yellow Narcissus were open in my wild garden, where it grows naturally and has never been destroyed, the tips of tic green - ot the true Soleil d'Or wen- hardly Bhowing above the ground. The headsof the flowers are larger and slightly paler in colour than Soleil d'< >r. which should also distinguish it. Caroline Testout is a Roseof decided promise for winter blooming on this coast. Its clear pink colour, stiff stalk, freedom of bloom and indifference to cold weather are quite remark able, putting it mi a par with the old Safrano in that respect, while being a far finer Rose and of better lasting power. So far I have not seen any blooms of .Mrs. \Y. J. Grant or .Mine. Jules Grolez, varieties said to be of such great promise, which apparently has not been ful- filled. ' E. H. WOODALL. SOME GOOD HOLLIES. A XoTE I'laiM Hl.ASNKVIN. Tins has been in Ireland a very good year for 1 1 " ! 1 \ berries, and one cannot but notice how much mure suitable for decorative work some varieties arc than others. This is notably the case with the large-leaved, almost spineless varieties. The hcrries of these are also larger and different in colour from those of the small-leaved spiny kinds. Amongst the best may lie named camellia-folia. Marnocki, platyphylla and Lawsoni. There is here a very distinct variety with orange-coloured berries which is quite different from the ordinary yellow-berried form, and very ornamental. F. YV. MoORE. # V* Wi %M ■A J- '. -• V j- ■ ;.*» f--;-'k ^." . V '/'s*i • ■ *- " 'V ' ■ 4a ii * - tV- - BORDERS 01 FLOWERS IN Till: rwaiiu.n FAREHAM. A GARDEN OF FLOWERS, The accompanying illustration needs few words ot description. It displays borders of flowers, with at one end a pergola, over which may be trained a host of climbing plants, [lose, Clematis, Wistaria. Honeysuckle, Vine, and other things precious for their graceful growth and abundance of sweet- smelling flowers. During the winter is the season in make such beautiful borders as here depicted. [With this note Mr. .Moore sends us some H'ell berried twigs of some of these good Hollies, plea-ant lo see ill a year when inmost pa its of England Holly berries are scarce. Among them the most noticeable are the golden-variegated Lawsoni. with very broad flat leaves, platyphylla, with leaves of rather small size, perfectly flat and even-edged, and the one with orange-coloured berries, of a tint quite unusual in the fruit of the Hollv. -En. I 32 THE GARDEN. Jani \i:y 13, 1900. THE FLORENTINE IRIS. Among the many garden varieties of what are broadly classed as the Flag-leaved Irises, none is more welcome than the grey- white [ris of Florence. It is nne of the easiest to grow, and is quite the must generous in abundance <>f bloom. With the exception of the common blue, it is also theearliest. ( taming as it does with the < (riental Poppies in the month of May. it seems to be the herald of the large flowers of early summer. This noble Iris is beautiful in many ways: in the flower border, among dark-leaved shrubs, or in close association with masonry. But its dignity and nobility of character arc best seen when, as shown in the illustration, it is grown in a bold, simple group, away from other flowering plants, on some quiet space of lawn, where large neighbouring trees give wide breadths of reposeful shade. In such a place and against such a background, the flower's noble shape and tenderness of petal-structure may be seen and enjoyed to the full. KITCHEN GARDEN. DEEP CULTIVATION AND ITS BENEFITS. Till'', value of deep trenching for the pro- duction of high-class vegetables is now generally understood, and if proof be wanted to hear out this, I would ask my readers to remember the last two dry summers and compare crops which hail been treated in the ordinary way with those grown on thoroughly well-trenched ground. The results will, I am sure, convince even the most sceptical. By following out the trenching system thoroughly, the most unfavourable land may be brought into such a state that it will produce almost any kind of vegetable of the best quality. GROUP OF THE FLORENTINE litis. Like everything else, this excellent way of displaying the beauty of one good thing at a time should not be overdone or made into a sort of rule throughout anyone garden. It would result in a monotony of treatment that would not he desirable. But when a garden has shrubs in reasonable variety and flowering plants in well- planned mixtures, a few Hue things isolated in such places as not only show them handsomely, but ne also well graced by their presence, arc much to he desired. Moreover, when the mind and eye are occupied by the consideration of th : group only, its whole effect and its beauty in detail are presented in circumstances that are undoubtedly the most favourable for the enjoyment of both. PRIMULA FLORIBUNDA. Spring, summer, autumn, and winter seem to be all alike to this pretty little Indian Primrose, which commences to flower as soon as the plants are sufficiently strong, and continues till quite exhausted. It is now about fifteen years since this species was recognised as a very useful plant, and it has been steadily gaining in popularity ever since. It is essentially a greenhouse plant, hut its cultural requirements arc not at all exacting. A distinct variety of this Primula was exhibited last year under the name of Isabella, in which the flowers are somewhat larger than in the type and of a pale yellow tint. In old anil apparently worn-out gardens a thorough system of trenching will impart new life and bring tine crops' to perfection which before refused to grow. Stiff, tenacious soil should he trenched in the spring rather than the autumn, hut t li.it of a light porous nature may he done at any season. In my opinion, trenching is only half carried out as a rule. I am fully aware tew cultivators agree with my teaching on this most important subject, and I may add it is quite contrary to what I was taught in my younger days, during my apprentice- ship in a well-conducted garden. It was there I questioned whether the usual practice of keeping the bottom and poor soil still buried away from light, air. and the action of the weather was the right procedure, as was then practised and is still so often advised. Of course 1 am quite ready to admit that deep digging and loosening of the soil arc far better than mere digging. Nevertheless, I am fully convinced it is the proper method. Instead of the whole of the soil to the depth of which it is trenched becoming workable and fit for the recep- tion of any crop, the subsoil remains in much the saini condition. Consequently, the moment I was in a position to put into practice what I believed to be the right method. I at once adopted it. This happened to be on a light sandy soil in Surrey. The first autumn and winter I had every portion of the garden trenched to the depth of 3 feet, burying the top soil at the bottom and bringing the bottom to the top, which was almost pure sand and probably had never seen daylight. I was careful to work in plenty of manure, garden refuse, and indeed anything in the way of rubbish which came to hand. This is by far the neatest, easiest, anil best way of getting lid of garden rubbish that 1 know, besides improving one's garden. I well remember the remarks passed by older heads than mine : " Ah. young man. you are making a gnat mistake here." But, if I may say so. I not only proved to myself, by results, but to them also. that i was not very far wrong. Now, one more instance to bear out what I say. When I took charge of these gardens, nearly Hi years ago, I found the soil here quite different to what I had been accustomed to, viz., a stiff London clay, and anyone acquainted with this kind of soil will, I think, agree that it is one of the | rest to work : and to illustrate more fully what I am trying to convey to those that do not agree- with me, my predecessor had established a kitchen garden, two or three miles from here, on the estate, which was a light sandy soil, stating that it was quite impossible to grow early and many kinds of vegetables here. I quietly considered it over, anil soon came to the conclusion that I would have a very good try to grow our vegetables at home I lost no time in following out what I believed to he the right course, trenching 3feet deep and bringing the clay to the top. If ever I wavered it was then. The old hands with one consent exclaimed. "I am sure yon arc making a mistake ; we shall not be able to grow anything at all." "Never mind," I said, "go ahead ; you haven't had much here lately, and if we are to have less I am responsible." One piece of land in particular, which had been a garden for at least 50 or 60 years, I took in hand, and found a dark worn-out soil about a foot deep underneath a pure yellow clay. This I treated in exactly the same way during 1.SH2, repeating the operation each year. The result is 3 feet of good workable soil, which will now bring to perfection any crop one cares to grow. Enwix Beckett. Aldenham Houm Gardens, E/stree, Herts. EARLY CARROTS. Not everyone having a garden can afford to devote a frame in the late winter to the growth of young Carrots ; frames are sooften needed for other things just then. But a capital makeshift for the benefit of the Carrots can be found in some stout strips of wood, if but 1 inch thick and 3 inches deep, stood on a warm border to fit any ordinary frame light, and kept upright by the aid of small pegs or stakes driven into the soil beside the strips. If a frame light not otherwise in use can be utilised for this purpose, so much the better; if none such he at liberty, then the temporary frame may be larger or smaller in area. When made, the soil, having been previously well dug and manured, may lie sown with seed of either the Early Gem, Short Horn or the Early Nantes thinly, in shallow drills 6 inches apart. After being watered, the bed should be covered up, some strips of wood being laid across the frame, on these placing two or three mats. There the covering may remain until the seed has germinated, when the bed must be uncovered in the day. but may be covered up again during the night. By the time the plants have become 3 inches in height covering may be dispensed with. When the tops arc (*> inches high there should then have been formed to the plants small roots about the dimen- sions round of a man's little finger. These may be pulled, trimmed, and cooked whole, and are most delicious. Such a sowing may be made at once : and if the first be of the Early Gem, a second one close by may be made of the Early Nantes in rows li inches apart with or without a frame. Thatsowing can be made at the end of February. A final spring sowing of the Intermediate on a larger scale in the open garden should be made early in April, and a summer sowing of the Nantes again in July to form the delicious young Carrots to pull during the winter from the open ground. A. D. January 1; I'.M'HU THK (xARDEN. GLOBE ARTICHOKES. This vegetable deserves to be cultivated more generally than it is. Far too often it is grown in -' uin- out-of-the-way corner, and more often than Dot inferior kinds take the place of the best varieties. As far as 1 know, only two are worth attention, the best being the large Green Globe, a variety rounded at the points and almost free from prickles, and a good form of the Brown Globe. This is hardier than the first named, but not so good either for exhibition or the table. To have these in the best possible condition, liberal treatment should be afforded them, and the old stools should not lie allowed to remain in the ground for more than three years. Choose a site which is quite open. This should be heavily manured and deeply trenched during the autumn or winter, and on stiff', heavy land quantities of cinder ashes, road-scrapings, and old mortar rubbish should lie worked in. By the end of March or theheginning of April the ground should be forked over, and in genial weather the planting should be performed. Procure suckers from a reliable source, which should be planted singly, allowing a distance of 3 feet from plant to plant, anil 4 feet between the rows. Make firm, and earth up with finely-sifted cinder ashes. I have proved the Globe Artichoke to be very partial to these, and I know of nothing so distasteful to slugs. .Mulch the whole of the surface with long Stable manure and water abundantly in dry weather. As before mentioned, the best variety is somewhat tender, and in early autumn each year a tew suckers should be potted up, wintered in a cold frame, and planted in spring. This will ensure the keeping up of a g 1 supply. The old stools should be protected during severe frosts with long litter or bracken, which should, however, be removed during open weather, or as much harm will accrue as if the plants were left unprotected. Where suckers can be obtained they are always to lie preferred to seedlings, as these cannot he depended upon, and worthless kinds are only t' ften the result of using them. Iv Beckett. FORCED ASPARAGUS. Tins is one of the best vegetables at this season ami readily forced, but is somewhat costly, as one forcing destroys the growth of three or more sea sons. To get a regular supply it is well to place loot-, under glass even three weeks. Many growers lift an old lied anil force every year, sowing Oi planting another in the -inii i- to make up for the loss of plants. One bed will not go far if regular supplies are needed. 1 prefer to force roots three years old. as these give splendid results, but all have nut space to grow their own roots. I would in all cases advise slow forcing, as if too much heat i^ Used the growth is much weaker. 1 use leave-. and manure for early batches, and the top portion of the pit does not exceed lid . By using leaves the heat i-. slower and retains moisture. IV tliis date bottom-heat is not necessary, as foots placed mi the floor of a warm house, though longei coming in. give strong "grass" if neai the light. No matter how forced, to maintain regular supplies there must be no lack of mois- ture. This given in a tepid state promotes growth. Now is a good time to tone permanent beds, which may be done with any heating materials at com manil. I use leaves largely, but in gardens where tine-; or hot-water pipes can be utilised there is less tumble. (j. VVYTHES. AN AUSTRALIAN SUNDEW (DROSERA BURKEANA). Although of world-wide distribution, the Sundews, of which over a hundred have been described, are fairly uniform in character, and «ne three which inhabit the swamps and marshes of this country resemble very closely the majority of them. Several ate included amongst the plants grown by lovers of the curious, and some are sufficiently beautiful to rank with the choicest of pot plants. Unfortunately, these latter are not yet in cultivation, although inn' nf them, viz., I), cistiflora, the most beauti- ful of all Sundews, was introduced from South Africa, where it is a native, by .Miss North in 1889, and flowered the following year at Kew, but died soon afterwards. This has a stem from l incites to !) inches long, clothed with linear gland-covered leaves, and bearing a single Bower 2 inches across, resembling' both in consistency and colour one of our wild 1'oppies. Another Cape species, D. grandiflora, has equally large flowers of a bright ruse colour. D. Burkeana is a native of Natal, and re- sembles our native D. intermedia, hut is larger and its flowers are pink. It is nut unlike I), spathulata, an Australian species which is frequently to be met with in botanical collec- tions. Other species in cultivation are D. capen- sis, I), binata (dichotoma), and D. auriculata. This last is a slender climbing species with a pea-like tuber, which enables it to support the drought of the sandy wastes of Australia where it is a native. Must of these plants can be multiplied by means of bits of the fleshy roots planted in sand in a warm house. The best position for Droseras is a sunny corner in a greenhouse, and they should be planted in pans of chopped sphagnum and peat, which should be well watered daily all through tile .summer. Roridula dentata is a shrubby Sundew, which has been introduced and grown into a bush nearly i feet high. In some parts of South Africa, where this plant is a native, the bushes tire hung in the houses to serve as fly- catchers. \V. Watson. A':W. sight of the wax-like flowers of Erica carnea alba, and one has bent over it with keen delight. It looks too pretty and delicate to be exposed to the i inclemencies of the time, yet it sutlers not from the weather, and will for long give us the pleasure of a sight of these exquisite tiny little bells, which look like little pearls strung on the slender green blanches. Growing in favour though Erica carina is, it is yet needful that it should again and again be brought under the notice of those who take pleasure in their gardens in order to draw from them the fullest enjoyment they can derive from the hardy flowers they contain. It is cheering tu see this little Heath in many more gardens now than was at one time the ease. It is not difficult to grow in the border or rock garden. In beds, either as an edging or by itself, it is delightful also. So far as one's observation goes, it appears to have less objection to limestone than have some of tin- Heaths. No one who has ever grown Erica carnen will willingly be without its beauties in the dull season of the year. S. ARN'OTT. Carsethorn, by Dumfries, N.B. GALAX APHYLLA. Nothing in the garden just now is much prettier than the leaves of this neat North American plant. They are heart-shaped and prettily toothed at the edges, of thin but firm texture, and boldly carried on st long, but slender w ire-like stalks from 4 inches to !t inches high, and sometimes higher still when well- established clumps arc growing in the moist p a v leaf-mould that suits it best. The bloom is a sle.i [or spike of white flowers in July ; but now in mid-winter the beauty of the plant is in the high colouring of the leaves. Some are of a fine red tint throughout; others arc spotted and marlied with red upon a ground of pale green, and have a border that is almost scarlet. One may look at a dozen leaves and find in each a different proper, ion AN AUSTRALIAN SUNDEW (DROSERA BURKEANA) AT KEW. ERICA CARNEA ALBA. Among all our winter plants I valuenonemorehighly than Erica carnea and its variety alba. Long before the flowers attain to their perfect beauty they show thick on the pretty branches, and give us a welcome and ever-fulfilled promise of a feast of pleasure in due time The coloured form is generally a little later here than the white form that I have. This year is no exception to the rule. Christmas Day brought with it a welcome and disposition of the red colouring, but all have the same aspect of neat and well-ordered beauty. It is perfectly hardy : a plant for all Great Britain, in cool rocky nooks or peat-bed edges. The Blackberry erop of 1899. It is interesting to know that the Blackberry crop of last year was one of the heaviest on record. One man sent to the market fruit collected by neigh- bours to the value of £400. On many a wast e ac this wholesome fruit could be grown with profit. :14 THE GARDEN. Jam aky I-' I! FRUIT GARDEN. CULTIVATION OF BUSH APPLE TREES. THK planting of l>usli Apple trees is con- siderably "ii tin1 i 1 11 Tease both in private and market gardens. Bush trees can be readily sprayed with insecticides for the destruction of insect and parasitic' ene- mies. Moreover, their fruit is less liable bo injury from wind, is mure easily thinned and gathered ; the tree also affords a quicker return and is inure readily pruned than the standard. It is essentially the tree for the amateur, as a good collection of varieties can be grown on a limited space, and the pleasure of watching the development of their crops can be obtained without difficulty. A skilfully managed plantation of these trees. comprising a collection of the best varieties -such, for instance. ^ as may lie seen at Glewston Court. Iojss is a good object -lesson. Many might profit by inspecting such before planting if we draw conclusions f rom the badly managed trees to lie often met with. Far too frequently trees arc badly planted and left with hut little further attention. Accommodating as the Apple undoubtedly is. its .lops cannot lie reaped in this way. and I will note briefly some of the most important points to he ob- served in its management. In Preparing for Planting, efficient drainage should lie ensured and the ground he trenched at least •_' feet in depth, keeping the top spit on the surface. This should he done early enough to allow the soil to become sufficiently settled before November, which is the best time for planting. When selecting trees, young ones that have been re- planted the previous season should be preferred. If their roots are dry when received, they should he for a time plunged in water. In plant- ing, place the trees 1'2 feet asunder, as this distance permits the sun's rays to penetrate amongst ordinary- sized hushes without space being wasted. Any damaged ends of roots should he removed by a clean up- ward cut and holes made sufficiently deep to allow the stem being placed in the soil to the same depth as before being lifted. Spread out the roots regularly in a horizontal posi- tion. The trees should also he lirmly staked and mulched with short manure. In giving a description of trees for planting 1 omitted to mention Stocks. Opinions about these arc divided, hut for the ordi- nal v sized hush and pyramid 1 prefer what is known as the English Paradise. Trees worked upon this are more moderate in growth, require less attention as regards root -pruning, and are more prolific when in a young state (too prolific in some cases, but this evil, if it may he so termed, can be easily remedied by thinning) than arc those upon the free stock. The line bushes at Cardiff Castle are upon the Crab and have never been root-pruned, and no trees hear better crops. It should he added that they have been planted twenty or more years, and possess heads as large as ordinary-sized stand- ards. It would he interesting to know from Mr. Pettigrew if they bore freely or not when young. The Pruning of the Apple is not difficult. In winter, after planting, cut hack the young wood a few inches to STEWING PEARS. A Note on Recent New Kimis. In The Garden, vol. hi., p. 512, "A. D." lias a useful note on stewing Pears generally, and on two varieties, which recently gained awards of merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, particularly. With respect to the one he calls Notcutt's Winter a bud pointing outwards, and this rule of cutting to an outward hud should be followed until the tree has grown to full size. The centre of the tree should he kept free, and crowding of branches, which is not an unfreipient error, must be avoided. 1 will conclude these notes by giving a short Selection or Varieties suitable for bushes and pyramids. Numerous Orange one would like to ask, Why Notcutt's equally valuable varieties are' necessarily omitted. Winter Orange is an all-sufficient name that then Dessert kinds : Beauty of Bath. Worcester Pear- main, King of the Pippins, Cox's Orange Pippin, Kihston Pippin, Adams' Pearmain, Ross Nonpareil, Braddiek's Nonpareil, Egremont Russet. Brown lee's Russet, Allington Pippin, Claygate Pearmain, Court pendu Plat. Fearn's Pippin, and Stunner Pippin. Kitchen kinds : Lord Suffield, on cold soil substitute Lord Grosvenor ; Ecklinville. The Queen, Stirling Castle, Peasgood's Nonsuch. Lord the best cropper, and I do not Derby, Warner's King, Blenheim Orange, Bis- having had a failure. I showed it years ago at the Drill Hall anion is no need for disturbing, seeing that the Pear under that name is quite an old, though perhaps not well known, inhabitant of Last Anglian gar- dens and orchards. The apathy shown towards stewing Pears pointed out by " A. D." must be the reason that it is not well known. For many years it was my most valued variety of its class. for, in addition to its good quality, it was always emember ever n March some \" ^ collection of Apples, but it was not then recognised by some of our greatest authorities on hardy fruit. With respect to Double de Guerre, recognition has also been tardy. Lou- don mentions it as having been intro- duced from Belgium before 1815. It is also figured and described in Hort. Trans., 2nd scr. . i. Loudon gives as a synonym Double Krijgs, and de- scribes it as large, oblong-obovate, brownish russet and red : season No- vember to February : stews tender, good hearer, and succeeds well as a standard. J. C. TaLLACK. PEAR NE PLUS MEURIS. Tins is a good winter Pear where n does well, but I must agree with a , ,y recent writer that it is capricious *\', ^ ^ as to locality and soil. In Suffolk #^ - 1 found it far from good, and it was generally used for stewing just before it ripened ; onl}- once or twice was it fit for dessert, anil it usually showed spots of decay in the skin when it approached ripeness. At Galloway Mr. Day used to grow it well, and the high quality and large size of the fruits he grew were a surprise to me. and I can fully understand its being a favourite where it does so well, as it is always a good cropper. Galloway, though well north, has a favoured climate, and Pears that grow well there could not, perhaps, be recommended for culture further inland. Herein the midlands all the specimens I have seen of the variety in question have been poor and scrubby. A Pear that will surpass this and most other late varieties is President Baralic. J. C. T. A NEW APPLE: Ml:. I. Enrol, n HE ROTHSCHILD. marek. Lane's Prince Albert, Schoolmaster, Belle de Pontoise, Sandringham, Newton Wonder, and Dumelow's Seedling. Tims. CooMKER. The ffendre Harden", Monmouth. APPLE MR. LEOPOLD DE ROTHSCHILD. One of the interesting new fruits of the past year was this Apple, named after Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, and it is the result of a cross between ( 'ox's Orange Pippin and that brilliantly coloured Crab, John Downie. It is a tree that should he planted in the future, not for the sake of profit, but to give beauty and colour to the garden. The fruit is yellow in colour and of a very agreeable flavour, pleasantly acid, not mawkish and mealy. The (.'rah parentage is more plainly marked than that of the Pippin. That this new fruit bears abundantly is evident from the illustration, which shows a tree heavily burdened with fruit. LATE WHITE CRAPES. Apart from the Muscat of Alexandria the supplj of good late white Grapes is meagre, and. as far as I know, little progress has been made in this direction with new varieties. I do not think the old White Tokay and Trebbiano have been beaten when well finished, and another late white which is good when skilfully grown, as all late Grapes must he to get them really fit for table, is the old Raisin de Calabre, for it keeps splendidly and is handsome when well finished and clear in the skin. Mrs. Pearson does not appear to make much headway, as it takes as much growing as Muscat of Alexandria and is just as capricious,' for one onlv sees it in good condition now and then. One would like to hear more about the keeping qualities of Lady Hutt, as if it would hang well, its popularity for planting would soon increase. 1 have never had any experience with it nor have I seen it hanging later than October, but I was impressed with its good quality for eating, and hope its qualities for hanging are equal. J. C. T. •Tantaky 1:1, 1900. THE GARDEN. 35' ORCHIDS. THE YANIEEA. () one could make the Vanilla plant profitable in this country — at least, such is my experience Nsucli is my experience— but it may be grown sometimes in the place of plants less interesting. There are only a few species, and I shall not consider at length more than one— that here illustrated namely, V. planifolia, which is of chief commercial value; indeed, I think the others have no economic value whatever. The Vanilla is the only Orchid that gives fruit of any value, and though V. aromatica is sometimes grown for its fruit, I have been told by travellers who have studied the plants in their native habitat that the species illustrated and aromatica are so much alike, that they can lie placed in the same class. The Vanilla is a native of the Tropics, ami is a climbing plant with dark green rooting stems with fleshy leaves, and the flowers arc borne on short spikes produced at the axils of the leaf and on the well-matured W 1 of the previous year. As regards the flowers, few Orchids are less interesting, as they are of a dull green colour, anil the individual flowers on each spike are never open all at one time, and only last a few hours during bright sunshine. The pods when ripe are valuable for flavouring ices, chocolates, sweets, and form one of the best aromatic perfumes. The best of the species for its bloom is undoubtedly V. Phakenopsis, a most interesting plant and a species well worth culture in all collections, the flowers being large and beautifully coloured. The fruiting variety with us grows very freely indeed on the back wall of a warm house devoted to Bananas, and though we have it in other positions, such as on the end of warm plant houses, it is not so satisfactory, as it gets less sun, and I find that unless the new growth is well ripened by exposure to the sun, feu pods are obtained the next season. There is, however, no difficulty whatever in getting ample growth, and slight shade must be given during the hottest part of the day ami also abundantVsupplies of atmospheric moisture. We nave fre- quently secured growth 10 feet to 12 feet long in a single season, showing its usefulness for covering a wall. To make my meaning deal, one season, the sun being hot, we covered the roof with a permanent, though light, shade through the Summer months, and were picas,, 1 to note the Splendid growths made, also the better colour Mthe leaves ; but the next year the crop of fruit was very poor, owing to the new w 1 not maturing properly. Anyone can grow this plant if given a brisk heat and ample moisture, not so much at root as in the atmo- sphere. The plant roots freely from the stems and fastens its roots on either wood or brick- work which affords moisture. About 6 inches of sod are provided for the roots. The soil, consist- ing of fibrous peat, sphagnum, charcoal, and '•lean potsherds, is placed in a kind of shallow box or trough. Every season early in the year a large number of the new growths are detached bom the top of the wall and the base is placed in the- beds, burying the air roots in the new material given. As the old growths have a te'ldencj to gel naked at the base it is well to keep the wall furnished, and by annual planting of young growths we get fruit much lower down the wall than if the top growths were left, as there is always an upward tendency and the growth is stronger at the top. As regards the Proper Temperatu res, a few degrees of heat more or less are of little consequence providing there is no hick of moisture. We frequently allow the tempera- ture, where the Vanilla does best, to run Up to I'll or more, at the same time syringing freely and Hooding all parts of the house with water. The new growth is made from February to August, after the last-named date no shade of any kind being needed, and only during the hottest part of the day, say from eleven to two, in .May. June, and July, l-'roni September to February the plants may be given a tempera- have had double that number, but often less. This season We have fewer pods in a cluster, but they are much finer, some measuring over 1 2 inches in length. 1 should add they need six to nine months to mature on the plant, and when ready they begin to turn yellow. When gathered they should be placed in tissue and dried in drawers in a warm, They then keep good for years. ( '<■ Wythes. dry paper room. CORRESPONDENCE. D W A RF I X G P E R E N N I A L FLOWERS. [To the Editob of "Tin: Garden."] n:. s As one who lias been interested in the article by Mr. E. H. Jenkins on the subject of cutting down Pyrethrum uliginosum and other flowers for the purpose of reducing their height. I would like to make some remarks on the general subject. I may premise, however, that the plants I have tried have been retarded in the time of their flowering, which is con- trary to the experiments of your corre- spondent. The results may ' have been affected by different climatic conditions. With me they were in the same direction as cutting hack Delphiniums or Campan- ulas to secure later flowers. Generally speaking. I am averse to dwarfing our stately and effect-giving flowers, and prefer to have them as near their average height as possible. Now that we have so many Asters of different heights it is almost unnecessary to cut these down, except, it may be, in 'the case of some of the Novie-Anglise section. whose colours are not readily obtained among the Starworts of dwarfer habit. There are also so many Phloxes now-a-days, that it is not difficult to select a sufficient number of naturally dwarf habit, so as to avoid increasing the work of the garden unnecessarily by cutting them down. Of course, this cutting back can he done, but a nardcn generally supplies plenty of work without undertaking that which can be avoided. Pyrethrum uliginosum is quite a differenl flower, and one has seen it dwarfed by being rut back, to the great advantage of the garden. So far as I can at present remember, we have no flower of FRUIT or nil' vanili \ perennial habit which can take- its place at (Photographed at Syon House.) the time it blooms. Unfortunately, in old . . . gardens this period is too late to permit of ture of about fid at night, increasing ."> to Hi this process being carried out satisfactorily. The by day, with less moisture at the roots and true remedy will be secured by the seedling raiser in the atmosphere. During the time the plants giving us a variety of dwarfer habit which would are in bloom they should be kept on the dry require no cutting back. s. Arxott. side as regards syringing. &g*r*%£m I have not referred to the most important period, namely, when the plants are in bloom and the setting of the fruit, which is the most difficult part of the cultivation, as unless some knowledge is obtained of the structure of the flower there will be loss of fruiting-pods. I have never seen a single pod fertilised by insect agency, though 1 have kept a strict look-out. as we have never obtained pods unless fertilised by hand. ( )f course the wink needs considerable care, and it is necessary to fertilise about mid day just as the sun is shining brightly. In weather the pollen is not easily distributed, and care is needed that in opening or lifting the column no injury is done to the anther and stigma. The pods soon attain their full size and are usually from 5 inches to 8 inches long. A POT To Tl CULTURE v. Editoe or ' OF PLUMS' The Garden."] Sir, It was pleasant to read at page 7 that so thoroughly good a gardener as Mr. Hudson was advocating growing Plums in pots, as it was an old weakness of mine. Last year, owing to the hard foists iii .May. there was a very short crop out of doors, but we had good Plums from tins « liieh had been in pots for about 4."> years. I fear thai these must be now feeling rather confined in their dull '">tS ' 'key liave nnt nad a shift for some years and cannot have another, as they are now as much as a man and a boy can carry when put out to ripen then fruit. In old days at the Crystal Palace they thought most of si/,-. I got Pond's Seedling anil other big Plums so as to he able to show them, but sent in Transparent Gage, pointing out flavour, and good set is from six to nine pods in a cluster. We got a second prize. I agree with Mr. Hudson thai 36 THE GARDEN; [.Iwi ai:y 13, 1900. this is a most desirable Plum, as. besides being of excellent flavour, it isyery pretty in a dish, I used to think thai why orchard houses did not become bo genera] as they deserved is that they require haul work, especially in watering, and there is nut so much honour and glori toa high-class gardener in grow- ing cool-house fruit as first-class Grapes, Orchids, &c. I used tu recommend to friends putting up orchard houses to put them in the hands of a sensible man, though nut a highly- trained gardener, ami give him the work ami the credit. Two friends, great Orchid growers of those days, offered me their orchard-house trees if I would pay fur their carriage. This confirmed me in the above opinion. I gave t In' same advice to Mr. Barron when he put up tin' orchard house at Chiswick, that was paid fur by tlie results of the Royal Horticultural Society's show at Bury St. Edmunds. Many years ago, when Mr. Dunn showed me the Dalkeith gardens, knowing him tu he a great authority, I asked what he thought of orchard houses. His opinion did not seem favourable. When I began to take the other side, he stopped with "I'm nut speaking of your orchard houses." GEORGE I'\ WlLSON. Wtyhridgi . FRUIT BOOKS. FARMING PROFIT.* FOR THIS practical book upon fruit fanning by a master of his subject has gone into a fourth edition, and we shall be sur- prised, if further editions are not called for in the near future. Fruit farming has gained many adherents during recent years. Those who enter upon this industry do so with a greater knowledge than heretofore, realising that fruit culture is no mere fancy gardening that can he undertaken with a very superficial know ledge of stocks, varieties, and other matters necessary if the fruit basket is to he tilled to overflowing. Such books as Mi'. Bimyard's do much towards promoting a proper knowledge of fruit culture in its many forms, and may he recommended as a guide to the beginner and to the many who have failed through want of knowledge. It must he remembered that fruit farming is an industry requiring careful training, and is nut always a gold- mine. So many false statements have appeared to the effect that fruit farming spells "fortune," that the more quickly they arc upset the better for those who embark in the business. That fruit growing is a national industry of importance is unquestionable, and hooks of the same worth as Mr. Bunyard's will make smoother the beginner's path. The following extract will show the nature of the information given. It concerns Fruits not much Grown, and forms chapter XV., p. 95. " No one can see the laborious efforts of the Vine growers on the Continent, with their miles of terraced hillsides where a lodgment is effected for their favourite fruit by sheer labour, without thinking that there are many wild places in England where not only Grapes, but Figs and possibly Peaches could lie grown in quantity. In Devonshire and the south there are many wild places where, with protection, much useless rocky land could he utilised, and old disused quarries, gravel pits, and sand holes he made luxuriant; while there are many ponds and damp situations which could he planted with Quinces. These sell well, and a taste for them is growing. Quince marmalade is a very acceptable relish ; and a few trees about the farmyard and duck pond would not only be lovely in flower, but produce fine fruit. Tu return to our plan. "Grapes. — The white Sweetwater and Gamay Xuir with tl Id Black Cluster are generally very acceptable, and would he mure so were they better cultivated and the hunches and lurries thinned out. They would then ripen and have larger berries. Many old buildings and sheds are made picturesque by a covering ofvines j and in the case of quarries, iVc. they could, perhaps, lie made tu hang over the edges un wooden frames, if the soil was not sufficiently deep to plant them below; the large south or west gables of houses, barns, &c, could he filled with Vines, and if the situation was very- good, Miller's Burgundy and Black Hamburgh could In- tried, as w ell as the White Muscadine, ( 'hasselas Vibert, and other hardy white Grapes. Under glass, if they can he well done, Grapes do pay. The importations of fruit from the Channel Islands and the Continent has brought down the price of hot house fruit produced in this country by one- half; and further, so many gentlemen's gardeners have orders to sell their surplus crop, that the amateur has little chance of competing with them ; though, if the handy man about the garden, or, as sometimes happens, one of the family take a pleasure in looking after such things, they may be grown to advantage, but we should prefer to sell the crop at a price to a dealer and let him take the risk. The high prices good Grapes realise in our large cities and towns, and the low figure they make wholesale, is a most dismal outlook for growers just starting : and as those princes of culture, the market florists, have now taken up the growth of late Grapes by the acre in their usual energetic manner, this matter must be thoroughly weighed before investing in 'glass.' "Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots.- These require so much care on walls, and the spring climate has for several years been so against them, that they cannot be recommended for open-wall culture at a profit, as when a crop is taken, it may be general, and prices consequently low. We have found the large-growing latekinds, such as Dymond, Sea Eagle. Barrington, and Princess of Wales, the best. Among Nectarines. Lord Napier and Elruge, white fleshed, and Humboldt and Rivers' Orange, yellow fleshed, are the best. The orchard house system of culture gives hetter results. Here with partial heat, or even without it, good crops are taken, and when water is abundant for syringing, they can be well grown. We would prefer, how- ever, to have them trained flatly. 1 foot under the glass : and if attention is paid to thinning the shoots and fruit, wonderful examples are produced. The best results are obtained from trees planted out, and the marvellous 18-oz. fruit grown at Bexley have astonished all growers. Remember always to send Peaches to market before they are fully ripe. As before alluded to, we are inclined to think early Peaches might be grown on bushes in favourable spots in the open air,* especially where there is a mixture of chalk in the soil. Probably if for a few years tacked to a sand- stone bank or rock, and then allowed to grow naturally, merely thinning the boughs, a result might be obtained. The same remarks apply to Apricots, but the Orange and Breda only should be experimented on. Nothing is more injurious to these stone fruits than high cultivation in outside trees, as we generally get a wet time after the first growth is completed, and they then make fresh wood freely, which our short English summers prevent from becoming ripe enough to resist the rigours of winter. Probably a covering, such as is used for Vine borders, would obviate this, by throwing off' excess of moisture from the roots. In all cases the soil must he firm, and no stimulants should be used till the fruit is set. " Flos are like Tomatoes and oysters, a taste for them has to be acquired, and when a person begins to like, they become greedily fond of them. Tu many parts of Kent they grow well on hushes or standards, on land where there is but little depth of soil, and only require a partial thinning of the branches annually, while along the southern and western coast of Britain they flourish and make trees. They delight in a dry corner ; the hardiest are the Brown Turkey, Malta, and Marseilles, but * "Fruit farming fur Profit." By George Bunyard, The Royal Nurseries Maidstone, broni the author, 2s. Hit., nr lice by post , 2S. '.i'l. Wonderful crops have been obtained by .Mr. Blackmore, at Teddington, from the early American sorts, tint lie >tairs that it was nut till the trees were s |,et lii-h that they cropped ami perfected their fruit, Osborn's Prolific and others might he tried. When Fig trees are heavily cropped, a free use of liquid manure in a dry season will assist the fruit into size. As in must large gardens a Fig huiise is now the rule, there will probably sunn he a demand for a cheaper class of fruit : none is more acceptable on the breakfast-table. Good Figs were 12s. per dozen in May in London. " .\ very interesting account of tin- Fig orchards in Sussex appeared in Tin-: Garden, May In, 1890, from which we extract the following noti 'The best kind for open air culture is the Brown Turkey, and the trees are allowed to grow- naturally without pruning, and among them is one said to have been planted by Thomas a Becket, which has hireh sur\l\:d 1:. lug st I'll: k l:v li_httung in 1SS.: They prefer a gravelly subsoil, and lime rubbish and similar materials are added as a dressing to the rich surface loam, .lust before ripening, the Figs are placed into bags, to protect them from birds, otherwise they arc sure tube spoiled. The larger trees have stakes and cross pieces to keep the houghs from the ground, and so greatly are they now appreciated, that they sell for as much each as they formerly fetched per dozen.' Chalk rubbish appears to form a good foundation for their roots to work in, and no doubt the introduction of broken bricks, stones, cinders, &c, would keep the trees from making too gross shoots, and enable them to ripen their wood. " Mulberries. These arc seldom seen in market, they so soon spoil after picking. So far as we know, no use has yet been made of them as a preserve They may become useful in dyeing, the stains being very intense. "Blackberries. — One of our most delicious fruits as a preserve — in fact, with cream, quite an exotic dish is produced : hut these are generally suffered to grow wild. Many stony hanks, probably the heaps of refuse from quarries, chalk works, lead works, ha. . might be planted with them to advantage. The jam-maker who first had a stock would be able to command a large price after the flavour became known. On Lord Sudeley's estate the Brambles arc allowed to grow in the hedges. and Blackberry jelly and jam have yielded large returns. They are also cultivated in Kent. The selected British one is very tine, hut the Americas varieties have failed to succeed in this climate The cut-leaved kind is very productive and free in growth. Many sides of railways, mads. &c, would grow these well. Can be propagated by cuttings made from the roots and long shoots. The new Logan Berry will he a gain in this direction. " Quinces might be planted as before alluded to. Cheap trees of these as two-year-old cuttings could he at first planted, or half standards. They require no pruning for some years ; merely thin the branches; The best kinds arc the pear-shaped and Portugal, both large-fruited varieties. " Medlars. — We have sold trees of these tor market. The large - fruited kind forms a flat- beaded tree, and the Royal an upright tree : the former is the best for market. As the green fruit is quite uneatable, they could he planted in the hedgerows ; and those who are expert could graft them on the Whitethorn already there, but to save time they should lie purchased from a nursery. They arc marketed in quarter sieves and in punnets, and are reputed to produce a fair return, and are becoming greatly sought after both for dessert anil jelly. " Bilberries, Cranberries, and V\ atercresses are crops which those having especially suitable places could cultivate, and even the Heath could be grown for broom-making with advantage." THE GARDEN ANNUAL. Tilts useful annual, almanack and address I k for the present year has been recently published. It is an excellent reference book for the garden lilnai \ and full of good general information such as a gardener requires occasionally in his work. Addresses are given of gardeners in the British Isles, nurserymen, societies with their secretaries, and the new plants and fruits of the past year arc recorded also. It is published at .'?7, Southampton Street, Strand. W.C., and will he sent post free for Is. 3d. i, m. ^fey- GARDEN. 95^^ No. 1470.— Vol. I/VII.] [January 20, 1900. FALSE IDEALS. NOTHING is more frequent in seed lists than to find the words " dwarf and compact" used in praise of some annual plant, and used with an air of conviction, as if to say : "There ! now we have got it 'dwarf and com- pact.' We have done our whole duty by it; buy it and grow it, and be happy." Is it an ungenerous and ungrateful act on the part of some of us that we are not content to accept "dwarf and compact" as the end of all beauty I Is it not rather, as we venture to think, a question that demands the most careful consideration and the exercise of the most well-balanced judgment in the case of each individual kind of plant that is com- monly grown for the adornment of our gardens ! For planting beds in a geometrical garden, where the object is merely to fill spaces of certain shapes with a mass of some chosen colour, these dwarfed plants are all very well, and no doubt this is a way of gardening that has its uses. But because the dwarfed form may suit such use in perhaps one garden out of a hundred, it is not a reason for denying the hest possible form that the plant might have to the other ninety-nine. May it not be one of the many cases in which the practice of what is easiest has falsely taken the place of what is best ! For anyone of tin- meat firms who benefit us by growing acres upon acres of beautiful plants t"i seed, to accept as a general article of faith that all annual plants are the better for dwarf- ing, is certainly to adopt an attitude of mind which does not put an undue or fatiguing strain upon the imagination. It is, no doubt, very easy to make this mis- take, for here and there is a plant that just does want a certain degree of dwarfing, and when such a form occurs in a seed-bed, the condensing of the mass of bloom at once gives the dwarfed plant the appearance of being better furnished, and the idea, adopted with good reason in the case of one seed-bed, is apt '"draw away the mind from other considera- tions, and to fix also, in the case of others, "ii that special quality as the one most worthy "t encouragement. So it goes on from plant to plant, until it has come to be much too readily accepted among seed-growers, seed- aerchants, and gardeners that "dwarf and compact'' is necessarily a term of praise, and m He- greater number of cases the most desir- able habit tor an annual plant, It is true that with many plants we are still at liberty to choose, and that in seedsmen's lists we are offered both tall and dwarf kinds of such plantsas Larkspurs, Marigolds, Zinnias, Salpiglossis, and so on. But, on the other hand, there are good things of which only the dwarfed forms remain, and though a great many people who love their gardens would be glad to have the plants in the bolder shape, the desired form is denied them. Part of the difficulty also comes from the pursuit of novelty as a quality that is thought to be desirable in itself. When, in the course of its cultivation, a plant does come to have some high degree of beauty of form and flower, how rarely do the producers seem to recognise the fact that here is a beautiful thing to be treasured and guarded, and not driven further into direc- tions that detract from that beauty, merely for the sake of some newer, but not necessarily better, development. During the past autumn we have been more than ever struck with the beauty of that grand autumn plant, the French Marigold. To the end of October, and even into November, in the half-light of the afternoon of early winter, the gorgeonsness of these fine flowers was unequalled by anything else in the garden. The 2-feet-high plants, of bold and handsome growth, were generously set with glowing bloom of ample quantity, but not crowded. One kept coming back and back to them with a sense of thankful admiration, and a conviction that here was the very best this good plant could do. The individual flowers, of deepest orange and rich mahogany, had the folds of the petals just close enough to give the flower the utmost richness, and to display the glorious colour to the very best advantage. Beside these grand things it was impossible to see without a feeling of regret for good effect wasted, some others, that to judge by illustrated seed-lists, would appeal to be considered of more orthodox excellence. "Dwarf and compact" they cer- tainly were, but without an atom of grace or beauty and with tightly folded flowers, looking like sections of cut gingerbread. Some whole families of favourite plants want deliverance from this thraldom. A note last week dealt with this question as it relates to China Asters, but we also want bolder forms in all the families of Stocks. We want the whole plant more free of growth and more branched ; we want them more beautiful. What Wall- flowers are so fine as the great bushy ones in cottage gardens on a fairly stiff soil 1 What dwarf garden Wallflower can compare with them '. The over - doubling of flowers is another matter that is often fatal to beauty. Many a flower is the better for a judicious degree of doubling, but when it is carried too far it turns what should be a handsome flower into a mis- shapen absurdity. This has been done in the case of Zinnias. In this fine thing moderate doubling is a gain, on a well-grown plant a couple of feet high. But there is a monstrous form where many rows of petals show one above the other. In this the flower is robbed of all its natural beauty and becomes an absurd cone of quite indefensible ugliness, and it is all the more deplorable an object when this monstrous flower is grown on a dwarfed plant. The orthodox Hollyhock is also much too tightly doubled, so that it becomes a tight wrinkled hemisphere. The beautiful Holly- hock has a distinct wide outer petticoat, and the inner portion is not so tightly packed but that its component petals, though closely grouped and loosely crumpled, admit of the free play of light and colour. The undesirable influence of a false ideal and of the rage for novelty, rather than a calm judgment of what is most beautiful, is also seen in the matter of colour. Some flowers have naturally only a tender tinting, which seems to be so much a part of their true nature, that attempts to force them into stronger colouring can only detract from their refine- ment. Such a plant is the delicious Mignon- ette, with a tender colouring that seems like a modest self-deprecating introduction to its delicious and wholesome quality of sweetness. The slightly warmer shade of the anthers in the plant of normal tinting, with a general absence of any positively bright colouring, is exactly in accordance with the plant's true character, and with that modest charm that gives it a warm place in every good gardener's heart. But when, as in some of the recent so-called improvements, the graceful head is enlarged and condensed into a broad, thickened squatness, with large brick-red anthers, that modest grace that formed the essence of the sweet flower's charm is entirely gone, and in its place we are offered a thing that has lost all beauty and has only gained a look of coarseness. These broad, thick blooms have also a suspicion of rank quality about their scent that was never apparent in the older forms. All honour and grateful acknowledgment are due to seed growers both at home and abroad for the many grand plants that we owe to their careful labours. We know that 38 THE GARDEN. Jam u:v 20, 1000. thej will take our remarks in good part, and communications not only from those who hold after all it is only by letting them know what the highest places in the horticultural world. is wanted tint we ina\ expect perhaps some day to get it. lint from eminent botanists and other men of science whose learning bears upon the subjects we have in hand. — Eds. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVO- LENT INSTITUTION. As our report on another page shows, this institution, thanks to the solid work performed by all concerned in its management, has flourished exceedingly during the past year. There must be no standing still. This organisa- tion should increase greatly in usefulness and prosperity, as various country branches are founded to carry its good work into districts far removed from the metropolis. Its work is not "local," though when the chief business is centred around a London office, those far removed from its headquarters are thus apt to regard it. For that reason the great movement taking place of establishing branches in various parts of the British Isles should lie encouraged, anil the gardener urged to support an organisa- tion founded for his benefit in times of trouble and distress. lint gardeners give somewhat half-hearted support to the institution, partly, we think, because they have never studied its working and may be forgetful that health and vigour are uncertain. The annual subscription is small and may generally be afforded by gardeners of all degrees, and it is their duty to think of possible troubles in the future, when the institution may be appealed to for succour. This benevolent institution is for gardeners, and gardeners only, and they should act their part in contributing towards its maintenance. The past year of progress may not continue in L900 ; the nation is plunged in war, and the purse-strings untied for our soldiers fighting for its welfare across the seas. Let the gardeners, therefore, play their part in helping this excellent institution, remembering that its continued and increased prosperity means greater opportunities of giving assistance in time of need. We hope the annual subscribers will increase, as these form a solid foundation, and those who intend to help forward the institution may be reminded that the ex- pense of management (£700) is covered by the interest derived from invested funds, and there yet remains a further B200from the same source for relief. Every penny received each year from subscriptions and donations therefore goes to benefit the gardener or his widow in dis- tress. I luring the past few years its good work has been extending, and it remains for the gardeners of the British Isles and those interested in horticulture to declare whether this happy condition of things is to continue in the future. THE FRUIT GARDEN. LATE PEARS. IT is not enough that there should be plenty of good Pears. We have such in abundance, but the bulk of them are ripe and over by the end of November, and too often what is left is of inferior quality. To have really good Pears that, besides I icing of fail- size, are clean, handsome, of good colour, and have si .ft smooth flesh full of juice and of fair flavour, up to the end of February is indeed difficult, and myriads of even fair Pear growers fail in that respect. At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society one of the ablest Pear growers in the kingdom (Mr. Wood- ward, gardener to Mr. Roger Leigh. Barham Court, Maidstone) placed before the fruit committee very fine samples of an old variety, Passe Crassane, usually regarded as a December Pear, and the well-known yet comparatively little-grown Doyenne d'Aleng-on. This latter Pear has been in commerce many years, but till the meeting of the 9th hist, had never received any award from the Royal SOME WELCOME ENCOURAGE- MENT It is extremely gratifying to see how The Garden's old friends are coming forward to support it in its new life. We take it not only as evincing general interest in horticulture and as a kindly desire to strengthen the hands of those who are now responsible for the paper's management, but as an acknowledgment due to the g 1 work it has done in the past. I )l this we have a signal proof, as not unworthy of expression by one who holds his high office, in the sonnet that the Poet Laureate honoured us by writing. Xo one loves a garden better than Mr. Austin, or has written of it with more delicate and delightful sympathy. Other names honoured in literature will also appear in our pages, a ml we a re receiving cordially sympathetic especially when the fruits arc swelling, and par- ticularly in the autumn, the roots get occasional soakings of water, which do wonders in helping to swell the fruits. When the bloom is sot in the spring and fruits arc well formed, thinning lakes place early, and whilst that process is not hard, yet it is enough to enable good fruits in ample quantity to be produced. Thinning is too often left late, when it had liettcr have hccii done a month sooner. As the fruits attain size land under such good treatment they soon become double the size late Pears ordinarily are), that they may hang on the trees as long as possible, a piece of raffia or soft twine is tied to the fruit stem and fairly tight to the branch from which the fruit hangs. This is found most helpful in keeping the fruits attached to the tree to the very last moment of their maturation, and with late Pears that com- plete maturation is a matter of the first moment that is too seldom considered. Even should the fruits become detached from the tree, they are held safe and do not fall and become injured. A. I). A GOOD WINTER PEAR (PASSE CRASSANE) — REDUCED. ( /-',-..,,. ,i photograph "' fruit shown by Mr. Roger Leigh (gardener, Mr. W Iward), Barham Court, Maidstone, at the last meeting of the It. U.S.). Horticultural Society, probably because never pre- viously shown in such good condition. But because so shown, and found to lie of such comparative excellence on the above date for the time of year, an award of merit was granted to it. These are not, of course, the only good late Pears in cultiva- tion. A further list 'of capital varieties, where they be well grown, may be found in Easter Beurre, Josephine de Malines, Marie Benoist, Beurre' Ranee, President Barabe, and Ne plus Meuris, so that there is no lack of good late Pears. But how few can obtain such superb samples as Mr. Woodward does, and the illustration given of Passe Crassane shows what these Barham Court late Pears are. But whilst too many persons would attribute the success there obtained to soil or climate, the grower attributes it to cultural atten- tion. The trees of both Passe Crassane and Doyenne d'Alencon are twenty years old. They are of the usual horizontal-trained form and are on a west wall. It may lie said that a wall having a west or slightly north- west aspect is the very best for late Pears. Each winter the soil, some 3 inches or 4 inches deep, is stripped from over the tree roots, and on the latter is placed a good dressing of half- decayed manure. Some of the soil is then cast hack' over the manure. That dressing has a very potent effect on the swelling and nutrition of the flower-buds. Then during the following season, PEAR PASSE CRASSANE. Tins excellent Pear was shown in such fine condition by Mr. Woodward, of Barham Court Gardens, at the recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, that a few words as to its value for use at this season, when there are so few really good Pears, may not he out of place. It has been grown for nearly half a century in this country, but I fear in a very few gardens can one meet with such excellent specimens as the fruit illustrated in The Garden. As the name suggests, it is of continental origin, having been first fruited at Rouen some forty-six years ago, and it has only recently been recognised by the fruit committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, receiving a first-class certificate. It may be asked why such an excellent fruit as regards its flavour is not better known, and my answer is that in many gardens it is not nearly so free bearing as one might wish, and in others it does not crop at all if the trees are hard pruned summer and winter, and even in the most favoured localities it needs wall protection. I am able to give Mr. Woodward's mode of culture, and it is one very easily carried out. It consists in not pruning too hard and allowing the trees to make a season's growth without stopping or training. Treated thus, I am aware the trees do not present the neat appearance usually seen in a well-kept garden, but appearances must not in this case be considered, and though the trees are cut back in winter, by leaving the wood till that season the buds at the lower part of the trees give fruit, which if the trees were cut back in summer would not be the case. Even in the renowned Kent soil this variety is grown on a west wall, and I think Mr. Woodward is an advocate of root-pruning this variety, and there can be no question whatever as to the quality of his fruits, as those illustrated were little in- ferior to those of Doj'enne du Cornice at its best in December. I have tried to grow this variety as a cordon, but failed, and, of course, my failure cannot be wondered at if the trees need the free growth as allowed at Barham Court. I have also tried trees double-worked, but failed to obtain fruits of the size or quality expected ; but it does not appear necessary to have the trees double- grafted, as the Barham Court trees are on the Quince stock, and they appear to crop every year and give beautiful fruit. Of course, soils may he answerable in some cases for the want of success. but there can be no doubt whatever that some varieties will not bear such frequent pinching and cutting back as others. Only to-day. when look- ing over some young bush trees of Pitmaston Duchess, I was lamenting the necessity for such hard pruning, as the points of the growths were a mass of flower-buds, and to keep the trees within bounds it was necessary to take three parts of the fruiting wood away. It is useless to cut the top- growth and allow the roots to ramble at will, so that root-pruning will occasionally be found necessary. Geo. WythES. January 20, 1900. THE GARDEN. m DAFFODILS at WARLEY PLACE. Essex is by no means notable among English counties for its private gardens, the soil over much cit its acreage being stiff and cold, and its levels Hat and unpicturesque. But even it' it contained no other garden worth a visit, Warley I 'lace alone would relieve Essex of being a negligible quantity to appreciative gardeners. The garden is not of the largest — in my humble judgment it is all the better lor this limitation of space but it would probably be impossible to Hud in England an equal area more absolutely crammed with all that is most beautiful. and choice among plants. Indeed, if it were possible to have a quarrel view, and the garden is fortunate in comprising hill and dale within its modest boundaries, and a soil of super-excellent sandy loam. The Ivy Had house, builton an ancient founda- tion, contains a wealth of beautiful things, witnesses to manifold accomplishments. The little chapel may stand as an example of tasteful and restful simplicity, and the whole history of the instrument-making craft may he learned from the rare collection of the music j room. The remarkably complete horticultural library tells that the garden has effected a lodg- ment within the house, and testifies to the truth that other tasks and pursuits, however full and diverse, are overruled and held in j subordination to the passion for gardening rockeries, mostly mean and incongruous stone heaps, which are entirely out of keeping with the gentle lines of English landscapes. Hut ai Warley you walk, all unconscious, over a stretch of green turf, purpled in February with sheets of the rare wild Crocus, until it suddenly lips over into a miniature stream-bottomed valley. The alpines have entered into possession of their home with a zest which shows how well their wants have been understood. As to the fulness of their numbers, I have a vivid recol- lection of the arduous task which that past- master of nomenclature — Mr. Wolley-Dod— found one spring day in naming the rarer plants. At the lower end of the ravine the streamlet Hows through a cunningly built cave, POLYANTHUS ITIIER NARCISSI AT WARLEY CLACK. With the head gardener, Y.M.H., it would be on the score that she can scarcely herself keep accurate count of the contents of so full a treasury, for this is not her only garden. The care also lies upon her of Tresserve, that terraced bower of glorious bloom, fronted by the purple mountains and blue waters of the Savoyard lake. Not that any overcrowding is implied by the word " crammed," but every foot of ground is occupied, as it should be, by some plant which desires that spot and no other for its full contentment; yet none are minted of soil or sunlight, and there is nowhere aerificing of general effect to petty detail. The site of Warley Place commands a noble where it has once taken possession. Out of I doors the most eminent feature is, perhaps, the alpine garden— if, outside Ireland, anything should lie called "eminent" which issunk below the surface-line. When its construction was being planned, I believe Miss Willmott was counselled to build up the rockwork on the natural surface, but most wisely and success- fully acted on her own better instinct and knowledge, and cut out a deep ravine for its reception. Not only are drought and wind thus largely warded off, but a standing artistic difficulty is solved. Very many otherwise charming gardens seem to me to have been grievously marred by the rage for these the dimly-lit and ever moist abode of the choicest Filmy and other Ferns. The true gardener comes to regard plants much as the Roman poet regarded humanity — " I am a man, and nothing human comes amiss to me." If Miss Willmott were pressed to name her favourite flower, she might probably answer, " Every flower in its season." Yet 1 venture, without her leave, to credit her with a special affection for Hoses and Daffodils. <>! the former, that is to say. Rose species, the Warley collection is probably unique. Very rare and interesting Roses are met with everj where on the placa, and certainly the search for any lost or out-of-the-way kind would be more 10 THE GAKDEN. hopeful at Warlej than in any other European garden. As to Daffodils, the accompanying pl graphs are proof enough that at Warlej they receive no niggardly share of regard and space. The immemorial existence on the estate of the Lenl Lily in complete happiness was rightly taken as an indication of a g 1 Daffodil soil, and a bountiful planting in the grass of the most effective varieties has given results such as arc here shown. The picture containing the seat round the Oak shows the value, at a season when the grass is otherwise Howerless, of large, irregular masses of Daffodils, and especially of the Tazetta or Polyanthus N'areissus. This latter flower light, their massed clusters of bloom have an unrivalled quality of glistening pearliness, while their fragrance is delightful in the open air. In another photograph the lighter effeel is seen of the starry N. incomparabilis and the value of Daffodils against a dark background. Bui Daffodils are not treated merely in this broadcast manner at Warley. A Daffodil dell has been consecrated to a noble collection of the finer kinds, planted informally in clumps and in small beds of varying size and form cut out of I lie natural turf. In the Warley loam the bulbs make that somewhat short, broad-leaved growth, with the flowers showing well above has of 'late, for the foliage, which Daffodil lovers greet as a Jam ai;y 20, 1900. found a home with which they appear well content. That quaint and generally disobliging plant, X. cyclamineus, may In- seen in consider able colonies, thriving and yielding unusually large flowers. X. triandrus, too, is a favourite] ami repays the liking and care bestowed upon it. The photograph shows how appreciative!) the fastidious requirements of this little Spanish Daffodil indulged at Warley Place. (;. H. plant such a: understood am Enulkheab i. STAR DAFFODILS (NARCISSUS INCOMPARABILIS) AT WARLEY PLACE. reason, fallen under a quite sign of well-being, and there are few lovelier as though of merit wholly sights than this dell on an April day of cloud and gleam. In nooks of the alpine garden and other spots are Daffodils of still greater rarity and beauty, many of them not to be found elsewhere. Some of my own seedlings, I am glad to say, particularly the waxen, Fuchsia-like hybrids of N. triandrus, have here some inscrutabh undeserved ban inferior to other Narcissi. It is true that the Tazettas are not all hardy, but several of the very best, such as Grand Monarque and Gloriosa, are perfectly frost-proof m turf any- where 'n the southern half of England. And seen on a showery spring morning, under broken THE WINTER GARDEN. Our gardens in winter have, speaking broadly, not received that thought and attention that they really deserve. " Now is the winter of our discontent " need not lie true of our open air gardens in December or January, even though they must lack, perforce, the brilliant floral colouring of rosy June. One of the facts most obvious to those who look at Nature, at our woods and hedges, and stream-margins in winter, is the delicate forms and the tender shades of colour they display in sunlight or in shade. Every artist is aware of this fact, and our tree-planters and landscape gardeners fail, inasmuch as they but too often confine their attention to spring and summer effects, leaving the late autumn and winter to take care of themselves. It is not always so, I know, but still, as 1 have said, it is too often the case in even what are in other ways considered to be our best gardens. Now and then some attempts are made to gain wintry warmth and colour by evergreens, such as Golden Yews, Euonymus, Hollies, etc., but even these cannot, as I think, compete with the subtle colourings of sonic deciduous trees and shrubs, such as silver or paper Birch, golden or Cardinal Willows, the Dogwood, and free fruiting Roses, especially the Sweet Briar. Red, yellow, and orange-fruited Hollies, Pyracantha, Pernettyas, and Cotoneasters often light up very brightly in the winter sunshine. and more effective use might be made of the Japanese winter Jasmine, the Jonquil-like yellow flowers and Rush-like steins of which contrast effectively with the bronzy leaves of the common Mahonia, or with Ivies of various kinds, especially with the dark leaves of Hedera atropurpurea, the so-called Black-leaved I\\ [t is during the mild winter season that all the hardy Bamboos are at their best, especially in sheltered glades or dells and near to water- margins. I know an old garden near the sea intersected by sheltering beechen hedges, 20 feet or 30 feet in height, and these stand out against sea and sky, being when sunlit of a rich warm old gold or warm russet hue, and the same is true in a minor degree of the pleached hedges of Horn- beam, now, alas ! so rare in gardens. In Sussex there is a broad-margined carriage- drive from which extensive ami varied views o'er wood and downs and hazy blue distances are obtained. It is fringed with Gorse, Dog wood, Willows, and silver Birch, with here and there clumps of Broom and spreading carpets of different kinds of Heather (Erica), and the effect is v'ery delightful all the year. The small low- growing autumnal Furze often flowers through the winter until the larger kind appears, while the Sweet Briar, so fresh and sweet in spring, is now brilliant scarlet with its sealing wax coloured heps. The Scotch Fir, either singly or in groups, never looks better in colour than during the winter, and the same maybe said of all the kinds of conifer* and of the various sorts of Arbutus, and especially the large and January 20, 1900. THE GARDEN. 41 handsome A. andrachnoides or A. bybrida, with its handsome leafage and flower-clusters and its rich red stems. One of the richest and most remarkable of winter effects I ever saw is that afforded by the Sea Buckthorn, as it .mows on the sand- hills near the sea at Courtown Harbour, Countj Wexford. It was introduced near fifty years or so ago, and lias spread about freelj . some of the older specimens under which one ran walk, others only a foot or two high. Inn all densely covered with orange-coloured fruits, visible and effective half a mile away. The river Liffey, at Straffan Bridge, is a glowing picture all through the winter with crimson Dogw I and crimson and golden Osiers, with here and there a silver Birch. The same is the case at Carton, Kildare, where the islands and lake margins are likewise planted with Willows and Dogwood, which glisten after rain, or glow with rich colour in the wintry sun, while wild ducks by the thousand sweep round in their flights or settle to roost there. Longfellow says (or is it Oliver Wendell Holmes i.) that deciduous trees are like beauti- ful big children, and that Nature— the dear old nurse— dresses ami undresses them even year. To many, a stately tree in winter has all the beauty of fine sculpture. The subtle grace and noble proportions are seen all the better when their leafage is away. A group of tall Scotch Fir, or of Beech, or of the silvery-barked Birch MacWhirter's fair "Lady of the Woods" is worthy of close study in all the stages of illumination they undergoon every winter day. In lain, in snow or frost, in bright sunlight or in misty shadow, in strong winds or in dead calms, all trees possess their beauty as thc\ stand up against an ever-changing sky. I once saw the great plumed heads of the Swamp Cypress at Syon House on a grey winter day, and as they towered above the mist and fog they stood out clear as an etching or photograph, and added a touch of sombre mystery to the scenery of Thames-side not easy to describe. In order to obtain the best effects we must group our trees, and not dot them about singly, as is now too often the rule. A single tree is often very beautiful, but let us have, wherever space is ample, groups as well as single specimens for variety and contrast. In all but the most sheltered situations a grout > of any one kind of tree will grow quicker ami become 'e effective sooner than an isolated specim n. a fact probably due to their mutually sheltering each other. Again, no two groups should be planted exactly alike or at the sa listance apart ; they should be arranged with feeling, and not by rule and line Very picturesque groups are often formed when trees are self- sown, or thej ma.\ be made by judiciously thinning out trees from groups or clump's originally planted in a formal way. I remember in Ireland a rough rocky valley that formed part of a demesne and came in full new of the upper windows of the house. The bare rocks <>n either side lacked colour ami *ai iety, but on this being pointed out to an old forester, heat once proposed a remedy. "Sow tic -.limy side with Gorse and I '.room, "said he, "and the shady side with Birch and Scotch 1'ii. The owner at once bad it done ; indeed, bavin*! an inborn feeling for landscape beauty, he directed the actual sowing operations himself tin- following spring, and the result is that a common-place valley is now one of the pretl test and brightest \ iew.s on the place. In districts where our native evergreens are absent, they may often be introduced for shade exposed sites will often thrive where exotics fail. Yew, Box, and Holly but rarely suffer from our hardest winters, and make the best of hedges and shelter-belts whenever such are desired for other low-growing things. A curved river-margin 1 know in Norfolk is fringed with pollard Willows and coloured Osiers, which slope down to the water's edge where the common Reed (Arundo) and black- headed Iteed Mace (Typha) rustle and sway in perceive thai the forces making for life are greater than those which'at present make for the master) of winter. Roots are pushing forth fresh rootlets; sturdy or delicate si is are rising tr the "mother loot." and will bring, in due course, graceful or stately stem and .harming or noble flower. Winter, with all its dreariness to those who love hardy Mowers, is full of budding hopes. It is at this season that we can enjoy to the full the pleasures of hope. The garden year is all before us with its treasures of leaf and' flower, colour and every breeze. between the pollard Willows I perfume— dehghtful to our eyes and char IKY or \ via issl s TRIAJiDRUS VI w \ I ; I . I . i PLACE. jroups of Dogwood and Bamboos, and with the fragrance they exhale. These hopes are i arc day dreams; they are built upon the experience of the past. Yet we need not dwell only on the pleasure of I he future. It is possible even now to draw fr the garden ami its surroundings joys of the highest kind. They may be chastened bj the hardships of the time, but they are joys none the less. If the eve has been opened to sec the numberless charms when the afternoon sunshine falls on these the colour effect is nearly as suit and as tender as that of a rainbow, and any truthful painting of it would bo disbelieved and voted overdone. It is to be hoped that winter gardening will be soon carried out as well as maybe in our London and suburban parks, where all who see may be led to take note of the many hardy , . s,ial, „„t wa]lt ,„,. pleasures. Th( trees, shrubs, and other plants that are beautiful in the open air even during the cold winter days. During recent years much good planting in this direction has been done at Kcw, and all interested could not do better than visit open- air Kew during a winter's day. and note for future use the many plants that there lend themselves to the hand and eye of the land- scape gardener. Here, at least, may !»■ seen most of the beautiful hardy vegetation that by form or colour of stem and branch, leaf and berry, or even actual flower, lights up and cheers our gardens during the winter days. Dublin. V. W. Burbidce, M.A. Mid -belter with good effect, and on cold and W'iikn winter rules almost unchecked we are apt to forget that his reign will sunn come to an end. It we look at .air plants we shall see all around us the evidence thai the power of the season is insuffi- cient ti. hold for long in thraldom the forces of spring. The swelling buds, the points of the plants wln.h. even at tin- earlj time, are thrusting themselves through the cold earth, arc tokens that the time of desolation is fasf giving place to the era of brightness and gladness' If we could see future may not be for us. but the present is ours and it is full of interest. Tile chill breath of w inter has robbed us, it may be. but we are not left desolate. There are yet a few flowers; there will soon be more. There are plants and shrubs and trees whose leaves are proof against the cold ; from their colouring and their beaut \ of form we can draw stores of pleasure and knowledge. Thereare fruits from the flowers of the past : precious relies arc they in their sweet memories, anil beautiful and cheering in themselves. Then have we not the beauty of our deciduous trees, which now" stands revealed in a different aspeet from that of the sweet summer-time? Their grandeur and nobility, then robed with grace, now show in all their greatness. Rugged it may be, or, as with some trees, delicate and graceful yet, but it is beauty still. As we gaze upon these trees and admire (heir noble trunks, their brave branches, and the tracery of their twigs, we think that, after all. wnitcr has his glories, if summer has hers. S. Akmitt. underneath the hard surface of the soil we should Citrus Medica van. Limonum. - We saw recently some very tine fruits of this in the temperate house at Kew. They measured about 9 inches iM length and about 18 inches in girth. 42 THE GARDEN. • I AM AIIY INDOOR GARDEN. ACALYPHA HISPIDA. VERY Large plants of tins are handsome, l>iii it is not everyone who has 1 1 1< ■ conveniences for growing them. Pro- bably tlif must useful plants are those with a single stem and clothed with leaves down to the pot. This plant appears to have no particular season for dowering, and may be had at any time- by striking successional batches of cuttings. As the older plants begin to get leggy the tops should be taken off, inserted singly in small pots, and plunged in bottom heat. It placed under bell-glasses or hand-lights in the propagating pit they root very quickly : indeed, 1 know of scarcely any other plant which so souii tills its puts with roots, consequently they soon want re-potting and this must be repeated bafore they get pot-bonnd, so that they may be kept moving. The soil used should be rich and contain a good proportion of loam. I find that this plant does best in a stove temperature, but the atmosphere should be moderately dry to keep the ornamental tassels in beauty, as dampquickly spoils them. When stoek has to be increased one has to resort to side cuttings from beheaded plants, but these do not make good plants right away, and should only be grown long enough to admit of good leading cuttings being obtained from their tops in turn. T. EUPHORBIA JACQUINLEFLORA AS A CONSERVATORY PLANT. A note lately appeared on the above striking plant, which in mid-winter provides its brilliant flower racemes, absolutely unique at that season of the year in their vivid orange-scarlet colour. The writer of the note' in question Irecommends entire stove culture, and doubtless such 'a course is more 7 feet in width from the back wall to the front lights. Two French windows opened from the living-room into 'he conservatory, and a gentle heat was kept up in the pipes ; but on the trusty day of my visit the thermometer was as low as 5S , a heat amply sufficient for the Chrysanthemums, which formed the chief feature- of the conservatory, but one would have imagined utterly inadequate for the Euphorbia. The plant, however, was flowering freely and appeared in the best of health. It was growing in a border and covered many feet of the wall, and, I was informed, had blossomed satisfactorily for some seasons. The locality was South Devon, and the exposure of that portion of the conservatory which contained the Euphorbia, and which, doubtless, became intensely hot in the summer months, was due south. Possibly the ripening of the wood, induced by the summer roasting, may have enabled the plant to withstand with equanimity the exception- ally low winter temperature to which it was subjected. I!c that as it may. the instance quoted proves the possibility, if not the advisability, of growing and flowering Euphorbia jacquinifeflora in a comparatively low temperature. F. APHELANDRA NLTENS. Ok the numerous bright -coloured Acanthads that bloom during the winter months this is one of the most brilliant, while the foliage is also ornamental. The individual leaves, which are about li inches long and 3 inches wide, are of a deep purple underneath, but on the upper part the colour is a rich bronze which shines as if varnished. The flowers spring from the axils of large adpressed bracts, which form a four - sided spike about 6 inches in length. Their colour is bright scarlet. They do not last very long, but as a succession is kept up for some time from one spike, the flower- ing season of this Aphelandra extends over a lengthened period. It is a native of New Grenada, and was discovered bv Pearce of \ via Issi s CYCLAMINEUS AT IVABI.EV PLACE. likely than any other to be foil >wed by satisfactory results. It is. however, a mistake to infer that because a stove temperature is to be preferred for this subject it is useless to attempt its culture in a cooler structure, since it may occasionally be found doing well under far cooler conditions. An instance of this came under m\ notice a few weeks ago, when I sa\« a large specimen in full bloom on the back wall of a conservatory that followed an angle of the dwelling-house, the portion in which the Euphorbia was growing being only about tuberous Begonia fame when travelling for .Messrs. Veiteh, with whom it first flowered in 1868. Like its allies, this Aphelandra succeeds with ordinary stove or warm greenhouse treatment. H. P. AZALEA OBTUSA. Tins pretty little Japanese Azalea can without difficulty be had in flower by Christmas, at which time it is valuable for the greenhouse. It forms a freely-branohed, compact bush with a profusion oi bright orange-red (lowers. Then- is a white flowered variety alba but plants of this usually show a tendency to revert to the normal form either in the shape of entire blo9SOma "1 a red hue. or stripes and Bakes of that lint on a white ground. A nearly-related Azalea also in bloom at the present time is A. calyciflora, in which the blossoms are of a Hose-in-hose conformation, as in the better-known A. anicena. Their colour is, however, much the same as that of A. obtusa. This last is quite an old plant in gardens, yet it received an award of merit from the Royal Hor- ticultural Society as recently as 1898. Though SO generally known as Azaleas, all of the above, according to the latest botanical authorities, arc now included in the genus Rhododendron, that at the heading of this note being R. indicuni obtusum. T. EXPERIMENTAL PLANTING. No Haiid-and-fast Rules can be Followed. Although in the cultural directions given for various subjects the conditions advocated are those that long experience has proved to be most con genial to their requirements, all lovers and intimates of the gafden are able to recall instances in which, under apparently the most adverse circumstances, shrubs and plants have exhibited a vigour that certainly was not to be anticipated in view of the nature of their surroundings. Bearing this fact in mind, the experimental planter who finds himself unable to afford either in a greater or less degree the ideal conditions for some particular subject should not thereby be deterred from giving it a trial, which, if it be followed by success, will be- all the more gratifying on account of the uncer- tainty attending the result, while, should it prove a failure, the substitution of some plant that has evidenced its adaptability to the immediate environ- ment is easily effected. In advancing the foregoing proposition the last thing in the writer's mind is to advocate a disregard of the justly accepted methods of culture which have, during years of exhaustive trials, proved conclusively that, by implicitly fol- lowing their details, perfection is more easily attainable than by any other procedure. As far as possible the time-honoured rules as regards soil, situation, and exposure should be followed : but in the same garden the varied accepted requirements of diverse families of plants can be supplied only by the expenditure of considerable labour and money, and in many cases, owing to the configuration of the ground, absence of water, or some other insur- mountable difficulty, ate impossible of attainment. It is under such circumstances that the experimental planting of subjects in situations and soils held to be inimical to their well-being is worthy of a trial. Expi >i' nft't docet is a motto that, although its wording allows its application to experience gained through another, is generally inferred to apply to personal experience, and this is the kind of experi- ence that is particularly valuable in the garden. Plants that succeed in one garden are often found to fail in another where the conditions are apparently precisely similar, while vigorous health is some- times exhibited under circumstances that would appear to favour premature decease or debili- tation. One of the finest specimens of Spiraea aria-folia that 1 have met with is growing on a steep slope of shallow, shaly soil in a southern exposure. Dining the whole of the summer the soil is practi- cally dust-dry except after rain, which percolates through it immediately, yet this shrubby Meadow Sweet is in as rude health as if it were situated bv the waterside, and invariably blooms profusely and makes good growth. In the same garden is a fine plant of Spiraea flagelliformis, whose condition is equally satisfactory. To anyone conversant with the needs of the Spiraeas the garden in question would appear to be as disadvantageous a site as could well be selected for their culture, vet their behaviour leaves nothing to be desired. Possibly their roots may have got down to a layer of rock, over which some moisture is continually finding its way, but this is mere conjecture. January 20, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 43 Trop-hoixm speciosum and T. tuberosum. [n another garden that I xm acquainted with, which contains a large collection of rare and beau- tif nl plants, Tropseolum speciosum was planted in main' positions, care being taken to afford a porous root-run and a sufficiency of shade, for in the south it is almost impossible to establish this Bropseolum in a situation exposed to the full rays nf the sun. After the planting was concluded a pertain quantity of roots remained over, and these were placed in holes dug at the foot of a spreading young Yew tree, the soil not being disturbed further than was necessary for covering the roots. After this was effected, these latter were not given another thought, as they were not expected to succeed, and had only been roughly planted as an alternative to being thrown away. In course of time all the carefully planted and tended Tropa-olums disappeared, and for a couple of years the forgotten roots beneath the Yew did nothing to advertise their existence. In the third year, however, a vivid splash of vermilion on one of the branches of the Yew drew attention to the fact that the plants were not only alive, but in the best of health, in which state they have since remained, garlanding the sombre foliage during the summer months with an opulence of colour that year by year increases in extent. In the same garden Tropieolum polyphyl- lum. contrary to its usual custom, blossoms as freely in partially shaded spots as it does in open positions exposed to every ray of sunlight. The handsome Tropasolum tuberosum is a some- what erratic subject as regards its blossoming, apparently flowering considerably earlier in the south-east of England than the south-west. In Sussex I have seen it in good bloom in the second week of July, in Dorsetshire a cloud of orange and scarlet early in August, but in South Devon the majority of specimens that I have met with have rarely been in full flower before October, while in some cases their first blooms have not expanded until November, and in others they have shown no signs of flower. All the instances to which I allude were of plants grown on open walls in sunny situa- tions. In one case in the same locality I saw a specimen in flower during the early part of Septem- ber. but this was growing in light soil and had but a very restricted root-run. Montbretias and Tigridias arc generally sup- posed to flourish best in a comparatively dry rather than a damp site, yet the finest specimens of these plants that have come under my notice were grow- ing by the side of a sheet of ornamental water. In the case of the Montbretias the corms were on the level of the water and the plants showed surprising vigour, their leaves being exceptionally long and almost as broad as those of Gladiolus brenehlevensis, while they were bearing a profusion of fine flower- scapes. The Tigridias. which were growing on a slightly higher level, were carrying immense blos- soms on stems '2 feet and more in height. Lobelia fulgens in heavy, damp soils is a hardy perennial, requiring not the slightest winter protection in localities as far distant as Suffolk and South Devon, but in light soil in the latter district 1 have found it impossible of preservation through the winter even when mulched with leaf-mould, yet I have often seen a porous, friable compost recommended for this subject in preference to one that is of a damp anil heavy nature. Zausehneria californica and Plumbago Larpenta? have grown and flowered well with me in South Devon in retentive loam without the slightest lightening of the staple, the latter- plant spreading rampantly anil blooming pro- fusely dose lo the edge of a streamlet. In the same heavy soil I have seen a large patch of Onosnia tauricum in a flat bed the picture of robust health anil bearing hundreds of pendent yellow blossoms, and during the past summer a colony of Edelweiss (Onaphalium leontopodium), growing in a slightly sloping lied of the same heavy red loam, was a mass of plush-like white blossom, yet, where Other composts were easily available, such a staple would scarcely lie selected for the culture of any of t lie f i iur plants last named. Campanula pyramidalis is a subject whose culture, when it is not used as a pot plant, is practically confined to the herbaceous border, but during the past autumn I saw three fine specimens, each carrying a do/en or so flower- spikes, growing in the interstices of a retaining wall. These plants had sprung from self-sown seeds, and presented a very striking and decorative effect. Even after the unprecedented drought of the summer, and though growing in a sun-baked situa- tion, the plants in question showed no signs of flagging, their roots having evidently penetrated deeply into the soil at the back of the wall. This chance instance points to the advisability of making experimental sowings of the seed of stronger-growing subjects than are generally met with in the wall garden in the spaces between the stones, since, should the issue be successful, the diversity of form obtained will add considerably to the charm of the flower-mantled wall. Some shrubs that are almost invariably trained against walls, such as Pyrus (Cydonia) japonica, arc very attractive when grown in bush form. This Pyrus flow crs freely when thus treated, although it is naturally rather later in coming into bloom than in cases where it receives the protection of a wall. Fruit is often produced on bush as well as on wall plants, and a few years ago I saw in the south of Ireland a large specimen some S feet high and as much through that was bearing a large quantity of well-developed fruit. Pyrus japonica is a hardy subject that will grow in almost any soil or posi- tion, and is very tenacious of life. Seven years ago a rocky mound 15 feet in height on which a bush was growing was quarried away to make room for a building, and the shrub, which was of consider- able size, transplanted to another part of the garden towards the end of May. The roots, which descended deeply into the rock, were unavoidably damaged in the lifting, but in spite of this, the untimely planting season, and a hot summer, the vitality of the shrub pulled it through. A portion of the roots of this shrub was evidently left in the rock, for during the following spring a tiny green shoot appeared about 5 feet from the summit of the perpendicular rock wall. This increased in size rapidly, and has now developed into a bush, issuing from the solid cliff, with branches over 3 feet in length. The Winter Sweet (Chimonanthus fragrans), generally grown against a wall, does well as a bush in the open in the south-west, and is now bearing its sweetly perfumed blossoms. In places where sufficient space is not available for standard flower- ing trees, these may be grown against a wall, though the natural grace of contour is unavoidably lost by this method of culture. No comparison exists between a Laburnum with spreading branches growing in unrestrained freedom, laden with droop- ing golden flower-clusters, and the same subject stiffly trained to a wall, a system which, indeed, is rarely followed. Only one instance of this use of the Laburnum has come under my notice, this having happened a few springs ago, when, seeing a distant house wall clothed ill glowing yellow. I made a closer inspection, and found the whole side wall of the end house of a row covered with the blossoms of a closely-trained Laburnum. The road was but 6 feet distant from the wall and the tiny front plot, bisected by a path, afforded no room for a standard specimen, so that the proprietor— pos- sibly an enthusiast in the matter of Laburnums — had. if he grew the tree at all, to avail himself of the only space at his disposal — in his case a justifi- able experiment. S. W. Fitzherrert. CHRYSANTHEMUMS IN VASES. Few will object to the discontinuance of exhibiting cut Chrysanthemums on green-painted boards, which has. in the opinion of many, become monotonous, and I think rightly so. We are certainly indebted to our northern friends at Edinburgh for launching out as they did a few- years since by offering valuable prizes for vases of cut Chrysanthemums. Many had misgivings abi ml it, the principal objection being the doubt as to whether they would last in a fresh condition to the close of the exhibition. All doubts as to this and other objections were dispelled ; each year more and more interest has centred in these classes, and the contest has been of the keenest description. Tin- National Chrysanthemum Society did well to follow this example, and by offering such handsome prizes as they were able to do last November, brought together, without doubt, the finest '"1 lection of cut Chrysanthemums ever seen. Never theless, in my opinion, and in that of many others, this style of exhibiting may yet be vastly improved upon ; for. as one of our leading authorities justly wrote in tin- Press a short time ago, have we mil exchanged one monotony for another? Kadi ex- hibitor might lie allotted a given space, each using the Same kind of vase, which should be provided by the .society, ami. of course, stipulating the number of blooms to be used in each vase. He might be allowed to use what natural foliage he chose, and also a groundwork of Ferns or any other small-growing foliaged plants in pots. I should alsolike to see a class introduced of, say. twelve or eighteen vases of any large-flowering kinds. including, if thought well by the exhibitor, Japanese. incurved, reflexed, and large Anemones. Good judges would be able to determine the relative value o) each, and 1 feel sure such a class would attract much attention. I know many argue that incurved Chrysanthemums do not lend themselves to this style of exhibiting, but some of the best vases 1 have seen have been those of incurved Japanese and I am perfectly convinced that many of our best incurved varieties could be arranged equally well. Pompon and pompon Anemone varieties should also. I am sure, be encouraged in the same way. This charming section would then be seen in their full beauty. Who, indeed, could have failed to have been struck by the two fine exhibits shown by Messi-s. Davis and Jones, both in London ami Edinburgh, not so much by the individual blooms as by the charming arrangement made by each? E. Beckett. Aldenham Haust Gardens, EUtree, Berts. Seneeio maeroglossus. This is a pretty greenhouse climber with thick, shining, Ivy-like leaves. It is in flower at the present time, its large yellow flower-heads being similar to those of the Marguerite. It is very useful and welcome at this time. Antholyza sethiopica minor. Some pots of tins South African bulbous plant in the T range at Kew each contain a number of flower- spikes, and form just now an attractive feature. In general appearance the plant bears a consider- able resemblance to some of the garden varieties of Montbrctia, but the foliage is rather wider and of a richer green. The colour of the flowers is brilliant orange-red, with darker markings at the entrance to the throat. Though it is named as above at Kew in their hand list of monocotyledons, the variety minor is referred to bicolor. A group of half a dozen pots or so of this Antholyza would form an attractive feature for the greenhouse at this season, when the Montbretias arc all at rest. The Flame Nasturtium (Trofjsolum TUBEROSUM) in Devonshire. Several notes have appeared of late on this Tropseolum, in one of which Mr. S. A. Arnott asks if the tubers are hardy in Devonshire. The plan generally adopted is to lift these in the winter after the foliage has withered as described by Mr. James Day (page 389), as in hard winters the tubers often are frost-bitten, but after inild winters it is not at all unusual to find young plants springing up from tubers that have been overlooked. The tubers increase at a great rate, and I have known as many as fifty dug up from the roots of a single plant. In some districts of South Devon this plant is late in coming into flower, in many eases not attaining the zenith of its beauty until mid-October, and retaining its blossoms throughout the entire month of November should the weather he mild. Mr Arnott mentions that an addition of lime to the soil is held to induce floriferousness. I have, however, grown it in a light, shalv soil which contained a considerable proportion of lime with- out hastening its blossoming, although tne srcuacio" was exceptionally warm a rid sheltered and aiarently favourable to early maturation. — S. W. F, 44 AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. HIAL.KXol'SIS SANDERIANA \\l) ITS VARIETIES. PHAL.EXoi'SIs SANDERIANA was in troduoed to European gardens in 1828 by Messrs. F. Sandei and < 'o. from the Philippine Islands. Almost i lediatelv afterwards, the late David Burk, collect- ing for Messrs. J. Veitch ami Suns, found ii in the neighbourhood of Davao, on the south-east coast of Mindanao, associated with such lovelj species as Vanda Sanderiana and Aerides Lawrences;. II has also been detected on the small island of Seran- gano, growing on trees close to the seashore. I ean eall to mind a conversation I had with Mr. Burk shortly after his return in respect to the situation in which he found the above-named spe- cies. He said that the- plants were growing so eh.se- to the water's edge, that in windy weather not only Mere they douched with spray, but the waves frequently broke over them. Messrs. .1. Veitch and Sons, in their ■•Manual of Orchidaceous Plants," give the following interesting particulars : "Ever since its first flowering in "this country Phalamopsis Sanderiana has been generallj regarded as a natural hybrid between P. Aphrodite and I'. Schilleriana, and the structure of the flower cer- tainly affords strong evidence of such an origin; it has the general aspect of P. Aphrodite with' the colour of I'. S.hilleiiana, but lighter and more diffused over the whole surface. The trowel- shaped front lobe ,,f the labellum, with its apical tendril-like appendages, and the side lol.es are those of P Aphrodite, while the crest is more like that of I>. Schilleriana. If we accept the theory of its hybrid onion, the proper place of I'. Sanderiana would be in the group of natural hybrids of which P. leucorrhoda is the type, and which bears unmis- takable marks of being de- rived from the same pair of species. Nevertheless. there are other circum- stances attending the en- vironment of P. San- deriana that invest not be overlooked, of which the most prominent are these : It has been brought from a locality remote from the habitat of the supposed parents, "f whose presence in that locality no evidence is forthcoming; it has been imported unmixed in considerable numbers. and not, as in the case of undoubted hybrids, as isolated plants,' whose appearance among the importations of the as- sumed parents is com- paratively a rare occur- rence. (In these grounds, therefore, we recognise P. Sanderiana as a species in the ordinary accepta- tion of the term ; but whether species or hybrid, it is without , befonL"6 "rf rl",,,ul "' ""' seotion "' ^hichit belongs. I he leaves of P. Sanderiana vary in sometimes reseniblingthoseof P. Schillerit whilst others are covered wit), a beautiful silvery identical withV ?0J?e.ma3' '" '""""< •'!"- < THK GARDEN. [Januar-v 20, 1900. in colour than the upper sepal. The front lobe of and with n h broader foliage ; in fact, the lattei tin- lip has two incurved tendrils, white, with some tracings of rose at the base: the side lol.es white with some yellow at the base, where 1 hen- arc a few small Longitudinal streaks of purple. /'. .v. nf/nt bas pure white Sowers, except the character is May marked. The Bowers vary, but are inclined to develop to a large size-, some eclipsing all other Snowdrops in this respect. Last year in the Kew Gardens some- of the Sowers were of extraordinary size-. As our illustration she yellow crest and a few purple streaks at I he baseof flic Sower is of eleganl globular form H hile 1 1 the side lobes. It might be mistaken for a variety of I'. Aphrodite, but the foliage is suffused with a distinct silvery-grey suffusion. /'. eS. ( II 'iga eis va/rii ty). Thesubjeetof the ace ■ panying illustration is by far the deepest coloured variety that has been secai. The intense lilac suffusion of the sepals and petals is in striking ■ ■ontrast to the almost white Ii].. It is a charming tube re than half way from the base is of a bright green colour and lightly tipped with the si shade. Altogether Galanthus Elwesii var. Whittallii promises to be the' finest Sn vet intre.ili el. question colour whilst grey suffusio ^ose of P. Aphrodite, being wholly ; ;• 'lyp^eea,. All this suggests that P. Sanderiana may be a natural hybrid. Can it therefore be Possible that ,,, these isolated positions P. ^"derian^is the offspring of some previous species have fl tyP'Cal. funns of Paahenopsis Sanderiana ^^fs^outSmchesin diameter, the upper 8epa>ght rose-pink, the lateral sepals much paler in colour, almost white. The petals are rather darker and desirable variety and originated in the nurseries of Messrs. Hugh Low and Co.. where it flowered last w inter, passing into the oollecti f Sir F. Wigan, Bart., at Clare Lawn. East Sheen, at that time. The plant flowered again last summer and was included in Sir Frederick's tine- group at the last Temple' show, and was given an award of merit by the Orchid committee on May Ml last. A cut spike from the same plant was included in the group sent by Sir F. Wigan to the Drill Hall on January !> last, from which the illustration has been produced. P. S. iiHiniwralti is a distinct form, having spots along the lower sepals similar to those frequently- seen in P. Aphrodite the side lobes of the lip being als arbled wit h purple. /'. S. punctata isapale form with deeply tessellated foliage ; the flowers pale in colour, and the lower sepals thickly covered with spots like those of P. Stuartiana. H. J. CHAPMAN. A NEW SNOWDROP. w.ANTiirs Elwesii vak. Whittallii. s a valuable introduction by Mr. Edwi MAKING Perhaps of all th r, ROSE HEDGES. shrubs employed for hedge making none are more interesting than Roses. It is important to screen the plants from north winds or violent westerly gales. Obviously, if such a screen can be partially pro duced with Hoses, nothing could In' more appropriate. I would not go so far as to say that a Lose hedge WOllld he the- OIllj shelter required. In cold, bleak V I'm. Whittall, of Smyrna It grows taller than the well- I IIAI.l.M.rsls SANDERIANA (wigan's variety). Slioum ai ilir last „i<; Tic (JALANTHDS ELWESI] VAI: WHITTALLII. {From ,i sketch h,i 11. G. Moon.) Hybrid Chinese and Hybrid Perpetuah make good hedges. They are of somewhat stiff growth, of the former, Charles Lawson, Coupe d'Hebc are the best : and of the latter, (Jlrich Brunner, Magna Charta, John Hopper, Crimson Queen, Clio, General Jacqueminot, and Mrs. John Laing might be mentioned. It may be that a hedge is desired that will not grow too tall, one for example — to surround the tennis lawn or to divide the flower garden. For this purpose nothing can be more beautiful than the Monthly Roses. Where a finer flower be preferred for tin- same object choose tin Teas and Hybrid Tea-. Mad. mi.' Abel ('halcnay. Caroline Testout, Grace Darling, Viscountess Folkestone, Marie van Houtte, Safrano, Gruss an Teplitz, Enchantress, Mine. Lombard, and ( dace I (ailing all make delight. ful hedges from 4 feel too feet high. 4 g 1 dense hedge can be made with the early flowering Scotch Roses, not forgetting the single varieties of the same tribe. Not so dense as a plant but very beautiful is the Stanwell Perpetual Scotch, flowering as it does nearly all the season. I should like to see a hardy race of single Teas raised for making ledges. Philomel. ERANTHEMUM NERVOSUM. The brilliant blue flowers of this Eranthemum, pro- duced as they are during the dull days of winter, are admired by everyone, and its value as a decorative plant is still further enhanced by the fact that it is of easy culture. Cuttings struck in early spring will form effective bushy specimens by the autumn. If grow i freely they will require pots from li inches to S inches in diameter. Durin" their earlier stages the plants should be grown near the glass in a stove temperature, but in summer they may be removed to a frame. Liquid manure is of considerable service as the pots get full of roots. The principal consideration is to prevent the foliage from becoming infested with red spider, as it is rather liable to the attacks of this pest. A fairly moist atmosphere with occasional syringing, directed as far as possible towards the undersides if the leaves, will keep them in good condition. Besides the above-mentioned namethis Eranthemum is often met with under the specific name of pulchellum. It is a native of the lower portions of the Himalayas, and is an old plant in gardens, having been introduced in ITitti. T. Dsedalacanthus macrophyllus. This is iieai 1\ related to the Kranthemums, and the entire plant when out of bli i bears a considerable resemblance to the charming E. nervosum, but the flowers arc altogether different. In the Daedalacan- thus the individual flowers arc about H inches long, curved in shape, and of a purplish mauve tint. the lower lobes being of a deeper hue. Thev are disposed in a terminal pyramid-shaped branching raceme. It is most satisfactory when propagated from cuttings even spring and grown on freely for flowering during the following winter. — H. P. Acacia dealbata. This, the Silver Wattle of Australia, is a grand subject for lofty structures, but for an ordinary greenhouse it grows too tall, being in fact quite a tree. The finely cut leaves of almost silvery whiteness are very attractive, but in this respect there is a good deal of individual variation. This mass of Fern-like foliage serves admirably as a setting for the racemes of bright yellow blossoms. In the neighbourhood of London it is very liable to injury from the dense sulphur- laden fogs which have been prevalent this winter. As a foliage plant out of doors during the summer months this Acacia is of considerable merit, while along the Mediterranean shoresit is one of them >st beautiful of flowering trees. As above noted, the silver} character of the foliage varies, and seedlings raised from a particularly good form were in some instances nearly green, not more than 10 per cent, being equal to the parent. -T. Cononilla glauca. -Prior to Cytisus raeeniosiis attaining its present popularity, this Coronilla was grown more than it is now-'a-davs. There is. however, ample room in most gardens hn both, as they are in all respects quite different from each other, and whereas the Coronilla, generally speaking, flowers during the autumn and winter. tl titer is at its best iii spring and summer. The glaucous green foliage of the Coronilla is very pretty, while the clear yellow flowers are borne in small rounded clusters. It is more particular in cultural requirements than the ( Ytisus. and quickly resents too much water at the roots, while at the same time it should not he allowed to become too dry. The Coronilla is a native oi the south of Europe, and was introduced as long ago as 1722. It iv rcadih increased by cuttings of tin- short jointed shoots put into sandy soil and kept moderately close till rooted. H. 1'. 4(i THE GARDEN. [January 20, 1900. FERNS. UNIQUE BRITISH FERNS. ALTHOUGH there is no doubt whatever that all existent species of Ferns are apt to vary, not merely to that small degree which enables the selective cultivator gradually to improve or em- phasise the type by judicious choice of seedlings, but also in that markedly distinct way which constitutes "sports," it is a remarkable fact thai amongst our comparatively few British species abnormalities have arisen which have no parallels at all in exotics. In the cultivator's hands other varieties have arisen which also so far transcend the parental abnormal type, as to be also unique in their way. Among the wild linds of the unique class the POLYSTICHTJM AKGULARE VAK. PLUM0SUM HENSI'M. I The normal form of species. -. Wild find in South Devon :i. Frond of densum raised from 2. 4. Pinim of imhri eatimi raised from bulbil of densum. Victoria Lady Fern undoubtedly ranks first and foremost among the abnormal Ferns of the world, though, thanks to its fertility and constancy to type, it has long ceased to be rare in collections. The common Lady Fern, as every plant lover knows. is a robust growing plant with large feathery fronds of delicate texture, consisting of a central stalk decked on either side with feathery divisions, once or twice divided on a sort of vegetative crystalline plan, forming a whole of great beauty, the fronds attaining 3 feet to 4 feet in height and about a third of that in width. Such plants in congenial ferny localities may be found in myriads, all on precisely I be same plan, though apt to differ in detail of cutting. In 1861, however, a Mr. Cosh, springing over a b1 • dyke near Loch Lomond, found at his feet a plant of this species constructed on an entirely different plan, each side division being extremely slender, and bearing a fine-cut tassel of many strands at its extremity, and, what is more wonder- ful, each such division was duplicated, the pair so formed heing set on at about right angles to each other, with the result that the frond, also narrowed to match, was made up of a series of symmetrical crosses, forming a lattice on each side of it, the frond finishing up with smaller and smaller crosses, merging into a handsome many-stranded tassel to match the side ones. Finally, it was seen that even the small ultimate divisions were also in pairs. forming a really astounding and yet charming freak of Nature's own contriving. Extended ami repeated search has failed to find a second specimen from that day to this, and no Fern so characterised has turned up elsewhere in any part of the world. The spores being sown yield plants of precisely the same type, but while the original find has attained a frond length of 3J feet in the writer's collection, no seedling grows nearly so large so far as we have been able to ascertain. .Another Lady Fern (Athyrium F.-f. acrocladon) found as a seedling on a Yorkshire moor has also no parallel in exotics, but as simply an extreme form of cristation, ramifying from the base into innumerable divisions until it resembles a ball of moss, it does not rank in uniqueness with the last named ; one of its progeny, however (A. F.-f. uncoglomeratum), so far exceeds it or any other Fern in this capacity of division as to stand alone as a curiosity. This is almost indescribable when well developed. A spherical mass of light green foliage, densely packed and comminuted to the utmost, surrounds an infinite ramification of branches, twigs, and hair-like twiglets, the whole resembling rather a green coralline sponge than a Fern or any other plant. This Fern is rendered still more noteworthy by the fact that its faculty for dividing and re-dividing outlives its annually deciduous character : and pieces cut off in the autumn and layered not only continue to grow, rotting below and growing above, Sphagnum fashion, but eventually produce bulbils and aposporous or pmthallie growths by which the type is reproduced without the agency of spores. Here, again, there is absolutely no parallel, taking all the peculiarities together. In Scolopendrium crispum Drummondia:, found wild by Miss Drummond, we have another Fern without a counterpart, and, as in the Vic- toria Lady Fern, owing nothing of its marvellous character to culture. In this the normal strap- shaped Hart's-tongue frond is lengthened out considerably and reduced in width. It termi- nates, as in many other Hart's-tongues, with a wide-spreading tassel; but its edges, instead of being smooth, grow out into long fimbriated pro- jections with translucent tips, and these, if layered, form prothalli and reproduce the type again without the agency of the spore. Finally, as a further distinguishing feature, the fronds do not grow straight, but bend up and down, switchback fashion, some three or four times in the course of their length. Where is there an exotic, wild or cultivated, presenting such a marvellous combination as this V Space precludes description of many other varieties which are practically solitary in their peculiar ways, though devoid of the complica- tion seen in the above ; but we cannot conclude without reference to several identical types of variation which have appeared in more than one of our native species, and of -which as yet no exotic examples have either reached us from abroad or arisen under cultivation. Such, for instance, are the "revolvens" forms, in which the frond and all its parts are rolled backward into tubes, which are correlated with spiral or ringlet-like terminals, due to the adjustment of the upper surfaces to catch the light despite the twist. Of this we have well-marked examples in Lastrea pseudo-mas. or the Hard Male Fern : in Polystichum angularc, or the soft Shield Fern (see illustration) ; Athyrium Filix-fcemina, or the Lady Fern; and also in Lastrea montana, the Mountain Buckler Fern. In the Lady Fern the character is so marked, that the Hist frondlet from the prothallus is tightly curled up. Here we have four species out of only forty odd presenting the same abnormal character under wild conditions, while the thousands of exotic species have yielded, so far, no example ; hence, to that extent they are unique. Our lovely plumose forms of Lady Fern, Shield Fern. Hart's-tongue, Moun- tain Buckler Kirn. Blechnum Spicant, common Polypody. Asplenium marinum, A. Trichomanea, and Adiantuui capilhis- Veneris embrace not single linds ill each species, but inan\ ill most, anil yet among exotics we can reckon the plumose forms upon our fingers. Hence, though we cannot claim the type as confined to our islands, we can certainh claim the cream of the varieties so characterised as against all the wide world beyond our shores. ('has. T. Druery, F.L.S., V.M.H. CORRESPONDENCE. THE SWEET PEA CONFERENCE. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] SIR, — The recent letters about this proposed conference should help to cut short any further attempts to raise a large sum of money to spend upon "social observ- ances," prizes, and so forth. To make the Sweet Pea, a simple, beautiful garden flower, the subject of a conference is too bail. One may as well get up a conference with a dinner in honour of the fragrant giant Violet. No one can deny that many varieties are so much alike, that to dis- tinguish one from the other is not easy even to the eye practised in making a variety whenever possible. The work of eliminating synonyms can be faithfully carried out by the Royal Horticultural Society ; in truth, this making of "trials" is one of the most important phases of its work. Alpha. DEEP CULTIVATION AND ITS BENEFITS. [To the Editor op "The Garden."] Sir, — The advice laid down on p. 32 of Tut; (tAKDEN I may say is much too brief, and likely to mislead the novice. I would strongly advise anyone to well consider future results before burying a good top spit 3 feet deep, and replacing it with almost pure .-and or clay to be the future top spit for immediate cultivation. Here should come the most important details on the treatment of this hungry surface upon which nothing is said. Sureh there must be some mistake. I may say I know what it is to drain and burn clayey subsoil by the acre, but I should lie very sorry to advise a novice to treat a plot as stated on page 32 by Mr. E. Beckett. Perhaps the writer will kindly say bow he converts his nearly pure sandy and clayej surface into condition for sowing, &c. I personally know that it takes nearly a lifetime to render clay into anything like a suitable surface for general garden crops. Jas. R. Hall Fox Warren, Cobham, Sum*ey. THE PROTECTION OK TEA ROSES FROM FROST. [To the Editor or - Tin: Garden."] Sir, — Just as a good many of us. north and south, have reached the conclusion that Tea Roses are about as hardy as any other, we have the very able co-secretary of the National Rose Society. Mr. Edward Mawley, of Rosebank. Berkhamsted, Herts, writing in the first number of the new series of The Garden on this subject. It may readily be admitted that .Mr. Mawlej is perhaps our highest authority on Hose weather as well as Roses in general. Nevertheless, probably his meteorological training has given him a list toward the tender side of Roses which even bis successful practice and the favourable soil and environment of Herts have hardly enabled him to overcome. Otherwise one can hardly understand the extreme brevity of his list of hardy Ibises (p. 12). The old Cabbage or Provence, Moss, Scotch Hose, Stanwell Perpetual, the Ayrshire Briars — two of the pioneer Hybrid Perpetual Roses are still among the hardiest (Jules Margottin and Duchess of Sutherland!, and let me acid that Baron Prevost and Oeneral Jacqueminot are hardier than either- some of the Rugosas, the Hybrid Sweet Briars, Crimson Rambler, and the Hybrid Tea Gustave Regis. Then January 20, L900. THE GARDEN. 47 follows the sweeping assertion that among Roses most largely grown at the present day the Hybrid Perpetuals are undoubtedly the least tender. The general belief of rosarians in the year 1900 is that Teas are just as hardy as Hybrid Perpetuals, and neither more nor less tender, and if our co-secretary of the National Rose Society, or rather our joint secretaries, will take a run north to the Rose nurseries at Aberdeen and Broughty Ferry, they will have such powerful demonstrations of the Kraal hardiness of Teas and Hybrid Perpetuals as shall convert them to the equal hardiness theory of most of our best Roses on the spot. Another lesson iiu\ also be learned in the north, viz., the useless- gess or injury of most of our modes of protection. Perhaps an exception should lie made in favour of Mr. George Paul's mode of increasing the temperature and the dryness of his root-runs the Teas, and Hybrid Teas, and some of the latter, such ' as La France, are as hardy as the hardiest Hybrid Perpetual. Among the hardiest Teas and Hybrid Teas or Noisettes are Mine. Lamhard, Francisca Kruger, Anna Ollivier, Caroline Kuster, and the finest of all white Teas is Souvenir de S. A. Prince, while Sunset, Perle des Jardins, Mme. de Watteville, and Nphetos — the first three, perhaps without sufficient evidence — have been classed as more tender than the others. A good deal of the popular judgment of rosarians may have been biassed in regard to the smoothness or roughness of the bark of our Roses. From the introduction of the Pride of Waltham and other Roses, 'such as Countess of Oxford, Reynolds Hole, &c. , it was thought and said by many that these were more tender titan others with rougher hark, and A MIXED BORDER AT DOWN- SIDE, LEATHERHEAD. A BEAUTIFUL feature of the gardens at Downside is the mixed border on the hill-top and dipping into the valley below, a mass of colour from the well- chosen hardy flowers distributed in broad groups. Mr. Alfred Tate has, perhaps, a stronger love for the Rose. We have never seen a more sumptuous display of the many classes than in the garden im- mediately near the house, and in the summer we hope to illustrate some of the richer beds of one variety, hut show only at present the border, from whence the eye wanders over the Surrey hills and valleys, a land of tree and shrub, throwing into relief the colouring of the hardy flowers. The border is effective and happily placed, and in summer, when the Roses flood the garden with their perfume r UiT OF THE MIXED BOEDER ON THE HILLSIDE IN MR. ALFRED TATE S HARHBS \T DOWNSIDE, LEATHERHEAD. jise "i r v or less highly raised beds. Over bead protectors, whether of straw. Yew or pruce branches. Bracken and over-crown mulches of earth manure, litter, all enfeeble the plants through coddling, and render them more liable to injury when they are uncovered. As for cotton matting and double or treble fish netting, they an- worse than useless as protection from Erost, either through creating a draught, whipping and bruising the Rose buds in embryo, or emascu- lating the natural hardiness of the Roses. Almost the .inly protective material worthy of a second thought is dry Bracken harvested in an unripe con- dition. A small handful of that thrust into the heads oi standard perpetual, Tim, and Noisette Roses may do more good than evil when the thermometer gets on the cold track from 20° to zero Fahrenheit. Beyond that all our best Roses an- safer without covering or protection. Careful readers of Mr Mawley's article will see that he admits that there are degrees of hardiness evn among Noisettes. more protected by prickles, such as Marie Baumann. Mme. Gabriel Luizet, &c. Then the Teas having fewer prickles and smoother hark than Perpetuals. it might easily he assumed that they would he found equally tender. Besides, the advance of science and practice have demonstrated beyond all controversy that the so-called hardiness and tenderness of plants may be more a matter of site, soil, stock, culture, season, than of constitution — that is, any natural hardiness or tenderness of particular Roses. Hence were some of the time mostly spent in protecting Roses in the open against frost devoted to improved modes of culture and the selection of more fragrant, floriferous, and yet more beautiful varieties, the Roses in the new century will far exceed all that have preceded them in making our homes and gardens beautiful. With your leave, next week I will show a shorter, surer way of making Tea and other Roses more hardy as well as more free-flowering and ! profitable. ' D. T. Fish. and the homely border flowers arc in beauty, Downside is in truth a garden — flowers everywhere and in rich variety. Rhododendron Brilliant. Several of the Javanese section of hybrid Rhododendrons are now in flower, and amongst them this variety stands out very conspicuous, owing to the bright scarlet of its beautifully formed blossoms. One of the oldest of all — Princess Alexandra, which is white, with just a faint tinge of blush — is flowering with greatfreedom, and, all things considered (particularly its vigorous growth), stamps it as still one of the best of that tint. Treated as warm greenhouse or intermediate house plants, these Rhododendrons are not at all difficult to cultivate, while they flower more or less continuously throughout the entire year, and above all they are not affected by that bane of plant life -London fogs. That Messrs. Veitch show them so well from their Chelsea nursery at all seasons is a good proof of this. — T. is THE GARDEN. [January 20, L900J GARDENING OF THE WEEK. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. B"i the time these lines are in print the first batch of Chrysanthemum cuttings i hat is, those which are intended for producing fine Bowers and for growing ■ in int" specimen plants should be putting forth their roots, and will soon have to be removed from the propagating fran ■ pit. Many kinds will be funnel to strike much more readily than others. It is a great mistake to allow these to remain in the propagating frameafter they have commenced to root and be subjected to the same treatment as those in a less forward state even one hour longer than is necessary, or premature growth will be the consequence. It is a most important rule to observe that in all stages of their growth coddling or forcing should be allowed, but strong, solid foliage and w 1 built up gradually are moil essential if the best results arc to be attained, so that they should be looked over daily and the more forward ones removed to another frame in the same house, which may be aired more freely, or a heated pit, placing the plants near the glass on a bed of finely -sifted coal ashes. Ass i as it is found that the young plants are sufficiently advanced to with- stand sun and air without serious results, such as severe flagging, no harm will arise should the leaves droop slightly when exposed to sun and wind, providing they freshen up again during the evening. Remove the plants to a shelf in the greenhouse as near the glass as possible, where they may be aired freely on all favourable occasions. The plants, being in small pots, should be examined twice daily and thoroughly soaked with water when needed. When the Heather is bright, spray over with the syringe in the morning and early afternoon. Without delay make good any cuttings which have failed to strike. Those which were not obtainable before should lie brought on as speedily as possible, as it is much better to have tin- whole of the collection quickly rooted so that they may be treated under the same conditions. Pompon and Pompon Anemone Varieties. These are, in my opinion, the most useful of all sections of the ( 'Inysanthcmiini. as they lend them- selves rcadih to nearly all kinds ..f decorative purposes, either as plants or lor cutting purposes, and by a judicious selection of varieties tin' flower- ing season can be extended easily from October to well into the new year. Kramers of schedules would do well to give more encouragement to these sections by offering respectable prizes for. say. eighteen vases, and. stipulating the numbei of blooms to be shown, their true beauty would then be brought out : whereas generally at the present time small prizes are offered for twelve varieties. three blooms in a bunch, which are crammed on to an ordinary -sized green painted board, thus robbing them of all their elegance and natural beauty. Cuttings of these should now be put in. and they archest struck in -Ji-iuch pots and treated in pre- cisely the same way as advised for the larger \ ii act irs. Single Kinds may also be struck at the same time. These arc favourites with many people, and a few of the best distinct coloured kinds arc useful for decorative purposes, especially those which stand erect when in flower, but to my mind these arc not so beautiful and useful as the foregoing. E. BECKETT. Aid' iilinni ffoutf Gardens, Elxtre.e, Herts. SOLAN 1. MS. To have these popular berried plants in good condition they must be raised early from cuttings, as thc\ require a long season, and seedling plants do not berry freely the first year. The best cuttings arc to he had from plants which have been pre- pared for then production by growing them for a few weeks in heat : the tops of thes,. should be- taken off, made into cuttings, dibbled into pots of very sandy soil, and plunged into bottom-heat until struck, after which Ih.y I I.I be potted off singlj and stood well up to the glass, pinching them occasionally to induce a bushy habit. KITCHEN GAKDEN. ( ' IKROTS arc slower in germinating than Turnips, , also stand more warmth, though hard (1 forcing should be avoided, especially when first sown. Much the sai mlture is neeessan as in the case of Turnips, a rich light soil being used and the plants .mown near the glass. I do not think frame cult arc .an be improved upon, as grovi n thus the plants get more light and better ventilation than in houses. Main- persons sow Radishes with Carrots, drawing the former as soon as large enough. Better results will be obtained, however, if sown separately, as the Radish crop will interfere with the proper development of the Carrots. Vegetable seeds under glass are often sown much too thickly. Most seeds arc now so reliable, that there is no need, except in very special cases, to sow so thickly, as if thinning is delayed the crop is ruined in its early stages. For frame culture. Early Nantes and ' Parisian Forcing are excellent varieties, whilst if more size is needed. Karly Oem is specially suitable, or any of the Short Horn section. Potatoes ix Pots and Frames. Many can grow a few Potatoes in pots who cannot devote a frame or pit to the plants. Now is a good time to make up the pots, and it is of little importance what sized pots an' used, providing too many sets are not placed in them. An s inch pot may have three sets. 1 have used four in the case of dwarf growers, but when this number is used the plants must be given ample food when Inhering. If 10-inch or 12-inch pots are employed more produce is obtained, but the advantage of small pots is the ease with which they may he moved about. If frames are used I would advise dwarf kinds, such as Ringleader as the earliest, followed by English Beauty. There are no frame Potatoes superior in quality to a good slock of Ashleaf. Myatt's is still difficult to beat, but this is later and less prolific than those mentioned above. A good depth of soil is needed in the frames, as though a small quantity may suffice at the planting, the new tubers green badly when attaining size, and 1 find it best to give the soil at the start than later on, as there is then so much work to attend to that it is overlooked. Avoid overheating, and give but little moisture at the outset, as the soil, if in good condition, will be sufficiently damp to maintain growth for the first few weeks. Forged Seakale. This will prove more valuable early in the year, as in many gardens the sharp frosts destroyed the Broccoli just turning in. Owing to the late grow 111 many were afraid to lift and shelter, and in' conse- quence the crop was destroyed. I never think Seakale ncal 1\ so good after a hot, dry summer as in a cooler .me with more moisture ; the result is that the growths when forced arc less succulent. It will lie well to place roots in their forcing quarters (a warm mushroom house is suitable) every fortnight, and, unlike Asparagus. Seakale must be kept quite dark to blanch top growth, otherwise it gets green and is less inviting. It may also be placed in large Bower pots or boxes', which should be covered with empty pots or boxes and placed in a temperature of 65 to 711. Rootsin their permanent quarters may likewise be forced with hot litter, and here pots arc employed as covers ; but it is well to prepare the heating material in advance. If too hot it injures the plant. 1 prefer to place it in bulk and turn once or twice before being used ; it may then be placed in larger quantities. If pans with lids are used the latter may he left .41' for a few days to allow rank steam to escape. Si/on Gardens, Brentford. (1. Wythes. FLOWEE GAfiDEN. The Later Varieties of the Christmas Rose are still in good bloom in .sheltered spots and whereas Is often the case, they are afforded the protection of a frame, which in severe weather 1 1 1 .- 1 x he covered over and the plants thus protected from the effects of frost. During heavy gales and rain some covering is advisable for the clumps, or the white blossoms get sadly soiled l,\ earth staina Where a spare light is 'not available, a sheet of glass large enough to extend well beyond the outeq radius of the plants maj lie fixed over each clump L\ drivingfour strong wooden pegs securely into Ih. ground at the four sides anil slipping 1 he edges ol the glass into deep notches cut for the purpose on the insides of the pegs. A turn or two oi thin copper wire across the topof the glass from head to head of the pegs will render the whole absolutely firm. The sheets of class prove useful later on for covering boxes of freshly sown seed, and when not in requisition may be stored with the pegs until the succeeding winter. A good time for transplant, ing Christmas Roses is immediately they have gone .nit of Bower. A deep and rich' bed' should be prepared for the plants. .'{ feet being none too deep. With the lower foot of soil a heavy dressing of con manure should be incorporated, since the Hellebores are partial to a cool and sustaining subsoil and some well rotted manure added to the upiiei stratum. On no account must large clumps be transplanted in their entirety, as such a course often results in the death of the plants, however carefully the removal is effected. When the clump is lifted it should be placed in tepid water, and when the soil around the roots is well moistened, this should be washed off with a single jet syringe. When the roots arc entirely free from soil the clump should be carefully divided, separating the roots l,\ band and cutting the crowns apart with a sharp knife. A portion with thr irowns is quite large enough for a single plant. These divisions should then he planted IS inches to ■> feet apart in a lew liaiidfnls of fibrous loam anil leaf-mould, no manure hcing allowed to come into direct contact with the roots. A sheltered position is best adapted for the culture ot the Christmas Pose, one partially shaded by trees at some little distance being admirably suited to their requirements. A mulching with well-decayed manure and leaf-mould in early spring and large supplies of water during hot weather, with occasional applications of weak liquid manure, lend to promote the vigour of the plants, and thus lay the foundation of an abundant blossoming. S. W. !'. FEUIT GARDEN. Vines. Vines, delay. The limit of time is reached for pruning late Any not yet done should he without further If longer deferred, the cut parts will not have time to heal over before the sap begins to rise in the spring, at which time if not healed over bleeding will follow. These remarks arc also applicable if Crapes are on them. Make clean and slightly slanting cuts in front of a prominent hud near the spur of the Vine rod. When cutting the Grapes at this time leave a portion of the wood in front of and behind the bunch, so that the lower part reaches well down into the bottle in which the Grapes are stored, the front buds tending to take away from the bunch any superfluous flow of sap while hanging. The hottles should be placed in a slanting position in racks fixed to the sides of the room, so that the Grapes bang without touching anything. It is easy to keep Grapes in a dry room heated with hot water and with a ventilator at the apex. Strict attention will lie necessary in order to keep file atmosphere of the room dry and sweet with a temperature of about ."SO1'', or a few degrees higher or lower according to the outside temperature. To maintain 1 1 icse conditions keep a very slight warmth in the pipes, and open the ventilator in the warm part of dry days, i.e., from about !i a.m. to 4 p.m., for the purpose of expelling damp. Lady Downe's Seedling is the best kind for late keeping, so that other kinds that will not keep so well should be used before it. Look round the bunches weekly and cut out all decayed berries. After the Vines are pruned, clean and dress them. anil also cleanse the vinery. The cleaning of Vines comprises the taking off of all bark that is loose . January 20, 1900. THE GARDEN. -tit washing with soap solution at the rate of 8 ozs. of soft soap to a gallon of water, and painting with a mixture of soap water at the same strength as used for washing, with 1 - Kith of Richards* XL insecti- cide, and brought to the consistency of paint by the addition of sulphur, clay and cow manure. When this lias been done tie the Vine rods closely to the trellis. Take the old soil from the surface of the border down to the roots, and afford a liberal top-dressing of new loam to which has been added some lime rubble and burned soil. The compost is enriched by adding bone-meal at the rate of a li-inch pot of the meal to each barrow load Of soil. Treat late Vines from now onwards until the spring with as nearly as possible the same natural surroundings as they would have out of doors, to give complete rest, by keeping the vinery ventilators open as far as circumstances will allow, merely excluding trust from the hot-water pipes, if the water is in them, but if they can be emptied no harm will be done to them. Examine the borders of Vines now being started as to their condition of moisture, ami if found to be approaching dryness, afford a liberal supply of tepid water. In Forcing Grape Vines, Nature must he imitated at all seasons in order to tic successful. The increase of temperature in the spring is gradual, anil in furring a similar slow increase should lie aimed at. If hurrying is neces- sary it should be done later in the season, when the days are long and sun-heat powerful. Six months should be allowed from the time of starting the Vines to the ripening stage. Hard-and-fast temperatures arc not conducive to successful forcing : they should be approximate to those I give, varying according to outside condi- tions. They may begin at. say. 50 at night, and 55° in the day with tire-heat, with a rise of In to 15° with sun-heat, accompanied by a moist sweet atmosphere, maintained by means of occasional damping. Vines that have not been previously forced. particularly young and vigorous ones, do nut break into growth regularly the full length of the pods, being more inclined to break at the top than bottom. To assist regular breaking, tie them loosely along the lower part of the pinery, with a slight curve from the base to the end. Vines previously forced break freely without being ted down. Vines started earlier and how breaking nit" growth should, if tied down, be fastened into their permanent position for the season. Suitable temperatures fur these are about 57 at night and 65 in the daytime with fire-heat, with a rise of Hi with sun-heat. Increase these temperatures gradually until the flowers begin to open, when they should be 5 higher at all times. Encourage healthy foliage from the beginning by careful ventilation without causing draughts. When the weather will allow it. open the top ventilators a little in the morning, and olose early in the after- noon. When it is very mild a crack may lie left on during the night. Where it is contemplated to plant Vines during the spring, preparation may he made by taking out old borders and preparing the new ones. The renewing of a Vine border entails a good deal of labour, but if the work is thoroughly d the border lasts a longtime. If the soil at the bottom of the border is damp and unsuitable for the roots, it will be necessary to cover the bottom with concrete, though this will not be needful in the case of a dry, gravelly subsoil. Broken bricks ali- as gooda material for drainage as anything. These should be laid on edge, the largest pieces at the bottom, to a depth of at least !► inches. If there is sufficient depth for more it will be none the worse. About 2 A feet is a suitable depth of soil, consisting of moderately light loam roughly chopped, to each cartload of which are added one barrow-load each of lime rubble and burnt earth and a peek of finely-crushed bum's or bone-meal. Put in the drainage over the whole space of the border, covering it with sods of loam laid with the grass side downwards. A portion of the border the full length of the vinery and 4 feet wide is all that should at first be made up. This will be sufficient for the Vines for the first year, and can be added to annually as required. Forcing Strawberries is carried on in most gardens, and plants brought indoors now, whether to form a succession or as a first batch, can be depended upon to carry a full crop better than those brought in some time ago, as quantity to some extent has to be sacrificed to earliness. A Strawberry house is a valuable adjunct to a garden, but Strawberries may be grown in other houses in light, airy positions under the same atmospheric conditions as advised for starting Vines. They must be examined frequently and given a thorough supply of water when the soil is found to approach dryness. As the season advances, increase the temperature gradually so that it reaches 55° at night, 60° in the daytime, with a rise of 10° with sun-beat. G. Norman. The Gardens, Hatfield Home, Hert.f. SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA. This is as yet one of my failures, and I shall be glad if any reader will give me instructions how to make it flourish in a dry garden with north and south exposure. E. M. H. [Saxifraga oppositifolia is not a suitable plant for a dry place. Its home is on cool mountain flanks, where its head is often bathed in mist and j its roots feel a frequent trickle of moisture. — En. | THE EPIPHYLLUM. Lately in The Garden there was a note with reference to this plant speaking highly of it. but OUTDOOR CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Of the two dozen suits tried last year — and last year was a bad one for them — the best with mi' was the neat, bright little pompon L'Ami Condorchet (or Conderchet). It forms a compact, shapely bush about 2 feet high, seems to want no staking, and certainly flowers with great freedom. Moreover, the light-yellow blossoms keep clean longer than many, so that the effect of the plants is quite prolonged. Once the best outdoor variety I had was Julie Lagravere, but I lost it somehow, and since then the plants of this variety I get are less hardy, apparently. I expect I do not get the true sort, although I know it is to be had still, for I saw a large quantity used for decoration not long ago, Woodside Park: T. J. W. THE Kfll'HVr.Lt'M HANGING FKoM a GREENHOUSE KOOF. it always seemed to me that the one great objec- tion to growing it in pots was that the flowers did not show themselves properly, even wdien grafted on fairly tall stuck. It occurred to me to try an ex- periment as to this, and having grown a strong plant of Pereskia. 1 planted it out in the conservatory border, and when it bad attained a length of about 14 feet I cut off the end, and upon the side breaks I grafted bits of Epiphyllum. The result has been most satisfactory, and now, when it is one mass of flower, one has to lift one's head to look at it, and its full beauty is disclosed. There are some six or seven large bunches from these original grafts, and with this I send you a photograph of one piece which will give you an idea of its general appear- ance. It has certainly a very uncommon effect, and excites much admiration. I cannot stand the colour of the truncatum section, and therefore grow only E. Macowianum, the flowers of which are a good red. A. Kinosmill. Harrow Weald, Midd/e-tejc. NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PRECOX. Few seem to appreciate the value of this early Trum pel I 'atfodil. It is flowering now with me under glass, and the delicately-coloured and gracefully-formed flowers make pretty button-holes, or are useful for vase decoration. How much it varies in colour ! Some of the blooms I have just cut have a distinctly golden trumpet with almost white perianth, while others bear throughout a delicate primrose tint. This is a vagary of the species, and no error on the seedman's part, as I obtained the bulbs from a firm beyond reproach. In the open, planted on a mossy bank, the buds are already almost showing, and a few hard frosts will do them but little harm. The hardiness and earli- ness of the flower alone, apart from its beauty, should make it more largely grown than it is at present. F. H. C Rye. THE GARDEN, AMAKY 20, L900 ORCHIDS. DENDROBIUM WARDIANUM. THE importing season pi the Burmese Den drobiums has once nunc- returned. The earlj importations of l>. Wardianum are eagerly purchased in the sale-rooms annually, while those introduced later in the spring months arc almost given away. The result is that those who grow I). Wardianum extensively for the supply of cut flowers have discovered that if thej wish to secure satisfactory results IV the first season's growths, when purchased early a longer growing season is secured, and roots are produced which with lengthen- ing days gradually promote growth. By the time I he bright summer weather arrives t Ik-si- growths are enabled to make the best of the warm months and mat mi- satisfactorily before tin- decline of tin- days. With late importations the plants cannot lie. as a rule, relied upon to complete their growths, and it will generally lie found that these are in an active state of growth at the end of September. The pseudo-bulbs, which in the early plants have become brown and are in most instances shedding their leaves, in the late plants will be found altogether un- ripened and unprepared for the dull winter months. w Inch are the resting period. It is difficult to deal witli plants under these circumstances. Unless the outside conditions are exceptionally favourable, shortened and weed like bulbs are the result. Plants thus retarded rarely regain their normal proportions. 1 would advise those who wish to replenish their stock or to add this species to their c illections to procure what is required, even at the slightly larger outlay in the initial cost. What becomes of the annual importations of 1). Wardianum into this country? The early impor- tations generally find their way into private gar- dens. The nurserymen and trade growers who do not import direct must l.e content with later impor- tations, but these are generally supplied in good time. It is not a species that can be found grow- ing satisfactorily for many years after importation. I am familiar with a few instances, and do not com- plain of my own experience in the satisfactory cul- ture of this useful Dendrobu. In some places destruction is wilfully brought about by the bar- barous treatment adopted of cutting off' near the base the whole of the growth as it stands while in bloom, so thai the growths may be used for cut flower decoration. This is not oiilydone in private places, but one frequently sees instances where the bulb is cut off in this manner displayed in the llorists' shops about London. Such treatment can no: produce desirable results. The Mow cling of 1). Wardianum differs altogether from 1). nobile. The former (lowers from the last season's growth, whereas in I), nobile the two-year-old bulbs flower, and last year's growths start into growth from the base, so that the removal of the flowering growth is not likely to produce the disastrous effects on the new- growths. It is worthy of note that the majority of nurserymen do not stock, as a rule, more than the demand for the current season. This undoubtedly points to the fact that thev do not find it desirable to retain the plants longer than is necessary, and prefer imported ones. I am inclined to think that the chid cause of failure is a want of proper conditions during the resting season. Plants do not take the proper rest sometimes, like other species, and frequently commence growing before the previous growth has reached maturity. It is not generally understood that this is characteristic of the species in its native habitat. One of the most prominent of the Eastern collectors has told me that the young growth often reaches from !l inches to a foot long before the cool and dry season sets in. Then follows the long season of rest, during which time the lower foliage of these growths are sometimes affected, which is followed by the flowering season. Then comes the deluge of rains, and in a remarkably short period the growths which remained dormant for months Man away vigorously and quickly attain their proper dimensions. Many of our best growers have failed in the past in endeavouring to treat the plants in the same manner as the majority of Den- drobiums when the young growths arc in an active and growing condition. Continuous growth during the proper resting season produces most unsatis- factory results, and it was not until I began to discard this sec lary growth that BUecess was gained. The flowering season should be reasonably limited and the plants relieved of the strain which is so often imposed in the endcav to prolong the beauty of the flowers by cooler and drier conditions after they have become expanded. This is an injurious practice. The flowers should lie cut within a reasonable period after thev have expanded. ||. ,|. ( '. TREES AND SHRUBS. SHRUBS FOR DRV SOILS. IT is not always easy to get shrubs to make satisfactory headway in dry. sandy soil, but few arc better than the evergreen Oleasters, and at the same time few evergreens with variegated foliage are more showy than Eheagnus pungens aurea, which grows freely and forms a compact bush, the leaves of which are rich yellow, the margins only being green. The as its underground shoots push freely it soon makes a dense carpet ,,f deep glossy green leafage, which in winter is heavily stained with brownish purple and crimson. Its small white bell-shaped flowen are borne in axillary clusters in duly, and succeeded by bright scarlet berries in autumn and winter. This charming little plant makes an excellent marginal line to the smaller-growing American shrubs. It is happj ill moist peaty soil. Till". WINTER HEATH (ERICA CARNEA). At this season of the year it is charming to sec patches of colour formed bj this hardj Heath. Frost does not appear to affect its flowering, and il emerges from i covering of snow looking fresh, hright, and cheery. How many spots in the environs of gardens might he made bright during autumn and winter by the free use of such plants as this, its white variety E. herbaiea, and sum,- of the autumn-flowering native Heaths. Thev arc hardy, but unobtrusive plants, and never look out of place or untidy at any season. .1. ( I, 'I'. RHODODENDRONS BY WATER. The fine effect of a bold grouping of the most free- growing of the Rhododendrons on the margin of artificial water is shown in the 'aecnmpanv in- RHODODENDRONS GROUPED BY WATER. type is of good growth, too. and bears great numbers of small, white, deliciously- scented flowers in axillary clusters in November and December, E. macrophylla from Japan is a choice shrub for decorative planting. It is of excellent growth, spreading habit, and its bright green leaves, silvery on the undersides, create a pleasing effect when ruffled by wind. It flowers in mid-winter, and although its greenish yellow- blossoms are small, they are borne so abundantly as to merit attention amongst winter-flowering shrubs. The Oleasters are perfectly hardy, easily grown, and splendid dry weather shrubs. illustration. These grand shrubs are never SO happy or so free in growth as when their roots are within sucking distance of a constant supply of water. They will live and do fairly well under drier conditions so long as they are not absolutely parched, but will require constant watching, with judicious mulching and watering when signs of distress are noticed. But if planted at once in peaty soil, or in such as has a good proportion of leaf-mould, and where there is water so near below them that they can easily take it up, they will grow away well and take care of themselves. A (KM)]) SHIU'B FOII CARPI THE GROUND. TNG Hamamelis arborea. This is one of the most charming of winter-flowering shrubs, with its crowd of golden -coloured twisted petals. It is During winter, Gaultheria prooumbens, a dwarf- very hardy, i lerately vigorous, and should be growing North American shrub, is one of the gems grouped on the lawn, not crowded into the mixed of the hardy Heath or rock garden. It forms a shrubbery. The other species are far less interesting good carpet shrub 4 inches or 5 inches high, and and attractive. .Taxtary 20, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 51 ONWARD ! NOT BACK. In your kindly reference to my work in the last issue it is said, that " although the newer and better ways of gardening are only a return to the ways of our ancestors, yet the pre- cious heritage they left us had for many years been lost." On this I should like to say a few words, not so much on my own behalf as in the interest of the things themselves. The statement is true enough as far as it goes, but it covers but little of the ground. A just view is that which Dean Hole expressed to me last summer, i.e., that we are now beginning to sec a beauty in gardens which was never dreamt of in old times. Certainly no one need be ashamed of going back in any ait, and much of so-called pro- gress is anything but worthy of the name. Nothing, however, suffers s< > much from the influence of "survivals" as the garden art, and the watchword there must be "onward" if we are to reap anything like a tithe of the beauty of actual things in many cases wholly unknown to our ancestors. In saying something as regards the various ways in which distinct advance has been made, I do not by any means try to cover all the ground, even if it were in the power of any one person to do so. The Rock Garden. Perhaps there is no more interesting instance of real progress, and at the same time of the survival of ugliness, than what I call the rock garden. No one can say that this was known to our ancestors, as the earliest evidence we have is that of Loudon's books, which show fearful things and useless for their pur] wise. Even in our own day we have heard savants and botanists say that alpine flowers could not be cultivated, and the collection of them at Kew even were, as many will perhaps remember, under a canvas cloth. Who among our an- cestor- would ever have expected to see such rock gardens as that of Miss Willmott, and many others that could be named, in which the true beauty of the flora of the mountains is seen' Here also is an example of the survival of evil things. The ugly old "rockery " idea is unfortunately now being carried out in the costly London parks under the rule of the London County Council. In Dulwich Park, Waterlow Park, and in the squares of London we see rockeries being formed of the vitrified waste and rubbish of the brick-yard. Nursery- men, also, with a reputation for form in, g rock gardens, erect showy stony piles, using many stones where three would give a better result. Here there is no going back ; all progress can but arise from looking to the great mother of things. It is singular how near we are to the mountains, and how little good our garden- makers get from it, and certainly any good we have got is by looking to Nature. Hardy Flowers. Even in the one way in which we have rightly gone back, that is to say, to the mixed and more natural way of arranging hardy flowers, there is a great change for the better. The old mixed borders were often full of coarse plants, which eatup the few good things. Even in gardens where hardy flowers were best .mown, such as the marvellously fertile soil about Edinburgh (as at Comely Bank, Mr. Stirling's garden), while one saw with great pleasure the- beauty of the individual plants, there was no grouping or holding things together in the way we now see in some of our best hardy flower gardens, such as Lady Ardilaun's flower borders. Nor was it possible that we should have had such gardens of hardy flowers as we have now, because the rich collections of Lily and Iris and many other flowers were not known in our gardens. Eoses. Here, if we go back, we get into the Rose garden of Roses that flower but a few weeks ; as Poises were usually placed, except in cottage gardens, in a. place apart (the rosery). In consequence of the survival of this rule not one out of fifty Rose lovers even has any idea of the beauty lost in the present day owing to this survival. How it would have rejoiced the hearts of our old gardeners to see a garden of Tea Poses in full beauty months after the old Pose-time had passed! This, although little known to people as yet, is a delight which the simplest cottager can enjoy if he does not pursue the orthodox anil settled method of putting all Poses on the wild Brier, or follow the teaching of every list, that Roses to thrive must have rich and heavy soil — not only not true, but the very opposite of truth as regards the finest of all Roses grown in the natural way. The Water Garden. Perhaps there is no greater advance imagin- able than has been seen in water and water- side flowers. While everyone has heard of the new Water Lilies, few yet realise the difference they will make to the lake in the future in this water-blest isle. Mr. Watson, of Kew, said to me a summer or two ago on seeing some of these hardy Water Lilies well grown : " What is the use of building Victoria houses if you get results like that in the open air?" It seems to me that a few acres of water set with lovely Water Lilies in various delicate colours and with the margins clad with water- side plants and the banks with the rich hardy plants that may be grown in such soils, otter a picture which, as Dean Hole said, people at one time never dreamed of as possible in a garden. Also, we may claim that many thing's which were known and grown in the gardens of our ancestors have been more rightly treated in our own day. Take the beautiful Star- worts, which in old gardens were tied to a stick like a broom. The new way of growing these in broad groups or colonics of all the more lovely kinds among shrubs or young trees is distinct from anything seen in gardens before, and gives a great charm to the garden in autumn. What is true of these applies to many other beautiful plants, which in the old gardens existed only in a spotty waj . and never gave any good clear effects as our beautiful plants do now when we group them in Iris border, Lily garden, or many Narcissi so admirably suited to our climate. The old people had the Narcissus here and there, and a few kinds naturalised themselves in Irish gardens and cool soils ; but who expected to see anything like the constellation of lovely beauty in the grass now seen in many place- ' Flowering Trees and Shrubs. It is not only to the ways we have already realised that my contention applies; it is to things we know and as yet make no fair use of, as, say, the most precious things of all for the open-air garden — flowering trees and shrubs. If there be any place in England where half the beauty these may give us is well shown, I should be very glad to hear of it — I mean the full expression of their beauty in the way the beauty of hardy flowers, bulbs, or Bamboos has been realised in various instances in our gardens. Even the value of the Willows of the north, full of lovely colour as they are every month in the year, is rarely seen in any effective way, and we may see now and then the best examples of water in park or pleasure ground — as at Brocket — and rivers sweeping through tine country seats without a group or mass of these most beautiful of hardy trees for the water-side being seen. Without trying to cover the whole ground, 1 hope I have shown that the word must be "onward." I have not mentioned any advance here of which we have not good evidence of, though, unhappily, it may be unknown to many. Also, that it is a fight only for what is true and right and will carry US to Letter things in the garden art. This fight may be a long one. especially when it is against the routine of established trade practices, the practice of grafting, for instance, by which nearly all the beautiful shrubs ami trees introduced or raised perish, and are in the end lost to gardens, as in tin' cases of the species of Crataegus on the Quick, the lovely varieties of Lilac on the common Privet, and graceful Willows on the common Withy. W. R. WOODLAND AND FOREST. FORESTRY: A LOST CROP. ONE of the most conspicuous faults of our home system of forestry is the neglect of crops from old stools. It has often been a son n :i of wonder to the writer seeing owners of land incurring much expense in forming extensive plantations of young trees and leaving the stools from felled trees in the older woods untended and uncared for. apparently in ignorance of the fact that in every one of the stools left a second crop of tree- and poles equal to the first might be had in a much shorter time than was possible from planted trees, and with no more attention than the thinning out of the young shunts that spring in such abundance from the stools of nearly all the hardwoods. These shoots always mow at a rapid rate, due to the rebound of growth caused by cutting down the tree, just as cutting back a branch causes it to break out stronger than before. When a healthy tree is cut down the whole vigour of the roots is concentrated on the reproduction of new growth, and the rapid rate at which such trees as the Oak, Ash, Sycamore, Alder, Arc, spring up from the stool far exceeds, for a number of years, the growth of planted trees, which, comparatively, stand still for the first few year-. Through want of attention, however, stool crops of timber are practically lost on most estates. Indeed, the writer does not know at the present time where he could point to a good second crop of timber of the kind described. Single, accidental examples are common enough, but what one usually sees in woods from which repeated falls of timber have been taken is just a thicket from each stool neither fit for timber nor coppice — pure wa-te. Travelling through part of Lincoln and Nottinghamshire not lone since, I could not help noticing numerous examples of this kind. The neglect of this branch of forestry on estates in England is far from creditable to the management. We know tine Oak and Ash woods in Yorkshire in which nothing has ever been done to rescue the second crop from destruction, and the woods have had regular falls of timber taken out of them so long that thej are now much too thin, the shoot- from the stools having been either eaten off by rabbits as fast as they grew, or been allowed to become - thered with weeds and bracken at the critical stage. This neglect did not exist always, however, judging from the signs one occasionally sees. On certain well-known TIIK (iARI)EN. |.I\\r\i:v 20, 1900. estates where extensive falls of timber were got many years ago provision was made in the printed agreements between vendor and pur- chaser thai the trees were to be felled at the righl season, viz., autumn or winter, when the sap was down, and that the tiers were bo be cleanly cut close to the ground so as not to check future growth from the stool. In the case of trees peeled standing, as is done in South Yorkshire, the trees had to he ringed or "burled"at the base to prevent the bark on the stool from being injured. The Germans and French are ahead of us in this matter, as in others. In German hooks on forestry the reproductive power of different speeies of trees from the stool is carefully noted, and some tine exam] ill's of second crops are to he seen on the Continent. There was twenty years ago a model second crop of Oak to he seen in the beautiful forest of Fontaine- Mean, about 4o miles south of Paris and close to the little station of Thomery. This forest corre- sponds to some of the Crown forests in this country in a sense : 1 nit as regards good order, manage- ment, and productiveness there is no comparison. Fontainehleau Forest is kept up as a royal forest, but it is managed on strict sylvi- culture] lines. In the second crop of poles alluded to the trees were about 60 feet high, and from two to four poles sprang from every stool. No doubt many more had been produced at the beginning, but they had been carefully weeded out in good time. The whole of the first crop had gone down in a " clear cut " and been succeeded by the one we saw. The regularity of the crop and even uniform size of the trees were remarkable, indi- cating the attention bestowed on the forest. As before stated, all the broad-leaved forest trees except the Beech possess great reproduc- tive power from the stool after felling, and this power lasts for years in I lie case of the Oak and others. It is quite surprising how quickly the second crop springs up. The first year the shoots are not SO long, hut the second year they shoot up several feet, and in two or three years quite a young plan- tation is established. We have seen single Oak stools from which, by accident or design, the shoots had been reduced at an early stage hearing a crop of six fine poles about fifty years after the original tree had been felled. About twelve years ago a thin Oak wood that we know was cut down and the ground replanted with Firs between the Oak stools, which produced vigorous shoots that were early thinned, and they are now ahead of the Firs and likely to produce a fine second crop. We strongly commend this subject to the owners of woods. The second crop of timber in our woods is at present practically a lost crop, though one of the easiest and cheapest to secure. Let owners look round them when they go into their woods from which falls of timber have been removed. Whenever shoots are seen springing up there is a possible crop of timber. Asa rule the shoots spring up in great profusion from each stool, forming dense, bush-like masses, and that is where the danger to the crop lies, as if the stools are left in that state the smothering process sets in. The thinning out of the shoots is, however, a wry easy matter, and consists in simply cutting or wrenching out the shoots that arc not wanted and leaving about four or five of the strongest to each stool. .1. Simpson. NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. CHINESE PRIMULAS AT MESSRS. SUTTON AND SUN'S'. CHINESE Primula time at Reading is a bright period of the year under glass. When leaden skies and keen winds drive one from the pleasure TIIK "STAR PRIMULA (P. STEM. VIA). garden, it is agreeable to see flowers rilling the plant house, groups of colour, crimson, blue, or a strong approach to that distinct hue, rose. pink, and purest white. At the time of our visit the Persian Cyclamens were fading, with Chinese Primulas in profusion to carry on the bright colour- ing into the early spring months. At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society one of the chief features consisted of the group of Primulas from Heading, and even in the murky light of the Drill Hall the flowers were very effective. How great has been the march of the hybridist one may judge from the flowrers of the present day, and progress is written Large upon Primula hybri- disation even at this time, when improvement and extension of varieties seem impossible. This is not so. The variety named Duchess, raised at Heading, is a distinct lireak away; its finely- formed single (lower, its whitish petals relieved by a crimson shaded central ring and eye of greenish yellow, is entirely unique, anil such a departure as this is only the beginning of a new set, so to speak. from this quaint and beautiful novelty. THE Sinci.k ri.ow kkkii Pri.milas. We have written of tin- flowers here on previous occasions, but every visit reveals some fresh and beautiful variety. The Duchess, as we have already remarked, is an acquisition likely to prove the forerunner of a new and charming race, and other seedlings were there also, all possessing distinct features of excellence. These seedlings, chosen from extensive trials, are the outcome of patient work to seize upon every cross likely to prove the basis of future groups, and in this way gradually and surely has this beautiful family arisen. It is hardly necessary to individualise. There were Heading Scarlet, Brilliant Ro that beautiful and popular white flower The Pearl, Reading Blue, the delicately tinted Cambridge Blue, the exquisite Fern-leaved Purity. Snowdrift, and the noble series of giant flowers in several colours — pink, the remarkably distinct terra cotta, and crimson. The giant group flowers rather later than the other type, and forms in a way a pleasing and valuable succession. But there is another type, which some prefer even to the beautiful flowers already mentioned, and this group is called stellata, or the Star Primula, in allusion to the somewhat starry form of the flowers. By this one must not suppose the flow'ers are poor in form, for this group is of extreme elegance — tiers of blossoms, a profusion that fills the house with beauty and provides material for room and table decoration. An example in a pot is illustrated to show the character of this fine section of Primula, which, if it reminds one of the wild speeies, appeals to the lover of flowers by its freedom and vigour. The type, so to speak, has white flowers, which with age become flaked with colour ; but this does not detract in the slightest degree from the beauty of the flower. The pink forms a strong contrast ; the colour is pure and distinct and very charm- ing against the older form. Those who care little for the more formal kinds of Chinese Primula will treasure this free and graceful flower, which we hope in time will develop other colours as pleasing as those already in existence. The Double-flowered Varieties. We confess to a strong love for this bright group of winter flowers, and the variety given an award of merit by the Royal Horticultural Society at its last meeting is a great gain. There are no poor colours in the double -flowered strain, and this deep crimson, as rich and precious as the colour of a Clove Carnation, will promote an even deeper interest in this section. The flower is pretty in form, somewhat approaching a rosette, and intense in shade. General French is the name of this sterling novelty. Even in the dimly-lighted Drill Hall this colour, grouped with the scarlet, blue, wdiite. and pink shades, was conspicuous amongst the double kinds. A very pretty set is named Moss-curled, in allusion to the Moss-like character of the leaves, and it represents several colours, all prett v and distinct. No variety, however, interests the writer more than the double blue, which from a poor, undecided colour has changed to a pure and delightful shade. The Messrs. Sutton have striven diligently to bring this group to perfection, and tin- latest addition is, for colour and form, finer perhaps than anything that has yet appeared, GARDEN. =^g5fct? No. 1471.— Vol. LVIL] [January 27, 1900. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Every department of horticulture is represented in The Gakdkn, and the Editors invite readers to send in questions relating to matters upon which they wish advice from compe- hot authorities. With that object they wish to make the •' Answers to Correspondents" column a conspicuous nature, and when queries are printed, they hope that their readers will kindly aire inquirers the benefit of their assistance. All communications must be written clearly on one side only if the paper, and addressed to the Editors of The Garden. accomjianied by name and address of the sender. The Editors welcome photographs, articles, and notes, but thru will io,t he r, sponsible for their safe return. All reason- able care, however, will be taken, and where stamps are enelos.il. they will endeavour to return looi-ueeepted con- tributions. As regards photographs, if payment lie desired, the Editors ask that the price required for eproduction be plainly stated. It must be distinctly understood that onlu the actual photo- grapher nr owner of the copyright will be treated with. The Editors will not he responsible for the return of artistic or literary contributions which they may not be able to use. and the receipt of a proof m ust not' be token ns eridenc, that uu article is accepted. Publication in The Garden will ol'oo: he recognised as acceptance. Edited by MISS JEKYLL and MR. E. T. COOK Offices: S0, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C. THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY. The Sale of Insecticides. THE Pharmaceutical Society was pro- fessedly incorporated for the public 1' -ii "fit, more particularly to secure that the sale of poisons and the dis- pensing of drugs should be only undertaken by persons properly trained and qualified for the work. Everyone will admit that it is to the advantage of the community that physicians' prescriptions should be com- pounded by skilled hands, and it will lie equally patent that it would not be for the good of the community if some of the more dangerous preparations of the chemist could be dispersed broadcast by anyone who chose to indulge in the trade for purposes of mere profit. It conduces to the public weal that supervision should be exercised by a recognised authority over the retail vendors of poisons, and that in the case of certain special preparations a register of retail sales must be kept, in which must be entered the date of the sale and the Dame and address of the purchaser, together with the purpose for which he stated the matt-rial was intended to be used. Such regu- lations are for the good of the public, and should bi- properly enforced. During recent years the Pharmaceutical Society has evinced considerable activity in detecting the sales of proprietary medicines containing poison by unqualified persons— a legitimate sphere for its operations, and one in which much good work has been accom- plished—but the society seems to have now taken quite a new view of its raison d'etre, and is concerning itself with matters outside its proper province. The development of the market-garden in- dustry and of fruit and flower culture has led to the more systematic study of insectal and fungoid pests, one result of which is that a number of special preparations, known as in- secticides, have been placed on the market, and have now come into common and every-day use. Naturally, the active principle of some of these preparations is a poison, and so on a sale by- retail by a person who is not a duly qualified chemist there is a technical breach of the law, even though the vendor purchases from a manufacturing chemist, and sells in a closed sealed package, duly labelled, and never opened by himself. Nicotine is well known to be an active principle of one or more of the insecti- cides in common use, and nicotine is a poisonous vegetable alkaloid, and, as such, is a poison comprised in the schedule to the Pharmacy Act of 1868, and recently proceedings have been instituted against a seller of such a preparation for committing a breach of the Pharmacy Act. This preparation has been before the public for some seven years, and yet proceedings are now instituted for the first time. Will anyone contend that the sale of a fumigative contain- ing nicotine for use in gardens is a source of danger to the community unless sold by a qualified chemist f It undoubtedly appears that in this matter the Pharmaceutical Society are simply acting as a trade protection society, and the plea that the action is taken in the public interest is misleading ; they seek to secure to chemists and druggists such profit as may arise from the retail sale of insecticides, and to prevent anyone else from participating in the profits of such sales. One result will inevitably be to raise the price to the consumer, but, happily, the gardening industry is not asleep, and a society is being organised to resist the movement (Mr. G. H. Richards, of 128, Southwark Street, is acting as lion, secretary pro tern.), and to secure the amendment of the Act of 1868 so as to enable agents, other than pharmacists, to sell in the manufacturers' original packages poison- ous preparations for technical purposes to the trades and professions ordinarily requiring such preparations in the course of their trade or business. Certain restrictions might be found necessary, to which, however, no one would object. One large manufacturer has asked the mem- bers of the seed and nursery trade to send their orders direct to him, and he will despatch to their buyers and invoice the goods to the merchant, who in turn will invoice to his customers, but, happily, the decision in the recent case of the Pharmaceutical Society v. White has shown that it is scarcely necessary to resort to such a roundabout procedure. Mr. White, who is a florist at Worcester, is in the habit of selling a weed-killer containing arsenic : he does not keep the material in stocks but forwards his customers' orders to the Boundary Chemical Company at Liverpool, who execute the orders and allow Mr. White 25° on the annual sales through himself. The Pharmaceutical Society proceeded against Mr. White in the County Court, but the judge decided that Mr. White was merely acting as agent for the Liverpool company. The society appealed to the Court of Queen's Bench, and last week a Divisional Court (Justices Grantham and Channel!) held that the decision of the County Court was right, and dismissed the appeal. Justice Grantham said that in his opinion Mr. White was merely the conduit-pipe between the company and the buyers, while Justice Channel] said there was no evidence that Mr. White had the control or the manage- ment of the sale. The Pharmaceutical Society intend to take the case to the Court of Appeal, but there is little cause to fear that the decision of the Divisional Court will be reversed. During the last few days a question was addressed to the Lord Advocate (Mr. A. G. Murray, Q.C.) by Mr. M. Cuthbertson, at a large public meeting, asking if he would support a Bill in Parliament making it legal for seedsmen and other agents to sell poisonous preparations, such as sheep- dips, insecticides, weed-killers, \ no mean, but Nature makes that mean." So long as we follow the lead which Nature, as it were, points out to us, we are on safe ground, for by assisting her in the way of her own direction, increase of beauty frequently rewards our labours. When a plant has a natural tendency to double its blossoms, or crosses easily by fertilisation, the results are nearly always interesting and satisfactory ; but whenever she has distinctly marked out the character and purpose of a plant, and so fitted it that it shall do its best for the general effect in the place amongst its fellows which she intends it to occupy, it seems to me to be folly for the cultivator to interfere ; by so doing, novelties and monstrosities may very likely be secured, but an increase of beauty never. How obviously Nature has intended that the Pea should climb, that its lovely winged blooms may be exalted in the sunshine and air. " Here are Sweet Peas, on tiptoe for a flight." So con- veniently raised too for us to enjoy more thoroughly their beauty and their scent. Our florists have lately done much for us by increas- ing the variety and beauty of the colouring of this exquisite flower, ami we tender them our grateful thanks. But what demon could have possessed them to introduce the dwarfed varieties that now figure so frequently in the catalogues ? " Cupids," forsooth ! To me it seems little short of downright cruelty to sow Sweet Peas like these which are condemned to grovel on the ground during their short exist- ence. The dwarf and compact habit is no doubt a virtue with many things, like the carpeting plants and mosses for instance, but it would be fatal to the beauty of others such as the Teasels, Mulleins or Roses. To anyone who has worked in a garden for a few years, the temptation to secure plants that are dwarf and compact is no doubt very strung, so many things, especially amongst annuals, having such a tendency to grow beyond all bounds. The labour spent on keeping the borders tidy becomes great and unceasing ; this nn doubt accounts for the demand for these dwarf things, and 1 suspect that they are very welcome to the paid gardener as a means of saving labour. Still, after all, beauty is the principal thing, and no sacrifice should be grudged in our endeavours to secure it. Ex- treme tidiness in the flower borders is not so important a matter as many people think. A wild luxuriant tangle, so long as there are plenty of flowers, is, in my opinion, very much more beautiful than a border in which each plant is severely kept to itself, with neatly raked soil around. Nothing is more delightful than the accidental beauty which results from one plant growing into and amongst another, and f would rather see even weeds than bare soil anywhere. In painting pictures, one of the greatest gifts the artist can possess is a right sense of when to leave his work alone, and it is precisely the same in the treatment of flower borders, which as a rule sutler far more from continual interference than from occa simial neglect. It is extremelj difficult to get a professional gardener to feel the truth of this, for he is naturally very proud of his skill, and t"n apt tn imagine that the beauty and success of the garden is all the result of hi- own attention and intelligence: he is sure to get a very large amount of praise for the symmetry and gorgeousness of the effects which he produces from numbers of people whose taste is indiscriminating, such praise leading him tn regard any suggestions of artistic im- provement that may be offered to him as the vagaries of amateur ignorance. It is On this account that I feel so grateful to you for giving the subject the benefit of your powerful advocacy. G. D. Leslie, R.A. /,'/r, rside, II aXlvngford. THE FLOWER GARDEN. VIOLETS IN FRAMES IN WINTER. I AM afraid many gardeners were caught nap- ping on the occasion of the late severe frost and had their frame Violets badly nipped, as. owing to the mild weather which preceded it, the foliage was very soft and tender. Those whose frames were sufficiently protected to exclude frost, and who have been careful in airing, watering, and surface stirring, which latter pre- serves the plants from damp, which is the Violet grower's worst enemy, will now be rewarded by seeing them strengthen. The blooms will consequently improve both in size and colour, as it is wonderful what a change slightly lengthen ing days and increased solar heat make to Violets. On calm bright days remove the lights from the frames entirely, so as to dry and sweeten the soil about the plants, removing at frequent intervals all decayed and yellow leaves. If water is needed, let it lie given on a fine day, so that the foliage will dry before nightfall. It is now time a plot was selected for the summer growth of the plants. Aspect is of great importance, as very fewr succeed in growing first-rate Violets on sites fully exposed to the sun, as in this case red spider is almost certain to work mischief, as moisture is deficient. An east border is in my opinion the best position, as the sun shines on the plants for a few hours in the morning, and they are left compara- tively cool for the rest of the day. Digging in a quantity of rich farmyard manure is not a good practice, as although the plants may make strong rank foliage, they always stand ordinary winters badly, and bloom-production is not satisfactory. What is wanted is healthy medium-sized foliage and | imminent well-matured crowns, and these are best ensured, not by strong stimulant, but by the free incorporation of loamy compost, road scrapings, leaf mould, and burnt garden refuse. Mix this to a depth of 15 inches or 18 inches now and let it lie roughly till planting time (the end of April) arrives. Do not plant spider-infested runners on any account. Norwich. admirers on that occasion, it is very questionable if anyone anticipated the popularity it would so sunn attain and its high commercial value, for the culture of L. Harrisii. in many instances at least, has been very remunerative. It was our American cousins who tirst directed attention to I. ilium Harrisii, and the production of its blossoms quite early in the year is one of the many wrinkles we have learnt from our friends across the Atlantic-. MR. G. F. WILSON'S LILIES. Br all plant lovers the name of Mr. Wilson is closely identified with many Japanese Lilies, but a fact not SO generally known is that he was the first to exhibit Liliuni Harrisii (Easter Lily of Bermuda) in flower. This was at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, then held at Ken- sington, cm June 12, 1883, when a first-class certificate was awarded it. The long white trum- pets of this charming Lily attracted a good deal of attention, and even more later on, for it was exhibited at an evening meeting at Burlington House on the same day. Despite its many PLANTING A BED. "J. \V." asks for advice about planting a round bed In feet across that has a vase about 1 feel high in the middle. He wishes to do something better than quite common-place bedding. The bed is in a conspicuous place, with a grass verge and gravel walk round ; it is near hardy flower borders, with shrubs beyond. We are not told what is the nature of the plinth on which the vase stands, but as it is + feet high we suppose it has sonic kind of support. We take it to be a square plinth i! feet each way in plan ; it may be round, but to suppose it square will help the description. Next to each of the four sides «.■ plant a large-flowered ('anna, the four ('annas being all of the same green-leaved variety with soft scarlet flowers, such as Antoine Bouvier. Between each of these is plunged a well-grown potted clump of some handsome Lily, of which a succession is kept ready. The earliest hatches would be the large longitioi um or Harrisii, the next eandidum, then speciosum, and lastly auratuni. Next in front of the Lilic •■: should be three perma- nent plants of Fttnkia subcordata grandiflora in a group together, two hack and one forward, and tin1 rest of the space towards the edge of the bed should be of a zonal Geranium of a soft scarlet, such as Mme. Bartlemann or the splendid salmon-coloured King of Denmark, avoiding the hard scarlets, for though they are more brilliant in detail they never make so harmonious a grouping with other plants. Of the foregoing plants the only ones that remain in the bed front year to year are the Funkias. Except in warm places in the more favoured parts of our islands, they cannot be depended upon to flower, but in such a bed as the one described the object is not so much for flower as for groups of handsome fresh green foliage. In less favoured places they could be plunged like the Lilies. Where the Funkias do well in the open — and they remain from year to year in the bed — they would equally take a part in another good arrangement of quite different colouring. In this case the Lilies would be the same, but the four Cannas would he replaced by well-grown plants of variegated or silver- striped Maize, and the front spaces would be of some arrangement of Cineraria maritima and a good medium-coloured Heliotrope, such as President Garfield — the Cineraria in a group of three next the Maize, the front plant of the three breaking forward into the Heliotrope. With this colouring a pretty incident would be a potted Clematis, either white or lilac, plunged at any point next the base of the vase and trained upward and around it. The vase itself should, in the tirst arrangement, have either a Geranium to match one of those below, or a small C'anna of rather dwarf habit ; in the second, a pot of Phormium might be placed in the vase, or a well-grown two-year-old Cineraria maritima. PROPAGATING YUCCA GLORIOSA. The well-known Adam's Needle, with its formidable spiked leaves, seems an unlikely subject to take in hand for propagation by cuttings. But I have found that single crowns, taken oil with a short piece of stem, strike as easily as Willows. Some years ago two large specimens were sent me. They flowered, and then, in their usual fashion, split up into several heads. I reduced the number to pre- vent the plants growing unshapely, and now have several neat specimens, obtained simply by putting the pieces taken off into the border. Some I put into large pots, and these did just as well. IVoodMde Park: T. J. W. January 27, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 55 THE ROSE GARDENS OF MIDAS. It is much to be regretted that we do not know more concerning the Rose gardens of Midas, the earliest Pose gardens of which we find any legend or record. Herodotus, the father of history, who published his writings about 450 rears before the Christian era, speaks of "The gardens of Midas the son of Gordius "as if they still existed in his own time. He says they were situated at the foot of Mount Rermins, in Macedonia, and that self-planted Roses grew in them bearing sixty petals on each flower, and being the most fragrant -4' all Roses. Midas, king of Phrygia, lived in mythical times, before Grecian history began : his father Gordius was also king (if Phrygia, and tied the famous Gordian knot, which remained unloosed for about 1000 years, till Alexander the Great cut it through with his sword. How the king of Phrygia came to have a garden in Macedonia is not very clear, but it was not farther from his home than the south of France from the home of some English people who have villas and gardens there. Latin classical writers, both before and after the Christian era. speak of these Rose gardens of Midas, lint give no particulars about them. We know very little about the flower gardens of the ancients, only just enough to make us wish to know more. The gardens described by Greek and Latin classical writers were for the most part what we should call kitchen gardens. There were the famous gardens of King Alcinous, generally reported to have been in Corfu. But Homer, in describing these gardens, does not speak of any flowers, but names several kinds of fruit trees which bore perpetual crops, another crop ripening as soon as one was gathered. The Athenian garden of the philosopher Epicurus was entirely a vegetable garden. The Roman Emperor Diocletian, when he retired from ruling the world, and devoted his time to gardening at his villain Daluiatia. told a friend who visited him that no one who had once learnt the pleasure of gardening would wish to rule an empire, and he showed his friend large breadths of Cabbages, all planted with his own hand : but nothing is said of flowers. Virgil is very tantalising. In his poem about bees he says if he had less to say about them, he should like to give more time to telling of the double- bearing rosaries of Pa-stum, and would give in. >re particulars concerning the delightful flower garden of an old foreign friend, who had enclosed some waste land on the southern coast of Italy, and was more happy than a king amongst his Daffodils and Hyacinths, his Lilies and Poppies, his Myrtles, and especially his Poses, which were always the earliest in spring, but, adds the poet. 1 have not time or space, and so --" Pnetereo atque aliis postme memoranda relinquo." Theophrastns. the earliest of (beck botanists, who lived more than a century after Herodotus, say- of Poses that they vary much in the number of their petals, some having five, some twelve, some twenty, and upwards, some growing in Macedonia being called hundred- leaved : these are probably the Poses which Herodotus mentions. Theophrastns tells us that transplanting and close pruning, and especially binning down, increase the vigorous growth of the plants. From Pliny, that voluminous Latin writer on plants and animals, we should expect more information about the cultivation of Poses, considering the enormous demand for them at Pome to use in garlands and feasts. As this demand must have been met by a corresponding supply, there were probably many hundreds of ■mi,, covered with Poses near the city; but the information we get from him about them is meagre. Pliny repeats in Latin what Theophrastns had told us in Greek, and adds that the Rosa centifolia of Macedonia, which was not wild, but improved by cultivation, was the same as the Rosa centifolia of Campania (probably the flower of Paestan rosaries). The Pose of Prreneste was the latest variety flowering into winter, the Campanian being the earliest. The Rose of Miletus, a Rose having never more or less than twelve petals, was the deepest in colour; the Poise of Alabamhe — both these places being in ( 'aria — was the palest. That of ( lyrene, in Africa, was the most fragrant, whilst at Carta- gena, in Spain, were Roses which flowered all winter. Pliny recommends grafting and budding, and growing from suckers, as producing quicker results than raising from seed. A pale-flowered, strong growing thorny Rose with five petals, found wild in Greece, was used as a stock for budding. He astonishes us most by saying that all the Roses known at Rome were scent- less, except two. One he calls coroneola, and describes as an autumnal Rose of medium size ; the other is the Rose in rubo nata, i.e., pro- duced on a Bramble — the Briar Rose (?). This summary of Pliny on Poses affords a fair specimen of the difficulty of coming to any conclusion about the flowers described by the ancients. In the case of a plant so widely culti- vated as the Rose, all the garden varieties have probably undergone great change in the course of 2000 years, but we are perplexed by the statement that the Roman Roses were for the most part without fragrance, as it seems at variance with what Herodotus tells us of the Macedonian Poses, and with what Pliny says in other passages. But it may be that the sweetness was washed out by the irrigated bog soil of the suburban gardens which supplied the Roman markets, which, as Horace tells us, made even the Cabbages insipid. Irriguo nihil est eliitius horto. But to return to the. Pose gardens of Midas. Herodotus mentions another incident about them which, though it has nothing to do with Roses, introduces an amusing legend. In the days of Midas there lived an elderly gentleman named Silenus. He had the honour of being private tutor to the young god Bacchus, to whom in some ways he set a very bad example, being nearly always tipsy. But he had other mi ire refined ] mrsuits ; he was passionately fond of flowers and an accomplished musician, and he imparted these tastes to his young pupil, in whose honour many musical and floral festivals were instituted. Silenus appears to have been in the habit of straying wherever he thought he could get drink, and it was believed that if he could be caught asleep and bound with a wreath of flowers, he woidd be so charmed by them as to make no attempt to escape, but would redeem his liberty by singing a series of beautiful songs, or by answering any questions his captors might ask concerning the past, the present, or the future, for he was endowed with prophetic inspiration. This Silenus was once caught by the gardener of the King Midas in the Macedonian garden and taken to the king. Every schoolboy knows the rest of the story, and that the adventure did not end well for Midas. This is, unfortunately, all we know about the earliest Rose gardens recorded either in verse or prose. If Silenus still continues his wanderings — for he is said to have become immortal— it is hoped that he may some day be caught napping in Edge garden, and the writer will certainly not let him go until he has given a complete list of all the species and varieties of Rose which grew in the gardens of Midas. This could not fail to lie very interesting to all who love the queen of flowers. Edije Hall, MaVpas. C. Wolley-Dod. [In the event of this desired capture being effected and the much-wanted information elicited, we trust that Mr. Wolley-Dod will not fail to immediately communicate it to The Garden- Let us hope that an ample bin of choice Falernian exists in the cellars of Edge Hall.— Eds.1 NOTES OF THE WEEK. Fatsia japonica out of doors.— This ornamental shrub, better known by the name of Aralia japonica, is most effective planted out in clumps or as single specimens. It has large ter- minal panicles of white flowers 12 inches high and as much through, while in favourable winters it ripens seed here from which we raise young plants. It grows well in a rich sandy loam with a little rotten manure. The leaves being so leathery are not easily injured by wind. — W. 0., Fota. Veronica rupestris.— I suppose all Veronicas may be considered good garden plants, but I know of none that pleases more in its heyday than this kind. It is so accommodating and gives such masses of flowers, that it would be perfect as a rock plant if it did not require keeping strictly within bounds. Each plant is compact enough, but it sows itself a little too readily. I used to let it do so at first, but I found it overran everything, so I clipped off the flower-stems when the blossoms were going off. It did not mind this in the least, as it is readily increased when required. — T. J. W. The striped Rudbeekia.— I tried a plant with the terrible name of Rudbeekia grandi- cephaluin striatum last year, and found it showy when in full bloom. In its early stage its leafage is rather coarse and its flowers disappointing, but it soon develops long-lasting flowers, which form a distinct break of orange-crimson colour. But he sure and stake it well, for it has a branching habit which makes it top-heavy, whilst the branchlets aic brittle as well, and apt to snap off the main stem. Of course, it flowers in the autumn, and its warm tone brightens up the border effectually. It grew about 4 feet high in my strong soil. — T. J. W., Woodside Park: Fruiting of Euonymus japonicus. — A correspondent of the Hardeners' Chronicle, writing from the Isles of Scilly, remarks upon the unusually abundant fruiting of this useful seaside shrub. We hear the same from Ventnor, Isle of Wight . from whence a friend sends us some fruiting twigs, and says that the berries have been so abundant and so ornamental, that they have been freely used as Christmas decorations. The pods before opening are pale green and nearly spherical, with a short pointed snout at the point where the four divisions will presently open, and display the seeds with their coats of brilliant scarlet. Gardening for the Hawaiian lepers. — In the Standard lately a letter appeared from Honolulu in which an interesting account is given of gardening for the lepers in the Hawaiian Islands. The writer says : "Ina land where it is never too hot and never too cold ; where the warm sunshine of the tropics is tempered by the cool and health-giving breezes from the sea; where bright, clear skies, limitless blue ocean, and mountains dressed in perennial verdure unite to charm the eye — on this spot, where Nature has done so much and intelligent human benevolence is actively at work, dwell over 1000 lepers. The Baldwin Home is in charge of Brother Joseph Dutton, who for more than thirteen years has lived among them as a friend and brother. With his aid. and under his direction, the once bare and stony ground on which the Home cottages are located has been cleared and planted with bright-leaved shrubs and flowers. A model garden, where grow the finest of Bananas and sweet Potatoes, gives evidence of 56 THE GARDEN. .1 wi'aky 27, 1900 oonstanl and intelligent care, and the inmates of the Home have been taught the blessings that result from wisely directed labour. Milk is sup plied from a herd of rows owned by the Board, which range over the peninsula, and fresh vege- tables and fruits can now be had all tin- year round by those who will take the trouble to grow them. There has heretofore been insufficient water for irrigating gardens, but last year the Board had a new and larger main laid at an expense uf £4000, and there is now an abundance of good water for all purposes. The 'pai-ai' mentioned in the rations is a preparation of the Taro root, and from it is made ' poi," the national food of the Hawaiians. They eat it in the form of a paste-, and to them it is the staff of life, as bread is to the Europeans." Apples injured by hail. Some fruit was received by the scientific committee of the Royal Horticultural Society from Mr. Woodward, of Barham Court, Maidstone, which had received severe injuries from hailstones. But, although the skin was cut through and the flesh exposed, this had dried up and so protected the interior, which had not at all decayed. The storm occurred on July 19, 1899. Mr. 'Michael observed that when birds plunged their beaks into Apples through thirst, the injured spots usually resulted in decay. Double-flowered Peach trees. In The CJasden, December 30, 1899, was published a coloured plate of the bright red-flowered Peach tree, under the name of Primus persica magnifica, this name, it is said, being in accordance with Bentham and Hooker's " Genera Plantarum," but I must say it is entirely against the practical and botanical principles universally adopted. A Peach is no more a Plum than a Pear is an Apple, the generic characters being so evident in the foliage, flesh and stone of the fruit, and in the scent and flavour of the herbaceous part, as to render confusii m impossible. Accordingly the name ought to be Amygdalus persica. The specific name magnifica is also doubtful, the variety generally sold by nurserymen under that name being far inferior in beauty to the type represented in the photo. — 1). Guiheneuf, ;.'(), Rue Albovy, Paris. Proposed trials in R.H.S. Gardens this year. -The following trials of flowers and vegetables will take place this year : Dahlias [Cactus). — New varieties only. Two plants of each should be sent in April. The trial of Cactus Dahlias not having been a success in 1899 (on account of the great drought and heat), the whole collection will be grown again this year. Phlox decussata. Two plants of each variety should be sent on or before March 1. Tulips. — These have all been received and should make a good display in May. Xi ir < 'mi mix. — One plant of each should be sent on or before February 1. Celery and Celeriac. Peas. Potatoes. — Any new varieties. Also a trial of dis- tinctly early Potatoes, of which both old and new varieties are requested. Tubers to be sent by February 1. Tomatoes. — For outdoors only- Seed to be sent before February 1. All of the above should be sent addressed to the Superintendent, Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, W. Double Rockets. - In The Garden, December .'ill, 1899, p. ol S, Mr. Arnott gives a very interesting note on these plants. It is true they are fast disappearing from our gardens and are now comparatively scarce, btit I believe they will soon be plentiful again, large quantities having been sent to England during the last few years. Recently some Paris florists have been using the single kinds, but chief!}' the double white varieties, for forcing with complete success, the long racemes of pure white, highly fragrant flowers being greatly admired in the shops of our leading florists in January and February, and I must say that few other flowers could compete with them. Obviously, this practice will soon grow over the Channel, established plants being obtainable at a comparatively low price. As regards the Scotch double white and the old double scarlet or crimson, I should be glad to know the difference, as I was ignorant of their existence. Perhaps Mr. Arnott will satisfy me. — D, Guiheneuf, ..'0. Rue Albouy, Paris. Winter flowering1 of Yuccas. -The last hot and very dry summer seems to have acted in some unusual manner on the yuccas, as we have at the present time fifteen tall spikes of bloom showing, some with half-opened flowers, which we see with regret, as ill the summer they would have I n beautiful, but now can never come to perfec- tion. B, A. Timiknv! uoi t, Bembridge, /.<;/' Wight. | We hear other complaints of this untimely flowering of Yuccas from gardens on the warm and dry Surrey hills, and it is probably happening in many otherplaces in the south of England. It is no doubt accounted for by the more rapid ripening of the flow cring crow ns, brought about by the unusual heat and drought of the late summer. Kns. | Heliophila scandens. Regarding the beauty of this charming climber recently illustrated in The Garden there can be no difference of opinion, hut. apart from its ornamental qualities, it is particularly interesting from the fact that climb- ing members of the order Cruciferse (to which it belongs) are very few in number. According to (lie Bota niriil Magazine, in which the Heliophila was figured, out of this enormous order, containing 180 genera, only two are of climbing habit, viz., tin- South African Heliophila and the Peruvian Cremolobus. Some seventy species of Heliophila are known to botanists, but few are in cultivation in this country. H. scandens was first sent to Kew by Mr. Medley Wood, curator of the Botanic < Jar- dens of Durban, in 1885, and flowered the following year.— H. P. Spiraea prunifolia flore-plena.— Though this Spiraea is among the earliest of the shrubby kinds to flower when in the open ground, it is rarely seen forced into bloom ; but a group of it in No." i greenhouse at Kew is just now very attractive, and serves to show its adaptability for such a purpose. It forms a loose-growing bush, and when the long wand-like shoots are studded for a considerable portion of their length with clusters of little white rosettes, it is really charming. As an isolated bush on the lawn, provided it is attended to in the matter of cutting out the old and exhausted wood, and also given an occasional dressing of well-decayed manure, it forms a delightful feature in the spring, while in the autumn it stands out distinct from most Spiraeas owing to the leaves being frequently suffused with red before they drop. — T. Toxicophla?a speetabilis. —Flowering as it does in the depth of winter, this stove shrub is now at its best, and a plant or two will when in bloom suffice to perfume a good-sized structure, so fragrant are the small white Jasmine-like blossoms that are produced in clusters from the axils of almost every leaf. Cuttings strike root readily during the growing season, and if potted off as soon as rooted, the}' make rapid progress. If intended to grow in bush form, the plants must be freely stopped during their earlier stages, as it is naturally somewhat rambling in growth, and nay, if required, be treated as a roof or rafter plant. It is a native of tropical Africa, and was at one time generally known as the Winter Sweet, but of late years that name has been monopolised by Chimonanthus fragrans. This Toxieophlsea, which is also known as Acocanthera, belongs to the order Apocynaceas, and, in common with many of its allies, the milky sap is poisonous. — H. P. GalanthUS ElSEe.— Snowdrops all seem a little late with me this year, and the first flowers of ( ialanthus Elsie did not open until the new year had begun. I have had it in bloom in December some seasons, but it is always later than G. Rachel*, which was sent from Greece at the same time, although collected on a different mountain. Galan- thus Elsa; is the more robust of the two here, although it increases very slowly at the root. I have a couple of seedlings from seed saved here from this Snowdrop, and these have flowered a day or two in advance of the original stock. The position is warmer, and this probably accounts for the difference in time of flowering. G. Elsae was found on Mount Athos by Professor Mahaffy. In his paper on the Snowdrops, read before the Royal Horticultural Society in March, 1891, and pub- lished in The Garden of September 19 of the same year, Mr. James Allen expressed a fear that it was not very hardy. I have grown it for about six years and find it hardy enough here. I do not think, however, that our late frosts arc so injurious as they are at Skepton Mallet and other pine: similarly situated. The flowers of (',. Klsa an- not large, but are well formed. It has not the "car- drop" shape I like in some Snowdrops, but it is pretty enough to lie prized, especially when it has so few companions of its genus. S. Aknott, Carseihom, by Dumfries, N.B. Pitcairnia corallina. Though this belongs to the Bromeliads, it is in general appear ance widely removed from tin- more commonl] cultivated kinds such as the Tillandsias, Vriesias, .Echnicas, and others of this class. This Pitcairnia forms a tuft of long, narrow leaves, the entire plant reminding one a good deal of a Curculigo, and. regarded only from a foliage point of view, it is decidedly ornamental. Just now a large specimen in the Victoria house at Kew is bearing several spikes of its show}' blossoms, and its beauty is thereby much enhanced. The flower-spike springs from the centre of the growth at about 0 inches above the soil, then bends sharply down, and rests on the edge of the pot. It is about a couple of feet in length, and the flowers occupy the upper half. They stand erect on the scape and are of a bright coral-red tint, so that a specimen in bloom is very attractive and distinct. It needs to be in a fairly elevated position to see the flowers at then best. This Pitcairnia is a native of New Grenada, and needs to attain a large size before it flowers freely. Blooming, as it does, in the early months of the year is, in most instances, an additional merit.— H. P. Centropogon Lucyanus.— This is one of the most persistent of winter-flowering stove plants, as its clusters of carmine-crimson tubular blossoms commenced to expand in October, and a succession has been kept up from the same speci- mens ever since. When the plants have done flowering they should be cut back hard and grown on for another season, or they may lie employed as stock plants for the supply of cuttings. A mixture of loam, leaf mould, and sand, with occasional doses of liquid manure as the pots get full of roots, will just meet its requirements. When needed for winter blooming the plants should be encouraged to make good sturdy growth during the summer, in the height of which they may be removed to a frame outside. There seems to be a certain amount of doubt regarding the origin of this Centropogon, which, according to the Rente Horticole, was the result of fertilising C. fastuosus with pollen from Siphocampylus betubefolius. This, however, has been more than once questioned, and the suggestion that it might be a form of the old C. surinamensis finds favour with some. Whatever doubt may exist with regard to its origin, there can be none as to it being a most valuable winter-flowering plant. — H. P. The Date Plum (Diospvros Lotus).— The note in The Garden, p. "29, on the probably better- known species, D. Kaki, is most interesting, and though rarely seen in fruit in this country — at least. I have seen few specimens, and these were given a warm wall in the south — doubtless such summers as we have experienced during the past two years promoted fruitfulness. As stated at p. 29, the fruit at first is not a great favourite ; but some trees of the kind referred to I once had under my charge in a cool house furnished much better flavoured fruit than I have seen imported. But my note more concerns the kind called D. Lotus. We have some trees probably nearly a hundred years old, and during the past summer our oldest tree per- fected fruit. This I thought may interest your readers, as, though smaller than that of D. Kaki, they are most interesting, being sweet, somewhat astringent, and about the size of a medium -sized Cherry ; they hang until the leaves drop, and this is at the first frost. Our trees are in the open, standing on turf, and, of course, get no protection. 1 have only noticed perfect fruit. After a very favourable ripening season the trees when in flower are interesting and always bloom freely. — G. Wythes, Syon Hou.^u Gardens, Brentford, VM'AKY 1 900. I THE GARDEN. ■U THE OLD PALACE AT MATHERN AND ITS GARDENS. 1. Owen Glendwr, rising against Henry [V., burnt Llandaff Cathedral in 1 402, and destroyed Llandaff Castle, then the chief residence of Bishop Peverell. His successor, Bishop De la Zouche, evidently thought it wiser to live in the more English portion of his diocese -in those lowlands fringing Severn Sea, which had been early settled and reclaimed by the English, and protected against the Welsh raiders of the hill- country "f Gwent by a chain of fortalices as well as by the great castles of Caldicot and Chepstow. Halfway between these two, the bishops had held the manor of Mathern ever since In the decay, and the successors of Bishop Beaw — who died in 1706, after a struggle to keep up episcopal appearances on £400 per annum — ceased to reside in their diocese. What remained of the old palace, after the lead had been stripped from the greater part of its roofs, and its interior woodwork and fittings had been destroyed or removed, was turned into a farm- house. The gate-house, banqueting hall, and other now useless buildings provided material for barn and cowshed. The chapel was con- verted into a dairy, the kitchen into a stable. It is a sad story of wreckage, yet it lias its bright page. The degradation of the place from a stately home of "proud prelates" to a neglected farm prevented the classic hand of the 18th century from touching it — from once more vigorously aiming at the roof-line — were dwindling and dying in the grip of the all-covering Ivy. There was plenty of scope for work with the encouragement of a favour- able environment. Given ample and varied Stretches of old grey stone in dwelling, out building, ruin, wall and terrace ; given much orcharding of gnarled and venerable Pear ami Apple, sloping rapidly down to ancient Willow- fringed fish-ponds ; given a pleasant position in finelj wooded surroundings : given a desirable soil of loam, rich, yet porous, formed out of a subsoil of mixed marl and gravel ; given a climate which allowed young freshly-planted Myrtle, Pomegranate, Aralia, and other none too hardy shrubs to pass through February, 1895, without flinching — given these, and the MATHERS PALACE: NORTH - LAST 1'KONT. FROJ1 THE ol.t) KITCHEN GAB.DEN. 6th century, Theodoric, of Glamorgan — re- ceiving his death wound while defeating the yet pagan Saxon at Tintern— had died and been buried by its holy well. Here De la Zouche set his new palace, as we know from Godwin (the Elizabethan historian of the Eng- lish bishops), who lived in it two centuries later, and noted the Zouche arms on the great three- storied gate-house which then dominated the en trance, and in the stained glass of the windows. Milo de Sal ley, an early Tudor bishop, also proved a great builder, so that Leland could well describe the place as a " preaty pyle in Base Venteland." But the Reformation dealt hardly with this see. Its lands and revenues were largely alienated and stolen. Its cathedral at Llandaff and its palace at Mathern gradually fell into piercing its Gothic walls with an even row of sash-window, from hiding its old stone-tiled roof behind a stucco parapet. The north-west elevation, at least, remains to us almost as De Salley left it, and, on the other side, the ruined hall, its thick walls crowned with self- set Lilac bushes and pierced by arched window and doorway, stretches out as an old-world feature into the garden. Whether, ere the age of poverty and decay sit in, a gardening bishop arose I cannot say, though signs of a third terrace show in the held beyond the two which are gardened to- day. But six years ago horticulture was almost limited to Potato patches, in imminent danger of invasion by the surrounding hosts of Nettle, Dock, and Couch Grass. Even the Banksian and China Roses on the walls —now garden lover has at least good material to work upon. Five years have wrought great change here, and it should need few more to make it a fair example of how some agreeable garden effects can be produced at no great outlay within an old, though sadly neglected setting. H. Aveay Tipping. [The excellent photographs accompanying this article were taken by Mr. J. E. Laurence, of The Cedars, Chepstow. — Er>.] Fruiting1 of Euonymus japonicus. — I enclose a sprig of the common evergreen Euonymus picked from a bush which this year has a considerable number of berries. We have many bushes of this shrub in our garden, but none have ever had berries before : now we have two well- berried specimens. — B. A. Thorn yc-rott, Bembridgt, I. of Wight. 58 THE GARDEN. January 27, 190 GARDEN THOUGHTS. COLD WEATHER NOTES. WALKING tn and fro one's garden upon a January morning, one's eyes, albeit seemingly fixed hi bare earth, are in reality aglow with all the forms and the colours revealed to the believer by faith and hope. The moral side of gardening has been on the whole less worked out than the aesthetic, yet that it exists I feel no suit of doubt. The sense of personal respon- sibility, for instance. That gets borne in upon one from many sides and by many channels, but neither slight nor yet transitory is the responsibility that one feels to owe to one's own defenceless garden. The moralist may frown ami the mocker may laugh, but 1 take it that there is no genuine plant-lover but is moie oi' less acquainted with the sensation. The truth is that we have all embarked ill ii in a very delicate and complicated business, and a good many of us are hardly tit to have the ordering even of the least "important" of ■ m i- own flower beds. To the really discerning eye the smallest scrap of plant- producing ground, the home- liest coiner of earth " long Eeath, brown Furze, any- thing"— has potentialities of beauty and interest which even the best gardener rarely develops as they might ami ought to be developed. It is not merely that indi- vidually our powers are weak, our taste | r, our ignorance great, our imagina- tion defective, but over and above all this we have in most cases not the faintest idea of what we are aiming at. Having no clear visi if what we propose ultimately to produce, how in the name of reason ran we hope to produce that, or anything else worth speaking of I It has happened to me miw and then, as to nmst other bunglers, to bring into existence something that might lor a moment be called ■a plant-picture. Only lor a moment, how- ever. Within a terribly brief space of time it has either melted of its own accord off that very mutable canvas upon which we all have to work, or, what is far worse, by some incredible ineptitude of my own I have deliberately spoilt it. The delightful thing was there, and now it has gone, and I might garden throughout a considerable lifetime yet never MM- that particular aspect of it again. The pause of the mischance in nine cases out of ten is that we will attempt to., much. Our original combination may have been good, but we mean to make it still better. Ourgoldgets over-gilt; our Lilies are painted till they almost reuse to lie Lilies at all, and the result is failure all along the line. This sounds tic reverse of encouraging, but I am not sure but what it is in some respects Letter that it should lie SO. | sometimes suspect that all gardeners professional ami amateurs, experts and gropers alike -are just now rather in a state of flux and indecision. Two chief schools seem to hold the field, and to be in some respects mutually destructive of one another. There is the school which avows itself the faithful, not to say servile, follower and imitator of Nature, and there is the school that proposes to itself to improve upon her. The tendency of the first is to develop a good deal of picturesque disorder, a pleasant, rather easy-going sense of repose, and possibly some want of definite form and colour. The tendency of the second is to regard their garden as a battle-ground ; colour, size, brilliancy, height, as so many tests of their own personal victory, and every plant, species and hybrid alike, as objects for them to shape and manipulate at their own pleasure. Whether the two schools will ultimately coin- not shine forth as they do under a radiant Bummei sky, n.ii' he so distinctive with brilliant llnw.-i- around, but now they are precious because of the bright and cheerful aspect they give to wintry hours ; for once the daylight has begun, their spirit form seems vanished, and lli.-v are revealed as masses of white blossom netted together and crowning the deep green glossy foliage that spreads luxuriant on every side. No one who has only seen these Aralias as much- suffering pot-bound plants used for indoor decora- tion, with their erect hare stems stripped of the lower leafage, and only a hunch of foliage at the summit, can imagine their exuberant outdoor growth, where the stems are many-branched and fresh ones are being constantly thrown up from the base, till the plant assumes a bush-like form. MATHERS PALACE. FROM THE STABLES. Line into .me harmonious whole ; whether the over-sstrenuous science of the one will serve and strengthen and reform the careless grace and negligence of the other, are questions which must be left to be decided in the still unplumbed future. Here, meanwhile, is ourmodest brown .Harden, still sound asleep under its envelope of earth ami withered leaves, and one finds oneself gazing down at it with a good deal of affec- tionate and rather wist ful en ii pi u ict ion, recall inn one's many failings towards it in the past, and its patience under such persistent provocations. Happily, the sin, if it be one, is at least not one of those sins that are irreparable. The past is past : buried in the ground amongst the roots that are already beginning to stir and quicken with fresh life. We have a new year before us, one in which there will be plenty of time to make the fullest and the most ample amends. Emily Lawless. Iln-jllntirli, Oomzhall, Surrey, January I .'. mini. ALALIA SIEBOLDI OUT OK DOORS. I'MHii; the sombre skies of December nothing is fairer than the blossoming of the Aralias. When I look from my window in the grey dawn, the ivory-white blossoms gleam out of the darkness in a surprising manner, as if white-robed spirits were abroad. It is no doubt the shortened daylit hours that form, as it were, a dusky setting for these blossoms which enhances their worth. They could surrounded with crowns .it blossom from the middle of November until tile new year. The flowers of these Aralias are like glorified Ivy blooms. They commence in a dense cluster, gradually lengthening and expanding until a branched stem is formed, set all the way up with heads of blossom rising one after the' other in pyramid form. These flower-stems vary in length from (j inches to 12 inches. They are' thick and fleshy, and have the appearance of ivory. Beyond an autumn top-dressing and a few good soakings of water when making new growth, they receive no special rare. Under evergreens the Aralias do extremely well, enjoying the shade, but in the open they seem of a more robust habit. Even if they have no blossoms, the great, linn, glistening foliage of deepest green would make them ever of value in wintry days, and as they have withstood the frosts of many winters without protection, one may regard them as .hardy in a climate not far from the sea. A. L. L. January 27, 1900.] THE CARL) EN. 59 SAINTPAULIA IONANTHA. Well-grown plants of tins charming little Gesnerad will flower for months together and at all seasons of the year. They are, however, more valuable, generally speaking, at this time of the year than in the summer, when the choice of flowering subjects is so much greater. Their neat compact growth, great profusion of blossoms, and the pleasing colour of the flowers all tend to form a plant admired by everyone. It has been in cultivation long enough for its requirements to be thoroughly understood, and it is now often met with in good condition. Besides the typical form with its rich violet-purple blossoms, against which the yellow centre stands out conspicuously, we have one known as rubra whose flowers arc more of a reddish tint, and alba albescens in which thev are whitish. T. The cost of works on forestrj WOODLAND AND FOREST. PLANTING FOREST TREES. A CHANGE NEEDED. Cost of Present Methods. RECENTLY one of your contem- poraries discussed the subject of the cost per acre of planting forest trees, one owner of woods asserting that, according to his experience, planting could not be done for less than tin per acre. It was curious to observe how much difficulty there seemed to be in arriving at a satisfactory conclusion on the subject, and in every ease it seemed to be assumed that large plants at a high price must necessarily be used. One does not wonder at landowners being in some doubt on this sub- ject, as the cost of the trees in the first in- stance always comes to a good sum, and may easily— and often does reach an extravagant figure. planting given ill some is of little value now, as the price of labour has gone up so much, but if we take even the half of the above estimate, viz., -£"> per acre, think what a figure it reaches when hundreds of acres have to he planted. But as planting is carried on on many estates at the present day, to would not pay for the plants alone, not to speak of planting and main other incidental expenses. I am assuming that the planting and pitting, tfec, is done by contract 01' piecework, but in numbers of case, that work is done b\ tin- day, ami then nobody knows what the rate is, except that it is always high. The One and Two Ykaks Seedling System. If, however. the continental sj stem of forestry is adopted in this country, as it soon will be, something like a revolution in raising forest trees and planting will In- the result, and pro- bably no class will welcome the change more than nurserymen. At the present time, w hether the trees are raised in the home nursery or bought from the nurseryman, they are, as a rule, put out too big and too old at the final planting, and in either case they cost too much. There is no comparison between continental planting and planting in this country. The Germans ami French sow their plantations wherever practicable, as their system enables them to do, or they plant out their | rees w hen verj young ami small, and at a period when, in 1 1 1 i — country we would be having the plants at the planting stage thej would have an esta- blished plantation, [t must be remembered that plantations from seed or from very young plants grow much faster than plantations of transplants do. Some may not believe that Firs, for example, from seed will reach a height of 10 feet or more in the period during which the transplanted tree goes through the mere preparatory stage in the nursery. All our nursery-raised forest trees are dwarfed and stunted to prepare them for planting nut finally. With hard-wooded trees the ease is worse, for whereas a Sycamore or Ash, for example, will explained between big and little trees? The question is easily answered. Trees from 1 foot to 3 feet high or more and from four to six years of age cannot be planted out in woods with much chance of growing if they have not been frequently transplanted in the nursery to keep them of planting size and tit for removal, and every time a tree is handled it adds to its price, not to mention the time it occupies the ground and incidental expenses. Transplanting millions of forest trees and singling every tree MATHERN PALACE. FROM THE BOWLISI'i GREEN. reach a height of infect or 15 feet in a few years from seed, it must be kept at planting- size by cutting either root or top in the nursery. On the Continent, we believe, forest trees are rarely or never bought from public nurseries ; in fact, continental nurseries do not offer the trees which are raised by the foresters in the woods and put at a tithe of the cost incurred here. Wherein is the difference in the cost out separately in the operation is no joke, and nurserymen have to do that several times before the trees go out, and no right forester would buy forest trees that had not been transplanted sufficiently often. And after all this trouble the nurseryman has often many thousands of trees left on his hands that have got beyond the planting stage, and the only thing he can do, and does do with these, is to burn them. <;o THE GAUDKN. [.Ian i ARY 1900 but the cost of rearing must be defrayed out of those trees that are sold. Now, about the price of plants raised for planting we shall take the ordinary nursery examples. The first cost in planting, say, one acre is the price of the trees, and as not less than 5000 should We planted to the acre, the cost on that head is soon ascertained. One- Near seedlings may he used for planting, and, taking the list of Firs and hardwoods ordi- narily planted in quantity— less than a dozen, perhaps — these may he had at an average price of about 5s. per 1000. These seedlings have very small tops and disproportionally long roots, which are often six times longer than the tup or more. They are easily planted with a dibber or trowel in any soil not covered with rough herbage, like Bracken, for example, and the total cost of planting an acre, including the price of the plants, would be about £2 10s. — that is, 25s. for the 5000 plants and the dif- ference tor planting, which would vary accord- ing to the wages in the district, but the work should be set out at so much per acre, and not by the day. Next we take two-year-old plants, which are more certain and just as easily planted, as at that age they have developed the normal leaf and have good little tufts of heads that can be seen ; hardwoods are a little larger. The price of these should not exceed 8s. per 1000, and as two-year-olds are just about as easily planted as one-year, the cost per acre should not exceed £3 10s. Xow, planting trees of these sizes and ages is, next to sowing a plantation, almost as ex- peditious, if anything safer in this country, and by far a surer plan than planting older trees, no matter how often they have been transplanted. The one objection urged against the use of such small trees is that they are apt to be smothered during the first two or three years by rank surface grasses and weeds. This plea has, however, no liasis in ordinarily fair land where there is only grass or heather, provided the plants are put out in rows where they can be found, and that they are gone over once a year or so for the first few years, and have the grass pushed oft' them. 1 do not mean the bad plan of cutting the grass. All that is needed is a man, with a boy or two on each side of him, each taking a row and clear- in.; each little tree with their feet, hands or a stick. The work is quickly done. Do the work in this wise and I will undertake to say that lor few failures, quick and early growth of a plantation, and early over-head canopy, the plan cannot be beaten. At one of our flower shows one day I heard a nurseryman, with many big trees to sell, condemning this plan because the trees .not smothered, but that is all nonsense. The smallest seedling tree can be raised in a w I or field just as easily as in a nursery provided the same attention is given to keep tile heads of the plants clear to the light. This is the cheapest ami every way the best plan if the above directions aie attended to. Plant in rows and keep the rows clear, and compare the cost. The Transplanted Tree System. I now come lo tin1 common plan of using large transplanted trees from four to five or six years of age, and I take my figures from the present year's catalogue of a well-known firm. First of all, a distinction must be made between trees raised in the home nursery and those got from a public nursery, because the first ought to he raised more cheaply than the latter. That, however, only happens when the work is clone at home on economical lines, as when home transplanting in the nursery is done li\ day work instead of by the piece, and in the dawdling way often seen on private estates, I should say that home-raised trees cost more than bought ones. They ought, however, to cost at least :',() or 40 per cent. less. Assuming that we are dealing with trees from a public nursery, the prices per I "00 rise at once far above those given for one or two- year seedlings, reaching to from 17s. 6d. to ■20a. after the first transplanting, and after twice transplanting to from 25s. to 40s. per LOCK), according to the kind, such sorts as the I lorsican Fir and Douglas Fir being the most expensive among their class. Hardwoods are higher priced, if anything. These are high prices and will show planters what planting trees of considerable size means, for 5i ii it > fives per acre would mean from £7 to £8 for trees alone. It is the price mainly that has caused planters to use about half the above number to the acre, but no greater mistake could be made, for thick planting should be the rule in all cases, and 3 feet from tree to tree should not he exceeded. It is far better to plant fewer acres than to plant too thinly, as the s r the ground is completely covered the more progress the trees will make. Planters will see, then, what planting big- trees means — just double, or considerably more than double, the cost. If nurserymen would only cater more for the small tree system they would undoubtedly sell more trees and lose nothing. But we have got wedded to the big tree system, and if the millions of trees sent out annually from nur- series mean anything, the cost of planting to planters of woods must be on an extravagant scale. .1. Simpson. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. I'M BOOKS. ROSARIAN'S YEAR- BOOK. THIS year-book for the rusarian, edited by the Rev. H. Hollywood d'Ombrain, hon. see. of the National Rose Society, is always welcome, and that for 1900 contains much interesting and useful information. The portrait of Mr. H. V. Machin forms the frontispiece, with article by Mr. ( '. .1. Grahame, in which it is mentioned that " Mr. Machin first took to Rose growing in 1NN4. ami is now by far the largest amateur, and one of the most successful Pose growers in llu kingdom, his plants numbering close on to 411,000. mostly of exhibition varieties, although lie also has one of the finest collections in England of garden Hoses, of which class he is in the very front rank as a first class exhibitor. . . . I hope thai amongst the new subscribers who have joined the society in the last few years, anil who in several cases arc steadily tinging ahead as exhibitors, we may find some "ho will he as generous supporters to the society and as good exhibitors at their shows as Henry Vessey Machin, who, I may say. without feeling the saying to he otherwise than thoroughly appro- priate, is a good specimen of the English country gentleman." The Rev. J. II. IVmlicrton contributes " Recol- lections of some New Puses of 1899," Mr. < icorgc Paul, Y.M.H.. "On Planting ami Pruning Garden Roses," the editor "The Rose ami the National Rose Society in 1899," Mr. P. P.. West "Amateur Rose Culture," Mr. Cecil E. ('ant "Standard Puses.'' ami Mr. Edward Mawley, secretary Royal Meteorological Society, and hon. secretary of National Rose Society, "The Weather of the past Ruse Year." The 1 k may be obtained from the editor, Westwell Vicarage, Ashford, Kent ; price Is. 3d. post free. THE FLOWER GARDEN. IN open weather, ground intended for Violet culture during the summer months may be prepared by trenching and manuring. This is more satisfactory if done several weeks before the rooted runners are planted, at the close of April or commencement of May, than if it is postponed until later, as the manure has then time to mellow hefore invaded by the rootlets of the plants. In the southern counties a slight slope to the north-west is, perhaps, the most satisfactory exposure for Violets, such a situa- tion being' still more desirable if it he partially shaded by tall deciduous trees on the south ami east, though these should not stand near enough for their roots to impoverish the ground. The great enemy of the Violet is red spider, ami in hot borders during dry summers it is often alinosi impossible to keep them free from this pest, which ruins the foliage and materially weakens the plants, in bad cases rendering them useless for winter blooming. For this reason summer quarters thai are not subject to being baked by the sun from morning to night should be arranged for. On the other hand, constant shade, such as that of an over- shadowing tree, should be avoided, since without a certain amount of sun the clumps will not prove floriferous. Except in cold districts it is a mistake to make Violet beds by walls, especially south walls, as the radiation from these merely invites the ravages of red spider, and even where a copious and constant supply of water is available, the plants often become affected in exceptionally dry summers. Anyone passing by a Violet planta- tion, part of which is hacked by a south wall, while the other part runs into the open garden, in the month of August, after a hot summer, will detect at a glance the difference between the two batches of plants, and note the healthier appearance of those not subjected to the radiation from the wall. While the weather remains free from frost Roses may still be planted. When they are firmly set in the soil the precaution of drawing up the earth round their shoots to the height of a few inches should be taken, as where this is dune the plants are rarely killed back to the roots by subsequent trusts. Briar cuttings, made and laid in during the autumn, may lie planted in rows 12 inches apart, the individual cuttings being buried two-thirds of their length in the soil and distant 4 inches from line another. In planting, the soil should be made as firm as possible and mulched with a little old hotbed manure. In spare time alterations in the garden may he decided on and carried out, lawns to lie sown, trenched and enriched if necessary, care being taken not lo bury the top spit. Laurels anil other evergreens may lie pruned, nut that the present time is preferable to the spring for this operation, hut that at the latter period there is usually more work on hand, and therefore less time m attend to such matters. The close of January is a good time for taking cuttings of Chrysanthemums destined for brightening the open garden. Some of the older varieties are well adapted for this method of culture, such as the Christines, the deep maroon Julie Lagravere, George Glenuy, Mrs. ] i, that gr< iws here by every wood and by the margin of every brook .... out of the whole list of European wild flowers I know none so perfect in its grace ami modest beauty." This grace it invariably imparts to its hybrids, together with an extremely refined a: -W-- How to Plant It. In deciding what kinds of Roses to plant one must be guided by the locality and the general conditions under which the Roses will be grown. [do not propose to go into the merits of the many different varieties of Roses, but will be content with generalising. First, we have standards. half standards, and dwarfs; and of these three i ,i general use I give my emphatic vote in favour of dwarf plants. For special purposes and in special position- standards and half standards have great value. I.ut foi general purposes yon iniisi adopt dwarfs. It is of these that my beds an- i le up, and it is on these that 1 grow all my exhibition blooms, and it is on the cultivation ot dwarf Ros.-s that I am writing. Then as to -oils in\ own beds comprise the best Hybrid 1'i-rp "tuals. Eybrid Tea-. Teas, and Noisettes. The Hybrid Perpetuals are the hardiest and the i.-i i,i general purposes, but in all suitable spots and where a certain amount of shelter can be arranged for the winter, the Teas and Hybrid Teas should certainly be grown. In the south of London, especially where gravel prevails, the Hybrid Teas and' the hardiest of the Teas -in especially useful, and ,-veu do better than the Hybrid Perpetuals, and I have no doubt that where gravel is in evidence the same result will obtain. In making the selection for your beds I would idvise you to consult some good grower in the neighbourhood either professional or amateur- andget to know from him the names of the Roses which he finds thrive best in your particular necessary. Here let me say 1 do not locality. Having decided whal to plant, we now planting when the soilis too wet ; choose rather a have I,, be careful to plant the, properly. Before dry day when the soil can be trodden down tight without kneading it. When planting, it is a good plan to drive in beside the tree an ordinary shorl Bamboo cane and tie the leading shoot to it ; for should rough weather ensue, the tree will •• wobble " about and have a hard tight to obtain a good hold of the ground. The best time to plant — in my opinion is about the middle oi October. To protect the trees during winter I strongly advocate earthing up Hybrid Perpetuals as well "as Teas. This should be done at the first favourable opportunity in October or November, during a dry spell of weather, and it requires verj meat care in carrying out. Draw the earth close up lo the wood, just like earthing up Potatoes. Of course to do this the Roses must have been planted in rows through your beds. I allow IS inches between the rows and 14 inches between each plant in the row. Before earthing up it is a good plan to tie out the strongest shoots to Rami sticks to prevent them blowing about, and I also find the wood ripens much better when so treated : the lower leaves drop off quicker, and the lower buds seem to fatten better. It really seems to assist Nature. I may here mention that alter that very, very severe winter which we experienced a few years since. I only had eight dead trees, while my neighbours lost many of theirs. This plainly shows the value of careful and thorough earthing up. Now, having prepared ami planted our Rose beds, we have to consider the year's cultivation and the battles to be fought with the various pests which we shall have to encounter. After giving under the lex-el of tile ground, carefully tread the soil firmly round it. Firm planting is absolutely I do not hold with von my humble opinion on these matters. ! shall conclude with a few remarks on exhibiting. When spring arrives, it brings to the Rose grower most important work. The first is I'm xtx,;. (In this point opinions are most conflicting. I'd serially, I hold that early pruning is best for the plant, and 1 am so strongly of this opinion, that 1 invariably prune considerably earlier than is con- sidered wise by the majority of tin- best growers, l.a-t year 1 pruned very early, and to early pruning [ attribute a great deal of my success in the 1898 season. This" year I also pruned all my trees in February, and my experience of Rose growing in Reigatc is that early pruning is decidedly right, and that in a favourable position, south of London, at am rate after a mild winter, tic- last week in February is the best time for pruning. The pruning should be done with proper pruning scissors. I on. rally speaking, only a few buds should be left. 'I'll,- stronger trees do not need cutting quite so close as the weaker ones. 'I'll.- weaker the tree 1 he closer it should be pruned, as the more buds you leave the more shoots then- will be- making their calls on tin- strength and vitality of the parent stem. When I prune I always carry a small bottle of carpenter's knotting and brush ,c little on the cut surface after pruning a tew row-. This prevents bleeding, which weakens tin- plant. As soon as pruning is finished many growers level clown the earth; but I prefer to leave I lie trees earthed up till March is well advanced tin earth protects tin- wood -and the sap being unable to find an outlet, no doubt assists root grow th. and then young shoots start up. which form the wood for another year. I also notice that although these young shoots make- rapid growth, frost does not damage them, whereas if the- old w 1 buds make a rampant start, tin- frost damages them so much that it is best really to remove them. Having got thus far. I always give the ground a good dressing of soot, gypsum, and linn-. 1 believe if insects attempt- to come out it sc-nlcs them : at any rate since- I adopted this plan green fly is scarcely ever troublesome in my garden. As soon as growth is fairly started I give the plants a thorough syringing with cold water every other day early in the morning when we do not get natural rain. I believe it helps the buds to grow . and when once started I never like the shout - to stop growing. Another thing : when a dry time sc-ls iii and many | pic water the ground heavih . 1 am content to syringe my foliage very early in the morning, and let the plants absorb the moisture through their leaves I To i" contihiu f young vigorous trees which have originated as layers from the lower branches of tin- parent tree- resting mi the ground. I [The shade beneath a healthy Beech is so dense thai no wood) vegetation will thrive there. Even J V1I.W IN WFIMIUI BEECHES. in habit, in colour of leaf, and in the shape and cutting of the leaf. Of those whose habit gives them their distinctive characters the most important arc the pendulous varieties. There are perhaps half-a-dozen of these. Inn the two best are pendula and miltonensis. The Variety Pekdula is represented by numerous fine specimens scattered over the British Isles. The best known to me are those in Mr. Anthony Watcrcr's nursery at Knap Hill and one in the Lough Nurseries at Cork. This variety does not grow very high, and sends Of the forms with variously shaped leaves, the handsomest is Heterophylla. It is grown under various names, such as aspleni- folia, laeiniata, and ineisa. The leaves are very variable in outline, sometimes long and narrow (as much as 5 inches long and only :[ inch to j inch wide) ; others are of the same diameter as those o1 the common Beech, but are divided hack to the midrib lulu narrow, strap-shaped lobes. Very different from this, but almost equally striking, is the variety January 27, 1900.] THE GARDEN. (>.") Mackopiiylla. I have init seen fully-grown specimens of this Beech. It may possibly lose some of its distinctive character then', hut voting trees are remarkable for the size of the leaves. Last summer I measured some over S inches in length and 4 inches in width. They are. perhaps, of a deeper green, but otherwise are similar to the leaves of ordinary Beech. Other varieties in this section that need only be barely mentioned are quercifolia (Oak-leaved), cristata crested), cochleata (shell-shaped), and grandi- dentata (large-toothed). They are all more or less curiosities and their names sufficiently indicate i heir peculiarities. Among the varieties distinguished by coloured or variegated leaves the Pi-kple Beech (purpurea) is the best known and most popular. Of all our big trees with coloured foliage it is. probably, the rinest. Nearly all the purple Beeches in cultivation are the progeny of a tree growing in a forest near Sonderhausen, in Germany, which was discovered in the 18th century. But records exist of other wild specimens of the purple Beech in Switzerland and in the Tyrol. This variety is in its greatest beauty when the leaves are young and of a soft. i.,s\ hue. Trees with variegated and coloured foliage, whilst they have their distinct uses in the garden, are apt in these days tobeoverplanted. One uegnis to tin> of the variegated Negundo, Prunus Pissardi. and the like, and it would he a misfortune if the purple Beech fell into the same category. It is a tree more foe the garden and park than the wood. Several forms of the purple Beech have been raised from seed in nurseries which vary ia the intensity of the purple shade. Of these, the copper Beech (cuprea), atropurpurea, major, and nigra are considered the best. A new variety ■Swat M agret " (Black Margaret), recently introduced from the Continent, is also highly spoken of. of Berlin, haveduring the last few new golden-leaved variety of the Messrs. Spath. years sent out a Beech called Zlatia. It is described as having been found in the mountain forests of Scrvia and as worthy of comparison witli the golden Oak (Concordia). From what I have seen of it, it scarcely bears out that description, but is nevertheless, of a pleasing yellow shade, and it appears to thrive well, which is more than can generally lie said of the golden Oak. Ml Beeches with parti-coloured foliage, the showiest is purpurea tricolor, the purple ground of whose leaves is streaked and edged with pale rose. There are also variegated forms whose leaves are margined and blotched with creamy while ami yellow. W. J Arboretum. Kew. November display is what is generally aimed at, the bulk of the best sorts being in perfection throughout the month. What is particularly charming in the midseason pompons is the addition of another type of the same flower. These are known as pompon Ane- mones, the flowers of which are small and have a centre or disc of quilled florets and a fringe of ray florets. This type of the pompon Chrysanthemum is not grown nearly so largely as it deserves, the grace, beauty, and quaint character of the blossoms adding very materially to their decorative value either as a pot plant or for the purpose of providing cut flowers. White, pink, and other soft tones of colour predominate in the pompon Anemones. January is the best month for commencing pro- pagating operations, stock at this time as a rule being plentiful and in a healthy condition, so that there will be few failures. Eight-inch pots for the final potting are ample for most purposes, although growers for exhibition often use them a size larger. The flowers lose their charm to a large extent when the plants are too severely disbudded, as is the practice when large exhibition blooms are grown. A partial dis- budding is far more likely to produce a pleasing display, as by these means useful sprays, each carrying several medium-sized blossoms, are ob- tained. A small selection of the more reliable kinds may well include a proportion of each type, and is as follows : — Pompon-'. — William Westlake, golden-yellow; William Kennedy, crimson-amaranth ; Mile. Elise Dordan, soft lilac-pink ; Osiris, rosy pink, tipped gold ; Ycsuve, crimson-red ; Dolly, canary-yellow ; Perle des Beautes, deep crimson ; Mile. Marthe. white ; Prince of Orange, orange-amber : Presi- dent, rosy crimson ; Bosinante, blush-rose ; and Harry Hicks, soft pink. Pompon Anemones. Emily Rowbottom, creamy white ; Marie Stuart, lilac, with sulphur disc ; Firefly, scarlet; Antonius, rich yellow; Mine. Montels, white, with yellow disc ; Mr. Astic. golden-yellow : Mrs. Wyness, rosy lilac, with yel- low disc ; and Marguerite de Coi, blush, with yellow disc. Miniature pompons. —Snowdrop, white ; Prim- rose League, yellow : Miss Gertie Waterer, white, tipped with rosy purple : Victorine, chestnut- lu-owii : ami Yellow Gem. yellow. 1). B. Crane. Bean. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. USEFULNESS OF POMPON VARIETIES FOB DECORATION. PROBABLY owing to the infinite variety of form and colour in the Japanese Chrysanthemums, the charming minia- ture blossoms of the pompon sorts are rarely met with in private collections. The pompon Chrysanthemums, although somewhat formal in shape, arc represented by some exceedingly pretty flowers, ami as most oi the varieties now catalogued are of easy culture and also embrace a wide range of colouring, their culture may !»• taken in hand with every prospect of success. Taken as a whole, the plants arc distinctly dwarf, comparatively few sorts exceeding a height of 4 feet. The average height of the pompon plants would be somewhere between 3 feet and 3j feet. Many of the- best and most reliable kinds are also pushy in habit, possessing that welcome branching si vie' of growth so well adapted for the adornment of the conset vatory. Their period of flowering is a matter of importance, this commencing as early as September and concluding in December with just a t.-w scuts of exceptional decorative merit. A T FRUIT GARDEN. CORDON PEARS. HERE is no other kind of Pear tree that gives such a quick return as the cordon. and by no other description of tree can a waif or trellis be so quickly covered. These are characteristics of some value, more especially to planters placed under certain circumstances. Other advantages that might lie claimed for this form of tree are. that a greater variety of fruit can be produced from a given space than by any other, and that it can be grown upon some surfaces unsuitable for other trees. An opinion prevails that, owing to the re- stricted character of its growth, the cordon is comparatively short -lived, but whether correct or not I am not qualified to say. The noted trees at Holme Lacy are the oldest' I have seen, but I do not know their age. The oldest under my charge were planted in 1888, and are growing under varied conditions, more particularly with regard to aspect and the height of the walls." The walls face south, east, and west, and their heights are respectively l.'i feet. 12 feet, and i feet. The trees upon the highest walls are in a vertical position, while those upon the low one are obliquely trained. Our experience causes me to prefer high trees to low- ones, for although the conditions of those upon a 15-feet wall are the same as those upon a 4 -feet one in every respect (including varieties in many cases) except iii the angle at which they are trained, the former are by far the most prolific. I do not think, how-ever, that the angle at which cordons are trained in any way influences their bearing power. The only advantage derived from training obliquely, which sonic cultivators consider essential to complete success, appears to consist in the greater run of wall or trellis space to be thus obtained, and for this reason it is advisable to train in this manner upon low walls. Cordons may lie trained upon archways over kitchen garden or other walks, and although, perhaps owing to draught thus created, it is not the most happy mode of cultivation, at the same time covered ways of this kind have a very pleasing eft'ect, make a pleasant promenade in hot weather, anil utilise space that might he otherwise wasted. Trees planted by the sides of walks in upright positions, either trained to trellises or stakes o feet or 8 feet in height, also afford a pretty effect, and their wants when thus grown can be conveniently attended to. Horizontally-trained trees may also he planted in this position and secured to strong wires placed 15 inches or 18 inches above the soil, and are also suitable for covering borders by the sides of walls occupied by fruit trees, and when grown under these conditions they should be planted near the walks and trained at right angles to them, as by so doing their roots will be placed at the farthest possible distance from those of the wall trees. The general management of the cordon differs but little from that of other trained trees, yet there area few points in it that may lie noted. Firstly, the distance of the trees apart should be considered. There are here single upright trees placed 1 foot and H feet asunder, and double ones at corre- sponding distances, and all do well ; but were I again planting I should not place single upright trees closer than li feet, and w ith plenty of room at command should prefer 2 feet. The extra space thus afforded is beneficial both to stem and root development, especially in the case of strong- growing varieties such as Triomphe de Vienne. Pitmaston Duchess, and Beurre d'Ainanlis, while it also permits the fruit to be better exposed to the sun, which is a matter of great importance where trees are not in a very sunny position. Trees growrn as cordons are usually worked upon surface- rooting stocks and soon suffer in dry weather, so that they need timely attention in the way of being mulched and assisted with liquid or artificial manures after they have reached a full bearing state. We have a tank supplied from the stables. and its contents are freely used, even through the winter and spring months, with manifest benefit In the case of cordons, if root -pruning is found necessary, it can lie easily accomplished, as can also the replacement of exhausted soil by that which is good. The latter treatment has an invigorating effect upon them, and can he carried into effect at the end of October without endangering the crop. This brings to mind the evils of overcropping, than which few greater errors in fruit culture can be committed. This applies with extra stress to cordon Pears, especially if planted upon light soils. Walls with an eastern aspect are not the most favourable places for cordon Pears, lint varieties that succeed upon them will also do well in most other positions) A short list of guod suits that arc found satis- factory under these conditions may he interesting, to intending planters: Beurre' d'Amanlis, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Hardy, Beurre Bosc, Conference, Doyenne du Cornice, Durondeau, Louise Bonne de Jersey, and Marie Louise. A variety that we find unsatisfactory in this position is Olivier de Series. Upon south and west walls the following late varieties give satisfaction : Berga tte d'Esperen, Beurre Baltet Pere, Easter Beurre, Glou Morceau. Marie Benoist, Triomphe de Jodoigne, and Winter Nelis. Thos. Coombeb. Tin Hendn Gardens, Monmouth. Lilac Marie Legray. This is one of the best of all Lilacs for forcing, particularly where neat little bushes arc required, as it will flower freely in a small state, and both the individual blooms and the clusters thereof are larger than in many other kinds. It is much grown for forcing both here and on the Continent. — T. I)<) THE GARDEN. .1 \M 1900. CORRESPONDENCE. NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY. COMPETITION IX CHAMPIONSHIP CLASSES. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIK. Your correspondent, Mr. C. J. Gra- hame, opens out an important question, i.e., how to encourage exhibiting at National Elose Society's exhibitions, though 1 fear his suggested system would have the contrary effect to that desired. It is scarcely likely that an exhibitor debarred ii exhibiting for the most important prize at any show would care to compete in any of the less important classes. Naturally he would prefer to keep his flowers in reserve for an exhibition where he was under no restriction. The exhibition, i herefore, in which he was debarred from the leading elass would lose his support, and though this would enable a smaller or less fortunate exhibitor to obtain a first, it would lessen the sum total of the exhibits and probably keep away the best Roses. I can also see the possibility of a successful exhibitor like Mr. Lindsell being compelled to retire from exhibiting al nearly all the National Rose Society's exhibitions- at least so far as the Leading classes arc concerned which would in my opinion he a greater loss to the exhibitions than the lack of mere numbers of exhibitors is at the present time. I do not suppose that then- are a dozen exhibitors, or probable exhibitors, who would subscribe to such i system as Mr. Grahame proposes. Surely the average exhibitor has more grit than to cherish the idea of winning a championship (however much he might value such a distinction) on lines that remove the only difficulty from his path. Debar Mr. Lindsell. Mr. B. K. Cant and Messrs. Harkness and Sons from the championships, and the elass loses its value and significance : in fact ceases to be .i championship. [question even it the suggestion lie acted upon that it would greatly increase the number of exhibitors, or. what is more important, materially improve tin- quality of the exhibits. 1 can rile a case when- one of our most noteworthy exhibitors, acting on a pce\ ish coin plaint ■■that In' monopolised certain classes and that he should give smaller exhibitors a chance," generously retired, hut not • of those he thus made room tor have yet risen above respectable medioerit) . To iiiv mind the most likely way to increase the number of exhibitors is to apportion the total prize money of each class to each stand according I ci it . giving e\ er) stand \ PRIZE M CORDING I'o lis POINTS. Often enough a few points onl) divide first and fifth, and the tilth, though helping to the general effect of the show, receives no priz recognition of any kind. If an exhibitor had reasonable hopes of making his expenses, he would often put in an appearance when his flowers are not quite to his mind. He wcill Id have his ■■ day oil" just to see the show anil meet Ins brother rosarians. I know some people argue that the question of money never oomes into the exhibitor's calculations, though strangely enough they must acknowledge that the big prizes always have the largest entries and st exhibits. With regard to the championships, they do not to in) mind always indicate the best growers ol a season. Weather has often determined the championship. The champion cup ought to be given lo the exhibitor who wins the most of the Leading prizes at the whole of the National Rose Society's exhibitions, or during a given time, sa\ from Jul) I to 14. There ari- mam othei matters i he committee oi I he National lose Society might take up besides i In above; amongst others, the advisability of holding the Crystal Palace show in a tent, making new rules regarding duplicates, the disfigurement ol inn exhibition! ft) advertising show cards, the obnoxious s\stem .»t selling flowers during an exhibition, the clashing of dates of exhibitions and the employment of incompetent judges in important classes, and the desirability of a northern section of the National Rose Society, with control of the Jubilee trophies, &c. I'.. I!. Shanks. Rozeleigh, Bedale. CALLISTEPHUS SINENSIS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Nik, — It may interest Mr. KingsmiU (p. 27) to know that when Mowers of the Callistephus [i.e., the re- introduced plant) were brought to the floral com mittee table of the Royal Horticultural Society for certificate they were considered so nearly alike to the other flowers in the Drill Hall flowers, by the way. that have been somewhat contemptuously referred to as "degenerate forms of the double China Aster" — that it was deemed desirable to consider the flower heads side by side. This was done, but so closely did these resemble each other, that some members became puzzled, and had to inquire which was which. There is. however, nothing disparaging in all this ; it simply proves that a certain percentage of the original blood still remains, and still asserts itself, though ignored as often as it is si-en. Too frequently what is spoken of as reversion is perhaps hut a bold, vigorous refusal at any cost to become double; a strong, natural clinging to the wild conditions of these things that surpass all tin- skill and long years of labour on man's part to eliminate or even expel. The present race of Asters started obviously from the single kind, the one aim being more petals, greater fulness, and s i. Hut with all this craze for doubling there have ever been single kinds; thai percentage that refused to be doubled; that, though weeded out as persistently as they came, still asserted themselves through all the years that arc past. It may he that the per- centage was being gradually lowered, but it is still sen in the finest types of to-day. My only objec- tion from the first has been directed to these references that made the Callistephus a very superior plant to the single Asters, when this single and simple fact is the one in which we rejoice. As to the latter part of Mr Kingsinill's note. the past volumes of 'I'm-: Garden should he the best guide. Apart from this, however. 1 will mention that on the re-introduction of Chionodoxa I.ucilia- [ was so enamoured of it, that I wasglad to secure a single bulb at a cost of 7s. lid. When 1 think of this my enthusiasm for tin re introduced species must have been warm indeed. Prior to that. viz.. in May. 1875, I was most anxious to gel Tiarella cordifolia grown by all. and when I ex- hibited a plant at Kensington, bedecked with its 1 1 i.i in III iw crs to show its 1 icaut \ . I was surprised to find it was quite unknown. The exhibit was not lost, however, as many inquiries reached me re- specting it. E. H. Jen kins. Hampton Hi//. [In reference to a passage in tin- above note which speaks of the Royal Horticultural Society's floral committee finding a difficult) in deciding on the merits of tin- single Aster blooms from different sources, it should he borne in mind that it is one of tin- difficulties that often presents itself when flowers are detached from the plants and taken to a distance for comparison. A g I single bloom from a plant of p ■ habit may easily he found to match a moderate bloom of the handsome bush-like single Aster. If on an occasion like this, where the merits ol a good garden plant are being dis- cussed, the committee could have seen the two plants growing, the doubt would not have arisen. Eds. DISEASED POTATOES. [To the Editor oi " Tin < 1 irden."] Sin. I should he very glad if you could tell me what is the disease with which the enclosed Potatoes arc affected. We had an apparently fine crop, but the) are nearly all diseased. Our soil is a hot. dry sand (gicensand). The ground where the Potatoes were grown is in a recently planted orchard, and it had only had one crop (Potatoes) grown on it the year before. Before that it was fallow except for the fruit trees. It was well cul- tivated, ploughed, hoed, &c. We grew Pink Beauty of Hebron and White Elephant. The former are the most diseased. Sonic Myatt's Ashleaf which we grew for early Potatoes in the kitchen garden immediately adjoining the orchard were quite sound. Such manure as we used for the orchard crop was well rotted. The fruit trees arc (ptite small anil over 20 feel apart. I should he glad if you can advise me what to do this year. .1. ( '. ( Ihano . | We think your culture excellent, and do nol attribute the disease to any failing in that respect, as upon close examination the skins of the tubers sent are clear where the disease has not affected them, and the disease is mostly at that part of the tuber which is farthest from the surface. Had it been caused by manures, the skin would have been rougher. We wish you had given us the date at which you lifted the crops, as we attribute the failure to the variety, and to the fact that possibl) you left your crop too long in the soil after it was matured. As you well know, in the southern parts of the country the drought and heat in July and August were had for all root crops, and your soil being sandy, you would feci their effects worse than on heavy land. You would, therefore, have done well to have lifted your Beauty of lid. ion early in August, and probabl) yon would then have found very little disease ; such, at an) rate. is our experience. In your case we would advise growing kinds not so easily affected, as there is no lack of good kinds. Probably you lifted your Ashleafs earlier, hut these are not so subject to disease as the early American kinds. We prefer Early Puritan of the American kinds, as it is less subject to disease. If you planted late, that would affect the crop, as the tubers would be matured earlier. We would advise you to change the variety this year and to use a good fertiliser instead of animal manure. — Kits.] CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMUM. [To nit: Editor of " 'I'm; Garden."] Sir, One is glad to observe that "T." is able p. 506, to write a favourable account of ( llerodendron trichotomum ill the south of England; It is i of the plants one would like to he able to induce to flower. It was rather disappointing to have mi favourable accounts of it when I visited Ireland in Isps. One garden in which 1 saw it was in the neighbourhood of Dublin, and I was informed thai ii came into bud loo late to open before the cold weather arrived. This was a sheltered garden in which many things which are not very successful with us did well. From what one has seen of Irish gardens, one is not very hopeful of .succeeding with plants our friends across the Channel cannot persuade to Sower. Some parts of Ireland seem ideal places for flower-gardening. I daresay some of the correspondents of The Garden in the sister isle will be able to give a more favourable account of tin- flowering of Clerodendron trichotomum in their ow other gardens. One can. however, only speak of what one knows. In this case the knowledge is not favourable to tic Clerodendron, so that it is a pleasure to have more encouraging information. S. Arnott. CnrMthorn, hy Dmnfriea, A'./;. Sin. My experience on a dry hill in West Surrey agrees with Mr. Arnott's in Dumfriesshire, that l llerodendron trichotomum is not to he trusted as a flowering plant. In the wannest places in the extreme south and west of England it would be likely to do well, hut here, though it grows only loo rampantly, it docs not. within the duration of our summer months, ripen up to flowering maturity. But its near relative. Clerodendron f.etidnm. I find to he an excellent plant for late autumn flowering. During the last live or six years that I have had il growing at the foot of a south wall it has always flowered well ; during the last two autumns especially well. Whether this is to be attributed to the heat and dryness of those two summers, 1 January 27, 1900.] THE GARDEN. cannot say. though it seems probable. Each year the established clumps throw the year's growths higher, for, beginning with a height of about 4 feet after Hist planting, they now attain to 9 feet, with a corresponding size and vigour of foliage. The flow eis are large terminal corymbs of a good full pink colour ; in lmd they are of a grand crimson. The leaves are large and handsome, and give a tropical look to the whole plant. Their surface, instead of being downy and dull and soft- looking, as in ( '. trichotomum.is bright and polished. Thej are shaped something like very large Mulberry Leaves, the likeness being increased by a bold toothing of the edge, but they have a full, deep colouring that reminds one of the foliage of Hibiscus Etosa-sinensis. The only defect of this tine plant is the strong, unpleasant odour given off by the leaves when touched. No blight or insect seems to attack it. During the time of its rapid growth it presents an unfailing pic- ture of prosperous vitality. It spreads quickly at the root, in one season often running 3 feet under- ■ ground, ami coming up in some neighbouring border. inches long, and its snow-white fragrant flowers are borne in loose racemes. It is not a plant to grow for cut flowers, but it is just the kind of climber which, when planted in a border at the foot of a pillar or ratter. will grow and look after itself, and flower freely and continuously for a month or more in mid- winter. Sir Joseph Hooker says that Heliophila and one other genus arc the only two climbers in the great order of ( 'ahhages i( Iruciferae). RHODODENDRON KINGIANUM. A sew Rhododendron from the mountains of Munipiir. a small stale adjoining Assam, will be welcomed by the numerous admirers of this genus, and as it will probably provcat least as hardy as R. arboreum, it will no doubt in time find a congenial home in Cornwall, where Rhododendrons are almost as common as Apple trees. R. Kiligiaiiuni was discovered nearly twenty years ago by Dr. George Watt, who named it in compliment to Sir George King, at that timechiefof the Botanical Department in India, and who sent seeds of it to Kew. where it flowered for the first time in the Himalayan house in .line last year. Here it haft formed a sturdy bush with thick, short branches, crowded, leathery, dark green wrinkled leaves, and compact globose trusses of rich crimson (lowers as large as those of I!, arboreum. Sir Joseph Honker, in figuring it in the last number ot the Botanical Magazine, says it is a variety of R. arboreum, but I,,, garden purposes it ma\ rank as a g 1 s] tes. AMOKPHOPHALLUS TITANUM. THE Dowering of this gigantic Aroid at Kew ten years ago was" an event of exceptional interest, as it was known to be one of the wonders of the vegetable kingdom, the tuber weighing half a hundredweight; the leaf-stalk measuring 15 feet in height and nearly a foot in diameter ; the leaf-blade with a spread of 12 feet, and the Arum-like flower so large, "that a man standing upright can barely reach the top of the spadix with his hand, and with open arms he can scarcely reach half-way round the funnel-shaped spathe." Unfortunately, the Kew plant clid not survive the strain of flowering, and as it was the only example in Europe, then- was no chance of obtaining a fresh supply except front its home in Sumatra. Thanks to efforts made by Mr. ( Iharlesl lurtis, superintendent of the Penana Botanic Gardens, living tubers were obtained and forwarded to England last year, and sona- nt them were sold by Messrs. Protheroe and Morris. Mr. Curtis presented one to Kew. which, after a period of doubtful vitality, has at last pushed into vigorous growth. Then- is. therefore, a prospect of this wonderful plant being soon again ou exhibi- tion in the Victoria house at Kew. \\ . Y\ . January 27, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 69 RHODODENDRON MULTICOLOR TRITON. This is a remarkable hybrid, an addition to that interesting group of perpetual-flowering greenhouse Rhododendrons of which so many fine hybrids have been raised of recent years. The latest acqui- sition is vervdistinct ; the flowers, of a bright salmon- rose colour^ set off by a yellowish throat, are pro- duced in a graceful cluster. It is quite a novelty in its shade of colour, and should become as popular as anv of its race. From Messrs. Veitch, A.M., R.H.S., January 23. PHAL.ENOPSIS SCHILLERIANO- STUARTIANA. This is a beautiful hybrid raised from the inter- crossing of P. Schilleriana and P. Stuartiana. The upper sepal is white, becoming suffused with rose through the central and basal area; the lower sepals white, slightly tinted with rose, the lower halves being thickly covered with rose-purple and brown spottings. There is also some trace of yellow at the base. The front lobe of the lip is white, spotted with rose-purple: the side lobes white, shading to yellow at the base, on which there are numerous brown spots. In the centre at the base there are two prominent raised yellow ridges, which are thickly covered with miniature brown spots. The plant carried a seven-flowered raceme. It is a most distinct and desirable form. Shown at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, and given a first-class certificate. CYPRIPEDIUM SANDERIANO- CURTISII. This is a distinct addition, a hybrid derived from the intercrossing of the species indicated by the name. The dorsal sepal is upwards of 2J inches in length ; the ground colour creamy white shading to green, thickly and evenly handed with bright purple veinings. The petals are each about ti inches in length, brownish purple, thickly spotted with a darker shade of brown colour. The margins are much crisped, and show the characteristic twist of the Sanderianum parent. The lip is upwards of 2i Laches long, showing the influence of C. Curtisii, dcc]> brown, veined with a darker shade of the .same colour. The disc of the column shows the inter- mediate characters of the parent species being wholly bright purple. Shown by the raiser, Mr. X. Cooks'on, Oakwood, Wvlam-on-Tyne, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given a first-class certificate. L.ELIA MRS. M. GRATRIX VAR. SUPERBA. This is a distinct hybrid, raised by the intercrossing of L. Digbyana and L. cinnabarina. The sepals and petals are "about 3 inches long and bright yellow ; the lip rather lighter in colour than the other segments and heavily fringed on the margin. This differs from the typical form principally in the colour of the sepals. The intermediate characters of the present species are most prominent in the habit of growth. Shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons at meeting of Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given an award of merit. PHAL/ENOPSIS INTERMEDIA BRYMERIANA. The sepals and petals of this Orchid are white flushed with rose, the lower sepals spotted slightly with rose-purple ; the front lobe of the lip rose, shading to deep purple at the base ; the side lobes rose, shading to white. At the base there are tracings of yellow, covered with miniature brown spots. The plant carried a raceme of fourteen flowers and buds. Shown by Messrs. H. Low & Co. at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given an award of merit. L.ELIO-CATTLEYA CALLISTOGLt )SSA VAR. PRINCESS OF WALES. (L. PURPURATA CROSSED C. WaRSCEWICZII. ) Tins is most distinct and of delicate colour. The sepals and petals are pale lilac, and the broad lip lilac, becoming suffused towards the centre with rosy purple, veined with a darker shade of purple. The side lobes are rosy purple, shading to white, with some yellow at the base. The finely-grown plant carried eight flowers. Shown by Sir F. YVigan. Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gardener, Mr. Young) at meeting of Royal Horticultural Society, January 23. and given an award of merit. L.ELIO-CATTLEYA FA XXV LEON. This is a very distinct hybrid said to have been derived from the intercrossing of Laelio-Cattleya exoniensis and Cattleya labiata. The sepals are each about 3 inches long and rosy lilac in colour; the petals as long as the sepals, 2 inches broad, and rich rosy lilac The broad, fine-shaped lip is wholly of a rich crimson-purple, veined with a darker shade of colour, anil margined with white around the outer edges, which are very much crested. The extreme base of the side lobes is white. The base of the throat is prominently lined with yellow and purple. The habit of growth shows the influence of C. labiata. Raised by the exhibitor, Mr. H. S. Leon, Bletchley Park,' Bletchley, and given an award of merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, January 23. OBITUARY. John Ruskin. John Ruskin, poet, teacher, reformer and philosopher, died at his charming home, Brantwood, Collision, on Saturday last, in the eighty-first year of his age. Ruskin strived to reach the high ideals preached in his noble moral essays — earnest messages to the world and master- CALANTHE REGNIERII HOLOLEUCA. This is a fine addition to the white section of Calanthes. The sepals and petals are of good form and substance and very broad. There is no trace of colour whatever, the plant carried an eight- flowered raceme. Shown by Sir T. Lawrence, Bart. , Burford, Dorking (Orchid* grower, Mr. White), at meeting of Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given an award of merit. EPIDENDRUM WALLISIO-CILIARE sri'i-T,i;r.\i. This is a beautiful hybrid. The sepals are about 11 inches long, yellow, suffused with a bronzy tint of colour, trie petals being a bright yellow. The lip is upwards of 1 inch across, reflexed, white round the outer margins, becoming suffused and veined with purple through the central area ; the ground colour is yellow towards the base. The plant carried a "five-flowered raceme. It was exhibited by Missis. .1. Veitch & Sons before the [loyal Horticultural Society, January 23, having been raised in their Langley nurseries by Mr. J. Seden. First-class certificate. CYPRIPEDIUM ACT.EUS LANG- LEYENSK. The dorsal sepal of this Orchid is nearly 2J inches long anil of fine form and substance. The ground colour is white except a small blotch of green at the base. A few bright purple spots appear on the white central area, the spottings on the green base being light brown. The petals are greenish yellow with a brown bar through the centre, the base thickly covered with dark brown hairs. The lip is clear yellow on the outside and spotted with brown on the inside. It is derived from the inter- crossing of C. Leeanum and C. insigne Sanders;. Shown bv \bssis. J. Veitch X Sons at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting, January 23, and given an award of merit. L.ELIO-CATTLEYA CHARLESWORTHII. (L. CINNABARINA CROSSED C. AUREA. ) This is a most distinct and desirable hybrid, dis- playing the intermediate characteristics of the parents both in habit of growth and in the flowers. The sepals are upwards of 24 inches long, yellow, suffused with orange-scarlet ; the petals as long and broader than the sepals and of a deeper shade of scarlet. The lip is much crested, and on the margins deep orange-scarlet, veined and suffused with a darker shade. The plant carried a two- flowered raceme. Shown by the raisers, Messrs. J. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford, at meet- ing of Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given an award of merit. L.ELK WATTLEYA SUNRAY. This is a very distinct little hybrid derived from the intercross"ingof Lielia cinnabarina and Cattleya superba. The sepals are chrome-yellow and up- wards of 1J inches long. The ground colour of the petals is similar to that of the sepals, and suffused with orange-scarlet ; the front lobe rich crimson, lined in the centre with a darker shade of colour ; the side lobes deep crimson-purple, shading to yellow towards the base. There are numerous purple lines through the throat. In growth the plant is intermediate between the two species. Shown by the raisers, Messrs. J. Charlesworth & Co., at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, January 23, and given an award of merit. THE LATE JOHN RUSKIN. pieces of English prose. His famous works " Modern Painters," "Stones of Venice," "Seven Lamps of Architecture," " Fors Clavigera," " Unto this Last," and "Sesame and Lilies" are amongst the greatest contributions to the literature of this century. On Thursday, in the churchyard of Coniston. Ruskin was laid to rest, in the beautiful country he loved so well. It was his wish, that if his death occurred in London, to be buried with his father and mother in the churchyard of Shirley, near Croydon, the village of which the Rev. W. Wilks is vicar. We leave until next week an " appreciation " of this noble life. Leaving to others to do justice if they can to Ruskin's genius and its ennobling influence on horticulture as a fine art, will you permit me, under a deep sense of his sudden loss, to cull a sentence or two from the appreciative notice from the Scotsman of Monday on Ruskin's influence on art:—" In his day Ruskin did more for British art than any other man had done. When his first book appeared, British art and taste were fast bound in the traditions of a poor and vulgar con- ventionalism. It was in much the same condition as poetry had fallen into at an earlier date, and from which it was raised by Coleridge. Scott, and the other great poets of the romantic revival. 70 THE GARDEN. [January 27, 1900. " Ruskin led the revival into the realm of art.1 He woke the nation into a new and finer sense, and a sense of the true and beautiful in form and colour. lie shook the national taste out of its bondage, purged it of vulgarity, and taught it to see and appreciate the beautiful. The revolution of taste that has taken place in the last fifty years has not been wholly his work, but he began it, and even those who now refuse to acknowledge him a master, are the fruits of the stimulus which he gave to the love of art and the sense of beauty. " The great distinction of all Ruskin's writings is their sincerity, or may be called originality. He drew inspiration from men and books, but lie gave ns no second-hand work He describes for ns what lie has seen with his own eyes — never through the eyes of another. And if this can be said of what he lias written about Nature and Art. it is equally true that, whatever his subject, he always gives us his own view of it and his own thoughts about it. Stimulus and inspiration he must have drawn from other masters, but his matter is his own. Nothing higher need be said of work that is so excellent in the main than that, none of it is second-hand." The Morning Pout says truly of Ruskin " that he wrote with all the exquisite charity and often with much of vehemence of the mountain streams which he loved. To read him is to be infinitely refreshed and to be chilled with a new sense of the loveliness of the English language. Nor is it possible to see a time in the history of our literature when these qualities will not suffice to keep for him a place among the immortals." How far the revival of gardening as a fine art and a revealer of natural beauty may be attributed lo (lie works and life of John Ruskin, Mr. William Robinson, late of The ( Iakhf.n, can best tell us, and in doing so he may lie aide to lead us all yet higher and further upwards and onwards in gardens of richer beauty, more faultlessly formed by art, .mil richly and variously filled through the inex- haustible resources of Nature. I). T. Fish. John Fraser. With the death of .Mr. John Fraser at a good old age there is the removal of a somewhat unique, and rerlainly well known, per- sonage. He lias passed away at the end of a singularly active life, and his name figures in the horticultural annuals for the past fifty years. A member of the floral committee of the Royal Horticultural Society since its establishment in 1858, and latterly one of its vice-presidents, he put in a few attendances in lsilil ; and if he did not sit at the table, he made a point, as far as his health would permit, in attending the meetings of the society. The two brothers, John and James Kraser, suc- ceeded their father, who was founder of the busi- ness in the Lea Bridge Road, now many years ago. They cultivated New Holland and kindred plants on a large scale, as well as the leading florists' flowers, -ind at the historic exhibitions held at the I Ihiswickl lardensupto 1858 they exhibitedstove and greenhouse plants, specimen Pelargoniums (show, fancy, and the green - leaved anil variegated zonals), Azaleas, &c. ,and later in time Roses, though it can scarcely he said they found their way into thefront rank. It is currently reported that at one of the great ( 'hiswick exhibitions they, with twenty specimen stove and greenhouse plants, defeated Mrs. Lawrence, of Baling Park, the mother of the president of tin- Royal Horticultural Society, and. smarting under her defeat, she bought the whole of the plants, anil with them the grower i M i . May i. who forthwith entered her service. At tin- exhibitions held under the management of ill.- late Mi. R. Marnock at the Regent's Park, and at some of ilie earlier ones held at the Crystal Palace, they were prominent exhibitors. Al the great international horticultural exhibition held ;it South Kensington in 1866 they were leading prize-winners with Pelargoniums in several classes, and in the miscellaneous division they staged two dozen large speeimen plants, mainly lianl wooded. Inii very trw of which are cultivated in these days. At tin- earlier provincial exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society, which commenced at Bury St. Edmunds in ls<>7, they wire exhibitors, and also at the exhibitions of the once prosperous Pelargonium Society. The services of Mr. John Kraser were also in request as a judge, and he was one of the 110 censors who made the awards at the exhibition at South Kensington above referred to. As a valuer and arbitrator in horticultural matters Mr. Fraser's services were in great request, and he invariably appeared to secure the confidence of both parties. He was also a valuer under tin- London County Council. As the chairman of the Leyton Local Board Mr. Fraser had much to do with the development of the neighbourhood in which he lived : and in course of time the nursery in the Lea Bridge Road was abandoned, and a new one opened in the open district of South Woodford, where a large business is done, especially with greenhouse Heaths, Ivies, Vines, fruit trees, and general nursery stock. The business will be carried on by the son of the deceased, Mr. J. Finlay Fraser. R. D. Blaekmore. This writer of delightful romances — a writer who has told us of the beautiful Devonshire scenery and its flowers in his tale of " Lorna Doone " — passed away on Satur- day last at his Teddington home. The English- speaking world is poorer for the loss of this gifted and interesting man, who hid himself from the world and its gaiety in his garden at Teddington, where he cultivated fruits enthusiastically for1 THE LATE R. 11. BLACKMORE. many years. I'ear culture was his favourite hobby, and his assistance for many years as a member (then as chairman) of the fruit committee of the Royal Horticultural Society was of importance. We re- member with pleasure Mr. Blackmore's paper upon Vine pests delivered some years ago at a conference under theaiispices of tire Royal Horticultural Society, a paper of practical value, brimful of humour and revealing a deep knowledge of tin* subject. Lovers of gardens, of scenery, and of healthy literature should read Mr. Blackmore's novels, "Lorna Doone," "Cradoek Nowell," and "Perlycross" being amongst his most interesting productions. Mr. Blaekmore was born at Longworth, in Berks, about seventy-five years ago, was educated at Blundell's School, Tiverton, and from thence passed to Oxford ami to the Bar. "Lorna I >oone " shared the fate of many novels as brilliant ; it failed to find a publisher until long after it had been written. It is said that eighteen publishers rejected the work, and when it appeared it received scant attention from reviewer and public. Mr. Blaekmore attributed the ultimate success of his lust known work to the fact that the marriage of Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lome gave rise lo the supposition that the novel was in some way connected with the "Lome" family. Editions quickly appeared. The public were satisfied, too. If Lome had nothing in common with Lorna, they agreed the writer hail given to the world a brilliant romance. About ten year's after its first publication Messrs. Sampson Low, Marston and ( !o. issued the 22nd edition. It is not too much to say that Lynton and Minehead were made famous by this novel of the land of the Doones. Mr. Blaekmore was a thorough lover of the open air, arid besides a keen gardener- was a good shot and trout fisherman. Of late years we have missed his familiar face at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, due not to a lessened interest in flowers and fruit, but to failing health. Mr. Blaekmore, we believe, was not offended when described as a " market gardener," and used this hoiii ih ji/iimi to one of his works. He was an enthusiast, and his produce from the many acres cultivated at Teddington found its way to Covent Garden, but he confessed once to the writer that Pear culture was not all profit. [The photograph is reproduced by kind per- mission of Messrs. Sampson, Low, Marston & Co.] SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.* January 23. There was another small, but very interesting meeting at the Drill Hall on Tuesday last, when, of course, indoor Bowers formed the chief feature. The Orchids were delight- ful, many groups containing rare species and varieties being exhibited. FLORAL COMMITTEE. Before the business of this committee, Mr. Marshall, the chairman, said he had a sad announcement to make. Mr. John Fraser, of the Lea Bridge Nurseries, had died a few days previously, and the Royal Horticultural Society by his death lose a warm supporter on the committee, a member whose knowledge of hard-wooded and other plants was of great assistance in the work of considering the exhibits sent for adjudication. Mr. Marshall said he mourned the loss of a personal friend, and he proposed that a vote of condolence be sent to the family in their bereavement. Mr. Geo. Paul in a few well-chosen words seconded the proposition, and said that Mr. Fraser had been a friend of longstanding, and was a man who was ever ready to bring his unique knowledge of greenhouse ami hardy plants to ln-ar upon the work of the committee. A silver Flora medal was awarded to Messrs. Cannell A Sons, Swanley, for their group of Chinese Primulas, promi- nent among winch were the graceful Star Primulas, Kentish Oueen. The Lady, both white, and Pink Lady. Among them also were .Miss Doris, with large white flowers; Swanley Blue; I. idea alba, having white flowers with large greenish yellow centre ; The Sirdar, the flowers of which are of a salmon colour. A very pretty mass of colour was formed by this collection. Messrs. Hugh Low A' Co. again exhibited a group of Persian < lyclamens, including Papilio ami Bush Hill Pioneer, both red and white. This group obtained a silver Banksian medal. A very handsome group of Kerns, to which a silver Flora medal was awarded, was shown by Messrs. J. Mill A: Son, Lower Edmonton. We noticed the handsome Basket Fern (Asplenium eaudatum), with its long drooping fronds; the pretty little Pellsea rotundifolia, the very dark and finely-toothed fronds of Asplenium ornatum, and also a fine plant of Cyathea insignis. There were two howls of Sacred or Good Luck Lily of China and Japan (Narcissus Tazetta), belonging to Messrs. Barr A" Sons, King street, Covent Garden. This firm also exhibited a pot of the fine large Galanthus Elwesii var. Whittallii (figured in The Garden last week). Among a stand of cut (lowers of green- house Rhododendron hybrids, shown by Messrs. .1. Veitch a Sons, Chelsea, an award of merit was gained by Rhodo- dendron multicolor Triton. This is referred to in our list of new and rare plants. Messrs. Veitch were also the ex- hibitors of a fine specimen of Hamamelis arborea (the Tree Wych Hazel), one of the most charming of winter-flowering shrubs. Mi. .1. Hudson, gardener to Mr. Leopold de Ifotli- sehild, Guniiershury Park, show til well -grown flowering shoots of the pretty yellow-flowered Justicla flavicoma, ami was awarded a cultural commendation. FRUIT COMMITTEE. There were very few exhibits before this commit tee. Before the business commenced the chairman made allu- sion to the death of Mr, Blaekmore, who was chairman for a few years. Mi-. A. H. Pearson proposed ami Mr. II. Balderson seconded that a vote of condolence be sent to the family in their bereavement. We publish elsewhere a portrait of Mr. Blaekmore and particulars of his life. A. g I even sample of the new Tomato, Winter Beauty, was sent up by Messrs. Sutton A Sons, Reading. Tins is an excellent variety for winter. The principal feature of this section of the show was an exhibit of fifteen dishes of Apples by Mr. George Bunyard, Maidstone. Of these, HORMEAD'S PEARMAIN AND XmiMAN'S PIPPIN obtained awards of merit. The latter is a small green Apple and is a good bearer and keeper, being fit for use from December to April. Also in this collection were fine samples of Twenty ounce, Belle de Pontoise, Farmer's Seedling, Beauty of Kent. Plants given first-class certificates or awards of merit are described, ayiongst " New and Hare plants," January 27, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 71 White Nonpareil, Foster's Seedling, Transparent de Croncels, Preston Hall. Improved Asbnieads Kernel, Rambour Papelen, and Chatley's Kernel. Mr. R. B. Davis. Yeovil, Somerset, exhibited six dishes of local Apples; while Mr. .). Cbinnery, Nevill Court, Abergavenny, had a dish of Apple Welsh Beauty. There was also a dish of the fine Royal Late Cooking Apple, belonging to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. ORCHID COMMITTEE. As our list of new and rare plants show-, many important novelties came before this committee. Without the Orchids, in truth the meeting would have been small and unin- teresting. Messrs. J. Veitch A Suns. Royal Nurseries, Chelsea, showed an extremely interesting group, consisting of Cypripedium Harrisianum superbum, a very richly coloured variety; a pretty hybrid Dendrobium named Duleo. probably a cross between D. Linawianum and D. aureum ; D. atroviolaceum, 1'. Cassiope, Cypripedium Hera Euryades splendens, very rich in col. air: Lalia Mrs. M. Gratrix. a hybrid between L. Dig- by ana and L. cinnabarina, of a pure yellow colour ; Ltelio- Cattleya Pallas, a hybrid between Cattleya Dmviana and L;elia ci-ispa, a wry richly coloured form; and a very distinctly coloured Phaio-CatUeya, of which we shall make further note. Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart.. Burford, Hoiking {gardener, Mr. White), showed a delightful group of rare kinds. One of the prettiest plants was that of Dendrobium Cordelia, the flowers of extremely delicate colour, pinky white sepals and petals, the lip marked with deep red ; Epidendrinii amplexi- caule, with minute green flowers ; Dendrobium melanodiscus var. Rainbow, the charming D. burfordiense, Max i Maria arachnites. Cypripedium Leeanum Albertianum, and C. Sallierii Hyeanum. One of the most charming groups of all and containing many well-grown plants was that shown by sir Frederick Wigan, Bart.. Clare Lawn. East Sheen (gardener. Mr. Young). It contained several beautiful Pliaheimpsids and Dendro- biums. The Phalcenopsis family is extremely well grown by Mr. Young, especially P. Schilleriana and P. Stuartiana. Also of note were Vanda lamellata and that richly coloured form of La?lia autumualis called atrnrubens (silver-gilt medal). An exceptionally fine plant of Dendrobium atroviolaceum was shown by ifessrs. Sander & Co., St. Albans, the flowers very richly coloured. That beautiful Orchid, Lselia anceps Sanderiana, came from Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe, Qolmw 1. Cheshunt (gardener, Mr. J. Donnes). It was an exceptionally well grown specimen. Lselio-Cattleya Cappei (Lselia cinnabarina Cattleya gigas)is an interesting hybrid, with yellowish sepals and petals and deep rose-purple lip. From Lord Rothschild, Tring Park, Tring (gardener, Mr. Hill), came a noble spike of Odontoglossum crispum :; feet 0 inches in length, and bearing thirty-seven flowers. Baron Schrosder, The Dell, Egham (gardener, Mr. Ballan- tine i. had i tdontoglossum Wilckianum Schrosderianum, a very richly marked form. Messrs. H. Low & Co., Bush Hill Nursery. Enfield, showed Dendrobium Vannerianum, a very pretty form, ami a pleasing light-coloured variety of Cymbidium Tracevanum. Mr. G. F. Moore. Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire (gardener, Mr. Norriss), Bhowed Cypripedium Mooreanum, a very richly coloured form ; C. Beekmanii, conspicuous for its broad dorsal sepal, richly blotched with chestnut, and polished brown petals and lip; also a well-coloured variety of i attleya Percivaliana named chard wan variety, or a similar name, as far as one could judge from the label ; the lip is deep velvety purple, very striking against the orange- yellow throat. Several interesting Orchids came from Mr. w. p. Burkin- shaw. West Hill. Hessle, Hull, who showed Cypripedium niteiis Hessle var.. a very attractive flower, and C, Adrastus var. punctatuin. a hybrid between C. villosuni Boxallii and C Leeanum. a very pretty flower, especially the dorsal sepal. which is green in the lower half, the upper portion white, and blotched with rich purple-brown colour. Sir William Marriott. Bart., The Down House, Blandford, showed Odontoglossum crispum var. castrum, a pure white Bower with yellow lip, a verj charming form. Cattleya Luddeinanniana Abnor H assail was exhibited by Messrs. Afobbs & Ashton, Southgate, and Dendrobium Nladonna-. From Mr. de B. Crawshay, Sevenoaks, came a very finely marked variety of Odontoglossum Rossi named Mrs, de B. Crawshay. Lecture by Mi;. Btjnyard. In the afternoon Mr. Bunyard lectured upon 'he " Neglect of Flowering Shrubs. NATIONAL DAHLIA. The annual meeting of this society was held recently at the Hotel Windsor. Mr. E. Mawley occupied the chair. The annual report was very satisfactory, and it is interesting to know that at the annual show the number of Rowers staged \\;i- ,-i- follow* . Show ami fancy, l-'i'i-J; pompon, lsn;; ; Cactus, LS09 single, 819; with a grand total of 5730. This is not so many as usual owing to the dry summer. In the future the decorative value of the Dahlia will he better shown, other items in the report consisted of reference to the new varieties given certificates of merit, and the donors of special prizes were thanked. It was hoped that the roll of membership would increase, and. seeing how much interest is taken in the Dahlia, we wonder that this society is not stronger in this respect. A sad note was struck when reference was made to the late T, w. Girdlestone, who was elected president in ls;>7. and continued in this office until his death. He was previously secretary for nine years. The catalogue of Dahlias exhibited by the society was his work, and as a raiser of tingle varieties he was most successful. Truly we miss this good gardener cut off in early manhood. The income of the society from all sources, including the balance in hand of £15 3s. 9d. from the year 1899, and the contributions to provide prizes at the supplemental exhibi- tion, amounted to £200 4s. 9d., and the entire expenditure, including the payment of all prizes awarded at the two exhibitions, left a balance of £71Us. 2d. to be brought forward to the present year. Mr. Mawley, on moving the adoption of the report, referred to the dry year and the death of Mr. Girdlestone. A memorial to their late president was being instituted to take the form of a specially struck medal, the cost of which would be defrayed by private subscription. In everything relating to the Dahlia it was necessary they should be abreast of the times, and this memorial would fittingly commemorate one who did so much for their favourite flower. Mr. E. Mawley was elected president, Mr. George Gordon and Mi. W. Marshall being added to the vice-presidents; Mr. Wilkins was elected treasurer in the place of Mr. Mawley, and Mr. .J. F. Hudson was re-elected hon. secretary : the names of Messrs. J. Hudson, W. E. Reeve, and J. Stredwick were added to the committee. No supplemental show is to he held this year, but some arrangement will be made for an exhibition of seedlings, if practicable, in connection with one of the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. The list of Cactus Dahlias annually given in the schedule of prizes was revised, some new forms being added and some old ones struck out. The schedule of prizes was revised and additions made. In future a supplement to the catalogue will be prepared and will appear in the schedule. IPSWICH DISTRICT HARDENERS AND AMATEURS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. A public meeting of those interested in horticulture was held in the Ipswich Town Hall on the 15th inst. to consider tin suggestion (made by Mr. Close at the annual meeting of the Horticultural Society) that a mutual improvement society lie formed. There was a large attendance, most of the local nurserymen and gardeners being present. The proposition to form an association to be known as above was carried unanimously. A committee, consisting of three nurserymen, three gardeners, and three amateurs, was appointed to form rules, &c. Mr. W. E. Close, Holy Wells Gardens, was unanimously elected hon. secretary. Upwards of forty promised to join as members. RoYAI, HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. Mr. Andrew Porter (gardener to Lord Ashtown, Co. Galway), as the exhibitor who carried Ofl the largest uuuiher 6f prizes during last year at the shows held by the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, has been awarded the Williams Memorial silver medal. This medal was placed at the disposal of the council by Messrs. Williams A' Sons, Upper Etolloway, London. READING GARDENERS ASSOCIATION. The following papers will be read during the remainder of this session ; January 22, annual tea : January 29, "Chemical Manures," Mr. F. W. Shrivell : February 13, " Renovation of Fruit Trees," Mr. T. Neve; February 26, " Horticultural Buildings,' Mr. G. H. Parsons: March 12, 'Hardy Plant Borders," Mr. D, Harris : March 26, " An Evening in a Surrey Garden," Mr. A. Wright ; April !>, " Vegetables,' Mr. -T. House ; April 13, "Spring Redding,' Mr. J. B. Stevenson. HKKJHTON VND SUSSEX HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. PKEsENTATloN To mr, w. Balohin, Junr. On the occasion of holding the annual meeting of this society recently at Brighton, an illuminated address was presented to Mr. William Balchin, Junr., from the members of the committee, which expressed warm appreciation of the invaluable services rendered to the society by discharging for ten years the duties of chairman of the committee, and the regrets of the committee that a pressure of business engage- ments compelled him to vacate the chair. In order, however, that the advantage of Mr. Balchin's business qualifications should not be lost to the committee, lie was appointed hon. treasurer. Mr. Geo. Miles, the vice-chairman of the committee, was appointed in his place. It is satisfactory to know that the financial position is satisfactory, there having resulted a profit of over £32 on the year's work, and there is a balance Of over l.lo7 at the society's hankers. The society will for the future hold its meetings at the Imperial Hotel, which is much nearer to the railway station— a desirable step, as the attendances at the periodical meetings fell olf somewhat owing to the distance of the place of meeting from the centre. The services of the energetic secretary, Mr. Thorpe, were warmly acknowledged by the members. LINNEAN SOCIETY < >K LONDON. THERE will be an evening meeting on Thursday, February 1. 1900, at 8 p.m., when the following papers will be read : (1) on "Botanic Nomenclature," by Mr. c. b. Clarke, M.A., F.R.S.,. This is nut so readily forced as some other hardy shrubs, such as the Lilac and Deutzia gracilis, for if too much heat is used the display of Bowers will be but poor. These latter subjects may be had in bloom by Christmas, or soon after, hut the Guelder Rose cannot he depended upon before the latter half of February or in March. Where there is a vinery started early in the new year it is just the place fur the plants, or they will develop in the greenhouse in a very satisfactory manner. A tempera- ture of 50 to en will suit them well. Of course, the plaids must be prepared for such treatment, either by confining them altogether in pots, or if in the open ground by trans- planting each year in order to ensure a compact mass of fibrous roots, which admit of the plant being removed with but little check. It is also necessary that they be grown in a spot fully exposed to air and sunshine, as these Conditions are particularly favourable to the formation of flower buds. Besides the common Guelder Rose (Viburnum Opulua sterile), the Chinese \. macrocephalum and the Japanese v. plica- turn are also amenable to the same treatment and afford a pleasing variety J Gloxinia seed (B.)-— This should be sown as soon as possible, ami whether pots or pans are used they must be thoroughly drained. \ suitable compost is equal parts of loam and Icai-nioiiM, with a liberal sprinkling of silver sand. To facilitate the operation of pricking oft after germination the upper layer oi soil should be passerl through a sieve with a J-inch mesh. All being made level and pressed down moderately firm, a good watering through a tine rose should he given, ami while tbe surface is still moist the seeds must lie sprinkled thinly thereon. As they are very minute one is apt to sow too thickly, but this must be particularly guarded against, if a space of \ inch is allowed from the surface of tie' suil to the rim of the pot, it admits of a pane of glass being laid thereon, by whicn germination is greatly assisted, as it keeps the seeds in a uniform state of moisture. On a shelf in the stove, just shaded from bright sunshine, the young plants will soon appeal-, when the glass must be at :e removed, as the object is to encourage sturdy growth ; for this reason they should be kept near the glass and pi ieked off as soon as large enough. When sufficiently advanced they maybe potted into 3-inch pots, and shifted for flowering into those :> inches or 6 inches in diameter. After their earlier stages tbe temperature of an intermediate house, or even a greenhouse, will meet their requirements. ORCHIDS. Book upon Orchids (J. C. Wright).— We would recommend you to watch closely the cultural notes which are given weekly under tbe " Gardening of the Week " calendars of 'I'm GARDl v We shall always welcome any inquiries, and will do our best to afford the information required on an) particular subject of Orchid culture our correspondents nia\ need. We do not know of any work particularly suitable to meet the requirements of a beginner. Veiteb s Manual of Orchidaceous Plants" would assist you ; to lie obtained from Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, London. KITCHEN GARDEN. Giant Onions ( \\i vn.i w). Von seem to besumewhat bitten with the desire to grow giant Onions. These huge he ik- air now grown in almosl evi n garden, so that if you vln err at all in tasti md we do not say such- at least you err in very good company. But whilst with so many vege- tables, and roots especially, mere size becomes detrimental to flavour and excellence, in the case of giant Onions not only are great bulbs produced, but these are less hot and much more pleasant to partake of in a cooked state than are those bulbs produced by an ordinary spring sowing outdoors. There are several varieties grown to produce huge bulbs, some of which are not firm or good keepers, however produced, but a true stuck of Ailsa Craig, f'ranston's Excelsior, the Sutton Globe, or Improved Wroxton, all globe-shaped, and these are best for the purpose, will, with first-class culture, produce quite giant, handsome, hard-keeping bulbs of the very best description. We have now in our possession superb 2-pound bulbs of Ailsa Craig as handsome as well can be, and hard, and will keep well if desired till the end of March. But these giant bulbs are of great value to produce seed stock, for the plants so obtained always reproduce under any form of culture much the finest of bulbs. You had better secure seed of one of the varieties named or even a couple, and sow it thinly in broad, shallow pans tilled with fresh fine soil, in which is mixed one-third of decayed leaf-soil. Gently press the seed in, strew a little tine sandy soil over it, then stand the pans in a frame or greenhouse near the glass and furnish a little warmth. When the seedlings are 3 inches in height lift them carefully and transplant into shallow boxes with similar soil, putting the plants 2 inches apart ; water them, and still keep near the glass till early in April, then transfer them to a cold frame where they get ample light and air to harden them. The ground where to be grown should be trenched 2 feet deep and have a liberal dressing of manure put in on to the bottom spit and forked in, then a second dressing on the surface and forked in. Planting out into rows 16 inches apart, the plants being 12 inches apart in the rows, may be done at the end of April, each plant having when put out a good ball of soil and roots attached. Intercrossing1 Potatoes (S W. M.).— If you think you can find room for the introduction of varieties of Potatoes obtained by yet further intercrossing, because we have several hundreds of varieties in commerce now, there is no reason why you should not try to do so. Not only is it of no use to trust natural seed-halls, that is to say, seed-balls pro- duced on self-fertilised flowers, hut there are very few of the many varieties in cultivation that produce pollen in sufficient quantity to self-fertilise flowers. With very many, especially the heaviest cruppers, pollen production is almost nil, and using them as parents often results in failure. Sometimes if such varieties be grown by putting single tubers into S-inch pots and grown on under glass, thus partially starving the roots, pollen can be more freely obtained. But you can do nothing before June or July. Then in using the pullen-cases of flowers to extract pollen from them on to the thumb nail, rather seek for it at the bases than at the points of the cases. Once get quite a thin film of this pollen-like flue powder on the nail, you will obtain enough to fertilise three or four flowers on some other variety. When those are done pinch off the rest, tie up the truss with a stick, affix to it the nature of the cross on a label, and leave to mature. Sowing Spinach (Dorset).— This leaf vegetable may be sown now, and have successions made up to the end of August, at which time the final sowing to stand tbe winter, and one of considerable breadth, should be made. To Obtain very early spinach it will suffice to sow rather thickly in rows 12 inches apart the common summer or Flanders variety. So treated it soon bolts off to flower and the plants in the niws are cut clean, stems and all, and so sent to the kitchen. But the best treatment for later sowings, which should be to the end of April, about once in three weeks, is to get seed of tlie Viroflay, or as called here Victoria, sowing it in drills thinly, and when the plants are well up thinning them out to :-; inches or 4 inches apart. In that way verj fine stout leafage is obtained. Sowings in May, June, and July, to stand hot weather, should be of the Long-stander and be even wider thinned. This fine thick-leaved variety is longer bolting to seed than is any other. In August sow both the Viroflay and the Long-stander. Really, whatever he the names, there are not mure than three distinct varieties of Spinach in cultivation, but all these have both smooth and prickly seeds. GARDEN DESTROYERS. Scale on Pear tree (T. S.).— The scale on your Pear tree is the mussel scale (Mytilaspis pomorum), a very common pest, but commoner on Apple trees than on Pears. Tbe easiest way of destroying this pest is by spraying the tree with a caustic wash before the buds begin to open. There are various receipts fur a wash of this kind, but the following is the best : Dissolve 1 lb. of caustic soda in a gallon of water, then add jj lb. of carbonate of potash, commonly known as pearlash, now add 0 gallons of water, and lastly 10 oz. of soft suap which has already been dissulved in a small quantity of boiling water ; stir the mixture thoroughly and it i- ready to use. The caustic soda should not he touched with the bands, nor he allowed to get on the clothes. The mixture is also caustic, and care should be taken not to get it on the hands or clothes more than necessary, as it is decidedly injurious to them, but at this time of year it will not injure the trees in any way ; or the trees may he sprayed with paraffin emulsion diluted with ten times its volume of water, and then with a rough cloth or stiff brush rub off as man\ of tbe Bcales as possible and give another spraying with the emulsion and water. If the tree be trained against a wall, the branches should be unfastened as much as possible so as to allow of the insecticide being applied to their backs ; if this be not done it will be impossible to free the tree from tins pest. (}, s, s. FLOWER GARDEN. Diseased Violets (A.). Your Violets are attacked by a fungoid grow tb. You have probably fed your plants too well. Use leaf -soil and loam by all means, but not toomuch manure. We think tin- w d faggots and strawy manure may also be diBpensed with, and stones or clinkers substituted as drainage, The plants should not be lifted into the frames too early, certainly not before the middle or end of October. They should be firmly planted, as close to the glass as possible, and when once in the frames they can hardly have too much air or too little water— within reason, of course. When the disease first makes its appearance, let the affected leaves be gathered and burned. Then give the plants a slight dressing of sulphur or newly-slaked lime, keeping the leaves quite dry for two or three weeks after this application. The more sun and air in autumn and winter the healthier the plants will he. Weedy lawn (N. B.).— The surest way to get rid of such coarse weeds in your lawn as Dandelions, Plantains, &c, is to go over the lawn several times and extract the roots as intact as possible. The holes left should be filled up with a little soil, and where the grass is killed, which will generally be the case when the weeds have been growing for a long time, a few grass and clover seeds may be sprinkled on the bare places. GENERAL. Seaweed as a manure (S. G.).— Seaweed may be safely used as a manure, and indeed is largely used in many districts bordering on the coast. Its properties are very similar to those of farmyard manure, though it is generally hardly as valuable, containing a greater proportion of water. It is generally gathered from the shore after having been washed up by the sea, but is sometimes cut while growing, and is said to be richer in that condition. Seaweed often contains foreign matter such as shellfish, Ac, which have a manurial value of their own on account of the carbonate of lime they contain. WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. The past week proved mild and wet. The days were all warm, but on one night the exposed thermometer showed 13" of frost, which is the lowest reading this instrument has as yet registered this year. At the present time the ground at 2 feet deep is about 1° warmer, and at 1 foot deep about 3" warmer, than is seasonable. Rain fell during the week to the depth of about three-quarters of an inch, which is equivalent to 31 gallons of rain on each square yard of surface. The wind varied greatly in strength, but the direction has ranged principally between south and west. On the 18th the sun shone brightly for over six hours, but during the next four da3rs no sunshine at all was recorded. The Winter Aconite first showed an open flower in my garden on the 23rd, or one day later than its average date of flowering in the previous eleven years, and five days later than last year. An early -flowering Snowdrop I received under the name of GaJanthus Elwesii ochrospeilus was also in flower on the 23rd, or three days later than last year. Berkhamsled, Jan. :.:. E. M. TRADE NOTES. NATIVE GUANO. WE have received a book containing a list of testimonials advocating the use of native guano, and the results of its application in the farm and garden. This good garden stimulant may be obtained from the Native Guano Company. Ltd.. 29, New Bridge Street, Blackfriars, E.C. Mr. .Tas. Webber, for over thirteen years head gardener to Mr. G. F. Luttrell, Dunster Castle, Somerset, will resign at the end of this month to enter business as florist, fruiterer, Ac, at Minehead, Somerset. Gardening Appointments. Mil. LINDSAY CarSTAIKE, late head gardener at Brook- lands Park, Halifax, Yorks, has obtained the appointment of gardener to Sir Charles Barrington, Bart., Glenstal Castle, Mnrroe, Co. Limerick. Catalogues Received. Tree and Shrub Seeds. — Johannes Rafn, Skovfrbkontoret, Copenliagen, /■'., Denmark. chrysanthemums. Carnations. Dahlias, and Zonal Pelar- goniums.—//. Shoesmith, Claremont Nursery, Woking. Manual of Hardy Plants, Seeds, Bulbs.- Messrs. Kelway .!■ Son, Langpart, Somerset Bulbs anil Plants for Spring Planting.— 11. Wallace .1- Co., KttnJUld Gardens, Colchester. *-* We hope nurserymen vill send their catalogues for notification, ami any news likely in interest horticulturists. Their assistance will be greatly valued. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. The Garden is sent direct from the Office in London post tier, payable in advance. Far one near (."..' weeks), '■'»■ M. : halt' near (jr. weeks), 7s. 7tl. The Garden is also paste,! regularly to the United states. Canada, the Colonies, and the Continent of Europe, and all places underclass " A " of Postal Union for twelve months at 17s. nil. Postal Orders should he filled a), ta the Proprietors nf The Garden, payable at the General Post ojliee, Lamina, ami should he crossed " London aar\. and the Editor* invite reader* to send in questions relating to matters upon which they wish advice from compe- tent authorities. With thai object they wish to make the " Answers to Correspondents" column a conspicuous feature, ami when queries are printed, then hop,' that then readers will ki>rtl,i give inquirers the benefit of their assistance. All communications must be written clearly on one side only of the paper, and addressed to the Editors o/ The Garden, decompanie i by name and address of the sender. Tin- Editors welcome photographs, articles, and notes, but they will not '„ responsiblt for their safe return. All reason- able care, however, "■ill !„■ taken, ii>"l where stamps are enclosed, they will endeavour t„ return non-accepted con- tributions. As regards photographs, if payment be desired, the Editors ask th.it th, price required for reproduction lie plainly Hiatal. II uue.tl.e distinctly understood thai only the ,,et„nl photo- grapher > — kermesina, Jackmanii, Veitchii, Beauty of Worcester, &c. Restored gaps, and tillrd in all round the crowns with dry sand '2 inches deep, and did not water at all. Result : This year no gaps, no disease. Reflections oh the Experience. That no Jackmanii had gone off at all. That all the red Viticellas had gone, over anil over, except kermesina, and at last I did not replant them, but must try again now. That the worst are the lanuginosa type, and especially the dwarfest ones. That tin- disease is caused by fungus which runs on the surface of the soil and rings the stem. That I am not sure of this, because I have seen a stem die off down to a high-up fork. But possibly this may not lie from the same cause. I saw in The Garden last year some suggestions which tended in the same direction as my ex- periences, and I felt fortified accordingly. Some of the most delicate which I lost steadily till I gave them up for a time may yet fail. 1 do not know, but I do not think they will when I try them again. That neither sun. nor rain, evaporation, or quality of soil affect the plants, as I thought at first, but bright sun seems to tiring on a crisis. Ambleside. H. B. CORRESPONDENCE. ( Tin Editors ar ib/( for tin xprt 89t ■/■' %pondent$. ) ipnimii* FALSE IDEALS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR,— All lovers of the beautiful in the garden will have read with a feeling of unalloyed pleasure the leading article on "False Ideals" that appeared on January 20. Long may such sermons In- preached in these columns in like unambiguous lan- guage, for it is only by the steadfast and continuous upholding of the banner of the true ideal — the ideal that follows the teachings of Nature — that we may hop.- to stem the tide of senselessly dwarfed and doubled abortions that threatens to banish natural beauty of form from the borders of our annual Bowers. (If old. as may be seen from the portraits of Vanilyek and other painters, it was the fashion for every lady of title to he accompanied by her dwarf. Happily, such miserable travesties of " the human form divine " no longer degrade the entouragt of the fair patrician, and in our flower gardens the artificially dwarfed and the mis-shapen, for the excessively doubled blooms of the present day are but monstrosities, should lie treated with a like intolerance, since they are departures from Nature's true mould, and obscure rather than reveal her intentions. The simple beauty of single (lowers is oftentimes hopelessly marred by the doubling process, the inc. ions form being lost in the multiplicity of petals. In the case of the Hollyhock, as stated in the article in question, many of the newer strains an- hopelessly spoilt by extreme doubling. Far more beautiful is the Hollyhock of cottage gardens alluded to. where the outer frill of petals has a clear margin on which the derately doubled centre docs not encroach, but still more charming to many eyes are some of the single forms, such as tin- Fig-leaved Hollyhock ( Althpea ficifolia) with its pale yellow flowers of refined contour. Tuberous Begonias have, perhaps, suffered more from doubling than any race of plants, many of the blossoms being simply shapeless balls of tightly- packed petals. I was glad, however, to observe at t he Temple show last sin t that in the best of the newer varieties this inartistic doubling had been con- siderably modified, and that shapely flowers with a clear sweep of outer petals were well represented. Theold, mahogany-red, single Wallflower, known by Somersetshire cottagers as the HI iy Warrior, formed large branching plants. Stocks maynow be nut with in village plots 2 feet and more through and masses of bloom, while on the south-western ■'-i hoard great Calceolarias, often as much as ~> feet in diameter, enlarge their holders veal' bv ycai1 and afford sheets of glowing gold through many weeks of the summer. In these cases each individual plant is a picture, whereas with the much lauded '■dwarf and compact" strains such effect as is possible is to he gained only by numbers, since the plants, singly, lack their natural character- istics of growth to so great an extent as to be merely insignificant spots of colour. Dwarfed plants are doubtless useful for carpet- bedding, but here we have another " false ideal." Despite the eulogies of the advocates of this style, it is impossible to allow that geometrical figures in crude. Hat colours are admissible in any descrip- tion of garden whatsoever. Not even the meanest flower that blooms should he put to the debased use of forming patchwork patterns, which, had as they are when composed of inanimate bricks and tiles within the precincts of the house, are infinitely more distressing to the artistic eye when fashioned of living flowers in the garden, where of all places the charm of Nature rather than the tricks of artifice should lie studied. Happily, criticism of the carpet-bedding system, thanks chiefly to the author of " The English Flower Garden," is no longer as "a voice crying in the wilderness," for of late years the teachings and suggestions of Nature have been reverently followed in numberless gardens that have, as a consequence, been invested with a restful charm to which they were necessarily strangers in the daj's of their geometrical floral designs. There remain many, however, where foot- rule and shears still successfully restrain the Earth Mother from revealing herself in her fairest guise. S. W. FlTZHERBERT. THE DOUBLE ROCKET. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] ■Sir, — Your illustration and articles about Hesperis matronalis interest me greatly, as I have grown the plants somewhat as .Mr. J. Hill Poe advises. But the cottage gardener who gave me the first slips showed me what he said was the real old English double Rocket, a much compacter flower-spike, unbranched and close, like a very double Larkspur. This rarer kind appealed more to the gardener's taste than to mine, and I do not know whether he succeeded in growing it. I do not know whether the Rudbeckia graiidirephala striata described by "T. J. W. ," Woodside Park, is to spare, but I would be very glad to have some if he would scud a small scrap in exchange for other plants. R. M. Simpson. Oru Oak, Cheadle, Huh,,,. STRAWBERRIES FROM SEED. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] Sir, — I should he glad if you would give some info] ination on the cultivation of Strawberry Jeanne d'Arc for late use. I sowed the seed last spring, but got no fruit. What I am anxious to know is, if the plants bloom this year, whether the early flowers should he picked off or not, and if so. for bow long. Solphine. | In reply to "Solphine'' we gladly give a few notes on Strawberries for late use, i.e., the alpine varieties. As is well known, there are other means of getting late Strawberries : for instance, plants that have been forced and planted out in June will give a second crop in September and October if well attended to. We have sown seed under glass early in the year and obtained a little fruit from each plant the following autumn, but to do this, of course the best possible culture and also glass are necessary. Seed sown in the ordinary way in the spring will not give fruit the same season, and my best late fruits have been obtained from seed sown in the late spring of the preceding year. Our coi respondent names the spring of last year as the time he sowed, and this year should get a very g 1 crop of fruit, and for late supplies it will be necessary to pick of all the flower trusses that show until well into July. Plants on a cooler border give a succession of fruit, hut it is not well to grow them on a th border, as the fruit in some seasons fails to ripen, but the latest supplies are obtained from plants on a west border. These when planted are small seedlings, and they should be denuded of their flower trusses till the date named, and as they are later in showing than those on warmer borders they are more useful. We have also secured late fruit from runners planted in the spring. These placed out in rich land onanopen south Border 12 inchesapart will give good fruit up to October. The plants do not show bloom so early as the seedlings, but when they do so it must be removed till June or July according to the date at which the fruits are needed. At the same time the plants must not suffer in any way from want of moisture or food, and those raised from runners need more than seedlings. We would advise "Solphine" to give the new St. Joseph a trial for late fruit ; it is the best late Strawberry we have grown. This variety is larger than some of the alpines, and runners planted in spring will fruit in the autumn. St. Antoine de Padone is also a very fine perpetual and may be had very late, and so also is Louis Gauthier. These all do well if grown from runners, and are very late if the first flowers are removed. It is usually a safe practice to pick all flower trusses from the plants well up to midsummer and then feed freely with liquid manure till new trusses form. — Ens. I A NOTE OX TROPiEOLUM SPECIOSl'.M. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, — Four years ago I planted two in a compart- ment of cemented stone, with a hole for drainage below heaps of crocks, and tilled (for Cypripediums) with peat and leaf-mould. On each side of this compartment stands a tall Irish Yew, and the roots are cut off from and beneath the compartment. The whole is on the north side and in the dense shade of a 30-feet Abies Albertiana and no ray of sun can pass. The two started and grew to the top of the 15-feet Yews and flowered gloriously the first year. In the winter I saw my gardener pulling out the dry steins. One he has cleared, the other not touched. I stopped it, and next spring this wras the result : The untouched grew and flowered, a pillar of tire ; the other never stirred. It was not dead, as there was life deep under ground, so I left it. The flowering one became a mass of blue seeds. and I left untouched both seeds and stems. Next year neither one nor the other stirred, till late in summer some runners started away from one or other crown, and are now, January 20, alive and growing (old roots alive, but dormant). This seems certainly to show that it is bad to cut the old stems, as they are all alive. Also, probably, that it is wise not to let it over-fruit itself. ' H. B. A mill i *ii/< . P.S. — I don't think it cares what it grows in. KEW GARDENS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — As a countryman to whom perhaps the greatest delight of a visit to town is the oppor- tunity given for seeing the Royal Gardens, Kew. I should like to lie allowed to offer my congratula- tions to the new editors of The Garden on the appreciative tone of the initial article under the heading, "Our Botanic Gardens." My recollections of Kew go back over a quarter of a century, and though I always looked upon it as a garden unique in its interest for gardeners and garden lovers, the improvements carried out during late years have been vast, so that one goes now to see not only a botanic garden in a beautiful situation and of great scope, but a charming garden as well, in which our best plants are well planted and well grown. Kew must have been to many the teacher of how best to group and to grow many beautiful hardy plants, for though a few other private gardens must claim precedence in this work, it was the first and remains the best public garden to popularise these better methods, and I think I am right in saying that simultaneously with this forward movement came better culture in all departments of the huge establishment. Kew now stands as a teacher of how, as well as what, to grow. The special features which have been attained have been well pointed out by you, but those who know Kew know too 7(> THE GARDEN. [February 3, 1900. thai you have by no means exhausted its beauties, and that it will repay the visitor for far mure than the cursory " look round " which these noble gardens usually get. Cornuman. THE NEW ZEALAND FORGET-ME-NOT. [To the Editor or " The Garden."] Sir, " E. J." in the sub-heading of his paper, pub- lished in your issue of 16th September last, on Myosotidium nobile (New Zealand Forget-me-not) inserts a mark of interrogation after the New Zealand as if he were in doubt as to the original habitat of the plant. It is not a native of the main- land uf New Zealand, but of the Chatham Islands, a small group lying some Hon or 4U(l miles due east of Hanks Peninsula, which lies, roughly speaking, about the middle of the eastern coast of the South Island of this colony. As the Chathams belong to this colony, I think the plant referred to may reasonably have assigned to it the name chosen as the English one. Here we call it the Chatham Island Lily. I have failed more than once in establishing the normal or blue-flowered form in my garden here, but I have had a plant of the white-flowered variety for several years, and it is still healthy. The blue-flowered and prettier variety does not thrive well in lhmedin gardens, but does excellently on the Otago Peninsula, a few miles away, and I have seen splendid specimens at Port Molyneux, (ill miles to the south, where the winters are more severe than here. I am satisfied that the plant cannot be grown to perfection without sea air. In the Chathams it grows chiefly, if not exclusively, on the eoast even within reach of the spray, but a friend who visited the Chathams not long ago informed me that the plant was rapidly disappear- ing from the islands, being eaten out by stock, and was only to be met with wild in almost inaccessible spots on the eoast. Some growers say that the plant thrives best if the soil round it he occasionally sprinkled with a little salt. Probably an occasional spraying with sea water, if obtainable, or, failing that, salt and water would prove beneficial. That tins noble plant grows well in some parts of Eng- land was evidenced by an illustration you published some time ago of a specimen in a Cornish garden, I am curious lo know if it grew near the sea. Dunedm, N.Z. A, Bathgate. SELECTION OF TREES AND SHRUBS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— Would ypu give me a small list of shrubs and trees, such as Thorns, Jfcc., for a rather windy part near a moor? The soil is rather black, and I have mixed a lot of leaf-soil with it. I should like to know if flowering or evergreen Rhododendrons, Azaleas (we have a lot), and Laurels would do well .1. Bean. [Only shrubs and trees of vigorous constitution should be planted in yovir wind swept part of the country, and you may rely upon those here mentioned answering your purpose. Von say Rhododendrons and Azaleas do well in your locality, which, of course, is a splendid recommendation, lis ihc\ an' capable of producing gorgeous effect when judiciously placed, i.e., having due regard to habit and vigour of plant, colour of flowers, and tune at which the} arc borne. We are not very partial to I he Laurel, as it is, like the Privet, a hungry plant and soon robs f he ground of its goodness, besides it is frequently cut in bad weather. Barberries would be a success and produce a wealth of lovely blossom in spring and summer and showy fruit ill autumn. The purple-leaved variety (B. vulgaris purpurea) is not only one of the most effective of dark leaved hardy shrubs, it is also one of the least fastidious, as it llourishes in barren ground. The best colour effeel is produced by plants which have been subjected to hard pruning in early spring. The Phillyreas form a small group of accomi lating shrubs of compact habit with evergreen foliage'. With the- exception of I', decora (syn., I'. Vilmorin- iana), all have small deep green leaves and are thoroughly hardy. The Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum) is another first-rale shrub for your purpose. The Dogwoods (ConiUS) lloui'isli in moist ituations, and the golden-leaved form named Spathii is very attractive. The evergreen Oleasters give colour in winter, as the foliage is very bright and constant. The Thorns are delightful spring- flowering trees of medium growth, but require protection from the north and east. The under- mentioned sorts would suit .you well. Crataegus oxy- acantlioides flore-pleno coccinea is the well-known double scarlet Thorn. The red flowers are borne with great freedom and last a long time in good condition. The single-flowered form punicea should be planted freely, as a good-sized tree in full blossom is very pleasing. Multiplex is a grand double-flowered white variety, and ( '. coccinea from North America is very beautiful in October by reason of the glorious colours assumed by the decaying leaves. The common Laburnum is an old favourite, and when in flower few trees are re beautiful. The stronger growing forms of Deutzia do well in damp soil. The Bush Honeysuckles are also valuable and tenacious of life. Pj'rus Malus and its allies should not lie passed over without comment, and the Snowdrop tree can be well recommended. Few shrubs are more pleasing than the Lilacs, and some of the later introductions from the Continent are desirable garden shrubs. For damp soil and exposed situations the flowering Currants ( Etibes) are difficult to beat. Rosa rttgosa is beautiful in fruit as well as in blossom. It is free in growth and floriferous. The Willows and Elders love dam]) soils, and cold winds have little effect upon them. — Eds.] Society as any specially constituted body. I am sure that if it were suggested to Mr. Wilks that the time had come for a thorough trial of Sweet Peas, it would be carried out. S. V. THE SWEET PEA CONFERENCE. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— The letter of " Alpha " in The Harden of January 20 last, and others which preceded it. are surely sufficient to prove how absurd it is to con- vene a conference for the purpose of classifying the varieties into groups of colour and form, kv. I Iocs the Sweet Tea vary so much in form that it is coir sidered necessary for growers and others to meet together to classify them into types, &c. '! Surely the individuals who wish to identify themselves with the work of the proposed conference could find something better to do. As your correspondent rightly observes, the Sweet Pea is "a simple garden flower," and if a number of faddists, instead of meeting in conference, as is proposed, would make the best use of the material already available, and work the numerous exhibitions, large and small, throughout the country, encouraging competitions at these shows, a stimulus would he given to the cultivation of named varieties, and the best interests of the flower thereby served. As "Alpha" remarks, the Royal Horticultural Society might institute a trial of varieties, and this should In- of a most representative character and quite up to date-. Synonyn s sorts would by these means receive I lie al lent ion they merit, and this, after all, is t he only good that a conference and trial combined could accomplish. Growers of these beautiful hardy flowers fully appreciate the generous offer of prizes made by the trade and others interested, and if their zeal were directed in the channel above suggested, they would be among the first to benefit as a result of i hear enterprise. Judex. Sin, — The note at p. 4li in The GARDEN fi " Alpha " so aptly expresses ray own views of the proposed conference, that I should not have asked fen your valuable space if the last few lines of "Alpha" had not touched upon a point that well deserves consideration. I think the promoters of this conference who settled this matter in Edin- burgh, ignoring the Royal Horticultural Society, woiilel have done wall to have had the conference in that city, but amongst the names of its sup porters, 1 find few who reside north of the Tweed, and I shall beanxious to know when and where the conference will be held, as certainly an outside self-constituted body cannot expect much support from tin- southern growers. It seems absolute tolly in this age, when there are in truth far too many conferences, to begin one about the Sweet Pea". It is a si m | ile garden flower, and, as " Alpha " properly points out. trials for the purpose of ascertaining whether certain varieties are synonymous may be as will accomplished by the Royal Horticultural SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] Sin, — I should like to substantiate your remarks re Saxifraga oppositifolia in The Garden of January 20 by the fact that I gathered some just about a year ago close to the summit of Snowdon, overlooking a precipice, which, as every one familiar with Snowdon will know, probably to his cost, " is often bathed in mist," and just such a place as you describe. I may say that a bought piece is flourishing very well in my alpine garden here, but it has only been planted as yet about Gfteen months. Ernest Lingford. The IAynes, Cotkerstoiw. TI1K I'KOTECTION OF TEA DOSES. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — I am sorry to have to disagree with any contributor to The Carden, but Mr. 1). T. Fish's comments on Mr. Mawley's views on the delicacy of Tea Roses are so absurd and so incorrect, that 1 take up my pen to make a few remarks in support of Mr. Mawlejf's views. I have known Mr. Fish's name as a writer on Rose topics for some years. I do not know him. but I assume that he has been the head gardener in some nobleman's or private gentleman's garden, as 1 do not know bis name either as a nurseryman or an amateur. I have frequently been inclined to write to various garden papers on what Mr. Fish has said in them on the culture of Hoses, as his experience and statements have usually been absolutely opposed to the views entertained by some of the greatest of known rusarians. I refer more especially to such men as Mr. Lindsell and Mr. Benjamin Cant, gentlemen whom no one with the slightest knowledge of the leading men in the Rose world can ignore. With Mr. Lindsell's views on Rose culture I am well acquainted, and 1 may say that in every resped we agree ; the essential difference between us is that he is the best amateur exhibitor in the kingdom, and that I can only, with others, play second or third fiddle to him in leading positions. Mr. Benjamin Cant has been the leading profes- sional for over a quarter of a century, and he is both well known and deservedly respected by all rosaiians. Both of these gentlemen have frequently expressed to me views in agreement with what Mi, Mawlcy has written in regard to the delicacy of Tea Roses, and Mr. Benjamin Cant once said to me. '■ Wait till we have a really severe winter, and then we shall see what want of protection will do to Teas." We have not hail a really severe winter since 1880-81, but the mischief done then was so great, that in the following autumn very few nurserymen could supply Teas. No difficulty at any time has been felt in regard to the supply of Hybrid Perpetuals. I think I know as much as any other amateur, not more than any other, in regard to the cultiva- tion of Tea Roses, and I grow about 3000 standard Teas. I do not believe in nor do I grow any dwarf Teas, having discarded my last lot of about H II 10 this autumn, and I should not dream of allowing my men to leave my Teas unprotected after the end of November — the maiden Teas more especi- ally. The fact in regard to Tea Roses is that there are not six varieties amongst them which are at all hardy. Imt there are gradations of delicacy also, and I consider amongst the most delicate to be Mine dc Wattcville (specially named as hardy by the authority of Mr. I). T. ' Fish), Mmc. Cusin, I lomtesse dc Nadaillac, Ethel Brownlov . ( lleopatra, Catherine Mermet and all her children (well known to rosaiians), and Ernest Mctz. 1 could go into this question more fully, and certainly more carefully than I do in this short note, but I write in haste to catch post. ( 'llAKI.ES .1. ( rBAHAME, Wrydelands, L< uih< rhi "'I. Febuuaf.y .•'.. 1900.] THE GARDEN. 77 THE OLD PALACE AT MATHERN AND ITS GARDENS. 2. I am not one of those who quarrel over Nature w rms formalism in the garden. The sympa- thetic garden-lover sees nothing to clash in the two principles. Each has its sphere, ami the boundary line is nut clifhVnlt to settle by those who wish peace on earth. The best of gardening is perhaps to lovingly tend one of Nature's choice spots : to remove what injures, and to heighten what improves its form, to vary ami stimulate its flora, to retain the grace ami feeling of the wild while adding the eclectic richness and reasoned beauty of the cultured. But the immediate intrusion — haphazard and unprefaced, amid the countless curves, the suave lines, the disordered harmony of a bit of broken, woody, picturesque ground — of so hard a geometrical unit as a house is apt to give to this latter the appearance of a philistine tics passer in Axcady, and it is generally well to interpose some neutral zone between the two. At the same time, the amount of terrace and formal garden and their character, simple or elaborate, should lie in strict accord with the style of the building and the peculiarity of the site. Here, where no two walls are quite parallel or precisely at right angles ; where the original irregularity has been intensified by the entire and partial removal of some, the addition of other portions, and where time has mellowed the lines, the angles and the details, even the immediate surroundings needed a much qualified formalism. Terraces perfectly balanced, severely geometric, elaborately balustraded would have been as a ring of haughty reproach and conscious superiority to the modest simplicity and amiable license of the dwelling of which they should be merely the supporters. And so, in tic forecourt, though the roadway is sternly straight and stiffly avenued with tubs of tall Geraniums, its grass sides are of unequal width, and Hanked by rough, vegetation- clad walls of unequal height, one of them quite out of line. And, going through the house, the paved way from the garden door has on one side a little stretch of grass, fitting as best it may into the ruins of the banqueting hall. And on the other side, between it and the west wing building, arc beds of dwarf eyergreens, Heaths and Sedums (relieved by Gladioli in summer), which give some variety of form ami colour in winter at a point commanded by many windows. Beyond this the wall of the first terrace is the original division between the farm potato patch and the held : :' feet high only on the former side and not obstructing the prospect. The space within the small enclosure (25 by to yards) is, besides the portion above described, laid out in paths, beds, ami borders all edged with stone (1 found the cobbles which paved the farm buildings excel- lent for this purpose). Two of the divisions have depth enough for Yews and a few flowering shrubs at the back of the herbaceous plants and bulbs ; the narrower ones are furnished with these latter alone. I greatly prefer a stone to a grass edge. The latter either is spoilt by the plants growing over on to it, or spoils the plants by their being cut back to keep it free. Hut the stone edging may be buried under Stonecrop, Toadflax, Sandwort, Cyclamen and a host of humble growths, which also make a carpet for the taller things behind, and may well be allowed to trespass pleasantly over the path. This garden is entirely open to the sun and air, the far-spreading house sheltering it from all northerly winds. There are no trees to rob the roots and shade the steins, and the plants grow sturdy and yield an abundant wealth of bloom. Thence we go down four or five steps on to the bowling-green. It rests the eye after the turmoil of path and bed and bloom. Its even surface of turf is carried right up to its low- retaining walls, except where it breaks through as a wide Yew-bordered grass walk along a kitchen garden. I'.ut against the side where it drops from the upper terrace is a border of Tea Roses raised upon an 18-inch dry wall (over which tumbles a lone line of Pinks), and divided up were they, that the first summer I was here they went nearly dry, as the properwater level Was leached 1 iv the llllld. So 1 dug Ollt the little upper pond, whose springs, working through the bottom, soon fed it again, much to our inconvenience. I!ut the long middle pond I converted into a canal, a dozen feet wide, bj cutting out the banks between it and the upper and lower ponds, by putting a little wattle barrier down the middle and by throwing the MATHERN PALACE. THE WATER OARIiKN from the grass by a gravel path along its length. The west wing of the house is also set upon its own little terrace. But here formalism ends, and we descend to the rock garden, where the naturally rapid slope of the orchard is varied and intensified, and through which paths, pushed into irregularity by the contours of the broken ground, dip down to the water garden. I found three oblong ponds, overhung by pollard Willows, occupying the hollow of the meadow at the foot of the orchard. So silted yard-deep mud of the one half into the other. The loam of the bank, which 1 altered into a gradual slope, added to any rough stone, cinder, sand and leaf-mould 1 could get, solidified this bit of reclaimed land full of humus. I stretched a broad grass path down it with a narrow boggy- border for common Flags, Rushes, Forget-me- not, Mimulus, and other water-lovers on the canal side, and on the other side a wide gradu- ally rising border, wet at the bottom, dry at the top, and soeapableof satisfy ing the idiosyncracies, 78 THE GARDEN. [February- 3, U900. ■vf ■ of plants with more or less thirsty habits. At the bottom, scarlet Lobelias, Japanese Flags, Rocky Mountain Columbines, Meadow-Sweets, Rudbeckiasand the like flourishinlaigecolonies ; above them are deciduous shrubs. Althaea frutex, Hydrangea paniculata, Viburnum plicatum, Staphylea colchica, Spiraeas in variety; and along' the top runs a hundred and fifty feet length of varied Michaelmas Daisies, bordered by mother grass path, which, being the end of the garden, no one who cares only for plants in bloom need pace except in autumn. The ground about the ponds and on the other side of the canal is little gardened. The Apple and Willow trees largely remain. Quinces, Medlars, and a few shrubs have been added, and the grass is studded with Primroses and Daffodils. Phh ixes and a few other perennials, whose bloom the hot sun of the terrace gardens scorches, are being moved down there also. The damp of the ground and the partial shade of the trees give great value to this section of the gardens in the cycle of arid summers which we are passing through. With all our watering the terrace gardens have shown signs of flagging. But the water - garden, with no weary playing of the watering-pot, has nourished exceedingly — moist, luscious, green and restful. The kitchen gardens have no special feature or great extent, but they have -pace for a nursery and reserve of plants, and a section foi cut flowers, Carnations and Sweet Peas, bulbs and Violets, and, very especially, China and Tea Roses, sci that long shunts, with plenty of bud and leafage as well as bloom, may be cut with recklessness, anil, wedged in brun/.es, carry even into the house the air of luxuriant growth which it is my aim to realise OUl of doors. This 1 can only attempt by limiting myself to those sections of plant life, happily numerous, which like my soil. I have to bar the gate to American plants and the whole tribe that fattens mi peat and sand, but which here, even with much pains and soil-making, ekes out but a pre- carious and joyless existence. I have a vision of ruck and wood and stream where Rhododendron and Azalea, l'ernettya and ( laul theria, Trillium and Oypripedium, and the whole of the desirable Lily chin are revelling in the moist gritty vegetable mould set about amid the mossy boulders by the rushing water's edge, and backed by cliffs out of whose clefts rise tile indigenous Yew trees. But to realise this is a future task. I (in i now only watch the site, with hope mingled with impatience. For the nonce, in a world where time ami mean,, are apt to have narrow limits, I have plenty of scope close around me here, and it would lie grasping and ungrateful to be much dissatisfied with the results attained. H. Avkay Tipping. [The photographs for this article were kindly taken by Mr. .1. E. Laurence, The I ledars, ( Ihepstow.] WOODLAND AND FOREST. FENCES FOR WOODS. I ONCE heard a proprietor say that the margins of woods should never be of formal outline if good landscape effect were desired : that woods should never be fenced where fences could be dis- pensed with, and that where fencing was necessary the fencing should, as far as possible, be invisible. These rules have not been ob- served hitherto, for nearly all the woods in this country are fenced, and often fenced in the most objectionable fashion. Stonewalls round plantations are horrors ; formal hedges are not MATHERN PALACE. 1III-: ENTRANCE THROUGH THE RUINED much better, and w leu palings are not, to saj the least, elegant. Yorkshire and Derby- shire are notorious for their dry stone walls. ( )n some pretty estates, nicely planted for effect, everj plantation is about iA feet high, such walls surrounded by stone fences or higher, and the effect of or Jasminum nudiflopum. -This beautiful winter-flowering climber is in full beauty now in many gardens. It is very welc at tins season. especially "lien associated witli some c lark-leaved climber, sucb as atropurpurea or nigra. seen from the mansion or points of otherwise the posts view an- extremely bad stiff, hard, and formal in the extreme, especially in the case of young plantations, in which the trees remind one of cattle penned up in an enclosure. This walling of our w Is struck M. Boppe and his com- panions, French forest officers. "The woods were all enclosed," they said, "and the forester usually carried the key in his pocket." For- mality in planting is almost always quite inex- cusable, yef many planters or their agents seem to have no idea of planting except in rounds or squares. In many of the pastoral districts of North Yorkshire and Westmoreland, where planting has been done for shelter and orna- ment combined, this kind of planting is the rule, and many notable examples are to be seen from the Midland Railway between Skipton and Penrith. Within sight of each other I have seen on the sides of the hills at intervals planta tions in the shape of squares, circles, parallelo- grams, and acute angles of various degrees, and the inevitable stone fence round them all. The marvellous taste displayed in the region named has always struck me, and I have often had occasion to go there. 1 said to an estate agent there one day, " Why on earth do you stick so rigidly to such formal devices ? " and his reply was, " Well, I suppose the fields, you see, are mostly square, and they have made the woods to correspond. ' < Iwners of estates have usually some taste in such things, and the wonder is that they permit such outrages. Of all kinds of fences round woods, live fences are the worst, because they never thrive, are tin ist expensive to keep up, and are always formal. 1 am speaking of estates of considerable size on which the wood fences extend to many miles, the expense of which is great and debited to the woods. I do not know of one single estate on which the live fences of long standing are in good order. The fence is always close to the w I and the shade kills it. The gaps are then mended up anyhow with stakes or wire or loppings stuck in anyhow to fill the gap. Tenants are continually troubling the estate office about their cattle straying into woods, which means frequent journeys to distant points of the estate with men and materials and much expense. What between rabbits on one side and cattle on the other, the getting up of a live fence round a wood is about one of the most futile procee lings 1 can think of. If aw 1 cannot provide its own fence, then tightly-strained wire ought to be resorted to. The least objectionable fence for a wood is one made of stout rails witli the bark on. It looks rustic-, is strong, not expensive, and can be inn as close into the wood as desired. ( be- serious objection to a live fence is that ample space must always be allowed between it and the wood, and that means a serious loss of ground to the timber crop. In a TEWAY. wooden fence the posts are the main thing. A man can make these in the wood for from :is. to Is. per loo, cutting out, riving, and charring at the bottom, [f these posts are from 3 inches to I inches thick they will endure for a lifetime, provided they are not driven in below the charred line, which should stand 6 inches above ground. will rot off at the junction with the soil. We use any kind of wood, but prefer Oak or Fir for the posts. As to the rails, it is not of much consequence whether they are straight or crooked : and if they have the bark on, the fence will have a natural appearance that no other fence ever has. In some of the German forests the wooden palings, 6 feet high, against deer, struck us favourably. The materials are got on the spot, and consist of long, smooth Spruce or Scotch Fir rails, such as are never seen in our young woods being February .>, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 79 of great length with the bark on and hardly visible. On the approach to the famous ( Jastle of Wartburg the fences are of this kind, con- sisting of posts, set widely apart, and two or three long Spruce rails with the bark on and smoothly trimmed. The most remarkable thing about these German forests lining public and private roads everywhere is that they are not enclosed at all as a rule. We need fences in this country between woods and pasture fields, but not expensive ones ; and fences are not needed on highways any more than on the Con- tinent, where the woods come close to the road. At present the county councils keep the fences on the roadsides, and in many districts these fences abut on roads that need no such pro- tection. Where wooden fences cannot be had, then wire is next best. Annealed, strand, and 1 larl led wire are coming more and more into use, and make a good fence for a wood, especially when strained to wooden posts about le, 1 lecause they give a better stay than iron, cost much less, anil are sooner fixed. Galvanised wire Xo. 4 costs about 22s. pel' cwt., and I cut. contains about 300 yards. Annealed wire costs less. The staples cost a few shillings per 1000. In setting up a simple wire fence of the kind suggested, the terminal posts should be strong and well stayed — so, A — inside. That done, a strand put on the top from end to end thoroughly tight, and nailed afterwards to the intermediate posts, will make the framework firm, and then the other wires can be put on. Stays like the above are also needed inside going round curves. .1. Simpson. COLD WEATHER NOTES. Rhododendrons. The wind this morning was excruciatingly cold, with a hungry whistle which belied the pale sunrays, which were doing their best to redeem the situation. ( hisitch a morning one's thoughts, even before going out, fly to the younger and weaklier amongst one's plants, ami one's imagination towards devising new shelter-;, and, if possible, more efficient ones. Creepers are, in my experience, easily protected ; either there is a wall against which mats can be laid, or, at the worst, a post that they can be fastened to. It is shrubs out in the open that present the greatest difficulty, nightcaps of sac-king or tents of matting not adding exactly to the pictures, pie- uess even of a winter garden. Our more recently planted Rhododendrons look anything but happy, and I have just been prescribing a good shovelful of nourishment to be laid about tile roots of each. It is not, of course, actual protection that they need, for they are hardy enough, but they sicken in this very thin, dry soil, which seems to reach them through their 3-foot blanket of peat. Even when well grown and long established I must confess that Rhododendrons hardly seem to me to be the ideal thing for these rustling Oak copses of ours. We plant them, of course, partly for their colour in its season, partly because one is sure to need evergreens— and the common ponticum is one of the besl of evergreens but they seem to me to remain exotics, and not altogether happy ones. There are two quite distinct varieties of scenery with both of which Rhododendrons consort magnifi- cently. One is heavy, boggy ground, deep, and dark, and oozy, under large trees, into the con cave recesses of which they can settle, and, spreading out in all directions, re-root them- selves as they choose in the black earth, their flowers catching the divided sunrays, and turn- ing every hollow place into a pool of colour. Another, and a still more ideal place is a steep hillside, provided that it is furnished with boulders, and provided bien entendu — that the said boulders are not of limestone. There is one such hillside above the Hay of I hiblin which I should Hud it difficult to believe might not be able to hold its own, were it confronted with any similar extent of ground, even amongst the Himalayas. It begins as a stony ravine, rising up out of a rather thin w 1. As you mount, the ravine opens up, and the trees fall back. The boulders, with which both slopes are covered, rise higher and higher, and grow larger and larger, till they tower into the air over your head perfect monoliths. In and out, above, behind, and between them grow the Rhodo- dendrons, always enjoyable, I. nt in the (lowering season a simple feast of colour, the sort of thing that in a cultivated age pilgrimages will be formed to venerate. To see them in such a place is to get a new impression of the possi- bilities of heroic gardening. To compare them with the Rhododendron as it is usually grown is to compare Milton with Mason, Turner with the average amateur. Your eyes are caught, your whole mind and spirit swept away upon a tide of colour; the grey micaceous granite of the ravine, the heather looking down over its top, the long undulating river of sky, even the sea below and all its ships seeming to be merely so many adjuncts and accessories of the central picture. Such conditions as these, it may fairly be said, are not to be found any day in the week, or in everybody's back garden. We have to work out our own redemption, each of us as we best can, and with such materials as the Fates have lent us. Happily, so far as honest natural con- ditions go, here in West Surrey the garden lover, whatever other difficulties he may have to contend with, has much to be grateful for. Thanks to that blessed unproductiveness, so anathematised by Cobden, the harrow lias literally in many cases never passed over his soil. Its very weeds, as often as not, are of Nature's own introduction, not imported ones. Her handiwork is still plainly visible on every side. She looks nil at him out of the Bracken with an aspect not very different from what she wore at the Prime, and if he wishes to spoil lier — well, he has to do it for himself! This to many and. doubtless, excellent gardeners would seem but a poor compensation for a sadly unproductive soil and a most deplorable lack of any summer moisture. There are others, however, to whom a certain sense of indwelling peace, a certain feeling of underlying harmony, are the very first of all possible requirements. Now both of these are more easily to be found than made. Emily Lawless. ETazelhatck, Gomshall, January IB, /.'»«/. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE SERVIAN SPRUCE (PICEA OMORICA). It does not appear probable that many inure hardy species of conifers will ever be introduced to this country. The regions of the globe where such species can grow have by this time been pretty well ransacked, except perhaps the unknown parts of China. Still, odd ones keep on appearing. Little more than a decade has passeil since I Ins Spruce was Hist introduced and it is still un- common. A native of the mountains of Servia, Montenegro, Bosnia, ;V'c.. it was first discovered by Dr. Pancic. Judging by its behaviour up to the presen I time, it is likely to prove one of the most useful and quick-growing of the Spruces, several of which do not thrive well in many parts of this country. It is a distinct species, and although a native of Eastern Europe, its nearest ally (Picea ajanensis) comes from Japan. Its habit is slender and pyramidal, and in its adult stage is said to equal the common Spruce in bulk and stature. Its leaves are J inch long, and marked with two blue-white lines on the upper surface. The young branches are clothed with short black hairs. At Kew young plants raised from seed increase in height at the rate of 1 foot to IS inches yearly. To those interested in conifers this Spruce may be recommended as worthy of notice. It is offered in the catalogues of several firms. W. J. Bean. OAXDLEBERRY MYRTLK. Will the editors kindly furnish the botanical name of a flowering shrub which is locally called Canterbury Myrtle? It has small bushy leaves 4 inches in length, growing like a tuft at the end of the branch. Underneath the leaves it has dark seeds like a bunch of peppercorns. The shrub is highly aromatic. It grows about 4 feet in height. Pifeshire, N.B. S. Berry. | The shrub is the Candleberry (not Canterbury) Myrtle, or Candleberry Gale, of the Northern States of America, an ally of our native Bog Myrtle or Sweet Gale, with larger leaves of still stronger and better fragrance. This good shrub should be in every garden, tor, though not of conspicuous beauty, the delightful aromatic scent of a leaf crushed in the. hand makes it a source of much enjoyment. It is most at home in boggy, peaty ground, but will do well in drier places in peat or in sand and leaf-mould. The botanical name is M \ rica cerifera. — Ens.] CUPRESSUS MA.CROCARPA LUTEA. Where the Monterey < !y press flourishes, its golden- leaved form may be planted also. For decorative planting in the western and southern counties, C. macrocarpa hi tea is well adapted. In habit it resembles the type, but its general effect is much superior. As a lawn specimen it is effective, and if well exposed to the sun the golden-coloured leafage is intensified. ('II I M< (XAXTHI'S FRAGRANS The Winter Sweet, as this is frequently called, is a cherished wall garden shrub, and although re- ceived from Japan upwards of 130 years ago, the number of specimens to be found in these isles is by no means great, the reason no doubt being that it is difficult to propagate. It may, however, be iii< leased by layering in autumn, and plants favour- ably situated sometimes bear seed from which young plants may be raised in quantity. It suc- ceeds best in turfy loam and leaf-mould, but abhors anything like stagnation at the roots. Although perfectly hardy and suitable fur planting in the mixed shrubbery, it is advisable, but not essential, to train it against a wall, as it is then afforded pro- tection from (old winds at flowering time. The small, dclicioiisly scented yellowish flowers, stained with purple on the inside, are produced along the Leafless twigs about the middle of December and remain objects of admiration for about two months, and will, if severed from the plant and placed in a little water in shallow saucers, keep fresh for a long time in the dwelling-room. The varietj named grandifiorus is more vigorous than the type, the flowers larger, but the fragrance emitted is not so powerful. A mistake in the culture of these charming shrubs is that they are too ofter: left to take care of themselves. This is not as i* should be. as immediately the flower lie period is past, pruning should be attended to. Remove the worn out shoots and cut back the lateral growths, the object being to encourage as much young wood as possible, as it is upon the wood made during the previous growing season that the blossoms are borne in winter. E. B Surrey. 80 THE GARDEN. [February 3, 1900. WORKERS AMONG THE FLOWERS. ROSE HYBRIDISATION AS PRACTISED BY THE LATE LORD PENZANCE. (Described by his Gardener.) IN contributing this short account of the work done and the methods employed by my late master I cannot help reefing that the task should rather have been allotted to someone who was better able to put into words the devotion to the •< rsd, inoculating the Hybrid Perpetual with the pollen of the Briar. In the first batch oi seedlings very few crosses were found, and upon close examination of the Sweet Briar blooms the fol- lowing season it was observed that unless the anthers were taken from them very early in the morn- ing, they burst and the pollen was shed, all blooms being in conse- quence self-fertilised. Buds were therefore cut open and prepared for the hybridist long before bursting, and all possibility <>t their becoming self-fertilised pre vented. Thus the road was paved for success, many crosses being visible in the next batch of seed lings. I!ut it was not until the tiny plants became well estab lished that any weeding out could be attempted, as it required an experienced eye to detect the slight variation in foliage or spine in the early stages. Well do 1 remember cutting the bloom from the first cross, which resulted from pollen of an old Hybrid China Hose named William Jesse. From thai time onward freipieiit were the rewards of perseverance and patience. .Many crosses re- sulted from the Hybrid Chinas. In the Hybrid Perpetual the most successful as a pollen parent was Souvenir d'Auguste Riviere, from which almost all the dark coloured varieties of the Hybrid Briars owe their origin. The Scotch Roses, Rosa lucida, and the Persian and Austrian Briars also played an important part. Man) also were the crosses made from various Teas ami Noisettes, but in no case was it a success : the hard glossy foliage and rambling habit were often produced, but no advance in (lower was gained. That race, in consequence, was in future left to itself. [ should here mention that the crossing of i he Hybrid Perpetual with the pollen of the Sweet Briar showed but very little result, the seedlings having no scent and but very little vigour, while the flowers were reduced in size and slightly spotted or striped. The next taken in hand was the species camellisefolia, but here considerable difficulty was found in getting a sufficient supply of pollen ; but having given the plants a good baking in the sun, the following season flowers were much more abundant, and a good supply was obtained. The idea was to transmit the glaucous foliage to the Hybrid Perpetual, so that it might be made better able to withstand the ravages of that arch-enemy, mildew. On this attempt Dame Fortune did not smile, for though several crosses resulted, only two could be said to*"carry the foliage satisfactorily, and THE I. ATE LORD PENZANCE. most of the others were lacking in constitution, liein- spindly and extremely tender. One plant that resulted grows strongly, carries the foliage well, and bears a white flower, fully double but small, and though some seven or eight years old lias not shown any signs of being attacked by either mildew or rust. The Sweet Briar was next crossed with the Moss Roses and several mossy varieties obtained, butof a constitution less robust than that of the others. Many other varieties were tried, but more as chance experiments ami without aiming at anything definite. 1 will here mention a few of the chief sorts dealt with. Many were the crosses made between the old Gallica Roses, the Bom boas and Hybrid Perpetrate. From these some very tine Roses resulted, but in most cases they proved to be summer flowering, and were almost, if not quite, identical with the race of the old Hybrid Chinas. These have great vigour and hardiness. The Musk Bose did not escape, and by its use some beautiful garden Roses were obtained, one of these, a cross from Princesse de Nassau with Isabella Sprunt, being one of the finest garden Roses I know, growing into bushes 8 feet or 10 feet in diameter, and covering itself with flowers of a creamy white colour, the flowering season extending until late in the autumn. It is extremely hardy, a fact which is surprising, as both parents are decidedly tender. Several other crosses from similar plants are all more or less beautiful, being of a climbing or rambling habit and covering them- selves with flower. Rosa rugosa was early in the field as a seed parent, and 1 have no doubt that many beautiful Roses, both single and double, may be had from this source ; more- over, in all cases that have come under my notice the progeny is, as our friends across the Channel say, truly remontante, and sutti ciently hardy to withstand our varying climate. Hybridists would do well to give attention to this race. Many Hybrid Teas have resulted from this crossing, some of very lovely and uncommon colours, and in all cases they proved quite as hardy as the Hybrid Perpetuals. In one case that must not be over- looked the yellow Persian Briar was used with Hybrid Perpetuals with a view to transmitting its colour. Many seedlings resulted from the combination, but among them were many disappointments. These showed the spine of the Briar and foliage almost identical, though slightly enlarged. Others having the Hybrid Perpetual as seed parent were sadly wanting in constitution, and their flowers, all but one, were very poor, being of a peculiar ragged form and tawny hue. The one exception was from a summer Rose, Catherine Bell. Here was a poser, as both parents are summer flowering and strong growers. This seedling proved to be of medium growth and as per- petual flowering as one could wish to see, the colouring of the flower varying from pale yellow to a deep rosy pink, and often blending into a most lovely hue. Such are the vagaries of Nature! The work enlisted the service of many other varieties, but I have only men tinned those that gave the most interesting results. And now for a few words as to the care ami work needful for the welfare of the seed plants. As all hybridisation was carried mi under glass, the greatest care was taken to avoid confusion ; each bloom operated on was care- fully labelled with the name or number of the pollen parent and the date of the operation, the same being recorded in a 1 k kept for the pur- pose, with a note on the state of the weather at the time. No brush was ever used fortheappli- cation of pollen, or anything that could possibly Convey admixture of foreign matter. No blooms bearing anthers were allowed in the seed house, and the ventilators were carefully February 3, 1900.] THE GAEDEN. si guarded to keep out insects. All the work was planned and carried out with that method ami forethought that were characteristic of him who has ] lassed to that bourne from whence no traveller can return. G. Baskett. NOTES FLOWERS ON WINTER IN ROME. January, 1900. It is winter in Rome. The padrona, with a significant twist of the shoulder, greets us in the morning with " Brutto tempo " (nasty weather), and we return the greeting, secretly wondering at the unlooked-for asper- sion on the weather. Looking out, we see the tall Eucalyptus opposite swaying and tossing its light branches. A slight hoar-frost whitens the grass in the moisture-laden corner of the Borghese Villa, which we overlook. A Biennis rears its noble crimson stem and broad palmate leaves just below our windows. No sign here of winter's grip ; the day is brightly beautiful. Under foot, when we go out, the' tufa-paved street is dry and clean ; overhead, the sky is serenely blue, and the sunshine is deliriously warm. We turn the corner. Ah ! now we draw our wraps closer, for the icy tramontane! meets us, and sends a shiver through every limb. Yes. truly it is winter in Rome ! Men throw their heavy warm cloaks over their shoulders ; women, bare-headed, gather their scanty knitted shawls about them, for in winter weather Italians look intensely miserable and "shrammed," as tlic Dorset word goes; but the forestieri, in warm furs and thick garments, are supremely happy, and go by chatting and laughing. At the top of the Spanish Steps we pause to look over into a garden. A white scented Jasmine in full flower and bud clings to the wall: a Camellia shows its waxen rosettes; and Oranges gleam anion yst their shining leaves. A group of Date Palms stands out in relief against the clear sky, and an Abutilon hangs its buff-coloured bells over a neighbouring parapet. A lovely, unknown evergreen bush arrests the eye, and we make a mental note of it for future investigation. This, also, is winter in Rome, and we need not grumble at the keen blast when Nature is so kind. For all that, Home, in such matters, scarcely makes the most of her opportunities. At the foot of the lovely old steps, with their curved balustrades and broad platforms, the flower- sellers have grouped their basket stalls round the edge of the quaint Baraccia fountain. What masses of bright colour they display ! Roses everywhere— magnificent Roses, too Mareclial Xicl. La France (or a near relation), Safrano, Marie van Eoutte, and many more. These are arranged in tasteful bouquets of one variety only, cut with plenty of foliage and fairly long stems, assisted, however, as we find when we begin to untie them, by pieces of stick. And not l'.oses only. Brilliant, many lined Curna- on-. double Neapolitan and deep blue Czar Violets in huge bunches. Paper-white Narcissi and yellow Marguerites, and a host of others crowd the stalls. Who could guess, with such a home climate, that these have been imported all the slow way from the Riviera, through countless tunnels, reeking with a sulphurous atmosphere which might safely be warranted I" creep into tin- most carefully packed box or basket, to grace in such dewy freshness these Roman stalls tor tin- feste of Christmas and New Year ' A gardener's eye seeks instinctively amongst the florist's flowers for something more local and characteristic ; and, in welcome profusion, on some of the stalls, big bunches of an old garden friend, Ins stylosa, are to be found. < lhary of its favours sometimes in English, or. shall we say, Welsh gardens, here in Borne it is evidently quite at home, and free enough to be grown as a market flower. These, cut in bud, may be bought, by the wise, before they ex- pand, and then last many days in water, in spite of their delicate, fragile beauty ; but, alas ! for those who prefer the soft blue of the tempting open flowers. Another notable feature, giving a character- istic touch, is the framing of the wicker stalls in drooping sprays of Eucalyptus and Mimosa (Acacia dealbata). Several species of Eucalyptus are used, one especially beautiful, with ruddy reflections from the crimson leaf-stalks dis- tinctly tinging the long grey-green foliage. Eucalypti are just now bearing creamy wheel- shaped flowers, together with their crinkled seed capsules, and branches of these, mingled with the soft cascades of Mimosa tassels combine to makea worthy setting to the gay 1 >1< >ssoms below. Apropos of the transit of fl( > wers, it took one by surprise lately to read the following statement in Signor Lanciani's delightful book on "Ancient Borne," which is given verbatim, as it may be of general interest. It refers, lie it under- stood, to the days of the emperors: "The Roman flower — the flower par excellence — was the Bose. So excessive was the demand for Roses in the cold season, that to supply the requirements of the market, and to meet the deficiency of native production, they were im- ported from Egypt. .Means were employed, of course, for keeping them as fresh as possible during the journey." This excites one's curiosity. What means were employed, and what tlie duration of the voyage? But Boman gardens and greenhouses of those early days are no myths, and present a subject of deep interest, and one as yet scarcely touched upon. Butcher's Broom, well set with large scarlet berries, supplies in Rome the place of ( ihristmas Holly. This is a species of Ruscus much to lie commended to the notice of English gar- deners. Acclimatised, it would be a precious addition to our woods and hedges. It is near akin to our British B. aculeatus, but is more elegant in growth- the leaves larger and less densely set on the stems, and the handsome berries, freely produced, are about the size of an ordinary marble, it glows abundantly in the high country about Siena, which would seem to indicate tolerable hardiness. Together with the Ruscus, the peasants bring in bundles of a pretty anddistinct wild Asparagus, which lias the property of lasting for weeks out of water, and is useful in certain kinds of floral decoration where long trails are desirable. Flowers are not particularly cheap at present, but in November one could decorate a room with yellow, white, or bronze Chrysanthemums, or delightful little bouquets of pink or crimson China Roses and greenery for a few soldi. Amongst notable flowers in late November there appeared for a brief season in flower shops and at street corners long stems of Dahlia imperialis hung with pale drooping bells. Im- possible to flower out of doors, except under genial skies, yet how grandly beautiful it is ! Snowdrops, taking time by the forelock, began early in December ami are still fresh and fair. A few Christmas Roses are occasionally to be seen, and the first early Anemones of the coronaria section are coming in, but look rather as if they had taken a short cut and had arrived too soon. K. L. D. be lost. There is no doubt whatever but that early November planting of Roses is much the best plari. The soil at that time retains some of the summer warmth : the consequence is, roots are at once formed ever, if the plants themselves appear quite dormant. At one time I was somewhat sceptical as to the autumn formation of roots, but now I am not. T know quite well that root action is brisk even in December with newly-planted Roses. E. PLANTING ROSES. No time should be lost in bringing the planting of all Roses to a close. The recent sharp spell of wintry weather postponed much planting — in some parts at least for a month. Now that the soil has again got into a workable condition, no time should NATIONAL ROSE SOCIETY. The Trophy Classes. There can be no doubt, I think, that Mr. Charles J. Grahame has given the National Rose Society a somewhat hard nut to crack, and as he appealed to me, I think it only fair and courteous to give my opinion on the matter. That there is a foundation of truth in the statements that he makes is, I think, unquestionable. When one exhibitor carries off the trophy eight times in the last ten years, other competitors must feel that as long as he is in the field there is very little likelihood of unhorsing him, and that this is the prevalent feeling, I conclude, from two reasons : First, that before that period the trophy was often carried off by amateurs whose gardens were much smaller than those of the present winners of the prize. There may have been, of course, exceptional causes in the character of the season that may have accounted for this, 1ml I note that, whatever be its character now, whether it lie an early or a late one, a wet or a dry one. Mr. Lindsell is sure to carry off the coveted trophy. The season of 1899 is a remarkable instance of this. A week before the metropolitan show lie told me that he did not think his flowers would be in, but they were, and as much superior to the other competitors, as usual. The other reason why I think the statement well founded is, that there are growers — some of them in Mr. Grahame's own neighbourhood— who, I think, ought to be able to put in a good appearance in thatelass, and it is just possible that it is this feeling that keeps them back. But the difficulty arises when we have to decide what course to adopt. From one point of view Mr. < oalmme's proposition is an easy way of solving it : but then would the trophy be a champion trophy? If the probable winners were to be excluded, it would surely take off from the honour and glory of winning it. and it could hardly be called a champion class. Moreover, those excluded might resent the exclu- sion and say they would not exhibit at all. and we should lose some of the best flowers likely to be shown at the exhibition. Time is often a solver of many difficulties, and as nothing probably will be done in a hurry, the matter might be well talked over at some of our meetings, and careful and deli- berate opinions formed as to the best course to be adopted. I need hardly say that, in whatever way the difficulty may be solved. I shall be very glad to give it my earnest support. I know that Mr. Grahame's motives in making this suggestion are quite disinterested, and that his sole object is the prosperity of the National Rose Society. ' H. H. D. Winter Aconites (Erauthis btemalis). —Amongst a large colony of this beautiful little winter plant there is one small patch in my shrubbery the flowers of which are of a distinctly paler shade of yellow than all the others ; indeed, they might be considered a sulphur. I should like to know if such a variation is common, and if so, whether it has been established. I went carefully through the gardens of St. John's College, Oxford, where there must be nearly an acre of these flowers beneath the trees, but could not find any of this pale shade. The gardener there, in answer to my inquiries, told me that he had never noticed any such variation. I carefully removed my little clump last year to a different part of my garden, so as to preserve the integrity of the seed's, and I am glad to say it is thriving and the blooms come up true to their pale colouring. If such a shade of colour could be established. I think it would be a great gain, as they are very beautiful. I would forward one of the blooms to you for inspection were I not very anxious to secure all the seed can possibly collect.— G. I). Leslie 82 THE GARDEN [February 3, 1900. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. AN IRISH CHRISTMAS ROSE. THE accompanying sketch gives a charming idea of one of the best of all the so-called Christinas Roses, viz., Helleborus niger var. invernis. It is recognised l>y its shapely pure white blossoms being borne on long stalks of a clear apple-green colour without any red or purple dotting whatever. The leaf- stalks are also clear green and unspotted, while the leaves themselves have leaflets with their margins but very slightly serrated. I origi- nally described this distinct form in The Garden a.s St. Brigid's Christinas Rose, it being quite different to Miss Hope's variety, which the late Mr. McNab called H. niger var. angustifolius. There is a legend that the late dare, and was so fond of them, that she reared more than one batch of very fine seedlings. These were from H. n. invernis, or St. Brigid, as the seed parent, the pollen used being from blooms of good varieties obtained from England by post. Of the first batch of forty-two seed lings all were more or less different, but none wire absolutely superior to the mother parent. Seed grows very freely sown as soon as it is ripe, and the seedling plants grow very rapidly and are at their best from the third t<> the fifth year. There are besides these numerous other seed ling forms or varieties of Helleborus niger — some imported from wild habitats and others reared in British and Irish gardens, but the best of them are H. niger maximus (altifoHus), H. n. Riverston, H. n. .Mine. Fonrcade, H. n. Apple Blossdni, H. n. St. Brigid, H. n. angus- tifolius, and ll.n. Bath major. All these are very beautiful as well grown, and flower at different times, so that they yield a succession THE INVERNIS \ IKIETV el < Reproduced from Miss K. .1. Hope drove all the way from Edin- burgh to Aberdeen in order to obtain the last named plant for her gardens at Wardie Lodge, where it increased and prospered, ami long after her death I saw a long narrow or frieze- like bed of it in flower. Miss Hope during her lifetime was very proud of her Christmas Rose, to which allusions will be found in her classical posthumous work, entitled "Garden and Woodland," a wink every true gardener should read who has not already done so. To return to St. Brigid's variety of the Christ- mas Rose, 1 hist saw it in Mrs. Lawrenson's garden when she lived at Sutton House, on the breezy hill of Howth, near Dublin, but it is common here and there throughout Ireland, and stock has during recent years been obtained bj nurserymen in England as well. Mrs. Law lensoii grew her Christmas Roses will both at Howth as also previously in Co. Kil CHRISTMAS ROSE (HELLEBORUS NIGER). .i painting i>i oih by II. 6. M<"nt.j of flowers from October or November until February, or even later in some localities. All the true Christmas Ibises are seedling or selected forms of 11. niger. which so far has resisted all attempts made to hybridise it with other species. < )n the other hand, the Lenten Roses an- forms of H. orientalis, H colchicus, EL olympicus, II. guttatus, 11. torquatus, and other so-called species, which intercross or breed ven freely with each other, the results being varieties innumerable. Again, the line Christinas Buses ale not easy to grow to perfection on all soils, anil are especially apl to fail on light sand or grave] or on limestone unless special provision is made for them. A deep rich loam, well cultivated, suits H. niger, and a situation that is shaded from mid daj sunshine is an advantage. Like their first cousins, the llepaticas, they like the proximity of rocks or stones, and like them are true evergreens when successfully grown. If not perfectly happy either in relation to their position or with regard to soil, not only do the leaves die off prematurely, but all the Hellebores of the II. niger section are pecu- liarly liable to the attacks of fungoid disease. ()n both peaty and loamy soils in England and Ireland I have seen clumps of tin1 Riverston, St. Brigid, ami altifolius varieties 4 feet or ."> feet across perfect masses of healthy leaves and snow-white blossoms. Small plants may be protected with hand-lights or cap glasses, and in this way the blooms develop cleaner and better than if exposed to wind and rain, but now and then I have seen plants from five to ten years of age that could only be sheltered by a two-light frame. No other hardy plant 1 know, not even the blue or white Iris stylosa, can give such a pro- fusion of flowers during November or December and January as does a well-grown bed or border of the best of ( 'hristinas Hoses. So far as my own experi- ence goes, the present season has not been a very good one for these Hellebores, the flowers b ing dwarfed or stunted-looking, and this is, as 1 suspect, owing to the long spell of hot and dry .veather experienced last autumn. It would be inter- esting to hear the experience of other growers as to these seasonable winter flowers. I"'. \V. BURBIDHK. LATE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. I\ his interesting note on the above topic " H. S." (page 521, vot. lvi.l speaks of Xiveum being quite as late as L. Canning. 1 am not aware that this is a general experience. Certainly in I lie cases that have come under my notice during tin- past three years in South Devon, Niveuni has been at its best from the middle to end of November, while L. Canning has lasted in absolute freshness until ('hrist- inas. The former, as perfect a (lower fur catting as one could wish for. has not been available when most needed, and could it he prevailed upon to defer attain ing the zenith of its beauty until Christmastide, I imagine that no other white would be required. Princess Victoria is also an excel- lent white, but this variety. though later than Niveum. has proved a trifle too early. Where large numbers of ( iuy santhemums are grown for the supply of cut bloom, pot-culture has perforce to give way to a rougher and readier method that involves less labour. In the case 1 have in my mind cuttings arc taken when available during the winter anil planted in beds close up to the glass in brick pits. When they have rooted and made a little growth the points are pinched out to induce a bushy habit, and after being hardened off they are planted, about the end of April or com- mencement of May, direct from the pits into the open ground. Towards the middle or end of June varieties that mature at too early a date arc cut down with the shears to a height of li inches from the ground, and in the first wek of November the plants are lifted with good halls of soil and stacked eh.se together on the ll s of large Tomato houses. A need watering s settles the soilabout their roots, and a little heat in the pipes and ample ventilation for- a day or so dries up any superfluous moisture that might induce mildew. Treated in this manner, the majority of the varieties develop M-IUUARY 3, 1900.] THE GARDEN 83 their flowers satisfactorily ; indeed, as reL Xiveum and some others, no difference is apparent between the blossoms on the lifted plants and those borne on plants that have throughout been subjected to pot culture. L. (.'aiming, admittedly not too easy a variety to bloom satisfactorily, lias fully answered expectations, this kind, however, not being subjected to the severe summer cutting back already alluded to. W. H. Lincoln, though doing well in pots, has proved useless fur lifting, as it loses its leaves and produces scarcely any flowers. Luckily, its failure to accommodate itself to this treatment is a matter of small moment, as in Mrs. J. F. Fogg and E. .J. Hill we have two fine late yellows that retain their vigour well and flower freely. The last-named variety is pre- cisely similar to Tuxedo, men- tioned by "H. S.." in habit, and its unexpanded buds show exactly the same bronzy-orange tint : when the petals reflex, however, their surfaces are bright gold, whereas in Tuxedo the petals are "I similar colour on both sides. Lady Lawrence does not take readily to the lifting process, but l'Enfant des deux Mondes produces quantities of delicate blooms under the same method which are useful towards the end of November and commencement of December. Possiblv if cuttings of Niveum are struck as late as May. as recommended by " H. X.," the flowers might be available at Christmas, hut cutting the plants down, even as late as July, has apparently no retarding effect. S. \Y. K. THE STRAWBERRY TREK (BEN; THAMIA FRAGIFERA) IX FRUIT With this note I send some fruit of the above shruli. In consequence of the absence of much frost the birdshave left the fruit < >■ i the Lushes later than usual, and thus prolonged the ormv mental character of the shrubs. Should we continue to get soft weather, the feathered tribe will doubtless get more palatable food, and leave the pendent branches laden with their Large Strawberry-like fruit to lend a charm to the shrubberies for some months to come. The Benthamia is seldom seen except in the southern counties of England and Ireland, but there is no reason why it should not succeed further north, especially where there is a small annual rainfall and hot summers and autumns tn harden the wood. When the wood is per- fectly ripened it will stand 30 of frost, and where it would not succeed in the open, it is quite worth a place upon a hot south wall. Its large white sessile flowers are very ornamental in early . summer, to be followed with abundance of fruit, as sent. It can be easily raised from seed, and as it belongs to the order ( lornaceae, it thrives best in a moist situation planted in rich soil in a mild climate. When planted out as a single specimen on grass, it has a fine effect when in flower, as its lower branches sweep the ground. In such a position it spreads about equal to its height, but planted in a mixed shrubbery it will grow from 30 feet to 40 feet high. \V. O. Fota. THE HARDY PHYSALISES. These well repay good cultivation, more especially the variety Franehetti. For indoor decoration I very highly feed this kind, and support the steins with 2-teet stakes, and when the lower calyces are well coloured and the top ones still green the stems are cut '1 feet long, more or less, at the same time pit king off all the leaves and tying the stems in bunches of about half-a-dozen in each bunch. They ;oc then hung up in a dry room head down- w.uds. which gives straight still' stems. They can then l.e arranged with light grasses, such as Agrostis ele- gans. With the transparency of these grasses you get a graceful addition without ob- structing the colouring of the lantern calyces when arranged in the vases. A bold arrange- ment of these with a good arti- ficial light upon the coloured calyces tonus a very novel, attractive, and decorative object for room decoration. 1 prefer I'. A Ikekengi for dinner- table work. It is much smaller and gives a lighter effect. Jas. R. Hall. Fox Warn ". t 'obkain, Surrey. LATE ABUNDANCE OF BERRIES. I NOTICE in an editorial noteon ]). 31 that in many districts of England Holly berries have Ik-cii scarce. The opposite has certainly been the ease through out a great portion of the south and south-west. During the tenth from THe natii late autumn of the past year I journeyed by road from the eastern most limits of Southern Hampshire, through Dorsetshire to South Devon, and never have 1 seen such a wealth of berry on the Holly. In ininy places along the country roads greal Holly bushes grew in abundance in the tall hedgerows, their shoots scarlet with tightly packed berries. Here and there these lofty Hollies were garlanded with Traveller's Joy (Clematis Vitalba), the bright vermilion of the clusteri ng berries, gleaming through the smoke-grey trails of the seed -laden ( iematis, affording a charming colour contrast. In these three counties 1 was assured by the never in the memory of man had the Holly borne such an abundant crop, and many were the prognostications of a severe winter to come. Other berries were in like profusion. The high Thorn hedges glowed afar with a dull crimson from the countless haws borne by their loaded branches, the monotony of colour broken here and there by the scarlet of Dog Rose or Sweet Briar heps or by the trailing skein of the berried Bryony. The wild Guelder Rose was brilliant with its flat heads of transparent crimson fruits, like large glass beads, and the Elders have probably never borne such a heavy crop as that of the past autumn, while in September the Mountain Ash, by riverside and copse, glowed with a prodigal display of its scarlet berry clusters, from which our feathered friends take such immediate and heavy toll, that at a month's vm\ not a berry remains. In one district I noticed that the coral-pink fruit of the Spindle Tree was not as plentiful as usual, but this was evidently due to some merely local cause, since in other localities it occurred in un- wonted abun- dance. The Sea Buckthorn (Hip pophse l'hain- noidcsi, with its grey-green foliage thickly set with clustering orange berries, has also presented a de rightful picture S. W. F| Chimonan- thus frag:- rans from seed.— This wall shrub varies fri im seed, some forms being much poorer than others and less s w e e 1 1 3 scented. < inly the best tonus should lie preserved. A fine plant of the Winter Sweet against a sunny wall is an advan- tage, for the sake of theflower laden s| ts to cut for room decoration I IU II' oi STRAWBERRY TREE (BENTHAMIA FRAGIFERA), SENT FROM FOTA, IRELAND. (Thin flra/rimi, hi/ If. <:. Moon, shows a reduction of ont ' -aZ size of the units.) 84 THE GARDEN. February 3, L900. THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSES AS STANDARDS. DOUBTLESS readers of The Garden can call to mind many fine specimens of Roses growing in various parts of the British Isles, but I am of opinion that more attention should be given to this* subject, for the pos- sibilities are great with many of our glorious Roses. I am thinking more especially of the vigorous growing Teas and Noisettes known as climbing varieties, and which embrace some of the loveliest colours imaginable. How many of these fine Roses are seen in their true beauty when almost burnt up upon a hot wall. Much more pleasure would lie derived from such Roses if they were grown as half or full standards, and as they developed their long growths trained out horizontally. I have seen many tine examples of such Roses as Niphetos, Belle Lyon- naise, W. A. Richardson, Reve d'Or, and others cultivated upon this plan. There is one Rose in particular that everyone admires, but few can flower it successfully. I refer to Climbing Devoniensis. I would advise those who have hitherto failed with this fragrant Rose to procure a half-standard of it, and plant very care- fully in well-prepared soil. There should lie a depth of 2A feet to 3 feet of really good fertile soil, which, if not naturally, must be artificially drained. The first year the tree is pruned hack rather severely, and by the following autumn there will be a few fine long growths. These must be pro- tected with straw thatching or with mats during the winter if it is very severe, for it is a very tender variety, then the following spring no pruning i- necessary beyond removing the extreme ends of the shoots anil cutting any soft wood clean away. The long growths are secured in a horizontal position by placing some hop poles beneath the branches, arranged in such a manner as to form a kind of staging. As the growths extend and increase in number annually this staging is also extended and widened as circumstances require, and in three or four years quantities of lovely fragrant blossoms may lie obtai I from the laterals which the long growths produce. These laterals are shortened hack each in ing to three or four or more eyes, according to their strength, and if too numerous the weakest arc removed. When any of the old growths exhibit symptoms of exhaustion they are cut clean away in the autumn. Naturally, the plant's requirements must be studied. A tree producing much growth will need extra nourishment, and after a time the soil must he replaced by some turfy loam. Manure from the cow-yard is recommended above any other, but two Or three hamlfuls of bone-meal will be extremely helpful if applied each season. This same principle of horizontal training could he adopted with what arc known as dwarf plants, or. better still, with dwarf standards. A few of I hese mi roduced into the garden would not materi- ally interfere with the cultivation of low-growing subjects that possess a very shallow rooting habit. Ilnses such as Climbing Perle des Jardins, which grows so luxuriantly, the rich citron-yellow Diiehesse d'Auerstadt, and the lovely I*'.. Vevrat Bermanos, reminding one of a bronzy-golden Charles Lefebvre, would lie first-rate kinds to grow in this manner. So also would Marechal Niel, the rich apricot-coloured Mine. Moreau, the nankeen-coloured Mine. Chauvry, one of tin- most delightful Teas iii cultivation, the grand carmine- tinted Souvenir de Mine Joseph Metral, the creamy-yellow Le Soleil, the pure gamboge-yellow lleiiiietie de IScauveau. the last of the late Monsieur Lacharme's productions, and, indeed, a host of others too numerous to mention. In a good sheltered position and with careful attention in I he matter of straw coverings, little apprehension need he entertained as to their capabilities of passing through an ordinary winter uninjured. Philomel. AMATEUR ROSE CULTURE Pruning (concluded). In one year (I think it was 1888) I had an extra- ordinarily fine growth on my trees — shoots from 12 inches to 18 inches long — and overnight I fancied a frost was coming ; this was in May, and I told my man to be at my house quite by 4.30 a.m. Sure enough there was a terrible frost, and un- lovely shoots, from which I was expecting so much, appeared to be perfectly ruined for the season. However, I said, we will either kill or cure ; we will first of all syringe and afterwards with a small birch (made out of an old broom) we will knock the frost off as quickly as possible. The result was simply marvellous ; I scarcely had a bad flower that year, and won over fifty prizes, many of them in very severe competitions. One box I remember in particular, consisting of six blooms of Annie Wood ; they were perfect beauties, and Mr. d'Ombrain (who was one of the judges) said those six blooms were "absolutely perfect specimens." I owed my success to that early syringing ; it saved my Roses for the year, and although it was only my third year of growing, it was a most successful one ; notwithstanding, owing to that terrible May frost, 1888 was a very, very bad year for Roses in our neighbourhood. When the shoots are well started I always mulch with short litter, being very careful not to bark the trees or damage the young shoots, and at the same time I give a small dressing of artificial manure, either pure dissolved bones or rape dust. Nitrate of soda I never use in spring or early summer, as it brings wood and foliage, and the blossoms are not so perfect either in colour or texture. Although I prune early, I do not find it brings me earlier blossoms than other growers obtain who prune later. I admit I am often very successful in the early shows, but I obtain these suc- cesses by carefully selecting the best early varieties. Now I must call your attention to that most dan gerous pest — the maggot. "Maggots fat. maggots lean, Maggots large, maggots green. Maggots long, maggots short, Catch em seen, ur Roses nought." The only cure for this pest is catching them. This can be done in the morning before the sun has any power, or at sunset. I go carefully over my plants every day, and with thumb and finger catch every one I can find, and by the end of May I will almost defy anyone to find a single maggot in all my 12.">0 trees. I make it a rule to pinch oft' every damaged leaf, so that if a maggot has been missed you may be sure to find it. Friends who visit me always remark on the cleanliness of my foliage. If specks of mildew should here and there make an appearance, I remove them also by pinching the haf nil and burning it. The aphis blight gives me very little trouble. The early coat of gypsum, lime, and soot which I give the earth I believe lias much to do with this ; but where it does appear, syringing with a solution of soft soap and quassia is the safest and best cure, and this should be used immediately the green fly makes its appear- ance. In this ease truly "a stitch in time saves nine." One early washing is worth ten washings after the vermin has established itself thoroughly. Next comes the thinning-out of the buds. Some varieties require to be done early; others, such as Annie W 1, the Verdier tribe, &c, are best left till comparatively late. It is quite a study to watch the growth and to do the thinning-out at the right time. I can lay down no hard-and-fast rule ; l.ui I ear. assure you that with a little experience in the matter, gained by your own experiments, you will find do difficulty in arriving at a decision as to when to disbud your different varieties. Now. I will add a few words on the different varieties of Roses. Some, of course, do much better than others, and in this, situation and climate of course are big factors. That grand Rose, Francois Michelon, is a very good doer. I have now no less than three medals for this variety, and each time the bloom has been cut from trees planted close under a Thorn hedge which is sheltered from the morning sun. Trees of the same variety in another part of my rosery never do well. It is a grand flower when you can get the colour right. Another Rose of which I am very fond and which I often show (although I seldom meet with it at shows) is Mrs. G. Dickson ; it conies very full with inc. hut often has few petals; however, if cut at the right stage, it will stay as well as any Rose I know. Mine. G. Luizet is a grand variety, hut apt to mildew, especially if over-fed with manure water (one year I lost nearly all my blooms of this variety through doing so). There are really such a vast number of lovely Roses grown now that one hardly knows which to choose. One thing we ought all to be proud of, and that is that Messrs. Dickson it Son should be the pioneers in introducing new varieties, driving foreign rivals clean out of the field. If only I had sufficient room, I would have two dozen trees of each of their best new sorts as soi mi as introduced. Now as to Snow inc. I am ignorant of many points in the art of showing. I see men exhibit blooms at shows, and it fairly puzzles me how they manage to get the flowers just right for the judges. At times my flowers come lovely, at others they seem to stand still anil do not expand as they ought to. However, I must not grumble. Last year with my little lot of trees I won sixty prizes and two cups, including the Reigate challenge cup (open to all England for growers of less than 2000 trees), and three medals, and if I do no worse this year I shall be quite content. During the thirteen years that I have grown Roses I have taken over 500 prizes and a goodly number of medals. I select my best blooms and protect them from wet previous to cutting for exhibition. This is quite a necessity when one is so limited for space and trees as I am, especially as I show against competitors who have as many as 12,000 trees. The system of limiting exhibitors in certain shows to exhibit only against men of their own weight in regard to number of trees has given great satisfaction, and I for one hope that the plan will he extensively adopted, as otherwise small growers are unfairly handicapped anil become quite discouraged. I advocate separate classes at all shows, which will prevent a grower with only 200 or 300 trees having to show against a com- petitor with 2000 or 3000 trees; and also which will prevent the man who has perhaps from 10.000 to 20,000 trees competing with the smaller man who has 2000 or 3000 plants. I myself have been swamped in a north of England show by an exhibitor who has many thousands of trees to cut from, and who did not disdain to compete in the small classes of six and twelve varieties, as well as in the classes for twenty-four and thirty-six varieties. The man with a medium-sized rosery is entirely swamped in such eases, to say nothing of those enterprising Rose lovers who have only a few trees, and who, I hold, should be given every encouragement in the work of beauty which they have undertaken. Leaving showing and reverting for a moment to cultivation, I may add that as soon as I have finished exhibiting 1 always go carefully over my trees anil thin out the spindly-looking new w 1. I then wait till the first week in September, when I cut the whole of the old wood and leave only the new growth to supply the cut-backs for the next year. You will thus see that however old my roots may be, my Roses are produced each succeeding year on absolutely new, or maiden wood. By cutting away all the old wood in September, one. of course, sacrifices sonic autumn blossoms, but by doing I his the new wood ripens oft so much better, and the strength which would have gone into the old wood, in order to produce a few autumn blossoms, is conserved and the plants will return the capital, with good interest, in the following summer. In conclusion, I ask of you to remember that every flower that is produced adds to the beauty of this earth on which we live, and I believe that even the most callous and unimaginative beings we meet cannot remain long in the presence of these most beautiful flowers without being awakened to some sense of the beauties of Nature, and without turning their thoughts to the Creator of all, who sends these beautiful things to make our life here bright and happy. — R. E. West, in " Rosa/rum's Year-Book " for 1900, February 3, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 85 THE FLOWER GARDEN. CYCLAMENS AND HEPAT1CAS. I think that two good old-fashioned flowers are not generally grown enough in gardens — hardy Cyclamens and Hepaticas. At Oakwood we have a long side of a mound facing south with a ditch in front, having nut trees on the other side giving shade. At one end of the mound are established plants of different forms of hardy Cyclamens with a sunk piece of stone to each plant ; next to these, Hepaticas, and then seedling Cyclamens. Last year drought did not agree with the Hepaticas, so we moved them to the north -east side of the mound, planting them in nests of sunk stone with small pieces of stone laid on the surface between the plants.! Stone, if it has^ been exposed] to weather and has mossed, is no disfigure- ment, and the plants seem happy in their new quarters. Many years ago we planted a single pink Hepatica on a i' a ther il rv bank where it got some sun ; this had good si/.ed pieces of sunk stone all round it which seem to have given sufficient moisture. as tin- plant has every year dowered beautifully and held its leaves. My friend Mr. Frank Miles told me that Van Sw aclliiali, a 1 »utchgrower, had Hepaticas i it many shades of col. air. I got a set. They have good flowers, but the plants did not increase as fast a - 1 could v wish. I have great hopes thai in their new place they will grow stronger. We shall till up the space cmi the mound from which they were taken with Cyclamens. The beauty and variety of their leaves make the mound pretty even when (lowers arc not out, and the effect is much better with a good large bed. i . eorge F. Wilson. necessary to go over the entire collection and remove all the dead leaves. They must be taken clean out at the base, for if parts of the decayed leaves are left they may destroy the plants by causing the main stem to decay, and when decay has fairly set in on the main stem of an Auricula the chances are that the plant itself will be destroyed. I am alluding to the show Auricula, which comprises the green-edged, grey-edged, white-edged, and selfs. These are quite distinct from the alpine Auricula, although all Auriculas may lie called alpine, as they are all found in mountainous districts in the south of Europe, especially in the Alps. The show Auriculas are not quite so easily grown as the alpine section, and seem to suffer most in damp and wet weather. Probably the first parent of the show Auricula is less hardy than that of the alpine type. At the AURICULAS IN WINTER. THK Auricula plant is one of the earliest to wake up into life and beauty : but as I write these lines (about the middle of January with 7 of frost in the air) there is no sign of any movement in leaf or bud. I w lit ea few linesahout the Auricula at this time because I have heard from two famous growers in the north, who both report, " Auriculas look well, and make a good show of green foliage for the seas if the year." It is rather singular that my own plants arc the reverse of this, having lost their foliage to a greater extent than usual owing to the severe frost, which tried them greatly. It was keen lor several nights, and fell once 25° below zero. Auriculas can stand a low temperature fairly well, but such a low temperature as 7 ' Fahr. destroys many leaves. After the frost is gone it is it II \KliV CYCLAMENS tN THE WISLEY GARDEN. Auricula anil Primula conference in 1885 it was decided, as far as the matter could be decided, that the first parent of the show Auricula was the Primula Auricula of the Austrian and Styrian Alps, and that the alpine Auricula was from Primula pubescens. These two species are well known, and it is also known that both were culti- vated in gardens upwards of 300 years age. At the time when ('lusius published his " Rariorum Plan- tarum Historia," in L601, both of them were in cultivation. Clusius himself introduced P. pubes- cens, hut P. Auricula in the time of Clusius was widely grown in Belgian gardens. The latter Clusius figures as Auricula ursi, and his own introduction as A. ursi 2. How the show section has been brought to its high degree of excellence it is difficult to say. probably by crossing with some other species, or, what is not improbable, by selection from seminal varieties. Tin* selection of distinct varieties from seed is an interesting process, and no lover of the Auricula can resist the tempta- tion to raise seedlings ; but to a beginner in Auricula cultivation much patience is needed, for the seed, though well and fairly sown, does not all germinate in two or three weeks. In less than a month tiny plants will show themselves, and when these have made one good leaf after the seed leaves it may he best to replant them into small flower- pots. The plants are very small, and a dozen of them may be put into a 3-inch pot. The most curious phenomenon about Auricula seed is its irregularity of germination, and if the seed-pans are kept for three years, seedlings will still be produced, the latest to flower being usually the best varieties. Seed is also very difficult to procure. The best flowers have to be sacrificed by cross-fertilising them when in their best condition, and only about one pod in six will contain seed ; but of course if it was easy to obtain good seed, and as easy to raise good Auriculas, good flowers would not be so scarce as they are. The progress is still very slow, and it would be well if some amateur with leisure would begin the raising of new Auriculas, for we ought not to let these lovely flowers remain as they are, as we are still far from perfection. The two Ne plus Ult,ras of Smith and Fletcher have long been sur- passed, and the ratter's flower has been dis- carded from ever}' good col- lection. There is plenty of room in all the classes for other Ne plus Ultras, but it requires much patient waiting for the development of flowers possess- ing the highest points of excel- lence. Never- theless, there is much pleasure in waiting and watching the development of the plants, for if there is any- thing in Nature more beautiful than an Auri- cula flower it is an Auricula leaf. A fancier who loves and values his Auri- culas can dis- tinguish one p 1 a n t f r o m another as well I ly the leaves as by the flowers. Some of it is green of various lints, while the green-edged varieties always have green foliage ; the white-edged, grey-edged, and self classes contain others with foliage pure white and some cream colour, owing to its being densely coated with farina. In April the trusses of flowers develop, and the plants ought to be placed in a glasshouse, so that they can be attended to when the weather is wet or in any way unpleasant outside. Having written so much, it may he well to finish with a few remarks on culture. Seedlings. The seed is sown as soon as it is gathered in July, and some of the seed will germinate in three weeks, more of it in February and March, and. as previously stated, many belated seedlings will appear in the course of the next three years. They must all he attended to as they appear, and he grown into nice flowering plants. A seedling will take twelve months to grow into a flowering size ; but it is exceedingly interesting to watch this development of leaf and plant into full fruition, and it is probable that the first truss produced on the seedling plant will be better than any future one, as they do not always maintain their maiden promise of goodness. Named varieties and choice seedlings are propagated by offsets, and in no other way ; consequently when a new variety is shy in 86 THE GARDEN. [February 3, 1900 producing offsets it takes long to get up a stock of plants. A good plan to hasten the production of offsets is i" out off the head of the plant when it lias a main stem long enough above the surface ofthesoi] in the pot. Before doing this the root part must be in unite a dry condition, as not onl\ will the top part strike out roots more freely, but the plant itself w ill not be so likely to rot. Early in February the entire collection of flowering plants should be surface-dressed. To do this effectually a portion of the top soil must be removed, and in doing so examine the neck of the plant, for around it may be clustering the trouble- some Auricula aphis (Trama auriculse). This must be carefully removed with a small brush. I keep a pepper-box beside me and dip the brush into the tobacco powder contained in this receptacle, dusting it well into the aphides and brushing them out. The surface-dressing consists of good fibrous loam and decayed manure in equal portions. Press it in firmly : sec also that there are no aphides (green-fly) on the leaves. The plants having been kept in a dry position up to the time ..1 surface dressing, it is well to give them a good watering, and if the plants have been placid in an Auricula house, they should not suffer from frost under favourable conditions. The plants must he placed near the roof glass and freely aired. Attention must also he given to keeping the plants in a satisfactory condition at tin- roots. 1>" not •give too much water, however, hut rather be careful not to err on the side of over-dryness : also be careful nut to apply any water to the leaves. The time ha blooming is from the second week in April to tlie end of that month, but some early bloom may even open in March, and a few specimens may run into May. hut there is a saying in the north that "The Auricula in May has had its day." When the blooming period is over the plants should he again removed to garden frames on the north side of a wall. This is the light position fen them during the summer months. At this time also the plants should he repotted and rearranged in their order in the frames, always beginning with the green-edged varieties, following mi with the grey-edged, the white-edged, and, lastly, the selfs. Some care is accessary in repotting. Tin' flower- pots used should In- clean and wll drained, some fibre shaken out of the loam heap being placed over the drainage. The compost should consist "t four parts good fibrous loam, one part leaf-mould, ime pari decayed stable manure, and. if necessary, some coarse sand. The plant itself after being turned cut of its flower-pot must he carefully examined. The base of the main stem, called the " carrot," is sometimes in a rotten condition. All decayed parts must be removed, and. of course, all the Auricula aphis on the units must he cleared off. Work the .soil well iii amongst the roots and pot firmly. After repotting, watering must he d ■ very can-fully until the plants have well established themselves. A very good time Eor getting "If the offsets is in February, when the plants are being surface- dressed. They must he carefully removed from the parent plants, using a sharp knife, or in some instances they ma\ Im1 removed by hand. When Auriculas are in Mower they must lie shaded from the sun. as the blossoms shrivel if exposed In sunshine for a few hours. .1. Douglas. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. THERE is much work that must he gut through in this department b 'tween the falling of the leaves and the bursting of buds in spring, such as pruning, tying, nailing, ind cleaning the trees. and also manuring and digging the ground. The work done shoulclbe regulated accord- ing to the weather, the lighter work, such as nailing. being d i « hen it is mild, ami that which requires more exertion when it is cold. When the weather too rough to allow of working ouf ol doors, shreds may he cut, stakes sharpened, and fruit looked over undercover. Filberts and Cob Nits. The Kentish system of growing these is the best. A main stem branches a short way from the ground, the branches forming a Hat top with the centre open. Remove the suckers, pmneofffrom the branches all shoots having a tendency to grow erect, and do not allow the branches to become crowded. APRICOTS. Tin pruning of these is similar to that of Plums and Cherries. The work of nailing (tying if the walls are wind) may he done at the same time. Enemies. Protect the buds of Plum trees with nets of small mesh against the ravages of bullfinches ; or the buds may be made distasteful to these wholesale destroyers by syringing with water and paraffin oil at the rate of a gallon of the former to a wine- glassful of the latter. The mixture must be kept in motion by one man syringing into a pail, while another puts it on to the trees with an insecticide syringe. Another method is to syringe with water, and while the trees are wet to dust over with newly-slaked lime and soot. Their numbers may he reduced with a gun, taking care not to injure fruit and other valuable trees. These birds have also attacked Cherries. The trunk and main branches of trees with muss and lichen growing cm them may be painted with limewash containing an admixture of soot. Fur American blight, wash the affected parts with paraffin oil and water of the same strength as recommended above for buds, or use sutt soap water at the rate of 8 OZS. of snap to a gallon of water, rubbing it in well with a brush. Protect Gooseberry bushes from bullfinches in the same way as Plums. Another mode of protection is to pass black thread round and round the bushes. After the pruning and tying is dune-, dig the ground between fruit trees, being careful nut to damage the roots. Raspberries. Shorten, stake, and tie Raspberry canes and manure and dig between them. G. Xcikm.w Tin Gardens, Hatfield House, Herts. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pot woes. The seed should now be started fur either frame or put culture. Of ten a few pots may be spared, and these sic,,,,] in early fruit houBes will give tubers at Easter. Sunn- cultivators pot up the sets in small potg] hut my met hud is to place them in light compost in shallow boxes. They will be ready in three weeks to pot or plant out if given a warm place to sprout in. Spinach. Few vegetables are more uncertain in old garden soils than Spinach. If there are any had plants, now is a good time to make- up hisses. I am aware this vegetable is nut often grown under glass, hut it well repays frame or put culture. A few lights of a frame sown with Spinach early in February will give a good cutting in April, but all cannot give Frame culture, and a. seeds are sown in small puts in a frame and planted out early in April on a warm border, there will he a good return. Early Cabbage. This vegetable is mure appreciated in April and May than later, and the must should he made of the early crop. To assist growth f draw the soil well up In the lower leaves to prevent trust damaging the stems. I find we obtain better results by feeding when growth commences early in the year with a good fertiliser, than by placing large quantities of manure in the soil when planting. ( 'rel MBERS. Earlj in I hi- spring then- is a demand fur < lucum- bers, and there should he no delaj in sowing the eel .ind preparing the beds for the plants. With hut water pipes as the heating agency there is little trouble, but with manure more attention is nee, Id. [f the latter is used, it is well to sow and make the beds up at the same time, as by the time the plants an- large enough -that is as soon as the third leaf appears the bed will he in proper condition. Avoid rank manure from any source, as this means trouble ; the manure should Vie pre- pared in the open and sweetened by turning occa- sionally. By close attention to details such as heat and moisture, fruits may be had in six weeks or two months from the time of sowing. Seeds are best sown in small pots, using bottom-heat and only just enough moisture to effect germination. When the seedlings are planted out, only a small quantity of soil is needed at the outset, anil this should be light and rich, as it is best increased later on by frequent tup dressings. Cucumbers rejoice in a warm temperature — about 70° or more in the daytime, and 5° to 10° lower at night in cold weather, with very little ventilation indeed. Avoid over-cropping to begin with, as the plants bear so freely if allowed that they are much weakened. In planting, place near the glass, but free of cold winds. In winter I cover the glass at night. Geo. Wythes. Syou Gardens, Brentford. INDOOR PLANTS. ( 'i.I.MUKRS. Conservatory and greenhouse climbers of many kinds, including Passion Flowers, Tacsonias, Cle- matis indivisa, Teeoma jasminoides, Jasminum azoricum, Lapagerias, Plumbagos, and Heliotropes, should now undergo their annual pruning, as it is well to get this work out of hand early to give time to deal with pressing work, whioh will soon come in plenty. With most of the above, pruning res, lives itself into simply cutting away all the weak growths and some of the strong, leaving only skele- tons of the plants, which will soon break again into vigorous growth and cover all the space allotted to them. Vigorous plants of the Lapageria may have many of the smaller spray pieces cut out entirely and a judicious thinning all over, shortening some of the strongest leads that have got out of bounds, but it is not wise to cut away too much or to make the plant over-thin, as it w ill bear more crowding than the others mentioned, and even weak growths on established plants flower freely. Plants which have nut yet become vigorous should not he pruned at all. for the more growth they have the more freelj will they root, and it is impossible to get the vigorous shoots one wants from badly-rooted plants. Teeoma jasminoideB should have some young wood left in. and I have found it best with this plant to cut out now and then an old growth bodily to make room fur vigorous back breaks. With the Jasmine, t it is well to lay in some young wood at the expense of sacrificing older pieces. Heliotropes ami Plumbagos may be spurred close in to the main shoots, and Fuchsias (climbing) may be served in the same way. Tacsonias often get infested with white scale, and as the wood is too tender for the use of insecticides of sufficient strength to kill the insects, all efforts to thoroughly clean the plants arc unavailing, though much may be done to reduce the pests by a vigorous application of soft soap and water to the old wood. As Tacsonias come true from seed and arc vigorous in growth, I like to have a few young plants always at hand for planting when the scale gets too bad mi the older plants rather than leave the latter to become a source of danger to their neighbours. For many positions unsuited, through shading. for flowering plants I find the various climbing or running forms of Asparagus suitable. A. Sprrngct i is the quickest grower, and. grown in large sus- pended baskets from which the growths may be trained to cover with a graceful light greenery much roof space, they answer all the purposes of climbing plants and are clean. A. denexus is also beautiful, hut locks best when the growths droop vertically from the basket to or near the floor. For planting out and climbing upwards A. plumosus is the best. To keep up stock young plants of the two former may now be transferred to baskets. using good loam and sand as the staple soil. Such baskets, if big enough (I use them Hi inches in diameter), will keep the plants in g 1 c lition for two or three seasons. .1. C. TaLLACK. Lin run r. Parte, Bvry St. Edmunds. February 3, 1900.] THE GARDEN. s7 plants CHBYSANTHEMUMS. Propagating. The old method of striking the cuttings in cold frames is now almost obsolete, and should only V>e resorted to when necessary, for the reason that the cuttings remain far too long inactive. During severe weather in the depth of winter the must often be securely covered to exclude frost, which means that no light, air, or attention can be afforded them ; on the other hand, a strong forcing heat should always be avoided, or a weak, sickly growth will result. The most satisfactory mode of treatment that I am acquainted with is to place a small frame or hand light on a stage as near the glass as possible in the greenhouse, or some other structure kept at a greenhouse temperature. This should be filled with finely- sifted cinder ashes, Leaving suffi- cient depth only for the reception of the cuttings, or, better still. plunge the pots close to the glass in cocoa-nut fibre. The cuttings can then be attended to at any time and in any weather. The lights should be ventilated more or less at all times, keeping them sufficiently close to prevent the cuttings from flagging. Very little water will lie needed until they arc rooted. Syringe gently once a day in early morning for tin.- first week or two to keep them in a fresh condition. The above remarks apply to Japanese, incurved, renexed. and large-flowered Anemones, whether intended for large flowers or speci- men plants. Best Varieties. Those on the look-out for new and promising varieties, and have not had the opportunity of seeing them cultivated, may be recom- mended to grow the following : Japanese. Miss Alice Byron, pure white: Pink Mine. Carnot, very promising; Lord Salisbury, bronzy yellow; Mme. vmii Andre, a very pleasing sport from Mutual Friend. sulphur yellow : Mr. H. E. Fry, good light yellow ; Mis. A. Tate, sport from the well-known Etoile de Lyon, a most desirable and pleasing shade of red, quite distinct ; Mine. I!. Cadbury, a magnificent white, hut a little late for November shows : Mrs. \Y. Morgan, yellow and cream j Souvenir de Marquise i\r Salisbury, a pale yellow sport from the popular Chenon de Leche, should prove of much value; Mis. \Y. Cursham, white Hushed with lilac, a tine exhibition flower; Florence Molyneux, pure white. an immense flower, and of the finest seen during the past season : Edith Pilkington, splendid yellow, much in the way of Boule d'Or, should become a general favourite: Vicar of Leatherhead, a seedling from Mme. Carnot, golden yellow, large and fine; Silver Queen, mauve-pink, g 1 : Sir I'. I'.ullor, very tine crimson, said to be a seedling from K. Molyneux ; Mrs. Ewart Barter, another fine white : Mrs. G. Barnes, primrose, tipped pink, very refined : W. H. Whitehouse. a promising flower, colour rosy red; Nellie Perkins, sulphur shaded pink ; Edith Perkins, a fine incurved Japanese pink. Incurved. Ralph Hatton, purple, fine form ; General Symons, bronze, good; Matthew Russell, bronzy red, excellent form; Mr. F. King, silvery- pink ; Mrs. YV. Howe, amber, very pretty ; and Annie C. Love, striped pink. Edwin Beckett. Aldenham House Gardens, Elstree, Hurt*. A BORDER AT SEVERN END. The bonier, of which an illustration is given, in the beautiful gardens at Severn End, Worcestershire, PEAR BEURRE BOSC. Recent notices of this handsome Pear remind me that I have never seen it so good, or so much grown elsewhere, as it is in East Anglia. Many gardens in Suffolk contain trees of it, and I do not remem- ber seeing any undersized or poor fruit in the Bury St. Edmunds district, though the soil in that neighbourhood, speaking generally, is not a good A BORDER IN THE GARDENS OK SEVERS EM>. WORCESTERSHIRE. is interesting for the succession of flowers and high Box edging. I think it is unfortunate that this form of edging is disappearing. There is a fresh bushy look about healthy Box that appeals tome, ami it should not always be kept severely clipped. Amongst evergreen permanent edgings I count the Box one of the most important. E. one for Pears. Beurre Bosc when well grown and ripened on a wall is of very good, if not very distinct, flavour, and the fruits would no doubt be appreciated by most people. The tree is a first-rate grower, strong, and at the same time forms fruit spurs freely and bears well. It is a good garden Pear. J. C. T. ss THE GARDEN. [ l-'i:i.i;rAKY Mil in KITCHEN GARDEN. MUSHROOM GROWING. M rsHIIOOM growing lias always been the conundrum of horticulture. Everyone who lias a garden or a greenhouse has atone time or another tried to solve the question how to grow Musli rooms. Success lias attended the efforts of the few. Imt many have heen disappointed. To see a good bed of Mushrooms is a sight to be remembered, and they appear to be easy to grow, and yet the majority of those who attempt their cultivation fail to succeed. And yet what is more sought after in the market and shops? The wild .Mushroom confirms the idea of the simplicity and the mystery of its growth. What other pro- duct of the garden asserts itself with such freedom ami wilfulness? There is never a glut of them so as to stop their sale, as the public will give Is. per lb. for wild Mushrooms as readily as they will day tin i tour times, when it will be ready for making up into beds. A good open shed is the best place in prepare the manure, so as to dry it thoroughly and allow the steam to escape. If the building in which the Mushrooms are to lie grown is about S feet high, it will he easier to make the lied. This should lie trodden as firmly as possible, and when finished should be about IS inches deep. It should he left in this state for one week. If the spawn is in bricks it should lie new, and purchased from a reliable firm, or if gathered from an old hotbed or Mushroom bed it should look fresh, and not stringy. Break the spawn into pieces about 2 im Ins square, and place eaeli portion in a hole made with any suitable iron tool about 2 inches below the surface of the bed and 1 foot apart. When the lied is spawned, firmly tread it again and cover it with 2 inches of soil. This should be trodden down and finally beaten level with a spade or shovel. Cover over with a foot of clean straw long manure may be used, but as this harbours insects, the straw is best — and close the place. The heat of the bed will cause the spawn to run. The time for making maybe March, or an OPEN-AIR BED OF \irsiiia lor the cultivated ones, and occasionally they may he bought for ■ ponin per Ih. The accom- panying photograph of a Mushroom bed proves that tin' grower understands them, though this was not his first attempt at then- culture. A successful grower, not only of Mushrooms, but of anj flower, trait, or vegetable, meets many a reverse before he is finally successful, and this is one reason why he refrains from giving publicity to Ins experience. A wooden building without any means of artificial heating was the place in which these Mushrooms grew, ami the month of .May the time they were gathered. Thej were not grown to photograph, Imt to sell, and every saleable Mushroom bad heen gathered three .lavs before the photograph was taken. Tho\ were ail sold for Hid. aial Is. per lb., and the heil was in full bearing tor weeks. Several Ions of horse droppings were used in the making of t he hells. The droppings which have been shaken out of stable manure should he taken and left in heaps under cover, lying as lightly as possible, not more than 3 feel deep for a day or two. I hen turned over and shaken loose, letting it remain on the floor I about 2 feel deep. Repeal this process e> ery other any of the following live or six months, for cold buildings, or any time for heated buildings; clear off all the straw five or six weeks after spawning, care being taken not to knock off' any of tile young Mushrooms. Geo. Holmes. Acomh, York. DEEP CULTIVATION SOU.. OF Whatever may be the nature of Mr. E. Beckett's reply to Mr. Hall'sipicry as to the Aldenbam met In id of trenching soil, he cannot very well, without show- ing undue egotism, say. what others can so much better say, thatif ever results have justified methods, :hc\ have been furnished in the kitchen gardens at Adenham. Mr. Beckett is a famous grower of the most beautiful of vegetables, literally everything thriving luxuriantly under his treatment. Those re- sults speak volumes tor the success of his deep cul- ture. No doubt many persons have had cause to look with fear on such very drastic operations as bringing from low down any form of subsoil, whether clay, sand, or otherwise, because of its sourness and poverty. But when brought to the surface, a heavy dressing of short manure, decayed garden rubbish, and snot, spread over the surface and forked in, soon creates fertility, and ex- posure to the air rapidly removes moisture and sourness. A. I). As one who studies vegetable culture I have read the note on the above with considerable interest, and. much as I admire Mr. Beckett's splendid exhibits of vegetables, I am sorry to differ from him in bis treatment of clayey land. Having failed myself in my early days, I would ask readers of The Garden to mark, read, and inwardly digest before going to the extremes advised. In every garden circumstances differ. In the first place, with a deficiency of labour I would hesitate to bring up poor, inert soil 3 feet in depth and bury the top soil. The writer adds he worked in plenty of manure and other aids, and this procedure is not always practicable, as in many gardens the difficulty is to get sufficient manure. Indeed, I envy Mr. Beckett ; his lines have fallen in pleasant places in obtaining sufficient labour and the materials to make the soil so good. My experience is so different ; and once I buried a good soil, following Mr. Beckett's advice, with the result that our crops were a failure for years, and though I am at one with him as to the value of trenching, so much depends on the soil trenched. Some soils at 3 feet are so poor, that years of labour and unlimited supplies of food will not make them good. In my own case we have say 12 inches to 15 inches of soil on a sandy gravel subsoil. Now what use would this latter be on the surface, as so far I have found it will not do for vegetables? An Old Hand. Mr. Edwin Beckett has opened up a large and interesting subject upon which there are many diverse opinions. I may say at once I most thoroughly agree with what lie has advanced on deep cultivation', and those of a contrary opinion may well study what Mr. Beckett has so clearly set forth. In the deep digging question I got my lessons many years ago when working side by side with my late father. Any attempt at shirking the bottom was soon known by my father exclaiming. " Now then, young man, fetch that bottom up," and similar remarks to the same rn<\. In the course of the work I got various hints about the bit of "yellow stuff" down below. "There is money in that ; it only wants bringing to the surface." These and similar remarks to the same end. coupled with I he fad that I was working beside a thorough spadesman, made me an excellent master of that tool long before 1 was sixteen. There are those to-day who dread seeing a hit of yellow soil on the surface -soil they have been brought up to nickname " inert" for want of a truer description. Those that talk so much about inert soil at a few inches deep have given no thought to the subject. Trace the deep toots of any big Oak or Beech, and where do we find them but in this very material. But the giant trunks of these trees do not endorse the idea of " inert" soil ; far from it. It is the same in the garden. In lunching a new piece I was always taught to put the best soil where one expected to find the gnat mass of roots later on. and bring the bottom soil up for treatment byaeration, &c. Only a few weeks ago I saw- a piece of ground being muddled over in the way I deplore, while the " dressing" of manure may have come through a pepper castor, so nicely was it arranged. The greatest depth moved by the spade and the man would not average 5 inches if honestly measured. I would like to ask those who talk about inert soil at what depth they consider this to occur. I will give two instances. The one was of soil taken from a deep cutting of the Banbury and Cheltenham direct railway, at a depth of 20 feet to Mil feet ; the other was of soil taken from the Penge tunnel frequently at 100 feet or 150 feet in the earth. In the first the soil was blue lias clay, solid, heavy and retentive to the last degree. Of this material hundreds of loads were carted onto a pieceof sharp sand that previously would not grow wheat straw a foot high, and no other crop was of the slightest use. (In this land cartload after cartload was P*EBRUARY •'!, 1900.] THE GAEDEN. 89 shot down siik- by side, and eventually rough Levelled, and left For the frost to pull to pieces, for it was in great clods many pounds in weight. In this case the clay was carted on for a definite and good purpose, and the crops taken without the aid of manure were simply astounding. In the Penge tunnel case the soil was the out put of oneof the shafts, anil it so happened that the kitchen garden was largely made up of the most greasy and treacherous rolling ' la\ of which I have had experience. When I took charge of the garden a pail of water was an absolute necessity in digging at any time. All [lower beds had to be specially made, which was no light work, seeing there were hardy bulb and [lower beds by the do/en. Before taking charge the kitchen garden had been a hopeless failure, and t ■ tins I gave iniidi lime and trouble. Deep digging, tic addition of hat-soil, of which luckily a great quantity existed, light manure, and abundance of grit gradually brought this into a most prolific garden, and finer Leeks. Cauliflowers, and Celery 1 have yet to see. Special strong forks were the chief tools, spades and all akin being, I found, out of the question and unreasonably laborious. Rough winter ridging I greatly favoured, and by growing Licks Celery fashion, the ground was deeply moved in summer also. A near neighbour solved his difficulty by tiring, burning a set piece cnli \ car. In this case also splendid crops resulted. And yet there arc those who talk about inert soil at less than 18 inches deep. My own belief is that common-sense and proper working will render any class of soil productive, and. regardless of its quality , nothing short nf rock or stone should prevent every atom of soil being rendered available for the crop on the land. E. H. Jenkins. Hampton Hill. Mr. E. BECKETT, like many other good men who have preceded him. has advanced new ideas relative In the advantage of a thorough and exceptionally deep system of trenching, and his advice. I notice, has already been questioned by a correspondent in The Garden, January 20 last. This may be but the forerunner of many others, the writers of whom may or may not have attempted lo follow the advice given. What I have seen in the gardens at Aldenliam House within the past twelve months goes to prove that Mr. Beckett practises what he preaches. Just one instance will perhaps suffice. A new piece of meadow land had been taken in and the ground deeply trenched, if my memory serves me rightly, between 3 feet and 4 feet, and treated exactly accord- ing t" the infoi ination given on page 32. A heavy crop of Potatoes was first gathered, and this was fol- lowed by an exceptionally tine lot of Savoys later in flu- year. This method of deep cultivation is consistently carried out in all parts of the kitchen garden, and if proof were wanted of tin- success of Mr. Beckett's system of treating the soil, his excel- lent exhibits at the meetings of the Royal Horti- cultural Society in recent years should be ample for this purpose. The crops as a rule are of a high order of merit in all departments. 1>. K Crane. When a strung man with deep convictions has an object in view be goesstraight for it. This is what I admire in Mr. Edwin Beckett's remarks upon deep cultivation on page.32. But if we bring up the crude, bad subsoil to the top, we must also add improving substances in a very liberal manner. This Mr. Beckett has combined with his deep trenching, hence his success; and the absence "t this ameliorating treatment will in most cases account for failure when failure has followed a reversal of the top and bottom spits. Many years ago, when I was a youngster. 1 served for seven or eight years under one of the best fruit and vegetable growers I have ever known. He was i bud headed Ynrkshiremaii, and always went straight for his object ; but, like the careful, skilful man he was. In- made provision lor improving the bad stuff brought to tlie top as he went along. In those days a good deal of forcing was done on the old hotbed system, chiefly with oak and other leaves. Hundreds of loads were raked up ever}' winter and carted to the kitchen garden for the purpose. In addition, all the rubbish of the garden and waste soil from the potting shed was available. .Some of the rubbish was smother- burned, with lumps of clay piled over the tire w hen well started. With such means at disposal and plenty of labour, six or seven acres of heavy land were soon brought into a splendid condition for cropping, and even a timid man similarly placed would not hesitate to adopt the same method of improvement. I have known cases where trenching in the way described has, for the time being, done harm, but that was because the bad soil was brought to the top and nothing done to improve it. I have heard men argue that if the same liberal treatment had been adopted with the surface soil, the labour of trenching might have been saved. But the surface-scratching men were in a bad way last summer, as they always are in a dry time. A mulch of manure is. of course, valuable in a dry time, but especially so when the hard pan has been broken up below to let up the moisture stored away there. The top soil was once' in the condition the bottom soil is in now, but exposure to the atmosphere and the annual decay of vegetable life have improved it, and the same course should be taken with the bottom soil. Of course the intelligence of the cultivator will suggest that it should be done in a more rapid manner. No vegetable grower should be satisfied with less than 3 feet of good workable soil — that ought to be the aim though in many eases. from the lack of means of improvement, the whole object has to be deferred. There is one means 01 improving cold clay land which everybody might adopt with advantage, and that is burn some of the clay, and top dress with it to the depth of several inches to open up and warm the staple. E. Hobday. FRUIT GARDEN. APPLES AND PEARS. PRUNING takes a long time and requires to be done with judgment, according i" kinds and varieties of fruit. With the majority of varieties of Apples I adopt a free-growth system by leaving young grow th its full length, on which flower buds form when two years old. To avoid crowding I prune awkwardly-placed branches back to a wood bud, so that warmth from the sun and air have free access amongst those remaining. I resorted to this system with pyramid, bush, and standard Apple trees, as practice and observation had taught me that the close-pruning system I formerly followed brought on canker with free -grow i ng trees. Weak-growing varieties which do not require much pruning should be selected to form espalier- trained trees ; such are Manks Codlin, Manning- ton's I'carmain, Wealthy, and Dutch Mignonne. Pears arc amenable to close pruning. Under this system they continue for many years in good health and bear regularly. They are therefore adapted for training into different shapes. The best arc those trained horizontally or as cordons and pyramids. The pyramid is by far the best for open ground. I prune my trees to form pyramids cf cordonated branches that is. they have a main stem in the centre with branches starting from it. Many trees have as many as fifty branches, some of which are \i feet long, so that I have as it were fifty single cordon trees in one. Most of the pruning is done in August by shortening the summer side growth to within an inch of the base. Xnw is the time- to shorten second growth and shorten and thin nut spurs. It is a too common error for spins to lie o\ ei'ernw deil ; they require room to allow* the leaves to attain their fullest size, when large, well ripened bloom buds will follow. It is better to err on the side of thinness rather than for the spurs to be crowded. Stake and re-tie trees that are not sufficiently established to hold themselves firm without this aid. In the ease of horizontally-trained trees one pair of branches is as much as can be obtained in one season. To induce the leading shoot to break to obtain them, shorten it so as to Leave three eyes. two to be opposite as near as possible; these will form tin- first pair of branches, and one above them will make a leader the following season. Plums, Damsons, and Cherries. Thin out the w 1 of Plums, Damsons, and Cherries growing on open ground, and shorten any shoot growing beyond the outlines of the trees to keep them in good shape. The two former are liable to throw up suckers, and if any exist, they should be traced with a fork clown to the roots and cut off with a knife. The pruning of these trees on walls consists of taking out dead and worn-out branches to make room for young shoots Left their whole length at the summer pruning. Shorten the longest of these a third of their Iengt li. cut out all old "snags." and shorten and thin out spurs. Advice Peach trees will be given in a later article. ( ;. Norm \n. LATE WHITE GRAPES. I HAVE just placed my late white Crapes in water for keeping, and " J. C T.'s " note at p. 34 is most opportune. I have Vines of Lady Hint, and planted it on account of its thick skin and lateness, but somehow it fails to keep as long as I could wish. Probably this may be owing to various causes, such as too early ripening or other defects in culture, but si. far 1 have been unable to keep this varietj as well as the Trebbiano. One difficulty with this variety is its close, compact build, as even with ample thinning the berries spot badly and decay more quickly than one would expect. This season I intend to give this variety different culture, and by so doing may have better fruit at the time needed. If its season can be extended it will be of great value, as we have so few late white Grapes. As is well known, Trebbiano cannot be relied upon after next month, as the berries. though good, decay at the footstalk. I note "J. C. T." does not include the White Lady Downe's in his list of late white Grapes, and it is surprising how this variety has dropped out of cultivation. 'Idle variety I grew was poor indeed, but I believe there are two kinds. It would be interesting to know if growers find it reliable. G. W. S. [ Tliis noli- lifts been unavoidably If l- phyllus for a good many years, ami its cultivation has long since become a piece of ordinary routine. It is highly attractive in my greenhouse just now. As my pen is in my han 1 I may perhaps as well say that Xiphion Histrio is ( iming out well in the open border, and, of course, Iris stylosa is sure to enliven the dead season of the year. — Henry Ew'bank, St. John's, Ryds, I. of Wight, -Inn. SO. Primula sinensis fimbriata. We have received specimen blooms of the beautiful strain of Chinese Primulas raised by Mr. William Bull, 536, King's Road, Chelsea. The flowers are tine as regards size and extremely pretty. Novel- ties among them are : Comet, blight magenta ; Countess and Blushing Beauty, both of a delicate pink colour, the latter being semi-double. Morsea iridioides Maeleaii.— Can any of your readers who may happen to have cultivated the above plant suggest any approximate limit to the longevity of the flowering scape Y My plant threw up a scape in the summer of 1897 : this bloomed (in a greenhouse) at Christmas, again in the summer of 1898, and has continued ever since to produce hlooms every three or four months. I am not aware of any Irid, or, indeed, of any soft- wooded plant, that has the same peculiarity. This is an extremely beautiful Irid, or Iris, for all gardening purposes. Except in the matter of com- plete hardiness, it is an Iris pure and simple. The falls are milky white, the standards (which — the plant being a Morsea — are spreading and not erect) are yellow, and the stigmas bright mauve-purple - a perfect tricolor. M. iridioides Maeleaii — also known as Dietes Maeleaii — is a hybrid. — J. C. L. Begonia Haageana, In am selection of Begonias for autumn ami winter blooming this is worth a place, as it is in every way a good decora- tive plant, being well worth growing for the sake of its foliage alone, and when in addition the massive clusters of blossoms are produced, its ornamental qualities are greatly enhanced. The flowers are of a blush tint, with conspicuous red hairs on the outside of the sepals. Though spoken of as an autumn ami winter-blooming plant, it might almost be regarded as perpetual flowering, for blossoms are also produced at other seasons. Treated liberally it will form quite a bushy specimen .'1 feet or 4 feet high and as much through. It succeeds best in the temperature of an intermediate house, as in the stove it is apt to become rather weakened. This Begonia was introduced from Brazil in 1887. and at first a certain amount of confusion prevailed between this species and B. Scharffiana, which is somewhat similar, but B. Haageana proved to be the better garden plant of the two. — fl. P. Adonis amurensis. — This species of Adonis, which has not long been introduced, has proved to be the first hardy herbaceous flower to open in my garden in this the last year of the nineteenth century. It has beaten the Aconites even, and, in fact, every bulbous plant except a solitary specimen of the new Galanthus Whittallii. which opened about four' days before, on January 18. There is no denying the fact that January is mid- winter, and that, as Count Smorltork said, "he surprises within himself" some of the worst potentialities in the way of weather ; consequently it may reasonably be doubted whether Bowers louring into bloom in the open at this season can be of much value. The wind and the snow, however, are more surely tempered to certain species of Ranuneulacere than they are even to shorn lambs, and A. amurensis appears to be quite as weather-proof as are the Hellebores or even the Aconites. How far any of the species of perennial Adorns can In' said to be "distinct" is a question that depends a good deal on the way you look at it. All have glistening yellow flowers the apotheosis, so to speak, of tin' common Butter- cup— and all have very similar finely-cut foliage. The flowers also vary in size, but they do this very often in plants of the same species, which is a mere matter' of soil or- cultivation; on the other hand, they certainly seem to differ in the matter of cultural requirements. A. pyrenaica, which is generally admitted to In- the finest February 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 01 variety, appears to many of us to be especially difficult to establish or keep. I remember years ago Doticing a remark of the late Mr. J. Wood that he considered the growing of this species to he the crux of successful cultivation of alpine plants. In this I agree with him, although it disposes of my own claims in this respect. On the other hand, I have observed that some of the nurserymen in their catalogues seek to enhance the attractions of this plant by adding that "it is verv easily grown." As this is otherwise unneces- sary and gratuitous, it must be assumed that they, at any rate, have always found it so. There seems to be no special difficulty in the culture of A. anuuensis, although, inasmuch as bought plants arc not likely to be very strong, it should be looked after when first planted, for slugs are fond of it. The common A. vernalis is, no doubt, the easiest to manage in a general way. A. volgensis i~. I believe, merely a variety of this with some- what smaller flowers. I do not remember ever having seen it, and I certainly have never grown it. There is, or was, a certain A. Walzii in commerce, but I have never seen this either and know nothing about it. A. amurensis was figured in vol. lii, of The Garden, p. 6. — J. C. L. OBITUARY. THE LATE JOHN FRASER. So widely known and highly esteemed was Mr. John Fraser, an account of whose life was given in The Garden of last week (p. 70), that we thought a photograph of our late friend would interest many readers of The Garden. He wasa thorough horti- culturist, and his assistance upon the floral ruin mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society will be much missed. THE I.ATE .7. FRASER. ••"ALMOST A CENTENAKIAST." The Father of Scotch Gardeners. In all probability the father of Scotch gardeners has passed away in the person of the late Mr. Janus Fraser, who died at Castlehill, Turriff, on the 18th ult.. aged 98 years. Mr. Fraser was engaged by the late Dr. Adam as gardener at Ardmiddle House. Turriff, in the year of the disruption 1st.'! and forthe long period of thirty- three years he conducted gardening operations at Ardmiddle witli great acceptance by his employers. Tic gardens and grounds ai Ardmiddle saw many improvements carried out under his management, and during Mr. Fraser's long engagement beserved three generations of the family. It was with great regret that the late Mr. Milne parted with liis faithful and trusted servant twenty-five years ago, when Mr. Fraser retired from active duty and took up his residence in Turriff, which just now, by his death, mourns the loss of its oldest inhabi- tant. Mr. Fraser was a pawky, shrewd, typical Scotchman, and a gardener all over. Locally Mr. Fraser enjoyed a reputation as being an authority on all matters connected with horti- culture, and in his day few could outdo him in the art of growing good vegetables and hardy fruits. while from personal remembrance I can speak of him as an expert in the cultivation of Strawberries, Melons, and Cucumbers. The immediate cause of Mr. Fraser's death was a sharp attack of influenza, that deadly enemy of all mankind. John Mackinnon. Terregley, Dwmfri&f, N.B. SOCIETIES. SWEET PEA BICENTENARY CELEBRATION. Tim; first general committee meeting in connection with the bicentenary celebration of the Sweet Pea was held, by kind permission, in the Horticultural Club Room, Hotel v\ indsor, <>ii Friday, January 19, when Mr. George Gordon, V.M.H., presided over a very representative gathering. Business being the purpose of the meeting, no time was lust in speechifying. The chairman briefly alluded to the desire expressed in 1899 by leading amateurs, nurserymen, seedsmen, and market growers that a comprehensive exhibi- tion nt Sweet Peas should be held during 1900, together with a conference, one duty of which should be the classification and selection of varieties. This desire led to a meeting in Edinburgh in September last, when Mr. Cordon (chairman), Mr. H. J. Jones, and Mr. K. Dean (secretary) were elected as a preliminary committee to draw up a scheme for the cele- bration and submit it as earlj as possible to the general committee. After this brief 'and formal statement, the chairman requested the secretary, Mr. R. Dean, Y.M.H., to read the letters received from the Crystal Palace Company and the Royal Aquarium Company. The former offered t<> accommodate the exhibition, provide the necessary con- veniences fur a conference meeting, and subscribe c-.'ii to the prize fund. This being the best offer, it was agreed, on the proposal of Messrs. H. A. Needs and H. J. Wright, that the bicentenary celebration be held at the Crystal Palace. Syden- ham, on July 13 and 14, 1900, or as near those dates as could be conveniently arranged without clashing with other exhibitions. Having settled the place and date of celebration as far as possible, the next point for discussion was the schedule of prizes, of which a preliminary draft had previously been communicated to the vice-presidents and committee. Before the discussion of classes and prizes a list of subscriptions received and promised up to date was submitted by the secretary, amounting to nearly £90. As the whole of the subscriptions received were unsolicited, the committee felt that the success of the undertaking was practically assured. believing that those interested in the most beautiful, useful, and fragrant of annual flowers the Sweet Pea would not fail to show their practical sympathy with the committee's efforts as sunn as affairs had received definite form. The schedule is a comprehensive one of twenty-eight classes, each with four, and some with five prizes, offered on a most liberal scale. Class by class the schedule was discussed, and numerous minor alterations made. Nineteen open classes are provided for cut blooms, all t<> be shown in vases, these including classes for forty-eight, thirty-six, and eighteen bunches, and thirteen classes for one bunch of a specified colour or colours. Four classes are limited to amateurs employing either one or no regular gardener, and then there is a division, open to all, consisting of five classes instituted for the purpose of demonstrating the value of Sweet Peas in all forms of decoration known to the florist's art, The total amount offered in prizes in the preliminary schedule exceeds K90, and this comparatively large sum should ensure a dis- play of t he most beautiful and instructive character. Special prizes are invited, but they must, in accordance with the resolution passed at the Edinburgh meeting, be free from any trade conditions. Already several firms have intimated thsir mtsnticn of providing th: niizss in utun classes, and at this meeting it was decided to accept Mr. Heiin Eckford's generous offer of £15, the sum offered in class one for forty-eight bunches of Sweet Peas in not less than thirty-six varieties, an oiler made by the W'em veteran to commemorate the fact that this is the twenty-first year of his w. irk in selecting and cross-fertilising Sweet Peas. Mr. H. .T. Jones offer to supply the prizes in class twenty-five, for an epergne of Sweet Peas, £2 l7s.,andMr. R. Sydenham's offer to supply the prizes in two of the amateur classes, amounting to upwards of tfi, were accepted and acknow- ledged. With reference to the rules and regulations for competitors, it is worth while noting that from subscribers of 10s. fld. and upwards mtrauce fees will be demanded. but non-subscribers must pay an entrance fee of ."is. to entitle them to compete in any six classes (subject to divisional schedule regulations), but a further entrance fee of 58. must be paid if this number is exceeded. < inference proceedings, subscribers' tickets, publication iif report, and other matters were referred to. but reserved for final discussion and settlement at the committee meeting to be held «in Friday, Fehruary 23, by which date the com- plete schedule, regulations, &c, will be readj for acceptance and immediate publication, Meanwhile, the committee desires the sympathy and financial assistance of all horticulturists, so that the forth- coming celebration may be made the unqualified success its interest and importance demands. Any surplus funds remaining after the payment of prizes and necessary expenses will be given to the gardening charities. Further particulars can be obtained from the h6n. secretary. Mr. K. Dean, \ M. II ., Etanelagh Road, Ealing. ROYAX HORTICULT1 RAX SOCIETY OF SOUTHAMPTON. WE have received the report and schedule of prizes for the coming summer and autumn exhibitions of this society, which will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, June 2i and 28, and Tuesday and Wednesday, November 6 and ?, respectively. We are pleased to see from the report that the society is in a very satisfactory condition. The adverse cash balance of over £117, with which the society commenced the year, has been so reduced, that the net deficit, allowing for the value of the society's material and one or two outstand- ing subscriptions, is now practically nU, a position tin society has not enjoyed since ls.s7 The credit balance on the year's working amounts t«. over £97, as shown by the following figures: Net receipts for the year, £514 3s. Id.; net expenses (not including bonds redeemed), £417 2s. Cd. The lion, secretary is Mr. C. S. Fuidge, "Heckfleld," I., New Alma Road, Southampton, from whom all information may be obtained. BRISTOX AND DISTRICT GARDENERS MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION. THE fortnightly meeting was held at St. John's Parish Room. Kediand.on Thursday, the 25th ult. Mi. c Lock presided over a huge attendance. The meeting was specially inte- resting b\ reason of a paper read by a member Ir the Cardiff Gaideners' Association, Mr. J. Graham. Under the title " Gleanings from a Horticultural Class, Mr. Graham dealt with a variety of subjects, all of great importance to gardeners, such as soil and its constituents, bacteria, ther- mometers, dew and rain, laying out of pleasure grounds, rockery formation, draining of land, plant diseases, Ac. Mr. Graham strongly urged the formation of botany classes in connection with gardeners' associations, claiming that a knowledge of theory was a great help to the practical worker. An exhibit of great interest was provided by Mr. Graham, who showed over fifty dried specimens of British plants. A motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Canon Anstey was passed. The late canon was a vice- president of the association during his residence at. Red! and, and took a keen interest in the work from the lime of its formation. ROYAX GARDENERS' ORPHAN Kl Nl>. Tim: annual general meeting of the subscribers to this fund will be held at the Essex Hall, Essex Street. Strand, London, W.C., -ai Friday, February 10 next, for the purpose of receiv- ing the report of the committee and statement of accounts for the past year, to elect officers forthe ensuing year, to elect nine children to the benefits of the fund, ami to transact such other business as may arise. The chair will be taken at X p.m. The poll will close at 4.30 p.m.. after which time mi votes can be received. B. WYNNE, Secretary. 8, Danes Inn. Strand, W.C. CHISWICK GARDENERS" MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY. We are pleased to know that this society, held in the famous old council room in the ChiBwick gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, is well supported, and its flourishing condition is due in no small measure to the interest taken in it by the president, .Mr. Wright, superintendent of the gardens. The subjects dealt with recently have been ■ Odontoglossums," by Mr. Hollingsworth, and " Onions,' by Mr. A. Dean. The following meetings will take place on February S and 22 and March 8 and 22, and those who will give papers include Mr. McLend, Mr. Chas. Harding, and Mr. John Fraser. READING GARDENERS' SOCIETY. Chemical Manures. This was the subject of a lecture delivered by Mr. F. W. E. Shrivel!, of Thompson's Farm, Tonbridge, at the fortnightly meeting of the Reading Gardeners Mutual on Mondaj evening last. The lecturer in an interesting and racy manner laid before the members the results of the various experiments carried out at Tonbridge during the past five years with chemical manures on vegetable anil fruit crops, under the auspices of the Permanent Nitrate Committee, who wished to find out whether animal manure could be dispensed with alto- gether, relying Bolelj on chemical manures. An interesting discussion foil. .wed, in which Messrs. Fry. Neve. Purkis. Chamberlain. Burfttt, Alexander, Wilson, Hinton, Lever, and Ager took part. On the proposition of the chairman (Mr. Fry), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Shrivel] for Ins lecture, and to Mr. F. Lever, The Gardens, Hillside, for staging an exceedingly well-flowered plant of Ccelogyne erislata. Six new members wen' elected. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY Tin; annual general meeting of the above society will be held at Tail's Restaurant. 265, strand. W.C, on M lay, February -'• next, at seven o'clock p.m.. to receive the com- mittee's annual report and balance sheet, to elect the president, vice-president, officers, and a third of the com- mittee for the year ensuing, to consider certain alterations and amendments to the rules, and transaction .if othei business which pertains (n (he annual general meeting. An important notice of motion has been made by Mr. Thomas Be van : "That the election of the present g< neral secretarj be postponed] ami that an advertisement he 92 THE GARDEN. [February 3, 1900. inserted in the gardening papers' for a properly qualified person to fill the post of secretary at a salary of £100 per annum." The report of the committee for the past year seems satisfactory. The committee in presenting their report feel they ran congratulate the members upon a condition of affairs in relation to the society of a generally satisfactory character. The exhibitions have maintained their high quality without decreasing in extent; the hold of the society upon the numerous provincial and foreign societies affiliated in it is as wide and firm as at any time ; the work of the floral and classification committees has been carried out with spirit ; the financial position of the society is decidedly encouraging, tin- balance sheet statement for the year showing a substantial balance in hand, while the assets of the society arc of an improved character. The committee recommend that the sum of £50 of the reserve fund, now on deposit, be increased to £100. The committee note with regret that the incurved, the reflexed, and the Anemone-flowered types appear on the exhibition stages in decreased numbers, though this fact may not, of itself, justify any apprehension that there is an actual lack of interest, in the culture of the varieties of these sections. The vase class was the leading feature at the November exhibition, and made a most imposing display, arousing a large amount of public interest. Tin- competition was numerous and keen, though some who had entered for r petition found themselves at the last moment unable to bring their flowers. The large-hearted liberality shown by Messrs. .lames Green and Nephew in providing such a considerable number of handsome vases free of charge for the purposes of the class was highly appreciated by the committee. At all the exhibitions, miscellaneous exhibits, mainly supplied by the trade, afforded features which enhanced the interest of the various displays, ami imparted an attractive variety as well. It i- satisfactory to notice that the competition among affiliated societies for the possession of the challenge trophy is maintained with spirit, still, it is desirable more societies should take part in the annual contest. The possession of the Holmes Memorial cups appears to continue to fire the ambition of growers, and give occasion to close competitions. lie committee are under a great obligation to their president. Sir Edwin Saunders, for his valuable Special prizes; to Mr. P. Waterer for his special prizes for an essay- on the Chrysanthemum rust, which failed in its objects; ami to other donors of special prizes, which enable the committee in a few instances to introduce special features into their schedule of prizes. A sub-committee have had under consideration the relation existing between the National Chrysanthemum Society and affiliated societies, and having reported that it is desirable certain amendments he made to the privileges en.joyetl l.\ affiliated societies, the committee have adopted the same; and a- alterations in the rules arc made necessary, such alterations will he proposed for adoption at the annual general meeting. in November last a deputation from the committee visited Lyons in response to an invitation from the secretary of the French National Chrysanthemum Societj . tor the purpose oi taking part in an important exhibition of Chrysanthemums ; ami an interesting account of tiic proceedings of the same. compiled by Mr. C. Barman Payne, will he published with the annual report, Ac A v.-r\ heart] VOte of thanks was passed by the committee to the deputation ; thej at the aame time placing on record their belief that the exchange of international courtesies in this and other ways between home and foreign cultivators and lovers of the Chrysanthemum is most desirable, and should he promoter! in every possible way regular hedge is formed. Planting may be done from autumn up to February or March, in which latter, should the weather keep dry, care must be taken that the Yews do not suffer from drought, clipping may begin the spring following the planting of the hedge. FLOWER GARDEN. Spacing- and colouring' of flower bed.— The Rev. R. M. asks our advice both as to the Bpacing and colouring of a bed lie proposes to plant with Stocks and Tufted Punsies. We think it would be better not to distribute the two kinds of plants evenly all over the bed, hut to group the stocks towards the middle, with a thinner outer ring not icaching quite to the edge, and to plant the Tufted Pansies so that they will till out the edge and run up towards the middle between the thinner row of outermost Stocks. We are not told what the shape of the bed is, but in a round or square or any other solid form, we think that this would he the best way of disposing the plants. A bed of white and mauve in the two kinds of plants would be likely to be prettier than one all mauve. A colour-word such as mauve might cover so large an area of tinting, that it would be quite possible to plant together a mauve Stock and a mauve Pansy that would he inharmonious, though if the colours were rightly chosen they might go together very prettily. This is a case in which it is quite impossible to give a helpful answer without seeing blooms of the plants proposed to be grown together. If Rev. R. M. would care to take the trouble to get from any Pansy nursery several kinds for mauve bloom and to try them for one year with the colour of the Stock he proposes to use, we shall be happy to advise him further if he will send us the blooms of both for con- sideration. Sweet Peas sown for succession ( i:i;\ R. Mi. The quantity of Sweet Peas you think of Bowing seems too much for the space. You desire to plant two hedges 6 feet apart in three sections for succession, and to have the kinds arranged in harmonious colouring. If the length is divided in three there would lie a one-third section on each side of tin -pace, between the two rows, in flower at the same time. For colouring, row 1, section 1, might have kinds whose flowers arc French white (pinky white), pink, cool rose, scarlet and pink and white, or a selection from these. Row J. section f, whites and lilacs (Princess Ma,\ and Countess of Radnor for the lilacs). The next in succession in row 1 might be deep pinks, the dark Boreatton and 'lark scarlet, and opposite, in row 2, light and dark purples and white. The last two sections could have in row 1 salmon -pink colouring and Orange Prince, and opposite Captain of the Blues, whites, and pale yeliow. If, instead of sowing thickly in one drill, each row is of two drills 2 feet apart, and the seeds are placed bj hand 4 inches apart in the drills, and mulched after they have made some growth, le>> seed will be used and the Peas will be much finer. The plants in the double drills should be staked with two lines of spray leaning towards each other, when the Mowers will stand up free, it is important to pick off the overblown Mower1- so that the plants may not be weakened h> forming seed. to remove the top spit and dig the bottom one. This is a simple, but effective process with poor soils. Asparagus planting (Chose), -Although you can quite easily raise Asparagus plants from seed, yet. if time is an object to you, it will be much better to purchase fairly strong roots now. You can get good ones at about 7s. Cd. per 100, and if they be two years old. then none could be better. That would, if you plant early in April— the best time for such purpose— give you two years' start over seed- sowing now. Put. even if you sow seed, do not do so until early in April, as it is unwise to induce the tiny growths to come up until hard frosts have gone. When seed is sown, let it he thinly in drills 2 inches deep and 1-2 inches apart. Thin out the little plants so soon as high enough to be seen to 6 inches apart in the drills. Hoe freely between them all the summer, and in August give a thin sprinkling of salt to hoe in. If the soil has been worked deep and well manured, the plants at the end of the season will be all the stronger. To make an Asparagus lied in April, get the ground trenched 2feetdeep, bury down a heavy dressing of manure, ami fork in a further one with hone-dust on the to]., then plant in broad, deeji furrows -jo inches apart, the roots being 1C inches apart. TO ANSWERS CORRESPONDENTS. Names of plants. M . // K. A vcrj Cattlcya labiata, Names of fruit. '/' / j, Bismarck ; ■ '-. Lady Hennikei Nonpareil ; fj, Knight sMonarcl Nonsuch, i . Round Winter Nonsuch : l, h \rc\ spice ; 5, White -//. ./. F. Round w intei TREES AND SHRUBS. The Rose of Sharon t Hypericum ealyci num) (it. M- S., Stockport). This is really a low-growing i vt t'green shrub, but in some positions it Is quite common for it to become sub-evergreen In severe winters, and thus present a somewhat unsightly view For a short time each year. The plant increases rapidlj h\ means of underground growths, the younger ones being more vigorous than the older one \- you have a plentiful supply of leaf-mould, .\e., you would do well to applj a top-dressing in early spring, as it will he of immense benefit in affording addi- tional stimulus. Remove the dead and useless growths. It i-- not necessary to cut the plants down to the ground line. Planting Yews (G. \. u ,). in planting Yew trees to form a hedge a very suitable size i- well -furnished bushy plants from 2 feel to 3 feel high, and if these arc planted 18 inches aparl they soon form a dense and effective break. < b course, a good deal depends u] the plants having been Frequently removed, a practice carried out in all good nurseries, as then their t ransplanting is done with but little risk. Larger specimens, it suitable and can be obtained, maj be employed, in which case a somewhat greater width in,i\ Ke allowed, bui it should at most not exceed 2 feet, and unless t he phints ;ii'e pal I irul.ll'ly hllshy, 1> inches distance will be the best in planting a hedge in two rows a distance of 1 foot to 15 inches should he ke|it hetweell them. The plants in the two POWg should not he opposite one ither, but placed at an angle, as by this means a more INDOOR GARDEN. CelOSiaS (CHESS). We ate pleased to bain that you like Celosias, They certainlj rank when well grown as amongst the most beautiful plants, whether in grace, in form. or in colouring, that are grown in gardens. We are ver) pleased to see that, whilst being of such tender constitu- tion, their time of beauty outd > is limited, their fre- quent introduction into bedding displays during .inly, August, and September adds so much that is pleasing to a style of gardening that needs so much of such added beauty to commend it. But whilst mixed packets of seed give all the rich colours found in the plumes <>f Celosias yellow, orange, vermilion, violet, earn due, ami other tints these plumes can onlj be seen at their best when good culture is given ; then a well -branched pyramidal plaid is a lovely object \s a rule the middle of March is a g I time to sow the seed. Small shallow pans well drained and tilled with Bandy soil Is the besi medium, and these, when the seed is sown thinly, should be st 1 in gentle warmth to induce earlj [germination. When the plants are i inch in height thej should be pricked out into other pans thinly, and then later be put singh; into 3-inch pots. Double Chinese Primulas (Aston). We d t quite gather from your note whether you inquire concerning double Primulas, such as named varieties, that can onlj be increased by ordinary propagation, or whether you wanl to obtain the semi-doubles, that can be raised from seed, in the true double forms the fertile organs of the flowers have been changed into petals, in these semi-double ones that change is limited, and Beed-growers can, by splitting the Mowers open, bud organs that will hear Fertilising. Of these there are white, pink, carmine, scarlet, crimson, blue, Haked, and other colours, all being, if desired, purchased separately, or may be had mixed. Seed should he sown in Ma\ to have strong plants to Mower well in November and through the winter. Sou in shallow pans <>u sand} soil, the seed being just buried, and after geutlj watering, stand in a warm greenhouse frame, shading it during the daj with paper. Plants large enough to lift and prick out thinly into other pans should be ready in about seven weeks, and From these pans they may he got into small pots ami so grown on. KITCHEN GARDEN. Double digging1 (F. Keep). This is more simple and there is less WOTK. A space of say 1 feet in width is marked Off and the soil taken out two spades deep to the portion of tin laid where the work is Mnisbed and the digging then proceeds; the top spit is placed at the bottom of the space cleared and the Becond on the top of that, and the same process continues until all is completed. This is double digging, or two spades deep is dug from start to finish. Some cultivators also dig the bottom up before placing the soil, others only re ve one spit deep, and the other is dug and left, and double 'lug in. The proper way is doubtless WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. The early part of the past week was unusually warm tor the time of year, but since the "26th ult. low temperatures have prevailed. On no night did the exposed thermometer show more than 7V of frost. Notwithstanding the cold of the last few days the soil at the present time is at about a seasonable temperature at '2 feet deep, and only 1J colder than the average at I foot deep. Rain fell on all but two days during the week, and on the morning of the 28tb the ground was covered with snow to the depth of li inches. January. ( )ne of the most noteworthy features of this mid-winter month was the frequent changes in temperature. Indeed, during the course of it there (Matured three distinct periods of cold, and three distinct periods of mild weather. Taken as a whole, it must be regarded as having been a decidedly warm month. It was not, however, nearly as warm as the two previous Jahuaries, which proved exceptionally mild. There occurred no cold nights worth mentioning, the lowest reading registered by the thermometer on the lawn showing only 13° of frost. Up to the time of writing, the evening of the 30th ult.. there have been only eight (lays without rain since the year lagan ; whereas the average number for the month is fifteen. The total rainfall amounted to nearly 4 inches, or about I,1-, inches in excess of the January mean. It is now fourteen years since we have experienced so wet a January. As affecting the underground water supply I may state that since the winter half of the present drainage year began in October, the fall of rain has exceeded the average quantity for the satin- tour months by nearly an inch equivalent to about four gallons of lain on each square yard of surface. Although such a continuously wet month, there was more than the usual amount of sunshine. Berkhamstedi January 30. E. M. FORTHCOMING EVENTS. Feb Nat ional i 'hrysan them urn Society. Annual meeting, Carr's Restaurant, strand. London. ,, i::. Royal Horticultural Society. Show ami meeting of Committees, Drill Mali. 12; annual meeting, :i p.m. ,. i.'i. -Horticultural Club. Annual dinner, Motel Windsor, C p. in. ,, it;. Gardeners' Orphan Fund. Annual meeting, Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, 3 p.m. ( ' \r jxogues Received. New Plants. I'. hemoine et file, t ■■''>, Rue <>>> Montet, Kaney, Garden Seeds. Dobie & Mason, W^Oak Street, Manchester. Garden Seeds and Roots. Vilmwtn-A ndrieux et Cie. . ',, Quaidela Migisserie, Pan's. Garden Seeds, Morse Bros., 'I hr Nurseries, Fvsom. Garden Seeds. Frank Dicks a- Co., Cff, Deans ate, Manchester, lloi'tieiiHural Buildings. Foster^ Pearson, Beestonx Notts, Flower and Vegetable Seeds, Ac Vifmon'n-Andneux rfc Co., Paris. Seed.- .. Haarlem, Holland. Pansj Seed List. //. Wrede, Luneburg, near Hamburg, Germany. Greenhouse and Hardy Plants, Bamboos, &e. Robl Veitch .c Son, New North H<>at< Palms, 'U Winter Flowers i Palms' read " Fa jafeat. ^sr^- GARDEN, m -ZTs*r?: Sfefe'i- ■^ No. 1473.-VOL. LVIL] [February 10, 1900. EDITORIAL NOTICES. Every department of horticulture is represented in The Garden, and the Editors invite readers to send in questions relatin i to matters upon which they wish advice from compe- tent authorities. With that object they wish to make the * Answers to Correspondents" column •> conspicuous feature, and when queries are printed, they hope that their readers wiU kindly give inquirers the benefit of their assistance, Alt communications must be written clearly on one side only of the paper ; and addressed to the Editors o/The Garden, accompanied by name and address of the sender. The Editors welcome photographs, articles, and notes, but th, ea, rejoice greatly in the report that has been prepared for the meeting op Tuesday. We refer to it prominently on this occasion be- lieving that the society deserves hearty support from horticulturists, and for its future welfare we have nothing but good wishes if it adheres to the present satisfactory policy. Several features of the report deserve close attention. One is the new experimental garden, and the "acquisition of a new garden in the place of Chiswick " is one of the projects for celebrating the centenary of the society, which will occur in March, 1904. The cele- bration is already arousing interest, and this departure of seeking fresh fields for experi- mental horticulture and trials of novelties is excellent. It displays the true gardening spirit. In the old days at South Kensington some wild scheme, notable forits absence of anything concerning horticulture, would have been put forward to celebrate a great epoch in the history of the organisation. To encourage experiments and trials is to promote a love and interest for horticulture and assist the amateur in his selec- tions of flowers, vegetables, and fruits by sifting out synonymous kinds and those not worthy of culture. A garden in the country, removed from smoke or fog influence ami from the overshadowing of houses, is essential, and we look forward to the future, as the Royal Horticultural Society without a good garden would lose much of its charm and utility. The council are taking steps at once to ensure co- operation, and mention that "a garden for experiment and trial is an absolute necessity. Chiswick has recently become so surrounded with buildings and the atmosphere so heavily charged with smoke, that not only has the difficulty of cultivation enormously increased, but it is feared that the results obtained from the trials are rapidly ceasing to be reliable. It is therefore proposed to issue an appeal to all the Fellows, and to raise a fund for the pur- chase of a more suitable site for a garden in memory of the first hundred years of the society's existence." We may remark that the garden should not lie many miles from the metropolis and in a convenient district for members and committees to attend forjudging the trials, which will probably be extended under the new conditions, and the garden should provide a school for students who wish to follow some brand) of horticulture as a means of livelihood. "The council wish to call attention to the good work being done at Chiswick under Mr. Wright's superintendence, not only in the narden. but among the students," and Mr. Wright reports that "The demand for energetic, trustworthy young men from Chiswick is rapidly increasing ; there is no difficulty in placing each in good situations, our supply being unequal to the demand, but they must all be workers." The fate of the fruit show, held annually at the Crystal Palace, will hang in the balance unless the Fellows betray keener interest in it than exists at present. This annual represen- tation of British - grown fruit is of greater importance than a mere show; it should stimu- late greater enthusiasm in an important branch of industry, and become an object-lesson with far-reaching results. The report says, and with truth: "As an object-lesson in British fruit, cultivation this annual show stands unrivalled, and is of national importance. Those who have visited it from year to year cannot fail to have been impressed by the wonderful advance which has been made in the quality of the hardy fruits exhibited, and as the importance of fruit growing in this country cannot well be over- estimated, the council invite Fellows and their friends to support them ill their efforts to main- tain and improve this exhibition by visiting it and subscribing to its funds, for it cannot be too widely known that the continuance of the show is absolutely dependent on at least £100 being raised by subscription each year towards the prize fund. The show involves the society in a very large expenditure without the possi- bility of any financial return. The council have, therefore, established the rule that they will not continue it unless sufficient interest in it is taken by Fellows and their friends to pro- vide £100 towards the prize fund, and this will in the present year (1900) be even more impor- tant than heretofore, as the directors of the Palace have signified to the council that they feel compelled to decrease their contribution by £50. A glance at the list of subscribers will show how small has been the interest taken by the bulk of the Fellows. The council would point out that this is not a local show with a few large prizes, but that a multitude of small prizes have been arranged in order to secure the best fruits in each section : special prizes have been allotted to market growers, and coun- ties have been grouped in such a way that growers should not have to compete with exhi- bitors from localities re favoured by climatic conditions. These points will be still further extended should sufficient financial support be forthcoming." Lt is pleasant to record that the exhibition held in the Temple Gardens, by kind permission of the Benchers, retains its popularity, and tha the last show was "as successful as ever ; it is 94 THE GAEDEN. [February 10, 1900. a matter of satisfaction to the council to find that this meeting is now universally acknow- ledged to be the leading horticultural exhibition of this country." Fashion, of course, is as fickle as the weather, but we hope she will continue to smile benignly upon this beautiful annual display of flowers and fruits, showing British skill in culture and hybridisation. To the uninitiated into the mysteries of plant raising and hybridising to develop new depar- tures this exhibition is a glorious feast of colour ami perfume, and nothing more, but the connoisseur knows that it is a manifestation of new plants. Orchids, indoor flowers, lioses, and so forth from the nursery gardens of England and abroad. The hybridisation conference held in July last in the < Ihiswick ( lardens was a distinct success, "not only for the value of the papers read and communicated, but also for the pleasant opportunity it afforded for the meeting of horti- culturists from all parts of the world." We are pleased to know that the report of this conference will form a volume of the society's valuable journal. Such a record is of immense scientific importance. The question of the legality of some of the bye-laws which since the " great revival of the society in L887 " received consideration, is now practically settled. A strong desire was ex- pressed to throw off the mesh of South Ken- sington entanglement inseparable from the existing charter. " There appeared to be only two alternatives : either to abide by the existing bye-laws, or to petition Her Majesty to grant a new charter. The expense involved in the latter course has hitherto been an obstacle, but at the beginning of the past year (1899) the condition of the society's finances appeared to the council to be such as to wan-ant a petition being made to Her Majesty for a new charter, and a considerable part of the year has been employed in drawing it up. The petition to Her .Majesty ami a draft of the new charter were submitted to a general meeting of the society held on June 21, 1899, ami were unanimously adopted ami ordered to be sealed with the society's seal ami presented to Her Majesty the Queen. The council have much pleasure in announcing that, on the advice (if the Privy Council, Ber Majesty acquiesced in the petition, and on November it signed the supplemental charter and ordered it to be sealed with the ( ireat Seal of the Kingdom." The council "fully recognise the advantage of the society possessing a hall of its own in which plants, (lowers, ami fruits can In' seen by the fellows under more favourable conditions as regards light ami space," and ask for sug- gestions. This important matter is in the hands of tin: fellows ami all interested in hor- ticulture in this country. It is idle to condemn the present building as dimly lighted and com- fortless. It must remain so until sonic scheme can be- thought out for obtaining the " Hall of Horticulture" which has yet to become a reality. Horticulture is pursued as ardently, more so probably in this land than in any other country of the world, and its greal society is housed in a drill hall admirable for volunteers, bul not for the interesting fortnightly gatherings which attract amateurs, gardeners, and nurserymen from the length and breadth of the British Isles. These meetings have become in the truest sense meetings of all interested in horticulture, and neither dim light nor uncomfortable surround- ings damp the ardour of visitors or committees. It is satisfactory to know that the Lindley Library has not been forgotten, and the books are now enclosed in glass-fronted cases to preserve them. We wish more use were made of this valuable storehouse of horticultural and botanical literature. To the roll of those earnest horticulturists and botanists, Fellows of the society, who have drawing '"/ Miss Carter.) above-mentioned Orchids has been used with Lselia purpurata in the production of the three following hybrids, viz. : L.-C. eximia, L.-C. Violetta, and L.-C. Bella. It would be exceedingly difficult indeed fur the most enlightened of our Orchid experts to distinguish either of these with any degree of certainty. These remarks also apply to the closely allied hybrids that have heeii procured through the influence of Ladia crispa. I should not have gone into this detail had it not been for the fact that many good judges doubted the parentage which Mr. Hislop gave at the time he exhibited the subject of the accompanying illustration, Laelio-Cattleya Fanny Leon. It was raised in the gardens of Mr. H. S. Leon at Bletchlev Park from the intercrossing of Laelio-Cattleya exoniensis and Cattleya labiata autumnalis. It is, therefore, a secondarj- hybrid, and there is no doubt that it bears a considerable likeness to some of the above hybrids derived from the C. labiata group. L.-C. Fanny Leon is a handsome hybrid, flowering in the depth of winter. Lomatia longifolia is a native of South-western Australia. This is also known under the synonyms of Etnbothrium myricoides, 10. longifolium, and Tricondvlus myricsefolius. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, producing hunches of white flowers with narrow icllcxed petals and a golden tip to each. It flowers annually in the temperate house at Kew in July. PJUomis luivxrifolia is a native of Asia Minor. and is also known as P. imbricata ; it is an exceedingly handsome Sage with large and con- spicuous golden yellow flowers. Ariscema Jlavum is a native of tin- Western Himalayas, and is also known under the synonj ins of A. abbreviatuin. Doehafa flava, and Arum 96 THE GARDEN. [February 10, 1900. flavum. It is described as a remarkably variable plant, but its flowers are small and in ispicuous and of merely botanical interest. Iris obtustfolia is a native of Persia, and is an extremely handsome new species nearly allied to I. lutescens. It has large pale yellow flowers with a deep gold beard on the inner half of the fall. It bloomed for the first time in the bull) house at Kew in 1899. The Revue Horticole for February contains a portrait of a well-flowered bunch of the lovely little gentian-blue Chilian Crocus named Tecophylcea cyanocrocus, which, owing to its culture and requirements being but imperfectly understood, is .ar too seldom seen in our gardens. The February number of Rrnu de V Horticulture Be/ye contains a portrait of Evlophia Lubbersiaiia, a curious little Orchid with small and inconspicuous flowers of merely botanical interest, but handsomely variegated foliage, which may commend it to some growers who admire distinctly variegated leaves. W. E. GUMBLETON. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Hyacinthus azureus.— How is it that one so seldom sees a word of praise bestowed on this charming little Hyacinth ? There are in my opinion very few indeed of the hardy winter-flowering plants that surpass it for simple beauty. I have now a small clump of it with about sixty heads of bloom and in its way it is very hard to beat. Here in a city garden it is of easy cultivation, flowering year after year without being disturbed, and in fact seems to delight in being left alone. The only care it seems to need is protection from snails when it is first pushing through the soil.— W. S. Tii.i.ktt. St. Giles Street, Norwich. Hybrid Rhododendrons. -An instance of the attractiveness of some of the javanico- jasminiflorum hybrids of the Rhododendron has been afforded by stinds of bloom trusses exhibited by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, at the later Drill Hall exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society. Of the varieties shown the following were especially effective : Souvenir de J. H. Mangles, large truss of reddish- pink blossoms, very striking in colour ; multicolor Neptune, crimson ; multicolor Triton, pale pink with yellow eye; luteo-roseum, faint pink suffused with "yellow, large flowers ; Princess Beatrice, creamy flesh ; delicatum, shell-pink ; Aphrodite, flesh-white ; Princess Alexandra and multicolor Mrs. Heal, two pure whites; Minerva, orange; Exquisite, canary ; Thetis, pale orange-buff with reddish centre ; and Ariel, sulphur-yellow. With the exception of the last-named variety, in which the anthers were of similar colour to the flowers, the whites, pale pinks, and yellows possessed anthers of a much deeper tint than the petals, that, by the contrast they afforded, added considerably to the attractiveness of the flower-trusses. -S. \V. I'. Iris reticulata in pots. < harming as this little Iris is when braving outside the cold winds of early spring, it is also very beautiful when brought on under glass, thus anticipating its usual season of blooming. For general decorative pur- poses it is most useful when si\ or seven bulbs are put in a pot 5 inches in diameter. They should be potted in the autumn and placed out of doors, covered with ashes or cocoa-nut refuse, just the same as Tulips are treated, in order to encourage the formation of roots, for without good roots bulbs of all kinds, but especially those needed for forcing, will turn out a comparative failure. As the young growth pushes through the soil the plants should be taken into the greenhouse, where in a good light position their blossoms will develop without any check, and form an uncommon, yet much admired, feature. Forcing in considerable heat, as is often done in the case of Hyacinths and Tulips, will with this Iris end in failure. -H. P. Correa cardinalis. -This, sometimes referred to as the Australian Fuchsia, produces its showy blossoms during the first three months of the year, and was at one time a very popular greenhouse plant, but of late years it has been less frequently seen, probably owing to the fact that great care is needed for its successful culture. The most suitable compost is good fibrous peat, with a liberal admixture of rough silver sand, and it should be given the same treatment as Cape Heaths. Excesses of moisture or drought must be especially guarded against. The pendulous tubular blossoms of this Correa are scarlet, tipped with greenish white, and a good specimen in full flower is a charming object. There are several other species, some much more vigorous than this, but the blossoms are not nearly so attractive. I hie (C. alba) is sometimes used as a stock on which to graft its more showy, but weaker relative. — H. P. Winter flowering' of Yuccas.— A note on the above subject appeared lately in these pages. The winter production of flower-spires by the Yuccas, especially by Y. gloriosa, is by no means an uncommon occurrence in the south-west. During each of the past seven winters I have remarked instances in South Devon where spikes have been thrown up, though, naturally, the blossoms have, not been perfected, in midwinter. Such cases are, however, rare enough to form exceptions to the general rule, while in the instance cited by your Isle of Wight correspondent, a whole colony appears to have hazarded a similar untimely endeavour. In a cold district in mid-Somerset I have seen Yuccas bearing partially developed bloom-spikes at Christmas. — S. W. F. Eriostemon cuspidatus.— The Erios- temons are all natives of Australia, and in the days when hard-wooded plants were popular they used to be generally grown. Now, however, t hey are seldom met with, being obtainable in good condition from very few nurseries. Throughout the entire genus the different members are marked by a strong family likeness, forming effective bushy specimens clothed with deep green leaves, and bearing either white or pale pink blossoms. That with which this note deals (E. cuspidatus) is one of the best, the pure white blossoms, nearly an inch across, being borne in great profusion, while a succession is kept up for a considerable time. The cultural requirements are much the same as that needed by the general run of hard-wooded plants, namely, a compost principally consisting of fibrous peat and sand, with thorough drainage. It needs to be kept fairly moist at all seasons, but anything approaching stagnation at the roots will he fatal to its well-doing. Where specimens are planted out in a greenhouse border this is one that ran be recommended for that purpose. — T. Crocus ancyrensis.— This pretty little Crocus has been among the first of the genus to give us its flowers this season. Very welcome have been their bright cones of orange-yellow, which only lack of sun has prevented from expand- ing to show the interior of the flower, with its orange anthers and scarlet stigmata, sonic days before January had run its course. This Angora Ciocus is small in size, and in this respect may lie less prized by some than the larger flowers of an early form of ( '. aureus, which is in bloom at the same time. It is, however, so neat and cheery- looking in a dull time, that it adds much to the interest of a garden even to those who take no special interest in the Crocus apart from the brilliant effect of the large-flowered species or the Dutch forms. Such flowers as Crocus ancyrensis form a link between the fine Crocus speciosus, which was figured in The Garden the other day, and the others which come in spring and give so much beauty to the garden. — S. Aknott, Cwrsethorn, by Dum,fries, N.J3. Cyclamen COUm.-I think very few per- sons will lie likely to question the attractiveness of this early alpine flower and its hybrid variety Atkinsii, 'raised by Mr. Atkins, of Painswiek. This attractiveness arises from its own intrinsic beauty of flower and foliage, its dwarf and neat habit, its perfect hardiness, and the early period at which it blooms. Before the Snowdrops, Crocuses, and Aconites it gladdens us with its bright blossoms, and although its early blooms are sometimes covered some inches deep with snow, it does not seem in tin least degree to suffer, for when the snow melts its blossoms come out as fresh as ever. As some people experience ;i ditticultv III growing ll . ll lll.'i) be interesting if I give my own experience. I bad for some years tried it in various parts of in.\ garden, but with scant success, when an article in some gardening paper induced me to alter my mode of culture. I have a narrow border by the side of the drive up to my house which is somewhat over- shadowed by trees and has a small shrubbery at the back, but nothing seemed to succeed in it, as it is very hot and dry, facing south. After reading the paper I thought that this seemed a likely place for the plant to succeed, so I took up a feu of the bulbs that I had in other parts of the garden and planted them there. There was very little depth of soil, and I doubted very much whether the plan was likely to answer ; however, it did so to per- fection ; the bulbs increased in size and seedlings sprang up all over the border. The seed vessels. as is well known, are in the form of a spiral twisted cord, and the seeds when ripe are shot out in various directions. In my case not only have the bulbs sprung upoverthe border, but the seeds have been carried into the shrubbery behind, and I am constantly digging up corms to give to my friends. I conclude, therefore, that a dry sunny border with a background of trees is what the bulbs really require ; it may, of course, be that other growers have succeeded with it in places of a different character, but I only record my own experience. — H. H. D. Escallonia scilloniense. — Unfortu- nately, the Fscallonias are not really hardy in inland districts, a fact that is to be deplored, for they arc usually free-growing shrubs, displaying a wealth of beautiful flowers and handsome deep green glossy evergreen leaves. Few shrubs have a more dense habit combined with freedom of growth. E. macrantha and its varieties are probably the best known and handsomest of the family, but an excellent companion is the rather new variety named above in which, though the general habit is similar to that of E. macrantha, the leafage is smaller and the flowers of an extremely delicate blush-white. Probably this is not in commerce, but flowers and sprays have been sent to us from Cornwall together with the information that the variety said to be a hybrid was obtained under the above' name from the Seilly Isles and that it is a beautiful shrub, as one may imagine from the specimens sent. Where Eseallonias will grow this should be gr iwn. Other but little-known species are E. montevidensis (s3'n., E. floribunda) and E. Fhillipiana, both with white flowers and very attractive. E. montevidensis is rather difficult to propagate, and to strike cuttings one must lift a plant from the open ground and bring it under glass, encouraging the growth of weakly shoots. which may then he struck in gentle heat. Taixack. .1. C. WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. A v kkv cold and sunless week. The days were all cold, but the night temperatures in no way unusual. Indeed, on the coldest night the exposed ther- mometer showed only 9° of frost. The tempera- tures below ground have very gradually declined during the week, so that at the present time the reading at 2 feet deep is about 1° colder and at 1 foot deep about 3" colder than is seasonable. Dining the night of the 2nd inst. there occurred an exceptionally heavy fall of snow, which on the following morning covered the ground to the average depth of 10 inches. This is the deepest snowfall experienced here since January, LSS7, or for thirteen years. When melted, the snow yielded nearly 1 inch of snow-water— equivalent to about 4 gallons on each square yard of surface — in my garden. At the time of writing the snow is still nearly 4 inches deep. A thermometer placed beneath the snow on the morning of the 3rd inst. has not varied 2° since it was placed there, the average temperature being about 1° below the freezing-point. During the last four days the atmosphere has remained very calm, and the direction of these light airs some point between noil b and north-east. The total record of sunshine for the whole week amounted to only a quarter of an hour. E. M. Berkhamsted, February 6. February 10, 1900.] THE GAUDEN. 97 WALL GARDENS. I. I have read with the greatest interest what is s.iirl in Wood and. Garden, page IK",, mi the subject of wall cultures : " < )ne of the best and simplest ways of growing rock plants is in a loose wall,'1 &c. Since my earliest youth I have hail meat admiration for old walls covered with plants. I remember when only ten years old my enthusiasm for the old retaining walls sup- porting the terraced vineyards in the Canton de Van 1 near tile Lake of Neuchatel. These walls were then clothed with flowers and greenery, while the delicate fronds of Cisto- pteris f ragilis and Polypodium calcareum formed a charming setting to the graceful bloom of Corydalis, Campanula, and Linaria. I say "were," for since those days the plasterer's trowel has destroyed all this living beauty. Alas ! what acts of vandalism are committed by orderly and practical people who think it their duty to repair and whitewash their >valls at regular intervals ! Unmindful of the picturesque, they sacrifice beauty to supposed utility, to the infinite regret of the artist and lover of Nature ! How I loved these old plant- frequented walls, above all those of the old Chateau d'Yverdon, and the ancient ramparts of this little old Vaudois town ! They might well be called a botanical sanctuary, for there alone, out of all Switzerland, was the one home of a rare Hieraciuni, H. ligusticum. Alas, with the removal of the old ram; arts this plant has disappeared, and for ever lost is also the pictorial patina which had gathered through the ayes upon the castle walls. There have been works of demolition, of white washing and of putting-to-rights, and civilisa- tion has done to death this graceful little Liguriaii. whose pretty head was wont to dance to the northern winds. Near Neuchatel, in the walls that skirt the roads and footways and ridge tin- vine-clad hills, there lives and flourishes a rocky flora of the highest interest. The pretty Fern. ( 'eterach orriciiiarum. spreads its thick crenated fronds around the rich tufts of the golden Corydalis (C. lutea) and the brilliant heads of Sieracium lanatum ; but the mania for plastering goes on apace, and one after another the plants disappear. ( >n the shore of the blue Lake Leman, at the font of the vineyards of Lavaux, there are many great retaining-walls whose surface is almost hidden by flowers ami foliage. Travelling by the railway-train that speeds along thes shores, how often have 1 heard foreigners admire this sight, and ask how it was that this world of floral beauty could have been planted. Sometimes it is even difficult to persuade them to believe that nothing whatever has been planted, and that old Dame Nature herself has alone insisted on the placing of it all, in "I' osition to the will of man, who, on his part, vainly endeavours to struggle against her beneficent encroach men t. These walls, being kept continually cm .1 by the moisture of the soil that they hold up, are the best possible receptacles for the rock-loving plants, whose whole effect presents a remark- able picture of plant beauty from May to September. For there one sees, displayed against the grey stony background, and framed by the delicious greenery of trailing vine branches, a whole scale of colour-tones, ranging from the clearest of whites to the most sombre of purples, and from purest blue to brightest yellow. And it is all Hung about in a kind of pictorial haphazard on to the crest of the walling and into its minutest chinks and crevices : it hangs in wreaths and garlands, seeming to pause at all the stony prominences : then springing -one knows not how — out of the very heart of the wall, spreading and flattening itself 11)1011 its surface, creeping downward and then clambering up — one knows not why — then, perhaps, laying hold of some other plant, when each will struggle almost fiercelyin the fight to maintain its own dominion. In one spot it will be the rosy Saponaria cases of a blue that is ncarh pure, and their lavish abundance ennobles the scene with a note of poetry. Then there are the Wall- flowers (Cheirantlms Cheiri), the ancient ] hint of the old castle walls, and one of the earliest that our ancestors brought into cultivation on their terraces, from whence centuries ago this sweetly-scented plant has been distribut id. The Silver Basket (Arabis albida), a plant 01 A WALL, IN THE JARDIX I) AC VLIM ATATIOX, GENE MIKAI'.II.IS, SAXIFRAOA I.OXOIF f Photographed (S. ocymoides), whose large tufts spread into wide masses of bright carmine, that in some cases form the main mass of the vegetation. Close by are the bright yellow flowers of Erysimum ochroleucum, or those of the Golden Basket (Alyssum saxatile) escaped from some garden. Then come softer colourings the rosy purple of Erinus alpinus, a plant of the high mountains that has come down from its native altitudes to bask in the warm sunlight of the Lake of Geneva. The Veronicas show a wealth of their fine lilac-blue bloom, in some VA : VELLA SPIN0SA, ERINUS HIRS UTUS. CAMPANULA 01, 1A, IUANTUrs NEGLOBCTUS, &C. In/ Miss WiUrtwU. ) Caucasian origin that we have long had in cultivation, establishes itself on the crest of the wall, which it smothers with its myriad flowers of dazzling white. Here and there the Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) strikes a warmer note, with its spikes of bloom of crim- son, or bright red, or orange-yellow. This, again, is a handsome foreigner escaped from gardens. The blue Iris (I. germanica) is at home on the tops of walls, on terrace edges, and rocky eminences; its flowers, sceptre-like, are borne erect, and, with a queenly air, dominate the 98 THE GARDEN. [February 10, l'.tnn. plants around. It is the ancient Lily of the anus of France, the Fleur-de-lys of St. Louis and of the Royal House. It grows plentifully among the rocks, and it is a striking sight to see associated with its handsome blue-violet bloom the innumerable flowers of the yellow Oorydalis (C. lutea), another southern plant that has made itself at home with us, and whose long season of bloom gives our walls so bright and lively a note of colour. Several kinds of Pinks, and foremost the sweetly-scented Dianthus plumarius, often fully double (for the single-flowered type is rare in our gardens), have found a home in these old walls that borderthe wearisome iron road. The yellpw-flowered Hawkweeds (Hieracium), the aromatic Thymes, Germander (Teucrium Chamsedrys), many kinds of Saxifrage, and, above all. the Stonecrops (Sedum) of various forms, the charming Campanulas, with their blood. How wonderful and beautiful it all is ! Then in cool and shady places and in north- ward facing slopes, the face of the wall is hidden by a thick clothing of Toadflax (Linaria Cym- balaria), whose long slender growths trail about in all directions, closely set with innumerable flowers like tiny Snapdragons of a modest and yet cheerful lilac colour, whose effect is height- ened by a spot of orange and white upon the upper lip. This is also a naturalised plant of southern origin. The bright and graceful] frondage of a number of Ferns springs up on every side amid a setting of lovely Mosses. And all this little world of green life, so varied in kind and shape, seems to be well and happily placed, though apparently nourished only by what it may borrow from the air and the weather, and from the dampness of the rock. It is indeed a picture full of charm that, be the Great. Artist sounding the nhul note upon the unite instrument, and thereby pouring into the human heart the welcome flood of poesy ! How sad a sight would be the gloonn lock of Monaco were it not for the fragrant many- coloured plants that give it life! How dull would be the rocky Ligurian mountain walls if Lavender and CistllS, Hyssop and Fig Marigold were not there to flash out their resplendent flame and waft abroad their intoxicating perfume. H. ( Ioerevon. Geneva. CAMPANULA isi i]-ll VI.I.A ALBA IN A ROCK WALL. dainty little blue bells, the yellow Rock Hoses, so pleasant to see. the Knapweeds, the yellow Foxglove all these abound, and mingle to the ueaxinuoi a stianuelx I icautiful, many-coloured flowery carpet. But dominating the whole of this incomparable picture, by the importance of their colour-value, are the huge vermilion panicles of I he bed Valerian, or Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus ruber), another plant escaped from gardens, ami whose home is in the south of Europe. A never-dying flame seems to play anion;.; its upright branches, while an intensity of vitality, a least of colour, a busy movement of brilliancy pervade the bright bloom throughout iis long flowering season ; and while the heights above are whitening under the sheetsof the fragrant Poet's Narcissus, as under a mantle of snow, a thousand feet below, along the blue lake shore, the rocks are as if red with the time of the year what it may, ever presents itself in some new. aspect and conveys some new impression of delight. It is not only our walls of Lavaux that present these charming pictures, enriched as they are by some of the plants of important aspect, originally "escapes" from neighbouring gardens, but that have been established in them for centuries. Wherever these retaining walls occur we find them specially beflowered, and deserving of the close attention of the poet, the painter and the naturalist. Along that wonderful coast that men call the ('oast of Azure; along the luminous sunlit shores of the Mediterranean, the rock walls are the haunt of many a brilliant and dainty flower, sweet of scent and admirable in form. These bright living things grip hold of the dull, dead wall, endowing it with life and beauty ; it is COLD WEATHER NOTES. Tea Roses ash Wallelowebs. Fhiist has returned, nut '11 of it, as I was assured there was three weeks ago, a fact about which, nut having pat out a registering thermometer myself. I feel some scepticism, still quite enough to need watching. The dwarf Tea Roses, both the younger and the older ones, are all safely tiled in under a comfortable quilt of earth up to their chins, and over that again bracken, tied into lung bundles, and laid one on either side of the Roses, a plan that makes it e ing closer and scatter less than when merely littered. I think they are safe, though the cutting winds of last week following the previous frost are trying, espe- cially to tin' late comers. Every year I am astonished afresh at the hardiness of Tea Hoses. hybrids, dwarfs and climbers alike. Examining some of the former on a mild day this week. I found that t he little pink buds — leaf buds of course, not flowei buds — had grown perceptibly since I last looked at them, though anything less like Rosc- growing weather than the in- terval had been could hardly he imagined. Up to the second week of December there were (lowers to be picked on many, Dr. (trill and Princesse do Sagan being perhaps the kindliest ill that respect, if it is not discour- teous to pick out where nearly all were kind. Most of the beds in our litt'e Dutch garden are now filled with dwarf Teas, overgrown in the usual way with Saponarias. Se- iluius. Saxifrages, and Pansics. and, for a winter garnish, Wall- flowers, which, tie ing pulled up in the spring, do the Ibises, as far as I can observe, no harm. 1 wonder if most people grow those two genuinely unmistakable win- ter-flowering Wallflowers, Ear- liest of All and Early Parisian? As a question of colour I myself prefer Wood red or Harbinger, but the other two begin in October and go on till late March, and there is hardly a day during all that time Imt a fair handful cannot be gathered. Harbinger, despite its name, cannot be counted on here till the beginning of March. Blood-red and the most of the yellows arc still later. At this moment we have four or five big vases tilled with Wallflowers, and if gathered in bud and plunged deep they come out very well. If gathered after very hard frost has made their heads droop, they rarely, I think, recover ; but a moderate amount of frost they seem to take little heed of. and two or three year old plants do quite' as well as the younger ones. though too lanky and dishevelled to lie of much use in beds. Genuine winter flowers are so very near to all of our hearts, and the list of them is. alas! so exceedingly short, that it is a comfort to have some- thing that one can absolutely depend on besides February 10, 1900.] THE GAEDEN. 99 Christmas Roses, Chimonanthus, Munstead Prim- roses, and the ever-faithful yellow Jasmine. Snowdrops, it is true, are just beginning to prick out (I gathered quite a large bunch yesterday), Winter Aconites are well above ground, and Scillas are promising to follow. Nevertheless, the frost fiend still hovers suddenly : the air has an edge cutting as spite or hate. By night the stars wink derisively, and winter is still at the very top of his strength. Emily Lawless. Hazelhatch, Gomshall. WOODLAND AND FOREST. TIMBER A CROP PAID. THAT I THINK it was the present honorary sec- retary of the U.S.A. S. that stated not long since that the difficulty hitherto in satisfying owners of land when advised t<> plant was that it had not been possible hitherto to point to examples of crops reaped and -old, and supposititious estimates were distrusted. That is. indeed, our diffi- culty at the present time. It is quite an easy matter to go into any wood and count and value the trees standing for what they are actually worth at current prices, but no wary advocate of planting would like to put forward a valuation of that kind as an encouragement to planters, because the honest figure is usually on the wrong side, and very seldom a correct record has been kept of previous thinnings. We know but few woods in which the standing crop would realise even a small margin ol profit. I have one example, however, to relate that [ would like to give for what it is worth, and although 1 am not going to attempt to go through the orthodox process of comparing the value received for the crop with the original outlay invested at 1 per cent., I shall furnish planters with particulars that can lie vouched for and which tell their own tale. Everything c innected with the valuation and sale passed through my hands not long since, and the age of the wood 1 also know, the nature of the ground, and its value. I knew the owner of the land, who planted the wood just about sixty- five veais ago from now. I knew tile nursery man who planted the trees, and I sold the crop for the planter's son, who is not yet an old man. The case is unique because the plantation was never thinned. On one of the spurs of the Pennine range in Yorkshire, some 1300 feet above the sea and close to a famous grouse moor, the owner of a small farm had 10 acres of bad land on the higher portion of his ground. S > poor was the soil that the tract was locally known as "Hunger Hills." tin1 soil being thin, with here and there a tuft of Heather or wiry grass, and worthless for crops or pasture. Larch planting was then popular, and as the owner of the moors adjoining was planting extensively, the fanner resolved to plant his 4" acres also, and did do. putting the trees in about 4 feet apart. He divided the 10 acres into two lots of 20 acres each by a row of posts set up between them. and when he died he left one lot to each of his two sons, telling them, SO the son told me, that each lot of 20 acres ought to be worth £1000 to them some day. One son sold his lot bit by bit at different times, but the other son kept his almost intact till the day it was sold for 6950 nett, the money being paid in one cheque before the trees were felled. The present owner of the wi «»| told mi' that he did not remember the trees being actually planted, but he remem- bered well going into the plantation to cut whip stocks when the trees w^ere about as high as himself, and when sold the plantation would be about sixty-three years of age, and I have known the plantation for half that period. It is held by advocates of planting that the value of poor and waste lands may be raised by planting, and this is a case in point. The land before it was planted was so poor and exposed, that the owner could not have let it for pasture unless he had thrown some of his better land to it, and then, perhaps, it might have been worth perhaps is. per acre rent. Tin- be added to that, making- the amount £1000. Omitting fractions, this comes to about £50 per acre for the sixty-three years, or 16s. per acre annually, while under the Larch, or there- about, and the difference between 16s. and the rent of the land for agricultural purposes, before given, represents the increase in value by planting. I say nothing about rates and taxes or fences, as the former would have had to be paid in any case, and the fences were there before — one side belonging to the grouse moor and the other to the wood dry walls, and only PLANTS o\ A WALL IN THE JARDIN Al.l'IN H \i el. I M ATATInN . GENEVA: ANTIRRHINUM SAX1FRArchids to cultivate, requiring onlj a temperature that does not sink lielow In ('.(.id Fahr.)." Like a g 1 many Orchids, it is veryeasilj grown for half a dozen \ ears or so after being imported, but the latent vitality stored up in the native pseudo-bulbs seems gradually to decline after a time, although there are many instances of cultivators succ I ing in prolonging the vigour of the plants for a considerable number of years. The infinite variety of colour and form to be found in this handsome species of Lycaste is admirable. Besides the pure white varieties there are others nearly white. A very distinct form i- L. armeniaca : it hasatinge of yellow ill the sepals and the lip, the petals being white. Others have the petals anil sepals white-, with a pink or rose Hush. Many have rose ami rose carmine sepals ami petals, with a crimson - maroon lip. Numerous names are given in the various works dealing with this Orchid since the large batch of plants was sent over from Guatemala by Mr. George I" re- Skinner in 1841, but probably few of them are now in existence, all that is left of them being a pleasant memory. One of the most successful cultivators of Lycaste Skinnerii some twenty years ago was Mr. Henry Little, of Baronsholt, The Barons, Twickenham. He used to exhibit splendid specimens with a score of flowers or more on each of them. Mr. Little is still a keen culti- vator of orchidaceous plants, anil could reveal something of the details of culture of this fine plant. One gardener used to grow it well in a mixture of leaf-mould and fibrous peat, the plants being placed at the cool end of a ( 'at t leva house. This, I believe, is the best position for them, as they do not like a high temperature, but the cool house does not seem to answer in winter, although they would do well there during the summer and early autumn. I grow the plants at the cool end of the Cattleya house, where the temperature would be from 50° to 55° as a minimum in winter. Keep the leaves clean by sponging occasionally, and do not over-rest the plants in the resting period. The bulbs ought not to shrink from lack of moisture. In the growing season the supply of water should be liberal. The flowers last a long time in good condition, but, like all ( hchiils the sepals and petals of which are of a fleshy nature, they are apt to become marked with decay spots in a low temperature ami a damp-laden atmosphere. A very handsome variety is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 4445, which is thus described: "Sepals white, tinged blush ; petals white, more tinged with blush than the sepals." Mr. fiateman described it- as early as 1840 under the name of Maxillaria Skinnerii in the "Botanical Kegister," mis. lul. He says : "This is the finest Maxillaria I ever saw. It has a gentle odour, but the lip is magnificently purply white, with centre tigered in deep rose colour. Flowers in December ami January, and even in April have I seen it." The flower he describes was t: inches across. The forma- tion of the flowers of L. Skinnerii, their infinite variety of colour, and their substantial and rounded form place them nearer to florists' flowers than any other Orchids known to me. Mr. Homer, referring to his best white variety, says : " 1 never saw such an upstanding, bold, and shapely form quite a florist's type. It has huge bulbs ami shapely foliage ; the lead- ing blooms were larger than the one sent." At Lowfields, as at Greta House, Mr. Horner has proved himself as great an adept at cultivating ( irchids as Tulips ami Auriculas. His greatest feat at Lowfields was obtaining a lot of worn- out plants of Cattleya citrina, and restoring them under his careful management into their pristine vigour. The culture of Orchids must be a labour of love; they cannot thrive under the care of a gardener who is not deeply interested in them, as they require careful watching morning, noon, and night ; but this applies to all classes of plants, from Pumpkins to Pine-apples and from Seiluins to Orchids. The enthusiast succeeds. .1. 1 (otJGLAS. CYPRIPEDIUMS. Seasonable Notes. The winter-flowering section of species and hybrids that have recently passed out of flower may lie examined t" ascertain the condition of the potting compost, anil where necessary Repotting may In- proceeded with. The kinds that have recently passed out of flower include such well- known species as C. venustum, C. eallosum, and the many varied and beautiful forms of the niontamnn section .of C. insigne. The older known, or salytense form, which flowers later and is still in perfection, should not lie disturbed until the flowers are removed. Such hybrids as have been derived from the intercrossing of the above species, and the C. Spicerianum hybrids, which include C Leeanum, < '. Ceres, C. Hera, C. Allanianum, and numerous other varieties, may also be included. A plant should not lie repotted unless the compost has become sour and decayed or the plants have become too large for the pot. Where the soil has got into bad condition, turn the plants out of the pots. carefully removing all the decomposing material, ami nit away all decayed matter. Wash the roots by dipping them in a pail of warm water, thus cleansing them from decayed matter. In cases where the plants have outgrown the pots and the roots have become matted and adhere to the sides of the pots, break the pots, and so liberate the imprisoned roots. It is difficult to attempt to turn plants out of the pots when in this condition without injury to the roots. Breaking the pot, therefore, is the only means by which this may be avoided. In repotting, tin- pots used should be sufficiently large to contain the plants comfortably. These should In- cleaned and drained to two-thirds their depth with clean broken potsherds. Then place the plant in position, and work in a few more crocks about the roots, and till up the remaining portion with the potting compost, making the whole moderately firm about the base of the plants. 'I'm: Potting Compost. Tlie material required for the neighbourhood of London and in smoky districts should consist of good fibrous peat and living Sphagnum Moss, two parts of the former to one of the latter. To this may In- added a liberal sprinkling of rough sand or finely-broken crocks. In brighter and more favour- able atmospheric conditions, a liberal portion of good fibrous loam may be added with advantage for such species as C. insigne and its allied sec - tions of the green-foliaged varieties. Unless the surrounding conditions are favourable, it is not advisame to include loam. To Increase the Stock. With regard to rare and valuable plants, it is nut always an advantage to rely on a single specimen longer t han is absolutely necessary. Cypripe.diums, like other plants, are prone to disease and death. It is, therefore, advisable to procure a second plant as early as possible. Large plants are mure difficult to accommodate than smaller ones, and they are ma generally so useful when required for decora- tion. In the ease of special varieties, a plant may be divided that has three successive growths on a rhizome, making the division intermediate between the second and third growth hark by rutting the rhizome asunder. The best lime to effect this is when tin new roots are being emitted from the base of tin- last or newly-made growth. When in i Ins condition they quickly get hold of the new material ami become re-established. After the rhizome has been out, remove the portion desired with as much mot and as little injury as passible, ami without disturbing the back growth, but fill in any spare made with potting compost, and in due time new growth will appear. The breaking up of large specimens is best done at the potting season and I he divisions potted up in the usual way. Repotted plants should be thoroughly watered, using rain water, administered through a mode- rately coarse rose on the water-can. H. J. Chapman. ORIGIN & HISTORY OF SOME OLD GARDEN FLOWERS. Lakkspues (Delphinium Consolida, /.., and I). Ajacis, the Rocket Larkspur) have been grown about 300 years in England; but only i he former is wild, being common in cornfields about ( lambridge. and in Sussex, near Steyning, in I860. White, pink and blue-flowered varieties abounded. Oonsolida was the name given to February 10, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 101 certain plants, including our two Daisies and the Comf rey, in the Middle Ages, as "consoli- dating" broken bones; but the word was not applied to the Larkspur until the 16th century. Ajacis is derived from Ai Ai, as these letters are said to be stamped n ^ (PcBonia officinalis, L.). — This is the source of the common and numerous single and double sorts. It is a native of Southern Europe, and grows in rocky places in Italy. &c. Those varieties with broader leaves ami larger flowers were called "male,' ami others of a in' iic starved condition with smaller flowers and narrower leaf-segments were considered '•female." The Paeony was used in medicine in the 14th century. A variety called 1'. corallina was established on the island "Steep-holmes," and regarded as introduced ; but since several Mediterranean plants found their way to Normandy, thence to the Channel Islands, anil to tic south-west of England and south-east of Ireland, the Pseony might well be one of that little Hock. PoPPY (Papaver somniferum, />.). — The Opium Poppy is with but little doubt tile cultivated form of I', setigerum of South European cornfields. A medicinal plant through the Middle Ages, it might have been introduced by the Romans, to whom it and opium were well known. The juice of the Poppy, Hemlock, Bryony, Lettuce and Henbane mixed with vinegar was an anaesthetic drug called "dwale," for surgical operations ; after which, the patient was awakened by rubbing his temples with salt and vinegar. It is the " ( Sail of Scripture. Scarlet Popp1* (Papaver Rkneas, L.). — This was cultivated in Pliny's time. Varieties of various shades as well as double ones have probably b son long in cultivation, but we owe it to the skill of the Rev. \Y. Wilks to have established the new race of Shirley Poppies, raised from one flower in which the red petals were slightly margined with white. From this, by selection, all the numerous existing sorts were derived. Another step was to eliminate tic black anthers. Thi - was done and the race established. ( 'i.oyk Pink ( Dianthus I 'aryophyllus, A.) is a native of tie Mediterranean region, and illus trates the wonderful varieties of form and colour produce,! by various soils, &c, under cultivation. Ir was formerly called Gilloflower, a corrup- tion of ( 'aryophyllus. It is occasionally found wild on old walls like the Wallflower, anil. therefore, was probably grown in monastery gardens of the Mid lie Ages, a'7 many varieties existed in the 16th century. An interesting hint ai a possible cross-fertilisation in Nature occurs in "The Winter's Tale, where it is said of streaked Gilliflowers, "Some call Nature's bastards." S i, too, Shakeap lare speaks of "pale Primroses that die unmarried." Tim. Cabbage \m> Provence Roses (Rosa centifolia). This is the Rose of the classics and the source of attar or oil of Roses. It appears to have been brought from the Easl at been a native of South Europe, but probably I exterminated from fields to be grown in gardens. This was the case in Malta, where it is now occasionally found by peasants' houses. It was called Argentea, Argentine or Lilie in a list of plants of the 13th century. Po3t records it as still growing wild on Mount Lebanon. (!. H i:\si.ow. FRAME COVERED. an early period, and has been long cultivated in Europe. Lindley says it is indigenous in the eastern parts of the Caucasus. The Creek writers from Homer downwards speak of it. Herodotus writes of the Roses of the garden of Midas having more than sixty petals. The same Rose probably was grown in the Rosalia of Psestum. Asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus, L). - This was called by Turner (a.m. 1548) Albucus, Hastula regia or Duche Affodil ; it was known in the I 1th century as "clansing grease." The word "Affodil " .nave rise to d'Affodil, but it is not clear why tlie latter name became applied to the Narcissus. Prof. Skeat says, "perhaps derived from the French, Fleur d'Affrodille." Since the name is derived from the Latin, it, perhaps, was introduced by the Romans. Quantities grow on rocky billy ground in Malta. White Lily (I. ilium eandidum, L.). — Well known to the ancients, and cultivated in gardens in Egypt and Persia, \ the doctrinaires. The tillage was carried down tii the chalk, ami the three layers were more or less churned uj> together. The unanimous testimony of the most intelligent farmers is that the experi- ment was a failure, causing long-continued infer- tility, and they have reverted to a shallow ploughing of 4 inches or ."> inches. As to horti- culture in the same district, I have under my eyes a large pieee of new vegetable ground, broken up out of old pasture land by a neighbour about eight years ago as an adjunct to his kitchen garden. Contrary to my advice, He trenched it, burying the excellent thick soil beneath the clay umlerspit. The produce of that ground is to-day entirely inferior in quality and quantity to that of some new allotment strips made out of the same pasture by simply breaking it up to one spade's depth. A far safer method is that of bastard- trenching or double digging, by which both spits are broken up. but the lower is kept in its original position. On many soils this is immediately beneficial, but it is not invariably so. Nearly the whole area of my own small garden has received this treat- ment, piecemeal, during many years without such general advantage to all crops as 1 had reason to anticipate. The behaviour of a plantation of Raspberries in particular caused me to reconsider the matter. The quarter tot these was somewhat Laboriously prepared by double digging, both spits being well manured. Excellent canes were planted, but in spite of every attention in the way of mulching and so forth, their grow th anil yield of fruit have! never been satisfactory. They have evidently suffered from want of moisture, the Raspberry's main requisite. On the other hand, a few canes in a much hotter corner of the garden, on ground which has never been dug to any depth, grow ami bear much more freely. Here. then, is a useful object-lesson, ami 1 interpret it thus: The layer of stiff clay which constitutes ray bottom spit is necessarily broken, in the process of double dig- ging, into rough lumps, too coarse to allow of a full capillary attraction of moisture from below upwards, while they offer a too ready passage tor the rainfall to run away into the chalk. The failure of these Raspberries has been of great ser- vice in leading me to a more rational and fruitful handling of m\ -oil. I do not now ever make any permanent plantation upon ground freshly double- dug, but plant it once, oreven twice if feasible, with Potatoes or some transient crop which admits of i In id fallow and a second or even third pulverisa- tion of the lower spit. This is not so tedious as appears if foresight is used and the garden routine planned two seasons in advance. On many other soils of course such a lengthy procedure is not necessary : I have instanced my own as a proof that n ie general law of treatment can lie laid down for all places. The very expression "deep cultivation" is apt to set beginners in gardening on a wrong track. It i- c mini t" read such advice as " dig deeply. and then your plants can send their roots right down for food and out of the drought." Now there are deep-rooting plants, but there are vastly more wlinh love to keep their roots within the warmed ami aerated surface layer of soil. A spade pushed along horizontally li inches or 7 inches below the surface of a mixed border will remove the bulk of the plants uninjured. Or throw an inch or two of -wed -ml on such a border, or within reach "t a fruit lice, anil see how the feeding rootlets rush up into it. Kven our great forest trees feed in the same way. My stores of turf, leaf-mould. &c, arc stacked a ii-\v yards from the stem of a huge Horse I ihestnul ; if not moved for a few weeks they become like door-mats of its fine fibres. It is well ascertai 1 that the unfruitful condition of so large a proportion of our older orchards is chiefly owing to their over-deep planting. We seem to have only recently learned how to plant fruit trees. A curious instance of the discomfort of plants at an unaccustomed depth has come in my way. I flower a good many Narcissi annually under glass: the pots are plunged in ashes during the winter. Two or three times it has happened that an over-thick covering of ashes has been thrown over them, with the result that the long white roots come straight up out of the pots, like the antenna- of some lost creature groping upwards to the light. We are always being told to trench manure in deeply, but the deep burying of manure is either wasteful or injurious : either it is below the teach of the plants, or it entices their roots to an unwholesome depth. It sounds paradoxical to say that deep cultivation. front the feeding point of view, should be done upwards as well as downwards, but I believe it to be true. Garden refuse, for instance, should not be trenched in deeply, as is too often advised, but rotted in heaps with lime, or burned, and spread little by little on the surface, where it can lie worked in by the hoe. A surprising fertility can be maintained by these slight hints constantly repeated. How generally the elementary truth is ignored that plants, like babies, can take their nutriment only as liquid, and therefore want all solid food put within grasp of the rain, and not below it ! Undoubtedly as we advance in our know ledge of artificial manuring, which as yet is in Little more than the empirical stage, we shall more and more feed our plants by small potable doses administered from the surface. The foregoing must not lie read as a blank nega- tion of the value of deep cultivation. Deep culti- vation is immensely beneficial if its object Is underst 1. and if it is accordingly carried out in a purposeful way. That object is, in a word, //e opening "/' "J communication, primarily with regard to the water supply. Water is a plant's first requisite : it can grow- to some extent, without light, it can grow without soil — witness the Hyacinth in its glass — but it cannot grow without water. The perfection of our crops of flowers, fruit, and vegetables varies very much in the same ratio as that of the water supply. We have not yet learned to call down rain from the sky. nor even to be ashamed of and to remedy our gross waste of that which falls. But by maintaining our soils in the fittest possible texture we can do much to secure to our crops the whole available supply of moisture from both above and below. In the first place, there must he a free passage of the rainfall downwards. " not rudely fast nor obsti- nately slow." carrying the food solutions gently, as it passes, to the little mouths of the rootlets. In farm work it may happen that the constant sliding of the plough and tread of the horses at the same level compresses a dense clay into an impervious "pan," and this must occasionally be broken by a deeper ploughing if the soil is not to In water-logged. To make a garden on certain foi inations. a pan of rock or lime incrustation may have to be broken up by double digging. But this work has a far more common usefulness in leading the water upwards. If we can effect a finer granu- lation of the second spit, we multiply anil deepen the slender capillary tubes which continually pass the moisture up to the layer of soil where the tine roots an- ranging. Although it may sometimes be to drain a wet soil that we dig so deep, neverthe- less the aim is still the same — to supply moisture. It is only after a riddance of stagnant wet that this healthy capillary action can be set up. As the right movement downwards of the rain from above ami upwards of the moisture from below depends upon the granulation of the soil, so its warmth, aeration, and other desirable conditions depend in turn upon this movement. But this granulation, this ideal spacing of the soil particles, is not necessarily obtained by the simple putting topsy-turvy of the two spits, nor even in all soils by double-digging once and for all. If we break tin- under spit into hard lumps with cracks between them, we do not assist, lint interrupt the capillary action. There may In- soils in which, by some geological vagary, the under spit is of better mechanical and chemical constitution than the upper. And there are river deposits of uniform alluvium 12 feet in depth — I have seen one such on the Norfolk coast being trenched four spades deep. Butsuch soils are very rare, and even then a long exposure to the atmo- sphere is necessary to quicken material which has lain so long cold anil inert. The general conclu- sion seems to be that trenching proper is ran I\ advisable, while bastard-trenching is usually bene- ficial, but should in many soils be repeated once, if not oftener, before the establishment on the ground of a permanent plantation. If this cannot be done, then, contrary to the prevalent doctrine, such soils will be more productive if never dug more than one spade deep, but gradually deepened by surface applications. G. H. Em: I. KM EABT. I have read with interest your correspondent's remarks in the issue for January "2(1 (p. 4lil respecting my article on the above in The Garden for the previous week. I am not in the least surprised to find that some exceptions are taken to what I there said, for, as stated then, I know few people agree with me on this subject. Mr. Hall considers my advice much too brief, and be thinks there must be some mistake. He ques- tions how the hungry subsoil brought to the surface can be brought into a tit state for seed-sowing, &c. Now. 1 am quite sure Mr. Hall, as a practical man. will agree that the influence of the weather, light. ami air does a very great deal towards perfecting lit matters not what the nature of the soil be) the surface for this operation, equally as much as when trenching is performed in the ordinary way. Nevertheless, I do not pretend to say but that some little difficulty may lie experienced for the first season, especially should the weather be unfavourable and on land that is of a stilt', retentive nature. But surely this is easilv overcome by drawing deep drills and introducing a little fine porous soil for the finer seeds. I need not say anything about the sandy soil for sowing, as I think none will question that little difficulty will be experienced in sowing in this, even if it be pure sand. If Mr. Hall will take the trouble to read my article again, he will observe I advocate working in plenty of manure, garden refuse, ftc, which in time will of course help to improve the nature of the soil and make it in a workable condition. Mr. Hall also says he knows it will take nearly a lifetime to bring clay into anything like a suitable surface lor general garden crops. Here I respect- fully beg to differ, for I can prove — and indeed it can be substantiated by scores of people — that land treated as I have advised eight years ago is now in a splendid workable condition, and will grow successfully almost any kind of vegetable. My remarks applied solely to the kitchen garden. Now in making a kitchen garden it is generally supposed it will have to do duty for many years, possibly for generations; therefore surely it should he the aim of those in charge to have tin- greatest depth of workable soil possible, and how can this be accomplished unless a thorough system of trenching is carried out? It will be patent to everyone that if this is done, the first top spit buried at the bottom will eventually he brought to the surface again to do duty ; conse- quently the whole of the soil to the depth of ,i feet becomes changed. And I assure my readers good soil buried at a great depth is not lost, for in dry weather especially many- of our deep-rooted sub- ject-- will find n out and benefit by it considerably. 1 carefully noted last autumn, when taking up one of out principal Onion beds, that the mots had penetrated fully 3 feet. It is the duty of everyone to produce the greatest bulk from a given spine. anil I am thoroughly convinced that fully double the quantity of vegetables can be obtained by deep cultivation on the same sized piece of ground than from that treated in the ordinary way. This is an important subject upon which 1 shall have some- thing further to say in the future. Deep cultivation means better and more profitable crops. K. Beckett. Aldenham Hous average temperature for July by 1'2°, includ- ing the hottest day of the year, the Kith of the month, the maximum being 87 '70. To those who never tire of depreciating our climate, and who say that we cannot ripen Grapes in England, I beg to reply by calling their attention to a simple fact. I cut ray Grapes in 1888 about October HI, and immediately went to France, and about forty-eight hours after cutting my own I went into the market at Rheims and closely ■!..;.-V- -- - r*®mJ Syrian Llyearaold Trebbiano, 16yeargold. Brandt, etandard 9 feet high. FIG. .V). — CLEMENT HOARE'S LONG ROD TRAINING. found I had made a bad beginning by allowing Vines on walls to fruit before their fifth year, although by this time the Black Hamburgh had attained to tin- necessary 2.', inches in circumference. In ls77 I had the first opportunity of observing Vines in different parts of France, and very soon formed the opinion that we could grow as good in England in some seasons, and at all times nearly as good. I also exchanged English Vines for French one- with friends in the celebrated winegrowing departments; and so for some years I had Pineau Noir from Champagne and the Clos de Vougeot, Carbinet Sauvignon from Chateau Lafite, and sundry others. I bad good Grapes in IS7S on my Black Ham- burgh and Buckland Sweetwater, anil according to Hoare's rule I pruned these two Vines in October. Had 1 not done so 1 have no doubt they would have flowered and tried to fruit a second time that year, as many others did. as 1 will notice later on. Early in 187C> I heard of Lord Bute's new vine- yard in South Wales* and went to see it. taking good note of everything about it. and described it ma letter published in the Times. The slope of this vineyard on the south lace of the hill of ( astel Coch is very beautiful, sheltered by plenty of timber above the old rastle, anil by other hills all round, except din- south, where the view extends to the Bristol Channel, five or six miles off. Lord Bute made the same mistake as I had done: he made In first wine iii I S7S, before the Vines were See R.H.S. Jow nal. vol. wii. examined those on sale there. They were no better, scarcely so good as mine. No doubt tire Rheims market I i rapes were taken for the most part either' from vineyards or gardens in which the Vines were grown as bushes or espaliers, with a few from cottage walls, and my Grapes were grown on a south wall in a suburb of London. But whatever disadvantage the Rheims Grapes laboured under by being grown in the open was, I think, not unfairly matched by my Grapes at that time not getting the sun until after 12 o'clock. I may here remark that in such years as 1879 and 1SSS, besides tin' low temperature and absence ot sunshine, there is excessive moisture and also a more smoky atmo- sphere, house tires being maintained almost con- tinuously throughout the season. If the clerk of the weather would only predict the main characteristics of the weather of such years, we might make good use of them by making them "Sabbatical" years. The idea of a "Sab- batical " year has very much to recommend it, especially in the ease of Vines. I include it in the calculations I have made with regard to the cost ot planting and management of vineyards when consulted about whether they will pay in this eoruiti \ . Leaving tin' theory on one side, let anyone, whether coin ted with the wine trade or not, consider this: The great 1893 vintage in France severely taxed the Vines, which not only during the 1 1(1 days that it takes to make a vintage, but for' a month besides, had no more than half an inch of rain, arrd in some places none at all. The truth is, tin' Vines were crippled. Both the fruiting canes and the new ones should have been pruned right out and a "Sabbatical" year's recuperation allowed them. If this had been done there would have been none of the Vine diseases which were rampant in 1S!I4, and the great expense of chemically cleansing and stimulating the Vines to produce a vintage which when produced was in my opinion, in the first place, not wanted, arrd. in the second place, very inferior-, would have been saved. Without the wines of that year- those of 1893 would have fetched — as they deserved — better prices, and the wirres of the following year, though generally good, would have been far better, more abundant, and more remunerative to the growers. I should very much like my readers t insider this matter- fairly and without prejudice. What- ever may be done under glass in the management of Vines, I claim for them in the open every reasonable consideration. If the quality of Grapes and the wine made from Grapes off old Vines is better than that from young plants, then this is a special reason for respecting the strength and health of the Vine. I also submit that strong manures, or those of a suddenly quick and stimulating action, like blood, should be forbidden. It should always be remembered that the best wines grow in poor soil, calcareous, chalky, gravelly, slaty schist. &c. If it be true, as Clement Hoare says, that the Vine outlives every other "tree." surelythat is a natural instruction to us how to treat it. If, as it advances in age, a large part of its roots rise towards the surface, should not the spade and the plough be rigorously excluded from their neighbourhood, and only the hoe and the fork admitted ? There is also a serious objection to the use of chemical applications to cure diseases, wdiieh are, to at least some extent, the result of a greedy system of cultivation. It was not greedy for the viticulturist to take all that Nature provided so richly in 1893, but he ought to have guessed (if he did not know) that then his Vines needed rest. Only seven years had passed since the disappear- ance of mildew in an epidemic form, and the renovation of the vineyards by grafting French varieties on American roots had almost entirely got rid of the damage done by Phylloxera vestatrix. An enormous increase took place in the quantity of wine grown — 50 per cent, did not cover the increase in the production of some of the best known claret vineyards. Commercially the mildew years did very ser ions harm to the claret trade. If 188b had been eliminated, it would have been better for everybody concerned. If it had been a " Sab- batical" year, then 18S7 would have had the immense advantage of being not only a very good, but also a very abundant year- cheaper- no doubt, but far- more profitable. It may here be usefully remarked that the appli- cation no*, of one — for- that seldom succeeds — but of repeated washings of the bouillie Bordelaise is risky, as was shown ii one of Messrs W. and A. Gilbey's circulars. A vineyard in the Medoc was named by them, in which tin- , Meet of counteracting tin- mildew ill this way had an undesired and untoward effect. The Vines were so stimulated by these dressings that they made an unhealthy and pri ions autumnal growth, did not shed their leaves as u ual, but wen- caught and. to a very serious extent, destroyed h\ severe frost in November. The mention of this circumstance brings me naturally to the question of when Vims should be pruned. Unhesitatingly I say prune in October. Along with the question of how to prune, which I shall go into separately, it is primarily a con- sideration of what is best for the plant both presently and in the long run. The growth of a healthy Vine is so great that it both invites and demands suitable management and control, and we must adopt the plan that will best preserve its health and strength — in other words, its fruit bearing powers. Autumn pruning causes the least shock to its .system and the least loss of sap which we call bleeding —indeed, generally there is none at all in October, and the wounds caused by pruning dry naturally before the advent of frost severe enough to hurt the plants. On the other hand, the alternative of spring February 10, 1900.] THE GARDEN. Ill pruning causes certain loss of strength by bleeding, and this often continues to a serious extent. I am at this moment thinking both of French and English Vines. Admitting for a moment that the recu- perative power of the French Vines, with more sunshine than ours have, is greater than ours, they also have more risks to encounter, e.;/. , their earlier bud-pushing and flowering exposes them (two years nut of three) to dangerous spring frosts that ours escape. In either case the Vine wants its whole strength, uncrippled by bleeding, to go on and accomplish its annual task. To my mind there is something more than adopting an opinion and practising a system in this matter, for, unless I am greatly mistaken, it will lie difficult, if not impos- sible, to name any other plant the equal of the Vine in the open air in repaying intelligent care bestowed liberally and regularly upon it. Judging from my own garden and from others, I think this must lie called a good Grape year. The best row of Vines in the middle of my garden is the subject of a sketch I made in the middle of this month of September, just as the standard Brandt with over forty small black bunches (seen on the right of tig. 55) attained maturity. This Vine is nine years old, very strong and wild ; it resents control, and is the earliest ripener within my knowledge. Its foliage is rapidly assuming splendid scarlet and purple tints. I mean to graft some more valuable variety upon it. The Brandt is about il feet high, and the top rail of the supports reaching to it is about 7 feet from the ground. The middle plant is Trebbiano. sixteen years old, with only half a dozen small bunches. This also 1 intend to graft with better open-air varieties. The Vine on the left is a Syrian, thirteen years old, with very strong stout wood. It has three bunches of its own. only one of which is of the usual immense size. The fate of these is to go under pie-crust, as if they were Gooseberries. One year I put them in with all the others to make wine. There is a graft on the right arm of this Vine with six bunches of red Grapes, but these have got mildew this year. I am not sorry for having tried on the south gable of Mr. Will Tayler's house at Hampton. It is higher on the wall than I should grow it, and involves considerable ladder work to train and develop it (tig. 56). Most possessors of such a Vine would get little or nothing from it. It is the common neglect or mismanagement of wall Vines that keeps back the general ana profitable cultivation of them. This one of Mr. Tayder's is a great advance on ordinary methods, and the result is most encouraging. Mr. Tayler received this Vine from ( lermany under the name of Reine Olga. Reprinted by permission from t/u Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, is1.)!). KITCHEN GARDEN. T AUBERGINES. HESE are vegetables rinding little favour in this country, but on the Continent they are seen regularly in all the large markets, and command a ready sale. is commonly called, is not at all a bad plant from a decorative point of view. I admit the large kinds are a little stiff, but the smaller and well-coloured fruits give variety. There are several kinds, but for use as a vegetable I prefer the black-fruited variety. It is useless to grow these plants in any quantity unless special care is taken in the cooking, as if rooked carelessly, much in the same way as our Vegetable Marrow's, I would prefer the latter, which may be grown by anyone. These plants do well trained to a warm wall or covering a trellis, and during the past two summers I have seen them growing in the open merely supported by stakes. Anyone wdio succeeds in growing the large-fruiting varieties of Capsicums would not fail with the Aubergines. Those who have not the best of soil or sheltered positions, or lack a warm wall, would do well to grow them under glass, a cold frame being suitable. no. 56.— GABLE OF MB. WILL TAYLER'S HOUSE, SHOWIXO CHASSELAS VINE, SOUTHERN and studied the Syrian. I have four of them, but shall clear them out in favour of Moore's Early, < 'hasselas Rose, and some others more suitable to our climate. The shape of these two Vines I take to he the liest either on a wall or in vineyard rows. It is Clement Hoare's long-rod system produced accord- ing to his rules. Another sketch shows the best open-air- ( (rapes I have seen this year. The Vine is aChasselas Rose, Varieties. I have already "mentioned 'the value of the black- fruited kind, known as Black Pekin, the fruits being nearly black and long, not unlike a small long Marrow. The leaves are violet coloured, and even when not grown for its fruit the plant is most ornamental. This variety is one of the best for general culture on account of its free growth and cropping, but both this and several others of free growth need much food, which is best given in the form of top-dressing or liquid manure during growth. Unlike Tomatoes, they need little check- ing, as the fruit ceases to swell freely if the growth is unduly interfered with. For trellis-work the round Aubergine is specially suitable ; also for frame culture, as it is not so heavy as the black variety : at tin- same time, I do not think the quality is so good. Another, and one of the best, is the New York Purple, the largest oval variety grown, and a very handsome fruit also. The Early Purple is somewhat similar, lint earlier and smaller. There is also a reddish-coloured fruit called the Early Scarlet, but this is not so good as the black. The white bears a creamy-white, egg- shaped fruit, and is good for pot culture. There are other kinds with different coloured fruits, and some of the smaller ones are most ornamental grown as pot plants for house decoration. Their culture is simple. Seed may be sown in pots nr pans in a warm house in March or1 April, and when the seedlings are large enough they should be potted off into small pots singly or in boxes, the seedlings in this case being 3 inches apart. Later on they should be planted out in frames. If for planting at the foot of a wall, I would advise pot culture from the start and the use of a rich soil. A 6-inch pot will grow good- sized plants, ami if large fruits are needed the fruit should be thinned when set, leaving three to rive fruits on each plant. Liberal supplies of food should be given when the plants are growing freely. and ample moisture in the way of syringing all portions of the plants. Red spider is their worst enemy, and this should be kept down by frequent fumigation. The plants thrive well if well damped over in the evening after a hot day. My note does not concern the cooking, which is an important detail ; but this portion I will describe on a future occasion should the editors of The Gardes think it would interest their readers. G. Wythes. BOOKS. Home and Garden : Notes and Thoughts, Practical and Critical, of a Worker in both. By Gertrude Jekyi.l. (London: Longmans). — It has been written, not inappropriately, of Miss Jekyll's new hook that it is the " least common- place of commonplace books." Much of it — per- haps the greater part — does not come strictly within the purview of The Garden, for the home is a gem set in the garden and a part of the harmony, and we hear much of the building of the home and of the manner in which it grew out of Miss Jekyll's ideas, hammered into shape by a clever and appreciative architect. Moreover, enough is shown of the home in the numerous illus- trations, which are from photographs by Miss Jekyll herself, to leave the impression of a house unostentatious, but beautiful in no common measure. But it is not — or, at any rate, it does not aim to be — a show house, and it is evident from a gentle remonstrance in the preface that Miss Jekyll has suffered not a little from "kind and numerous, though frequently unknown, friends." Their visits have taken away from the time which she would have preferred to devote to the work which she loves, and the popularity of her book has clearly been a grievous hindrance to her in daily occupations. Personally. I know to my cost what this means. In the course of the day perhaps twenty persons call on me. Individually, each visit is a pleasure ; collectively, they make work impossible. Premising that all of this book which relates to the building of the house and to folk-lore concern- ing the names of plants, and to the grace of crafts- manship in hi in who uses common tools, is entirely delightful, let me go on to say that, when it comes to a matter of gardening, the held covered by this book is necessarily narrow. Miss Jekyll has her general principles, which are applicable to all gardens, and she is not only a wonderfully keen observer, but also accurate and expressive, even rhythmical on occasion, in describing that which she sees and hears and smells, for her senses are very acute. But practical advice she will by no L12 THE GARDEN [February 10, 1900. means give save upon matters which lie absolutelj within her knowledge and her experience. Now her experience lias been gained on what sin- calls ■■ a poor soil," and it is true that on such a soil as sIr- describes, gross-feeding plants — the better classes of H.P. Roses, for example — would certainly never grow to perfection. But the sunny hillside in Surrej . sandy although it be, is not a desperately , , soil. Birehand Pine and Heather and Bracken flourish on it in its natural state : also, there is a good sprinkling of peat in the sand, and there are many gardeners struggling with heavy clay who would be glad to have half Miss Jekyll's complaint. Still, it is rather poor stiitl', anil therefore the best soil in the world upon which to learn the two great secrets of successful cultivation. They are. firstly, to plant those things whichare natural^ best suited to the soil, and. of course, to plant them thought- full)' ; and secondly, to feed them well and to malic the fullest preparation for them. A dwindling, half -starved plant struggling against difficulties is no pleasure to anybody; careful selection among suitable varieties' will give infinitely the best results. For tillers of poorish soils there is no better guide to be found than Miss Jekyll, but her list of plants for them is far from being long. Cisti . .f many kinds. Eelianthema, Lavender and Rose- mary, "Brooms, Spanish Gorse, Jerusalem Sage. Tree Lupines. American thornless Brambles, Rhodo- dendrons and Azaleas (with careful preparation), Kalniias. anratuiii Lilies, Sea Hollies, Heaths, the blue-leaved Lyme Crass, Southernwood. Acanthus, Alstrcemerias, the Mexican Orange Flower. Aspho- dels, Mulleins. Cat-mint. Hyssop. Oriental Poppies (with deep working). Stolia-a purpurea, Gaultheria Shallon, ( lorchorus japonicus, the Tea Tree, Burnet- leaved Roses and Briars, Cluster Roses, and a few smaller plants are almost the whole tale; in fact, the struggle against Nature is seven', but the eternal principles of grouping remain the same always. I must not part from the volume without an expression of cordial admiration upon the emi nently practical chapter on "Gardening for short tenancies," with special reference to Aldershot. This, even if it were published alone, would be invaluable todwellers in I hat sandydesert. -J. E. V. The Kew Bulletin. The last issue i tains a list of hooks added to the library during 1898. A glance at this catalogue shows the com- prehensive character of the library, embracing books as widelv different as the "British Pharma- copoeia" and Edith Jackson's " Annals of Ealing from the Twelfth Centurj to the Present Time.'' Published l'\ Eyre and Spottiswoode, East Harding Street, Fled Street, E.C. Price 4.1. The Vicar's Wife, op the Great City. By Fi>\\v\ Thomas. (W. I. Richardson, Great Queen Street. W.< '. i. A sad story in rhyme of the ruin of a widow and her two children through their betrayal by the tempting financial advertisement of a rich speculator. There is a feeling throughout oi evangelical piety and tenderness. LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. There will be an evening meeting on Thursday, Februarj 16, at >» p.m., wlun the following papers will be read: "Photography of British Plants, bj Mr. J. C. Shenston; ■A New Land Planarian from the Pyrenees," by Dr. R. F. Scharff, F.Z.S. MIDLAND TARNATION AND PICOTBE SOCIETY. WE have received the ninth annual report of the above society. It contains the list of awards, the list of subscribers, and the balance-sheet for 1899, together with the schedule of prizes and rules for 1900. Time is also a list of suinc of the leading Hewers in each class suitable for exhibition. The last annual exhibition, held at the Botanic Gardens, Edgbaston, was again a great success; the Midland Counties' challenge cup was wen by Mr. Robert Sydenham. The I k contains an article on Carnation culture by the same eminent grower. The honorary secretary of the society is Mr. Herbert Smith, 22, Tenby street North. Birmingham. actioi their part, as they could not possibly foresee whether the report would be carried iii its entirety or not : and. as a matter of fact, the meeting was not in the humour to accept certain portions of that report. On the question of privilege 1, as set forth in the printed copj of the proposed amendments, there was a strong consensus of opinion against the proposed alteration, and it was the subject of several amendments. In its final form it now stands as follows : " To appoint one of its bona-fide subscribers as a delegate to the executive committee of the National Chrysanthemum Society, with power to -speak and vote my subject except finance. Tin- other proposed amendments passed without much opposition, and after a very busy evening the proceedings closed with a vole of thanks to the chairman for presiding. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. hii. next meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society will bake place in the Drill Malt. James Street, Westminster, ,,11 Tuesday, Februarj L3. The various committees will assemble at noon as usual, and at 3 o'clock the a ial general meeting oi the Bocietj will beheld a1 the societj - offices, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W, Thi ■ :il oi the Royal Horticultural Soeietj at its lasi meeting unani- mous^ requested the president, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, to allow himself to be appointed to ti medal of honour. anl \ icto RICHMOND HORTIC1 LT1 RAL SOCIETY \M» THE LATE Dl KK OF I l.< B duly held on Thursday, the 1st \t a meeting duly held on Thursday, the i*t inst. Mr. Thomas Skewes-Cox, .M.I'., chairman, in the chair, the following resolution was proposed by him, seconded bj sir Edward Hertslet, K C.B., ami unanimously adopted; Thai the Richi 1 Horticultural Society hereby places on record its deep regret at the loss which lias befallen horti- culture >'\ the death of His Highness the Duke ol Teok i ; i r. u.ftV.O., a prince who for no less than 26 years pasl had heen th< president and valued friend and supporter of this vririy. an i" their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess I \ ..i l, and the other members of the late president - familj in then Heavy bereave THE ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. THE executive committee met at the Horticultural Club on Friday, the 26th ult., Mr. "William Marshall presiding. The secretarj reported the receipt of the sum of £12 5s. from Mi'. H. .1. Jones. Lewisham, the proceeds of boxes in his Chrysanthemum houses, and it was also stated that it was the intention of the Richmond Horticultural Society, at their forthcoming show, to set apart a tent for the sale of flowers mm behalf of the hind, a practice which may be heartily commended to the notice of other horticultural societies. It was announced that Lord Battersea would preside at the animal festival of the fund, to take place at the Cafe" Monico mi Tuesday, May 8. Messrs. P. E. Kay and T. W. Swales urir elected to the vacancies on the committee caused by the death of Mr. A. Outran) and the resignation of Mr. Thomas Peed. A financial statement of a generally satis- factory character was produced, showing that there is an increase of £73 is. i d. over the receipts of 1898, and a draft report of the committee was also submitted, both of which were approved for presentation at the annual general meeting on Friday, February 10, at the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. a\ni \i. Meeting. The annual meeting of the above Bocietj was held on M ia\ last at Carr's Restaurant. Strand, when Mr. Percj Waterer occupied the chair. The attendance was large, and the proceedings excited considerable interest. Alter the minutes of the previous annual meeting had been read and confirmed, the chairman moved the adoption of the report and animal balance sheet, with which he entirely concurred, excepting that he thought a special reference should be made to the generosity of Lord Rosebery in allowing the members to have their annual outing at Mentmore, an outing which he thought was one of the most interesting and enjoyable that thej had ever had. From the report we gather that the committee congratu- late th: :■:::!•- t\ Ml tilt Z i tlSfactl :l , conlitli HI f aft 111 II:: shows for the past year appear to have maintained their high quality, the relations with provincial and foreign societies are as wide and firm as in the past, and the financial position is decidedlj encouraging. Mention is made in the report of the success of the vase -lass, which made an imposing display at the November show, and also to the competition for the National trophj and the Holmes Memorial cups. The report also contains references to the proposed modifications in the privileges granted to affiliated societies, and to the deputation that visited the French \ * J.S. show at Lyons. The financial statement shows on the receipt side that £26! L3s hi was received for members subscriptions, ci.'d Us. for donations and special prizes, £375 from the Royal Aquarium, and various other items, bringing up the total for the year from all sources to il093 0s. 5d. On the payment side it appears that the sum expended for prize tnonej at the three shows amounted to £508 13s., medal account £142 5s. 3d., secretary's salary £100. .Most of the other items are similar to those uf previous years, and a balance of £76 4s. od. is shown to the credit of the society. This will enable the reserve i 1 to lie increased. \itei some discussion, in which Messrs. Simpson, Newell, Moorman, Dean, and others look part, the motion was carried, Then followed a vote of thanks to the auditors for their services in auditing the accounts. Mr. Cholmley and Mr. Berridge responded. The election of officers for the present year then took place, with the following results: President. Sir Edwin Saunders; chairman of executive committee, Mr. Percy Waterer; vice-chairman, Mr. Thos. Be van ; treasurer, Mi\ ('. E. Wilkins; foreign corres] ling secretary, Mr. Harmon Payne. When the election of the general secretary was pro- posed Mr. T. Bevan moved that it be postponed, and that advert isements lie inserted in the gardening press for a secretary at a salary of £100 a year. This motion naturally caused a lively discussion, and in the end Mr. Richard Dean was again elected secretary by an overwhelming majority. The next item on the agenda was the election of one-third of the executive committee, who retire annually according to rule. A large number of nominations was received, and the following gentlemen acted as scrutineers of the ballot, viz., Messrs. W, Seward, Crane, J. W. Wilkinson, and J. Burn. The successful members were Messrs. Witty, J. W. M man, [ngamells, Lyne, Newell, Sturrock, * luthbert, Cholmley, Holmes, Keene, Swales, Brooks, McLeod, Foster, and Dove. Following this came the consideration of the report of tin committee appointed to consider the relations of the affiliated societies with the parent Bociety, and the secretary announced the names of several societies which had with- drawn En- consequence! This seems to lis rather premature ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Spawn on Water Lilies (E. W.).- -The only thing, il ducks and sea-gulls are banished, is to have plenty of fish in the water golden and hrown carp or perch. We do not suffer here, though we have lots of Bulimi or water snails. The caddis-worm does a little harm sometimes. Quick growing climber (G. S.). The uuickesl growing climber of a permanent character is the Virginian Creeper, which makes rapid headway. Of evergreens there is nothing better than one of the strongest growing Ivies, such as Hedcrn dentata. ('limbing Ruses. Honeysuckles, and clematis may be recommended if flowering plant, are needed, while the more vigorous Tropffiolums will, when raised from seed, soon clothe an arch. II. I'. Pot soil (JANE).— Tf yen wish to grow good plants in pots you must not mind taking trouble to get proper soil. The verj best material for pot plants generally consistsof two-thirds fairly decay; '1 turfy loam from a pasture, broken to pieces but not too line, the ether third being composed of well-decayed leaf soil and old hotbed manure, all well mixed, and added to it a fair proportion of sharp white sand to help keep the compost "pen and porous. A very little guano or even sent sprinkled in with the seil helps to improve it. Generally the final potting of plants should be quite firm. Syringing plants in greenhouse ECEI\ ED. Garden Seeds.- John Runsell, Richmond, Surrey. Garden Seeds.- John Sharps 6: Sons, Bardney, I." Fruit Trees.— W. Home, Perm Hill, Cliffe, near I! Seeds. //. Correwn, Jardin Alpin Geneva, Begonias, Foliage Plants, &c Belgium oln. ■hester. V Acclimatation, -Louix van ilontte, Ghertt, Florists Flowers and Hardy Border Plants. John Forbes, Haivick, K.B. ,. , , „ , Garden Seeds. Benjamin Soddy, -'V'. Walworth lioaa I. Ion s.i-:. jsfe*^ GARDEN. :dvto& No. 1474.— Vol. LVIL] [February 17, 1900. A GARDEN CITY. IT is commonly the fashion to greet any scheme of an Utopian nature, it' not with open ilcri.sii.H, with at least a thinly-veiled expression of something nearly akin to it. But those who will take the trouble to think for themselves cannot but perceive how immensely the embodiment of such a scheme as the one proposed by the Garden City Associa- tion would be to the benefit of numberless dwellers in our terribly crowded London, who might thcreliy escape its many dangers. Every human organisation has somewhere a limit of possible expansion, and it is plain to see that in the undue growth of a densely populated area so vast as that of this immense city, many of its related groups of inhabitants swell into unmanageable masses that have lost all useful proportion to one another. Thus many of its units, to say nothing of its whole groups, arc a hindrance instead of a help to the community, and, as a machine whose parts are not well balanced and fitted, there arises first friction, then breakage, and finally collapse, so in the over-grown and ill-balanced human aggregation will surelj come in their appointed sequence poverty, misery, and vicious and criminal waste of life. To get the people hack upon the land, to enable them to lead lives that shall he clean and wholesome, profitable, and enjoyable, surely a scheme with such an intention deserves approval and encouragement ;. the more so that its initiators bring it forward, not in a spirit of sentiment only, but as one that must necessarily he worked out upon a sound financial hasis. Their aim is thus set forth in their circular: — " Much may l« don,- to stop the depopulation of our agricultural districts by providing for the countryman the same opportunities of improvement as are so bounteously provided for his city comrade, by relieving to some extent the' monotony of countrj life, and by providing better markets for his produce, and consequently rendering his labouT more profit- able. Hut can this he done.' Let us see. Consideration of the remedy advocated by the Garden City Association for the complementary problem of overcrowding, which confronts our municipal authorities, may help us somewhat. This association recognises that there are many thousands of men and Women who would gladly leave tic noise and smoke of London if they could get work and congenial surroundings in the country, ami suggests that when improve- ment .schemes and clearances of insanitary areas are being carried into effect, it would he in the highest interests of the city and of the country if, instead of rebuilding within the city, accommodation were provided for these people mi estates, scientifically planned in the form of new cities at some distance away in the country where population is so much needed. If these proposals arc carried into effect, the result would be the introduction of organised communities into sparsely populated districts, where countrymen would he brought into close touch with the life and vivacity of the city without severing their connection with the soil, ami new markets would be opened up at their very doors. Hut have we any reason for believing such a proposal feasible 1 When we consider how cities have sprung up where special attractions have been provided by Nature or the enterprise of man, we need not, 1 think, despair of building one or more garden cities, considering that the attractions to be provided are comfortable homes, plentiful supplies of wholesome food, and opportunities for enjoying fresh ait, the green fields, and running brooks. Now, how would such an estate affect the agricultural industry in the neighbourhood I ( Jlearly, the prices for produce and the demand for labour would increase, and since the citizens would, many of them, bring their own employments, and would not entei into competition with those already on the land, a decided fillip would be given to the condition of agriculturists, and a strong encouragement would be given them to remain in the country. " In a part of the prospectus is a diagram -how inn a portion of a proposed city plan of circular figure, with a large central space of public park or garden. From this some main streets radiate, cutting wider circumferences of habitable zones. This may be only intended as a slight preliminary idea, and we hope it may he so, as for many reasons a rectangular figure in laying out buildings is better. Nothing is so puzzling or bewildering as continued zonal progression, whereas a town that has at least its greater features laid out on a rectangular plan has its form and aspects presented in the simplest manner, instead of the most complicated ; for by some such simple device as four main streets named North, East, West and South, approximately leading towards the cardinal points, a kind of key to the plan of the whole town is given, and the veriest stranger may at once know where he is. We also think it a grave error to surround any town, as shown in the diagram, with a girdle of manufactories, for with such an arrangement the smoke of some of them must always be carried into the city. Among many other advantages the deliberate planning of such a town would give an oppor- tunity of providing the inhabitants with a very great, and in England unusual, advantage namely, that of a daily market for perishable articles of food, thereby enabling the consumer to buy direct from the producer, and of buying the food materials in the freshest possible condition. The thought of such a garden city makes one dream of all sorts of delightful possibilities, especially if the site might be partly of already matured w Hand, so that the public park should be of well-grown trees to begin with, and so that in other portions of the city groups or groves of mature forest trees might he retained and worked into the plan. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY- Tin; excellent report of the society which was presented to the Fellows at the annual meeting on Tuesday last has already received attention in THE GARDEN, and it is needless, therefore, to enter at length into its special features. But we must congratulate the president, council, and secretary upon the great advance the society has made of late years, and the promise of even greater development in the future. No fine present at the meeting on Tuesday could help thinking of the gatherings on other occasions when the society was emerging from its slough of despond, and throwing off the trainniellings of a foolish and unfortunate policy. All that is past now, and the speech of Sir Trevor Lawrence, with remarks made by other speakers, show that henceforth the society will realise its power in the laud for accom- plishing great work for practical and scientific horticulture. Allusion was made to several interesting developments of the future — one to a school of horticulture, and another the new experimental garden. A right note was struck when Sir Trevor Lawrence said that the Royal Horticul- tural Society should he the means of educating young men in horticulture, and considered that the County Councils might co-operate in the same good work. Chiswick has become a school of practical gardening, and the examina- tions held yearly under the auspices of the society have proved an unbounded success. Tin' council in the future intend to foster every development which tends to elevate the calling of gardening. Of the new garden, which we arc pleased to know is to he freehold property, more will lie written in the future. Arrange 114 THE GARDEN [February 17, 1900. ments are still in progress, and therefore little is known at present. Many other interesting remarks were made concerning the society's future, which seems as hopeful as ..nee, mid wish, and our account of the annual meeting will give details of the business conducted on this occasion. We have expressed before our hearty good wishes for the welfare of the society, now sailing into smooth waters, and whilst we thus express our- selves we are echoing, we feel assured, the desire of all who have horticulture at heart in this land. RIVIERA NOTES. There is a well-marked winter-flowering form of Iris germanica on the Riviera. It comes into bloom in December, and is a very great delight to northern eyes, recalling as it does _ in the shortest days the purple Iris glory of May. I really do not know any Bower that so cheats one into the belief it is full spring-tide just when the short Riviera winter begins. A good sheaf of these rich purple sprays ami a handful of Marechal Niel buds from a south wall make, with Carnations, Violets and Mignonette, a summer glow in both garden and room, ami cheer the wintry air whenever a few chill and dull days do come. 'Phis season has been colder than any of late years, because the cold rains and dull skies prevailed for six weeks— quite a trial to gardens and friends, though there has been no severe frost or special storms at Nice. Carnations of the Alegatiere type are certainly thi' most hardy ami useful. The Large and lovely rose-shaded Princesse Alice de Monaco is especially a winter-blooming Carnation. Per haps owing to its being persistently called "Malmaison " by the florists 1 have never seen it in England. Its summer blooms are quite out of character and useless, so it may not succeed under glass in winter. Certainly give me the good old Tea Itose Sehablikine as a model winter Rose; it is as hardj as Safrano and infinitely better, in my eyes ; its fresh deep rose colour is so much clearer than Papa Gontier, that I wonder how many folk can grow only the latter, To find the housemaid sweeping the parquet floors with half withered, sweet -scented ( leraniuni leaves is a luxury appreciated by a sensitive nose, which recalls the stuffy smell of the familiar tea- leaf, so dear to English households, only to enjoy the more this fresh fragrance, especially if the morn ingsun be as bright as it should be. How many subtle memories hang around .some such sweet odour ! To me a bunch of Parma Violets, surrounded by sweet Geranium leaves, is the most delightful scent I know, just because I first enjoyed it that sunny February day long ago, when kind old friends welcomed an invalid to these sunny shores, fresh from the fogs of Oxford. E. H. Woodall. SIR TREVOR LAWRENCE, Bart. A portrait of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., will interest our readers at this time, when the Royal Horticultural (Society, of which_ he is president, is forming itself into an organisation stronger anil more enterprising than during any period of its history. Sir Trevor is a keen gardener, and in his beautiful garden at Burford, Dorking, nestling at the foot of Box Hill, rare plants of all kinds, and Orchids in particular, are extensively grown. It is un- necessary to write more on this occasion. Sir Trevor Lawrence's name is well known wher- ever gardening is devotedly followed, and it is satisfactory to know that his name is now enrolled amongst the Victoria medal- lists. and dee]) rosy lilac, whilst the petals are deeper in colour, eipial in length to the sepals, and 2 inches across. The finely-shaped lip is 2 inches broad, the whole of the front lobe deep crimson-purple, veined with a darker shade of colour. The side lobes are also crimson-purple, becoming lighter towards the base, where they are thickly covered with prominent yellow lines, as seen in the C. Dowiana parent. The plant carried a two -flowered raceme. It was awarded a first-class certificate at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting, February 13 last. Exhibited and raised by M. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France. ODOKTOJBLOSSUH CRISPUM Mu.NDAYANUM. This is one of the finest of the spotted forms of 0. crispum. The flowers are each about 3i inches in diameter, with the segments of an even form. The sepals are each about 1 inch wide, white inside, with purple colouring on the exterior, and so reflected through that it gives the appear- ance of a rose suffusion on the interior. The whole of the central and basal areas arc thickly covered with rich purple blotches. The petals are upwards of 1 inch broad, much fringed on the margins, white, suffused, as in the sepals, with rose. There is a large oval-shaped blotch of purple 1 inch long on the basal portions. The lip is upwards of 1 inch broad, white, with a large blotch of brown running down the centre, and numerous smaller brown spottings surrounding and on the yellow disc. A cut raceme of two flowers came from the collection of Mr. N. Cookson, Oakwood, Wylam-on-Tyne. ROSE GARDEN. HARDINESS OF TEA ROSES. O Orchids were the only plants given certifi- cates or awards of merit at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday. SIB TREVOR LAWRENCE, BART. (President of tlie Royal Horticultural Society.) NEW AND RARE PLANTS. L.blio-Cattleya Bekthe FoIKMEK \ IR, SPLENDIDA. THIS is a distinct and desirable hybrid, superior to the flowers certificated, from the late Major Mason's interesting collection, in August last. It is derived from the intercrossing of Lselio-Cattleya elegans and Cattleya Dowiana aurea. With regard to the growth and shape of the flowers, it resembles the parents. The sepals and petals are of fine form and substance, the sepals 4 inches long NE mode is to work all our best and most fra- grant Roses on the seedling Briar or Dog Rose. Thousands of Rose growers have such faith in the cure for tenderness and sterility of bloom, that they will grow no Roses of any sort, unless it be a few summer or climbing Roses, unless they lie mounted on a strong seedling Dog Rose stock. So far, those who hold such views have at least the courage of their convictions, and are growing Tea Roses on an enormous area, and laid out for budding in lines many miles long. To do the dog "rosarists" justice, it should in fairness be stated that the seedling "briarists" were often at bitter variance with those who preferred Briar cuttings, or suckers, or layers. So far the Dog Rose " seedlingists " have the best of the argument and the run of the practice. The only rival stock in the Rose trade to-day that really competes in numbers, &c. , are Dog Rose seedlings and the Briar cuttings — the same species, though the stocks are by no means identical. There are differences in regard to the number, character and place of the roots between seedling and cutting Briar stock. Cuttings produce more and smaller roots and distribute them nearer to the surface than seedlings. The latter have fewer, larger, and more vertical roots than Briar cuttings. Of course these natural diversities may be modified by root pruning or other culture, but on a large scale this is seldom done. And if it were, both the seedling and the cutting Dog Rose develop a February 17, 1900.] THE GARDEN. IV, strong tendency to revert to their natural modes of rooting. Effect of Deep or Shallow Rooting as to the Hardiness ok Tenderness of Roses. — It is pretty certain that as many Roses are crippled and killed through their roots as through their tops. One more point should he noted here. The relation between the scion and stocks of Roses is not wholly one-sided. Each acts and re-acts on the other. The Dog Rose supplies all the food and blooming wants of the charming Tea Rose mounted on its crown. But in this new mission of nurturing the superior Rose, some, it may be much, of the original vigour of our native wild Dog Rose is tamed down into the moulding of our loveliest garden Roses into new forms, or painting them with richer beauty. If this be so — and it is — it may surely he also possible for Tea and other Roses to be made more hardy as well as stronger for their mount on the Dog Rose. This much is certain, that most of the successful growers of Tea Roses in Scotland grow their Teas on the Dog Rose stock, which may have proved a factor in thei r growing hardiness. In one rosery alone, the Dalhousie Nursery, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, some four miles of beds 4 feet wide are annually sown with Rosa canina to supply their wants and those of their customers. Own-boot Tea and other Roses. — Whatever weight should be attributed to these views as to seedling stocks of Dog Roses making the Roses grown on them approximate in absolute hardiness to the Dog Rose, the wider and longer one's expe- rience in growing or showing Roses, the more one favours the more natural plan of growing all Roses on their own roots. Once this more rational plan is adopted, there will be found but little waste of time or material involved in the change. It has been said that it takes some five or six Rose buds to make a good cutting. But this objection to own root Roses ignores the fact that Rose buds may lie rooted in damp sand, soil, or Jadoo fibre almost as soon and as surely as in the growing tissures or sap of the Dog Briar Rose. The newly- rooted Briars may lose a day or two for lack of the nurturing sap of the Briar, but by surrounding it with genial conditions and potting in rich fostering soil, or a half-and-half of soil and manure or leaf -mould, the sand or soil-rooted bud may be stimulated to grow almost abreast of the Rose eye budded on the Dog Rose. In the case of the cut- ting, the gain in size and time of the plants goes far to compensate for the loss in individual buds. But as own-root Roses get more popular. Rose cuttings will become smaller. Stckers. — These will more than compensate growers for any losses, real or imaginary, through the changes of fashion in the propagation of Tea and other Roses. A strong prejudice has sprung up against suckers, for the simple reason that such were in nine cases out of ten the shoots of wilding Briar or Dog Roses. But if every Tea or other Rose sucker is already a rooted Rose plant, the feeling against them would soon die out. and good suckers be gladly welcomed in all Rose beds, borders, groups in grass, in park, home shrub- beries, plantations, &c. Own -root Roses of equal and the same HARDINESS THROUGHOUT. - This is an immense advantage. We have noted the disease and death among Roses in many counties. Three-fourths or more among them have occurred at the point of union between the scion and stock, this through rooting Roses from buds or cuttings directly in the soil, and the main cause of disease and death vanishes with the budding and grafting. THE DEEPER PLANTING ok OWN - KOOT ROSES AN EAST PLAN OF PROTECTING THEM 1 KoM EXCES- SIVE cold. — There are few protectors so potent as •2 inches or 3 inches of soil round the root-stock or collars of Roses through exceptionally severe weather. Keep the soil over the roots round the collars of the Roses loose through frequent scarifi- cation or hoeing, and the layer of loose earth In-', .lues practically impervious to the loss of terrestrial heat. All things possible to a Rose i:i sn ok tree WITH A SOUND COLLAR AND HEALTHY ROOTS. Such Rose bushes of uniform quality throughout possess all the elements of safety and reproduction within themselves. Zero frosts may cut them down to the ground level with stern severity, and yet do them little or no injury. Such mischief concen- trates rather than exhausts the marvellous resources and capacities of Rose life and growth. Jack Frost as a pruner of our Roses. — 1 lean Hole was one of the first to tell rosarians to put their love into their Roses if they expected to gather perfect blooms. Jack's hand is chilly cold and his sharp frost-bite deep and cruel. When Jack is abroad on sharp, clear nights stealing the heat of our Roses from bank to sky, or flying throughout our Rose gardens on piercing March winds, he is the harshest, hardest Rose primer in the world. With their collars and runts safe their recuperative powers are beyond Jack's icy grip. The latter has furnished lessons in pruning for many modern growers. Yes, we prune Roses hard in love as well as in ignorance. By shaving off the tops of own-root Roses close to the ground-line in November or March or a little earlier or later, according to locality, we may augment the vitality and store up the resources of our Roses for a double or continuous harvest of beauty throughout the coming summer and autumn. The Rose as a herbaceous plant. — We all knowT it as a deciduous or semi -green shrub. Assuming for a moment that last year's flowering stems and branches died down every veai like a Delphinium, a herbaceous Pa?ony, a tall Phlox, &c, should our double or manifold harvests of Rose bloom suffer loss or gain in number and beauty in consequence 7 Many years' experience forces one to the conclusion that such an entire change of habit and constitution aiming our Rose bushes would give us more and fresher blooms for a longer period. Treating the blooming portion of Rose wooo as ANNUALS. — The first result of hard or close pruning is a forest of shoots coming forth with the breath of spring. Supposing dwarf Tea or other Roses planted from 15 inches to IS inches square, from three to five shoots Mould he sufficient to leave on each plant. The thinning of shoots should be done in April or May, after which the shoots will soon show flower. If the Roses are for show, disbud to the best bloom on each shoot, though the Roses look so much better if all the flowers that show are left : disbud the shoot 0 inches or 9 inches below the selected bloom, after cutting the first crops of blooms about 9 inches or 1 foot below the first flowers. The shoots under this concentrated mode of culture speedily break again into a second, or even third, harvest of blossom, as such concentrated culture and fairly liberal feeding and a loose surface flood Roses with the renewed beauty and vigour of youth every year. Two STRINGS To (UK BOW FOR HASTENING AMI HEIGHTENING THE FLoKIFEKorSNESS AND HARDINESS of in r Roses. — My second string runs in quite the opposite direction. (Jive Tea Roses their heads, and let them run up trees or scramble over houses, buildings, rocks, and enjoy and gather Roses when you may. The only pruning needed may be removal of exhausted shoots and the training out of killing crushes among the branches. There is plenty of room for these opposite systems of growing Roses in most gardens, and few of us ran recall any garden that was over-rosed unless those of a few exhibitors who had strawed them into something like bullock-sheds. I>. T. Fish. TEA ROSES AND THEIR HAEDINESS. Willi. k 1 do not profess any special knowdedge of Roses, I may be allowed to remark that the different views expressed on this subject by your corre- spondents are not incompatible with each other. I have gone rather carefully into the question of the hardiness of the Tea Rose in Scotland, and have formed the opinion that the views taken by Mr. D. T. Fish are practically correct so far as they apply to the greater part of that portion of the kingdom. Mr. Fish's knowledge of the Rose and its ways is wide enough to enable him to speak with some confidence upon it so far as regards a great part of England, and I confess to being sur- prised that Mr. Grahame does not seem to be acquainted with him, by reputation at least. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Mr Fish in person, but I know his work in the field of gardening literature. I entirely agree with what he says regarding the hardiness of the Tea Rose in the east and north east of Scotland. Those who have seen it in the Aberdeen nurseries cannot but express their con- currence with Mr. Fish in his references to this Rose as grown there. I may add that when I had the pleasure of visiting the Royal Gardens at Balmoral in 1897, Mr. J. M.Troup, Her Majesty's gardener, told me that he thought the Tea Roses were fully hardier there than the Hybrid Per- petuals. I remember that I asked particularly if the Teas were hardy there. I have a note of some of the Roses, but as I made no inquiry as to which varieties were the hardiest, I will not venture to name any. I think that a Rose which stands the severity of the climate of that part of Deeside can hardly be considered tender in the ordinary sense of the word. Yet. I think that there are some parts of Scot- land where it needs some care. In close, sheltered gardens where there is not a free circulation of air it does not thrive so well, and I know some gardens which, to all appearance, are much more favourably situated and are in the south-west, where many plants are lost. I would not like to commit myself to the bare proposition that the Tea Rose is hardy everywhere in the United Kingdom, but I go the length of saying that it is much hardier than is generally supposed. S. Arnott. ( arsethorV; by Dumfi'ies, X.H. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. General Work. THE heavy fall of snow in the southern part of the country will have put a stop to digging, manuring, and such work ; on the other hand, it will have pre- served tender growth of such plants as Lettuce, Endive, and the small spring Cabbages, the snow protecting from the cold north-east winds. During such weather other work may be taken in hand that will save time at the busy season. Pea and Bean stakes may be prepared and tied in bundles for use when required : labels may be prepared, also manures turned and soils mixed, and rubbish charred to wheel on the ground when required. Advantage should also be taken to note any defective drainage and remedy the same at an early opportunity. Forcing Department. There will now be more demand than formerly. Seakale should Vie introduced into its forcing quarters in quantities, according to the demand, every three weeks or of tener. The same applies to Rhubarb, as it is of much better quality when not forced too hard at the start. Asparagus will need to be grown near the light to get the growth nicely greened. Roots placed in a frame with a temperature of 60°, with 15° to 20° more at the roots, will give good shoots for cutting for three or four weeks. Fresh material should be placed in heat at least every three weeks to keep up a regular supply. French Beans may now be sown, and with a certainty of a fair return if the grower can give a liberal temperature, say 65° to 70° at night, with a rise by day. Larger pots may now be used —7-inch or 8-inch — and the soil should he of fairly light character with ample drainage. I like to fill the pots to within 2 inches of the rim, as I find the top dressings needed are best given in the shape of fertilisers or liquid manure. Avoid overcrowding; five plants are ample in an 8-inch pot and little moisture is needed till the plant shows well above the soil. Cucumbers should now be growing freely. Maintain a genial temperature of at least 65° at night and 10 more by day, and afford ample moisture in all parts of the house, syringing three lir, THE GARDEN. [February 17, 1900. or four times daily ; also cover the glass at night- fall to avoid having to overheat the hot-water pipes. It is well to fruit sparingly at the start, so that the plants continue to strengthen. As growth increases feed freely anil top-dress the mots every fortnight with good loamy soil mixed with a little bone-meal or Thompson's manure. Tomatoes. Seed sown early in the year will now be large enough to pot off, and few things need more careful handling. The seedlings are best potted up in the house where they are growing, and a rich but light soil employed at this stage, placing the plants, near the light and in a genial temperature till new root growth is made. Plants sown last autumn may now be planted out in their fruiting quarters or potted on. The latter is advised to get early fruit, but the quantity docs not equal that borne on those planted out. Seed may now be sown for what is termed the main crop supply from July to Si ptember, and also for plants for the open ground, hut these latter— when once the roots reach the Bides of the pots after their first shift— should be grown near the glass in frames to prevent drawing, and. failing frame room. 1 would defer sowing for three weeks. For open air fruit our best Tomato last year was Sutton's Earliest of All, and the ( inference, though not large, is a splendid cropper grown thus. F&ame Vegetables. Under this heading must be mentioned such useful mots as Carrots. Turnips, and Radishes. The lasl need so tew cultural directions that I will take them first, and here let me advise giving them , separate space, as I find that when sown to precede Carrots they do that crop much harm. There is no lack of forcing varieties of Radishes. Sutton's Earliest of All will mature in tour or five weeks after the seeds have germinated, and having such a very small leaf growth may be grown much closer than others. Crimson and Carmine Forcing are both excellent ; also the French Breakfast, one of the best of this type. Xo matter what variety i- grown, it is well to have a little bottom-heat at this season of the year, as growth is then much quicker. We use manure and leaves mixed, but with hot water pipes as the heating agency beware of dryness of soil. This is fatal to good quality, am| the temperature of the pit or frame should not exceed lit." in cold weather, with ample ventilation on all favourable occasions. G. WytHES. FEUIT GARDEN. Melons. As soon as plants raised from seed sow u during last month have attained a suitable size for planting, hi it Led • They are sun and heat-loving plants ; therefore the lions.'- in which to plant them, if the l.est results are t" he obtained, must receive full benefit from the sun ami be well provided with hot- water piping. Bottom-heal from hot -water pipes is essential, or well-sweetened hotbed material, such as [eaves and stable manure. J always think the fruit is of better flavour when grown over the latter. Suitable soil is heavy loam, cut from pasture I I I inches to 6 inches in thickness, freshly cut, or which has been previously stacked fur a time. I have used both many times, but cannot say which is the more suitable. By using it freshly cut, the labour of earl bag from the soil heap is saved. Soil to the depth of li inches is sufficient if placed on a hotbed, hut it on timber or flat stones ovei ■< dry hot-air chamber, 8 inches or !l inches is more suitable to their requirements. The soil when being made up should !»■ moderately moist, and made as firm as possible. Let two days intervene between getting in the soil and planting, so a- to give the bed tunc to warm. Suitable distances to plant are 3 feet apart, and with two rows of plants opposite each other. If the' length of rafter is i; [eel and upwards, plan! on small hillocks, leaving the seed leaves about I inch free above. Place a stick to each plant, with one end in the soil and the othei tic I to the trellis ; let there be not less than I t ,oi ot -pace between the trellis and glass, whether formed oi strained win-, or portable hurdles made ot I inch Hat iron and j inch rod iron. The latter system is convenient when all the head r n possible is required for plants after the Melons are ripe. After planting give an applicati f tepid water anil a loose tie of raffia to each plant. Suitable temperatures are from 65° to 70" by night, 75° in the day from fire-heat, with a rise of 10° to 15° from the sun. Maintain a sweet growing atmosphere, not too humid, by damping all surfaces by the syringe early in the afternoon during line days. In the early stages not much ventilation will be required, and none at all if the temperature is not likely to exceed Oil"; as the season advances more will be required, when the first chink may be put on at 80° at the apex of the house. Sow seeds for a suecessional crop, and use o inch pots tilled to within 1 inch of the top with sifted loam. Scatter eight to ten seeds in each, cover w itli soil to the depth of J inch, afford water through a rose, and protect with a piece of glass to keep aw ay mice. A light position in the Melon or Cucumber house is suitable for them. Pot oil after the formation of the first natural leaf. CrcrMBKRs. Plant the earliest seedlings and sow more seed if a further supply be desired. The soil must be [ighl and open and made up of three parts loam to one of old Mushroom bed manure. If the latter is not at command, use horse droppings, sweetened previously by lying mashed and being occasionally turned. 'Half' a bushel of soil is ample for each plant at the time of planting, to be added to after- wards in small quantities as often as it becomes permeated with roots ; water liberally throughout the season from the time the roots have taken hold of the soil, and maintain a moist atmosphere by s\ ringing once or twice daily. The temperatures given for Melons are amenable to Cucumbers. Propagating Vines. Put in eyes if not already done of varieties according to requirements. If for forcing. Black Hamburgh is still the best, and Foster's Seedling t In- most satisfactory. The best eyes are those from the base of side shoot primings. Prepare them by cutting the wood through 1 inch below the eye and .'. inch above, insert them down to the eye in loam pressed firmly into 3-inch pots, plunge these in bottom heat in the Melon or Cucumber house, and water as often afterwards as the soil shows signs of dryness. G. Norman. Th Gardens, Hatfield limn,. Herts. for the tiny tlirips which plague these and nearly allied plants, for they mean ruin to any plant on which they are allowed to develop. Keep the house at about (i."i at night, and syringe freely with tepid water on the surface and round the pots. ( 'fitinos of various stove plants, Crotons, Dracaenas, Panax Victoria-, Acalyplias. ami the like, may now he put in, as they will strike readily in the propagating boxes, which should at this time of the year be kept tilled with young stock to replace leggy and worn- out specimens. Dracanas of many varieties may lie easily raised from "toes" or from stem cuttings, these being made from plants that can he spared. Crotons of strong growth can be best raised by " ringing" the tops and mossing them up till roots form in the moss. This method is especially suited for those varieties with very long leaves, as these are difficult to place in narrow quarters without injury. Repotting Palms. Those which require potting had better now be overhauled, but it will he found in many cases unnecessary to give the plants a larger-sized pot, for really good plants may be grown in quite small receptacles if they are well treated in other ways, and they are so much more useful for house work when tlie pots are small. It is often found that Palms grown in pots larger than their needs demand get into a sickly state from the soil becoming sour. Fibrous peat and fibrous loam in equal proportions and mixed freely with sand form a good compost for most Palms ; the pots should be well drained, so that water may he given freely without injury, and the roots should be as little as possible cut or broken in repotting. -I. C. Tai.i.mk. Shipley Hull Gardens, Derby. nSTDOOE GARDEN. Cl.oMMAs \\|i Achimenes. Early batches may now be started, and seeds of the former may be sown, dealing with the seeds in the wa.\ recommended in a former note for Strepto- carpus' and Sainlpaulias. Achimenes lend them selves readily to treatment underwhich theyflower in suecessional batches, so that to cover a long season we may commence now with a portion of the tubers, dealing with the remainder at intervals up to the end of April It is best to start the tubers, after shaking them free from the old soil, in boxes .a- pans, in which they may he inserted ihiekh in light sandj soil, transferring them to the pots or baskets in which they are to lie flowered after lhe\ have made a couple of inches of growth. Water must he cautiously used to commence with, gradually increasing the supply after growth begins. The soil for final potting should be equal portions of peat, leaf-mould, and sandy loam, adding sand and decayed cow manure freely. From the start until the plants begin to flower ih.\ should he grown in a stove temperature: after- wards. ler and more airy structures suit them very well. Gloxinias, too. may he grown in suecessional batches, hut are never seen in better condition than they reach after being started just about this season, as when the tubers arc- kept dormant till late they appear to lose something of their vitality, so that it is best to raise seedlings for late work. A compost similar to that for the Achimenes is suitable for these plants, and a heavy sprinkling of silver sand should enclose the tuber, which may be potted with its crown just a little waj beneath tie- surface soil. Cse the soil in a fairly moist state, and avoid giving more water ant il growth begins. Lookout sharply from the first PUBLIC PARKS. ACREACE OF SOME LONDON PARKS AND RECREATION GROUNDS. AT a recent meeting of the Ealing Gardeners' Society. Mr. Gingell read a paper upon "Parks and Gardens," and gave the following interesting statistics. Speaking of London, he said: Boston has a common, and Chicago has two tine parks in their centres, but there is no other town on either side of the ocean which cau show such a list of public open spaces entirely surrounded with houses, and over ten acres in extent, equal in number and in size to that of the following parks and gardens situated within our ow n metropolis : — v l;l - A0RES. Battersea Park - - 198 London Fields - - l'i; Blackheath - - 267 Meath Gardens - - 11 Bishop's Park - - 17 Myatt's Gardens- - It Clapham Common - 220 Paddington Recreation diss.. lit Park - - 63 Ground - - 86 DeptfordPark - - 12 Peckham Rye and Park- 113 DulwichPark - - 72 Ravenscourt Park - :i4 Fiiisliuiv Park - - 115 Regent's Park • - 47:! Greenwich Park - - 186 South Hackney Comi 20 Green Park - - 54 Southwark Park - - 63 Hackney Downs - - 41 St. James's Park- - 93 Highbury Park - - -7 Thames Embankment Hills Fields - - 43 Gardens - - 14 HydePark - - :«n VictoriaPark - - -244 Kennington Park - 19 Waterloo Park - - 30 Kensington Gardens - -27.", Those in the following list are partly surrounded by houses : — ICRES. \rton Green - - 12 Acton Recreation Ground 25 Back Common - - 12 Barnes Common - - in" Bostal Heath anil w Is ill Brockwell Park - V Ill's. l,;iil\ well Recreation Ground- - - 47 Maryi m Park - - 12 North Mill Field - 2:i Petersham Park- - ill Plumstead ' iommon 100 Bushey Park 994 Richmond Green - m Ealing C mon ami Richmond Park - -2368 i, - - - an Royal Victoria Gardens 10 Ealing Lammas Lands - 2: South Mill Field- 26 Eel Brook Common It Streatham Comi - 66 Bpping Forest - -5348 Sydenham Recreation Hackney Marshes - 346 Ground- - 17 Hampstead Heath - 505 Tooting Beck and Grave- Hampton Court Park - 7a2 ney Common - - 207 Highgate Woods- - 70 Wandsworth Common - 183 Kew Gardens - - 246 West Ham Park • - 80 Kew Green- - - n Wimbledon Coi n -1412 Milium Park - - :«> Wormwood Scrubs - ma (Approximately 17,uno acres.) February 17, 1 900 THK QAKDEN, 1 I WALL GARDENS. II. The beauty that the Divine Artist bestows with so lavish a hand upon the world may, in some lesser measure, be reproduced by man about bis own dwelling - place. Instead of naked, blinding walls, why not cultivate rock plants so as to mitigate the displeasing bare- ness of the stone, and why not, in the many eases where it might lie done, do away with the barren look by having flowers and foliage ' Architects will tell you that it is prejudicial to the well-being of the walls, a statement which admits of some doubt. But in any ease, even admitting this to be a fact, is it not better to put up with a little injury in this direction in order to gain tin abundance of wholesome joy of mind and eye ! 1 remember to this day how deep an impres- sion I received from the sight of an artificial rock wall covered with plants and flowers in M. Ivlmond Boissier's far-famed botanic garden at Yallyres-sous-llance (Suisst Romailde). I was then only ten or twelve years of age, but m\ mind retains the remembrance of that flowery wall as clearly imaged as on the daj when 1 first saw and admired it. with its large rosettes of Saxifraga longifolia more than in inches across, and its tufts of Haberlea from Mount Rhodope. It was, ami still is, a wonder, for the plants have survived their illustrious collector. And yet how little has the example of this immortal botanist been followed, for, except in the case of some veteran plant growers and of the few people who love what is beautiful and pictorial, there are but a small number who care for old walls enlivened with flowering plants. Alphonse Ivarr, at St. Raphael, preached in vain by his writings and by his example : there were none to understand his teaching. Still, during the last few years the taste for alpine and lock plants has spread, the ornamentation of rough walls has begun, and the importance of this way of gardening is now acknowledged. We learn from Nature that there is a whole range of species that actually prefer to be placed vertically in rockwork, the better to thrust in their roots, and there are even some that will only live and thrive in such conditions. One often wonders how these pretty plants can live, that drive their roots deep into the • lefts of the barren rocks without an atom of soil or humus for their organic structure to feed upon. To account for this one must learn something about the part that stones have to play in Nature's economy, for it is one of the largest and most important. All stone, hard or soft, or of whatever nature it may lie. is porous and absorbs water by capillary attraction. The rock acts exactly as does the lump of sugar when one of its surfaces touches water and it tills itself with the liquid. During the seasons of rain or fog or damp the rocks act as sponges and absorb water by their sides till they are completely saturated ; the more porous the rock, the more quickly is the absorption effected. The structure of the stone comprises a quantity, more or less numerous, of minute fissures that mineralogists know as diaclases. They are formed imperceptibly under the influence of frost and thaw in the very heart of the hardest stones, producing in them im- portant effects as much from the point of view of the disintegration of mountains as of that of their property of sucking in water, in order to give it out again at the foot of the rocky masses. These diaclases constitute so many canals, which conduct and carry off the water which is absorbed bj the innumerable pores which compose the internal texture of the stone ; they are larger and m >ro nuin irous in for the fact that limestone vegetation is more interesting and varied than that of granite. Xow. these rock- soaked with water are reser- voirs of coolness ami moisture that Nature uses with due circumspection for watering and irri- gation. Copious waters often spout from the heart of the most and rocks, and it is at the foot of the mountain whose craggy head is wholh barren that the richest springs are found. It is also in the heaps of \/,7„V.v, the barren-looking lappm- thai the most delicate Thus we see that in Nature a rock-mass plays the part of a sponge ; it absorbs superabundant moisture and gives it off to the atmosphere or to the roots of plants- often, indeed, to the atmosphere through the medium of the rock- loving plants, and just as the need makes itself felt. This is the reason why so many delicate plants succeed perfectly when we grow them in rocky crevices, whereas if we tried to culti- vate them otherwise they would he burnt up by the rays of the sun. w ALL CI, wis |\ 'Ml JARDIN D'aCCLIMATATION, GENEVA :|[VELLA srixos.v. SAXIFRAGA LONGIFOLIA, ERINUS, PHYTEUMA C0SM0SUM, ETC. and often the most brilliant flora is displayed. The roots ramble tar through tic heaped-up pebbles or into the deepest fissures in search of the coolness and life that they communicate to the organs spread out upon the surface. That surface itself give- off a constant vapour which surrounds the tender foliage and the dainty This being s, ,. it shows how much interest is attached to the cultivation of plants in walls, for not only are they delightfully pictorial when so placed, but it also allows us to grown whole range of delicate plants that are certain to die if they are given a position vertical with their axis (horizontal with their corollas, protecting hem with a delicate veil surface), on account of decay, brought about from the suns scorching rays It .is also this by water stagnating among their crowded that allows the tenderFern fronds to spread over branches and favouring harmful parasitical is well known growths. Some walls so covered with flower -won calcareous rocks than in granitic, which accounts I how much these plants fear exposure to dry air. ing plants form true botanical gardens 1 Is THE GARDEN. drous, ever-changing pictures that one examines anthracite coal. To make amends, it burns away and admires with even more enthusiasm than merrily night and day, only needing to lie those of the greatest artists, for they are painted replenished, I am assured, once in twenty-four by the < treat Artist Himself, the Master whose hours. Her garden lies in the very middle of a work is above all others. big Fine wood, and the fire has its home in an Now the means whereby these delightful open lodge, a gazebo, supported by Larch poles, results may be obtained is within the reach without door or window, but made possible to of all. It is only needful to secure that the wall shall lie thick enough to allow the mois- ture to condense within it. The retaining walls are the best, because: the soil that is supported by one of their sides stores a constant supply of moisture in immediate contact with them. In such a wall you have only to make a little opening, unless you find one ready, and to introduce the roots of your plant, and to li\ it in position with a little Moss or Sphagnum, or a little rather stiff mould ; then you make it all firm by means of a few small angular stones that you can even secure with cement if it should seem desirable. ( Iften it does quite well to sow the seeds of such plants as are easily raised from seed, such as Krinus, Linaria alpina, &c. : these you introduce into the fissures by means of some rather stiff soil with which the seeds have been incorporated, [n a very few years you will have a wall so superbly beflowered, that it will draw enthusiastic expressions of admiration both from yourself and from your friends. In our own case it is a simple greenhouse wall that has Keen furnished, both inside ami out. with an abundant variety of rock plants. The views of the wall, kindly taken by Miss W'illmott, give a good idea of it. We grow in it a number of delicate things: Androsaee imbricata, helvetica, ami pyrenaica, Antirrhinum glutinosum and s.-mpervirens, many Primulas from the Tyrol, Kdraianthiis, Janktea Hel- dreichi, Fiaberlea, Yella spinosa, Cam- panula lilatine, excisa, elatinoides, car- niol i, Rainen, cenisia, Zoysi, mirabilis, speciosn ; Scolopendrium Hemionitis, &e. It is a delightful manner of making use of old walls, and the only way of cultivat- ing a certain number oi difficult plants. (,'./!' r. i. 11. ( loREEVON. COLD WEATHER NOTES. I'ikks in the Frost. It is always satisfactorj when one has to light a tile ill onler to get rid of those aggregations of dead mots and rubbish which seem for ever accumulating in all gardens. It is an excuse for a bonfire, for which I retain the most childish affec- tion, and which never seems to wear a re familiarly endearing aspect than upon the afternoon of a winter's day. The sharp smell of burning stuff; the red e\e of flame in the heap; the smoke rolling slowly and heavily away ; the sudden crack- ing of a dry slick resounding in the frost} air — all these bring with them trains of association, which have been accumulating much longer, I suspect, than the course of any one single' lifetime. Reminiscence, who can tell, "f that remote day when the human hearth was for the most part not an indoor, hut an outdoor one. A friend of mine has improved upon such casual burnings by having what may lie called a permanent bonfire in her grounds, and I wonder more people, who love their gardens, and spend whole winters in the country, do not adopl tin- plan. That in one respect it is an inferior bonfire 1 am free to admit, for its main constituents are not leaves and sticks, but sit in in cold weather, by being match-boarded on three sides, the south one alone being widely open. Until one has actually tried, it is difficult to believe how comfortable one can lie in such a spot even on a'very frosty evening : both feet extended to the blaze, and a rug tucked round to keep off stray draughts. As daylight wanes the red'glow increases, lighting up the big Pine trunks, and awakening in one's mind vagrant suggestions of camp fires and forest settlements. February 17, 1900. produced by any really strong atmospheric variation. Crackling grass and glittering ice- bound trees awaken one set of suggestions. Roaring winds, a drenched earth, and ink) clouds tumbling wildly over the sky, arouse quite others. Even things inside the garden, plants that have Keen perhaps put there b) one's own hands; clumps, say, of Bamboos and reedy grasses, Arundo douax and the like, assume suddenly new and slightly savage aspects when one sees them sweeping to and fro, or buckling like so many fishing-rods under the lash of a sudden tempest. The common- place is not absolutely unescapable, though it often seems as if it were. There are wider, freer notes, which only need awakening to stir and thrill us with their presence. The imagina tion leaps to meet them, and feels them to he its right. For we are all heirs to a large inheritance, though we arc apt, as a rule, to be forgetful of the fact. Emily Lawless. Hazelhnt-ch, Gomshall, Swrey. i.\ csorilll. v REPKNS IN THE WALL OF THE JARDJJi d'acclimatation, CENKVA. while at other times it has the practical advantage of making many garden operations possible which, without such a speedy refuge to fly to, would in this chill -evoking climate of ours scarce he practicable. It is odd what minute deviations from the every day stir the mind, and help it to shake off that dull crust of routine which it might to lie the aim of all of us to try and get rid of. It is oi I the few merits, i think, of winter that places, at other times tame to flatness, seem in tierce or exceptionally cold weather to reverl I" an older and a wilder condition. Snow admittedly recreates everything our most familiar iiathsand. shrubberies, nay, our very stable runnels, growing quite arctic and hyper- borean-looking under its disguise. Apart from snow something of the same impression is "IN A SMALL WAY.' Notes fkom an Oblono Garden. One of those delectable gardens, en- closing a large acreage, where knowledge and wealth have coaxed Nature into every manifestation of beauty of which she is capable, is my own little private dream of a heavenly mansion. Mean while 1 am doing the best I can with an oblong in a country town 1 Fortunately, it is on a hill, and out of the way of smoke and dust, having the inestimable ad- vantage of being quite away from a road ; still, it is painfully enclosed as to its two long sides with walls of like oblongs belonging to the next door houses. And in most of these houses there are cats, which seem to prefer a garden where the owner is enthusiastic to one where, as on my left side, the house is empty and the garden in the perfunctory charge of the jobbing gardener who lives opposite. This morning, as I went round my oblong, 1 found a dear pussy had drawn diagrams all through and over a group of Cottage Maid Tulips, which are planted in front of the bit of rockery running up to the sloping roof of a little tool-house in the sunny right-hand corner against the house. On this rockery, which is made in little terraces and of crumbly yellow sandstone, I have planted all the encrusted Saxifrages I could get hold of in the neighbourhood, an ' they seem very happy, [was tempted 1>\ some delightful lists of many varieties of both encrusted and mossy Saxifrages and Scinpervivuins, intending to plant the mossy ones in another little rockery 1 have in partial shade, lint luckily 1 consulted a Scotch friend who is clever in all ways horticultural, though chiefly interested in Cacti. " 1 town here in the west,'' he said, "some of the most beautiful Saxifrages which succeed very well up north disappear the first winter. They don't mind frost, or the snow which in their native haunts covers them up all through the winter, but thej .•ant stand our mild, damp, muggy winters.'' After this I confined my ambitions to the lew he had tried and found willing, and 1 an. glad to say one of them was the Spider-web Sem pervivum which is spreading its little rosette bravely, but at this time of the year is webless. Some big tufts of Saxifraga hypnoides, which seems to be very cheap, judging by the mass of it I got for 6d., 1 pulled into little bits in October, and dibbled out over a clump of I-'ki'.i;! aky I ' 1900. THK GARDEN. I lit Watsonias, which in this mild climate will do very weD in the border all winter if they have a little protection of some kind. Down each side of my oblong 1 have a wide border, shady one side and sunny the other: along each of these is a gravel path in the must approved plan of the builder, who lays qut the garden with as little thought as possible, and in the middle is a rathernice longlawn withan Apple tree at each currier. 1 Mess the planter of these four trees. They are always charming, whether loaded with bloom, with red and green Apples, or leafless, for one is a hoary veteran, gnarled anil lichened in the most picturesque way, who in spite of age produced a vastcrop of excellent Blenheim Oranges last year, while another, his opposite neighbour, is a cobby little Oodlin just oldenough to bear plentifully. The two at the other end are very old and not profitable. One. 1 fancy, is a Tom Putt, and bears very lovely bright ^^^^^^^_ red fruit, which was hard and wormy last year ; the other only looked prett} ami bore little lint pink blossom. I put grease-bands round them in September, and on taking them off the other day, found them perfectly crusted with divers insects. which the robins, hedge s], arrows and tits. win. abound here, ate up imme- diateh or1' the Lands on the ground. 1 shall put these hands back in J line to trap the codlin moth and confiscate its eggs, but I am too fond of the beauty of silver lichen and green lnoss to smother the trunks and branches in powdered slaked lime or cover them with a wash of the same and paraffin, as I suppose I ought to do if I were a pro] ei' utilitj gardener. I have hung suel in the branches, and the tits o! i hree sorts hang about and make our garden a n ml, i by narrow strips of trees that never yield a crop of timber, nor afford protection to farm lands. Loudon and thelandscapegardeners of the past have been responsible for much of this kind of work. Shelter foe Live Stock. Shelter to cattle and other live stock on farms is undoubtedly provided by plantations laid out in a certain manner. They afford shade in summer and protection from cold in winter: but it is not the extent of such plantations so much as their character and distribution that give them their value. Plantations to shelter live stock need not cover much ground, dot necessarily good ground: they should consist wholly of Firs or evergreen species, and they should be dens;- and so laid out as not only to afford shelter from cold winds, but to give over- head shelter as well. In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred tree shelters afford protection from cold winds only when the cattle huddle up against the plantation fence on the lee side: whereas to be of real value the cattle should be able to get underneath the trees, but on the warm side only. The plantation need not be very wide, and it should be crescent-shaped with its back to the north. On the math side it should be kept dense and close and protected by a feme, with narrow openings hen- and there for the cuttle to get through to the open south side. Another fence should run from end to end of tin plantation, perhaps LO yards or 15 yards from the outei fence, the object of the two fences being to keep the cattle out of the back part of the plantation. All sheltei belts should be close and im penetrable on the cold side, as when the wind can blow through the plantation its warmth is gone. On the south >ide there should he QO fence, and the cattle should be allowed to get under the trees up to the inner fence. A sheltei' oi this kind, consisting of Spruce or Scotch Fir, or both, is soon got up high enough for the cattle to get under the branches. When the trees are that height the lower branches may be trimmed off, but in thinning the trees care should be taken to preserve the overhead canopy. A shelter of this kind is one of the most comfortable tint can be devised in all sorts of weathers. The flense ] lacking at the back keeps out the wind and cold currents, and the roof of branches prevents radiation from above. Deciduous trees afford shade in summer, but protection From cold in winter is what is most wanted, and thej are next to useless for that purpose. .1. S. of good healthy plants can be soon ruined by an excess of moisture at the roots. Besides this the heavy fogs frequently experienced in the neigh- bourhood of London quickly play havoc with the plants. This Lilionia can be readily struck from cuttings in the spring, and if grown on freely during the summer months, will by the autumn form neat little specimens full of flower buds. They need the temperature of an intermediate house in order to develop their blossoms. Though an excess of moisture, especially during the winter, is fatal to the well-being of the plants, drought is just as injurious, and in the summer overhead syringing is of great service, otherwise they are liable to be attacked by red spider, which quickly injures the foliage and permanently disfigures the plant. As the pots get full of roots, liquid manure is of con- siderable benefit, with additional doses of soot water, as this latter lends to keep the foliage in good colour, a very important item in the case oi the Libonia. whose leaves are apt to turn yellow unless oarefullv attended to. T. treated in the same way. Azaleas can be readily struck from cuttings of the young shoots, particularly if they are produced in a little heal. All that is needed is to take them oft' at a length of 3 inches to 4 inches, dibble them into well-drained pbtS of sandy peat sifted line, and keep close and shaded on a blight hotbed till rooted. T. DAFFODIL MME. DE GRAAFF. It is probable that very few readers of The Garden have ever seen so many (lowers at once of Daffodil .Mine, de Graaff as are shown in this beautiful photograph of a beau tilul thing. It is now nearly a score of years since this, still unapproachably the finest of all the Dutch seedlings, was raised by Messrs. de Graaff, of Leyden : but it is still comparatively rare and valuable, though a vigorous plant and of fairly rapid increase. No exact account of its parentage has ever been given, and it was inrnimi. mmk. i>f. oraaff at w aki.ky place. LIBONIA FLORIBUNDA. Tins Libonia is a remarkably free-flowering subject, whose bright-coloured blossoms arc freely borne throughout the winter months. For some reason or other it is far less popular than it was a generation or to ago, for what reason it is somewhat difficult to say, unless the fact that it needs very careful water- ing has something to do with the matter, for a batch AZALEA DEUTSCHE PERLE. There is no other variety of Indian Azalea grown to anything like the same extent as this is. for white flowers are always in greater demand than those of any tint, and, apart from colour, this variety possesses many desirable qualities. It is of good free growth, while the semi-double blossoms arc when partialh expanded, like little Rose buds, owing to the edges of the petals being somewhat reftexed. In addition to all this it is one of the most amenable to forcing into bloom, and where a collection is grown and . ire iied as ordinary greenhouse plants, it is the first to expand its blossoms. Nearly all the Azaleas flowered in this country are grown in Belgium, and sent here as little bushes fit for 6-inch pots, or as larger specimens. They are invariably grafted on some strong-growing variety, but though this mode of propagation is so generally adopted, it by no means follow.- that such is the best, as plants on their own roots are infinitely more pleasing than when mounted on a stem a foot or so in height. I have even seen the delightful little A. rosseflora which grows naturally in a horizontal manner in all probability a chance seedling, that is to say, the product of a seed-pod not artificially fertilised. But it is certain, from the character of the flower, that X. albicans, the largest oi our older white trumpets, was one of its parents, and some large "bicolor" the other. The variety named Dean Herbert is suggested by the form and substance of its perianth and its somewhat late bloom. If it is not ungrateful to find any flaw in so lovely a flower, the one failing of Mme. de Graaff is that it retains too long something of the yellow of its bud stage, and is in danger of fading before its clear ivory-white is developed. Those who are fortunate enough to possess an ample supply of its bulbs should lengthen the season of this Daffodil by blooming a few under class without any tire-heat. Its delicacy of waxen texture and purity of colour are greatly enhanced by such slight protection. G. H. Engleheart. 122 THE GARDEN. February 17, 1900.. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. GARRY A ELLIPTICA. TH K drawing shows male catkins of tlic ( iarrya in bloom, and represents also our of the most precious of winter flowering shrubs. The cutting from which the drawing was made came from a warm corner ma Thames- side garden, where the plant is happier than in many northern places. Few wall shrubs are so leafy ami luxuriant as the (iarrya : and placed against a sheltered sunny aspect, it bears a profusion of catkins through the winter months, and to gather for the house. They possess a fresh, wholesome fragrance, and upon the plant have a strangely picturesque beauty. Occasionally the Garrya will cover a house front, but only in favourable situations. It is hardier than many suppose, as a plant in my garden was little harmed by frost during he last severe winter. 'I'. E. MO ICE A [RIDIOIDES. When properlj treated this isa useful t garden plant, but it is ■ rarely met with, not- withstanding its beauty and its early introduction from the ( 'ape, where it was found by Thunberg. Philip Miller grew it at Chelsea, having received seeds of it from the Cape as a white Water Lily. "It is of tin- easiest cul- ture, and will grow many years together (without parting or removing) in the same pot ; requires plenty of water ; blooms several weeks in suc- cession during the summer months ; pro- duces seeds in abun dance, owing to which and its long standing in the country it is now one of the com monest of its tribe in our collect ions : has no smell." This was written nearly a ecu tnry ago, "hen a figure of the plant was published in the Botanical Mayasiru (t. 693). It is grown in pots in a cold house at Kew, where it (lowers every summer, but in an early volume of Tut: G VRDJSN there is a notice of its be- haviour in thi' open air in the Botanic Garden, Glasnevin, " This lovely and distinct looking plant has pro\ ed quite hardy at Glasnevin, where it is now (August) in bloom, as it has been through out the summer. It used to be grown in pots in peat in the houses, but placed outside in a peat border it has thriven apace, attaining a height of about 3 feet. The rich yellow flower is Ins-like, hut with the parts disposed in nearly one plane, and with rich black spots towards the centre. It never bloomed when grown in pots. We recommend the plant to every lover of hardy subjects. It is suited for association with the finer Irises and Lilies, or for placing in beds of American or other peat- loving shrubs. ' M. iridioides isa perennial with a short thick rhizome, crowded leaves arranged fan-like, dark green, rigid, i feet long, an inch or more wide. The llower-stems are slender, -1 feet long, branched, each branch bearing a spathe from which three or four flowers spring. These are white with a yellow blotch on each of the spreading segments, not wholly yellow, as stated of the Glasnevin plant. The genus consists of about sixty species, chiefly natives of Tropical and South Africa. As now constituted, it includes llelixyra, Vieusseuxia, am able species, am The most leinark- the largest of all the Dietes by far plants "of the great iris order, is M. Lol.insoni, the Wedding Flower of Lord Howe's Island, which forms a large tuft of strap-shaped leaves 6 feet or ; feet long, and equally long branched spikes of large beautiful white and gold flowers. There isa g 1 example of it in a sunny green- house at Kew, where it has flowered several times. , The difference between this genus and Iris is mainly a geographical one. Mr. Laker says, "The line of limit between Iris and Morasa has been differently drawn by different authors, but the two genera are extremelj close. I have foil. .wed Bentham, who limited Iris to plants of the north temperate /.one, and Moi'iBa to those of the Cape and Tropical Africa, with one species Australian.' The Peacock Irises, formerly called Vieusseuxias, are daintj little bullions plants with flowers in which the arrangement of colours justifies their name. W. W. A VILLA^GARDEN. I. (Wrrn Suggestions about Trke and Sunn; Planting.) THERE are so many of these in the country, and so many mistakes are made both in plant ing and maintaining them, that it seems worth while to point out how easy it is without any material increase of expense to have even in a small space a varied, interesting, and well- assorted collection of hardy trees and shrubs. It usually happens when a small garden is to l.i' planted that the t roprietor, even if he be interested in Loses, Carnations, or herbaceous plants, looks upon the Trees and Shrubs as mere necessary furniture, about the special characteristics of which hi- is quite indifferent. He therefore makes a contract with the nursery- man to stock his garden for, say, £10. £20, or 630, according to the size. Naturally the latter supplies him principally with those plants of which he has a large stock, and naturally, also, he keeps in stock plants which are easy to culti- vate and of rapid growth, and for which there is always a demand, but which are by no means necessarily suitable tor planting in large quanti- ties in a small garden. As illustrations of this class of what are called " bread-and-butter " goods 1 would mention among trees the common Elm, Oak, Ash, Horse Chestnut, Lime, Syca- more, and the London or Occidental Plane; among shrubs. Privet, common Laurel, Por- tugal Laurel, Spotted Aucuba, and Yew. Of course, the nurseryman will probably add to these a sprinkling of other plants which do not grow quite so freely, and Laburnum, Scarlet Thorn, common Lilac, Ribes, Lanrus- tinus. Golden Elder, Almond, and others will be found in the collection. Be this as it may, and however well selected and planted the garden may be, it is quite certain that nursery stuff if left to itself will in a few years be com- pletely spoilt. The stronger growing trees and shrubs will kill the weaker and will severely injure themselves in the process. Ultimately the big forest trees will grow together, forming a dense mass 30 feet or 40 feet up, darkening the windows and forming a blind where very likely no blind is required, while lower down, where an obstruction to the sight of the road is really wanted, they will have lost their lower l.oughs. At thi' same time the unhappy shriil.s beneath them will have died, or, if hardj enough t.. survive in tiie struggle for existence, will have rambled up in search of light and air, showing twisted, unsightly stems H feet or Hi feet long with a hunch of green on the top. Probably during this process of degeneration it will he found that the mischief has not been confined to loss, and some uninvited new- comers will have sprung up in the garden who will not. however, add to the beauty of a shrub- bery. They will prove t.. be probably Elm suckers, self-sown Sycamores, White or Black Thorn and common Elder, and perhaps the stools of two or three deciduous trees which, having been merely cut down instead of being stocked up by the roots, will have vigorously asserted themselves. Now, doubtless during the progress Of the above events the owner or owners will have done some thinning out, but will have been prevented from doing so effi- ciently by the fear of laying his place bare to the road or to adjoining neighbours. How. then, is this state of things to he avoided ] and hOw should a small garden he planted and maintained:' In the first place, the owner must realise that if he is to have An Interesting Shrubbery, he must not look upon it as a screen, hut must make his screen independent thereof. Tin Ffrri'arv 1900. J THE GARDEN. 12:! v. proper screen is a hedge, and the material used must be in accordance with the height of screen required. Let us imagine an ordinary villa garden with its two gates and semi-circular sweep, a block of shrubbery between the gates, expanse of turf between the shrubbery and hall door, belt of trees and shrubs on either side of the house and lawn behind, with the space to plant some trees at the end. Let us now consider how to deal with a garden of tins kind. First and foremost, it is essential to shutout the mad for the sake of privacy and with a view to tile exclusion of stray dogs, who are not good gardeners. It may be hoped that the gates will lie found to lie of solid w 1. and not open work. '""V, • Between these gates I would plant a Yew or Holly hedge ; ';: Yew for choice where no cattle are in question, be- Wt cause, taking all kinds of soil together, it can better lie relied upon to form a uniform and solid hedge. and because, though neither are bad in that particular, it stands the drip and shade of trees somewhat better than Holly. If it be neces- sary (to obscure another ■ % house that overlooks you, ,Jk_-^ say, on one side of the gar- den) to obtain a screen much higher than Yew or Hollies can lie expected to afford, then it is necessary to fall back upon trees, but in that ease it is essential that they should be all of the same kind. Whether they be planted in rows or in grou] s, most trees look perfectly well commingling their branches and forming a compact mass, provided they are of the same sort. For instance, four Elms or four Limes together may form a pleasing group, when one Lime and one Elm squeezing a Birch and an Acacia to death between thein, distorting and disfiguring their respective growths, would look very bad. If a screen of moderate height b • required, uothing is better than pollard Ll. les cut and trimmed in the foreign fashion like a wall on legs that is to say, with the lower boughs removed to a uniform height — so as to admit the planting of shrubs near, and the top cut square. Of course, the objection to such trees is that they require annual labour and trimming, for nothing looks worse than trees treated in a formal and non -natural manner if they are neglected. If as high a screen as possible be required, no doubt the most rapid grower easily and cheaply obtain able is the Balsam Poplar, but at the same time it is to my eye very weedy and unattrac- tive, and personally I prefer the Lombardy Poplar for this purpose. However, most of the Strong-growing deciduous trees, with the exception of the Oak, are suitable for this purpose, and it is very much a matter for indi- vidual taste, although I should be inclined to give the preference to the Hornbeam on account of its multitude of very small branches. If a high evergreen screen be required, then 1 un- hesitatingly recommend Finns austriaca on the ground that it is cheap, hardy, dense, warm- looking, and does not readily lose its lower boughs. If an evergreen screen of less height be desired, the Thuja Lobbii is not unsuitable, but in that case the hedge should not be cut off, as is sometimes done for the purpose of making them grow more thickly, as in myjudgmeut it deforms them and makes them most unsightly. Assuming, therefore, the necessary screen to have been planted, and. space being an object. obviously as near the boundaries as possible, let me now say a few words on the First and foremost, it will be well to choose the places for the forest trees ; by these 1 mean such as may be expected to reach a height of about "in feet or no feet. Probablyin the small area contemplated it will be impossible to have more than about half a dozen of these in such positions that they can attain their full and perfect proportions without let or hindrance from others. And probably out of these six ;* • not more than two will have the g I fortune to stand perfectly clear as specimens, say one in the centre of the grass plot before the hall door and one at the far end of the lawn behind the house. As it is only in this way by plant- ing a tree singly, so that it shows all its fair proportions clear against the sky, that its full beauty can be realised, it becomes immensely important to consider in a small place which trees shall be selected for this special honour. Of course, the choice is almost boundless, but I will give two that have special advantages, and later on a list of others not quite common, from which selection may be made to suit particular tastes. Of course, 1 am very far from decrying common trees. None in the world can be more grand than Oak or Klin. but. setting aside the objections to an Elm in a garden, which are strong, one would naturally wish, if a lover of trees, to plant those in one's own little place which have some distinction from the rank and file one is likely to meet in the first held that comes in view. Therefore, I would suggest for the plot before the house a Copper Beech, principally on account of its conspicuous fob age, and also because it is long-lived and fairly rapid in growth after it is once established. Moreover, it is more tolerant of a heavy clay soil than the common type, although in such a case it is necessary to stimulate its growth at first by a g I supply of light soil and garden mould to its loots. At the back I would place a Weeping Lime, because it is hardy, fairlj indifferent as to soil and situation, tolerant of smoke, and has a most graceful habit. It is just sufficiently pendulous to make it striking and attractive without being so much so as to have the unnatural, umbrella-like form which makes Weeping Ashes and Elms distasteful to some judges. Should there not be room either back or front for specimen forest trees, then I'yrus Mains floribunda with its wealth of pink bh -"in in the spring and a Cercis Siliquastrum with its even more striking flowers may very well take the places of honour. Now. as to the trees and shrubs that I would exclude from a small garden : The Elm, because of itsdangeroiis habit of letting fall without warn ing heavy branches, and because of the enormous quantity of surface-roots that it makes, sucking out all the good from the top soil and shrivel- ling up shrubberies and flower borders to an incredible distance: the Oak, because it is intolerant of town atmosphere, and because it is difficult to establish that is to say. unless the soil be both deep and well trenched you are not likely, except after many attempts, to get a free -grow ing and shapely tree ; the Ash, because it is peculiarly deadly to any undergrowth in its v.cinity ; the Sycamore and common Horse Chestnut, because of their rank growth and coarse, unyielding branches, which render them such had neighbours in the crowd that is likely to occur in a small space, however much the owner may struggle to avoid it. As to shrubs, I would eschew absolutely the common Laurel, for it grows most raukly to the detriment of belter things, is subject to be killed to the ground in hard frosts, and even when it escapes that danger large pieces of it often die off suddenly and without apparent reason. If Laurels are wanted and their glossy foliage is certainly attractive— plant caucasica or rotundifolia. Both of these have the merit oi being hardier and more compact than the type. Portugal Laurel should be planted sparingly on account of its free growth, and the variety myrtifolia has the advantage of being more elegant in leaf and less vigorous. 1 do not like Yews in any number in a shrubbery, as they tend to give it a very gloomy appearance, though they are admirable for hedges, or. when old, as single specimens. Common Privet should he Avoided, unless it be planted merely as a nurse wiih the irrevocable intention to remove it as soon as it impinges on choicer plants. I should, however. have mentioned that it makes a very fair hedge where the expense necessary lor Holly or Yew cannot be afforded. To >a\ a little more about tin' planting of the garden. I would suggesl your planting deciduous flowering shrubs and Small trees and evergreen shrubs in the propor- tion of two deciduous to one evergreen. Do not make the common mistake of planting all your big things at the back and graduating down to the verge, but break your front line at intervals with small trees, such as Cherry or Mespilus. In this way you will gain space for a larger number of trees, and you will also add to the apparent depth and effect of your shrubbery. YlCARY GlBBS. Aldenham Ihms,. Elstree, Herts. ( To In continued. ) 124 THE GARDEN. ["February 1900. THE PRIEST'S GARDEN. A <;rey day in Italy — no wind, no sound — it seemed as if the world had forgotten to awake. The day after Christmas we drove along the narrow valley, up into the Olive-covered hills — Vines hanging from pergolas ; long-necked, long-haired sheep sauntering down the dried- up watercourse, full of wild Hellebore and Oleander bushes; cottages, buried in Fig orchards, hanging on the sides of rocks. No sign of bird or any living being, except an occasional peasant hacking at the Olive trees or a row of crouching women picking up the berries. Just now and then a breath passing through the dry Chestnut leaves made a slight rustle and showed that Nature was just alive. Circling round and up the steep' ravines at length we stopped, and saw the little grej clustering village away above our heads. From the rough-paved mule-path we passed into the village street, and found ourselves, after many strange turnings, out upon the little open piazza in front of the great white church, surrounded by a sentinel guard of graceful ( lypress trees. Standing proudly up on its narrow col, with its splendid campanih pointing to the skies, the great church seemed to dominate the whole countryside, overlooking on either side the deep valleys below. As we stood drinking in the great view around us, bounded by distant sea and mountain-range, a young priest, with great courtesy and dignity, stepped silently towards us in his dark, Mowing robes, and, with that peculiarly graceful speech of the educated Italian, asked us if we should be pleased to visit his creche. We followed him through a green door adjoining the church, and. entering first, he lighted a tiny lamp which hung in front of the Bambino. Gradually as we became accustomed to the semi-darkness we made out the figures— the infant Christ, with a white dove above him, lying in a most realistic manger, with a huge cow on one side anil rui the other a wooden ass. The whole scene, which breathed a devout, simple, and religious feeling, depicted a crowd of modern peasants in gay/esfel costume, bringing various quaint and homely objects as sacred gifts to the Holy Family. The picture of Bethlehem behind was really beautifully and most tenderly painted, with a flush of early dawn upon it. We asked the priest how he came by the painting, and who h el made the little cottages and various objects in the scenery. "Myself," he said, "ami the peasant people help me— we have done it all. A lady who was here the other day had just come from the Holy Land, and she said the view was very true to Nature. She took some photographs of my creche." The long, coloured coats of the men anil the pretty holiday costumes of the peasant women all came, he said, from Naples. They are made in the convents. He had himself carved the various animals and the little carts full of local merchandise, and to make the whole scene more realistic to his Hock he made a model of tl Id ruined Lombard tower of Sla. Anna, which we had passed upon our road. As we stepped from the darkness into the light a boy held out a box of limosina. I dropped into it the few coppers 1 happened to have with me. Presently he ran after me anil -aid. "You need only give me one soldo, Sipnorina, and you have given five : it is a mistake." Then we strayed to the silent Campo Saul,,, lying amongst the Olive trees on the hillside : facing the east that it might catch the earliest sun, and sheltered by a grove of dark, delicious Ilexes. A Monthly Rose strayed over the wall and lightly clasped the figure of the Virgin over the ancient door. As we came back down the village street, where the women were making lace, sitting in front of their bright-coloured cushions, rocking a cradle with one foot as they held their little tables steady with the other, the priest came again towards us and asked us if we should care to eiitei- his little garden. We followed him through another green door adjoining the church on to a tiny Vine- covered terrace, the deep valley dropping sheer blue hills, the presiding genius of the spot, a magnificent, tall Camellia plant in fullest bloom— large, beautiful, rose-pink blossoms, standing out in fresh glory amongst their glossy leaves — the only spot of bright Colour in the grey countryside. "Pick, pick," he said ; " 1 should feel honoured if you will accept them ;" and he filled our hands with the lovely blossoms, mixed with a few early Narcissi and sprays of Rosemary and Lavender. v VTOUSTAIN PATH IS ITAI.1 WITH YiilM below ami the great mountains opposite. Scrupulously clean anil neat was the little garden, with its paved paths beneath the pergola, its Lemon trees and Vines, its Orange tree- and Myrtles, its round bushes of Rose- mary and Lavender, Violets in shady corners : a row of uneven biscuit boxes placed beneath the windows in the sun full of seed just beginning to appear ; the well of water with' the little figure of a saint placed above it half hidden behind the tall plants of Oleander. Then suddenly we saw, clinging to the corner of the pergola, gracefully defined against the As we drove into the common world again down the narrow valley we saw the figure of the lonely priest dark against the sky standing on the lofty terrace beneath the pointed t lypress trees. Father, doctor, confessor, lawyer, scribe of all the contadini round, no one is learned or knows anything in San Massimo except the beloved Signor Prete. M. ( '. I). Winter Aconite and Siberian Dog- wood. These form a pretty combination. I lately noticed a bed of the crimson-stemmed Dogwood, at the base of which tin- Aconite was flowering. T. 'ebruaky 17, 1900. j CHRYSANTHEMUMS. JAPANESE KINDS FOR EXHIBITION.— I. THK popularity of Japanese Chrysanthe- mums for exhibition, either as trained plants or otherwise, and also exhibited in a cut stale, is still as keen as ever, and there is no doubt that the ever- increasing novelties will keep alive the interest and enthusiasm for a long period yet owing to their great diversity of form and colour. That the newer kinds are much superior to some of the older ones I cannot admit, for when one remembers the magnificent flowers of lime. ('. Audiguier exhibited by Mr. E. Molyneux at Kingston. Belle I'aule by Mr. Mtinro, and E. Molyneux b\ Mr. Mackenzie, at the Aquarium and Crystal Palace some years ago. I doubt if any varieties of the present day ran surpass these ; and again the old Boule d'Or, Yellow Dragon, and Viviand Morel. among many others, were as fine as one could wish. But, unfortunately, the Japanese Chrysanthemums deteriorate surprisingly after a few years and become worn out, and with all the new sorts now before us there are none to take the place of some of these. E. Molyneux. for instance, one of the finest coloured Chrysanthemums ever raised, cannot vet lie replaced, and I do not think there is any Japanese variety that has held its own so long as this, for even now we find it included in many of our best collections on' the show table, though of verv poor quality compared with former years. Scores of articles and books have been written on the cultivation of the Chrysanthemum, and I can add but little to what has already been said, neither do I wish to attempt to teach the successful culti- vator : nevertheless, to the amateur and beginner I may be able to afford some useful information. Xo amount of writing can make the intending com- petitor successful, as so much depends upon the indomitable pluck and courage of the individual himself. Constant 'arc and attention for a whole twelvemonth must be cheerfully borne if the best results are to be achieved, for. as in many other pursuits, there is no royal road to success. How many times have I heard it remarked, " Yes, so- and-so ought to win; see the convenience he has L'ot;" but depend upon it chance avails but little without determination. Only last year, for instance. the prize for the premier Japanese bloom in the large November show held at the Aquarium, which was probably the finest collection of Japanese blooms that has ever been brought together, was won by an amateur with only one small greenhouse, and this 1 happen to know was only one of the many grand flowers grown by this enterprising young man. Forming a collection is often a great difficult) to the inexperienced, which is not surprising consider- ing the immense number of kinds now catalogued, and I propose giving a list of what I consider fifty of the best standard varieties in order of merit, and twelve of the most promising new sorts, as this is of the utmost importance ; it is far better to grow a few of the most reliable kinds than a large number of uncertain varieties. List of Suitable Kim>s. Mrs. \Y. Mease Madame Carnot. Mis. Coombes, Mrs. H. Weeks. G. J. Warren. M. Chenon de Leche, Oceana, Phoebus, Mutual Friend. R. H. Pearson, Pan Maid, Emily Towers, Miss Xellie Pockett. Ladj Hanhain. Henry Weeks. Mrs. Barkley, Australic, (lias. Davis, Edwin Molyneux, Lady Ridgwav. Mrs. G. W. Palmer. Mrs. W. H. Lees. Souvenir de Mine. P. Rosette. Viviand Morel, Soleild't (ctobre, James Btdencope, Mrs. J. Carpenter, Chats worth, Lady Crawshaw. Mrs. Pursdcn. Sim- plicity. Rivers H. Langton. John Pockett, Le Grand Dragon. Mrs. J. W. Barks. Mrs. White Popham, Edith Tabor, Emily Silsbury, Louise, Mrs. F. A. Kevin. Pride of Madford, Thomas Wilkins. Mrs. ■I. Lewis. Mine. P. Rivoire. Mrs. James Bryant, Mrs. W. Seward, Matthew Hodgson, J. R. Upton, Helen Shrimpton, General Paque. THE GARDEN. New Varieties. Miss Alice Byron. Lord Salisbury, Mine, von Andree. Mr. PL E. Pry, Mrs. A. Tate, Mme. R. Cadbury, Mrs. W. Morgan. Souvenir de Marquise dc Salisbury, Florence Molyneux, Edith Pilkington, Vicar of Leatherhead, W. H. Whitehouse. Having determined on the number of plants to grow, all of which can be purchased at a very small outlay, excepting the novelties, re loted plants should now be procured and potted firmly in clean well- drained 3-inch pots. The compost should consist of three parts good light fibrous loam, one part well decayed leaf-mould, one half rotten manure or old spent Mushroom bed manure, with a liberal supply of coarse silver sand and a small quantity of wood ashes and bone-meal. This should be thoroughly mixed and used in a moderately dry condition, so that the young plants can be potted firmly without the compost setting together in a pasty mass. The plants will require a little coaxing for a few days until the roots begin to push through. There is iio better place for them than a pit with a hot- water pipe running through, but only sufficient heat should be given to counteract frost. Arrange them on a bed of finely sifted coal ashes quite near the glass : a slight syringing night and morning with tepid water will greatly assist them to recover from the check which they will have received; very little air will be needed the first week, but as -non as the plants show signs of making new growth, give air more freely anil dust the points occasionally with tobacco powder to ward off attacks of green fly. After about a fortnight the majority of the young plants should be transferred to cold frames in an open position facing south, nursing on the weaker and later struck plants until they are in a tit state to join the more forward ones. No matter how careful one may be. some of the best and more delicate kinds will be sure to lag behind in the early part of the season, but one should always try to have the whole of the stock as nearly in the same condition as possible when the time arrives for their final potting. As regards airing at this season when in cold frames, we are much at the mercy of the weather, and one must use common [sense. During spells of cold north-easterly winds very little ventilation indeed will be required, but on the other hand, when the wind is in a genial quarter air may be given freely, removing tin- lights entirely till last thing in the evening. One must be on guard against frost, as, though comparatively hardy, the slightest frost will injure the young plants at this season. No hard and fast rule can be laid down for the time of the next potting, but many will be found to require shifting on before the others. The w hole should be transferred to liinch pots, except the very weakest, using 5-inch pots for these. The pots should be thoroughly drained and always used perfectly clean and dry, and it is of the utmost importance that the soil should not be allowed to mix with the drainage, or the latter will become blocked, and the plants becoming water logged will never be satisfactory. I know of nothing more suitable for placing over the drainage as fibre taken from the loam heap from which the soil has been rubbed out. If a thin layer of this is laid over the drainage, providing worms are rigorously excluded from the soil, the drainage should be as perfect when turned out as it is on the first day. The soil for this potting should consist of three parts of good fibrous loam, choosing that of medium texture, and one part old Mushroom bed manure passed through a J-inch sieve. To every barrow- load add a !IA inch potful of bone-meal, the same amount of wood-ashes or finely crushed charcoal, and an SA-ineh pot of fresh soot, with sufficient coarse sand to render it porous. This should be prepared a week beforehand, thoroughly mixed and turned over every day till used. When every- thing is in readiness the potting should be carried out as promptly as possible. Never leave the plants standing about, but take out only those which can be dealt with at once and return again to the cold frame. The soil should be made firm at this potting ; generally speaking, it can be made sufficiently so with the thumbs, but should the compost be extra light or dry, the potting stick may- be used to ensure the whole going together firmly. The lighter the soil the more firm it should be made. Each plant should lie neatly tied to a small stick: well sprinkle overhead and keep the lights closed for a few days. The stronger plants will generally require to be watered on about the third day, but the weaker and more delicate not for a week, or even more, a syringing morning and evening keeping them sufficiently moist. Abund- ance of air must be given as the plants become established, entirely removing the lights on all favourable occasions, and leaving them oil till bed time whenever the weather will allow. E. Beckett. NOTES FROM N. WALLUF, RHEINGAU. I AM very pleased to see in your issue of January 13 that Mr. W. E. Gumbleton calls attention to Mischanthus ncpalensis or Eulalia japonica gracil- linia univittata, under which name it is better known in trade catalogues. As Mr. Gumbleton is doubtful about the hardiness of this lovely orna mental grass, I am pleased to be in a position to state from many years' experience that it is perfect!} hardy, even in our severe winters here in Germany. It is as hardy as a brick, and stood 20° R. with only a slight covering of moss round the roots. It cut back in spring the young shoots spring up very rapidly, and by the middle of June it forms a most ornamental bush about li feet to 8 feet in height. Unfortunately, the graceful golden feathery plumes are generally cut down by early frost before thej can develop their full beauty. It seems to delight best in a heavy loamy soil, and, if left undisturbed, will soon form large clumps of a most graceful appearance. For imparting a tropical effect in the flower garden, for isolated positions on the lawn or on margins of lakes or streams, it is one of the most ornamental grasses I have ever seen. Its great commercial value, however, is as a pot plant in a cool greenhouse. If well grown in small pots it is a most striking and graceful plant for con srrvatory and table decoration. The thin win steins are clothed with long, slender leaves of a light green, with a conspicuous silverj band inn ning through the centre of each. Eulalia japonica zebrina stricta is a very hand- some new variety, and the finest of all the Eulalias ever introduced- It is of a sturdy, compact grow th, reaching only about 4 feet in height. The stems are thickly set with stiff', erect leaves, having barE of a clearer, brighter yellow than its parent, E. japonica zebrina. As I do not find this charming novelty offered in any of the catalogues of hard\ plant growers, I believe it is still scarce in English gardens, but when shown at any of the London horticultural meetings, I have no doubt it will soon find its way into every garden where hardy plants are grown. ( '. Sonntai;. FERNS. BEST BRITISH EERNS. TO the large majority of people who devote a corner of their garden to hardy Ferns the fact that our British Ferns, in then varietal capacity, arc the most wonderful Ferns in the world is entirely unknown. Hence we find that onl_v a few species are used, and of these only the common forms, as vended by the eostermonger on his barrow ; by the plant dealer, in boxes ignominiously exposed outside their shops like seedling cabbages ; or by the local Vandals, wdio deplete the surrounding country. in ferny districts, to supply per post. Meanwhile, it is only here and there that collections propel exist of the hundreds of far more beautiful forms of these plants, which have been found wild in the first place, and in many cases subsequently highh improved by selective culture. At Kcw . thanks to contributions and bequests, there is a magnificent collection of these varietal forms, and as they are in all cases perfectly hardy and easy of culture, we cannot too strongly advocate their extended introduction and adoption as decorative plants i Il'l) THE (iARDKN. [February 17. IHIlll. eool conservatories, cold frames, and sheltered rockeries out of d «. To this end we propose giving a brief outline of the finest varieties, and in this connection we may mention that the large majority of them are obtainable from the nursery- men who make these a specialty at such moderate , ci i place them within the- reach of all. especially when it is considered that they are all perennial, and once established last a lifetime. Nature, in fashioning these varieties, distributes them usually solitarily among the common forms wherever these are fairly abundant. Of "how it i^ done" we know absolutely nothing; all we know is that the Fern hunter who assiduously in- spects tin- masses of Ferns which grow in many places so abundantly in hedgerows, on old walls. in woods, in shady glens, anil on the hillsides and moorlands every now and again comes across a specimen which is altogether differently fashioned from its neighbours of the same species. All the tips may he elegantly tasselled. all the divisions feathery ; the crested, or tasselled : and I he multiform, or "curio" types. (If these we incline to the belief that the plumose are the most beau- tiful. In these the normal simple grace of the species is maintained, hut enhanced by such anampli- tieation of the foliage as to put the common forms far in the background. In the Padv Kerns (Athyrium Filix-foemina) and Shield Ferns (Poly- stichum aculeatum and P. angulare) we have the grandest forms of these. A. F.-f. plumOSUm Hois- fall and A. F.-f. p. Axminster are two wild finds of great beauty, and quite distinct from each other. The first, there is reason to believe, is the parent of A. F.-f. Kalothrix, an uniquely delicate Fein, with fronds like spun silk or glass. A. F. f. p. Axminster has, however, proved itself tin- mother of not merely an individual gent but of a queenly race, sporting first into A. F.-f. p. elegans Parsons, a refined edition of itself, and then through that into the glorious strain of A. F.-f. plumosum superbum, a beautifully tasselled form, ii r.i.t; si; v campion (sii.iai: vivimtiwv ii,. may be cut and reeiil intoextra laeiness. orcrimped or crisped i any different ways; sometimes the whole plant is dwarfed and congested intoa minia- ture edition, and sometimes enlarged into a grander one. Furthermore, these varied types maj be combined, and, in short, since two such finds are rarely identical, the accumulated distinct forms .ue very numerous. Then, too. it has been found thai spores of such tonus nut only yield their type fairly truly, but an ,i|i! lo \;uv ^lill more. and. finally, that it two ly pes be sou n togel her. I ley ale capable of crossing and affording progeny in which the two characters ue ■nnil sd. All this, of course, apart from its indication of an interesting diversity, means lh.it there is an absorbingly interesting field of culture open to those who take up Feins a- a hobby, and do something more than mereh buy plants ami take care of them. To come now to the best, as space Is limited, we may say that the varietal forms may be classified roughly into three types— the plumose, or extra which in its turn yielded two distinct sections, tasselled and plain, among which A. F.-f. plumosum I iriiery. uncreated, and A F. f. sup. percristatum, in Which even tie fourth divisions arc- prettily tasselled, tank as the finest amongst a score of distinct and charming forms. Keeping still to tl lengthens out all its tips into mossy-looking tails to cap the climax. In addition to these raised forms we have some charming original finds. P. a. p. Patcvii and I', a. p. Wollastonii are both gems, while in the allied species I', aculeatum, I', a. pulcherrimum is really the plumose form of that speeies. but does its spiriting in a slender, graceful fashion entirely its own. Among the Buckler Ferns, there is not so much in the plumose way. as Lastrea Filix-mas Bollandie, though good, is defec- tive in make. L. p. in. cristata has given us a silky form in L. F.-m. fimbriata cristata. and L. montana has yielded several beautiful plumose forms. Airey's and Whitwell's being the finest. The common Polypody (P. vulgare) has given us many forms of P. v. cambricum, known as the Welsh Polypody, though found in other places as well. All these are beautiful, the finest being P. v. c. Hadwinii. Barrowii, Oakleyse la dwarf), and Piestouii. the last incomparably the best. Even our little IJlaek Maiden-hair Spleenwnrt I Aspleiiiinii Trichoma! les I has given us several lovely plumosums (A. T. inei- suni), of which Clapham's form excels all. The plumose form of the Sea Spleenwnrt (A. mariinuii plumosum] is a grand variant of that simple species. Our true Maiden-hair (Adiantum capillus- Veneris) in the same direction has done its best to imitate A. Farlcycnse in A. c.-V. eornu- biel ise. ai lilt | tlite succeeded except in size and tint, and finally among the divided Ferns, Blech- nuni Spicant has given us B. S. pi. Airey. a fine thrice-divided plumose form of that pretty species. The Harts-tongue, despite the normal strap-like simplicity o\ it.- fronds, has managed to yield some exceptionally fine things by frilling and fringing. S. v. crispum. the plumose variety of this species, lias been repeatedly found, and a well-grown plant of the kind is a decoration worth} of any post of honour. As all the barren crispunis are good we need hardly name- them, except that S. v. e. grande Wills is the finest. The frilled and fringed varieties have been raised bv selection. S. v. crispum lini hriatum Mansfield and Cropper constitute- the finest strains, which include some which are tasselled beautifully to hoot. Naturally this species forms a delightful foil to tin- divided ones, and as it is quite ever- green pays its rent, so to speak. with interest. With regard to the tasselled varieties their name is legion. In these the tips of fronds, side divisions, and. in the best forms, even the ultimate divisions, are fanned out into tassels, giving a peculiarly rich and ornate appearance to tin plants. The best of the Lady Ferns are A. F.-f. sup. percristatum and the whole of the superbum section, A. F.-f. percristatum Cousens, plumosum plumose forms, we come now lo the plumose percristatum Cousens, regale, gemmatum, Victoria; Shield Feins. Some oi these call only be com- pared to Todea superba for exquisite division of pail- A wild find of Mr. Mnly s (P. a. i\rr position) yielded, in the hands of Col. A. M. Jones and Dr. E. F. Fox, a number of densely divided plumose forms such as described; of these. P. ;i. plumosum densum, P. a. p. Laxum, P. a. robustuni. and last, but by no means least. P. a. Baldwinii, excel all exotics in feathery lovelini Of equal rank, but of less distinct origin, is P. a. Ks;ilan. a plumose starfish, si, to speak, and P. a. Pearson ranks but little lower. Finally, there i Messrs. I'm ken bead's P. a, pi in in imssi mum. a seedling probably from one of tin- foregoing, which, aftei doing tin- apparent utmost in feathery divisions. kilriishiense. Elworthii, setigerum (many forms) Vernona- crista turn, congestum cristatum; and cirv nibiferuiii bul this by no means exhausts the list of gems. The Shield Ferns in their various grandiceps forms Abbotta- Talbot. Jones, and others are splendid; P. ang. cristatum Wollaston. percristatum Mnly and ditto Grey, are beautiful, and typical of many others which run them close. The Buckler Ferns have given us the king of the male Ferns ( I,, p. in. cristata). a tasselled giant, and. if properh treated, a fine Tree Fern. L. p. in. ramosissinia. I,, p. in. polydactyla Wills and lladds arc grand companions to it, and by selection and erossing we have a number of smaller crested ones, such m Fkbruaky IDIH). I THE GARDEN. 125 L. p. m. crispa cristata, angustata cristata, and a host of others. L. dilatata "crispa cristata Oscroft and polydactyla are both good native rinds, which, however, tin- Azores have eclipsed by L. d. foliosa cristata and u. d. f. digitata. which have the advantage of being evergreen. L. inontana (the Lemon-scented Fein) has" provided a regiment of good tilings, tasselled and otherwise. Asplenium Trichonianes cristatuni is a pretty dwarf. Polypo- dnni vulgare has decked itself similarly in P. v. cristatuni. P. v. grandiceps Fox, ditto Forster, and ditto Parker the last all crest; anil finally the Hart's-tougue has eclipsed every other species by the multiplicity and multiformity of its tasselling, ranging from merely forked 'tips down to a transformation into a seeming tnft of the finest moss iS. \. ilensum Kelway). Space utterly precludes an abstract even of the good forms of this species ; it would be too invidious, and we can only say that those listed for sale may fairly he assumed as constituting a selection of the best, on the theory of •• survival of the fittest." ('has. T. Drt-ekv. F.L.S.. V.M.H. THE FRUIT GARDEN. PTERIS SCABERULA. I'nis is one of the daintiest of small-growing Ferns, and is also suitable for small glasses in rooms. In almost any arrangement its pretty fronds may readily he singled out, and when grown in a cool house it is valuable for the way it endures after being detached from the plant. Though not at its best in midwinter, it may he had in g [condition with a little (are. Formerly it was usual with some growers to water this plant freely overhead, but when so treated not only was disfigurement of the fronds more readily brought about, hut the fronds were less useful for cutting and decoration generally. Grown in a large way for its fronds alone, it is a good plan to plant it out on the front stage of a greenhouse. For this purpose 3 inches of soil are ample, as it is not a deep-rooting plant, though covering much surface space with its freely spreading rhizomes. In this way it is surprising the amount of good material a square yard will produce, and no one having such a corner to spare and once having tried it thus would go back willingly to culture in puts. Little warmth is required to grow this Fern successfully. The most suitable mixture is one of peat and loam in equal parts and a very libera] dressing of burnt earth or broken brick rubble, the former being excellent and more easily obtained of the required size. During growth water may lie freely given, and in such a mixture of soil as that suggested will do no harm. The objection to planting out ionics when small plants are required for furnishing. For this purpose the plants are best kept under pot culture, though even then occasional pegging of the growths rnay he requisite. E. J. DOUBLE SEA CAMPION. (SlI.KNK MAK1TIMA FL. -PI.. I Thk Sea Campion is a pretty thing even in its single wild form, as it grows widely trailing over rocks close to the sea. with its root thrust deeply into the rocky clefts. But its double garden form is a much better plant. The doubling of the Bower makes it surprisingly large, and gives it almost the look of somegood smooth-edged Pink. It is a plant that adapts itself readily to the wants of the rock garden, being handsome both in general effect and in detail, and has the partly hanging habit that is so valuable among well-placed masses of stone. The milk-white bloom and smooth bluish leaves are delightfullv harmonious in colour. Coreopsis vertieillata. This perennial sort has something of the feathery lightness of the annual Coreopsis, and makes very pretty clumps in good deep soil. The foliage is thread-like in fine- ness of division, and the flowers, though small, are borne in abundance. They are of a clear yellow without any markings. As it grows only "about 2 feet high, it is never straggling. It is perfectly hardy, and increases by underground stems in a moderate manner. The effect of a good clump is very distinct among bolder-leaved things. — T. J. W. APPLES UPON WALLS. THIS mode of growing the Apple is not often adopted where it succeeds under ordinary treatment, but in cold northern and elevated districts where standard and hush trees are unsatisfactory it may lie carried out successfully and with advantage. An instance to bear this out may be cited. At Crimonmogate, Aberdeenshire, which is situated about three miles from the sea-coast, and is far from being a favourable position for hardy fruit culture. Apples as standards and bushes were a failure (lam referring to upwards of thirty years ago). The trees that were grown certainly some- times had crops of fruit of inferior quality, but were scarcely worth the space they occupied. There were in the same garden two walls devoted to Apples, from which full crops of good fruit were obtained. The trees were excellent examples of skilful culture, being beautifully trained in the fan and horizontal methods, and when thickly clothed with blossoms or carrying crops of fruit they furnished a rare spectacle in that district. At Goodrich Court. Ross, some varieties are splendidly grown upon walls by Mr. Spencer, viz.. Cox's Orange Pippin, American Newtown Pippin, Margil, Melon Apple, American Mother. King of Tomkins County. Lane's Prince Albert, &e. Fruits from some of these have been successfully exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society's Crystal Palace shows, and perhaps the best dish of Melon ever exhibited in England was amongst them, and secured a first prize for Mr. Spencer in 1896. This points to the fact that even in our best Apple counties something is to be gained by this mode of culture. By it at least the colour and size of the fruit are improved, while it is easily protected from birds and is less exposed to wind than when grown in the ordinary way. It must not lie inferred that 1 recommend this way of growing the Apple in a general way. Most varie- ties can be grown well enough in ordinary Apple districts without tin' assistance of walls, which are too restricted in extent in most gardens to be pro- fitably utilised by the Apple, and delicate kinds, such, for instance, as ( lalville Malingre and Melon, can be very well dispensed with. It is in districts unsuitable to ordinary culture that I advocate its adoption, and in such a climate as that of Crimon- mogate it is certainly deserving of being carried into practice. In warm situations east and west walls or fences answer well for this purpose, hut in cold and elevated places those with south aspects are prefer- able. The form of the trees is of secondary importance. Fans, horizontals, and cordons answer equally well. In chousing varieties, however, pre- ference should be given to those upon the Paradise stock, as these freely form fruit-spurs and are not too robust in habit. Varieties that bear most of their fruit upon the point s of young wood, of which Cornish Gilliflower, Lady Sudeley, and Gascoigne's Seedling are types, are unsuitable. Young trees planted upon rich garden soils arc liable to make strong, unfruitful wood, but this can be checked by root-lifting and pruning, and a free-bearing state is thereby brought about. Tllos. CoOMBEB. LATE APPLES. The more tine rich-coloured Apples are seen in January and February, the more is manifested on tasting them how little have they repaid their keeping. Of some twenty or more varieties put before the fruit committee at the Drill Hall the other day as late fruit, not more than two or three had proved to be worth the trouble bestowed on them. All the rest should have been consumed in Decem- ber. That is not what the public want. Those who desire to have really good fresh, juicy, brisk- eating Apples now and for the next two months should for kitchen purposes secure Prince Albert, Hormead's Pearmain, Newton Wonder, Northern Greening, Wellington, and Norfolk Beaufin. There are probably no better half-dozen keepers in brisk, plump condition than those named. All are good, but Prince Albert and Wellington are specially so. Myriads of fruits that in January and February look splendid and firm are found when tasted to be lifeless, mealy, and devoid of flavour. They are several weeks past their best, and beyond thai best no variety should be kept. Then of eating Apples for late work, that delicious variety Cox's Orange Pippin, when allowed to hang late and kept in a eool place not too dry, keeps excellently up to the end of January. To follow that there i,, no better one than Cockle Pippin, one of the very best flavoured of Apples, which has nice crisp flesh. Adams' and Manning-ton's Pearmains will keep good till the end of February generally . and Rosemary and Brownlce's Russets. Duke of Devonshire, and Stunner Pippin make up ample for the latest table supply. We get in new Apples very few additions to the latest ones, hut many quite early, of which almost worthless section we have so many, and mid- season varieties. Of these latter we have enough to satisfy all needs for the next twenty years. But in that time we must expect to see some fifty new varieties added. A. 1). TREES AND SHRUBS. PTEROCARYA CAUCASICA. SEVERAL tree-lovers, after seeing at its best our remarkable specimen of the above tree, have said that the sight of it was well worth a long journey, an observation that doubtless applies to anything that is the best of its kind, and I think we may claim this for this particular speci- men, as all inquiry has failed to discover anything to equal it. It is still growing away rapidly alike in bulk and the spread of its branches, the' latest measurements giving the circumference of stem and spread of the branches respectively at Hi feet (i inches and 315 feet. The tint that the habit oi growth of many of the huge branches is not far from horizontal, and about equally balanced on the north and south sides, caused the stem to split at the point from whence the branches sprung. It was not deemed advisable to spend the amount of money that chains and bands would have entailed, so the mischief was partially cheeked by placing huge props beneath the lower branches. As the latter, however, continued to grow rapidly until the tops touched the ground, the leverage naturally increased, until there was a strong probability the tree would split asunder, so with the view to prevent this I was reluctantly compelled to remove some of the lower branches and so release the strain. I say " reluctantly " because one does not like to remove even a small branch from a handsome tree. But it was absolutely necessary in this case, and the operation was performed so as to interfere as little as possible with its level outline. So far as its summer appearance is concerned, it has not been seen at its best for several seasons, and last year was no exception to the rule, a late spring frost nipping both the young growth and the catkins. The foliage broke again later, but the catkins were nearly all destroyed except a few in the central part of the tree. The early develop- ment of leaf and susceptibility to frost are natu- rally somewhat detrimental to the species as an ornamental tree ; but as when seen at its best it is quite unique, it ought to find a place in all large collections. E. Burbelt.. ( '1'inmout. GOLDEN ELDEE AND PURPLE HAZEL. One of the most effective combinations of hardy foliage trees in the garden can be made by the employment of Golden Elder and Purple Hazel. The only condition needed to make this quite effective is an open situation fully exposed to the sun, so that the full golden leafage may be per- fectly developed. If there is the least shade from overhanging trees, the Elder then assumes a dull freen and is quite ineffective. No plant that I now will grow better under what might be termed ll'S THE GARDEN. [February it, 1900. unfavourable conditions as to soil ; it will grow in any kind, heavy or light, and as to its propagation nothing is easier. Stout cuttings 1 foot long of 1I1-' current season's wood taken off in October, cut square across below a joint, and firmly dibbled into sandy soil, will make nice plants in one year. Instead of "dotting" the plants here and there in the shrubberies, as is too often the case, mass I hero together — not less than a dozen- -giving them jusi enough room to make their annual growth. In front of the Elder plant a single row of the llaz: I. giving i hem sufficient room to stand clear of each other. An annual close pruning of hoth subjects down to within an eye or two of. the base will induce a vigorous growth of young shoots every year and larger leaves, which will lie more intensely golden than those coining away less vigorously. During the summer, when the shoots are. say. ^ feet long, nip out the point of each ; this also emphasises the colouring. The Hazel, too. may he served in the same way. This yearly pruning ensures a compact growth. E. M. PALM HOUSE AT STREATHAM HALL. The accompanying illustration represents a view in the famous Palm house at Streatham Hall, Exeter, the residence of Mrs. It. Thornton West. This Palm house is one of the finest in the west nf England, measuring 71 feet long and in feel wide. It is delightfully planted, ferns, Palms, and foliage plants being associated with rare judgment and artistic effect. BOOKS. I VI. Ms \\n I i:i;ns AT STKKATIfAJl HALL, EXKTK1!. A book about lawns and cricket grounds. We have received a hook about "Garden Lawns, Tennis Lawns, Putting Greens, and Cricket Grounds," written by Messrs. Sutton and Sons, of Heading. It is a hook tit tor the library, well printed, well illustrated, and charmingly produced in every way The information is thoroughly practical, and should prove of great value in the treatment of garden lawns and cricket grounds. The following extract about "Improving Old Lawns" (p. 25) will show how sound and practical is the informa- tion : " 1 un;o\ iso ( )i,n Law ns. "Old lawns become thin and hare from various causes, such as poverty of the soil, the encroachment of weeds, overwear, or because the seeds originally sown were not suitable for the land! Stimulating the surface by a vigorous use of the rake is one means of improvement, and the work will he more effective after the law n has been mown. The immediate effect isapparent ruin, hut the grass will peedily recover from the rough treat; incut and look the better for it. Over he loosened surface sift or lightly p read some loam mixed a few days before use with Sutton's lawn manure in the proportion of 7 lb. to HI lb. of the manure to a medium sized har- row -fill of soil, and lightly rake the surface to ensure even distribution. After an interval often or fourteen days, sow a mixture of renovating seeds ; rake these in. put the roller over the entile surface twice in dif- ferent directions, and keep birds off. "The work can he commenced at the end of January or beginning of February, supposing the weather renders it possible; and as the old turf will protect the young grasses from injury by frost, the seed may he sown early in March. An autumn sow iny of renovating seeds can, how- ever, often lie made immediately the grass can he spared from play at the end of the season, hut as a rule it must not he later than the middle of September. After that period sowings have occasionally been made with success, hut they' are not to be relied on. The possibility, already alluded to, of losing the clovers in winter applies here also, and the sward should he examined in spring to ascertain whether another sowing of seeds is necessary. "A weak-growing sward may be stimulated by the application of 1 lb. of lawn manure stirred into 1(1 gallons " " Garden Lawns. Tennis Lawns. Putting Greens, Cricket Grounds." By Sutton .v Sons, Reading. L.mduii : Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton. Kent A Co.. Ltd. Price -is. Ud. February 17, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 129 of water. This quantity will suffice for a rod or perch of land, and it should invariably be ad- ministered in the evening. Dry artificial manure scattered over the surface in hot weather will certainly scorch the grass. "We have occasionally been asked whether a lawn which is thin might not be allowed to thicken its herbage by seeding. A more disastrous course could not be pursued. It has exactly the opposite effect to that desired, by weakening the standing plant without any compensating advantage. The little seed that is produced will he shed by the coarser varieties, and if these seeds, instead of being blown by the wind on to the nearest border, take root in the lawn, the herbage will he dete- riorated, and it may take years to remedy the injury." CORRESPONDENCE. NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PR.ECOX. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] SIR. — Mr. Arnott, in your last issue, asks for experiences of Narcissus pallidus pnecux. I have had it growing here for some seven years, since I made my rock garden, and although it took a little time to establish, it has for some years been very happy, and is increasing. I have it planted on north slopes, more or less steep. The soil is fairly light, and our climate here is a very moist one. so that it gets an abundance of moisture. Encouraged l,\ its growth in the rock garden, I have i e recently planted it on a grassy hank with the same aspect, where, so far, it seems to be doing well. S nil 1,1. T LYLOR. Birkdault, ffaverthicaite, via Ulverxton. bracts 20 to 21 inches across. July and August cuttings are put into 6-inch and 4£-inch pots, and they grow from 1 to 2 feet high, with bracts 18 to :2n inches across. The September cuttings are ro,,ted and grown in 4-inch and 3-inch pots, and are from 3 to 9 inches high, with bracts 12 to 18 inches across. Several plants are grown in 3-inch puts, and have bracts 14 inches across. The plants an ly shaded while rooting in the propagating pit; at every other stage of growth they are exposed to full sun and cool treatment until early in December. The cool temperature in which they are grown makes them most useful for house dee'oratio'n. I ma \ add that a quantity of them were exhibited at the 'Royal Aquarium last December. After being three days there and two nights on the road, I used them cut and in pots for house decoration until about a week ago, when the plants were stored away. The Poinsettia is an old plant in our gardens, but a most useful one, and is always admired whenever it is well cultivated. The secret —if any— is to avoid shade and strong fire-heat and give air freely. John Fleming. Wexham Park Gardens, Slough. THE WISDOM OF ROOT-PRUNING. [To the Editob oi "The Garden."] Sir, — I should not have troubled you with further remarks upon this subject had not Mr. Wythes (see page 106) evaded mentioning the real point that I took exception to in his article, viz. : " It is an easy matter to check gross growth at this season, and liv so doing ensure a full crop next year." The fact oi tin- having been written, as Mr. Wythes states, early in October instead of at the time published, viz., December .'in. does not in the leasl detract from the misleading nature of the sentence, for, supposing root-pruning is done early in October, it does not ensure a crop the next year. As I before stated, root pruning, if executed in the autumn, does not guarantee or promote fertility 1 he following year, but it invariably ensures a a show of fruit buds at that time. Your correspondent's remarks about nurserymen's practice of making up their fruit quarters in March or April are not relative to il question. Surely Mr. Wythes knows thai this is not done with a view to ensure a crop oi fruit tie following autumn, or because it is con- sidered the best season for transplanting, or root- pruning fruit trees for that matter, but simply to fill up vacancies caused by lifting trees to supply customers, and bj so doing save wasting ground. An < >i.n Pi: \> 1 1 rios kk. DWARF POINSETTIAS. |To the Editor of " The < Iarden."] Sir, In reference to Mr. Crawford's note and question on the above in Tut; Gardes (page 91) I am in. luced to send lheiollowing remarks : When the plants have finished flowering, they are dried oft and stored under the stage of the geranium house, and are removed in April to a heated pit . gradually exposing them to full light and sun. A few cuttings m rooted in June and kept on until September. The old plants are placed outdoors during duly. August, and September, keeping them in full sun. lie early plants or cuttings are potted on into s1, inch pots, they grow about :! feet high with DEEP CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — The discussion which has arisen over Mr. E Beckett's reference to his method of deep trenching ins garden soil at Aldenham shows how much stress gardeners lay upon deep culture. There seems to be two reasons why this deep trenching is not popular in many, and especially in amateurish, directions, the first being the arduous nature of the labour involved, and second the dread lest manuring subsoils should be productive of more harm than good. Now it has been shown that the important element in the Aldenham drastic method of trenching is found in the liberal dressings of manure which such exposed subsoils receive there. That is a feature which too few can adopt ; hence those who have brought crude subsoils to the surface too often have, because no special food applications could lie furnished, found failure. Now by far the safest course for all who have indifferent manurial means is when trenching, let the subsoil be what it may. to break it up deeply with a fork, or even. it need be. with the aid of a pickaxe. They will thus enable air to penetrate, sweeten, and even to help fertilise such low soils, though left where Nature found them. But if. in addition, then- can be added on the surface of these low broken soils a dressing of manure, decayed garden refuse, orother vegetable material that will gradually decay before the top spit of soil from the next trench is cast ontoit. then very great g 1 is done. The manure dressing washes into and becomes gradually incorporated with the crude subsoil, and in that way greatly promotes fertility. In the summer, when the air is heated and the surface soil is dry, root crops are encouraged to go deep into this subsoil, because it is now loose and porous, finding there both food and moisture, so that the gain is then great. But such trenching and manuring benefit the crops for some two or three seasons, and at the end of that period, when trenching again takes place, the poverty, erudeness, or sourness existing in the subsoil in its virgin state has largely disappeared, and a portion of it may be brought to the surface and be incorporated with the surface soil. In that way and by judicious treatment all subsoils are in time made fertile and sw'eet for some 2i inches in depth, and where soils are naturally deep even to :ili inches. To so great a depth vacant soil in good-class kitchen gardens is invariably trenched each winter, and where cropping is judiciously managed, all the vegetable area is thus deeply trenched about every three years. It is only by such gradual process that kitchen gardens, the most productive of all soil areas, have been brought up to their high pitch of fertility. The work was not of one year, but of many. One of the remarkable results of this con- stant deep wia king is that areas continue to be wonderfully productive for generations — aye, even for centuries. There is no such thing as soil exhaustion such as we hear of so often in connection with agriculture to be found in the gardener's vocabulary. The gardener understands that soil is. after all. but a rooting medium, and that it is Inn needful to replace in it what crops have taken from it to enable- it to be productive for ever. But to enable so much, whether temporarily or perma- nently, to be done, deep cultivation is indispensable. The cause of decay in agriculture is found in lack of deep culture. Gardening, on the other hand, owes its success to deep culture more than to any other cause. Large trees send their hard woody roots deep down into hard subsoil and there find sustenance. Break up and manure these subsoils and the tender roots of garden crops can do the same. That is the basis of the gardener's cultural practice. A. D. Sir, — I would advise all those responsible for the articles appearing in Tin: Gardes on the above subject to endeavour to keep) in the proper groove of this interesting subject. I certainly fail to sec what part "big Oaks and Beeches" play in this subject (see " K. H.. I., 'Hampton Hill, p. 88) of quick growing kitchen garden crops ; also turning up a meadow and getting a good crop of Potatoes (see D. B. Crane, page 89). May 1 ask if the readers are to take it that this good crop of Potatoes was produced from the bottom •_• feet or 3 feet of clay or sand suddenly brought to the surface and immediately planted? What the readers (including myself) would like to know is how the quick change is brought about in such a wholesale way for immediate planting, especially for the small seed departments. 1 doubt whether anyone advocating "deep cultivation of soil" has practised it more than myself, as far as my means will allow. The present writers on the subject seem to ignore the chief point, viz., draining. I know what it was some years ago to deal with a plot of ground that had been trenched so many feet deep in clay with- out draining. When I was called in here it came to my lot to let off tons of water bottled uji through this injudicious trenching — this, too, on a hill. In the advice laid down in The Garden (January 13), in bringing a London clay to the surface, naturally strikes any practical reader as rather a drastic measure, viz.. bringing up about 2 feet of such stuff to be afterwards rendered tit for immediate cropping. To deal with a plot of ground such as stated, consisting of so many inches of top soil, the rest London clay, broken up to a depth of 3 feet, any practical person knows that this so-called London clay must have a considerable amount of opening material added, or it must run together again. I may suggest that it is quite likely that very few would have such an amount at hand necessary to render such clay porous. The most practical way to go about repairing the difficulty is. first, to thoroughly drain such land, not less than 3 ted dep ; secondly, portion oft that part of the garden you can spare for burning. Turn this right over right down to drains, then start a fire built with a quantity of faggots and cordwpod in the shape of a huge sugar loaf, fill up the opening with fine wood, then build the London or heavy clay 1 foot thick all over this, adding small coal to each layer when you have covered the whole pile of wood in. except one side where you intend starting the fire at top. It will astonish a novice the amount of material or clay this class of tire will burn. These tins an- governed by feeding or adding the clay as tin- lire shows through, and adding the coal-dust more or less according to the way it is burning. It should leave the clay a mild ballast material, not burnt to a hard ballast. Burn about half the clay that is brought to the surface'. This should again be well mixed back through the remaining part of the clay as the trenching again proceeds with other light material at hand. The' workable- surface will again be brought back to the top again, to he dealt with in the ordinary way. One will now have from 3J feet to 4 feet of g 1 a-ratee! sod. and the roots of kitchen garden plants will go well down amongst it. Deep cultivation of suitable soils is quite different to that of dealing with a London clay. Let any practical person consider the amount of opening material it would take to render 2 feet of heavy clay— brought to the surface — workable for any ordinary kitchen garden, &.-.. and also consider 130 THE GARDEN. [February 17, 1900. what sort of a pincushion-look the quarters of a kitchen garden w the first February meeting of fin' society. Usually the exhibition at the Drill Hall <>n (in- occasion of the annual meeting is one of the most interesting of the whole series, hut in spite of weather trials there was ;i good display, as the following report testifies. Floral Committee. A large and verj effective group of the stellate form of the i Ihinese Primula was exhibited by Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley, Kent. The collection was awarded a silver Flora medal ; it contained several varieties, among which were Miss Irene, rose ; Purple Star; Lady E. Dyke, having pretty white flowers and bright green leaves : Mrs. H, Cannell, also pure white; Queen of Roses ; ami Princess Eva. almost white, hut with a Blight tinge of pink. A bright and pleasing show ot colour was made by a group of Persian Cyclamens belonging to Mr. John May, st. Margaret s, Twickenham, Tin- plants were splendidly flowered and the individual I dooms exceptionally tine. This group also obtained a silver Flora medal. Another pretty group was that of the useful evergreen greenhouse Clematises, c. indivisa and C. indivisa lohata, which won a silver Flora medal. The plants were in pots. We have never seen a more charming display of this climber, and such a display should increase its popularity for pot culture. One usually finds that the plant is grown simply as a climber. Shown by Messrs. William Paul and Son, Waltnam Cross. V silver Banksian medal went to Messrs. John Laing and Sons .Forest Mill. S. E., tor an excellent display. It included a variety of foliage plants, t'oeos Weddelliana. some tine Lilies Of the \ alley. A/ale. is, etc. Messrs. Barr and Sons, King Street, <'o vent Warden, staged a small group of miscellaneous plants, among which were Lachenalia Garnet; Lachenalia pendula, a red form; Nar- cissus minimus, the pretty X. cyclamineus, both the white and sulphur yellow Hoop Petticoat Narcissus. Primula ol.conica ■ji.inditlor:., and Galanthus Ehvesii var. Whittallii, figured in The Garden for January 20. Messrs. .!. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, were again the exhibitors of a stand of their pretty -leenhoiise Rhododen- dron hybrids, showing a variety of delicate tints. Two plants each of Astilbe W. E. Gladstone and Astilbe H. Whitte were brought before the committee by Messrs. van Waveren and Kruyff. Haarlem, Holland. Mr. William Smythe sent a small semi-double mauve zalea named Mauve ^ueen. Colonel Piatt. C.B., Cordinog, Llanfairfechan, North Wales (gardener, Mr. W, Coates), showed specimen blooms and leaves of Chinese Primulas Princess May, Lady Sarah Wilson, Red stem Queen, all having large white blooms. Lady Sarah Wilson being new; Cannell's Pink and Improved Holborn Blue, of a somewhat deep colour. The committee requested that plants he sent. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (gardener, Mr. Bain), sent trusses of bloom of Begonia sempertlorens Boule de Neige, white, and Trioinphe de Lorraine, bright red, both semi-double. In this case also plants were asked for. We think these Begonias will create considerable interest ; they are quite distinct and fresh in colour. Three tine new Camellias were exhibited by Messrs. F. Sander and Co., St. Albans. They were Lady Buller, rose, and almost shn.de; Lady Roberts, pink, edged with white ; and Lady White, white with splashes of red ; both the latter are semi-douhle. Mr. William Bull, 536, King's Road, Chelsea, showed specimen blooms of his strain of Chinese Primulas, including the new Blushing Beauty, a pink, semi-double f rm, and Duke of York, deep crimson. Orchid Committee. Mr. i R. B. White, Arddarroch, sent several good cut racemes < >f * tdontoglossums, including O. crispum, 0. Histrio, three tine spikes of O. Andersonianum and a variety of 0. triumphans, which resembled to a great extent the natural hybrid 0. excellens. Captain Holford, Westonhirt. Tethury, Gloucester, sent a remarkably ffood form of Cattleya Triame, Cypripedium Calypso Oakwood variety (a superior form of C. nitens variety), and Mons. de Curte. Mr. C. J. Lucas, of Warnham Court, sent Dendrobium macrophyllum Richardii, a somewhat distinct variety of this shy-flowering species, to which a botanical certificate was awarded. The sepals are pale green, the petals yellow, the lip green, spotted with brown on the front lohe, lined with brown on the side lobes. Mr. F. A. Rehder sent Cypripedium Favarger, a hybrid raised from the intercrossing of C. Charlesworthii and C concinnum. The dorsal sepal is white, suffused with rose at the top, deep brown at the base ; the petals greenish yellow, suffused with brown ; the highly-polished lip deep brown, shading to green at the base. Mr. W. Cobb, Dulcote, Tunbridge Wells, sent a fine form of C. nitens, La?lia anceps, Stella, and L. a. Sanderiana, each with five flowers on the raceme. M. Chas. Maron sent La? lia -Cattleya Ernestii var. pallida. The sepals and petals yellow ; the lip yellow, veined with maroon. It was derived from the intercrossing of Ladia tiava and Cattleya Percivaliana. Mr. F. W. Moore, Glasnevin, was awarded a botanical certificate for a cut raceme of Zygopetalum Murrayanum, a curious variety with green and white flowers. Mr. .1. Gurney Fowler, South Woodford, sent cut flowers of Cattleya Triame (Glebelands variety), the flower having a very bright-coloured lip; Ladio-Cattleya Miranda (Triame * guttata Prinzii). with a five-flowered raceme, showing the intermediate characters of the parents ; Cypripedium woodfordense (Chamberlainianum x beechense) and C. Chamber-Leeanum, showing the influence of the parents indicated in the name. Messrs. Heath and Son, Cheltenham, sent a pan of finely- flowered plants of Dendrobium barhatulum. LHorticole Coloniale sent a grand form of odontoglossum crispum, a finely-spotted Odontoglossum Ruckereanum, and Cypripedium Schusterianum (villosum x volontenaum). The influence of the combined parentage is most pronounced in the offspring, the yellow of C. villosum being particularly prominent. Mr. X. Cookson sent Calanthc Sybil, pure white; C Phcebe, bright pink ; and the remarkable Odontoglossum crispum Cooksonii, with white and purple-spotted flowers of tine shape and substance measuring 4 inches in diameter. Fruit Committee. The chief features before this committee were the two very tine collections of Apples from Kent and Hereford- shire and a splendid exhibit of Rhubarb, Seakale, and Asparagus from Twickenham. A good number of seedling Apples were also shown, hut all failed to get an award. An award of merit was awarded to Rhubarb Daw s Cham- pagne. This variety has a very good stalk, and is the result of crossing Victoria with Hawke's Champagne. It is earlier than the last-named excellent variety, is of better colour, and larger. This valuable forcing Rhubarb was sent by Mr. W. Poupart, Marsh F'arm, Twickenham. Messrs. G. Bunyard it Co., Maidstone, exhibited 100 varie- ties of Apples, all excellent as regards size and variety. There were some splendid cooking kinds. Mention must be made of the Alfriston and Stone's, very flue dishes also of New Hawthornden, Annie Elizabeth, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Bismarck, Lane's Prince Albert, Royal .Tubilee (an Apple well worth extended culture], and Mere de Manage, the latter being highly coloured. There were also some grand dessert fruits, these bein^ perfect in shape and colour. Among them were several good russets, such as Egremont ami Royal, the newer Mrs. Philliinore, Lord Burghlej , the Mother Apple, Winter Pearmain, Winter Ribston. Golden Reinette, and others, well meriting the silver-gilt Knightian medal awarded. From Mr. John Watkins, Pomona Farm Nurseries, Withington, Her. ford, came such a collection of Apples as is rarely seen in the metropolis, as there were some beautiful local varieties well worth notice ; and to the fruit grower this collection was most interesting, as it shows what a wealth of February 17, 1900. J THE GARDEN. 131 really beautiful fruits we have in the western portion ,,f the country. Out of a hundred varieties it is impossible to name many. In the dessert section the colour was superb, and there were splendid dishes of Stoke Edith Pippin, Cowarne Seedling, a beautiful fruit, Lord Hindlip. Franklins Golden Pearmain, Emily Childe, and Napoleon. In the cooking class were beautifully coloured fruits of Lord Beaconsfield, Newton Wonder, Beauty of Kent, Rymer. Tyler's Kernel, Bramley's Seedling. Hollandbury, Nelsons Codlin, ami others. A silver-gilt Knightian medal was deservedly awarded. Mr. W. Poupart staged four varieties of Rhubarb, a splendid example of culture, the varieties being Hawkes Champagne, the Victoria, Linnaeus, and the new Daw's Champagne, given an award of merit. He also sent some splendid heads of Seakale and Asparagus. A silver Knightian medal was given to tins collection. Some excellent Asparagus was staged by Mr. F. \V. Campion, Reigate, in two varieties, Connover's Colossal and a newer kind, Sutton's Perfection. A new seedling Apple— Mclndoe's Russet- -was sent by Messrs. Veitch. Ltd., Chelsea. It is a New Zealand fruit, and of great merit on account of its good keeping qualities. From Messrs. Lane A Son, Berkhamsted. came also a new Apple, a sport from the old Blenheim Grange, excellent in quality and quite distinct, being of a deep red colour. This just missed an award, some of the committee thinking it resembled the parent too closely. The Duchess of Cleveland (gardener, Mr. Cannie), Battle Abbey, Sussex, sent excellent Apples under the name of Stunner Pippin, but they were thought to be Lord Burghley. A new seedling Apple named Aurora, a pretty small dessert variety, was sent by Mr. W. Bull. Ramsden, Essex. Apple Nancy .Tackson was sent by Mr. Geo. Holmes. Acomb, Vorks. This is a favourite north country fruit, and an excellent cooker and keeper. Mr. P. Crowley sent Quince jelly to show its value as a preserve. It was of excellent quality and good colour. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman (Mr. P. Crowley) for his services to this committee dining the past \ ear was proposed and suitably responded to, and he also thanked the members for their kindness and assistance. ANNCAL MEETING. There was a large attendance at the annual meeting on Tuesday, and it was certainly the most interesting and pleasant gathering that has been held for many years. The president (Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.) was in tin chair, and near him were Sir John T. D. Llewelyu, Bart .. MP.. Mr. .1. T. Bennett-Poe, Mr. K. Du Cane Godman, F.K.s.. Mr. T. B. Haywood, Mr. Frederick Lloyd. Mr. R. McLachlan. F.R.S., Dr. Muller. Mr. A. H. Pearson, Mr. Charles E. Shea, and the Rev. W. Wilts. The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and continued and candidates elected, Mr. Bunyard said the best thanks of the members were due to the retiring members of council, and he mentioned that one had kindly consented to act again, namely. Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., who through many years have proved a true friend to the society. sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., the president, then reviewed the work of the past year set forth in the annual report. He first alluded to the completion of the catalogue of theLindley library, and that the books are now encased in glass covers, which is, of course, in London in particular, a great gain, and referred to the part played by Mr. Elwes in making tbis change. Mr. Elwes had promised a valuable addition to the library if the 1 ks were protected. Sir Trevor incidentally mentioned that he knew the Fellows would sympathise with Mr. Elwes in his anxiety concerning his only Bon severely wounded in the war. There was a growing demand, he said, for gardeners who possessed a sound practical and scientific knowledge. The shows at the Drill Hall had fully main- tained their character, and the exhibition that day would have been of greater extent if the weather had not been so unpropitious. The chairman referred to the new plants, fruits, and vegetables shown at the meetings, and that many plants almost new, so rare had they become, were exhibited, and displayed signal excellence of culture. A large number of awards was given, and the various committees devoted much Labour to tin- work of adjudication, coming frequently from long distances to be present. Sir Trevor Lawrence said the wannest thanks of the society must be given to the members. Reference was made to the Temple show and the demand for space, but the chairman said that the benchers considered that sufficient tent ro. -m was provided according to the size of the gardens. Then mention was made of Mr. Wrights good work at Chiswick and amongst the young.men there, and this called forth considerable applause from the audience. The hybridisation conference was alluded to, and in feeling terms the chairman referred to the death of M. Henry de Vilmorin. Sir Trevor Lawrence Bt., hoped the Fellows would make up the £100 required to be raised by subscription to continue the fruit show at the Crystal Palace. The examinations, he said, help young men to further endeavours, and said that the possession of one of the society's certificates was of great assistance to a young man in obtaining a place. Then the new chart*r was tombed upon, and it is interesting to know that how retiring members of the council can be re-elected the same year. The bye-laws must be drafted, and the work had been confided to a special committee. We should have mentioned previously that the labours of the committee dealing with Orchids received warm praise. The centenary was approaching, and such matters as the new garden were touched upon. A garden had become necessary, as Chiswick was now surrounded by houses. The new garden must he within reasonable distance of London, with proper soil, water supply, etc. Sir Trevor Lawrence then said that this was the only Western European country without a school of horticulture, and thought, with co-operation from county councils, it was i work the Royal Horticultural Society could pursue. The financial position of the society was satisfactory, there being a surplus this year of £1701, the largest that there has ever been in its history. The chairman paid a hearty tribute to the Rev. W. Wilks' good work, to the treasurer, Mr. Philip Crowley, and others. Professor Henslow moved the adoption of the report, and spoke of Mr. Wright's good work and kindly consideration at Chiswick. He said he was gratified with the success of the lectures he had given to the young men last winter, and hoped to again speak to them next season. Mr. ('heal was pleased to know the society was prospering, and hoped that an opportunity would be given for discussing the bye-laws before they were passed. He drew attention to the sum of £47 for Orchid pictures. Mr. Geo. Paul said he hoped the new garden would be free- hold, and Sir Trevor Lawrence said that it was the intention of the council to obtain the ground under this condition. Mr. R. Dean also spoke, and Mr. Cheal proposed that a hearty vote of thanks be given to the president. The report was a splendid record, and the Fellows should feel grateful to the president. In reply. Sir Trevor Lawrence heartily thanked the members for their kind vote of thanks, and said that the council and the Rev. W. Wilks deserved unstinted praise for the work they had performed. The vacancies of retiring members of the council were tilled by appointing, Mr. F. Du Cane Godman, F.R.S., Sir John Llewelyn, Bt., and Mr. Arthur J. Sutton. Mr. Bunyard moved, and Mr. Geo. Paul seconded, that a vote of congratulation, be sent to sir Michael Foster upon his election as M.P. for the Loudon I'niversity. [Novelties certificated <"' given award* of merit at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings are described Under "New and Hare Plants."] HORTICULTURAL CLUB. A DELIGHTFUL evening was spent on Tuesday last at the Horticultural club. It was the occasion of the annual dinner. Sir John Llewelyn, Bart., occupied the chair, and we were pleased to see the Rev. H. Hollywood d'Onibrain present also. Several speeches were made, relieved with music. Mr. Bunyard was responsible for the arrangements of the dinner and music. CARDIFF GARDENERS ASSOCIATION. On Tuesday, February 0, Mr. T. Malpass gave an exhaus- tive lecture on the use of the Begonia for decorative and bedding purposes before the members of this association. Mr. H. Farmer occupied the chair. The debate was of a lengthy character, and many hints were thrown out as a safeguard to rust and yellow thrips. AI TTMN SHOW OF THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN SOCIETY. This will he held in the Waverley Market on September 12 and 13, 1900, and there is little doubt that it will prove a great success. There are 261 classes in the schedule, with prize-money to the amount of £381. A large fruit class should prove interesting; it is for the best decorated table of dessert fruit, 10 feet by 4 feet <> inches, 16 dishes of fruit to be staged, the kinds being .Melons, Grapes, Apples, Nec- tarines, Peaches, Pears, Apricots. Figs, Plums, Cherries, and Strawberries. The prizes presented by the Corporation of the City of Edinburgh are £7, £.r>, and £3, for first, second, and third prizes respectively. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS ASSOCIATION. THE fortnightly meeting of this society was held at St. John's Parish Room, Redland, on Thursday, Sth inst., Mr. W. Groves presiding over a good attendance. Mr. Rogers, of Stapleton Hill, supplied the paper, which was on the subject of tuberous Begonias. Dealing with the culture of the plant, he said seed should be sown in January in a tempera- ture Of 60° to 70°, pricked Off as soon as possible, and kept potted as growth proceeded. The soil recommended for all purposes was loam, leaf-mould, and sand. For the green- house the plants should be kept in a light house and as near the glass as possible, a damp atmosphere being the best for them. Mr. Rogers strongly urged the use of Begonias for bedding purposes, and gave much valuable information regarding the culture for this purpose. A good discussion followed, and Mr. Rogers was accorded hearty thanks for his attendance. Prizes for Orchids in bloom were awarded to Messrs. Bannister and Newberry, and a certificate of merit to Mr. Maddoek for a well-grown pan of Cyclamens. ENGLISH ARBORIcn/n RAL SOCIETY. We have received from the secretary, Mr, John Davidson, part 2, vol. iv,, of the transactions of this society. It forms a volume of considerable interest and importance, and con- tains accounts of the annual general meeting held in August last, excursions to English gardens, "The Pruning of Trees, by Mr. H. C. Lock, of Perth, and Mr. W. Forgan, of Alnwick ; "The Different Kinds of Fences (Dead and Alive), their Cost, and the most Suitable Place for each kind of Fence," by Thos. Bewick. Ravcnsworth ; " The Preparation of Land for an Estate Nursery, and the steps to lie taken in starting the same, by Win. Forbes. Swinton ; "Notes on Larix leptolepis, by J. R. Brown, Altrincham ; " The English Aboricultural Society's recent Excursion to London and Neighbourhood : What was seen, and what advantages the members derived therefrom, by J. Ed. Dalgliesh, Bishop Auckland ; " Scale Insects, " by A. T. Gillanders. Alnwick ; notes aud comments," subjects for essays for the present year and various other details. The book is illustrated. There are views of the Rock Garden, Kew ; of the River Thames, from Richmond Hill ; of The Terrace, Richmond ; of Windsor Castle, East Front; The Long Walk, Windsor— the illustrations being of the places visited by the association. COMMONS AND FOOTPATHS PRESERVATION SOCIETY. AT the usual monthly meeting of the Commons and Foot- paths Preservation Society, recently held at 1, Great College Street, Westminster, the Rt. Hon. G. J. Shaw Lefevre presiding, the report of the society's solicitor, Mr. Percival Birkett. on the private Bills to be dealt with by Parliament during the current session was considered. It appeared that 4^ bills come within the purview of the society, which in the aggregate threaten to absorb nearlj 3000 acres of common land and a large number of rights-of-way. Among other Bills to which exception was taken by the society, and which it was resolved to vigorously oppose, in the event of satisfactory terms in the public interests not being forthcoming, are the Huntingdon Corporation Bill ami the Boylakeand West Kirby Improvement Bill. Under the former Bill power is sought by the Huntingdon Corporation to deal with 356 acres of common land in its area. Of this large extent of open space it is proposed to allot only in! acres for the purposes of a public park, the remaining land to he sold, let on building leases and otherwise dealt with. This Bill was felt by the society to be a serious attempt to avoid the maehinen constituted by Parliament under the Commons Act. 1876, bn the safeguarding of public interests, and it was unanimously resolved on the motion of Sir John Brunner, Bart., M.P., to oppose the bill in Parliament. The society also determined to oppose in its present form the Hoylakeand West Kirby Improvement Bill, on the ground that its provisions are likewise contrary to the principle of the Commons Act. It is proposed under the Bill to allol at t los acres of the common lands in the Manor oi Great Meols to the persons legally interested in the land tor building and other purposes. A further 38 acres of land would be devoted to recreation grounds and the provision of public streets, while 4;'> acres (partly reclaimed) would be developed to defray the cost of the construction of asea-walK Exception was also taken to provisions in the Great Northern Railway and Loudon Count} Council (General Powers) Bills. The former Bill proposes to give the com- panv power to absorb 42 acres of Hexthorpe fngs, Doncaster, and' nude]- the latter bill, an effort is being made to enable the Battersea vestry to deal with 11 acres of allotment land set out under an Inclosure Act (1 .V -1 Will. IV., cap. 42). Part of the land is to he utilised for workmen's dwellings. fnl888the battersea vestrj promoted a bill to enable it to build on the laud, but in face of the strong public opposition evoked, the Bill was withdrawn. Amongst the waterschemes proposing to deal with common land arc the East London Water. Exmouth and District Water, Paignton Oban District Water, aud the London Water (Welsh supply) bills. These affect over 1700 acres ol common land, and the society determined to endeavour to secure the insertion of clauses in the lulls to give the public a right of reereati >ver the huge catchwater areas which it is sought to establish on the commons involved. THE ROYAL SCOTTISH AKliOK HTLTCRAL SOCIETY. THB annual meeting was held at No. 5, St. Andrews Square, Edinburgh, on the last day of January, the Earl of Man- field, the president of the society, in the chair. There was an excellent attendance, and the routine business eon sisted of the re-election of office bearers, presidents, vice- presidents, council, secretary, treasurer, auditor, honorary scientists, and local secretaries. Votes of thanks and of sympathy by Mr. Mackenzie were proposed for lost member-. especially the Marchioness of Lothian. It was then decided not to visit France this year as was intended, but that the excursion should be to Ayrshire or the north. Also that the promicsd international Eor&atrj 3xhititicn in Glasgcv; in pud should not be held. Then two additional or. Ins of members were established, the first to be called honorary associate, members to have all publications gratis and pay no subscription ; the second, that on the recommendation of the University lecturer, the senior student of the I'niversity class on forestry shall be made an honorary associate member. This is to have effect for five years from January 1, 1899. A motion by Mr. George Eraser, factor, Dalzell, Mother- well, that at all general meetings of the society the members shall be entitled to vote by prow, was opposed b\ the council and defeated by vote, with 28 against and C for. The council's and also the treasurer's reports were adopted, showing a credit balance on the capital account of £137 L5s.tid., and on the revenue account £130 Us. iid. Since the close of the year the society had invested £200 of this sum in the Cale- donian Railway Company. The death-rate of the society had been heavy during the year, but they had gained many others. At their last meeting the total membership was 802, of which 012 were ordinal) members. At the present time there were s;:;4 on the roll. 32 having been admitted during the year. The Karl of Mansfield then gave a most suggestive and practical address on the training of young foresters; this was, in brief, to adopt the three years' apprentice system that had proved so effective in rearing good gardeners. He also recommended the better housing of foresters in lodges tor fellowship ami educational and social stimulus, likewise some training in farm work and the establishment of a registry for foresters, so that they might feel that they belonged to an independent profession. As Lord Mansfield's curriculum may prove most useful to other landlords, we have pleasure in giving it here :-- First year ; Instruction in the home nursery, so as to make himself familiar with the different varieties of trees, their propagation and general treatment. Second year ; Instruction in the formation of plantations and their management, including fencing, hedge treatment. rough carpentering, and perhaps road making and bridging. Third year : Learn something of the felling and manage- ment of timber, value of standing and fallen timber, and also the working and management of sawmills. Arrange- ments might also be made for retaining the apprentices as journeymen or foremen foresters on the same or Other estates. After some remarks h\ Mr. J. R, Mackenzie. W.S., on tin relation between the forester and the gamekeeper, on the motion of Mr. Alexander Milne a vote of thanks was passed to the Earl of Mansfield. Dr. Nisbel . F.L S., followed with a most interesting and instructive address on the present condition and future prospects of forestry in Britain. The subject at best had received but scant and spasmodic atten- tion. Cracefully adverting to the assistance given by the, rs-2 THE GARDEN. Febri ai;y 17, [900. society, he went on t « » contend that the tils, mm, mm worth of coniferous wood annually imported into this country could easil] be grown in different parts of the British Isles. He then went on to show that the exhaustion of the forests of Germany and the United states were threatening British supplies from Canada and the Baltic. The days of cheap timber in Britain were nearly at an end. Characterising British woodlands in the language of sir Herbert Maxwell as largely pleasure grounds and game covers, he condemned dense planting and injudicious thinning, Woods to pay must be managed on some far-reaching plan. The rating of wood- lands might also lie lowered or abolished, and money lent at cheap rates for extensive afforestation. Mr. James Ray, of Bute, followed, with a pithy paper on the afforestation of waste places of the country, and sug- gested that some of the spare time of our soldiers might be turned in this direction to the improvement of the physique lit" our troops, the securing of more and better recruits from the rural districts than the towns, ami doing something to link more of the rural population to the land through bettering the condition of the common soldier. The members of the society dined together in the Royal British Hotel in the evening, bold Mansfield in the chair. After the usual loyal toasts. Mr. James Macdonald, the secretary of the Highland and Agricultural Society, proposed the toast of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, and in doing so adverted to the connection between forestry and agriculture, and hoped that more attention would be given to forestry in the future. The chairman, in responding, referred to two things that he found so common: profound ignorance of the society ami great admiration for it. He invited all to come near enough to become useful members and render them some help at close quarters. The Master of the Merchant Company, Mr. John Mac millan, submitting the toast of " Forestry Instruction," spoke of tlie necessity of improved forestry as a matter of national importance. He mentioned that the percentage of the average of the country under forest was smaller in Britain than any country in Europe, not excepting Holland and Denmark. The small state of Belgium, with the densest population of Europe, had a forcsty area of nearly five times greater in extent than this country. Dr. Nishet, in reply, noted what was being done by the Indian Government, and observed that the failure of crops and constant famines in that country were to a certain extent due to the devastation and clearance of national forests to an extent almost beyond the power of man to replace. He strongly advocated the institution of a chair of forestry in the country, and appealed to the Merchant Company to assist the society in this direction. Professor Bayley Balfour, professor of tin- Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, proposed the health of the president, and other toasts followed, and the forty-seventh annual meeting of the society proved oneof the most pleasant and profitable that has yet been held. Index and Editorial Notices will be found amongst the advertisements. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Names of plants.— .V. 1 . Z. 1. Begonia Arthur Malet; 2, B. nitida ; 3, B. corallina ; 4. B. Carrieri villosa ; B, B. Gloire de Rceaux ; 6, B. argenteo-guttata ; 7, Maranta Makoyana. S. W. W. ProbabI] a seedling form in the way of < lupressus Lawsoniana argentea. KITCHEN GARDEN. Peas (B, <', \, So much depends upon your requirements, For earliest supplies SOW early in March such kinds as Bountiful, Daisy or Boston fn rivalled ; these will mature in June. For Jul] use sow at the end of March Sharpe's Queen, Stratagem, Dr. Maclean, or Telephone. For iugusl sow in April at the middle of the nth Autocrat or Peerless \l arrow fat. or an] strong-growing Marrow variety. For later supplies sow in Maj ami June such kin. Is a.- V phi- I Iti.i. Windsor Casl le, or the Michaelmas Pea Lny of the varieties named sown a- advised are reliable. Early Radishes (J. J.) Very manj persons like yourself ask. and naturall] so. why, seeing the Earij < dive or French Breakfast Radishes looking so lovely in colour and so fresh and ei'isp in the shop... the) ca t also have .such in their "'.mi gardens, it is easj to do so. a- seed is always readilj obtainable and cheap. But still, it i- all a matter of culture, Place a frame on the soil in a warm border, then throw into it several barrow loads of short, well-mixed stable manure, ami level it and tread it down ; then strew _' inches of good tine soil OVer the surface, sow tile m-c.| thickly, ami water it. Then, shutting tin- frame close ami covering it up for a tew days, the warmth generated in the manure will soop germinate the seed ami in about eight days the soil should be thick w ith plants. Remove the covering and give a little air behind. One other watering may lie needful, but in any case there should be plenty oi Radishes to pull in aboul six wi eks If you cannot -pair ■, frame make a bed outdoors bj throwing out the soil i inches deep, Ailing up with manure and adding soil. Then -<<*\ the 3eed, water, and cover it up until growth ha- begun. Even then give cover at night- time. Peas f op crop (Alpha). The choice of g i Peas is indeed great, for there are scores of good varieties in com- merce, nearlj ail producing Peas of the 1 est marrow quality. w ■ i.i tainlj advise you to prefer those of medium height that is. from ': feet to ■:>. feet to quite tall ones. Of these Pea- of medium height, quite earl] on,- an- Gradus, May Qui en and Bountiful ; then follow Senator. Magnum Bonura, Peerless, Triumph, The Queen, and Auto. 'rat. This is really a tirst-r.it ■■ selection coming in in the above order. Peas of this height should be BOWn in drills fully 3J fed apart and quite thinly, a quarter of a pint should sou a drill of from J" feet to 25 feet. This comparative thinness enables the plants toj branch as they mow, and they crop longer. Your first sowing Of one of the earliest should Ik- made at once OD a warm border, the Others following in succession once a fortnight. FLOWER GARDEN. Seeds of Mistletoe.— " Medway," The Grange, Benenden, Cranbrook, asks if some leader of tiik Garden would he so good as to send him a few Mistletoe berries when fully ripe for sowing. Sowing1 Poppies in turf. II. s. s. asks for advice about sowing Shirley Poppies on a piece of rough lawn. It is not usual to sow Poppies in turf, and we are doubtful whether they will do much if BOwn among grass already established, although they would be likely to thrive if sown with grass seed on ground otherwise bare. However, to answer the question as nearly as we can, the best waj would be to lightly scratch the turf with a rake and sou the seed very thinly broadcast and then to roll the turf. This should be done in the cud of August, or beginning of September at latest. The Shirley Poppies, being the most nearly related to the wild field Poppy of all our garden kinds, would he more likely to succeed than any others. Lawn weeds (GXOSTER).- only persistent extracting weeds from a lawn will keep them down, but the work wants to be done methodically. The proper course is to strain a line across a portion of the lawn, marking off a width of 3 feet ; then employ a sturdy woman or girl- for they usually do the work better than lads armed with a weed fork and a basket, to begin at one end and clear all the weeds from the yard width. When that is cleared, then clear another yard, and so on until the entire lawn is done. Then top-dress with tine soil, well raking it in. and roll frequently. The glass will soon grow over and till the vacancies created by pulling the weeds. These pests usually give most trouble in dry weather, when the grass is less strong. Primroses sowing- seed i S. <'.). -By the term Primrose we assume you mean all those grown in gardens, Polyanthuses as well as Primroses, as all need the same treatment. In ordinary good garden soil ami during a fairly moist season it is sufficient to sow seeds outdoors in April or May. keeping it just damp and shading until there is good growth. But in the ease oi choice seed or where the quantity is small, we advise sowing it thinly in a shallow box or pan tilled with soil ; then if watered and stood in a frame or cold greenhouse and shaded from hot sunshine, good growth soon ensues. Such a sowing may be made in March, as then the plants have become strong by the end of May or early in June, and they may be carefully lifted and be transplanted where they are intended to flower. But the best plan of all is to get seed in August and sow it outdoors thinly about the last week of that month, and then, leaving the seedlings in the bed all the winter, to plant out in the spring. Filling- wire baskets (G. 8.). The best time of the year to till wire baskets that are intended for banging out of doors during the summer is towards the latter part of April, as that will admit of them being kept for a few weeks in the greenhouse in order that the plants may become established before putting them outside. Some of the most useful plants for the purpose may be raised from seed, while others must he struck from cuttings. In the case of those in. ri as< d by seed it should be sown sufficiently early to allow the young plants to become established in small pots before thej are put in the baskets, as thej then grow awa] without an] check. The latter end of February or early in March is a g I time to sou the seed, which in a warm greenhouse will quickly germinate. Plants that can be raised from seed include Petunias, especially the single crisped and semi- double varieties. These will flower throughout the entire summer, and if attended to will yield an enormous quantity of bloom. Tropa'oiums of different kinds maj have much the same said of them, except that the middle of March will be earlj enough to sow seeds of these, as the] germinate in a few days and quickly make headway. Thunhergia a lata is an annual plant of a climbing or drooping habit There are several varieties of this varying somewhat from each other in the colour of the Mower. The showiest is that of a rich orange-yellow with a purplish brown throat. Seed of this is readily obtainable. Lobelias when raised from seeds are often of a loose style oi growth, and for hanging baskets the] are just the thing. Plants that are pro- pagated from cuttings and kept during the winter in the greenhouse are Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, which are aurpassed b] no other plant for hanging baskets. There are several varieties, all of which are very beautiful, but however limited the selection. Madame Orousse, salmon- pink, and Souvenir de Charles Tinner, carmine, must be included. Pelargoniums of the zonal-leaved section, though thej are wanting in the mace and elegance of the Ivy-leaved varieties, will flower well under such conditions. Some of the looser growing fuchsias readily lend themselves to this treatment, while tuberous-rooted Begonias nol little seed- ling mites, but those that (lowered last year will make a good display in baskets. Some of the Campanulas, particularly C. tsophylla and its variety alba, are now very popular basket plants, and in their wa> hard to heat. The Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia Nummularia) will yield a wealth of its golden blossoms throughout the entire summer. In planting these large wire baskets they should be first of all thoroughly lined, if possible, with large close!] woven Hakes of mOS8, which are in some districts readily obtainable, hail- ing this, thin turves with the grassy side outwards maybe employed, and ib> plants disposed at will therein. The soil used should be moderately rough, as if tine it is apt to make its way through an] spaces that maj exist and be Hashed off when the baskets aie watered. A few Hakes of moss pegged on the surface will do much to obviate this, Watering must throughout the summer be carefully attended to. as upon this to ;i great extent depends the display of bloom. -T, INDOOR GARDEN. Climbers for grreenhouse <<'.<'.>.- The climbers must be planted in a border inside the house, a- b\ SO doing they are rendered sate during severe frost. \ width of a yard is very suitable for the border, and the soil should be taken out to a depth of 2 feet. Six or 8 inches of drainage material, such as old bricks, rubble, and broken pots, must be put in the bottom, and if possible 0ver this a layer of burvee OH which the remaining soil should be placed and trodden down moderately firm. By making a border in this careful manner its permanent success i> ensured, and a little extra trouble in preparing it is time well spent. As your hot- water pip-- arc so near the front wall, there is not room to train up the climbers between the two, in which case thej may he planted 6 inches from the pipes inside the bouse, and carried up direct to the rafters that they are to furnish. Though most climbers are vigorous rooting subjects, and will require a good amount of wate; when once established and -rowing freely, yet care must be taken that they ale not kept too wet. otherwise the Soil will become sour before the roots have taken possession of it. A good half-dozen climbers forthe purpose indicated, omitting Passiflorasand Lapagerias which last would be scarcely likely to succeed under such conditions, are— clematis indivisa, white. Februarj and March; Cobsea scandelis. purplish, summer and autumn: Kcnnedya Marryat;e. scarlet. February to May; Solarium jasminoides, white, neari] all the year round ; Tacsonia van \ olxemi, magenta-scarlet, summer; and Tecoma jasminoides, white with purple throat, summer, liesides the above selec- tion, six very desirable subjects for training to a roof, which, though not strictly .limbers, are of a loose rambling habit, arc Abutilon Boule de Neige, whose white bell-shaped flowers are home from the early part of the summer till the end of the autumn ; Abutilon Golden Fleece, a counterpart of this last, but with yellow Hewers; Fuchsia Monarch, a tine bold dark coloured flower ; Habrothamnus aurantiacus, orange, autumn and winter ; Habrothamnus elegans, crimson, much the same time: and Plumbago eapensis. a charming plant, which throughout the summer bears a great profusion Of clusters of light blue blossoms. APOLOGY. To MESSRS. SUTTON A si>Ns. Seedsmen, beading. Gentlemen,- We extremely regret that in our catalogue uc should have infringed the cop] tight of your " Amateurs Guide in Horticulture b] having used two' of your original pictures of your vegetables and making use of paragraphs of your text. We acknowledge that we have thus laid ourselves open to legal proceedings and a serious penalty, ami we offer you our apology tor what we have done. We also undertake that we will not in future infringe your copyrights, and we will forthwith surrender to you all catalogues or circulars in our possession containing prints of the blocks and paragraphs, together with electros, negatives, and photographs of the illustrations complained of. We desire to thank you for your generous treatment in not having taken legal proceedings against us to enforce your rights, and we authorise you to publish this letter in such a manner as yon may think til, and we engage to pay all the legal and other expenses you have been, or will be. put to in the matter. Yours faithfully, (Signed) PENNELL .V SONS, Seed Merchants and Nurserymen, Lincoln. January 29, 1900. APOLOGY. To Messrs. si tton ,v sons. Reading. GENTLEMEN, I much regret I have infringed your copy- right in two illustrations taken from your " Amateui s Guide, by making process blocks, engraving them with in\ name, and printing them in Messrs. Peimells " Book of So ds for 1900. I wish to state that as I made the blocks from photographs supplied to me, the infringements were quite unintentional on my part. I beg to otter you my apology, and at the same linu m\ thanks for your consideration ui icfrainiiig from enforcing your rights, and l authorise you to publish this acknowledg- ment in such maimer as you may think lit. Yours faithfully, (Signed) W. HOLMES. Clveroton. February -±. 1900. ( JATALOGtTES RECEIVED. Manual of Horticulture. Kelway and Son, Law i ori Somi > ■< ' Hardy American Plants. //. /'. Keisetf, Tremont Building, Boston, Mats., U.S.A. Garden and Conservator] Plants. H*j#j. Clioraftand Son Manchester. Seeds n's Catalogue. H*. .1. Burptu and Co., Phila- delphia, U.S.A. .Market Gardener's and Florist's Catalogue. W. A. Burpee and Co., Philadelphia, U.S.A. TRADE NOTES. APPLES FROM CAN \I>A. Canadian Apples arc entering into serious competition with American fruit in the London market. Shipments during the month of January Mere particularly heavy, in one day 7624 bai rels, containing 22,572 bushels, having been unloaded. \ line variet] of Newtown Pippin, hitherto exclusivelj Obtained from American orchards, was among the importa- tion. The culture of this variety in Canada promises more extensive shipments in the near future. GARDEN. V^-- No. 1475.— Vot. LVIL] [February 24, .1900. A SCHOOL FOR HORTI- CULTURE. WE feel a sense of self-satisfaction in the knowledge that horti- culture is to receive stronger support in the future than in the past ; and if one ponders a moment, is it not discreditable that horticul- ture, pursued so ardently and successfully by the trade and private individuals, should have crept into the background as if ashamed to reveal its great power and importance amongst the business pursuits of this country I There must be no hiding a brilliant light under the proverbial bushel in the future, and the good words spoken during the past few days should make the horticulturist think that it is time to actinsupport of thegreat industry in our midst. We know the work that has been accom- plished in the Chiswick gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society in forming the nucleus of a scl 1 for practical gardening. This foundation, laid, we believe, in a way un- knowingly, should become a solid structure. Students have sought the historic gardens to commence their career without any great advertising of the benefits to be received there. Hut under kindly and sympathetic superin- tendence this school has developed, and when the society enters into its new life amidst pleasanter surroundings, from this school will come forth young men with sound gardening knowledge to undertake horticultural duties at home ami abroad. We are not forgetful of the great work accomplished by the director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, in encouraging young men to make positions for themselves at lion ic and in botanic gardens abroad, and this work will lie even helped forward more strongly when the school of practical gardening provides a home apart from government supervision for training young men in horticulture. It will be interesting to watch developments in the future, and those who assist to push forward this new departure maj rest assured of OUT heartj cooperation. The school must he founded in a thoroughly business way, without fanciful conceptions of gardening, but with the firm conviction that practice and science must go hand in hand to fit the man for his work in life. Young men will enter this school to equip themselves for horticultural work at home ami in our colonies, ami examinations will doubtless take place, as at the presenj time, under some authoritative governing board—may be the Royal Horticultural Society, or members of it. The future is hopeful and full of possibilities, and the next few years should witness a remarkable change in the status, so to say, of horticulture in this land. The sister calling of agriculture has received far greater support than horticulture, but we feel that this will lie altered in the near future with distinct advan- tage to the community. Surprising ignorance exists even in these days of many of the elements of gardening, and of fruit and its culture our markets display an unpleasant reflection of the methods of the past. An awakening has taken place, and steady progress is preferable to hysterical upsetting of old customs. The school must be upon a sound basis, and for the advance of horticulture alone, with judicious assistance from more scientific pur- suits. Horticulture cannot he mastered in a day, nor any branch of it. There are sufficient details in the cultivation of fruit to long occupy the earnest attention of the beginner, who must be drilled in every phase of the business, varieties to plant, their individual require- ments, soils, anil ways of managing the land to render it profitable over many years. There is only one way to accomplish this, and that is by educating public opinion to the advantages of a thorough horticultural training for those who follow this calling. Horticulture in many ways is winning friends, ami the English garden reflects an altered conception of this pursuit, now followed by many for its own sake, not at the dictates of the prevailing fashion. In the pleasure ground, in the woodland, hy the lakeside and upon its surface flowers have their place, and are regarded as essential attributes to life's happi- ness. There is the other side— horticulture followed for the livelihood it brings, and this industry must excite as deep an interest as the pure enjoyment and knowledge of flowers. Competition in fruit and flower culture at home and through foreign importations must be faced, and the only way to do this is by training men in a school founded for this object. ROYAL GARDENERS' FUND. ORPHAN It is satisfactory to know that this fund a children's fund is progressing steadily, ami this at a time when the purse-strings of the nation are untied for our soldiers al tin- limit But the gardeners of England must remember that the fund concerns themselves ; it is a fund for the benefit of the children left at the mercy of the world when the bread-winner is called away. The annual meeting was held last Friday (February Hi), and was a pleasant gathering of horticulturists, trade and other wise, to help forward a thoroughly deserving institution. Whenever the committee is in the happy position of possessing a healthy report, the annual meeting reflects the satisfaction of the members. It was so on this occasion, for we are pleased to know that the receipts show an increase over those of the previous year of nearly £80, but the report says, " The revenue derived from subscriptions and donations, though show- ing an increase on the previous year, reveals a sensible decrease in the amount collected by local secretaries, a circumstance which the committee can only regard with some anxiety, though they have reason to believe that the falling off in this source of income is only tem- porary, the result being due rather to the difficulty experienced in collecting subscri] it ions than to any slackening of the efforts of those win have hitherto done so much in support of the fund. In common with most other charitable institutions, there is only toomueb reason to fear that the fund may suffer from the pressure of the times during the coming year, but the com- mittee sincerely trust that the supporters of the institution will assist them to the uttermost in their efforts to avoid such a deplorable eon tingency. To maintain the usefulness of the fund unimpaired should be the aim of everyone interested in gardeners and gardening, and the committee more especially appeal to gardeners themselves to increase their efforts on its behalf by collecting small sums in their own districts." We hope gardeners will help this fund, especially young gardeners, for to them it appeals more strongly than to men of advanced age. True, a large annual subscription is impossible, but a, shilling a year surely is not too much to ask even from under-gardeners, and every shilling swells the revenue. Since the fund started only one child has died whilst receiving support, and the number of children upon the 1 ks is now eighty-two, thirteen having been elected at the last meeting. Since this fund was started, eleven years ago, £7111 l's. (id. have been distributed among destitute orphans. Many interesting particulars of the last annual meeting ami of those who are working diligently for the fund are given in the usual department at the end of the paper. We give this brief outline here to place the claims of the fund conspicuously before all who are inte- rested in gardens and their gardeners, and the gardeners themselves. It is only by unitec' efforts that the committee are enabled to givi relief to more children, ami t ften children are many, but funds few. It is hard to refuse relief to little destitute orphans, but without funds charity is impossible. 134 THE GARDEN. [Febrfarv 24, 1900. INDOOR GARDEN. LACH EN ALIAS. ACHENALIAS are making a brave show in several Norfolk gardens just. now. Several good varieties have been raised in the county, two of the best being Causton Gem and Vicar of Causton. Both at Blickling and Gunton these beautiful dowers are well grown, and are invalu- able for cutting or for use in ornamental baskets in the drawing-room. Lachenalias frequently get rough-and-ready treatment, but no bulbous plant requires! e careful culture. Good fibrous loam, a fifth part well rotted manure — cow manure is best — a sprinkling of leaf-mould, and sufficient sand to ensure porosity form a suitable compost. Mr. Allan pots liis bulbs in August, placing ten in a li inch pot which is well drained. Good drainage is imperative, as Lachenalias are thirsty subjects when in vigorous growth. Potting completed, they are st 1 in a cold frame and protected from drenching rains. At the end of October they arc placed in a house in a temperature of from 45' to 50 , and afforded a position near the glass. The plants are fed with weak liquid manure, and during February and March produce freely the richly coloured flower-spikes. Lachenalias will stand gentle hining well, but those that are forced one year should nut be allowed to come mi quite early the next. Careful diving off of the bulbs is an im- portant point in their culture. After flowering. the supply of water must he gradually lessened — not entirely withheld all at once, as ii sometimes the case — and in June the (Kits should he stood at the foot of a sunny wall in order that the bulbs may become thoroughly ripened. Some growers prefer to let the bulbs start into growth before re- putting them, while others equally successful in their culture pi it them when dormant. LachenaliaNelsoni is undoubtedly the finest variety in cultivation. V. PRIMULA VERTICILLATA. This greenhouse species of Primula from Abyssinia may he had in flower the following winter lie sowing seed iii tin- month of February. It is a must charming little plant, bearing whorls of yellow flowers, veil thrown up above the pretty whitish-coloured leaves, in themselves very attractive. A suitable method of culture is, after the seed has germinated in a pan of light soil, to transfer four oi the seedlings t.. a t '. inch put. and allow them to remain there until Sowers arc pro- duced. This number will be found to be quite sufficient to well fill the puts when the plants are fully grown. Very careful watering, i I, shadj pit. and plenty of room in which to properlj develop arc essentials In t heir successful t I'catincnt. The leaves are extremely liable to decay if etiher too much or too little water is applied. The soil dries quickly in hot weather, for with four of the Primulas in each pot it becomes full of roots. All flowers that appear during the growing season should be | -hed off; none ought to be allowed to remain until winter it. as I am supposing, the plants are required for winter How ering. Vrogmort . Windsor. H. Thomas. ERANTHEMUM PULCHELLUM. Nothing could be brighter or more attractive in the stove at the present time than the beautiful blue flowers of tins acanthaceous plant. These are not only produced freely, but a long succession of them is maintained, two or three dozen plants furnishing a supply of flowers throughout the greater pari of the w inter months. Then- is mi difficulty connected with the culti vation of E. pulchellum. Cuttings of the young growths, produced from plants cut down after having flowered, are inserted several in a I1, inch pot, and the latter plunged in the stove propa- gating frame. When muted, each plant let is putted oil' into a 3-inch put. using fur the purpose a compost of loam, peat, and silver sand. It kept near to the glass in the stove throughout the summer, repotted as becomes necessary, firstly into 3-inch puts, finally into 6-inch or 8-inch, and pinched so as to induce a symmetrical and pleasing form of growth, they should develop into good plants by autumn. Liberal supplies of water are required during the growing season, and if nut forthcoming, a loss of foliage and a stunted growth will probably result. H. Thomas. FroijTnori . Windsor. A HEDGE-BANK GARDEN. The reason that one' sees so few hanks well treated is doubtless the difficulty of getting' rid of tin- original inhabitants. I know some five or six banks that have been planted, and with the exception of two they are failures because of the way the Couch Grass and other weeds flourished in the soil put down for the new- comers. Personally I advise the partial pulling down of the hank and the entire removal of the old surface soil, and then a reconstruction on the Devonshire plan of alternate layers of Mime and soil ; a bank so treated is certain to succeed and is easy to keep clear of unwelcome intruders. The list of shrubs in last week's GARDEN cannot be bettered except that 1 should exclude the Elder, which has an un- happy knack of monopolising more space than it is meant t 'cupy, and under which many plants refuse to flourish and some to grow at all. But that is a matter of opinion, ami. judging by the large number of the variegated Klder one sees around, it must have many admirers. One thing that should be planted extensively is Jasminum nudiflorum. ( 'liftings stuck into the side of the bank will strike and increase rapidly, and this plant when in bloom looks better with a green background than it does with that of a red-brick walk Also in places where Tropaeolum speciosum will survive the winter out of doors, clumps of tubers should he planted in the soil with the shrubs, and in a little while they are sure to assert themselves. I also have a few suggestions for the bank- sides. A good strain of Honesty should be planted in hold patches and it will soon sow itself perchance, too freely. The flowers in early summer and the seed-pods in autumn are at their best when the plant is grown in a semi- wild fashion. Again, the wild Toadflax should not he forgotten and will look after itself, and hard by there should be a clump or two of purple Liatris. The wild Aquilegia loves a hank, and the shady side suits it best, and it throws up heads of bloom and foliage far finer than when grown in the border. ( 'ale must be taken, however, to get seedlings of the right en I. iiirs. and single above all things. The wild purple, pink, and white ate far more beautiful than the hybrid washy colours, and even were the hybrids more beautiful they would be out of place growing in semi-wildness. Speaking of washy colours as I have above, I of course refer only to the common forms ; the hybrid spurred varieties in their many colours are amongst my favourite flowers, but they are unsuitable for hank planting. There are, how- ever, many strains of the commoner forms in which the colouring of the spurred varieties has been borrowed, and much out of place it is 011 the inure robust and less refined type. A few plants of various kinds of Periwinkles look well and soon cover a large space, and a lew g I clumps of Lily of the Valley often bold their own and run freely. With the addition of some patches of the wild Arum a hank would he well supplied with plants, and I here would only remain bulbs to be considered. Of these I recommend plenty of single Snow - drops and a lew g 1 patches of Suowriake — I say a few because they do not always succeed. Scilla nutans, pink, blue, and white, hut in particular white, and S. campanulata also should he planted in broad stretches, and would make a fine show in spring. Thirdly, a few Narcissi should find a home. The best varieties for OUT purpose are file common double Telamonius, the wild Lent Lily, and the charming and once wild obvallaris. Thus planted a hank should succeed ami he lovely through spring, summer, and autumn. There still remains winter to think of. Some [ris fcetidissima would give a bright patch of colour, and should be gay with its scarlet seed- pod s until early spring, and if sweetness is wanted and the planter is not afraid of trouble in the future, he might plant some winter Heliotrope. Xi wton Abbot. B. D. Webster. GARDEN THOUGHTS. WINTER THOUGHTsS ON SUMMER FLOWERS. " tte whii would have beautiful Roses in his garden, must have beautiful Roses in his heart. " — Dean Hole. W1XTE11 is ever a time for reflec- tion— a period when one can take a retrospect of the year's work ; but it is not a time of inactivity, as a gardener's duties are never ended. Winter for him is a season of increased watchfulness. There is a hidden meaning underlying the almost proverbial words quoted above. One must not be content with merely admiring our Roses on the exhibition table, or blooming in the garden under the fairest of summer skies, hut in the darkest period of the year, when to the casual observer there is no attraction in the garden, they must then be in our thoughts. We must shelter the weakliest from biting winds and long-continued cruel frosts ; we must discern in them even now, under their most adverse conditions, the possibilities they pos- sess of future beauty. Our most cherished Teas must he to us, at this unfavourable season, as charming in our mind's eye as when their first blossoms unfold. Thus, after tending, watching and pruning, when winter's storms an- over and Nature has relaxed her grasp, they shall yield to the gentle influences of returning spring and again beautify. Hut the quotation may lie applied in a much wider sense, for he who truly loves his garden often reviews his favourite flowers. The June borders, so bright in their effulgence of blos- soms, are " pictured " by the one who has planted them long before the first buds expand. To him the time of waiting is also a time of pleasurable anticipation. Perhaps no profes- sion or pastime makes more claims upon one's thoughts than that of gardening, for to have gardens beautiful there must be exercise of forethought, trials of patience, and perchance at times lessons of failure ; but through it all there must also be a steady plodding. Each month in a garden or greenhouse there will be the allotted tasks of sowing and plant- ing, of tending and watering; and just in so far as we have put our heart into the daily routine there will be an equivalent in the days t hat are to come, and the highest reward of our labour will be the abundance of ever-welcome flowers. LEAHUEST. Deep cultivation of the soil. The discussion upon this subject has aroused consider- able interest, but owing to pressure upon our space this week several contributions must he held over, February M, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 135 FRUIT GARDEN. PEAR DURONDEAU, DE TONGRE. OR THE fruit illustrated is usually known as Durondeau in this country, and it is a great favourite at all exhibi tii ms on account of its large size and shape and free-bearing habit, even when grown in different soils and situations. This Pear is more at home in a warm soil and in southern counties, as I have seen heavy fruits in Devon and Cornwall. Many of my readers may have noticed the huge fruits of this variety grown in Jersej THE DURONDEAtJ PEAR. and those exhibited at the Crystal Palace fruit show last September by the Jersey Horticul- tural Society. There it was shown as De Tongre, and under this name it is largely grown in France. Many growers confuse this variety with Grosse Calebasse, a stewing Pear of less value, but an equally large fruit and not unlike it in many respects, being a long fruit much covered with grey-russet, whereas the De Tongre is a shorter fruit, more shining, and with streaks of dark crimson on the sunny side, yellow on the opposite, and covered with cinnamon russet. This variety is in season early in October from a south wall, and from colder sites the fruits keep good well into November. It is described in Dr. Hogg's "Fruit Manual " as a first-rate Pear, hut no one can class it with Doyenne du Cornice or Marie Louise, and I should certainly consider it second-rate, though by no means one of the worst in that section. During the past two seasons I have gathered splendid fruits, as regards flavour, from bush trees on the Pear stock, and though smaller as regards size than wall trees they were of excellent flavour. I have seen fruit from large trees in a wet clay soil crack badly, and this shows it requires a well- drained soil ; doubtless such is the soil where this beautiful Pear originated at the village of Tongre Notre Dame, in Belgium. It was raised by M. Durondeau. hence its name in this country. The late Mr. lilackmore, the novelist, a great lover of Pears, who never hesitated to give a Pear a bad cha- racter when it failed with him, says of Durondeau that "it is a meat bearer, very pretty, but always acrid," and doubtless this is correct, as the fruit from some soils has a harsh taste, whilst in others the flesh is sweet, melting and ten der. There can be no doubt whatever of its value on account of i t >- cropping and size, and its free growth in any form will always make it a favourite. G. Wvi'llKs. APPLE NANCY JACKSON. Apples are an important factor in the welfare ol the people of this country. Almost everybody likes them in one form or another, ami when eaten raw they are known to lie beneficial to health. We cannot complain of any deficiency in the number or quality either of the dessert or culinary \ a rieti es of A p pics, though their cropping abilities vary consider- ably. In a private garden many sorts can he grown that in a market garden would have to he dis- carded, as the market grower requires quantity, quality, and size. Whilst not pretending to give a full list of the best varieties, the following may be relied upon as {worthy of a place in any garden For dessert : Ribston Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin, Red Juneating, Mr. Gladstone, Adam's Pearmain, Scarlet Pearmain, Worcester Pearmain, ilolilcii Russet, Yellow bigestre, and Warner Pippin. For cooking : Alfriston. Bis- marck. Blenheim Orange, Keswick Codlin, (lid and Improved Cockpits. Ecklinville Seedling, Lady Henniker, Lord Derby, Lord Grosvenor, Lord Nuffield, Mere i\r Manage, Peasg I's Nonsuch, Chaplin Pippin, Cox's Pomona, Pott's Seedling, Wellington or ] mmelow's Seedling, and last, hut not least, Nancy Jackson. This last variety, although very little known in the south of England, holds a high reputation with the market gardeners in some parts of Yorkshire. It was originally introduced into the York district by Mr. Panlev. the York and Ainsty huntsman of a past generation, who discovered it at Yarm. It has now taken a firm hold in this neighbourhood, and one hears of many young trees being planted every year. In my garden there are about one hundred trees oi Nancy Jackson which appear upwards of thirty years of age. They bear a fair crop of 'fruit every year, audi have gathered three and four large Apples from the end of a branch no thicker than the tip of one's little finger. It has all the points that a g 1 Apple should have heine; large, viewly. late, and of excellent quality. Mid season Apples sutler from the fact that their time of sale corresponds with that of the fallen fruit, which in recent years has been regular and plentiful. Fallen Apples can he bought for Is. per bushel, whereas the gathered fruit should make lis. the bushel. With a late variety like Nancy Jackson the fallen fruit makes no difference in the price, as they maybe stored the day they are gathered and left in the fruit room for five or six mouths without being attended to, and then be sold for Ss. to 12s. per bushel. During a storm, whilst other sorts arc shedding their fruit in every direction, this variety holds fast to the tree, and even the fallen fruit will keep for months if their skins are not broken. I am told that very- few nurserymen catalogue this Apple, but its merits demand that it should be more widely known. I learn that the first shipment of Apples from Tasmania sailed on the 17th of this month. These Apples will make ^Us. per bushel, and surely this is a reason why the cultivation of the best Apples, and especially late ones, should be encou- raged in this country. Geo. Holmes. Acojnb, York. GARDEN CARNATIONS. Tin: advent of spring, when, it is accompanied by soft breezes and sunny days, irresistibly turns our thoughts to open-air gardening, with the result that we not infrequently sutler loss through over-hurry. Caution in early spring is therefore a great virtue, and we exercise it to its fullest extent with Carnations, which, though hardy when established, are apt to sutt'er from hard as well as from wet weather when lately planted. In the case of open soils, planting can be proceeded with long before heavy soils are in tit condition, and it is in those of the former class only that this ope- ration should be can ad out at the earliest moment the ground is tit. Some dry sandy compost, or even sand alone, mixed with the natural soil, and packed about the roots of Carnations, is of much value in promoting a more rapid root-action, and when the plants arc strong it well repays the trouble to attach each growth to a short stick, which steadies it during high winds. Carnations succeed better in firm than in loose soil, and on this account the ground should be treated in the same wa\ as is usual for the < hiion crop, by trampling it with the foot or compressing it by means of a roller. Should, however, it be inexpedient to firm it previous to planting, as soon as the ground is sufficiently dry to permit of the ope- ration it should certainly be effected — in these circumstances, of course, by foot trampling. 1 would advise extreme caution in manuring ground for Carnations, which when ordinarily fertile requires no manure, the evil effects of manuring appearing in gouty stems, and in autumn in the greater susceptibility of the foliage to "spot." Manurial aid can at any time it is thought to be required be given in the form of surface dressings, sweepings of pigeon cots being suit- able, and also fresh soot, than which no material yields better results provided it is applied in sufficient quantity. Soot is also valuable dusted on the foliage of Carnations when wet as a protection against birds, which of late years have become a pest. It is, indeed, advisable 136 THE GARDEN. [February 2f, 1900. where small birds abound to apply soot to the foliage directly planting is completed, because once they get a taste of the leaves they are not easily stopped from further raiding. Some seasons the weather in spring is so unpropitious, that planting is delayed beyond the period one can expect the plants to do well. Last year was of this kind. The best course to pursue when this happens is to pot on the plants into 5-inch pots, keeping them as quiet as may be, and not attempting to place them in their out- door quarters until every suspicion that harm may follow has disappeared. I was obliged to plant several clumps with plants treated as above early last summer, ami I was not dis- satisfied with the result. No doubt the best method of outdoor cul- ture is to plant them into permanent positions in autumn. Stronger and more free-flowering plants are obtained and there is less labour]. These also require attention at the earliest opportunity, when surface weeds should be removed, and the ground slightly stirred and then dusted with a i-inch layer of soot. Pre- vious to application, however, the plants should lie examined carefully and every bit of withered or spotted foliage cut off. If through too late planting any have slightly protruded above the surface, press them gently down to the general level. Perhaps less thought is given to the selection of varieties best suited to open-air culture than the case demands. There is too much running after novelty without considering whether new varieties possess any greater or equal merit to those we already have. The points chiefly to be considered in an efficiently equipped Car- nation are, I think, a vigorous constitution, profusion of flowering, an upright habit of growth, and the possession of decided colour in the flowers. For these reasons, I would choose such old varieties as Raby and Vivid in pre- ference to many novelties. The drooping habit that affects so many sorts 1 would indeed con- sider sufficient cause tor exclusion from the garden, where much tying is unmitigated by any .corresponding benefit, [t is, too, perhaps worthy of note that the prevailing methods of arrangement opens to Carnations as decorative subjects a wider field than they formerly held. A dozen, or a, score, or a couple of hundred plants of a variety, as we choose, properly selected and judiciously grouped, add a charm to any garden, lint against this we have to place the almost certainty of failure following tin1 employment of varieties deficient in any of the points insisted on above. Some varieties, otherwise valuable, are apt tn decline in vigour alter a few years' culti- vation, ami this tact shows us the need of occasionally importing new blood. Carnations undoubtedly being adversely affected by some soils, ami being very responsive t<> a change. bellow and apricot-coloured sorts are affected in the greatest extent, but the benefit of a systematic introduction of plants from another soil is not confined to these. It. Pace. ORCHIDS. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRI S P U M HAR R Y A N UM ONE lit the finest additions that have been made to the Odontoglossums tur some years, ami the fad that it has been artificially raised between the species indicated by the name should dispose of the idea which has grown amongst hybridists that Odontoglossums 'mi i In- raised from seed. There must In- an end to the great importations which are annually being introduced. I was struck recently by the similar characteristics of two plants exhibited at the Drill Hall under the name of 0. crispo- llainunum to those plants which hail been pre- viously certificated as being the inverse cross of each other. In the one the segments were extremely long and narrow, very light in colour, and the spots sparingly and evenly distributed, resembling the plant originally certificated at the Temple show a few years ago. In the other (a flower of which I have before me) the segments are much shorter and the flower altogether more com- pact. The sepals are each about 1J inches long, pale creamy j'ellow, broadly barred across with brown spots. The petals are not quite so long as the sepals, deep purple, beautifully margined, marbled and tipped with creamy white, the basal half yellow on the disc, where there is a tuft of prominent bristles. From the disc to the outer margins there is a thick covering of purple of the same shade of colour as seen in the lip of 0. Harryanum, marbled and mottled with white, the apical half white and much crisped on the margin. This variety resembles greatly the plant exhibited as the reverse cross, which received a second certificate. The raiser, when offering the plants for sale, did not see fit to distinguish the crosses. The question may, therefore, be reasonably asked, Did the two varieties originate from one pod of seed? H. J. C. CYPRIPEDMJM LORD ROBERTS. ((.'. ClIARLESWORTHII X C. CREON.) Like C. Spicerianum, the use of C. Charlesworthii as a parent in the production of hybrids has been practically a failure. It is, therefore, pleasing to note one exception. C. Lord Roberts was raised by Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Heaton, Brad- ford, Yorkshire, and was exhibited by this firm on December 111 last at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, being awarded a first-class certificate. The dorsal sepal is 2\ inches in dia- meter, white at the top, slightly tinted with rose. It gradually becomes more intensely suffused towards the base. There are numerous prominent rich purple veins spreading from the base towards tin- outer margins. The petals are rather more than "2 inches long and highly polished ; the lower half is purple mottled with green, the upper half being suffused with a darker shade of colour, showing flic influence of ('. villosum, introduced through C. Harrisianuni being found in both parents of C. Greon. The lip is deep brown and highly polished, the disc mi the column being pale rose veined with green. As stated above, the lloweiing of ( '. Chailesworthii hybrids lias been disappointing, especially when crossed with species of the Eastern section with tessellated foliage. JOTTINGS FROM CEYLON. Fob the variety and beauty of its products, combined with the salubrity of its climate, probably Ceylon, compared with any other country of the same size, stands unrivalled. During a recent and somewhat prolonged tour, embracing many countries in tropical regions, and witli experience gathered from wide wanderings hither and thither through this wicked, but beautiful world of ours, the writer certainly is very* decidedly of the above opinion. The wealth and profusion indeed of the growths of this glorious earthly island paradise are at the first blush somewhat bewildering, for as you skim along in your rickshaw, ride aiming the outskirts, and through the cinnamon gardens of steamy Colombo, there will speedily be introduced toyour enchanted gaze numerous varieties of the Palm, Mango, Bread-fruit tree, Banana and Mangosteen, besides Pine apples, also Prickly Pears, and countless other growths. (Hiding along half-embowered lanes fringed on either side may be with sentinel Cocoa-nut trees, you revel in the grateful shade after the glaring sunshine endured in Colombo itself, marvelling the while at the extraordinary endurance of your coolie, running mile after mile in such great heat, with no apparent exer- tion or effect other than a somewhat profuse perspiration on his shiny skin. Returning for a breeze by the open sea, you are, nevertheless, glad that to-morrow will find you out of this vapour-bath, high up in Kandy, than which, though I have sojourned in manifold cities and countries, 1 know no more peaceful or beautiful spot — an inner oasis, as it were, even in a country so marvellous throughout in its per- fections, that it may perhaps claim for itself the title of the very pearl of creation itself. Up in Kandy then, and higher if you will, to wilder and grander Nuwera Elba, you will find it wise to make a prolonged stay. The former, however, struck me as being the more fasci- nating, its beautiful lake, fringed and mirrored with Palms, being not the least of its multi- tudinous enchanting features. Saunter out in the comparative cool of the mystic scented evening, and m a few moments you will find yourself in a rickshaw being wafted you care not where, so enwrapt are you in the romantic spell of a delicious dreamland. Your "boy" may be taking you miles in the country uphill and down dale, with fireflies dancing all around and fragrant perfumes all about, beneath canopies of exquisite foliage, with glints of the departing gloaming now and again peeping through the trees ; or you may be skimming around the fairy lake and flitting past the little Buddhist temple without a sound to break the wondrous repose and gladness in which your soul is revelling. Xo other place, methinks, exceeds in subtle charm and perfect rest this beauteous spot at evening. For a study of India's growths anil tropical productions in general you will find yourself making repeated trips out to the far-famed Perideniyeh Gardens, lying as they do but a few miles outside Kandy. I must confess to being less enthusiastic as to the Palms than a charming American lady, to whom it was my privilege to act as escort on several occasions, and 1 fear somewhat lost caste in her eyes when more than once I pro- duced my butterfly net and a small boy and entered heart and soul into catching the beautiful and vivid specimens with which these gardens abound. But 1 think even my fair friend was interested in the very curious flying foxes of which there is a kind of rookery in sonic tall Eucalyptus trees. Perhaps the most attractive of the Palms, at any rate from an eccentric point of view, was the Sealing-wax Palm. The road (a broad bowery lane would better describe it) from Perideniyeh is in itself a perfect study of tropical productions. Banana, Durian, Mango, Bread-tree fruit, Eucalyptus, Cocoa-nut, Date and other Palms, .lack-fruit, and a host of others abound in the greatest profusion, while just beyond Perideniyeh a comprehensive idea of the growth and manu- facture of tea may be readily and instructively obtained. Some little distance from Kandy may be seen the vast estates of Messrs. Lipton, situate in mountain and valley surroundings of very great beauty. Of the tea and coffee grounds of Ceylon, however, I saw but little, though in my case, having seen the industry on the lowlands beneath the Himalayas between ( 'aleutta and 1 larjeeling, and the extensive plan- tations in the Xeilglierry Hills around ( loonoor, in Southern India, I was well content to rest on my laurels in that respect. But for contem- plation generally in Nature and her varied growths, combined with perfect peace and (for the tropics) a comparatively cool clime, commend me to the elevated positions of Ceylon in general, and of Kandy in particular. Yiatou. February 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 137 NORFOLK ISLAND PINE. (Araucaria excelsa.) How often one hears the remark, "I wish the Norfolk Island Pine was hardy in England." Unfortunately, it is not so : but one ran obtain a good idea of it from the specimens in the temperate house in Kew Gardens. The speci- men figured was planted in the garden of Mr. Henry Mathew Ardeme at Capetown by his late father about fifty-six years ago. The plant at that time was 6 inches high, and was brought to Capetown by an Australian captain. Mr. Ardeme paid £5 for the young- tree. The specimen is now 130 feet high, and is believed to be the tallest in the world outside Norfolk Island. This tine tree was known in England half a century before Mr. Arderne's irer was planted. It is stated in the second edition of "The Hortus Kewensis," vol. v., p. 412, that it was introduced in 1793 by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart., K.B. The only other Araucaria mentioned is A. imbricata, the Chili Pine; it was introduced three years later by Mr. Archibald Menzies. .1. D. COLD WEATHER NOTES. The Snow Pause. Like the people in "The Pilgrim's Progress/' we have arrived at a place called " Stop ! " Everything is at a standstill. The new paths that we were making through the copse; the ground that was being prepared for grass sow- ing : the flower beds that had still to be cut to the right shape : the sods that were coming from a distant common where they were to be had discreetly ; the whole hustle of the garden is brought suddenly to a state of arrest. Into the middle of our fussy little rhythm Nature has dropped her own lag imperious full stop. Against that full-stop there is no appeal. In vain we protest to her that we are really and truly in a desperate hurry. That unless these particular flower beds are made, unless especially yonder piece of ground is got ready for grass sowing, March will be upon us swiftly, close at its heels April, that the spring is coming on, and that we must positively get our work done. To this remonstrance of ours Nature merely opens her eyes with a mildly sarcastic air, and replies, "Must you?" One feels oneself to be precisely in the position of the old woman of the nursery tale, who had to get her pig over the stile in order to give her old man his supper. In that case, if I remember rightly, she did, after many repulses, rind a complacent beast who undertook the task. The right spring was touched; the spell was broken, and the whole state of deadlock dissolved at once. How in such a case as this to obtain so desirable a dissolution we have yet^ to learn. We know of no spring to touch, no bird, beast, or element that can be appealed to with the slightest ho] f success. The sky, iron-grey, with vicious inky streaks across it, does not seem promising ; neither does the wind, which keeps to its beloved north-east. The earth is invisible, and is, therefore, for the moment out of reckoning; while asfor the birds and beasts, they are much more disposed to turn to us to help them than to make any friendly proposi- tions the other way. It may be a piece of mere vanity upon my part, but it always seems to me that the smaller birds recognise their heavy, wingless, two- legged kinsfolk with less difficulty during this ni of weather than at any other time of the year. The fact that we bribe them to such ignition by vulgar doles of breadcrumbs may have something to say to it, but I fancy that I read a distinctly less-aloof, less-snubbing expression in their eyes. They glance up at us with an air of comparative condescension. They perceive we share their own helplessness ; that ws are not after all so very different from them- selves, only bigger and stupider. For instance, I hive been publicly and painfully snubbed this whole winter by the tomtits. Under the eye and in the knowledge of the entire garden I set up a large post, hung over with cocoa-nuts, for their convenience. Some of the cocoa-nuts were sawn into slices, others, more artfully, into heard that there were sparrows who were less particular, but it had never been their custom ! I felt — as anyone naturally would feel under the circumstances. To-day for the first time, thanks to the friendly connivance of the snow, this fastidiousness has broken down. With elation I perceived that my disdainful blue friends are not only pecking at, but actually sitting and swinging in the long-despised brown rings. I hope that I am bearing my triumph meekly, and am bellied towards doing so by reminding myself of the well-known fact that in times of stress and famine social dis- THE NORFOLK ISLAND PINE (ARAUCARIA EXCELSA), 130 FEET HIGH, IN THE GARDENS OF MR. H. M. ARDERNE, CAPETOWN. rings, and I pleased myself by believing that they would sit and swing in them as they pecked an unfamiliar, but not unpalatable meal. Will it be 1 iclieved that not one single tomtit has ever deigned to touch those cocoa-nuts 1 They hopped to and fro on the boughs almost within peck of them, yet never so much as ascertained whether they were eatable or not. They preferred, in fact, not to do so. In their family, they practically sent me word, they never eat victuals that, had not been selected by them- selves. Other people might do so, a;id they had tinctions are apt to break down. I shall have to wait accordingly till the weather relaxes to see whether this amiability is anything more than a sort of truce, born of the hour of trouble, and not intended to last beyond it. How odd, if one conies to think of it, this whole thickly encrusted, and apparently solid, white setting is, and not at all the less odd for being so perfectly familiar. Looking round me to-day, I begin to wonder why I should have taken the trouble to go and listen to Captain Nansen, or to have followed with such profound 13H THE GARDEN. February 24, 1900. interest the record "I his indescribably uncom- fortable journeyings. Had I even the slightest desire to share in his sensations, to do as he did, or to sleep as he slept, why [ could do so tins evening ! 1 will not pretend thai I Lave the slightest intention of doing anything of the kind, and I merely mention it as a proof of how easily experiences which illustrious travellers court at vast cost and peril to them- selves come wandering of their own accord quite readily to the very humblest doors. It was the tropical or sub-tropical regions of the globe that not very long ago were good enough to send us specimens of their weather. as enterprising tradespeople enclose samples of their goods in envelopes. There were days last summer — to be accurate, 1 believe, there were sixty-three of them — when it was by no means necessary t< > gi 1 t< i the SaharaortheSouth-'eastern Soudan in order to ascertain what a state of almost unendurable drought could be like. For the present 1 feel that these two samples will suffice me. ['cannot, unfortunately, return them, since 1 do not know their sender's address, but 1 feel under no obligation to charter either camels or whale-boats in order to go and make their acquaintance upon a larger scale. As for the mere ferocity and killing powers of Nature even in such comparatively sheltered scenes as these, we are not without a taste of her capacity in that respect. Apart from the wild creatures, which have to look out for themselves, she exacts in weather like this a pretty stiff list of victims from the old, the weakly, and the very young. My Chow dog insisted upon my taking a late run through the snow this afternoon, and, as we stood for a moment near the stile, there came up a melancholy little chorus of lamentable bfeatings from some sheep-fbld in the valley below us. I peered over into the white darkness, but could see nothing. My ( 'how licked his lips, and 1 earnestly trust he was not thinking of mutton. It may be mere weak- ness or • stupidity, but 1 have always felt glad that in my various communings with the good green earth I have stopped short at the garden, the wood, the bog, the hillside, the sea-shore, but never once Stepped into the paddock or the farmyard. Reading Rider Haggard's admirably written " Farmer's Year," as I have been lately doing, the one drawback to my pleasure, and a very considerable drawback it was, was the eternal and detestable apparition of the butcher^ Whenever the small lambs, that frisked so delicately, were beginning to grow pleasantly plump ; whenever those Irish bullocks, whose vicissitudes one followed so breathlessly, were pronounced to be certainly not improving as fast as they ought; even when the poor old milch cow. who had given so much % I milk and had brought so many calves into the world, had begun to flag always there was that abominable apparition in a smeared apron waiting for them close by, or peering in al us in a sinister fashion from round a corner. No, whatever other functionaries or local potentates I might be willing to share my pursuits with, assuredly 1 could never, never consent to share them with .Mr. Bones! The objection maybe puerile or merely sentimental, but then so are most of our likings and dislikillgs merely senti- ment. Now as for these green clients of ours.it is quite true that they do die pretty frequently upon our hands, anil the tact, no doubt, is a Mi\ distressing one, the more so as in nine cases out of ten we are quite aware that it is entirely due to (air own fault. Still, we are able, as a rule, to take their demise with a remarkable share of fortitude and resignation ; there are at least in their case no heartrending Squeals or groans, either heard or unheard. They go to their own place in peace, wafted as it were by slow music towards the gentlest of dissolutions. As for us, if we are their murderers, well, we manage to hold up our heads and take particular care never to allude remotely to the subject. On the contrary, we put on an air of extra cheerfulness and alacrity, and make haste to plant something else ! Emilv Lawless. I In ;i lhatch, G-omshall, Surrey. ORIGIN OF SOME HYBRID GARDEN FLOWERS. Pelargonium.- The home of the Pelargonium is the Cape of Good Hope. Bentham and Hooker record lTn species, of which only two or three come from Australia or New Zealand. In 1855 Pritzel ("Index Icorium") enumerated more than 250 species and cultivated forms which had been figured at that date. Some of the earliest illustrations of species introduced into Europe appear to be about half-a-dozen from South Africa in a work of Rivinus in 1690, of which he calls the largest flowering Geranium maximum, and another species triste, which (if the same) was introduced into England in 1632. Of species which play an important part in modern floriculture the hist to be imported were P. inquinans, in 1714, and P. zonale, in 1710. These are the parents of our "scarlets" and "zonals." The Ivy-leaved 1'. peltatum arrived in 1701. Other species were imported sparingly during the early part of the 18th century, but a laijge number came after 1770. In 1794 P. grandiflorum was introduced, and this species is the basis of many of our existing large flowered or fancy Pelargoniums. Numerous hybrids and subsequent crosses have been raised, but those first formed early in this century were insignificant and probably are now lost to cultivation. With regard to the form of the (lower, the original shape is mostly very irregular, the posterior petals being often much the larger. while the stamens are declinate, the sub-genus Hoarea having lost the anterior petal. This structure is almost an invariable rule, that when the andnecium supports the weight of the insect-visitor the petals below them are lost or atrophied, or at least not specially developed ; just as in the Horse Chestnut, the stimulus, due to the weight of the insect. &c, being now thrown on to the stamens, only the posterior petals behind the nectary are pre- sumably stimulated to extra growth. This theory also accounts for mimetic resem- blances in flowers, in that similar insects visiting different flowers, these latter respond to them, and so give rise to forms having a Strong external resemblance to one another, but with no real affinity. Thus P. (Hoarea) corydaliflorum, like Corydalis itself, is not unlike a Vetch. Similarly we find genera with declinate stamens both in Labiata-, as Coleus and Plectrantlms, and in Scrophularinese, as Collinsia, &c, which thus assume a pseudo- papilionaceous form. CUCHSIA. — This genus contains about fifty specie-,, chiefly natives of Mexico and South America, a few being found in New Zealand, such as F. excortieata. Like Calceolaria, it thus points to a former geographical extension from South America to New Zealand. The first1 species that appears to have been intro- duced was V. coccinea, probably from Brazil. The date is L788, but as F. magellanica (also ' For further details on the application of this theory to the structure of flowers, the reader is referred to •' The origin of Floral Structures " caps, xi., xii. called macrostema) arrived soon afterwards, it usurped the specific name of coccinea, ami is now generally known as such. The true F. coccinea, supposed to be lost to cultivation, was discovered in the Botanic Gardens, Oxford, ami still cultivated in Guernsey in ls:>2. Lodiliges had figured it in 1825, and Sir .1. D. Hooker re-figured it in 1868 in Botanical Magazine, t. 5740, showing that it was differenl in several particulars from the common or so called F. eoecineal of gardens. As this species iN a native of the extreme south of Chili, it is hardy in the warmer parts of Great Britain, forming hedges and even trees in Cornwall, Jersey, Are. Several varieties of this species were imported about 1825, as discolor, conica, and gracilis, while recurvata, probablj a hybrid, appeared at < ilasnevin, Dublin, in 1835. The well-known F. globosa was hist shown by Mr. 1 tennis, of Chelsea, in \X'.V1. but whence it arose is not known. It is believed to be a garden variety of F. magellanica. There is a hedge of it at Lee. near Ilfrucouibe. Ill 1837 came the handsome long-tubed F. fulgens from Brazil. This was followed by the large-flowering species, such as F. spectabilis, from the Andes, F. coryinbiuora, from Peru, F. splendens, from Guatemala, &c. As all Fuchsias appear to cross with each other readily, an innumerable number of hybrids and subsequent crosses have been raised. F. Standishii (/Int. Reg., 26, 2) is an interesting- one, as being a hybrid between two such extremely different species as F. fulgens and F globosa. Calceolaria. — Like the Fuchsia, this genus finds its home in South America. According to Bentham and Hooker there are nearly 120 species on the Andes, from the Straits of Magel- lan to Colombia and Mexico, while two occur in New Zealand. The first to be imported were four species with yellow flowers in 1822. Of these, C. coryinbosa was soon used for hybridising with the purple C. arachnoidea, which followed in IS27. In 1831 C. crenati- flora was introduced, having a yellow corolla spotted with crimson and a deeply erenated "slipper." This' species, C. integrifolia and its varieties, august if olia and viscosissima, imported in 1822, laid the foundation of the subsequent innumerable forms. The species are either herbaceous or somewhat shrubby, but they all intermix freely. More than one experimenter raised hybrids from the above-mentioned species. The results were that either yellow or purple became the ground colour, the other forming a large spot upon it, or else they combined, producing scarlets. Arc. The addi- tional aid afforded by C. crenatiflora furnished the variously spotted forms now in cultivation. The shape of the corolla first aimed at was circular, but of late years this has passed into a more ovoid type, while the size has increased enormously ; so that by calculating the cubic capacity of one of Mr. Carter's Japanese and Victoria Calceolarias and comparing it with that of C. coryinbosa, it contains just about twelve times the volume of the slipper of the original species. Petunia.— The three species which contri- buted to the formation of our present garden varieties were P. violacea, purple (1831), P. nyctaginiflora, white (1823), and P. bicolor. They all came from Brazil. The last species is the origin of hybrids of a tender nature and less easy to cross. It originated the dark mouthed and streaked kinds, having been crossed with I', nyctaginiflora. It is remark- able that for many years no doubles could \ Botanical Magazine, iii., t. 97 ■ciiiea. it is really F. magellanica. Though called I . I'kbkuarv 24, 1900. THE GARDEN. m be raised, when they appeared simultaneously both on the Continent and in England. Amaryllis. — This name, now appropriated l>y the well-known and handsome hybrids, is a retention of an old one given to a plant called the Jacobasa Lily {Botanical Magazine, 47), A. (Sprekelia) formosissiuia, named in honour of Dr. Sprekel, a native of Guatemala, and introduced into Spain before 1593. The name Amaryllis is now confined to A. Belladonna of the Cape. Those species which have entered into the composition of the modern florists' productions belong to Hippeastrum, so named from their fancied resemblance to the star of an equestrian knight. valuable results of hybridisation is the tuberous Begonia. Four species have laid the foundation of the innumerable varieties now in cultivation. They are as follows : I!. Pearcei, introduced in 1865 from Bolivia, has yellow flowers about an inch in diameter (Botanical Magazine, 5545) : B. Veitchii, 1867, Peru (Botanical Magazine, 5663), has large flowers, rose-red, and about i inches in diameter ; and B. boliviensis, 1864 (Botanical Magazine, 5657), from Bolivia, has an elongated form of flower, the petals being about 2 inches in length and acuminate. These three laid the foundation, then B. Davisii, with flowers of^a brilliant orange-scarlet, from Peru, 1876, to lose its beauty. Mr. Yeiteh has also raised a new series between socotrana and the above- described hybrids, valuable for their late blooming. George Henslow. CROCUSES UNDER BEECHES. There is no statement more frequently re peated respecting garden or woodland planting than that nothing will grow under Beech trees. I Like many other sweeping assertions that are in the main erroneous, this one has a grain of : truth. For if we wander among the chalk I hills, where the great wild Beeches perhaps the very grandest of our forest trees stretch CROCUSES UNDER A BEECH TREE AT SEVERN HOUSE, BEWDLEV. The foundation of these hybrids was laid in 11. vittatum Eteginse, introduced in 1769 and 1725 respectively. The latter was called the Mexican Lily. The result was called H. Johnsoni, raised in 1810. About 1867 the species pardina was introduced from Peru, and in 1869 Mr. Pearce brought forward Leopoldi (named after the King of the Belgians). From these new hybrids were raised, and, with the assistance of the species known as Ackermanii and pulcherrima, there have appeared the vast array of hybrid varieties now familiar to all. Sprekelia, which has a remarkably irregu- lar flower, has always proved very refractory, the mgh it has been crossed with longifolia. Begonia. — The latest and one of the most was used with hybrids between B. Veitchii and B. boliviensis, and some beautiful results follow cil. The flower being unisexual, it was not long before the staminate flowers became double, and so added considerably to the value of the hybrid progeny. In 1879 Professor Balfour introduced B. socotrana from the island of Socotra. This has rose-coloured flowers rather more than an inch in diameter and peltate leaves. Crosse, I with B. Dregei, a white-flowered species intro- duced in 1839 from the Cape, it has produced a valuable acquisition in the more well-known Gloire de Lorraine, a very floriferous plant, and as it is at first entirely male, it lasts long ; female flowers are produced later, as it begins their great arms wide and high, we find beneath them no forest sward, or Bramble tangle, or brake of other bushy growth ; nothing but the carpet of dry rotting leaves, this leafy car] ict remaining undecayed for a longer time than that of the shedding of almost any other forest tree. But it is to be remembered that gardening is the introduction of plants, for the advantage of their utility or for enjoyment of the gladness of their beauty into places where they would not otherwise occur, and we gar- deners have of late years found out that even the dry hard soil under Beech trees may be made to bring forth abundant flower-beauty. How well Crocuses thrive even under Beech trees is shown in our illustration. 140 THE ROSE GARDEN. PAPA GONTIER AS AN INDOOR ROSE. IN addition to the beautiful pink Hoses, such as Caroline Testout, La France and Mrs. W. .7. Grant, which will soon be seen in every florist's shop, that fine variety Papa Gontier will undoubtedly be met with in Large numbers. Growers for market have not as yet found a better high-coloured Tea Rose for mid-winter cutting than the above. Its buds are perfectly handsome and of a very intense rosy crimson shade of colour. Many who grow this Rose outdoors are surprised at its behaviour under glass, for in summer there is nothing much in the Sower. When, however, the growths are developed rather slowly under glass, the petals stiffen and increase in size until the flower assumes a totally different character to what one is accustomed to find outdoors. Anyone desiring a high-coloured erect-growing Rose that is easy to grow and prolific in blossom could not do better than plant out a quantity of this variety. Lord Brougham instances bushes of it at Cannes that have attained the dimensions of some 2.5 feet in height by 7 feet in diameter. What a picture such a shrub would be growing in the centre of a Rose house ! 1 often wish I had the opportunity of affording plenty of space for such Roses under glass, where they could lie planted out and allowed to attain the magnitude alluded to above. We cannot expect such specimens outdoors in our fickle climate, but there is nothing to prevent this consummation in a nice modern-built Rose house, where the plants are enabled to receive a far greater degree of sunlight than in the old fashioned thick-raftered houses. Philomel. THE GARDEN. THE TEMPLE OF CONCORD AT GIRGENTI. .1/ Tempio (To the Temple). We ask the goat-herd whither leads The path beneath the silvery leaves Of Almond woods and wheat-green meads. " Al Ti in iiiii." With columns slim, enclosed in blue. I 'oncordia stands against the sky " Signora, may we come with you." A host of eager children cry, "Al Tempio .'" They sing and play — they show the way Picking berries — eating cherries ; In and out amongst the corn We follow them throughout the morn Al Tempio. The mountain range celeste lies ; Azznrro sleeps the waveless sea i Turchino are the cloudless skies. And gentians blue encircle me, Al Tempio. Wr see (iirgenti far away. On high, mysteriously defined ; Till fall of day we dreaming sta\ . With gold in front and blue behind, Al Tempio. M. C. D. [The Temple of Concord at Girgenti, in Sicily, is one of the best-preseived and most remarkable examples of ancient Creek architecture. The Italian words celeste, ttzziirro, and tui'cltino all express some degree of brilliant and beautiful blue colouring. Ei>.| While winter's snow is still upon us ami we have yet to face the freezing winds of March, it is good to turn our thoughts to those distant southern Februaky 24, L900. NABONNAND'S ROSES. Ok the many continental raisers of Roses, few, it any, can claim so large a number of sterling novel- ties as MM. P. and C. Nabonnand. To name only a few of the best out of the L57 upon my list will give a good idea of the great service this firm has rendered to rosarians. I was induced to look up the varieties from Golf Juan through noticing how many of our verj besl decorative Roses ha>c come from there. It is a singular fad that several really grand Roses have been all but missed by our principal Rose growers here. For example, we have Georges Xalionnand. so prominently mentioned by Till: GARDES a lew years back, and which very feu were acquainted With. During the present winter wr have another Rosi on the market that very few British growers stock. This is the deep flesh-rose Paul Nabon- nand. certainly one of the very best for winter culture. Rut to give a little description of what arc. perhaps, tin- twelve best varieties from this linn. Franziska Ixrugcr (often spelt Francises Kruger) appeared in 1880. For hardiness and general free- flowering qualities, also foi pot work, it is indeed hard to heat this beautiful coppery-Bali Rose, and a more constant variety of its colour does not exist. Papa Gontier was sent out in lss.'i, and is a truly grand button-hole Rose, especially late in the autumn or when forced. The petals are huge, buds extra long and firm, and the colour a deep red. A very free grower and almost always in bloom. The satin-white sport from this was introduced in 1894. and is named Fiametta Nabonnand. It is one of our very besl light-coloured Roses for any purpose except among what are known as "exhi- bition Teas." Princesse Vera. Paul .Xalionnand (already mentioned), Conitesse de Panisse, ami Cannes la Coquette all appeared in 1ST*. Agathe Nabonnand (iss(i). Isabella Nabonnand ibsTti. Maiic d'Orleans (1HH4), Duchesse de Vallombrosa (1879), Rar.lou .lob (1887), Reine Qlga de Win temberg (1881), ami L'ldeal ilssT, will give the reader an idea of MM. Nab ami's success in raising new Roses of merit. Ridoewood. beast lived and moved amid the throng of woi ■ shippers. To-day it is roofless and silent, and still it stands, as it may yet stand through other hundreds of years, an undying monument of the earlier ages of a civilisation wherein the sister arts of architecture and sculpture attained to a height that has never since been reached. And, thinking of how the sentiment of love ami veneration for the flowers and the green-growing things that now make the happiness of our gardens was present in the minds of the Greeks "f old. we remember how some plants and leaves became identified, as their special attributes, with certain of the gods and heroes of the ancient Greek mythology -of Bacchus crowned with flowers, while his servitors bore the thyrfms of pine-cone mounted on a ribboned rod, and of the places dedicated to his worship that were hung with branches of Vine and Ivy. And of Hercules, wearing in ancient sculpture chaplets of many kinds; of Ivy or Poplar, of Pine, Bay or Olive, or of interwoven flower and ribbon ; while we yet may see the altars where the living laid their offerings, sculptured round with flower-garlands, while the chiselled Ivy still decks the marble casket that held the ashes of the dead. A VILLA GARDEN. II He careful to avoid an excess of plants, whether trees or shrubs, which have silver, gold, cupper, or other unusual foliage. Although tiny are excellent at due intervals for lighten- ing and giving variety to a shrubbery, they can easily be overdone and produce a garish and unnatural effect. This is particularly the case with the Golden Elder, which, though it has a very fine appearance on a large place when &M THE TEMPLE iM'OKIi AT GIRGENTI, SICILY. shores, when- even now there are days of hot sunshine ami skies of cloudless blue ; where, as on the South Sicilian coast the Almond trees are already in bloom, and century after century the ancient Grecian temple stands, its marble mass gold-lichened against the blue of sea and sky and distant shore. Ami we think how. long ago, on the days ot solemn festival, the massive building, whose archaic Doric would proclaim its antiquity even if history urn. silent, had its pillared porch thickly hung with green garlands, and how its Hower-crowned, white robed priests and wreath-decked sacrificial seen from a distance, is gaudy and staring w lien you are close by it. 1 may mention here that all golden plants, as far as 1 know, except the A.ucuba, require full sunlight to make them colour properly. Expense being often an object for those who are planting a small garden, it may be well to remember tliat money will go immensely further in deciduous than evergreen stuff. It would not Re difficult to stock the whole of a moderate-sized garden with 150 varieties i if different deciduous trees ami shrubs, not spending more than :is. (id. mi any single EBRUARY 900. THE GARDEN. 141 plant, whereas fair specimens of fancy Yews, < iypresses, Junipers, and other larger conifers could not be obtained under 7s. 6d. or His. apiece. In giving a list of some trees and shrubs suited to a villa garden I shall not mention any expensive evergreens, but routine myself to some of the cheaper shrubs sufficient to warm up and furnish the garden in winter. One of the principal objects to aim at in any garden is to have a succession of flower all the year round, and this in a mild season can be obtained with a little pains from trees or shrubs. flowering : Ash, silver variety and flowering; Beech. Copper, cut-leaved, crested; Snowy Mespilus, common and canadensis : Spanish Chestnut, gold and silver varieties; Nettle Tree (Celtis australis or occidentalis) ; Cherry, double - flowering, semperflorens, and Padus ; Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) ; Hawthorn, double scarlet, pink, and white, orientalis, crus-galli, prsecox, tanacetifolia : .Maiden-hair Tree (Salisburia) ; Gleditschia triacanthos, Koelreuteria, Laburnum Allchingerii, Parkesii, and Scotch : Liquidambar, Tulip Tree, Mul- never more than a matter of two or three pence except in tic case of quite recent introductions. I calculate that it will be possible for anyone that is going to plant a garden to get one hundred of the above deciduous shrubs, twenty rive deciduous trees, and seventy-rive evergreen shrubs for about fifteen guineas ; with the ex- penditure of another £'■"> it would be possible to obtain a sufficient assortment of creepers, also some hardy Roses and a good assortment of herbaceous plants, and in this way a collection might be made larger and more interesting than is usually seen in gardens of much greater size and pretension than theone I have tried to describe. VlCARY GlBBS. AIiIi'iiIkuh House, Elstree, Herts. AI.MoMi TREKS IN UIjO! IM IN SICILY. As an Illustration I would remind the reader that the various kinds of Aster and llibis.us flower in late autumn, and the Hellebore and the Wyeh Hazel in the depth of winter, when in many gardens not a vestige of flower is to be seen. I now subjoin a list of plants suited to a villa garden which does not pretend to lie exhaustive, and in which preference is shown to plants which are cheap, hardy, of moderate size, of striking appearance, and which flower Freely. 1 cannot in the limits of this article go into details, and the reader, if uninformed, must refer to a nurseryman to see if anj one of those here given be delicate or intolerant of smoke or particular soils. Evergreens. Arbutus I'nedo. Aucuba, male, green, long leaved, spotted ; Berberis Darwinii, dulcis, stenophylla. Jamesonii, japonica ; Buddleia globosa, Box in variety. Laurel (caucasica, rotuudifolia), Cistus of sorts. Cotoneaster (shrub) buxifolia, microphylla, Simonsi ; Pyracanthus, standard or creeper; Daphne Laureola. Diplopappus, Euonymus of sorts, Garrya elliptica, Holly of sorts, Hay, Golden Privet, Olearia Haastii, Osmanthus, l'hillyrea buxifolia, Ruscus Hypoglossus and racemosus, Skiniinia japonica, double-flowering Spanish Gorse, Veronica Traversii, Laurustinus, Peri- winkle, green and variegated. All the above ■ ';ni be bought at about Is. to Is. 6d. each from any good nursery. Deciduous Trees. Maple. Colchicum rubrum, laciniatum, Schwedlerii : Sycamore, silver var. and purple ; Horse Chestnut, yellow and red ; Alder, cut- leaved : Almond, white and red ; Peach, double berry, Parrottia persica, ( Iriental Plane, Populus Bolleana, Siberian Crab, red and yellow - berried ; Pyrus Mains floribunda, P. M. John Downie, White Beam, Mountain Ash. Service Tree, Silver Birch, Scarlet ( >ak, Rose Acacia, Sophora japonica, Lime, cut leaved ; Elm, gold, purple. Or silver. Good plants of the above can be bought for is. Gd. each. I (eciduous Shrubs. Dwarf Almond. Berberis, common, Thnn- bergii, purple ; Broussonetia papyrifera, All- spice (Calycanthus ttoridus, occidentalis, pre- cox). Caryopteris, Colutea arborescens and crucnta. Dogw 1 (Cornus brachypoda, san- gninea, Spathii) ; Nut, purple and cut-leaved : Cotoneaster affinis and Roylei, Pyrus japonica, scarlet, white, or pink-flowered, and Mauleii : Broom, white, Andreana, prsecox, and Spanish ; Daphne Mezereum and white-flowered ; Deut- zias of sorts; Dimorphahthus ; Spindle Tree (or Euonymus) of sorts, Forsythia suspensa or viridissima. Snowdrop Tree (Halesia tetra- ptera). Hibiscus of sorts. Hydrangea panicu- iata.St. John's Wort, Hypericum androsseinum, Moserianum, Kerria japonica and variegata, Leycesteria, Lilac orSyringa of sorts, Negundo (white foliage), either as tree or shrub; Xut- tallia, Philadelphus of sorts, Prunus triloba. P. Pissardi (or purple Plum), 1'. flore-pleno (or double - flowering Sloe), Rhus Cotinus, 1!. glabra. II. typhina ; Kibes of sorts, Shepherdia, Spiraeas of sorts, Stephanandra, Symphori- carpus, Viburnum of sorts, Weigela of sorts. All the above can be procured at from Is. to Is. (ill. each. It is well to note that in their young state the difference in price between the more uncommon specii> and varieties and the most ordinary is CLEMATISES AS WALL CLIMBERS. The merits of this climber demand many more to lie planted than is the case at present. For walls or stems of trees these climbers are unsurpassed. Clematises are more accommodating as to situa- tion than many suppose. The variety Jackmanii. j so well known for its mass of violet-purple blossoms, w ill succeed well on a northern aspect : coming into flower there later than it does on a south wall, the period of flowering is prolonged. This variety is well worth a place in the centre of a flower bed, where it will annually give an immense crop of (lower if it is pruned to within an eye or two of the ground every year in February and its roots freely supplied with manure at the same time. The culture of the Clematis as a wall climber is not at all difficult. Soil that is heavy and retentive of moisture is unsuitable for ( llematises, because it delays growth in the spring too long. A suitable compost would he turfy loam three parts, one part peat or leaf- mould, and one-sixth part of half-decayed horse manure with a sprinkle of road grit. sand, or wood ashes to keep t hew hole porous. The middle of March is a good time to plant Clematises; even a month later will do, as the plants are always raised in pots, and they ran lie turned out of the pots without injury to the roots. After planting, should the weather lie hot and dry for a time, mulch the surface - feet round with manure or leaves to prevent evaporation of the moisture. Mulching ensures a cool, moist rooting medium. When the plants arc growing freely, liquid manure copiously given to the roots will promote vigorous leafage. which means a cot responding return in flower. Pruning Clematises is perhaps the only point about their cultivation that requires special treat- ment. The sections require separate treatment. As previously noted, that popular variety, Jackmanii. requires close annual pruning, as the blossoms arc produced upon the current year's shoots. The white form of Jackmanii requires then the same treatment, and so do the following varieties: Slai of India, reddish violet -purple, with red bars : Rubella, velvety claret ; Lilacina floribunda, pale grey -lilac ; Tunbridgensis, bluish- purple ; and Flammula. small white Blossoms. Varieties of the lanuginosa section produce their blooms from the previous season's growth, therefore require but little pruning. This section includes Alba magna, pure white, purplish-brown anthers ; Duchess of Teek, pure white, delicate mauve bar when first opening; Lady Caroline Nevill, blush, mauve liars; Grand Duchess, white, flushed rose: Henryi, creamy white ; Duchess of Albany, bright pink, deeper down the centre, softening to lilac- pink round the margin of the petals'; Mrs. Hope, deep lavender ; Mine, van Houtte, white: Louis van Houtte, deep violet-purple, with darker veins ; Albert Victor, deep lavender. The florida and patens section should be left untouched. Amongst these are Duchess of Edin- hurgh, double white, free, vigorous, and fragrant : John Gould Veitch, lavender-blue; Devoniensis. bright azure-blue ; Miss Bateman, white, chocolate anthers; Sir Garnet Wblseley, pale blue, plum-red liar: Mrs. Quilter, purewhite : Standishii, lavender- blue : ami Mrs. S. ( '. Baker, pink. B. 142 THE GAEDEN. [February 24, 1900 AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. SPIR/EA PRUNIFOLIA FLORE-PLENO. THERE are few flowering shrubs more charming than the old double - flowered Spiraea, a spray of which is now figured. It is usually in bloom by the middle of April. The plant forms a dense thicket of slender arching stems graceful in habit and attaining some 5 feet to 6 feet in height. The leaves, as the name implies, resemble to a certain extent those of some species of Prunus— the Black- thorn (P. spinosa) for instance. The flowers appear very abundantly, three to six in a cluster, and are of the purest white- Each one is about half an inch across and almost per- fectly double, resembling, in fact, a small Bachelor's Button. The shrub is an excellent one for the front of a shrubbery, or it may be planted in isolated groups or beds, in which case it is advisable to associate with it some dwarf ever- green, for, of course, it has but little foliage of its own when in flower. It may be propagated by cuttings, but I have found it is a quicker and more satisfactory plan to remove the young side-suckers from old plants in spring, pot them up, and give them a little heat for a few weeks. They soon set up active root- action, and can then be planted nut. Whateve I naming is done should be mainly a thinning out of old and crowd I'd stems. I do think Dr. Siebold's sale, is now in the possession of Louis van Houtte, florist, at Ghent.'' Plants, to be sent out the following April, are offered at one guinea each. The single or wild type of Spiraea prunifolia is a plant of which but little is known. It is, SPRAY OF SPIR.EA PRUNI- ' blue. It will interest growers of small alpine winter-flowering, hardy plants. W. W. MKKENDEKA CAUCASK 'A. A CHARMING little Crocus-like plant, which blooms in mid-winter with the earliest Snow drops, and continues to push up its pale pink- mauve flowers in all kinds of weather. On a border at Kew it has been in flower throughout the trying weather experienced since Feb. l, and when the snow disappeared the flowers were then as fresh as ever. It is also worth growing in pots, to lie taken into a conservatory when in flower. The genus is closely related to Colchicum and Bulbocodium, but the flower segments are divided to the base, forming a cluster of slender filaments instead of a tube. Ten species are known, and they are natives "I South Europe, North Africa, and the Orient. The flowers of all of them are cither lilac 6t white, with bright green stamens. That here figured is probably the best for the garden. Although long known to collectors of choice bulbs, it is not found as often in gardens as its early-flowering habit and prettiness deserve. W. W. FOLIA FLORE-PLENO. (Fnnii « drawing by II. a. Moon.) however, in cultivation, and has, 1 lelieve, flowered and fruited on the Continent. But it does not seem ikelv to ever rival the old double- flowered variety, which by long cul- tivation by the Japanese has been not only improved, but considerably altered. W.J. Bean. ' MUSCAR1 PB.EC'OX. Tins is one of the new garden plants that we owe to M. Siehe, of Mersina. It was introduced to Kew last year, and is now flowering in a shel- tered border facing south. Strictly speaking, it is not a Muscari, but a llyacinthus, and probably nothing more than a pigmy form of H. azureus, of which we know of several forms widely divergent from the type, the most striking, perhaps, being that value of this Spiraea for early forcing is named H. azureus var. giganteus by Mr. generally known, or, at any rate, taken Baker, also one of M. Siehe's discoveries advantage of. A feu batches of it have been on Mount Minis, in Northern Cilicia, at an forced this season for the decoration of the elevation of about 4000 feet. This form is the greenhouse at Kew. The slender wands other extreme in size to that here figured, Jtudded with snow-white flowers are particu- Ihf latter being barely :i inches high, whilst larly graceful and effective, rising out of a mass the former is almost a foot. The typical H of dwarf dark green plants. Like many other valuable Japanese shrubs and plants, this was introduced to Europe by Dr. Siebold between fifty and sixty years ago. An advertisement in the GarrlwW ChranicL tor February 20, 1847, states that "the Stock of this magnificent Japanese novelty, bought al azureus was first introduced into gardens in 1856, but it was not generally known until about fifteen years ago. It grows about 6 inches high, and has a conical raceme 4' inch wide of deep blue flowers. The plant lure figured has a smaller raceme, and the colour of the flowers is light or Cambridge TREES AND SHRUBS. DECIDUOUS DAPHNES. THE value of showy hardy flowering shrubs tor decorative purposes is becoming recognised more every year, and those whose blossoms are produced during winter are specially welcome. With regard to the culture of the deciduous Daphnes, a cool, moist, rich soil and an open situation suit them admirably. 1). Mezereum is a British plant, and, strange to say, a sadlv neglected one 111 a cultivated state. Its 1 'bisters of sw.ct scented rosy purple Mowers are borne in great abundance along the entire length of the erect vigorous shoots in February and March It is a lovely shrub for massing. There are several varieties of much merit, of which one named grandiflora or autumnalis should be cul- tivated extensively, as its blossoming period in mild seasons generally extends from autumn to early spring. The colour is a beautiful shade of rose-pink. Another variety — alba — is noteworthy for its white flowers and yellow berries, but for general effect is less valuable than those named above. LAURUS TIN US. So few are our good evergreens oilier than coni- fers, that those that we have arc all the more p 1 c c i o u s . Though barely hardy in our colder midlands, the well-known I. a u r u s t i 11 u s thrives in all but our worst climates. In mild winters its welcome flower ing sprays are indeed precious. and if it is given a well-sheltered place. it will a new ok.U'E uvacintii reward 1 he (MUSCARI precox); flowers Pinters kind- ness Wltll II turquoise-eh- E. hountiful mass of (Drawn at Kew by H. G Mom.) its pretty white February 24, 1900. THE GARDEN. 143 bloom while as vet there are but very few hardy decorative planting it is sure to be in large demand. ; of useful means of prevention and remedy sent me flowed in tL gi,dcn It should £ lemlbtred ! Another shrub or small tree belonging to the same | in a separate .section fa"^J& body,* the that it is a shrub of Southern Europe, and there- family is Primus (Amygdalus) persica magninca, fore grateful for as warm and well-sheltered a place conspicuous for its gorgeous semi-aduble rosy ear- as it ran have i indeed, it is by no means to be mine flowers. It is a splendid subject tor forcing despised as a warm wall shrub, showing when so into bloom for the greenhouse and conservatory m grown by its wealth of bloom and pretty blue early spring. Hmmilus lupiilus folns auras is a berries how well it likes such good treatment, while fast-growing ornamental Hop. It is a lovely plant it- neat foliage and way of growth make it quite for elothmg arbours, arches, and such like st rue- worthy of a good place. tures, and if exposed to full sunlight the colouring It is a very strange thing that the other kind, is very fine. the Black Laurnstinus i Viburnum hirtus), should be The Deutzias are very free-flowering shrubs with - little known and grown. It is the hardier of white or pale pink flowers. D. corymbiflora, mtro- BOOKS. the two scarcely less good in flower.and more free duced from China, is an acquisition to the group, and handsome as to its reaUj ornamental bunch of It is of excellent growth, quite hardy, and hears berry, whirl, has a remarkable degree of bright blue corymbose panicles of pure white flowers in abund- metallic lustre. I ance. Viburnum lueidum, a native of the Atlas range. , is a more beautiful shrub both in leaf and flower than either of the better-known ones, but, alas ! is loo lender for English gardens in general, though it would do well wherever Myrtle. Sweet Verbena. Fuchsia and Hydrangea stand the winter without protection. It is like our common Laurustimis enlarged and improved in both flower and leaf. It is usually the case that a plant that is an enlarge- ment ot a well known type is made coarser by the the last of the scries, and that the report increase of size, but though as a rough descrip- tion Viburnum lueidum is a larger shrub of much the same appearance as the one with which we arc so familiar, it has distinctly a more n lined character in every way. The flowers are whiter anil the cyme is somewhat looser ; the foliage is also less stiff, of a liveliei green, and bear- a handsome polish, while the whole shrub is more elegant and fr I outline. General Index to Miss Ormerod's Reports. In the "Report on Injurious In- sects," published in May last year by Miss Ormerod, she mentioned that she intended that it should be in insect- TREES AND SHRUBS OF RECENT INTRODUCTION. During the lasl decade our parks and gardens have been enriched h\ many ornamental trees and shrubs suitable for open air culture in the British Isles. The following arc a few of the most meritorious that have been put into commerce within the last year or so : Amongst evergreens, Ilex Golden King makes a capital companion t" the well-known Hodgins1 Holly, a vigorous form with broad deep green leaves. In babit, vigour, and form of leaf Golden Kinj. hears a close resemblance to the last-named; in tact, it might almost lie taken as a golden form of it. The leaves are irregu- larly, hut clearly margined with deep yellow. Tin- parents of the hybrid EscaUonia langley- ensis are very ornamental garden shrubs. /.>.. E. philippiana, a form from Valdivia with an abundance of small white flowers in July, and E. macrantha sanguinea, conspicuous for its lovely nil Bowers. The progeny takes after the first-named parent so tar as habit of growth is concerned, but the delicately tinted rosy red blossoms remind one of those of E. macrantha san- noticed in 1899 should commence a new series. guinea. It is very floriferous, free in growth, tho- It was also stated that an index of the 22 reports roughly hardy, and may be used with g 1 effect in already published was in course of preparation, the mixed shrubbery or as a wall shrub, also for andthat it was being compiled byMr. R. Newstead, training up pergolas, tfec. It is a gem amongst hardy the well-known curator of the ( rrosvenor Museum, evergreen free - flowering shrubs. Picea I Abies) Chester. This index has recently been published report, and under a distinctive heading." She also mentions that she has arranged with Mr. Newstead to assist her when necessary. The value of these reports is very largely increased by this index, tor it is now an easy matter to refer to any point in th« in. which before was a tedious operation. E\>t\ one who has this series of reports should make a point of procuring a copy. Indicing is a greal art. and the modern system of giving in publica- tions of this nature a general index and also special ones is very useful, provided it is well done, as it is for the most part in the instance before us. Hut there are some curiosities ; for example, in the animal index the ox is given a separate heading, and is not included, as one would have supposed it would have been, under that of "cattle," so that anyone looking under "cattle" for reference to the warble fly will not find any mention of it under thai heading, which would make it appear that cattle arc not attacked by this insect. Reference to this insect will he found under the heading of "ox," which is not right, as heifers are also liable to the attacks of warbles. The index to unclassified hosis is really not required : only ten "hosts " arc mentioned, and they would have been much bettei placed in one of the other indices: grouse and the excreta of cattle might have found a place in the animal index with much advantage This "animal index." however, is of little use. I,,r there are only twelve animals nienti 1 in n. anil in three cases the reader is referred to the general index. Though called an "animal index." it should have been entitled "Animal Host Index." for it is only animals that are infested with parasites that really find a place there. In spite of these slight mistakes warm thanks arc due to Miss Ormerod and Mr. New stead for this valuable termination to the first series of these reports. -G. S. S. Gardening Year-Book and Gar den Oracle. We expect a I k of this kind in the new year, but of course that is the publisher's business. With regard to articles anil garden recipes, there is nothing to quarrel with, and the pages are brightened with many illustrations. It is published by Messrs. Col lingridge, 4. Ave Maria bane. Paternoster How. E.C. One-and-All Gardening1. We have received this interesting annual for amateurs, allotment holders, and working gardeners, con ducted by E. Owen Greening, of the Agricultural and Horticultural Association, 02. Long Aire. W'.l '. It is a useful book and freely illustrated. MKRENDERA CAUCASICA ; FLOWERS LIFE SIZE. i Draum «t Km- by II. a. Moon i pun-ens glauca pendula is a charming conifer of truly weeping ha Kit. The long, pendulous branches fall close to the main stem, and arc clothed with attractive greyish coloured leaves. Ii is .,t g I growth and well adapted for planting as an isolated and tonus a very valuable and helpful addition to the series of reports. It consists ot a preface by Miss Ormerod, a general index, plant index, animal index, and an index to unclassified hosts. In the preface the authoress gives a short history of the specimen on the fringe of the lawn. Hainamelis reports which at no little trouble and labour she mollis, the latest addition to the Witch Hazel has now drawn up for 22 years. i fitting companion to the rborea, from which it differs RECENT PLANT PORTRAITS. The third monthly part of the fifteenth volume of " I.indciiia " contains portraits of the fol- lowing * hchids : Bpideiidrum elegan-i. -A most beautiful species, with spikes of pure white flowers, the lower petal of w Inch is distinctly spotted with carmine on the inner half of its length, with a dee]) rosy purple spade-shaped outer portion, which is distinctly in. ii- .1 with pure white. Quite a lovely Bower. Cattteya Loddigexii rar. Harriscmiit xub-var. alba. This is an absolutely pure white-flowered form of theC. Loddigesii var. Harrisonise f ormerlj figured in this work, the only trace of any othei colour present being the faintest yellow shading of family, should prove desen edly popular H. reports, she says. "For myself. SO long as health Uattteya sufficient for the work is granted me, and I am (lower of rosy having [arger Leaves and flowers of a brighter hue. I'niinis (Cerasus) pseudo-Cerasus James H. Veitch, show n for the first time at one of the Royal Horticultural Society's Drill Hall meetings last May, i- a precious shrub, and unquestionably the best of tlie ornamental Cherries. In habit it is mill ir to Watcrcr's Cherry, but the flowers are i deepei in colour, and about a fortnight later in coming to perfection. The foliage, too, is . , , , K t> v «.„j v f s to .. x ,,,,,,.,i p, ', , . , • i , r General Index, by R. Newstead, t.E.s., to Annual ■rerj distinct, the colour being a pleasing shade of Repoits of Observations of Injurious Insects, 1877-1898, by bronze-green, which affords additional variety. For f, a or rod, i-M; \i s. London : Simpkin ■' Marsh ill. She then "ives top of lip. with very short notes in each case a list of 17 Lirlia ntbticeiix. —This bears a perfectly upright different fusect infestations that have been specially spike of self purple-lilac flowers, with deeper reported on Referring to the continuance of the purple eye and small white tip. "h Cattleya lahiata rar. Alfrediana. A tine large purple, veined faintly with white. honoured by being asked to assist, it is only pleasure to me to do my very best, and I hope to continue to publish yearly results, hut with a little difference in plan, so that I may utilise short notes W. E. Cr\i r.i. etox. The Netted Ins (I. reticulata). Tins Bower is charming in pots, and the bulbs seldom fail to bloom in an ordinary greenhouse. The rich blue-purple colour and fragrance of the flowers m ike i his a favourite species.— T. 141 THE GARDEN. February 24, 1900. GROUPS OF FLAG IRISES. I n the late May and early June days no nobler flower graces the garden than the German Flag, '>r Flag Iris (I. germanica), so varied in colour and delicate in fragrance. The illustration shows the plant grouped with other flowers, the true way to obtain rich and distinct effect. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Winter ami Sprino Cabbages. 1'CH a winter as the present one shows the value of a good breadth of winter Cabbage, as these being very dwarf growers suffer less in our variable winters than plants with a long stem, and such ' as Sutton's Favourite and Christ- are most valuable, as on remov- s kinds mas Drumhead ing the snow they are found to be uninjured, and delicious when properly inoked. At the same time, in verv severe frosts it is ad- vantageous to lift winter Cab- bages and pack them rather close in a frame or cold house, and treatc-d thus the hearts remain good for weeks. The value of these win tier varieties consists in their small, compact growth and the long time they remain good when nearly full grow n. For use at this ;eason they are best sown in May or rally June, according to the locality i in heavy soil I would advise late May s ,« 'ing. Spring Cabbages, snch as K 1 1 a in * s Dwarf and Mein's No. 1, are much more I" i w a id i ii growt h t hail usual at this season owing to tin- late autumn grow tli which they made, and I fear in some soils there is a tendency to bolting. Hi course, the severe weather of late has checked growth, and if previous advice was followed, now will be seen the advantage of moulding up, as this i not eels the stems, the most vital portion of the plants. With a lncak in t he weather new growth will soon begin, and this will be greatly assisinl by using a fcrtiliserof some kind. We find such aids as guano applied fortnightly excellent, hut any quick- acting food will be suits ble. ( ' II is need a mild bottom heat to assist germination, which is much slower than is the ease with Turnips ind Radishes. Avoid thick sowing.as I find severe thinning of the plants loosens those left, and this should be avoided. For present sowing such kinds as the Early Nantes and Sutton's Early Gem are splendid for frame culture, and those who prefer the short stump-rooted kinds will find the French Forcing, a small-topped variety, very good. Carrots like light rich soils when grown under glass and the soil made firm to assist the roots to bulb quickly. More warmth may be given than to Turnips, so that these roots should have the warmest part of the frame. Turnips are well worth glass culture — indeed, inmy opinion, more si i than Carrots, as last year's Turnips are w i nth less rally in the spring, being flavourless anil dry. Little heat is needed to grow Turnips, and the new roots are sweet and serviceable at a time there are so few good roots. Sow thinly and give ample ventilation in the early stages of growth, otherwise there is tear of the plxnts running. For frame culture I do not know of any better variety than Carter's Early Forcing, an oblong root and of excellent quality. This matures in twelve weeks from time of sowing and should not be forced hard. Forced Spin'ach. At times there is a deficiency of Spinach at this season, and now is a good time to make up losses. i.uol P oi- FLAG IKIS | l. G-ERMANII vi. A few pots oi seed sown in frames will make nice material to plant out at the end of March, or seed may lie sown in frames as advised for Carrots. The Carter Spinach is the earliest I have grown. G. Wythes. FIJI 'IT GARDEN. Tomatoes. Mini plants that arc strong and established in 5-inch or 6-inch pots into their fruiting pots, or plant them out in houses. Some growers fruit them in pots, thinking they set more freely, but I do not think they do if precautions arc taken to guard against over-luxuriance in the early stages when planted out. The labour is considerably Lessened when the plants arc grown on the latter system. They thrive in either span or lean -to houses providing they have the best position. £. .. the front of the house, and are trained up a trellis parallel with the rafters and fixed about 1 foot from the glass. Plant is inches apart, at the same time nipping off all side shoots, and frequently afterwards go over them for the same purpose, so as to confine them to one stem. The soil must be of a porous nature, so that frequent waterings do not make it inclined to become sour. Loam with quite one-third of lime rubble answers the purpose well. At the time of planting only afford sufficient s il to sustain the plants for a short time, and add to it afterwards, a little at a time, as often as it becomes permeated with roots. As often as necessary examine the soil to ascer- tain its state of moisture, and when approaching dryness, afford a liberal application of water. They enjoy a dry, warm, airy atmosphere, and for the present, dry surfaces should only he damped on tine days to prevent dust rising. The tempera- ture may range from 55 as a maximum during the night tol>."> in the daytime with fire-heat, with a rise of 10° with sun-heat. Keep ventilation on the apex of the house at all times, except when tin- external con- ditions are of the worst. The quantity must be regulated according to the state of the weather. Sow seeds to produce plants for ]j la nt ing outdoors at the end of May and give them good attention, so that by that time they may he sturdy and established in 6-inch pots. Straw BERK] Ks. Those plants that have set their fruit may be hurried a 1 o n g i n a higher t e in peraturc than they have had hit h crto, and the swelling of the fruit may be assisted by mixing in the water occasion- ally some good artificial man n r c . W h e n they begin to colour afford as much air as circumstances will allow to improve the colour, flavour, and the solidity of the fruit. From now until they begin to colour syringe in the early part of line days. A later batch of plants with the bloom-spikes extending will be coming on. Thin out the blooms as soon as the weakest can be nipped out with the finger and thumb, leaving eight to ten of the strongest on each plant. This early thinning is a preventive of waste of energy of the plants. While in bloom, to encourage free setting, main- tain a sweet, buoyant atmosphere with fire-beat and ventilation, with temperatures from 50 to 55 at night and fill in the day from fire-heat. Take indoors plants for later supplies, and start them slowly into growth as recommended for plants earlier in the season. Green-fly is a trouble- some pest in forcing Strawberries, which must be kept in check by fumigation. Richards' XL All fumigating compound is the best remedy fur it. Il is important to give an application immediately February 24, 1900.] THE GAKDEK. 145 before they come into bloom so that they are clean at tin- blooming period Kxamine the remainder of plants still in their winter quarters so that they do not sntl'er for want of water. (b NORMAN. Tin Got il' //-. Hatfield House. ORCHIDS. Till, outside conditions during the past few weeks have not been favourablefordisturhingplants which have been waiting for attention as regards re- potting, &c. It is not advisable to disturb any- thing that ran possibly wait while the very severe weather prevails, as any disturbance at the roots considerably affects the well-being oi any Orchid. Excessive tire-heat is most detrimental under such conditions, and is. therefore, to be avoided. I advise that all repotting he postponed until favourable conditions again prevail. The temperatures of the various departments should be allowed to fall almost to the minimum, thereby avoiding any necessity forexcessive tire-heat. With lower degrees of temperature the moisture in the atmosphere must be reduced correspondingly, and the damping of the floors, staging. &c, should be deferred until the normal degree of temperature has been resumed. With lengthening days, anil the sun's power also increasing, the temperature in clear weather soon reaches the desirable degree, and the necessary atmospheric moisture may then he quickly obtained. Care must also be taken to damp the houses sufficiently early in the afternoon to allow excessive moisture to evaporate before evening with its falling temperature comes on. With low conditions of the temperature in severe weather the plants are not nearly so liable to become damaged if they arc retained in a dry condition at the mots. This especially applies to Masdevallias and cool house Orchids. If drier conditions were maintained when low temperatures prevail. 1 am sure we should nol tind nearly so much black spot and permanent disfigurement of the foliage as we now meet with where- Masde- vallias and other cool subjects arc grown. Among imported Orchids now arriving there are none more attractive than ( Idontoglossum lispum. Unfortunately, importations of this lovely species are not likely to be so plentiful as usual this year. The present is a good season in which to procure plants of 0. crispum. and the earlier the plants arc procured the better chance they will have "t becoming established before tic hot summer weather sets in. This species alwavs sells well, as no Orchid is so much in demand at the present day. The main remarkable forms that have been imported during the last few years have given encouragement to growers of this section, and as these (lowers have been considerably multi- plied owing tn the fact that so many market growers have adopted their culture for cut-flower purposes, and notwithstanding the fact that many large growers have imported direct, the demand has been greatly in excess of the supply, and good prices are thus realised. In dealing with imported plants, some have a preference for planting them out in a prepared bed ''insisting of good fibrous peat, sphagnum moss, and a liberal sprinkling of rough silver sand. This s a good system in the ease of very small plants. but not one which I should advise amateurs to adopt. When first received lay the plants on a cool, damp bottom for a few days in the Odonto- glossum house. The shrivelled bulbs will quickly regain a plump condition, and those likely to decay can also lie observed. When this lias become apparent, ileal the plants of all decayed matter indent away dead roots and bulbs. It is advisable in procure pots which are just sufficiently large to contain the plants comfortably. They should be clean and tilled to two thirds their depth with clean crocks. After placing the plant in position the remaining space should lie filled with fibrous peat and living sphagnum moss in equal portions, pressing tin- compost moderately firm, and thereby securing the plant in position. After potting, the plants should be thoroughly watered, using a rather coarse rose on the water-pot, and they should then he placed iii a moist position of the house where the light is not too strong. Careful attention will be required at first, but as soon as roots make their appearance every encouragement should be afforded. Soft rain water is necessary for the successful culture of Odontoglossums : with- out this they rarely succeed satisfactorily. H. J. Chapman. INDOOR GARDEN. Yk.li.ow Cai.i.as. I'ai. i. as of the Elliottiaua. Pentlandi, and aurata type which may be wanted to flower in April and May should now be potted. If the eorms have been well ripened they will be found totally devoid of living roots, and such eorms, if big enough, may be depended on to flower well with good treatment succeeding thorough ripening. In potting use good fibrous loam, with a liberal mixture of dry and finely pulverised cow manure, using also a good quantity of sand (either silver or river sand will do), a handful or less of which, according to the size of the eorms, should be placed round each one. The crowns should be kept well below the surface to encourage the principal feeding roots which spring from the base of the new growth. Place the plants in a house with a temperature of from till to 65 and with a moist atmosphere, using the syringe freely. To attempt to grow these yellow I 'alias in the tempera- ture which best suits the common Arum is to court failure, for they enjoy and must have more heat. Very little water should he given until the plants are growing away freely. Aeijis. The white (alias, now being in full growth and throwing up spathes. require to be well fed with liquid manure fr the stock-yard in a diluted form, and to be kept constantly moist at the roots. A temperature of ."ill at night suits them best, but if it is necessary to bring them forward quickly, they will bear more heat, though the spathes will then he less lasting. As fly breeds fast mi these plants. vaporise them frequently with one of the nicotine vaporisers in preference to fumigating in theordinary way, torthc use of ordinary fumigating materials browns the tips of the spathes and spoils them. Wivrn; Pelargoniums. For winter flowering it is necessary to strike line's cuttings of the zonal section early, and the present is an excellent time to do so. ' Look out for the healthiest and sturdiest cuttings from plants which have not become drawn, and give cadi cutting a small pot to itself. Strike in an intermediate temperature in a house or pit the atmosphere of which is dry. Few plants give such a bright effect as these in winter : hut all varieties are not alike useful, and I would suggest that old favourites should not be discarded to make room for newer ones with more showy or better formed (lowers until the latter have been tried and proved good for winter flowering. .1. C. Tallack. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. JAPANESE KINDS KXHIBITION.— I FOR OVERCRI IWDING in any stage of their growth must never be permitted, or weakly, drawn-up plants will be the result, and blooms of the finest quality can never be expected from these. By the end of April it should be safe to transfer the plants to a sheltered spot in the open, standing the pots mi boards on the beds, where, if occasion arises, they can be protected with tiffany or some light covering. The summer quarters for the Japanese Chrysan- themums should be a light, open, sunny position. It matters little whether the plants are arranged on beds or in lines running by the side of the garden walks, but I prefer the latter, as they are more easily attended to and they enjoy a freer circulation of air. Final Potting. Prepare a mixture similar to that advised for the last potting, except that the loam should be broken up roughly with the hands into pieces about the size of walnuts, and add a 6-inch potful of Thompson's plant manure, one of -(.-inch bones, and one of finely broken charcoal to every two bushels of soil. In ray opinion Japanese Chrysanthemums are generally over-potted. Providing the after-water- ing be wellattended to, 8-inch or (1-inch pots should lie large enough for the reception of nearly all. except just a few of the very robust kinds, tor which 10-inch pots may be used. A thin layer of 7,-ineli bones should be placed on the fibre for this potting, and if the soil is in a good condition it can hardly be made too firm, which should he done with the potting stick, but a little more fine soil should be shaken over to prevent the soil caking or baking mi the top. See that each plant is correctly labelled and a longer stick will be required, to which the plants should be neatly tied. Place them in their summer quarters on hoards, allowing a dis- tance of at least 15 inches between each, arranging them in their heights so that the taller plants do not overshadow their neighbours. Stout posts should be driven in at intervals and strong cord should lie stretched along to which the plants can be tied. The plants should not be watered in for a day or two. but may be syringed overhead several times a day during hot, drying weather to prevent them flagging. As soon as the plants require water give them a thorough soaking, tilling up the pots at least three times so that every particle of the soil becomes moistened. Watering at all times requires to be done judiciously and thoroughly. Though the Chrysanthemum will take up a great deal of water, much injury accrues through too much being given, and though the plant will to a great extent recover after becoming too dry and suffering much at the time, very seldom will it do so if it ever becomes sodden. I hiring the sunnnera thorough syringing morning and evening will he of much benefit. Mildew, tlnips, green fly. earwigs and rust are the most troublesome pests to the ( 'hrysanthemuni. Frequent dustings in the points with tobacco powder will generally keep at bay the two first named. Flowers of sulphur applied to the foliage when damp will keep down mildew, and I know of no better plan than picking oft' and burning leaves affected with rust. Though there are many advertised remedies, 1 cannot say much for them. Earwigs can easilv be trapped by hanging Broad Bean stalks, about 4 inches in length, about the plants, from which they can easilv be blown and killed. Feedim:. After the plants become tilled with roots, but not before on any account, feeding may commence. This requires to be done with great caution, as though the Chrysanthemum will take up a lot of stimulant, it can easilv be overdone. When pro- curable there is nothing better for this purpose than fresh animal manure, cither cow, horse, or sheep droppings. Place a barrow-load of cither in a large tub or tank with one bushel of soot tied up in a bag. and add about 150 gallons of water : this forms a good safe manure. It should be stirred up and used at every other watering, diluting it to about the colour of weak tea. By way of a change a small quantity of ichthemie or Peruvian guano may be given, which is best applied in showery weather. A dessert-spoonful is ample for each plant, which should be shaken evenly all over the surface of the soil. Timing ami Selecting Buds. To have the whole of the flowers in perfection at one time of course many of the varieties will require pinching. The first bud is generally formed during May ; this is called the break bud. because the plants break away into new growth immediately the bud is formed. The three strongest shoots should be retained and the others rubbed out. In about three months the shoots produce another bud, which is called the crown bud. In a few- instances of late varieties this bud should be secured, taking out the whole of the shoots which 140 THE GARDEN. [February 24, I'juo. appear around it. This will generally be early in August. Unfortunately, many of the dust varieties do ii"t come clean and of good colour from this bud, su that special means should be taken to induce second crown buds to form early in November, and to obtain this the points of the shoots must be pinched out from the last week in March to the second week in April, unless the plants break away naturally, when they should form buds about the middle of August ; but experience alone can make one perfect in this. The whole of the liuds should. if possible, he secured by the middle of August, as any that form after this date are usually too late for the November shows. Housing this Plants. The plants should, if possible, be safely housed by the end of September in light airy houses. Abundance of air should be given day and night until the plants become acclimatised. Avoid overcrowding, or the loss of foliage will In1 con- siderable, and this should be retained as much as possible until the plants have done flowering. ties, as adessert fruit, it is well worth more genera] cultivation in amateur collections, and ought to make a larger market for itself at the fruit stands. The native Persimmon is less often cultivated even than the Japanese varieties, though it has some points of superiority. The principal advantage which it enjoys is in its better quality. The fruit is richer and 1 v sugary. Well-ripened Persimmons are very agreeable to many palates, especially to those cultivated somewhat to that taste. There are several named varieties of this native Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) handled bj American nurserymen. They are mostly propagated by grafting them on seedlings. The Japanese varieties also are often grafted on the native seedlings. The greater part of the Persimmons which are eaten in this country, however, are those gathered from the woods. The wild trees, too. are the principal source of supply Arrange the plants in a pleasing manner, according in the shape of the structure. During the time the plants are unfolding their flowers weak manure water should be given at every second watering, and the plants should be thoroughly fumigated every ten days. Always water in the early morning, and the Chrysanthemum is much benefited if the hot-water pipes arc kept just warm. This will prevent damping and assist the better development of the flowersand also the colouring. Fortunately, Japanese blooms require but little dressing to make them presentable on the exhibition stage. Damped or badly formed florets should be removed, and green eyes, if any. carefully taken ou1 with a pair of forceps. Unquestionably the new and pleasing way of showing these in vases will before long be generally adopted. E. Beckett. Mill at, nin Hi, in, Gardenn, Ktxlree. AMERICAN PERSIMMON (DIOSPYROS VIRGINIANA). for the markets. A certain quantity nothing very large, however -is always seen on the fruit stands. The photograph which I am sending you herewith is taken natural size from specimens gathered at random off the wild trees of Maryland in January. These fruits were just in condition for eating. To my taste they were delicious. Burlington, Ft., U.S.A. F. A. Waugh. PERSIMMONS. A Lettek from Amerk \. I was surprised to see the Japanese Persii n ( Diospyros Kaki) referred to in a recent number of The Garden (p. 29) as the Hate Plum. It is not a Plum in any sense of the word, and not related to tin' I'luins. This name is the more misleading, since the Date I'lum is reallj a variety of the comm lomestic Plum, long known and cultivated in Europe, and described in nearly all the common works on pomology. The Persimmon is not uncommon, though still not a popular fruit, in the United States. There are several varieties propagated by cer- tain nurserymen who make a. speciality of this fruit, ami a few collections and small orchards are in bearing. Small offerings of these Kakis are generally to be found in the citj markets 'lining autumn, but they are sold at a somewhat fancy price, and there is no general call for them. The Kaki IS a beautiful fruit and tit lo giace any table. It is desirable, not only on account of its novelty, but for its intrinsic g 1 quali- FALSE IDEALS. Though I agree with much that your corre- spondent "S. W. F. writes on this subject, I cannot help feeling thai he might have been a little less sweeping in his condemnation of the practice of clipping evergreens. It is quite true that excessive formality should at all times be deprecated, ami that it is mere vulgar affectation on i he pan of the owner of a garden i" endeavour, l>\ i lie introduction of an abund- ance nf evergreen balls, squares, pyramids, and peacocks, to impose on himself, or his friends, the absurd fiction that his garden was laid out in the reign of Queen Anne, and that it has remained so ever since ; nevertheless, there is much t" be said in favour of well- clipped hedges "I Yew, Box, or 1 1 < • 1 1 \ . A garden alter all is a garden, thai is, an enclosure made by man, a place fenced in from wild Nature for a man's private use and enjoyment. It must have walls and hedges, or boundaries of s e sort. It is a very delightful and commendable practice to naturalise beauti- ful flowers ill meadows and wild coppices ; it Undoubtedly adds to their beauty and interest, but these places cannot strictly be called gardens all the same. In a garden, evidence of the work of man, n.< long ns such work is con- trolled 1'ij good Ins!,, is no detriment and need never be concealed. Lawns are none the worse for being kept smooth and velvety, paths for being-firm and free from weeds ; strong comfort- able seats are not eyesores, fountains are at times desirable ; a pergola shade or a well- designed summer-house for tea or shelter does not necessarily injure the general beauty. And in the same way a well-clipped hedge in its right place adds not only a comfortable feeling of home to the garden, but assists much in the general beauty as a foil. Artists know well the immense value that broad masses of evenly gradated neutral tints have in the composition of a picture. They carefully avoid cutting up this breadth with detail of positive colour, or light and shade. The detail and interest of the "jewellery" of the picture is enhanced im measurably by the quiet relief of these breadths of even neutrality. It was well said of Macaulay that he knew how to adorn his eon versation by occasional brilliant flashes of silence. A well arranged herbaceous border never looks better than when it has such a quiet backing as the exquisite, dark olive a clipped Yew hedge affords ; much of the beauty is lost, escapes as it were, if the flowers are allowed to get mixed up with the background in a wild way, or if the background has a distracting effect by too much detail of colour, light and shade, or even beauty of its own. I think that every garden of any size should have at least, one dry sheltered path with i sunny aspect ; a harbour of refuge for the invalid or the aged, for use in the cold spring or autumn, and nothing answers so well the purpose of such shelter as a hedge of well- clipped Box, for it has no overhanging boughs to injure the path by drip or falling leaves, and the delicious scent of the Box-leaves in the sunshine makes it, in my opinion, superior for this purpose to a wall, even though when beautified by age. A wise little girl that 1 knew, when asked which of two nice things she preferred, invari- ably answered, "Both." And in this much vexed question of the natural v. the formal arrangement of gardens, surely the happy medium is the most desirable. A little more of the one or the other, according to the pre- dilection of the owner, is quite right at all times, so as to secure individuality, which, after all, is ever most important, for a man's garden ought to be quite as much in keeping with his character and personality as his house and home. A man with no taste of his own who iiicroh follows the fashion, no matter what the fashion may be, or who leaves everything to his gardener, eannol be said to have a garden of his own. He relegates the piece of ground to another, and then it all depends on wdtat amount of taste his gardener has. In most such eases the results are commonplace and conventional. ( !. 1 >. Leslie. A TOWN GARDEN. I't.w things are more depressing to the average man than the dismal aspect of a neglected back- garden in a town of considerable size. Such a plot came under my notice not long ago, and under judicious management and careful arrangement it has in a very short time proved such a pleasure, that I think some details may be of use to those who find themselves pos- sessors of such a potential '" Eden." As is usually the case in all ordinary town gardens, the area is about three times as long as it is wide in this ease containing quite a third of an acre surrounded by sooty brick walls devoid of any climber whatever. The ground is quite Hat and the soil strong clay, which, however, had once been well worked. On the ground stand two dilapidated and dark old ■'ki:im AKY 24, MMIII. THE GARDEN. 1 4^ glass-houses ; one a vinery facing south with a somewhat raised Vine border long disused ; the other bouse, a span roof, near the eastern wall of the garden. A few poor trees outside at one corner give the only touch of greenness to the space within. The Hist idea, to cut up the ground into three squares, one for flowers, one for vegetables, and one for reserve ground, was abandoned, both on account of its ugliness and also because it did not afford scope for a grass walk with flowers at each side and a seat in shelter, which was the cherished wish of the new possessor. At last it wasdecided to make a broadgravel walk across the width of the garden at the far end, and heighten the old Vine border so as to obtain a southern slope. The entrance to the garden is at the smith- west corner, and the greenhouse stands midway on the eastern side. projecting into the ground. This afforded an opportumtj to destroy the formality of the long strip 1>.\ making a broad grass walk from the entrance diagonally across the ground into the angle between the greenhouse and the -ardeu wad. This walk. 7 feet broad, was sunk quite :5 feet into the ground by the steps at the entrance, and rose gradually to the ground-level it the other end. The clay and soil taken nut was used to raise the beds on either side ami make an even slope to the path as it ruse to the level. At a distance of about 12 feet from the grass path a hedge of Olearia Haastii and red ami white double Japanese Rosa rugosa was planted to screen off the reserve and vegetable plots from the decorative cart of the garden. By this means two broad borders were obtained having different aspects, and at the upper end a vit\ warm and sheltered corner was formed for tender plants, while at the lower end by the door two fair-sized triangles were dug out of the clay to form a drainage to the slopingwalk, and at the same time afford a moist and shady nook where some hardier bog plants and flowers might thrive. Towards the upper end a narrow gravel path was cut through the bank round the end of the greenhouse which joined the broad terrace walk at the foot of the Vine border, and afforded on the side near the greenhouse a suitable place lor .1 seat where the flower borders might be seen. Four Bay trees in tubs (which find shelter in winter in the disused vinery) protect the seat from the ueighbours by means of striped awnings tied from stem to stem. After this rough blocking out of the flower garden the next thing was to plant it. and to harden one's heart against unsuitable things, however lovely and desirable they might be in themselves. I am not sure that in the long run there is not some advantage in being unable to grow many things, as the best effects are always attained by simple means. Roses are forbidden in a town garden except the invaluable Rosa rugosa and it- varieties, but the new and extra vigorous It. Wichuriana, which is not well known as yet, seems to promise great things. Its corymbs of s-weet white little flowers in August and .September are most delightful, and its glossy neat foliage an orna- ment to any garden. Conifers too are quite useless, ami so is any evergreen that looks sooty and Mack like some varieties of the Holly. On the other hand. Carnations and I'inks thrive extremely well, so broad masses of them adorn this walk, and a bed of seedlings in the reserve plot affords a long succession. Yuccas, Tritoina-, Lilies and tall composites form a stately background to the usual semi-hardy bedding plants and annuals, ami Sweet Peas, Mignonette and Sweet Geraniums afford, with ' oreopsis and various composites, plenty of bl 11 for cutting, oven though their fraaranee may not equal tin >se gn ran in country air. Irises of all sorts, and especially Gladioli, are as happy as possible, and Dahlias are bright and useful till the sun gets hidden behind the tall houses near and causes an early collapse in autumn. The walls of a town garden are always a trouble. In this instance they were so dismally sooty and black, that the only thing to do was to whitewash them all : and a precious business it was to obtain anything like a clean surface ! Hut no sooner was it done than the way the plants responded to the increased light and lessened dry baking heat in the summer was wonderful, and proved it was the right thing. Trifles can make or mar, and I am inclined to think this trifle made a great deal of the success in this town garden. There is one decided advantage in a town garden, and that is the greater freedom from frost, so that many shrubs will live there that would perish in frostier situations. So the walls where the sun lingered longest were planted with Choisyas, Laugustinus, Jasmines, variegated Euonymus, Eseallonias. and many another flowering shrub ami climber, including Clematises in variety, and they are all doing well and looking as they should do- ornamental. The plague of caterpillars so common in town gardens in the early autumn does not affect any of these. On the shady sides, the simple plan of planting tall Oval-leaved Privet and sowing climbing Nasturtiums to climb over and THE FLOWER GARDEN. CI ANT MIGNONETTE. Garden ami Pot Culture. PROBABLY 110 greater disaster could befall .nil slimmer gardens did any unforeseen circumstance render necessary the ex pulsion of this beautiful, popular, and flagrant race of plants, as nothing else could replace it or rill the tremendous gap that its loss would undoubtedly cause. Tun frequently we look upon these common ornaments of our gardens without adequately realising half their worth, and how much our gardens owe to such a unique and easily accommodated plant as Mignonette. The keenest gardeners and garden lovers of to-day are too often satisfied with a solitary spray of one of the several excellent fornix of this giant strain. How unceasingly is the plant regarded with the greatest admiration, largely brought about by the fragrance that is itself unique. In many kinds of garden flowers the mere increase of size has not brought in its train an increased number of admirers, nor. indeed, lias it enhanced the value of the plant. It is, however, quite the contrary in the ease of these giant strains of Mignonette, some of which are quite a revelation when compared with the older types and forms. while, as judged by the standard of modern improve ments, it would appear in size and uniformity at hast to have come very near perfection. Happih . ton, these larger forms present no greater cultural li.t ween was of course adopted, and Aucttbas, Aralia Sieboldii, Megaseas and Funkias formed handsome masses of solid foliage, till in two years' time this garden has become as full of interest and beauty as it was desolate and barren before, and a wonder to those whose knowledge was not equal to their love. E. H. WOODALL. Winter flowering' of Yuccas.— The flowering of Y. gloriosa in winter is not untimely. It is so much the habit of the plant, that when Evelyn described it he classed it with Snowdrops as a December and January flower. — H. Ellacombe, Bitton Vicarage, Brixlol. difficulty than the commonest types in vogue, and herein is a value not lightly to be estimated. As to the accommodating nature of the plant, and the almost endless variety of uses to which in any garden it may be put. none know better than those , devoted to its culture. I say accommodating, not as the term is usually applied to many annual-. referring to the way in which they will rcadih transplant, being hardly affected by the operation, but rather from its quick responsive action when raised from seed. In this way, with knowledge and good seeds, it is possible to regulate its flowering to a very considerable degree, which is often con- venient for various reasons. These giant forms, a. indeed all the kinds, may be sown at intervals from February till early in July, according to the needs L48 THK GARDEN. February 24, 1900 of individual gardens. As a mixture among the beautiful Tufted Pansies, as a sort of groundwork to many things, as a stop-gap here filling in odd corners, or there as a covering where spring bulbs have just held sway, the fragrant Mignonette is always useful. It has also a value in those places " where the honey bee sucks," and may. for purely ec nil' reasons, be planted freely as a counter attraction, keeping the honey seekers from choicer things. A year or two since this had to be done to attract the swarms of bees that were bent on entering a big house containing some thousands of plants of the deep crimson Carnation Uriah Pike. Being a highly fragrant flower, the insects were quickly attracted, and in a few daj-s such havoc was wrought by the swarms that came, and that increased day by dav, that all doors, ventilators, and the like had to be covered with canvas screens. The following year the Mignonette saved much of this trouble and anxiety. A moderately deep and good soil is suitable, and in heavy soils old mortar rubbish is very beneficial. Being largely tap-rooted, or in its early days inclined that way, Mignonette is not so readily transplanted as many things, but if transplanting is nut possible, its equivalent must lie found somewhere. It is most usual to sow it almost as thickly as Mustard and Cress, but in so doing the giant heads stand a good chance of being lost. A capital plan where isolated plants are needed is to put a couple of seeds in a 2A-inch pot and transplant bodily where they are to remain. This ma}' also be done when very early bloom is required, as not infrequently the seeds perish or are discovered by mice. In sowing broadcast they should be sown thinly and the seedlings thinned early. For pot culture the giant strains are those rinding the most favour, one to four seeds being sown in each put. Two-inch pots are the most serviceable, and tin- plants are thinned to the best one when large enough to handle. This one has its point taken out mice, and the resulting five or six breaks that follow are allowed to carry one head each. In some instances the plants are sown in boxes and transplanted when quite small, half-a-dozen in a 5-inch pot. but in bad weather there is much damping of the stock so treated. Here again the single pot system has its advantages, for not only is the plant bodily transferred to the larger pot without loss of roots, but it has also lieen an isolated plant from the beginning. To attain perfection in pot culture of this beautifully simple flower, a rather long season with quite cold treatment is absolutely necessary, as anything approaching close, stuffy, or heated quarters quickly elongates the plants, and thereby minimises the chances of success. Cold, very shallow, and very airy frames are the best, with sowings at intervals. (Jood heavy rather than light loam, old cow manure finely sifted, and mortarrubbishform a good compost. and firm potting is advisable. E. JENKINS. TUBEROUS BEGONIAS. This beautiful class of Begonias has been so much improved both in habit and the form of the flowers tlie colours, t are so bright anil varied — that it seems almost impossible to make much further advance. It must, how ever, be remembered that to keep them up to the present standard of excellence great care must lie exercised in selection for seeding and also in proving them.. In some instances named varieties may be worth retaining, vet as such splendid results may be obtained from seedlings, these may be relied upon, except for the specialist. The great advantage of seedlings is that the second year they make better plants than those propagated from cuttings or those mown from old corms. Seeds sown now will make nice plants by the autumn, and if planted out in the open they will flower early enough to make a selection of the best for growing the following season either for bedding or for pot culture. The very finest should be selected for pots, and those intended for bedding should have the colours marked, and .is they vary in habit of growth, if some attention is paid in regard to height, &c. , it will be a guide in planting out. 1 was much surprised to find during the past season that many of the older and inferior type were grown by those who wish to display their skill in cultivation, as seeds or corms ni.i\ lie obtained at a moderate outlay, and if from ;i g I source they are sure to be a great advance on the older types. Not that I wish to say the enormous flowers are to be admired most, but those with medium sized flowers and stiff erect flower stalks certainly show up better than those with long drooping flower-stalks ; of course to some extent it is a matter of taste. Culture also goes a great way in regard to producing satisfactory results; I find so many growers give them too much shade and not sufficient air when growing them in pots. When under glass they require sufficient shading to break the bright rays during summer, but this should be only during the time that the sun comes in direct contact with the plants. They like rather more root room than some other plants, yet it is not necessary to go too far in this direction. If a good rich compost is provided and a liberal supply of manure after the pots are filled with roots, much better results will be obtained than by over potting. After they are well esta- blished they take up a good supply of water, but when first started great care should" be taken not to get the soil too wet. Although varieties have been so much improved, the cooler and more exposed method of culture has done much towards develop- ing the fullest beauty in this class of Begonias. A. Hkmsi.ey. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Seilla sibiriea under glass. Potaof this charming little Scilla are just now very attrac- tive in the greenhouse where flowers of a white or light tint predominate. The delightful blue of the Scilla affords a pleasing variety to the occupants of that structure, for although there are many blue Hyacinths, the particular pleasing blue of the Scilla is not represented among them. Like several other early-flowering bulbs, this Scilla must not be forced hard, but simply assisted with a little heat, such as the temperature of a greenhouse, in order to induce it to flower earlier than would be the case out of doors. — T. Fruiting of Euonymus japonieus. — -I notice a paragraph on page 55 mentioning that in the Isles of Seilly and also on the southern shore of the Isle of Wight this Euonymus has fruited. This occurrence has not been limited to these detached fragments of our southern coast, fo] on the mainland, in South Devon, the same has been observable. Some years ago in the same locality these bushes showed fruit, but not so plentifully as during the present winter. Pyrus (Cydonia) japonica Ins also been unusually prolific, many specimens bearing quite a heavy crop of large, apple-like fruits.- S. W. F. Shrubby Veronicas. Many shrubby Veronicas of varied colours are flowering, and have a pretty effect drooping over a high retaining wall. In the severe weather of the early part of 1895 many of tin' old bushes perished, but the young plants grown from cuttings struck in the open ground some months previously, and which had not at that time been removed from the cutting bed, survived the winter without injury. With such subjects it is therefore advisable to strike a batch of cuttings every j'ear, so that the places of any that may happen to be killed may be filled by the young plants. -S. W. F. Narcissus pallidus prsecox. — In answer to the suggestion in Mr. Arnott's note (p. 106) that others who crow this beautiful Daffodil should say how it does with them, I may mention that soon after Mr. I'.arr's first importa- tion it was tried here, first in scry light, but well worked garden ground. But, in company with all the whiter trumpets, both of the species and the line _arden kinds, it showed only a steady deterio- ration. After seven years of growth and two shifts — we shift them every three years in this garden — the small stocks were so much reduced, that, as a last hope, they were planted out in the poor shallow soil of the copse. Here the few bulbs of pallidus prsecox seem quite happy, and are pictures ol health. The whites, also, are doing well. The soil of the copse is thin and sandy, and only enriched by a skin of peaty leaf-mould 1J inches thick, and covered with a sparse tussocky turf of wild Sheep's Fescue! I rass. Below the upper 4 inches are beds of hard sand and rock for 2110 feet down. where a water-bearing stratum occurs. (I. J.. South-ieeat Surrey. Acacia Drummondii. -Among the numerous Australian Acacias that are met with in our gardens this Swan River species is one of the most popular for growing into small specimens, for many of them will not display their beauty when grown only in a 5-inch pot. Under such conditions, if stopped freely during its earlier stages, this will form a neat, compact bush, whose somewhat ascending branches are clothed with pinnate leaves of a deep, yet pleasing, shade of green, while the pale yellow flowers are freely borne in drooping cylindrical spikes. It is by some cultivators grown as a standard, and has a decidedly pretty effect when treated in this way. A. Drummondii i Is a soil principally composed of sandy peat. and the plants should in all stages be potted firmly.— T. MutiSia decurrens. This climber was figured in The Garden many years ago — as well as M. Clematis — but is rarely spoken of. There is a plant of it growing at Kew, on the front of the museum facing t he i irnamental lake, which I have once seen in bloom. I should like very much to be able to grow it. Perhaps someone who possesses it may kindly give a few notes about it. The chief thing I can glean is from a note on it by the late Shirley Hibherd. He says it requires the least attention of any climber known. This sounds promising ; nevertheless, I failed to keep one plant I obtained. There are few climbers with flowers of such a brilliant orange colour, and I feel sure that it would become very popular if it really can lie managed as a hardy plant. — T. J. W. The Tasmanian Laurel (Anopteris glandulosa). For the sake of its foliage alone this greenhouse shrub is well worth growing, as its glossy deep green leaves are regularly serrated and very handsome. They are ovate in shape and about li inches lung. The blossoms are borne in- erect terminal racemes, and the earliest are just now expanding. They are wdiite, cup-shaped, and about i inch in diameter, beingin general appearance a good deal in the way of individual blooms of Clethra arborea, but larger. Though it can be obtained from most nurseries where a collection of plants is grown, this Anopteris is rarely seen in gardens. This is, perhaps, to be accounted for by the fact that it is by no means readily propagated, and its rate of growth is slow. — H. P. Clematis indivisa.— The first of the pretty white starry blossoms of this New Zealand Clematis are just expanding, and for a couple of months orso under favourable conditions a succession will be kept up. The long loosely disposed sprays when I ; i ■ 1 1 ■ 1 1 with bloss s form a most attractive feature in the greenhouse, and stamp it as one of the best dozen climbers for that structure. In the typical kind the thick dark green leaflets are quite entire, but in the variety loliata. which is more often met with than the type, they are distinctly lobed. This Clematis is rather liable to be attacked by mildew, to obviate which as far as possible care should be taken to have the border in which it is planted well drained, and this, together with a free circula- tion of air in the structure in which it is growing, will do much to combat the evil. H. P. Forced Daffodils.- Accidentally I dis- covered a way to help to keep down the ever- growing labour bill. and to get a better result with forced I lafibdils, and probably some of your readers may be glad to follow my plan. Early in December a few years back I had to take up a lot of Tenby Daffodils, and, not wishing to throw them away, they were just crammed into boxes; the smaller clumps were put into 4-inch pots, and the whole lot placed in a warm frame. To my surprise they did not object to this rough treatment at all, but came on ahead of the others, which had been care- fully potted in July, and gave a splendid lot of February 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 140 bloom. Ever since then I have repeated the experiment, and am now satisfied that much better results can be obtained by this rough-and-nadx treatment than by selection and potting the best single bulhs at the usual time. As I write I have before me a 4-inch pot containing a clump of N. Harpur-Crewe with nineteen expanded Mowers and strong foliage: another pot of N. princeps has nine handsome Bowers. Certainly this spring I shall mark many varieties for lifting in this way in November and December next, and I strongly recommend those of your readers who wish to steal a march on the Daffodil season to do likewise. A. Kjngsmill, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. Hyacinthus azureus. -To one who has often referred to the charming little plant now known by this name it is a pleasure to sec that Mr. Tillett is also able to speak favourably about it. It is one of my favourites among the earliest of our flowers, and it always seems incomprehen- sible to me why so few know it or grow it. Its great drawback in some gardens is the liking slugs have for it. This liking may be overcome with a little care by the application of the zinc or brass woven wire rings to which 1 referred in The Garden a short time ago. As Mr. Tillett says, this plant seems to delight in being left alone — save, of course, with regard to the precaution sug- gested. It does nut increase rapidly at first, but when left alone its multiplication by offsets becomes more rapid, and the grower is rewarded by the pleasure afforded by a clump of its little clustered heads of pale blue. I like, also, to look after it in changeable weather in winter, when successive rains, frosts, and thaws are apt to rot the flower- stcms at the base. — S. Aknott, Carsefhorn, by Dumfries, N.B. Lachenalia NelSOnii. Those readers who have not yet grown this useful winter-flower- ing plant I would strongly recommend to do SO. They are very effective in a mass of four or five 6-inch pots arranged in a rustic irregular vase with a very light plant of Cyperus laxus in the centre. Both these plants are fairly hardy, and will even stand in a cool hall where it would be unwise to stand more tender material. I have just removed such an arrangement from an entrance hall, winch has been a great attraction for the past two weeks. The yellow bells are very showy at this season of the' year. I pot up my bulbs in early August, using open turfy loam, a little leaf-mould made porous with coarse sand or small opening burnt material, adding a little dry cow manure rubbed through a |'-inch sieve. The bulbs arc arranged in the pots about '2 inches apart if strong, and closer if small, covering them about I inch deep. The pots arc nearly half tilled with tine clocks and stood in a cold frame, and are only removed from then' to other cool quarters when severe frost occurs. To get strong Sower-spikes, do not coddle them. James K. Hall, Fox Warren. Early bulbous Irises. — A very large proportion of the best of the bulbous Irises are now in blossom here in open ground ; they cannot be commended too much for this season of the year I. Danfordise, 1. Bakeriana, I. persica Vbgeliana, I. Histrio, and I. histrioides. Iris reticulata will very soon put in an appearance. — H. EWBANK, Bydt . /. <•)' Wight. Stocks in flower now. Everyone appreciates Stocks, whether grown in the open or otherwise, and for pot culture in spring they have much to recommend them. They are far more precious grown in this way than many things that need a lot of heat to bring them on. Those who have unhealed glasshouses should make a note of these and give them generous culture. They need little attention through the winter other than watering and giving air, and in the spring pots of sweet-scented flowers will lie available t"i placing in rooms, conservatories, or to cut from for vases. Added to this they lend them- selves for cutting to send away better than many things. Seed is sown in May, and the seedlings pricked out on an open site. In September they are taken up, potted three in a 7-inch pot or one in a 5-inch 'me. placing them either in a cold frame oroivashady border until established. Thev are then removed to a sunny position and allowed to remain till severe cold comes, when they are placed in a cold frame or house fur the winter. If they arc removed at. the beginning of the year into slight heat they soon bloom. At the present time (the second week in February) we have long sprays of the variety Princess Alice in bloom. These kinds, East Lothians and Intermediates are excellent for this purpose. I remember the Hue scarlet Intermediate I used to see in London shops in April and May twenty-five years ago, also a Wallflower-leaved kind at Didlington Hall thirty years ago, grown in this way.-— J. Crook. , Winter Aconites. As a lover of the little Winter Aconite, I have read with much interest the note by Mr. (.'. 1 1. Leslie on page SI. I have often thought it strange that no variation in the colour of Kranthis hyemalis existed so far as I could ascertain. This seemed to me rather wonderful in a plant which is so freely reproduced from seeds, and which one would have thought would have sported into a few shades of yellow' long ago. I have a fairly good acquaintance with the works of the old writers on hardy flowers as well as some' knowledge of the work of the present day among them, but until I read Mr. Leslie's note I was unaware of anything but one colour, or rather shade, in one of my favourite flowers. I hope your correspondent will succeed in his endeavour to increase the variety lie has succeeded in raising. S. Aknott. Carsethorn, lry Dumfries, X./l. Begonia Gloire de Sceaux. This is a grand Begonia for flowering during the early months of the year: indeed, it is in beauty just as the universally grown Gloire de Lorraine is in many instances past its best. The variety Gloire de Sceaux was sent out by Messrs. Thihaut and Ketolecr, of Sceaux, France, during the year 1SS7. It was by them announced as a hybrid between B. socotrana and B. subpeltata, but its general appearance dues not suggest that B. soco- trana was one of the parents. Whatever doubt may exist as to the parentage, there can be no difference of opinion as to its great merit a id value where a supply of Mowers has to be maintained all the year round. It forms a stout, vigorous-growing specimen, well furnished with ample foliage of a thick texture anil rich metallic tint. The Mowers arc of a pleasing shade of deep pink, and are profusely borne in large clusters. For the last few yens it has been steadily gaining in popular favour. — T. Erica Wilmoreana. This is oi f the tew Heaths that have remained popular as market plants for the last thirty or forty years, and such being the ease, its ornamental qualities arc of course of a high order. It is somewhat in the way of the universally-grown winter Heath (Erica hyemalis), yet they are sufficiently distinct to be readily distinguished. E. Wilmoreana is, however, uf a more spreading and robust style of growth than the nther. while it is at its best as a rule in February and March, at which time E. hyemalis is nearly, if not quite, over. It is also rather less exacting in its cultural requirements than E. hyemalis, yet the cheap rate at which grand little flowering plants of both can be bought in the streets of London show that some cultivators at least can grow them with but little trouble. Both the above-mentioned Heaths arc regarded as garden forms, yet their origin and early history seem to be unknown. They belong to what is popularly known as soft-wooded Heaths, which term is applied to those kinds that can be readily increased by cuttings of the young growing shoots. — H. P. Deutzia gracilis. As a dwarf free-flower- ing shrub, particularly in sheltered spots in the open ground, this Deutzia scarcely has its merits recognised, probably owing In tin.1 fact that, being so generally employed for Mowering under glass, any other method of utilising it is left out of calculation. Just now forced plants of it are verj attractive anmiiu the many hardy shrubs subjected to the same treatment. By some cultivators it is for this purpose kept altogether in pots, and by others lifted from the open ground and potted dining the autumn. Those that are confined altogether in pots respond more readily to an increased temperature, so that for the very earliest they arc decidedly pi eferable. If lifted and potted this operation should be carried out as early in the autumn as possible, even before all the leaves drop, as in this way the roots quickly become active, and they arc at least partially established by the end of the year. Deutzia gracilis is also of special interest from the fact that it is one of the parents, D. parviflora being the other, of 1). Lemoinei, which differs from I), gracilis in being of stouter, straighter growth, while the comparatively large pure white flowers arc disposed in a more flattened cluster. It is a great acquisition to forcing shrubs, but unfortunately seldom Mowers in a satisfactory manner in the open ground, being under such conditions generally a disappointment. After Mowering, these Deutzias, whether grown in pots or in the open ground, should, like many other shrubs, have the old and exhausted wood cut out in order to allow the young and vigorous shoots to develop. — T. Morsea iridioides var. Macleaii. The superb form of Morsea iridioides which appeared in the last issue of The Garden (page 12.'{) as a drawing in black and white, by Mr. Moon, from a plan! in Mr. Kingsmill's garden, deserves special mention as it is so far superior to the type plant, figured in vol. 19 of the Botanical Magazine, that it would appear to be a different plant, though to botanists it is identical. The size of the Mower, brilliancy uf colouring, and long continuance of blooming render it a precious gain for the cool greenhouse where plants other than the usually found occupants arc appreciated. The type I have grown for nigh twenty years, but this lovely plant has only recently come under my notice. — J. T. Bennett-Poe. Notes from Ireland.— The weather for the past fortnight has been decidedly unpleasant. The sharp touch of winter will probably upset all forms of vegetation. Ten degrees of frost (Fain. ) were registered on the grass. In spite of this, one can occasionally discern the pendulous blooms of the Snowdrops under the shade of shrubs and trees peeping above their snowy vesture. The Christmas Rose, too, enlivens the scene. In the mountain gardens of Lord Massey at Killakee it. however, simply revels, being one mass of bloom. The modest Violet still lingers, and strives to bloom amidst the uncongenial surroundings. The evergreen and deciduous subjects are in many situations clothed in the fleecy gown of winter ; the Holly berries, too, have been bereft of their fruits by the 'Hocks of thrushes and blackbirds. The Rhododendrons are likewise in a sad plight, the frost having destroyed the early Mowers. A, O'NEILL. Crocus Sieberii and C, Olivierii. With reference to Mr. Arnott's interesting note mi ('locus ancyrensis in The Garden for February 10, I should like to mention two other early Crocuses which have been delight fill here during the recent spell of bad weather, viz., Crocus Sieberi and 0. Olivieri, both. I believe, from Greece. They have struggled nobly against the snow , and (mainly, I think, because they are dwarf 1 have at length been rewarded and arc fully open to-day. The orange- yellow of C. Olivieri is extraordinarily rich and pure. C. Sieberi has a peculiar mauve shade, which 1 can compare with no other colour, and a distinctly silvery sheen. At the base of the perianth is a yellow patch. Another year I hope to grow these early Crocuses on a rock bed or a raised binder under a handlight with a movable top, as I have done this year with C. Imperati. It has been a real pleasure during this last week to go out in the morning, lift up the glass, and Mud a brilliant patch of C. Imperati with the snow all around 8 inches or il inches deep. What a pity it is that one sees this Crocus comparatively seldom in gardens. Can you. or any of your readers, tell me whether this species (C. Imperati) varies to any great extent? I am puzzled by one now in Mower, received last year from M. van Tubergen, jun., of Haarlem, of which the inner segments arc much redder than usual, while the dark lilac feathered stripes on the outer buff-coloured segments are absent. The style branches are almost crimson and in much stronger contrast with the yellow anthers than is the ease in the type.— F. N. A. G. 150 THE GARDEN. [February 24, 1900. SEEDS. Ass i as tin- new year dawns, the thoughts of the gardener are turned towards another year's planting, and the question crops up in His mind. What varieties of vegetable seeds shall I plant this year? Catalogues are obtained, and he becomes lust ill the multitude of the varieties of seeds, all of which, according to the account, are just the kind to grow in his particular garden. This stupendous task will not be so difficult to anyone if the farts are looked fairly and squarely in the face. There are two important points to be considered : first, the extent of the purse ; secondly. whether it is intended to go in for prize-winning or not. Should the financial part not affect the question, then by all means go in for the best and latest varieties of seeds; more especially is this neeessarj' when exhibiting is the aim. Where economy has to be studied and exhibiting is not gone in for. there are plenty of seeds of what one may term "standard fame " which are excel- lent in quality, but having been introduced a few years are not the " latest up-to-date," and in ion- sequence of this are much cheaper, and therefore suited to those of small means. Most seedsmen supply an order list with their catalogues, which saves time and labour to the buyer; this should be filled up in ink and sent in early, as the best seeds go first. It would be better to put the items down roughly first, and if the amount totals up to more than the sum intended to be expended, it can be easily cut down where necessary. As a guide I give a list of what 1 consider to lie the best varieties of vegetable seeds both for ordinary and exhibition culture : — Standard Kinds. Fob Exhibition. Peas .. .. American Wonder(E.) Little Marvel(E.). . . Boston (M.) . . A l. ,, .. .. Ne Plus Ultra . CentenaryMarrowfat Best of All (M.). Eureka (M.). Late Queen < I.. >. Latest of Ah (L.). Dwarf French Ne Plus Ultra. Perfection. Beans Canadian Wonder .. Veitch's Forcing. Broad Beans Green Windsoi Exhibition Lnngpnd. ,, ., Green Longpod Green Giant, Scarlet Runners old Scarlet Best of All. ' lhampion At. Potatoes Victor (Sharpe's) Up-to-date. Ishleaf (Myatt's) Satisfaction Magnum Bonnni Snowdrop. . . The Bruce Schoolmaster. Beet Dell's Crimson Blood Red. . Turnip-rooted Borecole Cottager's . .. A 1. Dwarf Green KrusselsSprouta Aigburth Exhibition. ,, .. Matchless. Cabbages Enfield Market Earliest (E.). . . Earl) Market Favourite (M.). Savnj Gem .. Earliest of Ml . Drumhead Cauliflowers Early I don First Crop. . Walcheren 1 1 James s Intermediate Earlj Gem , Early Scarlet Horn Favourite. Cucumbers Telegraph EveryDay. ,, .. Coveut Garden Improved Telegraph Cel 1 \ .. Superb Red White Gem. White . a 1 (Red). Lettuces Bath Cos .. .. Superb White Cos, . Early Paris . . . . Dwarf Perfection. Onions Janiiss 11. Veitch's Mam Crop . ,, . . . l.i-i Radishes Scarlet Turnip Scarlet Globe. . French Breakfast 1 toes Earlj Earliest of All. Large Ri d Perfection. turnips.. .. EarfyWhiteSt Early Snowball. Utringham V. Marrows Green (long) White .. It is isidered byagood many people economical to save their own seeds rather than to buy each year, bul I doubt this, for the following reasons: Ili-it a s Isman's vegetables ale grown entirely to produce seeds ami all the necessary properties for producing good plants are stored in such seeds, bul iii tin- other case the best are picked for consump- tion, and when the plant's strength is nearly exhausted it is then allowed to go to seed. Thus it must stand to reason that seeds from exhausted plants cannot possibly produce such fine crops or be so fruitful. E. H. Potter. Bedford Road, South Woodford. CORRESPONDENCE. ( Th< Editor ttff not respoiisibli for tin opi it! by their coi*r&8poiide.iito. ) THE STRIPED HELEN I UM. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIK. — " T. .1. \V." is not the only one who has been taken in by this plant. I had a plant given me four years ago without a name, and when it bloomed I never doubted for a moment but that it was a Kuilbeckia, and I have shown it as a Rud- beckia with other perennials. This last year, how- ever. I found out my mistake. The colouring of the flowers varies greatly according to the soil. Here I grow it on a dry bank in poor soil, and the flowers are for the most part dark crimson with a few yellow streaks. In a neighbour's garden, the soil of which is deep and rich, the flowers are of a pale washy yellow with crimson streaks. Of the two the former is the better ; but , seeing that the plants in both gardens came from the same stock, the difference is remarkable. Newton Abbot. B. Dickinson Webster. DWARF POINSETTIAS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] .Sir, — I am obliged to Mr Hcinsley for his courteous reply to my remarks on the culture of dwarf Poinsettias (page 107). I have never tried keeping old plants in a house with a north, aspect with a view to obtaining late cuttings, but suggested that the plan would be worth a trial. I have seen old plants from which early cuttings had been taken standing in quite cool houses comparatively early in the season, and breaking strongly from the base of the stems. It is gratifying, however, to learn that Mr. Hemsley has succeeded in inducing young plants — from which the lops were removed to be grown as dwarf plants to break sufficiently strong to produce tine flower bracts. I have tried the plan over and over again, but my plants after being topped never produced really good bracts. I must confess, however, 1 did not prune the shoots back to a few eyes, as advised by Mr. Hemsley. and, besides, the general culture may have been at fault. The Poinsettia is much hardier than many suppose. Many good growers stand their plants ill frames dining the summer months, airing them freely, and when fixing in Essex I used to stand old cut-back plants out of doors in a warm position. The\ grew vigorously, and were removed under glass at the end of September. The finest batch of Poinsettias I have ever seen were grown at Carrow House, Norwich. They were planted out when quite small In a pit in good loamy soil. The pit was freely aired in summer, and the plants assisted with liquid manure. \'>\ autumn the stems of the plants were as thick as walking-canes, and the foliage large, deep green and leathery. The plants win lifted and potted in September and placed in a close, warm pit till they became established. They retained their leaves, and eventually produced grand flower bracts. I knew one gardener who always grew some old cut back plants in the Pine stove potting them into In inch pots, and bending the growths down under the roof glass. They of ten attained the length of "1 feet, producing bracts 15 inches in diameter. -I. < '1: u\ FORD. Till-: HARDINESS OF TEA ROSES. [To this Editor of "Tut: Garden."] Km, — Does not the truth lie. as is usual in the ease Of Somewhat extreme statements, between Mr. Fish and Mr. Grahame? Tea Hoses art.- much hardier than is generally believed, but in occasional winters of extreme cold they may an\ where be killed. In the winter of 1894-95 I lost every plant, in spite of earthing up. and many of them were on their own roots. My garden is on a sunny hillside in North west Hampshire, and there is no lack of the circulation of air, which Mr. Arnntl thinks desir- able-, indeed, my frame-lights and other movables are apl to circulate if not anchored. I write to recommend .1 very simple and handy method of protection tor Ibises and many other plants. We cut a supply of Bracken while it is yet green, though mature; this prevents the leaf crumbling off. Then we tie it in ample, but light bunches to sharp- pointed sticks, generally using the split Hazel of triangular section which are used by the thatchera in our country side, anil go by the name of " spars." These are exceedingly cheap to buy or make, are tough and durable, and their shape prevents their working loose in the ground. If a little store of these of various lengths is made at leisure, they can be used most expeditiously and effectively by simply sticking them in upright or at any angle over or among plants. Heavy rain docs not beat them down to a layer, as it often does loose Fern, and the fronds being held in their natural position are more effectual and in no way unsightly. George Em: rem eart. PRUNING ROSE REINE OLGA DE WURTEMBURG. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Kir, — How should this Rose be pruned ? I planted two on a pergola in March, 1898; they have made vigorous growth, but only produced about four flowers last summer, while Climbing Captain Christy. Ainiee Vibert, Cheshunt Hybrid, &c, flowered well. The soil is good. E. M. D. [This fine semi-double light crimson Rose is a most rampant climber, making annual growths some 7 feet to .8 feet in length. Any of these growths that are not soft and pithy should he retained almost their entire length, merely cutting off just the tips. They will then produce several laterals varying from about (i inches to 15 inches in length. These laterals if cut back to three or four eyes will blossom freely. As your plants are growing upon a pergola you will have an opportunity to spread the growths out in a palmate manner, and thus facilitate the blooming. Very frequently the laterals do not blossom until the second year, and we are inclined to think that this is the ease with your plant, but as it was planted two years ago. you should certainly have a good display this summer. In two or three years' time one or two of the oldest growths should fie removed, thus encouraging the production of new wood from the base, which will tend to keep the plant in a healthy condition. We have seen this rapid - growing variety planted in a bed among garden Roses, which was a decided mistake, for, in order to keep it in bounds, it must of necessity be pruned in such a manlier as to preclude all possibility of any blossom, but it is in pillar form or. as you have planted it. upon a pergola that its fine qualities are made manifest. Eds. | ABOUT WILD TULIPS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Km;, Will any botanist among our readers who has observed and collected on the spot the wild Tulips that occur in the neighbourhood of Florence kindly name and describe them, and tell me to what degree they show variation in a wild state, and how they arc related to their representatives in our gardens < T. R. PROTECTION OF TEA ROSES. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, On page 7b of The Garden, Mr. C. -I. Grahame, writing on the subject of " The protection of Tea Ibises." says: " We have not had a really cold winter since issosl " a misprint, I pre- sume, for 1890-91. He has apparently forgotten all about the winter of 1894-95, when the frost, whilst perhaps not quite so prolonged, was far mote severe : and I fancy that Mr. lien jainhi ( 'ant and many other large growers of standard Teas will agree with me when 1 say that the losses were much greater during that winter than in any other season for which any reliable records are available. In the " Hosarian's \ nil -Book" tor 1896, Mr. Mawicy, in his very inte- resting report mi the weather of the previous Rose year, refers to a paper read before the Mcteolo February 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 151 Logical Society in April. 1895, which states that "the long continuance of frost, combined with its severity, points to the conclusion that during the past llii years the winter of 1894-95 has only been exceeded by those of l7!l4-!lo and 1813-14." The said paper further states that, given the imperfec- tion of registering instruments at that time, it is quite possible that the winter of 1894-95 exceeded in severity the two others mentioned. B. SOCIETIES. READING GARDENERS' MUTUAL. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, a large attend- ance of members was present ;it the fortnightly meeting on Monday evening last to hear Mr. T. Neve, of Sindlesham Bouse Gardens, give a paper on "The Renovation i>f Fruit Trees, especially Apples." The lecturer dealt with his subject in an exhaustive manner, his remarks on pruning, manuring, watering, v the Rev. Prof. a. Henslow, M.A., V.M.H. Intending candi- dates may obtain all particulars of the examination in horticulture from the Secretary, R.H.s., 1 17. Victoria street. Westminster. NATIONAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF FRANCE. Following the example "f our own Royal Horticultural Society, the National Horticultural Society of Frame has made a material alteration in the size of its monthly journal. The first number for the new year is now before us, and is indeed an improvement on the old issue in every respect. It contains KM pages of well-printed matter, the leading article being a historical sketch of the society from its foundation to the present time. The article is illustrated with portraits of the society's presidents, viz., the Vicomte Herieart de Thury. Payen. Due de Morny, Marshal Vaillant, A. Brongniart, Due Decazes. Lavallee, Leon Say, Viger. The society's librarj is also being catalogued. One threat feature of the library is the large number of other societies annals, bulletins. &c., that are received in exchange. It is expected that the new catalogue will he published verj shortly. C. H. P. LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. At the evening meeting on Thursday, March l, 1900, at 8 p.m., the following papers will he read : "Botanical Nomenclature," bj Mr. »'. B. Clarke, F.K.s.. F.L.S. ; Some Foraminifera of Tithonian Age from the Lime- stone of Nesseldorf, bj Mr. F. Chapman, A.L.s. convention of nova scotia fruit growers Notes about the apple Crop. The 36th annual meeting of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association was held at Wolforth on January 29, 30, and SI. In Ids annual address President J. W. Bigelow said in part, " The past two J ears have heen most profitable to the Nova Scotia fruit growei. from the fact that we have had fair crops of superior Apples and have obtained the highest prices in the history of the trade, owing to a scarcity in the world's Apple crop. This year our Apple crop will exceed 400,000 barrels, and as most of those have been sold at from 2 dols. to 3 dols. per barrel, the net proceeds may he fairly estimated at over one million dollars. Some idea m.i\ he formed <>f the immense profit of this business the past year from the fact thai several growers have accepted or refused from 3000 dols. to 5000 dols. for this year s crop of Apples, and many orchards have paid this year 'J.r> percent, on a valuation of 1000 dols. per acre. This is owing to the fact thai Nova Sc<>tia was the onlj Apple-producing country that had 90 per '■tut. of an average crop, the others ranging from 70 percent, to 20 per cent., ami all together averaging less than 60 per cent. The only drawback to this year's fruit harvest was the unusually warm weather during October and November, which prematurely ripened our early winter varieties and caused some of them to open "slack" and soft in foreign markets. I think that under our high cultivation, especially if autumns arc warm, our early winter fruit, notably Blenheims. Kings and Ribstons, are maturing earlier each year. The complaint of excessive freight rates charged by subsidised lines to London has engaged our attention for the past ten years, and seems no nearer a favourable solution than at first. After a careful consideration of this subject, I am 1 1 « 1 1 > of the opinion that as this trade develops the only profitable means of transport will be by small fruit steamers from p,ay of Fundy ports, much the same as Oranges are exported from the Mediterranean and Bananas from the West Indies. Within the next five or ten years we must provide for an export of over one million barrels annually, and the steamship company which secures this business from Pa.\ of Fundy ports at half the present cost will havi <■ ol the most profitable export trades from this continent. In discussing the question " What varieties of Apples shall we propagate?" Mr. Robert W. Starr advised the testing of new or promising orts, especially those of European origin, for more than one half of the standard commercial sorts now grown in Nova Scotia originated in Europe. English Ipples especially seem better suited to our maritime climate than those which originate in the interior of continents. Admitting that we even now grow too many varieties, this does not mean that we have yet found the best, for all must concede that many of our so-called " standard varieties " have serious faults which lower their value to the grower. If. from testing one hundred varieties of carefully selected new and foreign sorts, we can find one only for the midwinter season that will prove as good as . Charles A. Dranfield PJ7, John Band 254, Edward White j::7. George W. Stevens 153, Margaret M. Wood 148, and Sarah I.. E. Langle] 135. The foregoing were declared duly elected to the fund. Mr. R. Dean then pro- posed that Arthur G. Stephenson and Ernest 8. Henderson, unsuccessful candidates, together with the following, whose applications had been received too late : Mary A. Wood, Fred George King, and Joseph G. Riddle, he placed upon the fund by a vote of the annual meeting, as the state of the funds justified that action, especially as some of the children chargeable to the fund would cease during the coming year to he a further charge upon it by reason of the action of the age limit. This was seconded and carried unanimously, ami in this agreeable manner the proceedings came to a close. GRAND YORKSHIRE y Mr. Martin .1. Sutton. Mr. Sutton desired to ask Lord Moreton what steps the Education C m it tee were taking to fall into line with the present feeling in the country on the 152 THE GARDEN. [February 24, 1900. subject of the education of the rural population. He was a member of a deputation recently received by the Duke of Devonshire, who assured them that measures in thin direction would shortly be taken by the Education Department. But His Grace made it quite clear that, if anything effective Mas to !«' done, the department would require adequate support out of doors. This was a work which might very appropriately be undertaken by that society, which ten years ago had given to the world a most valuable text-book on agriculture, which still held the field. This book was, no doubt, too advanced for the children attending elementary schools in rural districts, but he put it to the education committee whether it would not be possible for them to prepare and publish simple reading books on subjects relating to agriculture, such as the different breeds of stock, farm imple- ments, natural science, and the like. He thought that by interesting, and at the same time educating, country children in the farm life around them, something would be done to cheek the stream of migration from rural districts to large towns, which every year made it increasingly difficult for farmers to gather in their harvest, owing to scarcity of labour. Lord Moreton thought that council would agree that in the past the education committee had not been behindhand in doing what they could for agricultural education, and one of their most useful acts had undoubtedly been the publication of the text-book referred to by Mr. Sutton. The present demand appeared to be for agricultural education in elementary rural schools, and he undertook, on behalf of the education committee, that they would go thoroughly into the whole question raised by Mr. Sutton. TO ANSWERS CORRESPONDENTS. Outdoor Tomatoes (Anxious).— Nothing is to he gained by sowing seeds. of Tomato for outdoor culture later too early. The plarvts would but become drawn and weak. Better to sow seed early in April, either in gentle heat or without. The plants sholild be strong enough to lift from the set '.I pots or pans by thTendoUhe month to get singlj into 3-inch jints. and then be kept on shelves near the glass or in aframe close to the light, In a couple of weeks shift tin* plants into 5-inch pots, still keeping them well exposed to light and air, as it is important they should lit- stout and well foliaged. Gradually harden the plants off by ample day exposure towards the end of May, and then they will he about 1" inches in height to plant out early in -tune, when it is is fairly safe to do so. Dse for pot compost chiefly loam with a little old hotbed manure and some sand. Let the garden ground he deeply dug, but not freshly manured as the plants grow : rather mulch them with long manure. Names of fruit. - ft. .4.-1. Lady Henniker; 2, Waltham Abbey Seedling; 3, Red Streak; 4, Lemon Pippin ; 5, Warner's King. KITCHEN GARDEN. Seakale ('iro, H.).— If yon have no old Seakale roots which you can lift, and cut from them the side roots to make cuttings, or yen cannot purchase root cuttings, then your best course will be to purchase lib. "f seed, for it is ver,\ light, and sow it. But that must not be done until the first ueek in April. Tn the meantime get a piece of ground, s;i\ a couple of rods in extent, trenched or deeplj dug, working into it a \z 1 dressing of mam ire, so that it will settle down, and will be ready ti» s«>w the seeds in at the time named. The drills, drawn as for I'eas, should be about I'll inches apart. Sou the seed thinly, BO that, when the young plants are up they can he thinned out to !' inches apart. During the summer use the hoe freely, and in .July hoe in a light dressing of salt. By the middle of November next you should have plenty of strong root lit to lift to force or blanch, and after you have cut from the.n all the side root* for making root cuttings, to plant out in- .ead of sowing seed. Mustard and Cress (HART). —Whilst gardeners generally sow true .Mustard seed with Cress for small salading, the market growers use Rape seed, as that is cheaper and the growth is much milder. Probablj in private use Rape would be quite as acceptable as Mustard. It is less hot, that is all the difference. Hut the market growers practically exclude light from their crops, whilst private ■.Towers seldom do s<>. We have seen large frames in which the seed has hem. after having been soaked for a few hours, spread all over the surface, gently watered, then covered with hast mats. As the growth proceeded the mats wetfe bodily lifted, and in about six days removed, the Rape and Cress being quite ready to cut. Where seed is sown in pans 01' shallow boxes and Stood in warm frames or houses, it Should he covered up in the same way with paper, as quick blanched growth results, and that is tender and pleasant eating; it also helps to keep the salading clean. A stock of soil should he at hand for the boxes, quite one-half being manure, and sowings should be made very often if a constanl supply is desired. Early Potatoes [Celt). First earlj Potatoes are numerous, ami differ comparatively little in respect of earliness to produce tubers in productiveness or in table quality. \ g 1 stock of the Ashleaf Kidney. Ringleader, Duke of York, Leicester Short-top, Harbinger, and Sharpe's Victor are all quite Brst earlj and of the Lest. These varie ties'all do well grown in 8-inch pots in a house or frame oi planted about 12 inches apart in well-manured soil on a warm border. II yon can grow anj under glass, then get tubers ami plant or pol a I i km-, if mhi wish. I ait we should prefer to set the tubers :nd close together in shallow boxes, I 0 -I and l hein in a warm house in the light to i .oise the eyes to sprout, then to reduce these on each tuber to two ,ii least before planting. Those to he planted outd swill be best in the boxes until the hist week in April. Nothing ie gained bj planl ing t sarly. In the meantime the tubers will he making better growth in the boxes in full light. INDOOR GARDEN. Pyramidal Fuchsias (•'. W.).— Without doubt the pyramidal form of mouth is natural to the Fuchsia generally, although some varieties have a spreading tendency. If you can take from such plants as you have nice young shoots 3 inches in length, and set them as cuttings into pots tilled with sandy soil and well drained, then stand them in good warmth, they will soon become rooted and make rapid growth. Shift them into 3-inch pots. grow them on in gentle warmth and ample light, putting small sticks tn support each plant. As soon as flower huds break from the leaf joints, at once pinch below these and compel new shoots to he formed. Shift the plants on into larger pots and keep them under glass. Another pinching will he needful, hut each lunching will leave the plants 6 inches higher, until by the autumn they may he in 9-inch pots, and each one from 4 feet to 5 feet in height. Treat the same the following year, and you will get them over l> feet in height, forming noble specimens. We have seen splendid plants fully 8 feet in height when in full bloom very beautiful objects. FLOWER GARDEN. Trimming Ivy (Charlton).— Certainly there is no better time for hard trimming of Ivy on walls or fences than about the middle of .March. In your ease the climber having suffered from wind and snow and become somewhat ragged in appearance, it is hest to cut quite hard in. That may he done with stout sharp shears or with a knife, hut however done it is evident that the effect will he for a short time undoubtedly objectionable. Hut then by doing this hard cutting in .March this objectionable feature is greatly minimised, as very soon new growth begins, and in a few weeks the surface is pleasantly green with young leafage. When Ivy is grown on tree steins or pules, or where forming pillars or covering ariiours. Ac. then the pruning should be done with a knife, so as to leave the hulk of the leafage uninjured, [vies as a rule hear hard pruning well, but still it is work that should he done judiciously, especially with variegated forms. Hardy Fuchsias (Tyro).— Few Fuchsias are really- hardy, hut in the south, and particularly in the Isle of Wight, such varieties as Riccartonii, globosa, corallina, and others seem to exist as nrdinarj hushes, hut generally these variei ies, as also Hose of <'astile. exoniensis, magellanica, gracilis, and others, have to he cut hard down in the autumn and the roots protected h\ heaps of leaves 01' ashes; then in the spring they break up freely and form most handsome bushes. No doubt where the soil is fairly porous, an occasional dressing <>i decayed vegetable matter or old hotbed manure is given, and the situation is a warm one, many of the ordinary greenhouse varieties would do as well. Subject to similar treatment, Fuchsias grown in large pots as half standards, that is. on about 3-feel stems, plunged in grass during the summer, make beautiful garden objects. Most varieties of fuchsias are more largely used for summer bedding. Early - flowering1 Chrysanthemums for the outdoor border (J. R. H.). By confining the selection to six, or possibly a do/en. sorts, these em- bracing some of the hest pompons as well .is the leading Japanese varieties, there should he little difficulty in brightening the garden in the early autumn. Those most suitable for this work are ; Alice Butcher, bright red suffused with orange, heiaht •-'.'. fet fc, flowering latter half of September and later; Canari, lemon-yellow, rerj bushy and compact, height I' leet. period of flowering same as last-mentioned variety ; kittle Bob (syn. ). Scarlet Gem, crimson - brown, fairly bushy habit, height 2 feet, in flower latter part of August and September a splendid bedding sort : Mr. Selly, rosy pink, bushy and compact, height 1' feet, an ideal plant for the border, flowering same as last named; and Mine. .lolivart, white-shaded pink, very bushy and free flowering height U feet, flowering throughout September. .Japanese are hest represented by Mine. Marie Masse, lilac-mauve, and a chestnut -hi 011/e sport from this variety named Crimson Marie Masse, EThej are both beautifully branching in their style of growth, also free -flowering, and p^sess a rood constitution, Height - feet, flowering throughout Sept en i her. Com t esse Voucher de Cartel, bright orange, bushy, free -flowering, height - feet, period of flowering mill - October, one of the hest ; ivy stark, pale orange- yellow, bushj ha hit, good constitution, height 2J feet ; Notiii,' Groz, m i uve -pin'v. very free in growth and in its blossoming, should ;iot be disbudded, height i feet, in flower first week in October ; and Mychett White, pure white, bushy habit, and free^ flowering, height P. feet, flowers throughout September. Tufted Pansies, half-a-dozen good bedding sorts (M . S. ). You will be surprised to learn that the sorts mentioned in your interesting letter have long since been superseded by varieties flistinctlj ahead of them in point of colour, freedom of bloom, and habit. During recent years mauj charming kinds have been raised developing a perfect habit of growth, i ulike the old flowers with dark rays running into the eye, these newer sort-, are ahsohitel> ray I ess, and nian.\ of them are fragrant. Those of a straggling, weedy growth are becoming fewer, and this is something to he thankful for. With the newer introductions, partaking as they do of a true tufted and compart style of growth, it is possible to have grand masses in our beds and borders carrying the most delicate blossoms of the most refined and chaste character on a groundwork or carpeting of rich green foliage. < 'oinineiicing to hlossoin in the Spring, the plants nia.\ he kept in good condition right through until autumn, pro- vided they are treated generously and the spent blossoms are removed from time to time. The hest six sorts are : Devonshire Cream, as its name implies, is a beautiful pale cream-coloured flower and rayless, and is also very free and tufted in growth ; Pemhroke, rich canary yellow, very tree, not quite so compact as most others, hut indispensahle ; Viiginius, the very palest shade of blush-lilac, almost white, splendid habit, and very free ; Councillor W. Waters, a new shade of crimson-purple, free and compact, wonderful constitution ; Kitty Hay, one of the most effective rich rayless yellows for bedding in existence and little known, good habit ; and Floilzel, a new shade, blush-lavender, a most effective flower, rayless. Small pieces will ultimately develop into grand clumps. This selection is much too limited regarding varieties. You should increase the number of sorts. Chrysanthemums of a crimson colour (P. W.> It is not long since Japanese Chrysanthemums of a crimson colour were very few, Jeanne DeTaux at once being the most popular variety for exhibition as well as conservatory decoration. You will find the following varieties answer your purpose admirably, though to see some of them at their hest the plants must he grown on strongly and second crown huds retained. First crown huds of most of them give rough flowers of indifferent colour, these also showing the reverse side of the petals. The selection of second crown huds should obviate all this, and provide neat refined flowers of good colour". Joseph Chamberlain, rich velvety crimson, bronze reverse, long drooping florets; S. W. Gilbert, deep rich chestnut-crimson; Edwin Molyneux, bright crimson, golden reverse; G. W. Childs, deep brilliant crimson, good for late displays; John Shrimpton, rich velvety crimson, a capital hush plant; Master H. Tucker, crimson-chestnut, bronze reverse, handsome flower; Matthew Hodgson, crimson- red, a -rand plant, invaluable for rather late work ; Nyanza, chestnut-bronze; Eastman Bell, bright crimson, of easy culture, resemhling Edwin -Molyneux ; Royal Standard, rather dull purplish crimson ; William Seward, deep rich crimson; Lionel Humphrey, rich chestnut, golden reverse, new; Helen Shrimpton, crimson, shaded rose, new; H. J. Jones, deep rich glowing crimson, a very striking flowrer, new; Lord Cromer, very bright crimson, rich golden reverse, new : Henry Weeks, rosy crimson, flushed carmine, of easy culture, new ; Reginald Godfrey, light chestnut-red, shaded copper, with golden reverse ; Sir Herbert Kitchener, bright golden chestnut, bronze, and amber, effective colour; and Richard Dean, deep chestnut • crimson, gold reverse, late huds only in this case. Others might he added, but for your purpose thisselection should make a good display. TREES AND SHRUBS. Flowering- shrubs (J. G-.).— Planting these charming hardy shruhs may he continued till the end of March, hut they are hest planted in the autumn. You will find a couple of the Daphne Mezereum, red and white, a couple of the beautiful yellow-flowered Forsythias, a couple of the red and white-flowered Cydonias, the same of the Flowering Currants, Ribes, Deutzia gracilis and crenata, Kerheris huxifolia and Darwini, Mahonia aquifolia, Cytisus (or Broom) albus, ScopariliSj and ('. Andreanus, Hedysarum multijugum. with its pretty reddish Pea flowers, Magnolia eonspicua and stellata, Philadelphia (Mock Orange) grandifloriis and Lemoinei, the Snowballs, Viburnum Opulus and plicatum, Spiraeas in variety. Lilacs, double and single, Rose Acacia, and several varieties of Hibiscus to constitute a lovely selec- tion of flowering shruhs that do well in ordinary soils, although there are many others that could he included did space admit. MISCELLANEOUS. The last cold winter (K. F. Or. o.).— The last great frost occurred in January and February, 1S'.'-C>, and lasted for nine weeks, beginning at the end of December, 1894, ami coming t" an cud on March 5. Nowhere was the effect "I this frost so evident at a glance as on the commons, where throughout the length and breadth of the land all the Corse, with the exception of a green shoot here and there, had been to all appearance killed. In most localities, however, a good many of the stems were afterwards discovered still alive, although all the spines on them hail been destroyed.- E. M. TRADE NOTE. MESSRS. CARTERS CHINESE PRIMULAS. Mkssks. CARTER write that their Chinese Primulas are now in full beauty at their nurseries at Forest Hill. We shall have something to say about this I eautiful strain next week. Catalogues Received. Kami Seeds, Manures, .Vc. Webb mi'l Sims, Wonh/iii, Slourbridae. Bulbs and Vegetable and Mower Seeds.— Ant Roozenand Son, Overveen, Haarlem; Holland. Farm Seeds, topgood 1 icing in my hands at all was a very casual one. A long time ago — considerably more than twenty years at least — I was talking to ( 'anon Ellacombe about things in general, and plants in particular, and he happened to say to me, "I should not lie surprised if Poinciana Gilliesii were to succeed in the Isle of Wight." I made a note of it at the time, and determined to try it as soon as I could get hold of the plant, but here was the great difficulty in the affair. It was not to be heard of at anj nursery in the kingdom, and 1 did not then know mi much about the Italian nurseries as 1 have come to know since. 1 was driven, there- fore, to try and grow it from seed, and, luckily, Mr. Thompson, of [pswich, was able to supply me with a packet of seed, which just gave me the chance 1 desired to have. It was the best investment of (d. which 1 ever made in my life. Like most leguminous plants, it gave no trouble at all, and I soon had quite a crop of young seedlings, which was just what [ required. I gave away some of them, and lost others through inevitable neglect, but I planted two or three in the open border to see if fchej would do in this way. Their success has been beyond all expectation, and no one ever sec.-, them in the autumn but says it is quite one of the finest flowering shrubs we possess. Poinciana Gilliesii or, as it is otherwise called, Csesalpinia Gilliesii comes from South America, ami is abundant on the margins of rivers and in irrigated grounds about Mcmloxa. The foliage gives it very much the look oi an Acacia at a little distance, and it is often mistaken for 01 f them. But no Acacia that I have ever seen has such splendid blossoms as this shrub has. The flowers are large and sulphur-coloured, in a terminal corymbose raceme; the stamens are ten in number, of which tile filaments are bright red; the anthers are also red, and the style is rather larger than the stamens, and of about the same thickness and colour. Altogether the blossom has a most imposing appearance, ami when it is understood that the foliage is also attractive in the highest degree, there is not much left to lie desired. My great surprise has been in the well-doing of Poinciana Gilliesii to such an extent in the open ground 1 have now no fear for it at all, and during the worst frost we have had here during the last twenty or thirty years it was entirely uninjured. A very great recommen- dation for it in my eyes is the time of year when it is accustomed to blossom. All spring things have gone by, and the wealth of flowering shrubs and trees has become exhausted when this very beautiful object rivets attention and makes full compensation for any loss that has been sustained. Moreover, it goes on for such a very long time — blossoming, it is true, in an intermittent sort of way — but still remaining an attraction in the highest degree in the garden for week after week. It is, I think, rather exhausting to the border in which it is placed, and for a year or two after it had become established it seemed to hang fire, if I may so say, for want of sufficient sustenance for its needs ; but this was soon rectified, and now we give it every year a few barrowfuls of very good stuff, and the difference is immense in the crop of blossoms which follows. I am afraid it will not succeed everywhere as it does in the Isle of Wight ; but Poinciana Gilliesii is so excessively handsome, that it should be tried wherever it is likely to have a chance. In Cornwall and Devon I should say it would be quite certain to prosper. Mandevilla suaveolei is is very well known, but more as a greenhouse climber than anything else. It comes from Buenos Ayres, and its pure white, trumpet-shaped blossoms — which are highly fragrant — are extremely desirable. As a greenhouse climber, however, it is liable to one very strong objection — it becomes infested with red spider, and, unless it is con- stantly syringed, it becomes almost a nuisance to other things. So at any rate I found it to be. It grew at a very great rate and took up a good deal of space, and when it became so difficult to keep clean 1 almost got tired of it. My gardener and 1 put our heads together and we determined to let it take its chance in the open ; if it had to die it must do so, but if it could live and do well In the open air. it would be a clear gam from every point of view. We chose mil the warmest corner we had at our disposal, ami in the month of April Mandevilla suaveolens had to find a new home. To my immense satisfaction it prospered a great deal more than it had ever done before ; that is to say, it grew immensely, blossomed profusely, and was very soon rid of red spider and Other abominations to which it had been exposed. In the open border it may safely be said that in the Isle of Wight and other similar places there is not a single objection which can be made to it : on the contrary, it becomes an object of the highest admiration, and the abundance of my pure white flowers, which are produced in .Inly, is truly surprising. 1 should perhaps say here that once only since its exposure, some twelve or fifteen years ago, has it got into trouble. In that very hard frost of the winter, I think, of L881 Mandevilla suaveolens was cut down to the ground. I mourned over it as dead for some weeks, and was most agreeably surprised in the early summer to hud that it was shooting out from below and beginning to grow vigorously. So vigorously did it grow, that it touched the roof of my house before the season was over, and though it did not blossom that year, it had the promise of great things about it, which has since been fulfilled. It is as strong now as ever it was, and as the stems are bound round during winter with bracken and straw, I think it is proof against injury. I may almost engage to say that in the coming July this splendid climber will be a sight to see. So refreshing is it in very hot weather, that it arrests every passer-by, who at once is sure to exclaim, "It is one of the most beautiful things that I ever saw in my life." Mandevilla suaveolens has found its way to Jersey and Guernsey, where it is plentiful enough, but there must be many other places which it would like very well where it is not as yet to be seen. H. Ewhank. St. John's, Eyde, Is/, of Wight. ( To Ik continued. ) DEEP CULTIVATION. As I anticipated, a somewhat lengthy ami, 1 hope, heneficial discussion has followed my notes, and I trust, with the permission of the editors, others interested will see their way to give their experi- ence. There is, of course, always two sides to a question. I am only anxious to impart to the many readers of your valuable paper what each of us believe to he the way of producing the greatest bulk of high-class vegetables on a given space. So far, the arguments for and against, I think, are pretty evenly divided. I will endeavour to the best of my ability to answer those which differ as briefly as possible. Firstly, an "Old Hand ' on p. 88. I am much obliged to him for the compliment he pays me on the quality of vegetables I have exhibited from time to time. Then he says he is sorry to differ from me on the treatment of clayey land, lb- says : "In every garden circumstances differ." Exactly: but the system remains the same. As I have before stated, I have had experience with chalk, gravel, and clay, and on each occasion 1 have adopted the same course, and with the best results. I know only too well what deficiency of labour means, and I fully sympathise with those placed in the same position. Then, again, manure. 1 am aware in some eases there is much trouble in obtaining sufficient, but in all gardens there is a large amount of waste and refuse, sweepings of walks, &c, which can and should he liberally worked in, and I am perfectly convinced there is much more fertility in what many call inert, clay than is generally supposed when opened up, brought to the surface, and exposed to the influence of the weather. Your correspondent also states that some soils are so poor at 3 feet, that it will take years to make them good, but my contention is that the poorer the soil the more reason there is for fetching it up and making wdiat should be a good depth of workable soil in the kitchen garden, which has to he cropped and doubly cropped in many instances annually. I assure "Old Hand " that if I were placed in Ins position with only a foot or 15 inches of soil on a sandy gravel subsoil, I should endeavour to set about quickly and produce a better depth by the means I have set forth. Too many people imagine that after once the ground is trenched it is done with : lint surely not so. Every season, if not the whole of the garden, as much of it as possible should lie trenched or bastard trenched. Then, and then only, in my opinion, can the best results be obtained. After carefully leading the comments of the Rev. (i. Bngleheart, I certainly think lie travels very wide of the mark. My notes were intended purely for the kitchen garden, but I observe he feels justified in mixing up the farm, fruit garden, herbaceous border, and pot plants, and he brings forth science to bear out his argument, n if which I object to. He thinks the gardener will do well to take lessons from the scientific farmer. Perhaps in a few cases he may, hut my opinion generally is just the opposite. I think the present day farmer would do well to take a few lessons from the gardener. Mr. Bngleheart mentions the Raspberry, for instance, in support of his argument. Now every- one is aware that the Raspberry is a surface- rooting plant, but, assuming it is planted on a deeply cultivated piece of land, there is nothing to March 1900.] THE GARDEN. 155 prevent the roots from remaining on the surface, and the same applies to all other surface-rooting plants. 1 made my plantations of Raspberries os trenched ground with good results, hut annually give them a surface dressing of manure. When the time comes round to make a fresh plantation the quarter is again trenched, and the consequence is the Hrst bottom spit is again brought to the surface. Then surely we have a better depth of good workable soil than would otherwise have been the case and tit to receive almost any kind of crop one cares to try. He then goes on to say : "Even the very school-children can now tell us how the rocks by the influence of the weather. •St-., have been converted into the top spit of soil." Quite true : and this substantiates my argument. Take, for instance, chalk which is perhaps buried only a few inches under the soil. Bring it to the surface in the autumn, and what do we observe in the spring after being Subjected to the influence of the winter's weather? Why. the first winter will pulverise and slacken a great portion : whereas, if kept beneath the sur- since I determined to set about trying what could he done to improve matters, following my own ideas. I commenced one end by opening out a trench 3 feet in depth anil the same in width, and I converted this into the rubbish yard, in which we buried any kind of rubbish generally to be found in the garden, including short grass from the lawns. As this became full up I opened out a fresh trench with which I covered the rubbish, and the beneficial results have so Ear exceeded expectations. Those first treated have grown and developed well. I have cropped between the trees with vegetables each year with the best results, but it is intended to lay down the whole with grass eventually. I cannot think that the argument respecting forest trees finding out tempt- ing heaps of soil placed near them has much to do with deep tillage of the soil. I am sure that if a piece of ground is deeply cultivated and enriched near most of our forest trees they would rind it out and revel quite as much in this, and with more beneficial and lasting results than if allowed to rise up unnaturally many feet possibly above the CLEMATIS I'AXKTI.ATA IN a BASKET. laic, it will tor ever remain in the same condition, and we have only to notice our railway cuttings. jtc, in support nt this, and the same thing applies to clayey and other soils. Even for tin- flower garden or herbaceous borders 1 should advise deep prepara- tion of the ground, but not to the same extent as in the kitchen garden. Xow. as to fruit trees, does Mr. Engleheart mean to say to trench 2 feet or .'! feet for an orchard is a mistake Y I do not wish tn In- misunderst 1. I certainly do not, and never did. advocate deep planting. I know only too well that far too many fruit trees are planted at ton great a depth, especially when holes are merely dug out and the trees planted therein. I will quote an instance. About twenty-five years ago new orchard was planted, half of which was deeply trenched and the remaining half planted by simply digging out the holes. Now the difference \ci> apparent. Those on the trenched part did well in every respect, making g 1 growth anil bearing freely, while the other half proved a complete failure, the trees being only about half the si/e of tin- others, and never once lias anything like a crop of fruit been produced. Three years' surface. Then, again, Mr. Engleheart quotes the Narcissus. In dealing with this— his favourite plant few can question his ability. He states that occasionally, when these have been buried with ashes too deeply, the young loots rind their way to the top. Precisely ; but I never advise planting or burying anything unnaturally deep — rather on the contrary. If anyone will turn out almost any kind of plant from a pot, the principal roots will be found near the bottom. Why are extra deep pots generally advised for many bulbs. Hyacinths especially > Why do many of our lead- ing nurserymen go to the expense of deep trenching if shallow cultivation would answer the purpose? Not merely for the employment of labour, but because they are fully alive to the fact that there is hidden treasure below. Mr. J. R. Hall on p. 129 questions Mr. D. B. Crane's remarks respecting a crop of Potatoes taken from deeply trenched ground here last summer. I will enlighten him as far as 1 possibly ran on the subject. Mi. Crane paid a visit here some time during last autumn, and the question of deep cultivation cropped up. I pointed out to him the piece ot ground in question, which had been, as he stated, trenched for the first time to a depth of 3 feet, and on which I had grown one of the best crops of Potatoes it has been my pleasure to lift since I have been at Aldenhani (nearly sixteen years). The ground was trenched during winter and left rough till planting time. Small trenches were taken out with the spade and a small quantity of leaf-soil placed in. mi which the sets wen planted. Over these a layer of the subsoil was placed, and I allowed a distance of 3 feet from row to row. Between these I grew a crop of Savoys. Nothing in the way of fresh material was given these, and I assure Mr. Hall a better piece of Savoys I have never grown. On the same strip of land I also had Lettuce. Turnips, Artichokes, and Carrots. Holes were bored for the latter, which were rilled up with a fine compost ; the rest were grown simply in the .lay. except a little fine soil sown in the drills with the Turnip seed, and nothing could possibly have done better. I cannot see what draining has to do with land cultivated at a depth of from •_' feet (i inches to 3 feet any more than it does at a less depth. I should say no one will dispute the absolute necessity of draining land under cultiva- tion as a kitchen garden, espe- cially so if wet and retentive. I am distinctly at variance with Mr. Hall as to his treat- ment of clay soil. I, too, know" something about the burning of this material — by no means a new invention — hut never again will I advise or practise such a method. I consider burnt bal- last the worst material one can introduce into a kitchen garden for the production of high-class vegetables. London clay, I am quite aware, is very different to a strong loam. Mr. Hall seems in lose sight of the fact that 1 do not propose to bury away thetopspit tin ever. A practical gardener will always know « here to find it when the trenching is again repeated, an operation which should lie often carried out. My desire is to obtain a good depth of work- able soil rather than a foot oi- ls inches, and which I repeat ran In- done if carried out as I advise. Most of the vegetables I have exhibited have been cultivated on laud as described by me. hut no doubt he is also aware that for Carrots, Beet root, and Parsnips I have to resort to Inning holes and till up with a suitable compost to produce my best specimens, even these are grown mi the but deeply tilled land. E. Beckett. Aldenha/m Hon** Gardens, Elstree, Herts. CLEMATIS PANICULATA. It happens not unfrequently that some good plant that might be of the utmost use in our gardens is in some mysterious way overlooked and is virtually unknown. Why so good a thing as this excellent Clematis has so lung suffered this most undeserved neglect it is impossible to say ; but though it is well known in botanical collections, and though it figures in the list of one of our best seedsmen, it is very rarely to be seen in gardens. Clematis paniculata will do fur us in the shortening days of October what Clematis Flammula does in September. It does even more, for though it lias not the delicate, almost nebulous, lightness of mass of ( '. Flammula, its masses of bloom are borne even more abundantly. The two plants haye so much in common, that one may. for 156 THE GARDEN. [March 3, 1900. garden purposes, describe ( '. panietilata n.s ;m October-blooming Flammula, l>ut bolder and stronger both in mass and in detail. Theflowers are alike in shape and in their tender tinting of warm white, butin panietilata they are stronger of texture. The leaves are also firmer and stronger, the leaflets rounded instead of pointed, boldly waved and brightly polished, of a full dark green colour, and of firm leathery texture. It grows afresh from the root every year, and although in training it to a bit of fence we remove quite three-quarters of the growth, yet by the autumn it is a dense bowery mass thai would amply till the body of a one-horse cart. It is of great value for cutting. Quite a large quantity may be taken from one plant without any apparent diminution of its bountiful bloom-masses, and it lends itself most kindly to bold arrangements of table flowers. It is one of our many g 1 garden plants that have come to us from Japan. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Hamamelis aPbOPea.— For considerably more than a century the only representative of the genus Hamamelis in our gardens was the North American Wych Hazel (H. virginiea), till in 1862 H. arborea was introduced from Japan, thus forming another link between the flora of that country and that of North America. The Virginian Wych Hazel, which flowers freely during the latter part of the autumn and in early winter, is. when in full bloom, an interesting subject, but nothing more, whereas H. arborea takes high rank as a flowering plant. This is at its best during January or February, according t'> the season, and when the still leafless branches are thickly studded with their yellow starry blossoms, whose segments are so decidedly wrinkled, it forms, particularly when lit up by the sun, a very beautiful object. If lured out early by unusually mild weather, a severe frost will injure the expanded blossoms, but the unopened buds arc seldom affected. Though it attains the dimensions of a small tree, this Hamamelis will flower freely when less than ii Feet high. The blossoms are particularly charming when closely inspected : hence in planting they should be so situated that this can lie readily done. I'. Monstera deliciosa. I read not so verj long ago that at a meeting of the Fellows of the Royal Botanic Society, the secretary, Mr. Sowerby, introduced to the notice of the company present fruit of Monstera deliciosa, which I believe it was stated never to have borne fruit in England except mi the Botanic Gardens. Now I know that it fruits at Syon House annually, and also at my father's, ulnae indeed a very beautiful specimen may be seen. The Monstera is one of the lew climbers of the Philodendron family. The fruit is green in colour and shaped like an elongated Pine-apple and the leaves ate serrated. After removing the outer coating the succulent part of the Monstera is of a most exquisite flavour, but when it has rested on the tongue or reached the palate, a sharp tingling sensation is experienced ; this is due to the presence of myriads of needle-shaped crystals com- posed of oxalate of lime. The plant is indigenous to Mexico ami the Straits Settlements, and if the fruit could be exported largely, it would in all probability supplant even such a dainty fruit as the Pine-apple. At present I am unable to write a fuller botanical description, but trust this will interest those who care for tropical fruits. - A. GuNTER. Some new plants in prospect. We receive from M. Max Leichtlin. Baden-Baden, his short but highly interesting list of bulbs and plauts, conspicuous among which arc sonic new develop incuts ,,t Gladioli. The list is accompanied by a coloured illustration of an individual bloom of one mi these, an immense blossom ">J inches wide, of brilliant scarlet, broadly feathered with white upon the lower petals. On the subject of this list we have the following note from one of the most watchful anil keenly appreciative of our many valued correspondents : " An unusually large number of most interesting new plants arc now being offered by Hot Max Lciehtlin. of Baden- Baden. Amongst them a new Honeysuckle from Afghanistan (Lonieera (Iriftithii), which he says is very handsome ; a North American Aster named A. Fendlerii ; a new Asclepias, A. Hallii, from < lolorado ; a most interesting and ornamental plant from Pisidia named Onopordon braeteatuin, de- scribed by Boissier ; a beautiful white-flowered Californian labiate, Monardella macrantha : three new species of Berberis, one of them from Sikkim, the other- two from Thibet ; three new Meconopsis : and the first of a grand new race of Gladioli of his own raising which he names G. hybridus princeps, and of which he gives a coloured figure. I am getting all these from him, so hope to be able to say something, about them some day in The Garden."— W. K. G. Skimmia Formanii.— A branch of. the male plant of this was broken off' by the snow.on the '21111 tilt., and the foliage being so handsome I took it into the house, with the result that it is now (after nearly three weeks in water) in full bloom. From the enclosed flowers you will see what a handsome flowering shrub this form of Skimmia is. and you will notice the strong Lily of the Valley scent of the flowers. Not only do the birds spare the berries, but the berries themselves are most persistent, and remain in good condition on the plant for a couple of years, and if grown in a cool house they remain in perfect health for even three years. — A. Kincsmill, Harron- Weald, Middlesex. [The flowers of this handsome Skimmia are pleasantly fragrant, but Mr. Kingsmill has omitted to mention (though notice of the fact can scarcely have escaped so good an observer) that the surface of the stems and the crushed leaves have another and very agreeable aromatic odour of a Myrtle-like quality. The whole appearance of the bush is that of an improved Skimmia ovata. It was raised bv Mr. Forman, of Ksk Bank, N.B.— Eds.] Billbergia nutans. This is certainly less showy than many bromeliaceous plants, yet it forms a decidedly pretty feature in the stove just now, and can lie depended upon to yield a good display of its gracefully disposed blossoms at this season of the year. As with most of its asso- ciates, the long, slender, gracefully recurving leaves are arranged in a vasiform manner. The flower-spikes, which slightly overtop the foliage, bear a loose cluster of nodding flowers, accom- panied by rosy-tinted bracts. The blossoms them- selves bave the segments prettily reflexed and of a pea-green colour, margined with blue— a striking and uncommon combination. The whole contour of the flower is suggestive of a small Fuchsia. This Billbergia is a native of Brazil, and was introduced over thirty years ago. Potted in sandy peat with just a little loam, and kept moderately moist at ail seasons, it will lie just at home. H. P. Erica COdonodeS. Far better known by the above name than that of E. lusitanica, which is now regarded as the correct one, this Heath is valuable from the fact that, should the weather be fairly mild, it will in the open ground flower during the latter part of the winter. It is of a rather erect bush form, reaching a height of 3 feet to 4 feet, or occasionally more, while the upper parts of the branches are now for some distance crowded with little white blossoms, just touched with pink on the exposed side. During severe winters, even in the southern portion of England, this Heath is often severely injured, but it generally soon recovers. Anyhow, flowering as it does now, it is well worth a little extra attention, being the most valuable of the larger-growing Heaths. For the winter embellishment of a cool greenhouse it readily lends itself, as if lifted carefully from the open ground in the autumn and potted, the blos- soms will open without check and form an attrac- tive teal me from Christmas onward. Well-budded examples of the Laurustinus treated in the same w;i\ arc very useful, as they can be used ill cool, draughty spots where re tender subjects would be se\ erely injured. II. P. Epacris in bloom. The Epacrises, which are just now so attractive, consist of two quite distinct sections ; first, the greater portion of the garden varieties which owe their origin principally to E. impressa, and are all characterised by slender upright shoots studded for a considerable distance with flowers varying from white to bright red ; secondly, those derived from E. longiflora, or miniata, as it is often called. The members of this section are altogether of a more spreading style of growth, while the individual flowers are longer' and drooping, and on the almost horizontally disposed shoots are seen to very great advantage. They are of different shades of red and scarlet, tipped with white. E. miniata splendcns arrd Eclipse are two good varieties of this section. There is a distinct Epacris with quite double blossoms, known as E. onosnueflora plena, which has been grown now for about twenty years, and during its early stages it was thought likely to be of considerable decorative value, but it is now rarely met with in a satisfactory condition. Much the same treatment as that accorded to the quicker-growing kinds of Heath will suit the Epacris well ; indeed, these latter occupy much the same position in Australia as their near relatives the Ericas in South Africa. — T. NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. CHINESE PRIMULAS. M ESSRS. J. CARTER & CO.'S fine strain of Chinese Primulas has for several weeks past presented a bril- liant picture in their Forest Hill nurseries, the many tine varieties displaying a charming variety of colours. Among the many kinds we may mention a few that were especially beautiful. Elaine Improved is a delicate white, finer than the older Elaine ; Hercules is a pretty carmine-rose flower, to which, as regards the flowers, Rose is similar, but is Fern-leaved ; Ruby, which has crimson-rose flowers, has a unique appearance, owing to the presence of specks round the centre of the flower ; Carmine is of a rich colour, and a form of this with variegated leaves has been raised, and is, apparently, quite a new departure ; Venus, which has both the Fern and Palm -leaved forms, is white, variegated with rose. Other good varieties are Holborn Blue. Vermilion, Salmon, and Rose Queen, delicate pink. Carter's Scarlet, a brilliant kind, and Princess May are specially distinct, the latter having very large, handsome flowers of a delicate pink and of good substance. The above are all single kinds, but there are also some excellent semi-double varieties, among which are Prince of Wales, rose, Carmine Empress, and Aurora, pale pink. Messrs. Carter have raised some very beautiful new forms. The crossing of White Bouquet and Carmine has resulted in two forms, a white and a rose-lilac, the latter of a somewhat more delicate colour than its carmine parent ; the flowers are large and distinctly fringed. The result of the crossing of Carmine with Elaine Improved is a lovely flower, large, and of thick, leathery sub- stance. This also is in the two colours of the parents, white and carmine, the flowers standing well above the foliage. The carmine form has a white halo around the yellow centre, which decidedly adds to the beauty of the flower. To Messrs. Carter much of the perfection reached in Primula hybridising is due. In this nurseiy are masses of colour of many shades, and the blue forms of both single and double varieties become richer and purer each year. Visitors to the shows know the good work accomplished by the firm in the past, and many treasures are in store in the future. There is improvement all round in the form of the flowers and in the growth of the plant. The Chinese Primulas display the result of carefully conceived crossing of varieties to produce improved types, or quite distinct departures from anything previously in existence. March 1900.1 THE GARDEN, 167 HOME-GROWN APPLES FOR WINTER SUPPLIES. Progress in Fruit Culture, but too \i\ny Varieties of Apples. IN common no doubt with many other readers of Thf Garden, I was greatly interested in the further impetus " \V. R." endeavoured to give gardeners and garden lovers im page 51 under the forcible heading "Onward! not Hack." Although, as stated, no attempt was made to go over the "whole ground,' his remarks anent one section of horticulture, viz., the flower garden, could with equal truth, I think, be applied to other branches, and not the least to hardy fruit cultivation generally, and Apples in particular. There has certainly been an onward movement Some years ago I remember there was a spirited correspondence in these pages under the heading "Too many varieties of Pears." A similar discussion at the present time might, without doubt, prove valuable on Apples, as the extremely long list of varieties makes it difficult to know which really to choose, there being generally some striking description connected with each to force its sale, [f ex- perienced gardeners are sometimes puzzled in making a selection, how much more difficult must it lie then for the amateur. Sensational exhibits at different shows are not always trustworthy guides. One certainly sees the size and appearance of individual specimens, but it is no criterion either as to their cropping or keeping properties, or whether they are suitable for various soils, &.c. We have too many early u'cj.i: roiim at caionwooD in February. during recenl years with fruit culture, but 1 cannot help thinking that the progress made has been confined in a way to grooves, ami that, too, so valuable an article of food should reach tar greater development. I refer specially io the Apple. I luring the autumn and early winter months there i- no -canity of home-grown Apples as a rule : indeed, there is often a glut : but much of the produce is undoubtedly of an inferior quality. As the season advances first-class samples are none too plentiful in many private gardens, while that on sale has practically been grown beyond our shores. In penning these note-, however, we are more concerned with ilc productions from medium-sized gardens and a continuous supply for the household over a- long a period as possible, and with this there in for much improvement in most gardens and orchards. varieties of soft texture, especially in the culinary section. They have also been planted too freely in the past, while more valuable keeping ones have been neglected. The scarcity of really good win tei Apples is no fresh complaint. It has been recognised for years, but somehow the apathy — what else can it be termed I— continues, and after Christmas it is not home-grown fruit which supplies the chief portion in our markets. In this respect we have not made any appreciable progress or onward movement. What have we been waiting for ? Certainly not suitable varieties. Favourable soil and climate we also have, while undoubtedly we should feel indignant to be thought less skilful growers than those of other countries. Tinning to varieties, we shall always welcome new ones that will stand the test of storage and turn out bright, fresh, and crisp. But there is no need to wait for these to appear ; we have plenty of well-tried ones to go on with that only require to be more freely grown for their full value and usefulness to lie appre- ciated. Which, then, should we select out of the multitude of varieties.' Other growers may add to or improve my limited selection. 1 trust they may, but I only furnish the names of those 1 have proved to be reliable when, of course, the bloom is not destroyed by late frosts. Culinary Varieties. If I were asked to name one good late variety it would be Norfolk Beaufin. Here it always crops well, and I find no difficulty in keeping it in grand condition well into May. The same may be said of Northern Greening and Striped Beaufin. Hambledon Deux Ans is also a very valuable late Apple, and should certainly lie included and planted in all gardens and orchards. To these I would add Lane's Prince Albert and Welling- ton. Though probably the last two are not quite so firm in texture, they are both valuable for late use, and both are wonderful bearers. I have named sufficient in this short list to maintain the supply as long as it is reasonable to expect Apples to last. 1 have found them SO, and can hardly wish for better ruits. Pessert Varieties. In spite of the sharp look- out there has been for new or little-known old varieties of Apples, there still remain in some counties and localities varieties possessing sterling merit, yet their cultivation is to a great extent limited to the district in which they were raised or found, and the country generally (from i fruit-grower s point of view) is the poorer by their not being better known and more frequently planted. As an instance of this 1 may ask. In how many gari lens or orchards outside Worcestershire (or at least the adjoining counties, but VV'i rcestershire in par ticular) is that valuable late dessert Apple known as liushock Pearmain met with ' I do not place this first on my list as [icing the best, but it is certainly entitled to be classed with them. With late- keeping dessert Apples we cannot expect to have so large or highly-coloured specimens as seen in autumn, but are the latter always tin- best as regards quality ] They are not, neither are large Apples always appreciated on the dessert table. Who has not eaten a well- preserved Wyken Pippin in the month of March or April and thoroughly enjoyed it, although it is classed below medium size ' This variety should certainly be planted more freely or more generally. Then there is another small, but delicious Apple— Nonpareil— seldom planted now, but it would be a pity should such an old favourite go out of cultivation. If we turn to larger fruit of high quality, we have in Claygate I'earniain all that one could desire, ami it is in use from November till March. It is a good substitute for the much-prized Kibston Pippin, and the tree is more robust and healthy and less prone to canker. In 1 58 THE GARDEN. March 3, 1900. Margil we have lew new ones to surpass it for quality, and it is recommended for planting as Imslies in small or medium-sized gardens. Probably the most prolific and one of the best Apples we have in Sussex is Cockle Pippin. Heavy crops are obtained annually, and it is iil for table between January anil April. In this list we have not included such as Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and others that are well known, and which are to lie found in most gardens, but selected those which form a succession to them. 1 am aware that hardly any 1 have named would find much favour with the exhibitor, as their size is against them ; but 1 am not dealing with that question at all, but hope to draw attention to some of our oldest and best varieties, which bid fair to lose ground or public favour owing to the introduction of larger and more showy ones ; while, again, it is with a view to filling our gardens and orchards with really serviceable kinds rather than with those which may win prizes, but fail to give satisfaction in the most important form, viz., for general use. Those who require Apples for home con- sumption during the winter or spring months may rely on those I have named, as a visit to our Apple room at the present time would amply testify. Richakd Parkkii. Goodwood, F< bntary 19. RIVIERA NOTES. Anemone-tide. The time of Anemones has come, ami the Riviera is in the full glory of Acacia dealbata. The stalls in the market are heaped high with bundles of Anemones gathered to deck the carriages or the bouquets of the combatants in the bataillez des Jleurs that rage the length of tin' coast from Hyeres to San Remo during the ( 'amival days. [t is hard to believe when one looks on the varied races of cultivated Anemones that they all spring, or arc said to have originated, from Anemone coronaria and A. stellata, for the fulgens section is quite absent from these shores, unless the large gold-eyed "Soleil " Anemone, whose gorgeous scarlet petals used to adorn the terraces near Mentone so abund- antly, be considered as the development of the smaller and hardier Pyrenean A. fulgens. Be this as it may, the foliage of the "Soleil" Anemone is much re like A. fulgens than anything else ; it is broader, bigger and Stronger, but similar in shape, while much paler in colour. The flower is as large as any A. coronaria, but with narrower petals and more of them and is unsurpassed in brilliancy. It is the only Anemone that is not generally hardy in England. I have only heard of its thriving in some sheltered Irish garden. The chief types, then, of the wild Anemone on the Riviera are the coronaria section, with scarlet, purple and lavender petals, the parent of our common garden Anemones ; then the Anemone I know as "Soleil " ; and lastly, the A. stellata, which is the commonest, most variable, and the smallest. Curiously enough, there are many wild hybrids 1 tetween A. stellata and A. " Soleil," while wild hybrids between A. coronaria and A. stellata are unknown to me. To my fancy these wild hybrids between the gorgeous A. Soleil" and A. stellata are the most delightful and beautiful of all Anemones. The shades of colour vary from richest crimson through shades of rose, salmon-pink and softest creamy-pink to pure white, always with the leaf and eye that show their origin ; and for the first time to come across a little valley full of these exipiisite shades of colour is an experience few will forget who love flowers and Anemones in particular. The little valley 1 possess is full of these shades of colour, and until the later flowering A. "Soleil " appeared I was quite at a loss to explain the fact that, while at one end of the valley the A. stellata were typical in their shades of lilac, red-mauve and white, the other end. near the groups of the large-leaved A. "Soleil," was rich in shades of rose-salmon and richest crimson. But the puzzles are unending, for who that knows the soft pink Anemone de Nice, with its green centre, could believe it to be a form of A. coronaria. which its leaves declare to be the case. The prettiest and most modern forms of garden Anemones are the Cocardeau. with the outer petals broad and generally white, while the centres are fully double, with narrow richly- coloured petals of crimson-rose, purple or green, but these all come much later and are certainly not generally hardyin English gardens. What. I wonder, is their real origin .' It wouldrequire to be traced hack to the Dutch florists, whose earliest triumphs are seen in many a Hutch flower-painter's floral group. Nice. E. H. Woodaix. NOTES FROM IRELAND. Straffan, Go. Kildare. Latk last autumn 1 had the privilege of visiting these beautiful gardens. It was any means the best'season admittedly not by have been nearly all planted within the last two or three years, and under the ordinarj conditions which obtain in most gardens would not have been half the size they are at the present time. Particular note was taken of Bambusa palmata in most luxuriant growth others of special note were B. japonica, B. nit iila, Phyllostachys viridi-glaucescens and 1'. aurea. These Bamboos are only I foot or so above the water-level, whilst at times they are flooded : this fact points strongly to the necessity of an abundance of moisture for their well-being. Gunnera nianicata amongst these Bamboos is an immense specimen, this fine- foliaged plant finding here an ideal spot. Straffan is noted for its Daffodils in grass ; these have been considerably extended, and comprise many of the best and most popular varieties. That fine Snowdrop, Galanthus maxim us grandis, is also planted extensively in the same natural manner, whilst Iris reticulata is planted in thousands, finding here a most congenial home. In walking round the grounds one could not fail to be impressed with the complete absence of all formality, the natural beauty of the position being made the most of. The rainfall at Straffan is somewhat phe- nomenal. For the year just ended it was 31'89 inches, rain having fallen on 18.") days. Under these conditions many of the conifers luxuriate in a remarkable degree, there being tine well furnished specimens of Wellingtonia gigantea, of Thujopsis horealis (a distinct form having the side growths pendulous), with varieties of Gupressus and Junipers. Deciduous and ever- FLOWERING PLANTS IN STONE WALL AT STRAFFAN of the year for inspection, but to the garden- lover there was an abundance of good things to be seen and taken note of. The gardens at Straffan are beautifully situated upon the banks of the Lifl'ey. which river takes a mean dering course upon the western side, dividing into two channels nearly opposite the mansion. The island thus created forms part of the pleasure grounds, and is an ideal spot for semi- wild gardening. Bamboos are to be seen thriving here in the wildest luxuriance. These green trees and shrubs are found here in great variety. The Tulip tree is a remarkable speci- men, better furnished than many examples : it is also extremely floriferous, almost everj point of growth bearing a flower. In a shel- tered nook is to be seen Magnolia purpurea Lenne, the finest specimen probably to be found in any garden. Pernettyas are perfectly at home in well-prepared beds, producing their berries in many colours and the greatest pro fusion. Another fine specimen is Cotoneaster March 1 900.1 THE GARDEN. 159 frigida, some 20 feet or so in height. Azara "IN A SMALL WAY." microphylla is perfectly at home and so are X(1TKS ,,,.,,,, 0b Gabden.-II. tin.' brilliant forms of Acer palmata. <)t _ , Choisya teniata there are dense bushes. The tebrvary 1. Wych Hazels (Hamamelis arborea and EL Deep snow! and very seasonable, too. Last japonica) thrive well, and the same can be said year everything rushed out all through a beau- of the Cydonias, notably C. japonica rosea, tiful warm February, and suffered terribly from Vmongst other evergreens, the Weeping and By the banks Silver Hollies are fine feature nf the Liffey the Willows and I togwood produce a most beautiful effect Loth spring and summer bedding is done extensively; but for once, after many rears, the beds are for this six weeks of east wind a little later, with tin result that my Roses were a miserable first crop. This year [ see Clematis Jaekmani, both alba and the blue superba, have fat green buds in their joints, all ready to burst and be nipped, for they were foolishly produced quite early in SROVP OF A ll \l;nv I. ANY SLIPPER (CYPRIPEDIVM SPECTABILE) AT STRAFFAN. spring to have a rest. Note was taken ol some Dahlias with their stems quite bleached which were cut oft' by frost early in September, so liable is this spot to early autumn and also late spring frosts. In spite of this, however, both Apples and Pears are finely grown ; better coloured examples we have never seen, or tasted finer flavoured ('ox's Orange Pippin. Of Peal's, Marie Louise is one of the finest, other good kinds being Beurre Ranee, Winter Xelis. Josephine de Malines and Thompson's; these are all grown upon walls, chiefly taring south. Peaches are very tine under ulass, without heat, and are well-balanced trees. The ranges of glass arc extensive, ( >rchids and other choice plants having been features here for many years past, but owing to the death of the late proprietor several of the finest specimens have been removed to another -eat of the family. One can fully sympathise with Mr. Bedford in thus having to part with plants that he had made especial favourites for years past. It will not, however, lie very long before their places are again filled, is gardening in all its varied phases is carried on with spirit at Straftan. Writing of Orchids reminds me of the superb mass of Cypripedium spectabile which thrives there to perfection. A good example is afforded, too. of how to clothe a wall with alpine plants. This is done by forming ledges upon the side of the wall, the plants chosen being evidently quite at home. James Hudson. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. We announced lately that the Duke ..I Bedford would take the chair at tin- next anniversary dinnei of this deserving charity, but it id have been the Duke of Portland. January. So has the Moutan Pasony, which grows in front of the C. alba. Of course it has had several pinkish plump noses ready all through the late autumn and winter, but during the last week or two it has unfolded them a good deal. It is not planted in the best of situations, for it is in the sunny border, wdiieh gets the full benefit of his majesty from the earliest of his uprising, and all the books warn us against planting Pajonies where night-frozen buds and early leaves will be too quickly and fiercely thawed. There is the Lord Suffield Apple tree ill the lawn close by though, and 1 hope this will lie some slight protect ion. though 1 feel myself as foolishly sanguine as the Clematis is premature What a pity it always sci ins to cut down the summer and autunin- Howering Clematises to the regulation five or six eyes in the winter before they sprout ! I confess I have not done it to mine, as although, when left unpruned, the growth retreats upwards to some extent, leaving a certain amount of hare stem below, sonic of the new- shoots can always be tied down to cover the nudity, even supposing the plant docs not see to this itself, as I find it usually does with a perfect mantle of wealth. 1 had Clematis montana planted last year against the half- shady wall where a group of Lilac bushes grows in the next-door garden : they are old and very tall, and have been kept strictly to their own side, so that the side next us presents a very suitable position for my montana to climb upon and wreathe itself round the Lilac branches. Close by 1 put Clematis Flammula, as I thought they might grow up together, and then our eyes would lie blessed with sheets of starry white blooms both in spring and autumn. Although the Clematis Flammula is only a baby, between :>, feet and 4feet high, it bloomed most profusely not long after it was turned out of i pot into the ground in late September. It smelt most deliriously, and then 1 thought no more of it, until November — quite at the end of the month - 1 noticed it looking filmy and smoky, with a gleam of red; it had covered itself with the same delightful grey-feathered seeds as the common Traveller's Joy, hut more beautiful, because the seed itself among its plumes is crimson. There is no such country as this for Traveller's Joy ; it hangs in vast masses, and drapes all the dear untidy high hedges like the smoke of battle, and as it flourishes so exceedingly, so I hope may its near relations in my garden. This is a good month for planting then i, and I have ordered new" plants of Princess of Wales, which is a most lovely deep mauve late bloomer, and the two doubles, respectively lilac and white. Countess of Lovelace and Duchess of Edinburgh, of the florida section. 1 have always failed with these, for in mil damp winter they will die off, apparently near or about the graft, but I cannot buy them on their own roots. A friend of ours has a superb Countess all over the front of his house, ami every year when 1 drive past and see it, I mentally devote another Is. (id. or is. (id. for a specially huge plant to a fresh purchase and trial. One thing 1 have established none of these tender kinds will grow here on arches. 1 amgoing to try them on the little shady recesses where the small buttresses are that support the walls of the oblong ; if I put them in on the side w here the sun cannot get at their lower steins when they are wet, but where the shoots can go over and get all they want of sunshine, perhaps I shall do better. The effect of these things by themselves on a wall is not quite satisfactory, so I am giving them a background of small- leaved Ivy, a kind of which I am ashamed to say I do not know the name, but it has a pink and silver leaf, with a little faint green about the midrib, and is a pernickety grower in most places, though it seems happy here. Theaurea spectabilis Ivy is beautiful over the side of a house near, but I am afraid the one 1 have planted in the half-shady wall as a background to the yard and a half of border devoted to Iris germanica will not show enough gold to deserve its name. The soil is too good, and nearly all its new leaves are green. The snow has come at an annoying moment, for one thing my plantation of panlaliuuin Lilies now in making. I have never seen them growing, for about here no one seems to go in for Lilyculture, but a coloured picture of the Tiger Lily-shaped blooms, rather more slender and graceful, with the green -tipped petals, all spotted like a newt's stomach, fired me with desire of them, and I ordered a dozen, to receive which we have made a nook at the very far end of the shady border. A Laburnum tree, quite an infant, bends over a little here, but if it interferes I shall have it taken away. The angle is full of Ivy, and the wall at the back is covered with a white rambling Lose, which goes over the top to get sun. I had a hole dug 2 feet deep and about the same square. As the drainage seemed good, we put a little old hotbed manure and tibry loam at the bottom, and thenfilled in with peat and loam and just a sprinkle of sand. It is never very dry down here, and 1 have a wee plantation of Trilliums close by, which like the same kind of life as the Panther Lily, and the big old Apple tree will shade them. The pardalinums are to conic from my favourite nurseryman, who will charge a little more than advertised prices and pick them out for me. Hesaysthat the Lily disease is now rampant among all the Japanese imported bulbs, and advises me to get auratums, (fee, i60 THE GARDEN. [March 3, L900. dther home-grown or from Holland, where they and composed of .sandy peat to which bone- ire not troubled as yet. The English-grown meal was added. The first winter it was pro- jerenially in the teeted with a hand-light, and came away well are auratums will often grow peremally in garden, whereas foreign bulbs seldom or never survive their first season, so it i.s well to be economical here by being extravagant to begin with. M.L. W. Bathwick, Bath. ZYGADENUS MUSCjETOXICUM. (Fly Poison.) The Zygadenus are not verj widely known to surprising and flowered. The following year it was left unprotected, and produced the flowers shown in the photograph. In the same district several other growers of hardy flowers have also been very successful with this Zygadenus, but I have not seen any finer than that of .Mr. Maxwell. S. AltNOTT. Cargethorn, by Dwmfries, X.Il. very growers of hardy flowers, nor is it that this should be the case. They do not appeal to those who like blight Colours, and nurserymen are apt to tight shy of such flowers, as not likely to make profitable stock. Thus they do not often meet the eye of those who visit nurseries or flower shows. They have, however, bean ties of their own which commend them to the increas- ing number of those who can see that I night colour does not constitute the only charm of a f 1 o w e r . T h e i r synonymy is rather difficult to follow, as Ai.iianthiuni and Anticlea, with some of the genus He- Ionian have become merged in Zyga- denus. They belong to the Lily family, and, with the excep- tion nf one species, which is found in Siberia, are natives of North America. They have rhizoma- tous or bulbous root- stocks, long, lineal- leaves, and simple or panic-led racemes of flowers, which arc mosth tinged with green. The species shown in the accompanying photograph of Zyga- denus muscsetoxi- i'iiiii is generally found under the nameof Amianthiuni muscsetoxicum, ami will probably he more easily procured under the latter name. It is a very ornamental plant with its fine racemes of white flowers slightly tinged with green. It has not the best reputation for hardi- ness, but I think this is largely owing to its being destroyed by slugs when making its young growth. It is usually advised that it be grown in moist soil, but 1 think this a mistake in damp districts. The plant here figured was grown in the garden "I Mr. John Maxwell. Maxwelltown, Dumfries. It shows what can in- done with hardy flowers in the gardens of country towns. That of Mr. Maxwell is almost surrounded l>.\ houses within a short distance, and is quite dose to works whose chimney-stacks emit a i;ood deal of smoke daily. This plant was placed in a bed of fresh soil about i feet deep, HOW PLANTS CLIMB. The questions naturally arise, why do some plants climb? and how have they acquired their climbing properties 1 A possible origin or cause may be suggested by overcrowding, when certain weaker plants, utilising the common property of circumniitation, and (ZYGADENU! .KTiiXICCMI IN SCOTLAND. acquiring a greater degree of sensitiveness, became stem-twiners, leaf-climbers, &c. Cir- cumnutation and sensitiveness are universal properties in plants in varying degrees; thus, they both may lie seen in germinating roots. The former is exhibited by germinating stems which bend to all points of the compass as they elongate. It is well seen in the terminal shoot of a Fir tree, which, if observed from time to time, will be noticed to have changed its direction, until it finally straightens itself below and remains erect, the apex, however, still continuing to nutate. This shows that there is a certain antagonism between lignificatjon, or the consolidation of tissues, and circuthnutation, so that as s i as a stem becomes rigid by strengthening itself. circumnutation tends to cease. Consequently, if stems be weak when overcrowded, they might continue to circumnutate when growing to greater lengths, and perhaps such conditions might be favourable for an increased sensitive- ness, but of this we know nothing. Climbing lianas in tropical forests often take the forms of ropes and bands, which completely invest the trees in an inextricable network, and a feature which has long been observed is the anomalous nature of the w 1\ steins of such climbers. They belong to several families of plants, and, generally speaking, their peculiarities are characteristic of their families respectively. Thus, in the Mai pighiacete the tendency is to make the w I deeply lobed by excessive growth at certain points on the circumference instead of uniformly all round. Then, as the twining stem becomes twisted, a result of continued growth after the stem has become linked to another, it now exactly resembles, and, indeed, acquires the strength and flexibility of, a stout cable of many strands. It is difficult not to entertain the suspicion that Nature has been following the example of man in making a strong rope out of what would be when isolated a number of weak materials. As the lianas are necessarily subjected to all sorts of strains, the cable-like form is admirably suited to their requirements. The genus Bauhinia of the Leguminosee and its allies are like broad ribbons, as the stem increases only on the ends of a single diameter : but besides this flattening out the ribbon bulges alternately first on one side, then on the other, thus affording great additional strength, while in some cases, like the so-called Monkey's Ladder (Caulotretus), wing-like appendages are added to the sides. In others, though the stem maybe round, on a cross section being made, the wood is found to take the form of a cross, with large medullary rays of softer tissue intersecting it. However anomalous the wood may be, certain common features prevail, in that there is always a feeble lignifieatioii of the wood fibres, with which are associated ver> many and large vessels or long tubes. The usefulness of these two features is, in the former, excessive flexibility, and in the latter an eas\ means for water to he conveyed with great rapidity to the enormous lengths over which it must necessarily run to reach the foliage. English climbers are mostly herbaceous, Clematis Vitalba, or the Traveller's Joy, and Honeysuckle almost alone possessing anything of tin- nature of a woody stem : but these, as also a six \ear old stem of the Bittersweet (Solanum Dulcamara), exhibit just the same features in being excessively flexible and pro- vided with many vessels. ('limbing plants may be grouped as follows : Those which climb by their stems or twiners, by branches and by leaves (I) by petioles, (i>) 1>\ leaf apices, (:\) by midribs modified as tendrils, (I) by peduncles and pedicels as tendrils : hook climbers — (1) as branches, (2) as leaflets, (3) as peduncles, (4) as cortical prickles, (5) as epidermal acicular processes ; lastly, there are aerial root climbers. As a great variety of these are described bj Mr. Darwin in his work on "Climbing Plants, it is unnecessary to give details here : but what one wishes to suggest, if possible, is the cause of the production of these different structures. The old idea was that they, as indeed all adaptive structures in both the animal and vegetable kingdoms, were designed, i.e., in anticipation of their use. This view cannot now be entertained, and we must look to Un- reverse process for their origins. That is to Match 3, 1900. THE GARDEN. 1H1 say, instead of a climbing organ being made before the plant climbed, we now regard it as a result of having, if not actually climbed, of at least of having come in contact with some foreign body. To show the tenability of this view we have first to observe the extreme sensitiveness to contact which exists in plants. Thus, a loop of thread weighing a quarter of a grain is sufficient to cause the petiole of t llematis montana to bend ; and when an organ has caught a foreign body and remains in contact with it, this sensitiveness compels it to develop extra tissue to an extraordinary degree. Thus, the petiole of Solatium jasmin- oides has three fibro-vascular cords on the lower side, but after clasping, the wood forms a complete zone as in an ordinary stem. Similarly, hooks.if they catch anything, thicken and enlarge out of all proportion to the size attained by non-clasping individuals. Thus one arrives at the conclusion that sensitiveness causes a climbing organ first to twist round its support, and secondly to thicken. From these Facts one deduces the origin of the form of the organ, say the tendrils of the Pea. It consists of the midribs only, which are now highly sensitive. As a leaflet acquires this property, so in compensation the power to make the flat blade ceases. An intermediate condition is seen. in Corydalis claviculata, described and figured by Mr. Darwin, in which the leaflets exist in all stages of passage, from a full-sized ;mil non-sensitive blade to nothing but a highly sensitive midrib. The course of development, then, seems to be as follows : First, by circumnutation contact is maintained, then supersensitiveness is excited : adaptive growth and development, with altera- tion of structure, follow, and the climbing organ is finally produced in the course of generations. When once formed, the organ, with its properties, becomes an hereditary feature. As good illustrations of this last result are the two commonly grown species of Ampelopsis. A.hederacea(the Virginia Creeper) has a tendril constructed out of a flowering branch. It makes the feeblest attempts to climb round any foreign support ; but as soon as the little hook-like extremities of the branchlets of the tendril can catch any roughnesses in a wall, the effect of contact is soon seen. Not only do they swell into little pads, but secrete an adhesive substance, while the branchlets curl up like irregularly-formed corkscrews and thicken greatly. That all this is the actual result of contact is seen by the fact that if any tendrils fail to secure a hold they soon fall off. In A. Veitchii, the Japanese species, the tendrils have their pads already partially developed in an immature condition before :ni\ contact is made at all, so that the one species throws light upon the other, in that not only is the power to produce the pads hereditary (as in A. hederacea), but the actual result has become anticipatory in the latter species— just as an eye is formed before it can feel the effect of light. The climbing property, having become in- herent in the constitution and hereditary, may lie held in abeyance, but Vie still potentially there. Thus dwarf French Beans make strong stems and have no need to climb; nevertheless, they occasionally throw out a long shoot which twines round any support. Convolvulus arvensis (the Lesser Bindweed) climbs up the stems of wheat in a cornfield, but makes no effort to do so when crawling along the ground on a sunny bank. Perhaps the most remark- able case is a tree called Hiptage. This is grown in gardens in Cairo. It has a fair-sized trunk, with thick branches. Suddenly a long whip-like shoot appears and twines up any- thing it can come across. As it belongs to the order Malpighiacea?, which has several climbing lianas, it is a tree whose ancestors evidently were accustomed to climb, and has retained the power, though it is quite useless, for the tree is perfectly well able to support itself. Geor<;e Henst.ow. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. FORCING TURNIPS SPRING. IN THIS vegetable was not forced much years ago, the chief reason being that when similar treatment was given to it as to other vegetables it failed, anil the return was not equal to the time ami cost bestowed on the plants. Another difficulty was the want of a variety, as some of our older varieties do nut force well" under glass, as the\ run to seed badly if much heat either at the root or otherwise is employed. Turnips are always valuable in the spring, as the roots of last year's crop, no matter how well kept, lose their flavour and grow out badly, so that young sweet roots are in demand at that season. Now is a suitable time to sow under glass for a spring supply. This vegetable forces very quickly, as the seeds in a warm soil germinate so readily. If possible, I advise sowing in frames, as grown thus the plants are so much nearer the glass and suffer less, as they draw badly and come weak and spindly if needing light and air. Free ventilation in favourable weather is an important point in their culture, as any coddling of the plants will probably end in failure. .Many may think the Turnip not worth forcing, but when it can be grown with so little trouble and theie is no great choice of vegetables at the season named, they are profitable and most useful. As previously stated, excess of warmth at any time is not advisable. In our own case we rely largely upon fresh leaves as the heating agency for the roots, but bottom-heat is not a necessity if the plants are grown in a frame that is heated so that cold and frost may be kept out. With a mild bottom-heat the seeds germinate more quickly, but there is more care needed afterwards to prevent running to seed. Excellent roots may be grown in a cold frame without fire-heat or manure if a little extra care is taken at the start, covering the glass at night to exclude frost, and closing early in the afternoon in mild weather. Sown at the end of February or earlier, there will be roots fit for use in less than ten weeks, and with the aid of a hot- bed at the start growth is rapid, but care should be taken to prepare the heating materials so that the rank heat and steam are got rid of before sowing the seed. The soil should be light and good and should be made firm when sowing, and when once growth is active, moisture and air should be given freely on all favourable occasions. T have referred to the newer types as most suit- able. ( 'arler's Early Forcing is reliable, and differs from our ordinary roots in being of a long, oval shape, a rapid grower, and less likely to run to seed than the round roots. Another variety is Sutton's White (Jem, a beautiful root, oblong in shape and of splendid quality. This I have forced in heat with greater success than most kinds, and few are more valuable for sowing in an early border in the open for first supplies. The Extra Early Milan is the best of the flat-rooting, round varie- ties, but the quality is not equal to White (Jem, and the latter is a specially good variety in light soil in a dry summer. There are some good French varieties : the one named Navet n forcer long Mane is a splendid forcing root more like a large, long Radish than a Turnip. The Navet Marteau ,i colli) rougt is equally good, but needs a little more time ; so also is De Freneuse, a thin, tapering root and very early. All the above force freely, and are reliable when grown under glass or given protec- tion in early borders. (1. Wvthks. TURNIP CARTER'S NEW EARLY FORCING. This valuable Turnip, introduced for the first time last year by Messrs. Carter and Co., is the finest variety for frame culture that I know. If sown now and onward on mild hotbeds in frames, splendid young Turnips may lie had in a very short time. Its great value over other early kinds which I have tried for this purpose is that it remains fit for use for a much longer period than other <. Young Turnips are generally much appreciated in most establishments, so that this when well known should prove a great gain. F. B. NEW ZEALAND SPINACH. This distinct and useful vegetable should find a place in every kitchen garden. Few things will stand a continued spell of dry weather better than this, and its true value must have been proved over and over again during the past dry summers, as it makes a tasty dish and a first-rate substitute for the real Spinach. It thrives best on an open south border where it can enjoy plenty of sunshine, and a light porous soil suits it best. It is very tender, and may either be raised in heat and planted out. or sown in the open towards the end of April. It is a very robust -growing plant, and should be planted or sown in rows 3 feet apart, allowing a distance of 2 feet 6 inches between the plants. A good bed of this is very pleasing to look upon when growing, and also very prolific. E. BECKETT. S A G E . Amongst herbs, Sage is one of the most frequently asked for. It sometimes happens that a fresh supply is wanted, and must be obtained from some- one in the trade, or it may be from seed, as this is a good method to obtain a strong, vigorous stock. In this case, there is a danger of obtaining a bad variety. Two distinct kinds are met with — the red, or narrow-leaved, and the broad, whitish green - leaved kind. The former is not worth growing compared to the latter. A few years ago, when I took charge of this garden, I had to resort to obtaining a fresh stock from seed, and by so doing used the red, or narrow-leaved. It grew away and was planted out and allowed to make big bushes. Never growing it before, I w-as not hasty to condemn it. During this time I obtained cuttings of the broad-leaved, rooting them in spring, and we have now an abundant supply. Now I have resolved to destroy the red, as the leaves droop in early winter, except a few at the tips of the shoots. Everyone should strike cuttings occasionally to maintain young stock. .1. Crook. CHINESE ARTICHOKE. (Stachvs tuberifkra.) SlNCE the introduction of this distinct vegetable about ten years since from North China — it was then looked upon as a mere Iuxurj — it has steadily become more popular, and is now to be found in most well-ordered kitchen gardens, and when pro perly cooked it forms a most delicious dish during the winter months. I have found it to succeed best on a west border which has been thoroughly trenched and manured the season previous, and the most suitable soil is a light sandy loam. The tubers should be planted during March, allowing a distance of 1 foot between each set and IS inches from row to row. Plant with a suitably-sized dibber 3 inches deep. Hoe frequently as soon as the growth is above the ground, which will greatly assist the vigour of the plants, as every inducement should lie afforded them to produce tubers as large as possible. Frequent drcnehings of both clear and manure water in dry weather will also greatly help to this end. By the beginning of October tiie crop should be fully matured, when they may either be lifted and stored in sand or taken up as required : but sufficient should always be stored by in case of a spell of frost, or they will be found very trouble- some to procure, E, Beckett. 162 THE GARDEN. [March :i, limo. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. IRIS DANFORDL-E. THIS is one of the most beautiful of ill the early [rises ; the bright yellow flowers with their quaint green markings at the base of the falls present a most distinct appearance. When established on the rockery with his Bakeriana, Histrio, persica, reticu- lata, &c., and those of a similar nature, it forms a perfect picture in early spring. This species is quite hardy, and is a native of Asia with the channelled side turned under, a posi- advertise for men to send to their clients. The tion somewhat difficult to account for. The scarcity is due largely to economic causes, there blossoms are about 1| inches across and of a being a constant demand for unskilled labour at uniform bright -'olden vellow, with the exeep- hig wages in the iron districts This draws tion of a green keel on the outer surface of the young 'V1'" away tn"" °"' §ard?n-, Hut l,at not the milv cause: a distinctly less number TRIS DANTOBDI.S. (Finw a drawing by It- G. Moon.) Minor. Though introduced, however, some ten or twelve years ago, it is rarely seen, but of late it has become more plentiful and easily procured ; it does best in a light, well- drained sunny position. It was first shown by Mr. R. Wallace, of Colchester, before the Royal Horticultural Society in 1891, when it received a first-class certificate. Thedrawing was made from a flower selected from Mr. Wallace's group at the last Royal Horticultural Society's meeting in the Drill Hall. These early bul- lions Irises are very easily grown in pots for conservatory decoration. The bulbs should be potted in earh autumn in light rich soil, plunged in a cold frame, and introduced into a cool greenhouse early in the year : they s come into flower, and do not want much fire- heat. After flowfcring, rcplunge or plant them out if the weather is not too severe. I'.RODLKA SELLOWIANA. Tims new and distinct bullions , lant has recently been introduced from Uruguay, and has been in flower for some weeks pa t in a cool greenhouse in Mr. Worsley's garden at Isleworth, and also at Kew. The plant alto- gether is not more than (i inches high. It has narrow, deeply-channelled grassy leaves 6 inches to s inches long, all more or less recurving, and ivate-acute perianth segments. The flowers are borne singly on the scapes and arc sweetly fragrant. Unfortunately, however, they only expand about the middle of the day and when the sun is shining. At other times the seg- of apprentices than formerly being now kept in gardens also exerts a marked inrhienceon thesupply. Messrs. Apple Lady Kinloch. R. B. Laird k Son inform me that incuts approach each other, and remain in a -Messrs. Pearson, of Cbilwell, have taken over the more or less closed condition. Although it has not yet been proved by experience, it is possible that this species may prove as hardy out of doors as the well-known Triteleia uniflora, of which it may be taken as a yellow-ilowered counterpart. To prove effec- tive it would have to be planted in large patches, and if grown side by side or mixed with Triteleia uniflora, would make a charming spring picture in the flower border or on shel- tered sunny banks. J. W. stork of their Lady Kinloch Apple. This is late dessert variety of Ribston flavour which was raised in 1878 by Mr. John Brunton, Gilmerton, East Lothian. It received a first-class certificate at the Edinburgh Apple Congress in 1885, and since then has been on trial in gardens in different parts of the country. The late Mr. Dunn, of Dalkeith, thought highly of its qualities, ami if. like James Grieve, it proves in the south as satisfactory as that splendid early-eating variety, Scotland will he prouder than ever of her Apples. The True White-flowered East Lothian Stock. CAMELLIA LADY BULLEK. Tins is now difficult to procure. I remember i1 twenty to thirty years ago, with long compact Not many years ago the Camellia was one of spikes not unlike the_ equally scarce Scotch Rocket, the most popular of garden flowers, but of late years flowers of more graceful form have taken its place. Probably, as fashion is as changeable as the weather, the Camellia will again be grown in English gardens. Certainly such varieties as the one portrayed in the accom- panying sketch will help forward to this end. It was shown by Messrs. Sander and Co. with some other kinds, two beautiful flowers being Lady White, white with red splashes, and Lady Roberts, pink with white edge. The variety Lady Buller is a handsome flower, large, with broad petals of ;i pleasing rose colour. when it commenced flowering in July. Now it is a not uncommon experience to be supplied instead with a variety that does not bloom till the second year. Scotch readers who possess the true variety ought to cherish it and secure every seed possible. " A the months o' the year, Curse a fine Febvueev." / NOTES FROM SCOTLAND. A Winter Garden in Glasgow. The corporation of Glasgow is about to erect another winter garden to be located in the Springburn district of the city. While thus providing the purest of human pleasures for its teeming, toiling people, the second city is at the same time not unmindful of the wants of the gardeners to whose skill and industry the success of its parks and gardens is due. The superintendent, Mr. Whitton. has been entrusted with the formation of a library of books devoted to ga r d en i ng and pursuits of a kindred nature for the use of his staff. The collection is not being confined to modern bouk-, anil already a selection of early winks mi gardening has been broughl together. Glasgow's record in gar- dening of late years has been altogether pi ai • worthy. Tut: Supply or Youno ( '■ crdeners. During tire lasl feu years the supply of young gar- deners irr Scotland has barely met the demand, inn never previously have they been so scarce as at the present time. At the November term nursery- men were compelled I" KRODI.KA SELLOWIANA. (from n drawing by II <-. Moon.) March 3, l'jy'0.] THE GARDEN. i<;:; Tliis Scots "saw" will not apply to the present " Feb- rueer," and the outlook for the garden is decidedly gloomy'; not only now and in the immediate future when the effects following zero tem- peratures come to he realised, hut still later when the crops that cannot be sown or planted are missed. It is not too late even now to sow emergency crops of Peas, Beans, Lettuces, and Cauli- 1 iwers in cutting boxes which, placed in a warm tem- perature, will germinate (juickly, and planted out when sufficiently strung will yield at the usual time, or perhaps earlier. Early Pota- toes may also be arranged in Hit boxes with the growing eye upwards, and good pro- gress effected while waiting a i opportunity to plant in the open. Even such unlikely subjects as Cairots and Turnips sown now and transplanted into the open ground in April will not only grow, but will prove ex- t remely useful where no means exist of producing them under some protection. Peas and Beans may he sown, the seeds touching each other so that sufficient to provide for a full early crop takes up comparatively little space. They must, of ionise, not be in any way foiled, and if the soil in the boxes is preserved in a somewhat dry condition. the seedlings suiter no check when lined out singly. The others must be sown rather thinly. WOODLAND AND FORES" else not LOWLAND FIRS. WHAT :i lot of nonsense has been written from time to time about the Scotch Fir producing excellent timber in the High- lands of Scotland only, and being worthless everywhere Now-a-days one feels us if they could ieve anything but what they can see and feel themselves. It is a foregone conclusion with most planters that the timber of the Scotch Fir, grown in England or the Lowlands of Scotland. is next to worthless, or at the best only lit for the roughest estate purposes. Hence the reason why the tree has been mi sparingly grown in England, while it has been planted to the exclusion of more valuable trees in the Highlands. No doubt climate makes some difference to trees. Where the climate is wet and the sunshine least the texture of the v\ I of timber trees will be inferior, comparatively, but nowhere in these islands is the difference so great as to convert a good timber tree into one quite worthless. The Germans and the hutch regard the Scotch Fir as a tree of the plains, as thriving best in warm ex posit res iii mountainous countries ; and in Holland, where it is extensively planted ill the rising forests there, the plantations are not much above sea level. [n England at one time the Scotch Kir must bave been plentiful and of fine quality. Some years ago I saw taken out of an old church tower that was undergoing repairs a beam of Scotch Fir about lo incites si ptare that must have grown in the neighbourhood some 250 years ago. 4 \ HEW CAMELLIA (LADY BULLKR). (From a ilm, i-;,i,i I,, i II. <;. Moon.) It was still sound in the heart, although worm- eaten at the outside. The beam had not been sawn, but only squared by the axe roughly, the bark being still on the corners at some places. In Worcestershire the oilier day I found examples of the same kind. Some very tine old Scotch Fir trees are to be found in that county resembling in leaf, colour of the bark, and general appearance some of the finest examples to be found in the Highlands of Scotland. Coming in contact with a country builder, I inquired if the timber was ever found in old houses in the neighbour!) 1. and was assured that he had often removed very old beams of Scotch Fir from old houses, both joists and rafters, and he told me of some old inns where I could see the same for myself. Oak predominates, but the extent to which timber has been used in building in Worcester- shire in former times shows that the supply must have been large and tun upon till exhausted. In such towns as Droitwich, in villages, farmhouses, and mansions, timber has been extensively employed, in manj cases the entire framework of the building, including the walls, consisting of timber, and apparently It e grown Oak and Fir were principally employed. The Scotch Fir is certainly tit home in Worcester and Hereford, and timber from 10 to |()0 years of age might be a profitable crop. As might be expected, the Larch is at home in the same places, for where the Scotch Fir will succeed so will the Larch. Both love a well drained soil and a not too moist climate. There are some hue Larchesin Herefordand neighbour- ing counties — old trees — and the young planta- tions up to thirty years of age are the healthiest 1 have seen for a long time just at the stage when the disease is usually worst, but quite free from it. The Larch may prefer hills and elevated aspects, but it is also a lowland Fir. For many years back, to my knowledge, some of the large collieries in South Yorkshire have been wholly supplied with Larch from the Lincolnshire fiats where the soil is favourable. This is tine red-hearted stuff used for strong props and a variety of purposes in collieries where the Norway props cannot be relied on. Larch is still being planted in Lincolnshire extensively, the Ear] of Varborough being, I believe, one of the most extensive planters — a rather singular thing when one considers that Larch planting is almost being abandoned in its once favourite region, the Highlands of Scotland, for fear of the disease. Where the Larch and Scotch Fir will grow. the Corsican and Austrian Firs and Japanese Larch will do equally well, but the two first might be the most profitable to plant. In Leicestershire I have known plantations of Larch, on a loose, pebbly soil, in which the annual growth of many young trees exceeded 4 feet. I sent one leading shoot, I feet 4 inches long, to a friend in Edinburgh who had been writing about a Douglas Fir shoot not quite so long. I have often seen Larch one-year-old leading shoots 3 feet long, but 4 feet is excep- ti il. and 1 think 3 feet is seldom obtained at high elevations. .1. Simpson. 1(U THE GARDEN. [March 3. POO. ORCHIDS. TWO INTERESTING CYPRIPEDIUMS. CyPRiPEDIUM SCHLESINGERIANr/M VAR. MoNS. DE CrRTK. j HE original cross between C. Boxalli and ( '. insigne first flowered in the nurseries of Messrs. Neeger and Troppat Dulwich, and was described in The Garden for January 24, 1891, under the name of C. Schlesingerianum. Since that time many crosses between C. Boxalli and C. insigne have flowered. Owing to the many variations of these species, the different offspring have proved still more variable. Many have been considered sufficiently distinct to give names to, but on the Continent, in America, and also in our own country they have been christened without regard to the original name of the ('. Boxalli and C. insigne cross. Many eminent botanists consider the species 0. Boxalli as a variety of C. viUosum. I have no doubt that botanieally they are correct, but the scientific vie\* and the practical sometimes disagree. Although it may only be regarded by the specialist as a geographical form of C. viUosum. it is sufficiently distinct for garden purposes to inn-it a name. C. Boxalli and C. villosum, it must be remembered, are both use I for hybridisation, and distinct features have been derived from the use of each, whilst a larger proportion of superior forms have been procured from the use of C. Boxalli than in the case of C. villosum. Anyone interested in the results may soon satisfy themselves on this point if the various lists of hybrids are consulted. I will only take the cross between ( '. villosum and ('. insigne. This has been effected with many of ll'.e Letter forms of C insigne. and resulted in distinct forms of C. nitens. But none of the flowers are so finely spotted and of such great sub- stance as those from the C. Boxalli and C. insigne dosses. The subject of the accompanying illus- tration, C. Schlesingerianum var. Mons. de Curte, is derived from the intercrossing of C. Boxalli and (' insigne Chantini. It was raised in the estab- lishment of M. Vervaetat Ghent in 1893, and has since been raised in several instances in this country. I recently noticed one of the best tonus of this section I have seen in the garden of Mr. \\ . Cobb at Dulcote, Tunbridge Wells, the dorsal sepal measuring nearly 3 inches across. In these, as in most Cypripedium hybrids, there is con- siderable variation. In most of the tonus the dorsal sepal is broad and of fine substance, white .,i the top with some purple spottings, the basal portion being green, sometimes suffused with brown and thickly covered with large dark brown spots. The finely-shaped petals have a greenish yello-H ground colour suffused with brown and sometimes spotted with a darker shade. The highly polished lip is deep brown, shading to greenish yellow. These hybrids retain the free-flowering characteristics of the parent species, and are also of vigorous constitution, whilst they are useful for their winter- flowering character, lasting a long time in perfection. The plants can be easily accom- modated under cool house treatment, where a temperature of 50° is maintained at night during the winter months of the year. Th flowers are altogether finer when grown under cool conditions. Our illustration is taken from a photograph kindly sent by Mr. G. W. Law- Sehorield, Newhall Hey, Rawtenstall, taken by him from a plant in his own collection. Mr. Law-Schofield having one of the finest collec- tions of Cypripediums and other Orchids in the north of England. Cypripedium Monarch. This interesting hybrid is the result of intercrossing ( '. Spicerianuin and C. La- thaniianum. the latter being a hybrid derived from C. Spicerianum and ('. villosum, and is one of the few successful hybrids that have been procured from the use of C. villosum. As might 1«' expected, C. Monarch has much of the character of < '. Spicerianuin. The fine-shaped dorsal sepal is white, suffused slightly with rose, with a small area of green at the base. The characteristic brown-purple hand of the C. Spicerianuin hybrids through the centre is most pronounced. The tine-shaped petals are greenish yellow suffused with brown, the highly-polished lip deep yellow, with a light suffusion of brown. This photograph was also kindly sent by Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield. H. J. Chapman. THE FLOWER GARDEN. CARNATION GROWING IN AMERICA* SO extensively is the Carnation grown in the United States, and to such a state of perfection has its cultivation developed, that a few remarks on the system there practised may be of interest— perhaps of service — to British growers of that beautiful flower. The American Carnation varieties are, of course, descended from plants imported from Europe, though they have developed into a perfect Ameri- can type. The cultivation there does not date far back, for only during the last twenty years has it been really pushed. .Judging from the accounts oldei crowd's give of the quality of blooms pro duced fifteen years ago, one marvels at the rapidity with which improvements have been effected. The main feature in the culture is the planting ouf levated stages. These stages are so con- structed as to hold 4 inches to -H inches of soil, and arc of a width and elevation which allow the work to be performed comfortably. The houses arc of a light and cheap con struction, with plentj of top and. where circumstances allow, side ventilation. The system of heating is by means of hot water or steam, the pipes being as far as possible laid under the stages. There is only one method practised for the propagation of the stock, and that is by linings : layering is never resented to in America. Propagation commencesin January, and the cuttings are taken from the flowering plants. At the base of each flower-stem there are generally to be found plenty of side shoots. At intervals the houses are gone over and some of these shoots are removed. onlj a few being taken from each plant lest it suffer. The cuttings are broken • nit side ways so as not to break the flattened base of the shoot. The length of the cutting when ii v br] ii i v ii: i ii.iH r M mons. he CURTE. "Carnation Growing in America. In essaj read before the K< u Gardeners Mutual Improvement Society bj A. E. Casse. HYBRID CYPRIPEDIUM MONARCH. taken varies from •_' inches to 4 inches; nothing is cut oil' unless the leaves be very long, when thej are shortened. The small leaves at the base arc not interfered with. It will thus be seen that the preparation of cuttings is a very simple process. The cuttings are struck in sharp, clean sand, on a stage similar to those on which the plants are crow inc. but placed closer to the glass. No bottom-heat is afforded, and the same temperature is maintained as for the flowering plants, perhaps rather higher loo to Mil by day. and oil to 55 at night). They are kept on the dry side, and shaded from the sun with newspapers, and in this way root in about four weeks. When ready the cuttings are planted out in the houses somewhat closely together, for which purpose one of the flowering stages is cleared off. In a large nursery there will by this time always be found one or several stages which for some reason do not pay well. Such a stage is chosen : all the old soil is 'cleared out and fresh brought in. a depth of '-' inches being ample. Any light rich soil may be used ; if necessary, it is fertilised with artificial manure. A temperature of 50 hy day and 45° at night is generally recommended. The beds are kept rather dry. It is. of course, impossible to water without wetting the leaves, and as this is an evil, water must be given seldom and thoroughly. Too much water is likely to produce certain diseases. The next stage in its cultivation is the planting out in the Held. Of late years a tendency has shown itself to do away with the field culture altogether; in fact, in many of the best nurseries the plants never leave the houses. To this indoor culture we shall again refer more fully. The field in which the Carnations are grown in summer has been richly manured the year before. A rich loam with plenty of natural drainage is lust, this being a warm soil, and. therefore, accessible early in the spring, and not likely to become ton wet' if the summer lie rainy. It cannot he too stronglj pointed out that too much water is the greatest evil in Carnation culture. The soil may be as dry as powder several inches down, but this .Iocs not kill the plants : it only stops the growth : whilst superfluous water produces diseases which cannot he cured. The planting out near New York commences about the Huh of April, as slight frost does not harm the Carnations in the least. The work is extremely simple; the ground is ploughed, harrowed, and roughly levelled with a rake. The plants, which an- ' lifted in the houses with as little disturbance to the roots as possible, are then placed in inches to 12 inches apart both ways. No more land is prepared at one time than can be planted the same day, the idea being to keep the natural moisture in the ground : no watering after planting is then necessary. After planting, the held docs not take much working other than general cleaning. The topping March 1900. THE GARDEN. 1 65 of the plants is most important. Three toppings are generally required, of which the first is often done in the houses. The aim is to form a short. sturdy plant with many branches near the base. All flower-shoots are, of course, removed Water- ing is seldom resorted to in the field, as special arrangements would have to be made, or it would prove too expensive. Much speculation lias been devoted to this question, and different system- of irrigation have been proposed, but as far as I know none have proved satisfactory in practice. The summer is often very hot and dry. the night tern |ierature near New York being sometimes for a week together not below 75°. The Carnations under such conditions make no growth, not so much from lack .it water as from excess of heat, and if one waters the plants during such a hot period, little benefit accrues. In August and September the nights are cooler, and the plants benefit from a rich dew and progress rapidly even when the days are equally hot and dry. When indoor culture is adopted, the plants. instead of being placed in the Held in spring, are replanted directly in the houses where they are to flower. This system has many advantages : firstly, the perfect control of the water supply which is possible; anil secondly, the saving of the autumn shifting, which costs much labour and must neces- sarily cheek the plants. One disadvantage is that the old stock must be cleared out of the houses early so as to have them ready for the young plants in May or June, which means the loss of the summer crop. The plants which have been flowering all the winter arc by no means exhausted, and when carefully attended to they may flower profnselj all the summer, and at times fetch very g 1 prices, as first-class flowers are not produced in thcopen. Another disadvantage worth mention- ing i- that the plants b) this system will have to remain all the winter m the same soil in which they have been growing during the summer, tints requiring more feeding. we return to the plants in the Held. The housing of these is carried out in August and September. The houses are cleaned thoroughly, whitewashed and painted, and fresh soil is placed on the stages. Good loam mixed with manure the preceding winter or autumn, and supplied with some bone-meal and chemical manure, is generally recommended. It is very important that all natural manures should be thoroughly decayed, as the Carnation does not develop healthily where fresh manure is present in the soil. When the plants are lifted in the field all the soil is removed from the roots, this operation being best performed with a digging fork, one man lifting the plant whilst another gently shakes the. soil off, \ tew years bark the general practice was to shift the plants with a ball, but this method is now entirely abandoned. It does not pay to eaii\ a quantity of old exhausted soil inside, [f- the houses be well shaded, in the course of a few days the plants look as if they had never been disturbed. In the new ly- planted houses great care is taken as to watering and frequent syringing is practised. Thefirst full crop of flowers is borne about twelve weeks after planting, although many flowers may lie rut even a month after. As the plants make their besl growth in the held in August and September, late planting has its great advantages, and planting in the latter part of September gives the best crop for Christmas. No good prices can lie expected for Carnations before the Chrysanthe- mums are over. Attention in winter is simple. When days gel shorter all syringing is discontinued, and the water, which is given with the hose, is carefully applied between the rows. The temperature is kept aioii by day and 45° at night. It is a good plan even in mild weather to keep the tire going and to open tin- ventilators, as the ( 'arnation likesa dry atmosphere, and fresh air tends to open the flowers well. Most varieties need some support, which is always given by means of galvanised wire rings placed one over the other, and attached to stakes in the soil. The use of these wire rings is much rable to tying with strings; it gives a tidier appeal ance, and. whilst keeping the plants together, permits of a free natural growth, and, what is an important point, makes the cutting of flowers easy. The wires are, of course, rather more expensive in the first instance, the best costing -J7 dols. per 1000, but they last seven to eight years and are extremely easy to put up. A very important item is the feeding, especially where flic plants have been grown on the stages all the summer. To apply liquid manure with a watering-pot would not pay, as it would take too much time. It is generally distributed from a main tank with a steam pump and hose. The stages are frequently top-dressed, a mixture of natural manure, wood ashes and chemical manure being used. One of the most important operations is the dis- budding, as each flower-Stem can only develop one good bloom ; all the other buds must be removed early. It is work which, of course, takes much time, but it pays to do it. It does not require any speeial know ledge or judgment, as it is always the top laid which is the best ; in large nurseries girls are often employed for this work. Anyone who has worked among Carnations will have noticed the bursting of the calyx which so often occurs and makes the flowers unsaleable. Some varieties are more liable to this bursting than others. When selecting seedlings one may at once throw out all those which show short thick buds, as these always burst and are absolutely valueless, no matter how tine the colour may be. But it is not in all eases the structure of the bud which controls tin' calyx-bursting, and in the good established varieties the percentage of bursting calyces varies greatly from day to day. It is evident that exterior conditions, chiefly temperature and light. have great influence in this respect. I believ. that sudden change of temperature is one of the main causes, as also is lack of light. On dark days, and when the houses have been covered with snow fora day or two. almost all the calyces burst. Excessof moisture in the air may also play a part. In American nurseries the Carnation is often used to replace the Chrysanthemum when these have d ■ flowering, the latter often being grown on similar stages to those used for Carnations. At this time of the year it is, of course, a question of great economic importance to have a continuous crop of flowers from the houses. For this purpose the Carnations are, in the beginning of October, planted in boxes with removable sides, and of a length and depth which allow of their being fitted into the benches. These boxes may be kept in eolil frames. When the Chrysanthemums have done their duty they are cleared out and all the soi' removed from the stages, and the Carnations are then easily titted into their place, and in a short time give a tine crop. The gathering of the flowers is always done some twenty-four hours before they are sent to the city. The transport is generally by railway, as the nurseries are mostly situated far away from their market. The number of varieties is very large, and is every year being increased through the introduction of many more or less valuable kinds. Few of them stay in cultivation for any length of time, as they soon begin to deteriorate, or when attacked by diseases prove absolutely unable to resist. The deterioration is shown in the decreasing size of the flowers, the bursting of the calyces, and the decrease in general vitality. A good deal has been written in the professional press about the possible causes of the deterioration, but I have never seen anything like a satisfactory explanation. Most experts seem to believe that over-propagation is the main cause. The Carnation is very sensible to changes of environment, climate, and soil. Be- cause a variety does well in locality, it does not follow that with similar treatment it will prove satisfactory in another. The ( 'arnation. as are all other cultivated plants, is subject to a great many animal pests and fungoid diseases. Mice, slugs, red spider, and green fly need no mentioning. Of fungoid diseases, black spot, rust, and dry stem rot are most destructive. When taken in time black spot and rust can easily be cured by the application of Bordeaux mixture. By far tne most destructive disease is the dry- stem rot, which every year causes thousands and thousands of dollars' loss to the nurserymen. Most frequently it appears in the houses s'hortlv after the planting in autumn. The hist visible sign of the disease is a fine reddish stripe running along one side of the stem and extending to one or several branches. This marking, the cause of which must evidently be sought in the tissue next to the epidermis, becomes more and more prominent, and the leaves commence to die off till the plant becomes entirely dry and withered, the stem ultimately breaking off at the root-stock. On examination the tissues here are found to be quite destroyed, and only a mass of dry fibres remains: the roots, however, seem unaffected The plants may be attacked by this disease both when planted in the houses and when in the Held A few individuals scattered in the beds may become affected and die slowly, or large lots may die oft' with astonishing rapidity. The disease seems to get better bold when the beds have been lately treated with organic manure ; virgin soil fertilised with chemical manure seems to be safe. Again, plants placed a little too deep in the soil are often attacked before the surrounding plants, and such individuals regularly succumb to stem rot even where it does not appear on those properly planted in the same bed. Superfluous moisture also seems to play an important part. I do not say that this simple system results in the very highest develop- ment of plant and of flower in themselves. When cultivating plants in pots one has without doubt far better control of the wants of each individual. Even with as many as a thousand plants in a house one can, to a certain extent, give each a special treatment according to its individual requirements. On the other hand, when one has them all in the same soil they must needs all be treated in the same way : the requirements of each individual cannot be considered. For raising speci men plants or fancy flowers there is no doubt that pots are indispensable, but there is never a large and permanent market for such stock, and it is difficult to make it pay. As a paying industry 1 believe the American style of producing cut flowers from plants planted out in the houses and flowered at a low temperature, giving a continuous supply all through the winter, is a decidedly good one. I may add that the same system is practised in the case of Roses, Chrysan- themums, Mignonette, Violets, and. in fact, all florist's flowers except bulbs, and tile flowers sold in New York are in no way inferior to those sold here. Most likely flic American style will in time be practised also in Europe; in fact, in Southern Germany many large Carnation nurseries are already carried on on American principles. LILIUM SPECIOSUM IN POTS. Where a greenhouse or conservatory has in be kepi gay at all seasons the different forms of this Lily are very useful, as they bloom just at the time when many of the summer occupants of such structures have lost their freshness, and a change is then par- ticularly welcome. With the bulbs of this Lily now arriving from Japan in such good condition this i- a good time to pot them for greenhouse decoration, though those that have been kept over from flowering last year should have been potted long ago. These newly-arrived bulbs from Japan can he depended upon to flower well, whether potted singlv in 6-inch pots or grouped as fancy dictates in pots of larger size. A mixture of two-thirds loam to one-third leaf-mould or well-decayed manure and sand will suit them well. After potting they should be plunged in ashes or cocoa- nut refuse in the open ground, and, unless the weather is exceptionally severe, no covering will be needed. As the season advances, the pots get fullof roots and the flower-buds develop, when occasional doses of liquid manure will be of service. Just before the blossoms expand they should be taken into the greenhouse, where fora month or so the\ will form a pleasing feature. A good feature of this Lily is that aphides rarely give any trouble, while the scent is not overpowering, as is that of many Lilies. H. P. I<;<; THE GARDEN. March 1900 WORKERS AMONG THE FLOWERS. \l r. Willi \\i Paul. ( > worker in the world of flowers so richly merits a place in our gallery of notable horticulturists as Mi. William Paul, the veteran rosarian 1 1 of Waltham Cross. He is one of the leading Rose raisers and growers of the present day, and in his beautiful nursery, stretching from the high street of the town to the Great Eastern 11 ailway, masses of Roses new, old, and seedlings perfume the air through the summer and early autumn months, it is a lesson of no small value to wander amongst the Roses upon a sunny July day, when the nursery is coloured with the flowers oi a hundred kinds, here the rich apricot of W. A. Richardson, there the tender Mine. Hoste, whilst by the edge of .mass walks climbing Roses tumble in delightful profusion over pillar and arch. The work of Mr. William Paul is revealed in all this glorious mass of England's queenly flower, for here is the record of a life well spent for horticulture and in the allied branches of this industry. For upwards of fifty years tins renowned rosarian has lived and worked amongst Roses, having commenced business with his father, the late Mr. A. Paul, whom he ultimately succeeded. To enter into details c :erning Mr. Paul's life is impossible on this occasion, but we know that scmie reference to his work will be interesting to readers of Tu e ( ! \UHKN. Mr. Paul's name is closely associated with raising and introducing new plants, not of the Rose only, but of zonal Pelargoniums, Hollyhocks, Phloxes, i 'amellia.s, and other flowers ; and with regard to fruits and hardy trees and shrubs, collections of unusual interest and importance have been formed at Waltham to add to the ens niopolitan nature of the nurseries. The writer enjoys a visit to Waltham Cross more thoroughly in the fulness <>1 Rose-time than at any other season of the year, and of course this is natural. There is something satisfying in the burdens of odorous blossom. Some new Rose, perhaps, is flowering for the first time, and one learns much about its habit and freedom : or a large group of one of Mr. Paul's own seed lings is in beautj . maybe the delicate lemon Tea Medea, tbe varied lined ( lorinna, the China Rose ] )uke of York. Queen Mab, or one of the latest of all Tea-scented Roses, Enchantress, which has already entered i he gardens of all anient rusarians. But we am wandering from the path. It is Mr. Paul himself that must be written of now, and the good work he has accomplished for English gardening through a long and happy life. < >f his SUCCeSS as a raiser we have already spoken, but Mr. Paul possesses considerable literary gifts. A list of excellent works has been written by him at various periods of his life. "The Rose Garden" was first published in 1848, and this has reached its ninth edition, evidence of its popularity and usefulness as a treatise upon the history and culture of the Hower so entwined around the life of the author. Other books upon horticultural subjects have been written, and various gardening journals have from time to time received the benefit of his wide experience and mature judgment. Much could be written of the papers read before the Society of Arts, the Koyal Society of Literature, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Koyal Horticul- tural Society, anil kindred institutions, as the subjects are varied, interesting, and instructive, but the principal lectures and papers are embodied in "Contributions to Horticultural Literature, 1843 L894," from bis busy pen. In 1858 the National Rose Society was formed, and that year marked an epoch surely in the history of horticulture in Britain. Among those who joined round the Dein of Rochester in starting this interesting association of Hose amateurs and professional growers was our friend. The year after, whilst holding part and long established in our gardens forming a group of flowers of wonderful colour, and drenching with their perfume the spacious tent, With such a record it is not surprising to know that Mr. Paul is a Fellow of the Linnean Society, and one of the oldest Fellows of the R.H.S., besides a member of many other asso- ciations at home and abroad. It is interesting to read in his contributions to horticultural literature an article written to I'll' Florist of May, 1809. In those days many flowers were in the hands of men who considered that floricultural beauty was dis- played in petals patted upon green boxes at the exhibitions. This was distorting Nature in no undecided fashion, and to write against such a travesty of everything that was beautiful in the Hower was to incur the heavy wrath of the school of florists of that day. In his article called "Flori- culture and .Millinery," Mr. Paul writes the following words, which may be applied sometimes even in these days ot supposed greater refinement in the use of the flowers of garden and field : "We are free to admit that a plant must be tied up, and tins is better done neatly and with taste than in a careless or bungling manner. Flowers, too. should be so placed in their stands that the) may be well seen, and the colours should be so assorted and arranged that they may enhance rather than detract from the beauty and effect of its neighbour. Thus far we concede — nay, consider necessary and commendable. But the flattening of Pansies by pressure to meet the florist's canon that Pansies should be flat, the gumming and brushing of the petals of Pelargoniums, the artificial packing of the petals of Carnations, the buildingupof Dahlias, the pinning of Hyacinths all these practices are in our judgment of questionable taste, and of even more questionable honesty. By the use of them we may approach more nearly to the florist's ideal, but we are reaching that ideal by trickery and deception rather than by horti- cultural skill and honest labour." This is pleasant reading. We might write more about this great rosarian, but the descriptions of new lioses from time to time in our pages ever remind us of his work. It is our earnest hope that he may be spared many years to labour amongst the flowers which have scored his path through life. M a. w 11,1,1 \\l PAUL. of the original nurseries, he founded the now world-famous establishment in the quiet Hert- fordshire town. Those who remember the International Horticultural Exhibition in London in L866 will recall the glorious Roses from Waltham Cross, flowers which won many prizes for their freshness and beauty. This was probably the most important exhibition of plants, (lowers and fruit ever held in these isles, and we shall not easily forget the rare evergreens and plants from Waltham Cross at tiie special exhibitions at Regent's Park (Royal Botanic Society), the Crystal Palace, ami' elsewhere, a reputation that has been Strengthened by the displays of recent years. The exhibit of pot Ibises at the Temple show of the Royal Horticultural Society last year was an instructive representation of the Rose as a pot plant and otherwise, varieties modern THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSA RUGOSA. THIS charming plant has given me so much pleasure and satisfaction in its growth and beauty of late years, that I have often wondered whether its many good qualities were as widely known and appreciated as they deserve. It is, of course, well known to florists, having been introduced very many years ago from the northern portion of Japan, I think. I hit there is reason to believe thai it has never been planted by amateurs nor used to any extent in the adornment of either public or private mounds in this country at least. Amid all the puny and tender hybrids in the boundless March 3, 1900. THE GARDEN 167 realm of the Rose, what a treasure is this most beautiful and vigorous shrub. With bugs, mildew, insects and fungi of every name and nature mi every side, there stands the rugosa, nnassailed and unassailable, luxuriant and beautiful in leaf and flower. What a vigorous plant it is with its wealth of leafage, dark green, glossy, crumpled and leathery. What a profuse bloomer, early, late and continuous, scarcely ever without flowers in the growing season. And such attractive Roses as they are : lively rosy-crimson petals, with their abundant bright orange anthers. I scarcely fcnovi of a more attractive corolla than that of the rugosa rubra Rose. Mine are large, often ■1 inches in diameter. Then, too, what a beauti- grow anywhere under any condith >ns. The red globular fruit which sometimes succeeds the flower also adds to the decorative value of the plant. It is said to grow true from the seed contained in these heps or pods, though a better and quicker way to propagate it is by suckers and off-shoots, which are freely pro- duced. What a charming hedge it would make — impenetrable by reason of its abundant thorns, and beautiful in leaf, flower and fruit at all times. This Rose seems to have been introduced into European countries from Japan nearly a hundred years ago. Professor Lindley has an etching of' the plant in his "Rosarium Mono- graphia." published eighty years ago, although original plant undiluted in my garden. If I am correctly informed, the first-named hybrid of this kind was produced in this country bj my friend Elbert S. Carman, formerly for many years editor of the Rural New Yorker. This' he named Agnes Emily Carman, in honour of his wife. That is now over twelve years ago. He said it was a cross with Harri- son's Yellow as the male parent. Even then he had some sixty or more similar crosses with various Hybrid Per) letuals and Teas. They were a strange progeny in appearance, and he found that very few of the rugosa characteristics were reproduced in any of them. The Carman hybrid was sent out soon afterwards to some extent and elicited considerable praise for the ruse walk at waltham cross. ful setting it has, surrounded by a crowded cluster of pointed buds in various stages of maturity, some just bursting through the perianth, with bits of colour here and there, the whole nestling in a close bunch of fresh young leaves. Verily a bouquet in itself is just one blooming sprig of thischarming Rose — Nature's arrangement. How much of Nature there is in this decorative shrub — its flowers and buds and its simple, robust habit. 1 like it the more for this reason ; all untouched by the botanical skill of man, and devoid of abnormal features so prevalent in the modern floral world -just a single Hose with five large petals and delightful fragrance. Nature make- it all, and we have only to plant and admire it. It is in all respects ironclad, and it will the picture is crudelj drawn and far from accurate. Just how long it has been grown in America I do not know, but it is rarely met with even now in the average garden. Who will give its history, with the facts regarding the time and manner of its introduction so far as known I I feel sure that among the many well-informed gardeners and florists reached by Tin: Garden there are those who can give this information. The species has been found valuable as a subject for crossing with other sorts having less constitutional vigour. There are now, perhaps, some twenty or thirty such hybrids which have been dignified with names and a host of others on-coming. Rut while conceding the value of these productions to the commercial florist, as a true lover of Nature 1 must prefer the awhile. Rut later accounts of it were less favourable, and now little is heard of it. The next hybrid of this class to achieve name and notice was, I think, Mine. Georges Rruant ; this came out the year following, if I mistake not, and it attracted much attention also at first on your side of the water where it was produced. Afterwards came Mrs. Anthony Waterer, a very fragrant red flower, and this was followed by several others ; but so far as I know none of these hybrids have ever been grown to any extent, although Mine. Bruant, a pure white semi-double Rose, and the Carman crimson, which is also semi-double, are now listed by our leading growers here. The former is a cross between rugosa alba and the Tea Rose Sombreuil. It has the delicious fragrance of both parents and some of the desirable features 168 THE GARDEN. [ Mari 900. of the rugosa stock. Both ought to prove valuable to growers if us hardy as they seem, because of their greater endurance by reason of being partly double. H. Hendricks. Kingston, New York, U.S.A. WANTED -SOME GOOD DAKK COLOURED ROSES. Because Hybrid Teas and Tea-scented Roses are popular and deservedly so — it appears that raisers are ooneentraling all their efforts towards increas- ing the already prodigious collection of these and kindred classes. I think I can safely affirm that a good very dark Rose has not appeared for some years. The various groups, if carefully cross- fertilised, would produce some worthy additions to the at present meagre collection of real dark Roses. Everyone loves a rich dark-coloured Hose, hul mi many are very disappointing. Either their flowers burn, fade off to purple, or refuse to expand, and in addition most of them are very shy-flowering. We want a Rose with the form of Mrs. \V. .1. Grant (perhaps a little more double) and the rich intense colour of a Victor Hugo, Xavier Olibo, or Charles Lefebvre. Some are expecting great things from the new Rose Liberty. Unfortunately, Roses that are good under glass do not always behave well outdoors. May we then entreat our raisers ai home and abroad— and especially abroad, where their opportunities are so manifold to give this matter careful consideration. It is only reasonable to presume that if chance seedlings gave us what we already possess in this direction, that thought- ful cross - fertilisation will achieve even better results, especially as dark Hoses seed so freely. Philomel. STANDARD TEA ROSES. Mr. < '. .1. (iKAII.WiK. who is as a writer on Hoses invariably trenchant, may be left to the mercy of that older writer on the subject Mr. 1). 'I'. Fish. Hut when he tells the readers of Til i: GARDEN that he has disposed of all his dwarf Teas and grows only standards apparently because dwarf 'Iras arc so tender and subject to injur) by frost, for no other reason is given he naturally Startles all I hose whose faith in dwarf Teas or standards, cither for garden purposes or for tic producti E exhibition Bowers, is great. Hut Mr. Grahame must he assumed to know Ins own business best, and if he prefers standards todwarfs, no doubt he can justify his choice. 1 trust lie will give full details of tic way in which lie protects his numerous standard Teas. He tells us he has .'{lino. Verily, what a specta le for tic gods all the winter must those Standards lie if their heads he tied up close and enveloped in Fern, or hay, or straw, or s. i ot her neniiig Whin dwarf Teas are grown, nothing is simpler or less offensive t" the eye than having them earthed up, for ridges of soil are even more pirt i in 'si | lie than arc Hal arras, and w hat plot cot ion is there artificially furnished that is so efficient as soil, how easily added, how easily removed? Then how plump and fresh is the wood that has thus been buried when it is exposed to the light and air in the spring. What good growths n-siilt when tic shoots are hard out hark to tin- submerged and healthy wood. Alter all, there ran be little doubt hut that Rosewood, Teas especiallj . is soft or hard ai rding to the season that has produced it. In it summers producing hard wood, and wet summers soft, sappy wood, and hard winters more commonly follow on cold summers than on wet ones. D. Lachenalia Nelsonii from Gunton Park. We have received aboxfulof noblespikes of this Lachenalia from Mr. Allan with the fol- lowing note: "These line spikes of bloom were grown from medium-sized bulbs. The largest bulbs do not produce the finest Bowers, hut have a ten ,lenr\ to split, producing more foliage and Bower stems, but not so tine individually, -lust now we havi a m i\ great display of them. For a large conservatory in February that has to he kepi bright wiih Bower this Lachenalia is unsurpassed. It may he grown in pots, baskets, boxes, or pans. and. however grown, is most attractive and pleasing." CORRESPONDENCE. ALPINE PRIMULAS. [To Tin-: Editor of ••Tin; Garden."] SIR,- I am desirous of growing some of the hardy Primulas on my rockery this year, hut I am not quite clear as to the soil they should have. I enclose you a photo- graph of the portion of the rockery which I think will suit them best; it faces nearly due north and is shaded from mid-day sun. If ymi ran give me a few hints I shall he much obliged. The present soil of the rockery is the best loam 1 could procure. The rocks are yellow sandstone from Norfolk. I could incorporate peat and sand with the soil if necessary. The following an some of the Primulas I have on order: Capitata, denticulata, cashmeriana, japonica, luteola, marginata, nivalis, rosea. Sieboldii in variety, sikkimensis, viscosa major, and verticillata. If any of the above an- not worth growing, will you kindly say so? H. E. MoLYNEUX. /!n /In l in. [So far as we can gather from our correspondent's description as well as the photograph, we incline to tic opinion that the position is in many respects a g I one. Many who set to work to grow these and similar plants ti ftcn erroneously assume that because they ate alpine, a position not only dry. hut ■ embracing only the merest scrap of soil is the one thing at which to aim. To act on this principle is courting failure. Not only are many alpines great rooters, though of small stature, hut they delight t i send down their root-fibres to great do] it lis in search of the cool uniform conditions that are so much to them and go so far to make them succeed. We trust, therefore, provision has been made in this rase for their needs, and we can- not loo strongly emphasise this point. So many small rockeries by ill-construction become so many veritable death-beds, thai we cannot refrain from a word of warning. We have known good soil simply deposited on a bottom as hard as a mad. spread out a tow inches deep, with a few stones interspersed, regarded as a lilting home for choice alpines that would have been safer -infinitelj sain and would have st I greater chances of sun-ess had they been planted on an ordinary level soil bed. It is not so much a question of the quality of the loam as the amount of it at disposal and tic position. Deep fissures or crevices an- frequently more suitable than more ample superficial space. Indeed, it should lie borne in mind that a niche Is inches deep and perhaps only !> inches across would accommodate several little tufts of any of the Primulas of the viscosa groijp or nearly allied forms, and by planting tightly against the sides of tic st »s, that one essential to success is conceded at the very outset. The soil nia\ be composed chiefly of loam, with an admixture of chippings of sandstone, grit, and charcoal. If manure is employed, it should he old, -o that it will readily pass a J, -inch sieve. Peat is not at all necessary for any of the Primulas of our acquaintance. Taking your list in order: P. capitata should l.r planted in lie above mixture without manure, and in a cool spot where a stone block would afford shelter. 1'. denticulata and I'. cashmeriana require similar ran-, and thrive best in a drop bed of rich soil, the strong Beshy roots descending quite '_' feet ; give partial shade and moisture freely in tic ".row in-j season. I', japonica is never t nil \ happy unless its toes arc in water, or, w ha i is next I icst, some shade and a st rang moisture- holding and rich soil. In the former position we have had its giant rosettes of Leaves 2£ feet across, and whorls of crimson blossoms in proportion. P. luteola is a lover of rich loam with plenty of grit. P. marginats often planted in open spots is far happier when snugly nestling at the base of a stone block, while P. nivalis assuming P. viscosa nivea is the intended plant and I*, viscosa major will be happj in similar places. P. rosea is a moisture- loving species, but its success with much moisture in England is quite conditional. Some of the grandest clumps we have seen were grown in constant shade, that of a 10-feet wall, and in deep, very sandy soil, liberally dressed with old row manure. Plants in quite a wet position have failed to reach one-third the size. It is easy to grow anil vigorous. P. Sieboldii may be treated in exactly the sane way, only it should he moved when too crowded. With liberal treatment these attain a diameter of 18 inches and are superb. P. sikkimensis must he regarded as a semi-bog plant and a biennial. It may not always he strict 1\ the latter, but it must be this if you wish to see a spike worthy oi the lovely class it represents. P. verticillata is an Abyssinian species, and too tender for the outside garden. It will be necessary to raise I*. capitata from seeds to keep up a succession of flowering plants. We would also suggest raising from seed such as P. denticulata. cashmeriana, japonica, and rosea, particularly to enable you another year -or even this season if the plants arc large enough to plant small colonies of each rather than solitary examples. The plants should be secured without further loss of time.l PROPAGAT [NG POLYGONUM SCHUANIOUM. BALD- [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Sik, — I have been interested in this charming plant since the day some two or three years ago wlien I first saw it flowering so grandly and pro fusel}- in the herbaceous garden at Kcw. After reading the note on page Nil of The Garden and the quotation from I.t Jardin concerning its pro pagation, I am led to suggest the following: 1 notice it is suggested in Le Jtirdin to take the eyes for propagating after the manner of Vine eyes. In this species of Polygonum, however, many of the eyes or lateral buds do not remain dormant, as in the Vine, but spring into lateral growth quite freely, such growth resulting in breaks of 1 inch to 3 inches long. Now, if the single rye or hud of this plant will, as in the Vine, both emit root and growth when detached, it would appear feasible that the young shoots to which I refer, if taken from the parent stem with the old- fashioned Icel attached, would root in even greater proportion than the older and certainly more wiry wood. This wiriness of stem is a point of great difference as compared with the Vine eye. usually of a prominent and well-matured nature, quite apart from the material support which the eye must receive from the wood itself. In the Polygonum there is no such store of elaborated sap to fall back upon. Still, if the stems root at all when detached, as is apparent by the note referred to, it is more than likely in our own climate that success may be obtained by layering the stems after tic method of the Lapageria, either by the ordinary method of layering, or taking out a small V- shaped niche on the inner side of the stem quite close to and a little below the joint. By placing a few hoards lengthwise, and filling in li inches deep of sand or this and cocoa-nut fibre in equal parts, the rooting would he quicker than in the much colder soil. A spare light or some squares of glass should also be employed for throwing off wet and for Other obvious reasons. For choice I would prefer September for the operation either by cuttings or layers, yet in so exceptional a ease there is no reason for not' doing the same now, and also for treating the steins as in the French case. In this latter. the time selected would also appear to have been late autumn or winter, so that little time is lost. A simpler plan for those having good plants, at least for the time being, would be to train the stems thinly against a warm wall and endeavour to obtain good seeds even if by fertilising the labour would be well repaid. The plant is such a charming addition to g I climbers, that i ffort should be spared to secure the supplies for which many owners of gardens ar ilv now patiently waiting. Hampton Hill. E. H. Jenkins. KAHLV FLOWERS. |To the Editor of " The G w;ni:v "| Sue, A box of How crs from the garden at Wisley is, I think, worth sending you on account of the early Irises. We treated some of the plants to a cold frame, which was fortunate with the late March 3< 1900.] THE GAEDEN. 169 weather. Iris Vartani. I. Histrio, I. histrioides, I. Danfordiie, I. alata. I. Bakeriana. The snow- lias left its mark on Oak wood, big boughs of Rhododendrons having been broken off. The worst sufferers are a large tine Tree Ivy and a tall double Furze, which are smashed. G. F. Wilson. [With this note came some charming flowers, among them the finest-coloured Anemone blanda we ever saw ; also Hepaticas, Lent Hellebores, white and red. Spring Snowflake, Violets and I in. us Iniperati. But in this delightful gathering of early gems those of the greatest interest ami beauty are the Irises : the large and beautifully fringed I. alata of the Algerian hills, the clear-cut yellow Danfordise, the well-coloured and marked Histrio and histrioides, and for colouring most remarkable of all. I. Bakeriana, in which the fall ends in a thick wedge of velvet-like purple-blue, so dark that at first it looks black, and all the blacker because it is approached by a region of white ground spotted and pencilled with the same. — Eds. ] A FLORAL CLOCK. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Sir. — During the coining season I desire to make a " floral clock," i.e., to plant a collection of flowers which open at various times from morning to night, thus giving an approximate indication of the time. Will you kindly give me a list of suitable plants ''. KeigMey. A. K. [Perhaps some reader of The Garden can furnish such a list. Ens. I LOBELIA TENUIOR [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir. — Can any reader of The Garden help me to get some seed of Lobelia tenuior? I saw two plants of it in the Cambridge Botanic ( 'aniens last summer, and have never seen a more lovely thing. I have applied to our best seedsmen, and so far without result ; but it may tie that someone may see this who knows where seed may lie got. Mr. Lynch writes me that the plant lias been grown for some twenty years, and this being so, it seems strange it should he practically unknown, as it would seem to be. B. Dickinson Webster, Newton A'hbot. MISTLETOE FROM SEED. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] Sir, — I shall lie pleased to send ■■ Medway" seeds from a growing Mistletoe either next month or when he pleases later. About one in ten of ripe seeds start very freely on the under side of a branch glued on by its own viscosity without injuring the bark of the branch. But when started the seed should be wired on, as I have found, and have also heard from another source that the young plants are very liable to being blown off during the second year before they have got sufficient hold. If he will send his address to the editor it will be posted to me. Ambleside. H. B. ROMNEYA eoi'LTERI. [To the Editor of "The Garden.."] Sir, — This lovely plant, at any rate down in South Devon, seems a most capricious bloomer. I have been watching four or five plants in neigh- bours' gardens and one in my own to rind out what the plant requires to be a success. My own plant, now 4 feet through, makes luxuriant growth, and does everything one would expect but flower. It seems to be quite indifferent to cold — in fact, it has not shed all its leaves this winter. and we have had rather more frost than usual. It never seems to flag for water in summer, which, being a native of California, one would not of course expert it to. It does not seem to be particular about soil, or at any rate it makes equally i lean growth in my light soil among rocks and in a neighbour's garden on the level where the soil is heavy. Apparently it is indifferent to food, for a plant heavily watered with manure two consecutive bloomed well the tirst sear and had one single flower the next. What does it want? Perhaps some of your readers will give us their views. When I bought my plant I was assured a position on roekwork in full sun was all that was needed, but it seems there is something more wanted. The only thing I have left to try is the removal of last year's wood, and that I shall try so soon as the new growth shows, which may be any time now, I suppose. Hitherto I have kept the one-year-old wood, and only removed that of the preceding year. B. Dickinson Webster. A', n-iuii A bbot. MUTISIA DECURRENS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — In reply to " T. J. W." I beg to say that I have had this plant for six or seven years, doing well and flowering every year. It is growing against a south wall with a projecting balcony above it, and to this I attribute its success, as it is kept dry in winter and spring, and thus neither frost nor wet hurts it. This overhead shelter is, 1 feel sure, valuable for man}* tender plants. In a similar situation Daphne indica has been growing for many years, flowering beautifully every winter. The Mutisia runs much underground and sends up suckers freely, but I find these very hard to remove safely. A. R. \\ . Parkstone, Dorset. WINTER ACONITES NOT FLOWERING. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, — Can you explain this ? I have plenty in full leaf, but very few flowers. It was so last year also. Richmond, Surrey. W. P. [We have heard other cases of Winter Aconites refusing to flower, though in most places they flower abundantly every year. It may be that the roots arc overcrowded and require replanting. You do not sav what is the nature of vour soil. — Eos. | GARDENING OF THE WEEK. M KITCHEN GARDEN. Routine Work. I'CH of the work advised during the past two weeks will have been delayed owing to the heavy snow- fall and frost, and the forcing depart- ment will have been in greater demand to eke out the daily veget- able supply. Such seasons as we are passing through show the value of winter roots such as Salsafy, Scorzonera, and Celeriac, as these when stored are got at readily, and even in mild winters, with plenty of green vegetables at command, they give a welcome change. The snow will have pre- served choice vegetables, such as winter Broccoli. but it is well to lift and shelter any that have heads, as frost soon affects the flavour, and in the ease of green vegetables it will be well when frozen through to cut them a day before they will be required, and thaw slowly indoors previous to using. Forcing pits will need replenishing to keep up constant supplies, but this will be done more readily if some long litter is placed over the forcing roots in the open, as in most cases the latter are lifted early in the season and laid in thickly for use as needed. Much during this weather may be done in the way of clearing up odd corners removing rubbish, and preparing for spring cropping by writing labels, sifting soils and preparing manures, also affording protection to vegetables needing it. Spring Onions. As soon as the ground is in condition for sowing there should be no delay in getting in the seed. I am aware that in some seasons sowing is at times delayed well into March, but I am in favour of early sowing in light well-drained soils, as the plants will stand more cold at the start than many imagine. There are several advantages in sowing at an early date, as the plant gets a longer season's growth, and I find that the earlier sown plants arc less troubled by the dreaded grub or fly than when later sown. As regards the sowing and varieties, few words are needed. The plants need a rich, and at the same time a well-worked soil, trodden firm on the surface before sowing. Where there is the least fear of maggot, now is a good time to prevent its ravages, and a good dressing of lime or soot will be advantageous, though it is only fair to add that the soil would have been better if prepared some time in advance of sowing. It is well to give the seed as good a chance as possible by not sowing on land that lias grown the same crop for some time. Wood ashes form a valuable aid in poor land. Failing this, burnt refuse may be used ; this used freely in the drills will keep the seedlings healthy. It is not necessary to use stable manure in land that was well manured for a previous crop, but one may rely on the above aids and feeding freely during growth with fertilisers. The latter may with advantage be sown in the drills with wood ashes or soot. Varieties are becoming numerous, and such kinds as Carter's Record, Ailsa Craig, Excelsior, and Sutton's Improved Reading are all excellent and give very fine bulbs, whilst for keeping purposes the Bedfordshire Champion is one of the best. Syon Gardens, Brentford. G. Wythes. INDOOR GARDEN. G'aladifms. These should now be shaken free from the dry soil in which they have been wintered and potted up in small pots, varying, of course, with the size of the conn. The soil used at this potting should not contain any manure, this being reserved for the next potting, when the roots are active and able to assimilate extra food. For the present a good mixture will consist of equal parts peat, fibrous loam, and leaf-mould. With this mix in silver sand freely and let the base of the corm rest on a good sprinkling of the same material. After pot- ting, place the pots in a temperature of from 60° to 65-°. Keep the pots and the surface on which the}' stand moistened freely with the syringe, but do not water the soil until growth commences, as if fairly moist when used for potting, it should retain sufficient moisture to carry them through to t In- growing stage. If it is thought necessary to increase the stock, this may be done by dividing the conns carefully into pieces, each of which con- tains at least one fairly prominent bud. These pieces must not be potted right away, as bleeding in moist soil would be sure to induce decay : they should be sprinkled with dry powdered charcoal and flowers of sulphur and placed on a dry shelf in a warm house until the cut surfaces have quite dried up and hardened. Tiberous Begonias. The pots of these should be looked over, and any that show signs of starting should be shaken out at once and repotted in the pots in which they are to flower, this being a safer plan than shifting them on into bigger pots later. A good mixture for these consists of two parts of loam, one part each of leaf- mould and decayed cow manure, using sand freely. Keep the tubers well beneath the surface, so that the collar of the plant is covered with soil when the shoots push through. Water carefully to begin with, and fumigate the house once or twice with XL All soon after the tirst leaves show to get rid of thrips which may be lying dormant now. A house with a temperature of 30° by night will suit these Begonias well, and it is not necessary that it should have the south aspect so needful to many things. Sowing Seeds. The time has now come when there are many seeds that require to be sown. Among others are Grevilleas, Acacia lophantha, Fuchsia, Celosia, Coleus, Myrsiphvllum. and Cyclamen ; the latter only if we cannot afford to wait until August for plants raised then, which will certainly be best, though a season is lost in flowering them. As a rule the conditions and time for sowing are printed on the seed-packet, but a word of caution may lie necessary, tor 1 find it better to delay sowing as a general rule for a week or two later than the dates given. Another thing is to avoid the mistake of 170 THE GARDEN. [March 3, 1900. sowing all 3eeds in strong beat. This has the effect of checking rather than forwarding the vege- tation of seeds of those plants which require cool treatment when growing, and only seeds of warm house plants should be sown in strong heat. One of the most useful stove plants of which to sow seeds now is Clerodendron fallax. I mention this particularly, as seedlings are better than cuttings, and, again, because it often fails to germinate when sown singly in small pots : while, if sown thickly in pans, the seeds germinate with great freedom. and the young plants may then be potted off singly while quite small. J. C. TALLAOK. Shipley Hull Gardens, Derby. FRUIT GARDEN. Peach Trees Outside. Pruning, nailing, and tying being deferred to the last, so as to retard as far as possible the opening of the flowers, cannot much longer lie continued. The work must be completed before the buds have swollen. Prune out wood that bore fruit last season, strong gross shoots of last year, very weak unripened wood, also old snags, leaving the tree furnished throughout with medium-sized well- ripened wood, not too close in any part, and less so amongst the more extended branches. There is some difterenceof opinion whether fan-trained Peach trees should have a centre leading shoot or not. In my opinion they should not. The centre shoots grow too strong to be fruitful, and they draw away the sap from the lower side branches, making them too weak to bear fine fruit. The central leading shoot of trees with two or three years' growth from the time of being worked and planted last autumn mav lie cut out. Begin nailing the largest main branches, fixing them at the same angle on each side as far as possible, so that both sides appear to balance. If dressing of the trees has not already been finished, take the earliest opportunity of syringing thoroughly with a proved reliable insecticide for the purpose of killing green or black aphides, either of which is sure to be present in crevices of old bark or other hiding place ready to attack young leaves. By the time the flowers begin to open have coverings ready for use on frosty nights. In growing Peaches out of doors it is important to avoid overcrowding of the wood. Keep the foliage clean and healthy throughout the growing season. Good foliage results in ripened wood, and in the season healthy flowers. Straw kkkry Beds. Carefully look round each plant and remove runners. Afterwards, if manure was not applied in the form of a top-dressing at that time, let it lie don.- forthwith. ( live a liberal layer of farmyard manure and feed the plants, as this serves as a mulching, which is equally valuable. Alpine Strawberries are very useful for supplying fruit after the large varieties are past. This section has been much improved of late years by the introduction of varieties bearing fair sized fruit. Now is a suitable time to plant. Select from existing beds young, strong, well-rooted crowns, plant them in rich, deeply-cultivated ground, putting the plants 1 foot apart in the row and '2 feet between the rows. Also the plants may be raised from seed sown at this time and brought on in gentle heat. Prick off when large enough and plant out when strong and well birdened off. Looking over Fruit in the Fruit Room. Take advantage in time of bad weather to look over Apples and Pears in the fruit room to pick out the decaying fruit. To prolong the season as far as possible, use first those kinds that show igns of decay. Good free-bearing fruits are, of Apples, dessert : Wyken Pippin, Adams' Pearmain, Cockle Pippin, ('emit pendu Plat, D'Arcy Spice, Lord Burghley, and Sturmer Pippin. For kitchen use : Lane's Prince Albeit. Wellington, Dutch Mignonne, Bymer, Mere de Menage, and Bound Winter Non- such. Pears for dessert : Josephine de Malines, Knight's Monarch, and Bergamotte d'Esperen. For Stewing : Verulani and Uvedale's St. Germain. Thi Garden*. Hatfield Houxe. 4 :is. 2d., and the actual payments to £3648 13b. 7d. The society's total receipts for twenty-five years amounted to €05,197 10s. sd. The donations and gifts made by the society amounted to tl:".S4u 10s. (id., and, in addition to the balance of £214!) 9s. lud. in the hank, the society owns land situate between the Quarrj and the Friars Bridge (purchased from the town), which cost £5500. The prize money given during the year amounted to £1059 17s. 3d. BRISTOL GARDENERS ASSOCIATION. The fortnightly meeting was held at St. John's Parish Room on Thursday, 22nd ult. Mr. Chas. Lock presided over a good attendance. The paperwas supplied by Mr. A. Moore- Sara, of Elmside. Stoke Bishop, on " The Pollen Grain and its Functions." With the help of black-board diagrams he made the subject very interesting, tracing what is known of the sexuality of dowers from the time of Herodotus down to the 17th century, when, in 1676, Dr. Grew, in a book on plant anatomy, laid down in definite terms the law of vegetative impregnation, accepted by botanists to-day, and in a greater or less degree understood by all present-day gardeners. Dealing in detail with the subject, he described the forma- tion of the pollen, some of the many methods of distribution, and the processes through which it had to pass until fertilisa- tion was complete. A short discussion followed, chiefly on the advisability of forming a botany class in connection with the association. HAMPSTEAD HEATH PROTECTION SOCIETY. The following is the report of the past year of this excellent society :— The committee have pleasure in submitting their third annual report, together with a statement of accounts to December 31, 1899. Since the date of the last meeting the committee have been actively engaged in promoting the objects of the society, anil are glad to find that the interest of the public in their work has been sustained. It will be remembered that your committee have all along advocated the appointment of a ranger to preserve the amenities of the Heath, and they desire to record their appreciation of the assistance they have received from the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association to this end. At a meeting of that association on January 4, Lord Meath in the chair, the following resolution was passed unanimously : " That this association approach the London County Council asking that body to appoint some responsible and experienced person to superintend all work carried out on Hampstead Heath, ami asking that such work shall be for the preserva- tion of the natural beauties of the Heath, its Gorse, trees, shrubs and ponds, and the views from the same in accordance with the provisions of the Hampstead Heath Act of 1871. This action resulted in the appointment in the month of March, 1S99, by the London County Council, of a resident superintendent ranger {Mr. George Palmer) for Golder's Hill, Hampstead Heath, and Parliament Hill Fields, and the anticipations formed by your committee of the benefits that would result from such an appointment have been fully realised up to the present time. Your committee have been in active correspondence with the London County Council during the year on various subjects, among which may he mentioned the damage done to Furze, Ivy, and shrubs by the sheep which are allowed to graze on certain parts of the Heath. The council have so far met the views of your committee by passing a resolution to restrict the area upon which the sheep may graze to the lower portion of the east Heath, where they are less likely to do damage. The committee trust that the areas from which vegetation has disappeared will be temporarily fenced out where necessary, and measures taken for renewing the natural vegetation, such as grass, Fern, Broom and Gorse. Another point to which your committee have asked the attention of the council is the shooting of cinders on the Heath, and they have expressed their strong opinion that if any cinders must he brought on to the Heath for the repair of roads, they should not be shot on the grass, but kept as far as possible out of sight. The committee have also asked the council whether the time has not arrived for allowing the public at least partial access to the grass enclosures near the Hampstead Heath Railway Station, but the council consider that nothing need be done in this direction at present. With regard to the over-planting of trees which has been referred to in previous reports, your committee are still pressing the council to take action, and hope that when the matter comes again before the council, regard will be had to the often-expressed w ish of the public and of the si >ciety. ( hie of the members of the council, in whose energy and discretion the committee have full confidence, has put himself in communication with the chairman of the Parks and open Spaces Committee, and will, as soon as convenient oppor- tunity arises, take care that the views of the society on the question of the over-planting, with special reference to the trees on the north-east side of the Spaniard's Road, ait again brought fully before the council. The committee have co-operated with the Northern Heights Footpath Association in their suggestion to the London County Council to purchase the small strips of ground adjoining the Heath at North End, which have been marked out by small posts as private property. The committee are gratified by the interest shown by the chairman and vice-chairman of the Parks Committee in visiting the Heath and conferring with some members of the society as to the preservation of the small rain-pools and other picturesque features of the Western Heath. March 1900. THE GARDEN. 171 It will be remembered that at the last annual meeting, and subsequently in the Press, attention was called to a notice board, referring to the St. Pancras Cemetery, which had been erected at one of the approaches to the Heath. The committee are glad to report that on their calling the attention of tlie St. Pancras Vestry to the matter the offeuding board was promptly removed. The (Solder's Hill Estate has now heen formally transferred to the London County Council, and the public have free access to the beautiful grounds, ami it is satisfactory to know that the London (.unity Council intend "that the natural features and beauties of the place shall he main- tained and preserved." In conclusion, the committee desire to express their iu- dehtedness to the many members of the society who have taken such a vigilant personal interest in the carrying nut of the objects of the society. Ernest E. Lake, Chairman of Committee. SWEET PEA BI-CENTENARV CELEBRATION. Thk second meeting of the celebration committee was held at the Horticultural Club. Hotel Windsor, Victoria street. S.W., on February 23. when Mr. Gordon took the chair. The members came from towns as far distant as Birmingham and Cardiff. Accepting special prizes and finally revising the schedule was the chief work of the evening, ami now this part of the business has been com- pleted, we arc at liberty to state that thirty-four classes are provided, none with less than four, and sonic with five, prizes. These classes range from one for one hundred hunches of Sweet Peas, with a first prize of £10, down to those for a single hunch of one variety, with hist prizes of 8b. It is difficult to see how a more comprehensive schedule could have been drawn up. for provision is made alike for the small and the large grower, the artisan and the million- aire, "bile the value of the Sweet Pea for home decoration will he demonstrated in classes for table decoration, florists designs, epergnes. baskets and bouquets. The total prize money offered amounts to £140, ami in addition to this a tine champion silver cup is ottered for the best amateur exhibit at tin' celebration show. In no less than nineteen classes the prizes are offered by well-known horticultural firms whose names will appeal in the schedule that will be ready for publication immediately. In the preliminary notice of the committee, published less than two months ago, the cost of carrying the celebration to a successful issue was estimated at £300, and towards this sum nearly £230 has already been promised. So much -ii. cess having already attended their efforts, the committee feel justified in hoping that now the schedule of prizes can be obtained upon application to Mr. R, Dean (honorary secretary). Ranelagh Road. Ealing, W., the further amount necessary to the proper carrying out of all details connected with the exhibition and conference will speedily be forth- coining. A decidedly international flavour will be imparted to the conference proceedings, as. in addition to British specialists, Mr. \V. Atlee Burpee, of Philadelphia, C.S.A. ; Mons. Vilmoriti. of Paris : Mr. Benary. of Erfurt, and Mr. Krelage. of Haarlem, are expected to attend, and have all meanwhile shown practical sympathy with the movement by providing special classes. The class for American-raised Sweet Peas should prove not the least interesting at the forthcoming exhibition. crimson lip. was most attractive : the raceme bore eight flowers. Also worthy of note were D. puniceum with rose flowers. Cypripediums, Masdevallias. cut racemes of Phala- nopsis, tVc. Mr. W. S. Ellis sent a nice group of finely-flowered Odontoglossums, Ilendrobiums, and Co-logvnes. to which a silver Banksian medal was awarded. Mr. H. T. Pitt. Stamford Hill, sent a large "roup The Dendrobiums were finely. flowered, and Odontoglossums and Cypripediums well represented. A tine plant of Cymbidium ebumeo-Lowianum with seven spikes of flower, Miltonia Blcuana. and other interesting Orchids were also included A silver-gilt medal was awarded. Mr. YV. Thomson, stone. Stafford, was awarded a silver Mora medal for a group of choice Odontoglossums Messrs. . I. Charlesworth and Co. , Bradford, sent Epi-Ladia heatonense (E. Wallisii ■ L. cinnabarina). Mr. A. H. Since sent three tine forms of Cattleva Mr. De B. Crawshay. Baron Schroeder and Messrs. F. Sander, of si. Albans, had Lseha .Tongheana. Mr. T. B. Haywood sent a finely grown Dendrobium splen- didissimum granditlorum (cultural commendation) and D virgile (Amsworthii ■ nobile). Mr. -I. Leeman sent D. nobile virginale. Mr. R. I. Measures sent Restrepia striata (botanical certificate) and Cypripedium villosutn aureum. Colonel Shipway. of Chiswick, exhibited Cymbidium 1 raceyanuni ; Mr. J. s. Moss, Coelogyne Mossise; and the Hon. w. Rothschild, Schomburgkia species with brown and purple flowers. Fearn's Pippin and other medal was awarded. Six dishes of well-kept Forde Abbey, Chard. varieties. A silver Banksian Apples came from Mr. .1. A new Watkins, The fruit is . ROYAL BORTiqULTURAL SOCIETY. ONE result of the mild weather was a large and interesting display at the Drill Hall meeting on Tuesday last. Early hardy flowers. Orchids, and fruit were shown, and in the afternoon the Rev. Professor Henslow gave an interesting lecture upon sonic plants exhibited. Orchid Committee. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons sent a grandgroup consisting principally of hybrid Orchids, prominent among these being some remarkably deep-coloured forms of Ladib-Cattleya calliBtoglossa (I., pnrpurata ■ C Warscewiczii), L. -C. Pallas (L. crispa C. Dowiana), and Liclia Mrs. M. Graftix. The most prominent among the Dendrobiums were D. Ainsworthii intertextuni, the sepals and petals creamy- white, the disc on the broad lip rich maroon. I), splendidissi- niuni was represented in its better forms. D. euosmum, D. Cyhele and I). Wardiano-japonicum were all well repre- sented. Phahcnopsis Mrs. .T. H. Veitch (Luddemanniana Mannii) with two spikes of Bower was included. Silver Flora medal. Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son sent a small group con- sisting of Cypripediums and finely-flowered Coslogyne cristate. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. showed a finely-flowered plant of Cattleya Trianse, almost white, some good varieties of Dendrobium Wardianum, a good variety of D. Brynierianum, two finely-spotted forms of Odontoglossum Andersoniannm and Cypripedium Charles Richman (C. bellatulum C. barhatum). Messrs. F. Sander and Co. sent a finely-flowered plant of Epipbronitis V'eitchii, several hybrid P'haius and Epiden- drum Orphanuni, which resembles Epidendrum Endresio- Wallisii. Mr. .1. Cypher, Cheltenham, sent a group consisting princi- pally of hybrid Dendrobiums. Included among these were some very distinct forms of D. splendidissimiim and finely- flowered plants of D. Cybele. Conspicuous among the dark forms was a large plant of 1). nobile liobilius. Sonic excellent forms of D. atro-violaceum, Cypripediums in variety, and Lycaste Skinnerii alba were also included. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart. (Orchid grower. Mr. White). bad a lame group, to which a silver-gilt medal was awarded. The choice forms of Dendrobiums were arranged at one end, and included the Ii. melanodiscus section of hybrids, D. Juno, D. pallens. D. hurfordieiise. D. Wigamc xanthochilon. some good forms of D. Clio and D. nobile (Bnrford variety). I). Jerdonianum, with flowers of the same shade of colour as Ladia harpophylla, received a botanical certificate. D. I'leachr-i-ianum. with its rosy-purple sepals and petals and Floral Committee. Wc may safely say that the group which attracted most attention was that shown by Messrs. William Paul & Son of Waltham Cross. It was composed of Camellia bushes, Clematis indivisa, C. i. lobata, and boxes of cut Camellias Among the many Camellias of note were C. alba plena- Princess Charlotte, white: Halleyii. red: Teutonia, pink: Mathottiana, huge red; and Lady Humes Blush, delicate blush. This group was deservedly awarded a gold medal. It was graceful 1 interesting— a unique representation of a flower that has gone out of cultivation in a large measure. Messrs. H. < Mimoll * Sons, Swanley, received a silver-gilt Banksian medal for a large and varied collection of Persian Cyclamens. This was very effective, and included several plants of the Papilio form. A silver-gilt Banksian medal was also awarded to a fresh and fragrant group of very Hue Roses, shown by Mr Q Mount, of Canterbury. The varieties consisted of flowers of Mis. J. Laing, La France, Viscountess Folkestone, and i aptani Hay-ward, deep crimson. Mr. H. J. .Tones. Lewisham. S.E., was awarded a silver Banksian medal for a very bright group of Daffodils and Hyacinths in pots. Messrs. Cutbush and Son, Highgate, N., staged a laro-e group of flowering plants, including, among others, Epacris Diadem. E. Lady Panmure. Acacia Drummondii, Boronia megastigma, the sweet Daphne indica rubra, and a pan of Primula denticulata alba. This group obtained a silver Banksian medal. A group of plants, including various Crotonsand Draeasnas Azalea mollis, ami Tulips in pots, shown by Messrs. John Peed and Sons, Norw I. was awarded a bronze Flora medal Messrs. T. s. Ware. Ltd.. Tottenham, showed a group of MPine plants and spring-flowering bulbs, among which were Gaultheria proeurabens, Iris reticulata purpurea. Saxifraga tjiirsei lana. Ilyaeintlins azureus. Galanthus Elw esii giganteus the rare Eranthis cilicica, .Vc. From Messrs. Ban- and sons. King street, Covent Garden, came a remarkable group ot hardy flowers, among which were vases of Helle- borus onentalis Afghan Prince and others. Cyclamen ibericuiii rubrum. Chii doxa Lucilias, Lachenalia Garnet a-.l Ins unguicularis alba. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons' Chelsea, again showed a stand of their pretty greenhouse Rhododendron hybrids. Messrs. R. Wallace and Co Col- chester, had a pretty group, which contained plants of the beautiful Ins reticulata major, a larger form than the type ■ I. stcuophylla, I. Danfordiffi, Anemone blanda in many charming colours, Galanthus Whittallii, and the new Muscari pra-cox, figured in last week's issue. Colonel Henry Piatt received a cultural commendation for si\ well-flowered Chinese Primulas. Messrs. Paul and Son. Chesliunt, sent vases of Rose Paul's Single White and Lilac Belle de Nancy, both forced. The latter is valuable as having an elegant long white Bower- spike. The committee asked to see it again from the open ground. Mr. G. Nobbs. gardener to H.M. the Oueen ',K '"■. Showed Violets Princess of Wales. Princess Beatrice' Piimavera, and Amiral Avellan. From Messrs. F. Sander and Co. there was a beautiful pure white Azalea Louis san. hi. Iwo splendid plants of pure white Persian Cycla- mens came from the Earl of Jersey, Osterley Park (gardener Mr. J. Hawkes). A pretty group of Narcissi came from Mr. P. Parnell " Ila"'l. Streathani Hill ; the plants were extremely well' grown. Silver Flora medal. From Lord Sutticld, Gunton Park. Norwich (gardener, Mr. Allan), came a bright group of Lachenalia Nelsonii, a delightful mass of orange colour A note appears upon this hybrid on another page This received a silver Banksian medal. Crook, r deservedly given, \oddtagton Tand DuniS T I!""' Cox's Orange, Ribston, Stunner Pip , ' '",./, ^ *'"""""-■ were the kinds shown "PP'n, ana Scarlet Nonpareil itte'eW^r0 -W^WS Mr. J. Gilbert, Ihe Nurseries Dvk-,- h, >»„-.. .■ half-a-dozen dishes of Apples and llareTm' '"'n'"' st'"t a g dish of Barnack I e iutv vai b v ,' "K them was spring. A dish of the She,- ^ E' "" T^1'3*1 Bordeaux, an excellent late variety,'^ ,^, , „ ""' '''•— & Mr G. Bead,. Maperton Ho^se.^merse?' Re'ile-V <-»1'1"""' ■ i lit* Duke of Nnrthiunhprl-niri it n t . W'ythcs). sent fruiting growths rfd'valma SEEkSE1. V,r' %*S3%J? ripening ".t^" fei'-ex'h.ftt^veil". I'he Messrs. de Rothschild. Gunnel-shun llo„s, i . Lord Aldciiham (gardener. Mr E Beckett! pi... „ . sent beautiful spel iine.is ..f ........ .^I.^"^'1*11"'- "'" and True, a pure white f a new Parsnip Sutton's Tender some of the older kinds/was insider-"? - m— Ve "'"' received a cultural award. It is to trial. m itquisiticn md be sent to Chiswick foi to th awar NATKiNAI. CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY THK executive committee of this society held a meeting on Monday last, when Mr. Percy Waterer occupied the cha?r A report was presented from the floral committee bv widen it appears that in future the awards mid, i ,, \: i?- - consist of first-class certiflcates'wardfo, meri? iL'd com .Herniations. The mode of making these awa, ls\A , |,e |,v points, and m the case of cut blooms for si , w 7s will be the maxim,,,,,. First-class cerriticates tagSrtS lose varieties submitted which gain from 15 it, Is . ds of merit to those n-ainine 19 t,. 1- ■ P""us; commendations to those obt^nTf o^o'i^Sf ' The following 1S the scale size, being sub-divided n breadth and depth, each counting 3 points: Form : sol ditv ' colour 3, and finish 3. Plants submitted as decorative or market varieties will have a maximum of 12 Ste viz .1 for habit o growth, :t for freedom of bloom / c,' , lour' and 3 for suitability of cutting ' ' colour, A supplement to the society's official catalogue heinc now "necessity, ,t was decided to publish one durm^thl "jg-S Upon the motion of Mr. T. Bevan it was resolved to „T1o!:Stf;.^i t V'Th l'1>Ta»«,eni„m societies whic large international Chrysanthemum y_n October next, and a grant of Fruit Committee. were several interesting exhibits before this com- Ther mittee Apple Gabalva was shown by Mr. A. Pettigrew, gardenertb the Marquis of Bute. Cardiff Castle. It is an nld Apple little known, and of excellent quality. As a dessert fruit, it is rather large, but sweet, juicy, and with a firm flesh. This is evidently a good late Apple. An award of merit was given A collection of fruit, consisting of twenty-four varieties was sent by Mr. C. P. Sercold (gardener, Mr. R, Bullock)' We noticed some splendid fruit of Cox's Orange large and beautifully coloured, a good dish of that good but little known west country Apple. Ashmead s Pearinain also are now organising show and conference in Pa medals was made in accordance with Wa'proposli Mr Harnian-Payne. 1,1 reply to inquiries, said tl at I, ,rti, 1 prize list had not yet been issued, but he could infonn them that, so far as the conference was concerned it had been arranged for October >4 and 88, that Mr Vlger as president of the organising committee, and that anyone wishing to take part in the same, whether French o, the. wise should send ,„ his name at an early date Lad es were invited to attend the meetings, and a list of subject, had been drawn up for discussion. Corresponding societies were invited to send two delegates to this international gathering and all persons attending in the capacity of nie nbe-s w , pi be supplied with printed proceedings gratis. H w,,,,ld a he prepared to give full particulars to intending exhibitors as soon as the schedule of prizes reached him exll""tl"s Ihe schedule of the society's shows at the iouarhim f,„. l»H. wee then submitted for approval and f passed ' ' New members were elected, ami societies at kings Lvnn and Halifax admitted in affiliation. * ■,"" READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS MUTUA1 IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION " Horticultural Buildings " was the subject of an inter- esting and practical paper read before the members oi ! the above associatj „ M |„v iast llv Mr ,. ,, p^.V horticultural builder. Reading, who in a few , relin h a-v remarks said that horticultural buildings are in a , ui c modern. The las, 200 Mars will nearly cov cr al Tree." Ts Cheir necessity arose from the bringing' home, by travellers and others, of plants and seeds that would not stand the ngours of our climate. The modern and popular taste , Tomatoes, Cucumbers, 4c, has caused the erection of thousands of houses. Prolongation of season of different fruits, flowers, and vegetables is also another prolifl cause of construction. Mr. Parsons considered such matters M glass and roof pitches, sites, forms of houses heating staging, pathways, brickwork, t ,er, i, work, glaas and t^MrV,;"" '"/' 'V;' ' heartV?te '"' fchanks "asVcco,; ','., to Mi. Parsons for his paper and to Mr. Pig.- The Garden Samoa Villa, Kendrick Road, for exhihitii^Amaryllis ' CARDIFF GARDENERS ASSOCIATION "X Tuesday. February 20, Mr. Wolstenholme gave an inte- resting Tectnre entitled "An Amateurs Experiments with Jadoo Fibre." The lecture was all the more ™nteres«ng adoo"m,,ae ' i']T\ Hl",,"'? Thompson, the inventor'of ..ado. nine, had travelled from Teignniouth Devon bringing the following named plants witd, him grow „i cfss s ienlsta' Pnn.ula. Cyclamen, Lachenalia and Na, cissus, also many photographs of various other plants and ts.-"T" J" thls '' I'nst- The lecture was short, but full of instructive matter, 172 THE GARDEN. March 3 1900. SHIRLEY GARDENERS' SOCIETY. AN interesting meeting was held recently, when Mr. E. T. Melton, of Hartley College, Southampton, gave an interesting lecture upon " The Composition of Manures and their Appli- cations to Various Soils, illustrated hy lantern slides and diagrams. Several plants were exhibited at the meeting The chair was taken in the absence of the president by Mr. B. Ladhams. The secretary of this prosperous society is Mr. H. J. Hohbs. I'NITED HORTICC1.TI KAL BENEFIT AMI PROVIDENT SOCIETY. The annual meeting of this society will take place at the Caledonian Hotel. Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on Monday, March 12, at S p.m. Mr. S. T. Wright, superintendent of the Royal Horticultural Society's Hardens, Chiswick, has kindly consented to preside. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. IRIS STENOPHYLLA. THIS is a very beautiful bulbous Iiis. one nf the early-flowering group, anil quite as interesting as any other species in bloom about this time. The flower is as large as that of I. alata ami richly coloured : the standards a full deep purple, relieved with a lighter colour at the base, spotted purple, and an orange line runs into the throat. We shall give a further description, and also an illustration of this charming flower. A panful was shown by Messrs. Wallace and Co. , of Colchester, at the last meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and given a first-class certificate. Primula kewknsis. An interesting and important new garden plant, which has been flowering at Kew since October of last year. It is a hybrid between P. floribunda and P. verticillata, and possesses the best attributes of both parents. The plants bloom with wonderful freedom, being covered with a mass of rich yellow flowers which remind one strongly of those nf P. floribunda, but are larger individually. It is a bright, handsome and welcome addition to the list of indoor Primulas. Several plants came from the Royal Gardens, Kew, to the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. First class certificate. AoAPETKS BUXIFOLIA. This is a very old garden plant, but so rare that it comes to us now as almost a novelty. It is a native of Northern India, evergreen, and its haves remind one in texture and form of those of the Box. The bright red flowers appeal' on the ripened growths of the previous year, and the tubular corolla, about I inch in length, has live pointed tubes, followed by milky white fruits. It requires much the same treatment as the greenhouse Azalea, but, as already mentioned, is very rare now- a-days. This is a pity. These beautiful hard- wooileil plants arc too interesting to rutiroh neglect. Nuttall first E< und this species on the Duphla Hills, between Bhotan and Assam, at an elevation of about 3000 feet. Mr. J. T. Bennett Poe showed a remarkably well-flowered specimen at the last it ting of the Royal Horticultural Society, and was given an award of merit. Camellia General Hector Macdonald. This is another handsome addition to the list of new Camellias. This variety reminds one "f reticulata, so large and imposing is the rich roil flower. It is a welcome novelty. Award of merit at Royal Horticultural Society's last meeting! Shown by Messrs. Sander & ( o. . St. Albans. L.KI.IA KlHSSV This is a cross between L. anceps and I., pur- purata and is a remarkable plant, showing the intermediate characters of the two groups. The sepals an- .'! inches long and rosy lilac tin- petals nearly li inches broad, and similar in colour to the sepals. The lip is upwards of an inch broad, bright crimson, veined with a darker shade of colour and margined with rose on the front lobe. The side h ibesare rose, shading to yellow, suffused with purple ami lined witli a darker tone of purple through the base and throat. The three-flowered raceme is pro- duced on a scape resembling Lalia anceps. First- class certificate, Royal Horticultural Society's last meeting. Shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, by whom it was raised. Cattleya Tkian.-k (West Bank House variety). This is a charming form with finely-balanced, deep rosy-lilac sepals and petals. The lip is rich crimson-purple in front, margined with rose, a white area being in front of the orange disc. The side lobes rose, lined with white at the base. Shown by Mr. J. Leeman. West Rank House, Heaton, Mersey. Royal Horticultural Society's last meeting, ami given an award of merit. Zygopetalcm Ballii. This is one of the most beautiful and distinct of the Zygopetalums. The sepals arc 2 inches long and rosy purple, margined with white. The petals as long as the sepals, ^ inch broad, white, spotted with purple on the upper half, suffused with the same colour at the base, and margined with while. The lip is lj inches broad and li inches long. There is a margin of white nearly h inch broad. The basal area is suffused with purple. There are also some violet-purple lines on the disc. Royal Horticultural Society award of merit last meeting. From Mr. (I. S. Ball, Ashford, Wilmslow, Cheshire. Odontoglossum Adriane var. Lord Roberts. This is one of the most beautiful of the Hunne- welliano-crispum hybrids. The sepals are about | inch broad, pale yellow, blotched with purple in the centre and on the basal area. The ground colour of the petals is lighter than the sepals, and covered over the central area with smaller purple spottings. The broad lip is creamy white, with sonic large purple spottings in the centre and smaller markings on the basal area. Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society's last meeting. From Mr. W. Thomson, Stone, Stafford. Odontoglossum loochristiense. A natural hybrid between 0. triumphans and (I, i rispiun. The sepals are yellow-, with some purple suffusion and bright brown spottings, more numerous on the upper than the lower ones. The petals an brighter than the sepals, with two or three large brown spots in the centre and numerous smaller ones on the basal area. The flower is of fine shape and substance, and upwards of 3 inches in diameter. It resembles a glorified form of ( I, excellens with the lip of 0. crispum. It is by far the finest of this particular cross that we have seen, and with increased strength should be seen to better advantage. The plant exhibited carried a single flower on the raceme. Shown by Mr. W. Thomson, Stone, Stafford (gardener, Mr. W. Stevens), ami given an award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society's last meeting. LAW. AN INTERESTING SEED CASK. In tlic City of London Court on Friday, before Mr. <;. Pitt Lewis, Q.G, Deputy Judge, an action was brought bj Messrs. Howcrofl and Watkins, Beed merchants, L0, Floral street, i oven! Garden, against Mr. K. \V. Gardner, Princess Road, Victoria Road, Romford, to recover the sum <>f £6 15s., damages for breach of contract in respect of certain Swede; Turnip seed, Mr. W. R, Huson, plaintiffs' solicitor, said that the plaintiffs bought tin- seed of the defendant on the under; standing that it was is;»s or new seed. The plaintiffs, upon applying the ordinal*) test which was well known to the trade, found that the product veness of the seed only yielded (Sfi percent., ami not 98 per cent. The plaintiffs had paid for the seed, and now that they found that it would not aii-uer their purpose they were asking for the return of their money or for damages for breach of contract. Mr. Charles Butcher, defendant's solicitor, said that the parties were well know n to each other, for the defendant had been in the plaintiffs service for twentj years. Me had sold them the seed in question the day after he hail purchased it. They retained it for two months before they found any fault with it. The practice was to |,sl seed within a week. The plaintiffs had dealt with the seed before rejecting ii. Mr. Watkins, plaintiffs manager, was called, ami spoke to having purchased eight or ten bushels of the seed in question at L3s. iid. per bushel. He understood he was buying new seed, and (hat meant 1 1 lilt it was the previous year's seed. They usually tested seed immediately it eaine into their ware- house. The seed in question was tested on flannel and then in soil. The germinating power of seed which wafi two years old would he about 85 per cent., and perhaps more' It depended upon what care was taken of it. The percentage of productiveness depended to some extent upon how seed was tested, Martin, who was employed by the plaintiffs, deposed to having tested the seed in question. Mr. Butcher explained that the plaintiffs slmuld have rejected the seed within a reasonahle time, and that they did not do. The defendant was called, and said that he bought the seed in question for lis. 6d. a bushel. Knowing that the plaintiffs wanted some of the same sort he offered it to them ami they bought it. his profit being tl on the transaction. Two months after the deal, when lie ceased to think about it. the plaintiffs wrote and told him that the seed did not grow well. If he had been informed in time he could have gone to his sellers and raised the same point. Mr. Paul I i solas was ealled to prove that the seed had yielded '."i percent. The Deputy Judge said he came to the conclusion that there was a warranty that the seed was new seed. The plaintiffs were entitled to damages for the defendant's breach of con- tract, and he thought they ought to recover two-thirds of the money which they had paid for the seed. There would, therefore, be judgment for the plaintiffs for £2 5b. as damages, with costs of the action, and they would keep the seed. TO ANSWERS CORRESPONDENTS. Names of plants. -Sblph ine. — Primula floribunda. .1. E. W. 1, Ceterach officinarum ; J, apparently an immature frond of Pellsea cordata ; .'■>, Nephrodium decom- positum ; 4. Adiantum fulvum, Cyclobothras (H. T.). Pot the bulbs at once in light well-drained soil and plunge in a cold frame, and in about a month s time plant outside on a warm south border. It all depends on the present condition of the bulbs whether they will he a success or not; if hard and firm, all well, hut if shrivelled and dry, the result may not he satisfactory. Cucumbers in frames (S. F. J.).— Bo not attempt to make up a Cucumber bed on a large scale until you have good strong plants nearly ready and plenty of fresh stable manure. But you can make up at once a small bed to suit a small frame in which to sow Cucumber seed in pots that will produce plants. These may he strong for planting out into a permanent bed in about a month from sowing if you have kept up a good warmth. That is the difficulty with manure heds early i n the year, as in cold weather the temperature goes dowTi quickly. Perhaps it would he wiser for you to order plants to he ready to plant out in a hotbed about the middle of March. In the meantime collect stahle manure, keep it occasionally turned and mixed, shaking out the longest straw. For a frame of two lights, s feet hy (> feet, the hotbed should he 12 inches wider and longer than the frame, and he nearly 8 feet in height when made and trodden firm. It will require a good amount of manure to form such a bed, and even when planted it is needful to place fresh manure as rapidly as it is collected round the bed to keep in the warmth. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. MR. JOHN LOGAN, late gardener to Mr. G. de Belle Ball, Lisson Hall, Swords, has heeu appointed gardener to Mr. W. Woodburn, Hermitage, Rathfamham. Mi;, A. BROWNE, late head gardener to Mr. Pirn, Strad brooke Hall, Monkstown, to a similar position in the gardens of Mrs. Henshaw. St. Philips, Milltown, in succession to Mr. McKay. Mr. A. WARD, stoke Edith Park, Hereford, gardener to the late Lady Emily Foley for the past seventeen years, and latterly sub-agent, has heen appointed head gardener to Mr. F. A. Bevan, Trent Park, New Barnet, in succession to Mr. W. H. Lees, who is, we understand, entering hnsiness on his own account. ( SAtalogues Received. Lawns, &c. James Carter <(• Co., Hin/i Holborn, London. Kami Seeds. Little & Ballantyne, Carlisle. Chrysanthemums. I'ilmarin-Andrieitx et Cic, '*, Quaide la Metjisaerie, Paris. Scens and Plants.- II. A. hrm .71/,, Chestnut Street, I'lnln- delvkia, U.S.A. Manual of Eorticulture, a useful guide for 1900. Messrs, James Kelway&Son, Langport Nurseries, Somerset Pennsylvania Lawn Mower.— We have received a descrip- tion and illustration of Lloyd's perfected lawn mower, which ma\ he had in various sizes. The sole licensees here are Lh'iii'l. Lawrence & Co., .':', Worship Street, Finxbu'ry, London, /■:.<: Books Received. •The Hop: Its Culture and Cure, .Vc By Herbert Myrick. Published by Kegan Paul, Trench. TriibnerA Co. 1 Lectures <>n some of the Physical Properties of Soil. r,\ Robert Warington, M.A., R.R.s. Puhlished at the clarendon Press. "The New Forestry.'' By John Simpson. Puhlished hy Pawson & Brailsford. High Street, Sheffield. Gardeners' Charity Guild. A smoking concert in aid of the funds of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution will he -riven at the Great Hall. Cannon Street Hotel, E.r., on Wednesday, March 14 next, commencing at ".30 p.m., Mr. N. Sherwood in the chair. Answers to Correspondents. Many answers Ui questions ate bhrongh pressure upon space held over. GARDEN. ^*y- ^*^m >!+'C W No. 1477.— Vol. LVIL] [March 10, 1900. FRUIT GROWING IN THE BRITISH ISLES. (With Special Reference to Apples.) WK mentioned in The Garden of last week (p. 153) that the fruit industry of this country was sufficiently valuable to stimulate a keener interest than is apparently expressed by the trade and private growers of the present day. Horticul- turists were rudely awakened t" a sense of their opportunities when the famous Apple congress held by the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick aroused public interest, and revealed an ignorance of Apple culture incomprehensible in a country capable of pro- ducing fruit as ruddy and handsome as the rosiest importations from over the seas. The national insular conservative spirit dominates in a measure horticulture as severely as its sister, agriculture. We seem loth to leave tin' path lined out by our forefathers or to attempt to improve upon their ways of culture. l!ut this clinging to the traditions of the past is unreasonable : it is futile to rail against foreign importations into the market unless the British grower presents fruit as luscious to tempi the national palate. A large demand exists for British - grown Apples. A stroll through an\ of the great market centres reveals the pleasant fact that the best winter Apples from our orchards realise prices not approached by the Apples from abroad. Quite recently that good Apple Wellington, "i- Dumelow's Seedling, was bringing in the handsome return of from LOs. to 12s. a bushel from standard trees, and it requires no intense mathematical perception to know that a few acres of trees would realisea respectable annual income. We are not standing still, it is true, but progress is slow. Our markets reveal little of the change, lor the reason that the grower is apparently slow to move until some incident Occurs tn arouse him to a sense of his loss in permitting a profitable industry to slip into other hands. Creater facilities for importing fruit mean, of course, severer competition at home, and it is an almost weekly occurrence to find that Apples from far distant lands have been received in England fresh, wholesome, and possessing their natural good looks— a condition of affairs impossible before tin- quick mercantile Meets oi the present day. We enjoy tie- home-grown fruit, whether the Apple or the Pear, the Cherry or the Plum, because it contains its true lusciousness and flavour, deve- loped by a distinctly suitable fruit-growing climate. The mealy productions of sunnier lands than ours have little of that delicious quality recognised in the Apple or other fruits grown in the British Isles. There are a few exceptions, and one is the famous Newtown Pippin, which refuses to hear abundantly in this climate. Why are the British fruit growers to a large degree blind totheirown interests in not facing this increasing foreign competition .' We can- not answer a question that one would think in tie,,' .lay-, needless to ask. Probably it is due to a want of cultural details bearing directly upon the success of the tree, and when the variety is considered, its likes and dislikes, then it will yield an abundant return. Position, soil, stocks, pruning, and minor attributes to proper cultivation must he thought out, reinem bering that variety will fail where another spells success, grown in the same climate and under the same conditions. We hope that these notes will not he taken in an unkindly spirit ; it is far from our wish to dictate to the fruit grower the methods he should pursue in raising the culture of fruit in this country to a higher level, hut it has occurred to us that the following shortcomings are responsible for want of success. Exhibi tions of fruit teach wholesome lessons. The annual display at the Crystal Palace under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society is witness to the great possibilities of fruit grow- ing in this country. If the necessary £100 he not Forthcoming to maintain this yearly display of fruit from various districts in the British Isles, then surely we must confess that failure is due to want of enterprise a sorry confession in a commercial country. The beginner in fruit culture must not rely upon the exhibition for his selection of varieties. .Many a noble fruit is -ecu there— a huge Peasgood's Nonsuch, maybe -that can never lie accounted profitable. It is handsome and big, none too luscious, and there its value ends. More attention must he given to varieties capable of making a .stir on the exhibition table, hut richly prized, too, in the garden, or that appeal to those who require fruit of good quality. An overwhelming abundance at one season signifies small returns, and the early autumn fruits quickly lose flavour and decay. The energies of the grower may well he directed to the winter supplies, and to achieve this desire varieties that naturally hear late ripening fruit must he grown ; not those that through claim rate storage preserve their freshness and colour until the spring. Their appearance is decep- tive; the Apple painted with tenderest hue is a bag of mealy, unwholesome flesh. Storage of late Apples is an essential detail in the routine of cultivation, hut this is not a matter of great expense. A simple store is necessary not an elaborate structure, which makes inroads in the hill of expenses at the outset of the business. We have a letter before us in which the writer, one of the most successful fruit growers of the day, says : "I have kept that good Apple, Cox's Orange Pippin, in excellent condition until the end of April in a cool dark store. The fruit was gathered late from dwarf standard trees." If such a sweetmeat as this luscious Pippin could he obtained at this season of the year in quan- tity, foreign importations would inn little chance of acceptance at remunerative prices. Imported fruit is not cheap, but sold at almost prohibitive prices except to those indifferent as to household expenses. We quoted prices paid for Wellington Apples, and, referring to the notes taken of the market recently, find that Northern Greening and French ('rah are being sold it 5s. to (is. a bushel. Ti 1 1 1 > Apples is the universal complaint. and will he heard in the land until the grower undertakes to remove unprofitable varieties. If a tree fails to crop profitably after once obtaining a fair trial, remove it in the interests of the business. The subjoined list has been prepared as a guide to the beginner and everybody who has failed to succeed. We hope our fruit-growing readers who have found the industry profitable, by cultivating varieties that fill the basket to overflowing, will give their valuable assistance in making the list absolutely reliable. Late Apples of good quality are desired, and to this section we look for useful additions. A SELECTION OF APPLES. E A R L V . Ih SS( rt. Irish Peach. Lady Sudeley. I 'ooking. I lellini Pippin. Lord Grosvenor. Keswick Codliu. New Hawthornden. Stilling Castle. Mid.season. Dexsert. Allington Pippin. Cox's Orange Pippin. Blenheim Orange. King of tin- Pippins. Cockle Pippin. Margil. Ribaton Pippin. 174 THE GARDEN. [March 10, moo. Bismarck. Lady rlenuiker. Loro1 Derby. < 'ooking. Striped Beaufin. Tower of • Hands. Warner's King. Wellington. Late. I>, ss( rt. Adam's Pearniain. Fearn's Pippin. Barnack Beauty. Reinette du Canada. Claygate Pearmain. Scarlet Nonpareil. Dutch Mignonne. Sturmer Pippin. Winter Ribston. i 'ooking. Allriston. Newton Wonder. Bramley's Seedling. Norfolk Beaufin. Lane's Prince Albert. Sandringham. Wellington. This list is intended merely as the nucleus of a selection that few will cavil at. We leave to iiur readers the task of rectifying mistakes and admitting varieties of greater excellence than those at present recorded. The fact cannot be disputed : fruit growing in England offers scope to young men with proper training and some capital to embark in the in- dustry. A demand exists for g 1 fruit, a food more wholesome and satisfying when gathered from trees in the counties of these isles. Apart from the question of varieties and culture, difficulties must be faced and overcome. A grower must have within reasonable distance a inarkel or centre to dispose of his produce. Writing of fruit in general, dwellers in large towns know that of stone fruit Plums, Dam- sons, and Cherries there is never an over- supply. This may be remedied by creating greater facilities for disposing of the produce and preventing a glut at any one point. The supply of the west is of little value to the dweller in the north, as cost of carriage seriously lessens the profits. The fruit-drying trade opens up another source of profit. This would prove a lucrative undertaking entered into with proper training Mild business acumen, and check the How of foreign importations. We are writing now ot fruit grown entirely in the open air, not under jjass in any form. Produce developed under artificial conditions has its value, but the true hardy fruits must be regarded as belonging to the orchard and outdoor garden. FALSE Si i.u \.\ Mr. Leslie ■ of IDEALS. misapprehends the real iion iii writing as he does iii Tin-: Garden February 24. One would think from the following passage that we had all been pro testing against good lawns, comfortable seats, the pieasanl ami beautiful shade of the pergola, Ac. Lawns are none the worse i"i being kept smooth and velvety, paths for being lion ana free from weeds; strong, comfortable seats are not eyesores, fountains are at times desirable : a pergola Bhade or a well-designed summer-house for ira or shelter does not necesaaril} injure the general beauty. Ami in the same way a well-clipped hedge in iU ritfht -place adds not 011I3 a comfortable feeling "f home to tin garden but assists much in the general beauty as a foil. Put the question of hedges is outside of the cut ml one altogether. Fledges are made for dividing lines, fences, backgrounds, &c. I like a Box hedge ;is well as anybody, but, unhappily, it will not grow well ami rapidly with me, and do not object to a comfortable seat, ami have even made pergolas people think pretty. The question of clipping trees into false shapes is a whollj separate one, and to show the evils of the practice let me give a few instances. Takethe gardens in any district round London — Harrow or Cobham, say; there we shall find that nine out often evergreens are clipped to get them into what the gardener calls "g 1 shape," and we see the same thing done in our public gardens, as at Kew, and parks, as at the end of the Serpentine. If the man who wields the shears thinks that his aims tit form are better than that which Nature gave to the Holly — well, we can only pray for his conver- sion ! That is a real evil running through the whole gardening world, a false ideal in the simplest and purest sense. Can anybody find in the gardens in which this shearing is carried out a Holly as true and right in form as we may find in the first Surrey lane 1 The harm done by it it would be difficult to exaggerate, in concealing the true and varied forms of things even from the eyes of those who live most among them and sacrifice a good deal for their purchase and care. -Mr. Leslie would. 1 am sure, be the first to see how much is lost, from an artistic point of view and from many others, by the wholesale destruction of the true forms of shrubs and trees and the creation of false and ugly shapes in them. He may e lucky in his own and neighbours' gardens, but those who take the trouble to see a great many gardens throughout the country will know how far this practice goes, (it course, once people get accustomed to false and ugly shapes in shrubs, they will gradually train themselves to put up with ugly shapes and patterns in gardens, even as regards the Mowers and their disposition. Now to come to the question of deliberate design. Take a few instances in which clip- ping into false and ugly forms is done. Some of our young landscape gardeners now fill their beds with forest evergreens- 1 do not like to name instances of private places, and the designer of some is a friend of mine. The beds that should be filled with flowers are tilled with Yews, and the unfortunate gardener, after the first two or three years growth, litis to lie continually clipping down these Yews into table-like shapes. This may be good landscape gardening, but no one, I think, will claim that it is good Mower gardening. I think it is bad in both ways. The garden I mean is quite a recently made one. Let us go to ah old one, at Northiam, in Sussex, which I saw last year, a very good and interesting old house and a very well-placed garden behind it well walled round. Against the wall on one side is an enormous line of clipped P 'It trees, the roots taking up half the garden, and the test of the garden is much occupied by clipped Yews, many of them huge, absorbing all the nourish men t of the ground. I may be asked what I want. I should like to see the walls, which arc very good walls, clad with Wistaria, climbing Poses. Clematis, and Jasmine a real Mower garden, in fact, as walls so often are, walls giving beautiful back- grounds and I should certainly leave the forest Beech where it was "made" for — the wood. I need not take your readers to the mechanical instances of clipped gardens abroad, such as Versailles and Schonbrunn, hoping I have said enough to show that the evil of clipping in our gardens is quite a different one from that of hedges. Put I should say find these may do very great harm if put down, as they often are, without thought of the gardener. In one of the places alluded to above the idea was to form a Pose garden, and the poor gardener had to put the Poses between close-set linesof Yew ; and there he is still bet ween the devil and the deep sea. \V. P. RIVIERA NOTES. ( )F newer Tulips, T. saxatilis most certainly deserves the first place. It evidently enjoys warmth more than any other early Tulip, ami its large Peach blossom petals, with a yellow base, wide open in the sunshine, are most beautiful in this climate. It Mowers quite three weeks before T. Kaufmanniana, and lasts fully a month in beauty in a season like the present. Altogether it is most desirable, and promises here to be free in growth. T. Kaufmanniana, so far, is less satisfactory, and does not come 11)1 to its English reputation. It is stunted in growth, has none of the pretty red tinting outside seen in English gardens, and the lemon-white interior is uncertain in tone. Tulipa Greigii also is stunted in growth this season, but when planted in a stiff and rather moist clay soil can be the most gorgeous of all Tulips either here or in England. Curiously enough. Iris reticulata is far less charming in this climate than in England. Its deep blue -purple petals wither so quickly in the hot sun, that one day sitttiees to fade their beauty, and its sweet scent seems far less pronounced than in a colder climate. What delightful weeds the Starch or Grape Hyacinths are ! Deep purple-blue, cobalt-blue, pale tender blue, and even pure white, they crop up on nearly every terrace, and will in due time be followed by the larger Feather Hyacinths, which latter especially arc wild garden Mowers, and do not show themselves to advantage in a trim border. The special glory of this week is a Magnolia Yulan, with its grand, wide-open, Lily like Mow:ers, set oM' by the rich rose-red of a fine Pyrus japonica, one solid mass of Mower, a sight for those fresh from the frost-bitten shores of the North Sea. Daffodils are behaving very curiously this season. The heat and drought that continued till the end of the first week in December has evidently tried them severely, and the mid- season varieties were in Mower before the earliest Tenby opened a bud. Thanks to the heavy ram ami dull, chill days of .January, the later varieties promise to be good, and Anemone blanda still carpets the ground under the shade of the trees on a northern slope. Cimiez, Nice. E H. Woodall. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. BRODLEA (TRIT RLEIA) SELLOWIANA. T HIS is a new plant recently introduced from Monte video, or the neighbour- hood thereof. Broditea (Triteleia) uniflora is a well-known garden plant, hardy on dry soils, and makes a splendid edging tu beds of such bulbs as Tulips. IS. SeUowiana is mure dwarf than B. uniflora both in foliage and flower-scape, and the flowers are very slightly smaller. But it has some advantages over the better-known species, as it is distinctly fragrant in a temperature of about 65°, its bright erocus- yellow colour being very telling. I see no reason why it should not turn out to he hardy, as it comes from the same locality as B. uniflora. In a cool vinery it Mowers with 111c in January and February, and is very floriferous. Is/i worth. A. WoRSLKY. [An illustration of this plant appeared in our issue of March .'I (p. 162). If it proves as hardy as Broditea (or Triteleia) uniflora, it will he of much interest and value.] L.ELIA AXCEPS HYBRIDS. As far as we know, there are only three garden raised hybrids produced from the influence of Pa ha March 10, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 17: anceps, and these have been derived from the dark section or typical forms. In addition to the garden raised hybrids, there are the supposed natural hybrids La lia Gouldiana and L. Finckeniana, the hitter undoubtedly owing its origin partly to one of the white forms. The natural hybrids were fully dealt with in the last volume of Tin: i.'akhen (p. 471M, so there is no need for further particulars here. Tin- first hybrid raised under artificial conditions from the influence of L. anceps as a parent was the bi -generic hybrid Epi-Lselia Hardyana, derived from the intercrossing of Epidendrum ciliare and Lalia anceps. It first flowered in Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild's garden at Vienna in 1891. On November 13, 1894, Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans, exhibited it and received an award of merit for a plant from the same parentage. The habit of growth resembles more nearly that of the Epidendrum parent, but most of the growths have two leaves. The scape shows the intermediate characteristics of the parent species. The flowers raisers, Messrs. .1. Veitch and Sons. It was derived by Mr. Seden from the intercrossing of L. anceps and L. purpurata. This is by far the finest hybrid of this section, and is certainly one of the most distinct and beautiful hybrids produced of late years. In the habit of growth the influence of the L. anceps parent is apparent. It is like a glorified form of that species. The long flower- scape also shows the influence of L. anceps. On its apex three (lowers are produced, which more closelj resemble those of L. purpurata, but the intermediate characteristics of the parents are plainly defined. The sepals are 3 inches long, rosy lilac, and the petals as long as the sepals, 2 inches broad, pointed as in the anceps parent, and also rich rosy lilac. The lip is upwards of an inch broad, the outer margin blight rose, the whole of the central area of the front lobe being bright crimson, veined with a darker shade of colour: the side loins rosy lilac, shading to yellow towards the centre. At the base there is a suffusion of brownish purple and numerous longitudinal purple reticulated lines, as seen through the base of L. anceps. It received a first-class certificate from the Orchid committee of the Royal Horticultural Society on February ■J7 last. H. J. Chapman. Ij.ki.ia Edissa (L. anceps • L. purpurata). (8/iown by the raisers, Messrs. ./. Veitch and Sons, at !/'<■ Royal Horticultural Society's meeting, February .7 last, and given >i first-class certificate.) resemble those of I., anceps in shape and are in colour almost white, only the faintest trace of colour being observed except on the front lobe and tips of the side lobes of the lip, which are crimson-purple. It is a most interesting and desirable addition, and should prove a free-flowering and useful winter-flowering hybrid. The second hybrid to appear from the influence i if L;elia anceps as a parent was L. amcena (L. pumila L. anceps). This interesting little hybrid was raised in Mr. C. L. N. Ingram's garden near i •"'filming, and was exhibited by the raiser on October it, 1894. The plant shown was very small, and resembled L. pumila to a remarkable degree both in the habit of growth and in the flowers. Though resembling the seed parent so eloselj . many characteristics indicate the influence of L. anceps. The last of these hybrids (Lselia Edissa) to appear is represented in the accompanying illustration, reproduced from a photograph kindly sent by the A LETTER FROM BERLIN. (Its Oldest Gardener.) Berlin horticulturists have just been celebrating a very interesting event —the ninety-first birthday 01 the city's oldest gardener. The name of this worthy is Martin Gottfried Adolph Demmler, and he was born on February "23, 1809. Mis life lias been a very busy one. After receiving a good general education at the Joachimsthal Gymnasium, he proceeded to the (li'irtiii rUhranstalt at Schbneberg, where he acquired sufficient know- ledge of gardening to enable him, not long afterwards, to pass his examination as KOniglicher Ober- gartau r. On the strength of this, be obtained an important position in the Berlin Botanic Gardens dur- ing the custodianship of Adelbert von Chamisso, and his mind is Stored with many interesting reminiscences of that celebrated poet. In his early days, too, he was for some time professionally engaged in Prince Carl's beautiful gardensat Glienike. Buthisdesire to perfect himself in his art in- duced him to devote the greater part of his youth to travel. His first journey was to Weimar, where he had the honour of being introduced to Goethe. This was in 1829. A little later he removed to Schwctzingen, near Heidelberg, to take charge of the splendid herbarium of Oartendirector Leyher. He remained here for two years; and then, in com- pany with the famous Professor Spenner, undertook his first Studienreist to the Black Forest. On his return he was appointed to a responsible post, under Inspector Sinning and Professors NeesandEsenbeck, in the Botanic Garden at Poppelsdorf, near Bonn, and he resigned this position before he had held it a year in order to visit the Rhine and Switzerland. His next place of residence after Poppelsdorf was Munich, whence he made pilgrimages on botanical research intent to the Tyrol and Italy. After following his profession in Vienna for a while, he also visited Prague and Dresden. Then he made a brief stay in bis native city, which was brought to. an end by his acceptance of the office of head-gardener at the Agricultural College in Brunswick. He later acted in the same capacity for Baron von Carnap, but was obliged to leave that nobleman's service owing to a lameness in one of his anus. Thereupon lie returned to Berlin and founded the celebrated ntu-scry, which some time ago he made over to his son Adolph. After the transference be retired to his extensive estate in Friedricbsfelde. but he did not finally settle down until he had gratified his wish to see Paris and Copenhagen and had revisited Italy. It 'is hardly necessary to add that Here Demmler is a member of most of the leading German botanical and horticultural societies, and that the fact of his attaining tin- ninety -lirsl anniversary of his birth in excellent health brought him hundreds of congratulatory letters and tele grams from all parts of the Fatherland. \V. I). Child. SchSneberg, Berlin, Germany. CAMELLIA LADY AUDREY BULLER. We much regret that in our last issue we should have let pass without notice, until the whole had gone to press, the incorrect form (Lady Buller) in which ap- peared the name of the wife of the heroic general whose guidance of the most arduous part of the South African campaign the whole country has been breathlessly watching. The name, which of course should have been Lady Andre}' Buller, was taken down as it stood, and the error, unfortunately, escaped us till it was too late to collect the mistake. — Eds. PRESERVATION OF CHOICE APPLES. An interesting article on this subject appeared in the^January number of (In- Belgian Bulletin cP Arboriculture, s.] Fuchsia globosa outside at Hitchin. -I am much interested in the remarks about hardy Fuchsias in " Answers to Corre- spondents "of The Gardes, February -4. 1 have here a large plant of hardy Fuchsia which I believe U, he globosa. It has stood out for twenty years, and has never been cut down and protected at the root in the ordinary way ; indeed, the knife is only used on it to remove wood that has died naturally. The lasl six winters have left it practi- cally untouched, and it is now a large shrub over 7 feet in height and solid in growth. It flowers most freely. This garden is on a chalk hill 300 feet above sea level in the extreme north of Hertford- shire, with a slope to the west. The Fuchsia stands in a border facing due west, with a good wall at the back.— F. A. Tindall Lucas. Asparagus tenuissimus. We have now several forms of the delicate Asparagus plumosus in cultivation, all of which have attained a considerable amount of popularity within recent /ears. The most generally grown is A. plumosus nanus, a charming plant in every way. It can, however, only be increased by means of seeds, whereas the pretty tenuissimus may be readily struck from cuttings. In this variety the branches are not arranged in a flattened frond-like manner as in nanus, but more in the way of A. plumosus itself. The variety tenuissimus is, however, far more slender in all its parts than the typical plumosus ; indeed, so exceedingly light in texture is it, that when studded with moisture it appears little more than a cloud of mist. It is of a climbing habit, ami is a delightful rafter plant for a small structure . Owing to its being easily struck from cuttings, neat little plants that are extremely useful for many decorative purposes maybe formed by putting from four to six cuttings around the edge of a 3-inch pot. and placing them in a close propagating case in the stove. There they root quickly, and after being hardened off may he shifted into larger pots. where they will form globular masses of delicate bright green foliage. Plants obtained in this way retain the dwarf bushy habit for some time, but as soon as they develop strong shoots from the base they mount upward quickly. — H. P. CytiSUS filipes. It would be difficult to thai a more graceful subject among the innumerable occupants of the greenhouse than a well-grown specimen of the Teneriffe Broom (Cytisus filipes), w hich, though an old plant and, generally speaking, well known, is very rarely met with. It is of free growth, with long slender semi-pendulous branches, which are for the greater part devoid of leaves, their place being taken by bright greenshoots. The Sowers are white, ami borne as a rule in February and March, a succession being kept up for some una It is not at all exacting in its cultural requirements, needing little more than to be kept free from frost. This Broom is seen to particular advantage when grown as a standard, as the long cord-like shoots have then ample space for their development, and a tew good specimens are very serviceable for grouping purposes. To obtain Standards it is often grafted on to vigorous seedling stems of its near ally, Cytisus racemosus, or some- times on to the Laburnum, but the first named makes the best 'stock. Grafting is, however, not absolutely necessary, for seeds are sometimes produced, and when this happens they germinate readily if sown in the greenhouse, and the young plants may then be tied to a stick and limited to one shoot till the required height is reached. Pretty plants, too. may be produced by securing the leading shoot to a stick and allowing the side branches to grow at will, the result being a kind of loose pyramid* H. P. HOW FLOWERS ORIGINATED IN NATURE. It is now a fact familiar to all that the parts of flowers arc n-ally identical ill their nature with leaves and are interchangeable with them. Thus the green Rose illustrates tins by having its cupels, stamens, and petals in a foliaceou.". condition ; so that if we wish to s]i culate when flowers first came into existence we must look A CORNER OK THE GARDEN AT HOLME LACY. IN THE GARDEN AT HOLME LACY. The accompanying illustration shows a view in the beautiful garden at Holme Lacy, Here- fordshire, the residence of Mr. Pilkington back to the first change discoverable from leav.es or leaf-scales, which are rudimentary leaves, to floral organs. The geological history of plants is. however, sn imperfect, that nothing has been discovered The garden is one of the most interesting in to throw light upon the origin of flowers. Many the county, and is rich in striking pictures reasons exist, however, for believing that the produced by contrast of flowers with the conifers have descended from the higher crypto- soinbre green of well-kept Yew hedges. gams, such as Ferns, plants like Welwitschia 17s THE GARDEN. [March 10, 1900. and Cycads, but a1 present we can only specu- late. The conifers probably gave rise to ordi- nary dicotyledons, but the links are wanting. When we examine the male inflorescence of the Cypress and Fir. we find evidence of stamens being constructed out of scales, which remain green in the former, with tour yellow anther cells al their base, but in the latter the whole scale is yellow. Now whence came petals.' Here we are on safe ground, for the Water Lilies illustrate the process ; as well, indeed, does the ordinary pro cedure in the production of double flowers, for we find the filaments widening and the anthers disappearing by degrees till a stamen is re] re- sented by a petal. What induces the change to arise? That the alteration is the result of a response to some external influence seems obvious, hut how Nature does it, is a question we cannot answer. There are two kinds of Stimuli. One follows on the visits of insects mechanically probing and irritating the flower in search of honey or pollen as food. The other consists of the ex- ternal physical conditions of water, soil, and climate generally. If it lie asked what flowers are the most primitive in type (apart from conifers), one would say such as the Ranunculus family, because the stamens and carpels are numerous and spirally arranged like leaves on a shoot, while entire fr lom prevails through- out the flower. Cohesion, i.e., union between the parts of the whorls, and adhesion. /.<.. union of different whorls, are entirely wanting. Both kinds of union are regarded as of a later or more advanced condition in flowers. Hence the usual order adopted in the classification of plants according to the natural system corre- sponds to a considerable extent with t1 • supposed order of their evolutionary history. Thus dicotyledons have four great groups of orders. The first has all the petals free; the next has the petals adherent to a honej secreting disc, called the receptacular tube ; the third always has the petals coherent into a tithe; while the fourth, called "incomplete, contains plants which are probably in all eases degradations from some members of the pre- ceding groups. They have no corolla at all. The next point to observe is that when petals were first made they were all alike in the same flower. The corolla is then called " regular," as of a Buttercup. Subsequently some became irregular, as Larkspur and Aco- nite, Salvia and Head Nettle, Snapdragon and Foxglove. The question arises. How did their changes come about, for all irregular flowers have undoubtedly descended from regular ones ; to which, indeed, they frequently revert, as in the terminal blossom of a spike of Larkspur, Foxglove, Horse Chestnut, Pelargonium, . To show the wide distribution of this tribe, not long ago a variety of the species was found growing on the Rocky Mountains of America, and is now known as America, having been sent to this country by the Harvard University. It is a very large open flower, crimson-lake in colour. The whole tribe are deserving of a more extended popularity than they have hitherto commanded. When we consider that they will endure with impunity 40° or more of frost, that the collection now consists of kinds bearing flowers almost as large as Hybrid Perpetuals, it seems inexplicable there is not a larger demand for them. It is true the type Rosa rugosa and R. rugosa alba arc being extensively planted in game preserves, and it is found that pheasants and partridges are very partial to the seeds and pulp which these Roses so freely produce enclosed in their handsome fruit. Plants of the white and rosy-crimson coloured variety may be quickly raised from seed sown as soon as ripe. A nice sheltered, well-drained bed of loamy soil in which some sand lias been freely incorporated would be all that is required. Sow in very shallow drills, keep the beds clear of weeds, and above all protect them from birds and mice. Perhaps two- thirds of the seedlings will be of the rosy-crimson variety even if the seed be sowed from R. rugosa alba : but should the latter form be most desired, plants may be propagated quickly by budding, or, better still, from layers put down in .July. These rugosa Roses are conformable to a variety of uses. but perhaps tin.- best manner they can be employed in is as hedge plants. Instead of planting so much Privet, one would beautify the garden or park far more delightfully with rugosa Roses than with thai malodorous shrub. Certainly these Roses are not evergreen, but their foliage is so attractive during summer and autumn, the bold green leathery leaves being unmarked by insect or blight, that the planter obtains ample recompense. There are numerous floral gems that require a sheltering hedge to screen them from cutting winds. What more suitable subjects are available than these rugosa Roses? They are the most accommodating of shrubs, flowering as freely if pruned hard as they will if left unpruned. I have seen the type funning a hedge fully N feet ill height, and a perfect picture when adorned with its numerous and showy fruits, which, by the way. make a g I conserve. As a background to the herbaceous border, the orange-scarlel of the fruit would give a tone of colour very acceptable in the autumn months when so much yellow abounds in the extensive Helianthus family. When planted as hedges, great watchfulness is necessary to see that the plants produce some new wood each year, otherwise the bottom part of the hedge will be devoid of foliage. A shrub loses a good deal of its attractiveness when it becomes bare of foliage and In. on lies towards the base. If a tall wall-like hedge is desired, a double row of bushes could be planted, which would enable the planter to prune tlie trout row rather severely, and thus hide the want of foliage of the back row, or the second row might consist .if tbe lovely single rather dwarf growing Rose Andersonii, whose glowing fruit in autumn would harmonise so well with its more vigorous companion. Perhaps some day our great railway companies will awaken to the fact that il is possible to beautify the banks abutting the iron roads which they con- trol with cheap flowering shrubs, and one of the iu.iio Lovely subjects for the purpose would be R. rugosa. For open spaces, recreation grounds, and such like places ,,ur corporate bodies would Hud in these Roses a shrub well suited to plant therein in conjunction with Lilacs, Weigelas, Ribes, Spinas. &c. As standards the double forms are a grand success on account of their great hardiness and ability to resist violent gales. One kind. Blanc double de Courbet, deserves special mention ; it is the purest snow-white flower possible to find among hardy shrubs. This would certainly be the variety above all others that I should recommend if asked to name the best rugosa Rose. Picture a great spreading head of grey, half-pendulous growths covered with thick, leathery, rich myrtle- green bunches of exquisite semi-double white flowers, and one can obtain some idea of the beauties of this Rose, but no verbal description can do justice to the wonderful formation of the pretty elongated buds which only need a little longer stem to make them commercially valuable to the florist, 'this variety is deserving of a conspicuous position on the lawn. Give it a good start by trenching the ground and affording some good lasting fertiliser, and it will lie an object of beauty for many years. One cannot expect tine showy flowers and fruit it the plants arc neglected. New wood must la- encouraged by cutting away old branches now and then before the plants start into growth, and in fact similar cultivation should be afforded as is given to what many consider superior Roses. A pretty cone-like mass of Blanc double de Courbet or Mine. 6. Bruant could be produced by planting a standard in the centre of a bed and about three bushes around it. The standard if possible should be double budded, with a space of 15 inches between each bud. An alternate plan would be to plant out a strong bush and when established layer thi'ee or four branches round, the layers, of course, remain- ing undisturbed. When necessary, a centre stake could be afforded to the older bush, so that in time a splendid pyramid of snow-white blossom would be the result. I am not sure that I care for the majority of double forms of Rosa rugosa which seem to be the aim of our hybridisers. That the flowers are more lasting cannot be denied, but we are in danger of losing one of the greatest charms this tribe has hitherto possessed, and that is their gorgeous fruit, and, moreover, there are double Roses galore in the Hybrid Perpetual and other groups. The only reasonable excuse for producing these double kinds is that we are providing the dwellers in the vicinity of smoky districts with a class of Rose which, by reason of its leathery foliage, smoke does not seem to harm, and its extraordinary hardiness may in some degree replace the Hybrid Perpetuals, many of which are not perfectly hardy. I have nothing hut praise for Blanc double de Courbet, but then it has its pure colour, fragrance. expanded shape, and thick petals to recommend it, and it is also a grand autumnal blooming variety. The double rugosas blossom rather earlier than the Hybrid Perpetuals. Last June the tine hedge of Mrs. Anthony Waterer at the back of the Rose dell in Kew Gardens was covered with a perfect mass of its rich crimson blossom simultaneously with many of the best single Roses, such as Rosa luteo. Carmine Pillar, macrantha, hispida. &c. If rugosa Roses would thrive well upon railway embankments, obviously they would do so by the margin of lakes, or upon the small islands formed in the centre of ornamental pieces of water; they would if upon their own roots hold their own in the wild garden, and would certainly grow under trees as well as the Scotch Roses if care were taken when planting that their roots were provided with a good depth of soil, and not placed too close to any strong-rooting tree. Until recent years rugosa Roses consisted mainly of dull, cloudy, magenta coloured varieties, excepting the whites. There is said to be more than one form of the original type, but I have never met with it. The profusi f yellow stamens in the single species is not the least of its many attractions; admirers of this group would warmly welcome a single form of rugosa with flowers as brilliant as Bardou Job or Gloire des Rosomanes. Atropurpurea has the appearance of being a niovi in this direction. A good yellow would also be much appreciated. I think with patience this might be evolved by cross-fertilising B. rugosa alba with R. hispida or R. lutea. There is in the March 10, 1900. THE GARDEN. 181 Kew collection a beautiful rich crimson single kind with a white centre, received from the Arnold Arboretum. The vagaries of hybridised Roses are very remarkable ; a similar cross to the above produced t he double form Mrs. A. Waterer. I als i saw at Kew an exquisite hybrid between R. rugosa and R. macrantha which had lovely clear pink single flowers and all the peculiarities in growth of R. rugosa. Another interesting hybrid from the Arnold Arboretum was one which resulted from a cross between K. Wichuriana and R. rugosa. It i> issessed the procumbent habit of the former and gave one the impression of being a creeping variety of a Penzance Briar. The colour was a soft rose, foliage leathery but glaucous, and wood very spiny. I thought it one of the loveliest single Roses in the gardens at the time of my visit. R. rugosa calocarpa has never in my opinion deserved the high encomiumsof the raiser whenitwas introduced. Perhaps in a drier atmosphere its fruits are more brilliant, certainly they are very abundant, but no larger, if so large as the hedge Briar, and they damp off so quickly in the autumn that a spray of fruit is invariably marred thereby. One of the finest kinds to grow, were fruit the sole con- sideration, is Souvenir de Christopher Cochet, but its flowers are very dull in colour. Delicata has been much admired ; it is a very continuous flowering single variety of a most beautiful delicate soft rose colour. Among the oldest of the semi- double and double kinds Mme. Georges Bruant is a very worthy variety ; although it does not produce seed-pods, its long Niphetos-like bud has accorded it a high position among garden Roses, and it should be extensively planted for its buds alone. It is a splendidly vigorous grower, equally adapted as a standard, pillar or bush. Mme. Georges Bruant was raised from a cross between R. rugosa and the Tea Rose Sombreuil. and was twelve years ago thought to be the commence- ment of a new race, but few have followed in its train. Belle Poitevine is a very free-flowering variety, in fact almost always in flower. Its sweet, double, rose-coloured blossoms are much brighter than the usual run of this colour among Roses. The three following take their names from Hungarian mountains. They an- really most interesting hybrids at present little known in England. Hargita has charming rich pink semi-double flowers not unlike a deep coloured Blairii No. "2, anil the wood resembles in its prickles and ruby colour that of the old Rose named. Tamogled is very double; the buds are large and of a bright pink colour. Jelina is showy, having large double reddish- carmine flowers and magnificent foliage. Thusuelda has splendid deep petals in colour not unlike the buff-pink Bourbon Queen. These last four Roses arc reputedly derived from crosses between R. rugosa or rugosa alba on the one side and yellow Tea Roses on the other. Schneelicht is an extra vigorous-growing kind with large snow-white H iwers and very thorny wood. Consul F. Meyer promises to become one of the most valuable of double rugosas. It has buds resembling La France, and the large flowers when fully developed have a likeness to Baroness Rothschild. A reference was made to this Rose in " Notes from a Swiss Nursery," which appeared in The Garden of ctober 7 Last. Fimbriata is one of those choice novelties found in nearly every tribe. Its pretty flowers, though small, are charmingly fimbriated like a Primula and are white in colour, shaded with the palest blush rose. It bears distinct traces of its parentage, having resulted from a cross between Rosa rugosa and the Hybrid Noisette Mme. Alfred Carriere, the wood resembling in a great measure that of the latter. It is not at all showy on the plant, but must lie cut and arranged to obtain the effect of its rare beauty, Mme. Charles Worth, although the last to name, is certainly not the least. As a decorative shrub it is grand, yielding as it does large bunches of semi-double rosy-carmine flowers which are, moreover, very sweet. Its foliage is also most attractive. Philomel. DAFFODILS UNDER GLASS. Shakespeare evidently had the kindly and patriotic trait which makes us attribute to all our English springs the graces which in stricter truth belong to only some of them. " When Daffodils begin to peer . . . why then . . . the sweet o' the year" is too often deferred sine die. February can be a most exquisite month : a month of broad, soft airs which make us inland think of the sea ; a month of reddening twigs and yellowing catkins, of cooing ringdoves and shoots up- breaking through the moist soil. Hut there has been little such amenity in the turn of the present year, at all events here in the uplands of North-west Hampshire. Even indoors the cool reflected light from the white expanse without gives to the rooms an uncomfortable and disproportionate look of too much ceiling. < hitside there has supervened an ebb and now of chilly rain and snow, slush and frozen slush ever since the deceitful gold of those indomit- able December Aconites inveigled us into the spring mood. A full month ago the Daffodils were pushing into sight with sturdy leaf wedges and here and there a green bud. But to-day in the third week of February not even the spears of [ris reticulata or the long-necked upon a time a neighbour's head gardener, an excellent man, though of the ancient grape, melon, and cucumber order, came to sec my Daffodils. After making the round of all my seedling beds and dwelling observantly on m\ chefs d'ueuvre, he took his leave in these words: " Well, all 1 can say, sir, is this : some of these flowers of yours deserve a pot ; they are well worth a pot, sir.' This eulogy was scarcely appreciated at the moment, but 1 understand now how encouraging it should have been. The old man had the eye of a life's experience — he has long ago passed away, 1 hope to the Paradisus of worthy gardeners- -ami knew the marks of a good flower from one important point of view. He meant that these Daffodils had been educated in size, symmetry, and colour to the rank of a florist's flower, a flower deserving ot a little portable gulden of its own. in which to be handled and fondled and turned about and set on a shelf for admiration or comparison with its rivals. Let no one scorn the notion as cramped and petty. The broader vision of profuse colour and form in our gardens resolves itself largely in its "ultimate analysis," into spike and cluster and solitary bloom which are our heritage from the restricted plodding of the florist proper. SEED-I.INi; BETWEEN THE WHITE Hour PETTICOAT AM' NARCISSI'S TKIANDRUS liBOWH IN A POT. buds of Crocus Lmperati can top the thick coverlet of snow. In such a season, when the skies have chalked up " Xo thoroughfare" everywhere on path and border, the most uncompromising outdoor gardener may gladly betake himself to a refuge and a foretaste of spring in his green- house. No one can out -believe me in the creed that the hardy plant, at large in free air, is lord and master of all. Nevertheless, my five or six score pots of Daffodils are yearly a delight in the inclement days of February and March, and serve to add some three weeks to the reign of my favourite flower. And there is here the least possible artificiality : indeed, the film of glass is almost all. Fire-heat is used either not at all or only just enough to prevent actual freezing. For perfection of growth, the leaves not drawn and the flowers not flimsy — Daffodils should never be forced — it is surprising how far they will outstrip their open-ground brethren by a mere exclusion of frost. My nostrum for successful cultivation can be put into few words. Plant in August in loam, leaf-mould, and burnt earth in equal proportions, never using larger than 7-inch pots. Plunge in ashes until the shoots appear, then keep in cold frames, the foliage close to the glass, until the buds are almost opening. For the pots I am inclined to apologise. Once The pleasure prepared in this little glass shelter, while the great outdoor Daffodil hosts are hanging back only pour mieux sauter presently with a rush, is twofold. First, there is this same close and affectionate florist's study of the points of the nobler individual blossoms — we can set each in the best light and at the best height. Every lover of Daffodils has been taught by plantations on Steep banks and by out bloom on a mantel- shelf that they look best on or about the eye- line. We can turn each to learn its features in profile, three-quarter and full face. Here are seven great ivory-white flowers of Mme. de (iraaff in one small pot. Their ample rolling back at the brim, as though she were lavish enough of her robe's costly material to give it an extra fold, is a sure sign of vigour. There need be no fear of growing quite precious bulbs in this fashion, for with the simplest craft of management they will be as happy next year in the open ground as if they had never left it. The secret lies in protection oi everyleal from injury after flowering and plenti- ful watering until they turn yellow. There is ceriums, smaller, but scarcely less lovely than Mine de (iraaff. In texture and tone its solid, drooping flowers arc suggestive of some white stone of jade-like consistency. The Leedsii kinds are no less beautiful under glass 1S2 THE GARDEN. March 10. 1900. than the white Trumpets, but the least tall of these, as also of the coloured incomparabilis, should be chosen for this use. Leedsii Minnie Hume has a purity it never attains to nut of doors — white, except the faintest possible tint in its fringed cup of a colour like the pale side of a Peach. The large, shallow crown of incomparabilis Princess Mary shows the same suffusion of rare cinnamon-orange which it draws from the salt breezes of Scilly, but entirely lacks in my garden. Here is the new bicolor Victoria, wonderful in size and sub- stance, a flower which seems quite to demand glass for development and clearing of its complexion. The glorious maximus, a I (affodil of pure wild blood, neither touched nor super- seded by the florist's hand, revels in the moist air of its glass case, and its meat Manned golden cups continue to swell for a fortnight after their first unfolding. stature of N. minimus, whose tiny flowers imitate in their variety nearly every form of the larger Trumpets, exposes it to battering and soil-splashing by every storm, and minor fares but little better. The little Pyrenean moschatus is most delightful of all to establish, and has a Nerine-like glitter as of diamond dust in the pure white of its throat. Certainly let all these be grown also in the borders on the chance of halcyon weather to beguile them with a counterfeit of their Spanish or Algerian homes. Rut meanwhile it is more comfortable to "gloat" over their perfections — to make use of my friend Mr. Ewbank's expressive verb — in the greenhouse than outside with apparatus of bell-glass ami mackintosh. Here is pallidas prsecox, no two of its flowers alike, but all taking on, in the calm of this retreat, a more refined refinement of their f* delicate tints of creamy straw. There are Tazettas — but enough is as good as a feast, door the air AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. CLEMATIS LOBATA INDIVISA N POTS. T The second delight, though the first in order of time, is the flowering in perfection of those ! and to-morrow when we open the smaller, early wild Daffodils which too often shall be as of mid-April, fail out of doors, or are missed by reason of GEORGE En what my man calls " scandalous " weather. Few things are more exquisite than a pan of the. frail white Hoop I'etticoat, or that other Corbulana of luminous pale citron. The humble 1LEHEART. HIS is one of the most useful of winter-flowering plants. It is easily grown and blooms when flowers are scarce. When planted out in the greenhouse it often gets attacked by mildew, and then it is almost impossible to keep it in health for any long period. The best way to grow this plant is in pots, putting them in 10-inch or 12-inch ones, and using a good rich turfy loam with plenty of drainage. About the middle of May stand lantsout of doors in a good open situation, securing them well to stakes and keeping the long shoots well apart, as they are a] it to get entangled. This causes unnecessary trouble in the autumn. When taken into the greenhouse during the summer 1 give the plants a liberal supply of manure water with a little soot. This helps them considerably. By the end of ( Ictober the plants will be covered with clusters of flower-buds, and they are then taken into the greenhouse, carefully trained to the rafters, and if given a little warmth, by the first week in January they will be a sheet of lovely white flowers, with the leaves of a dark green colour and quite free from mildew. After flowering, keep the house as cool as possible, and never ow the plants to be neglected. This Clematis is well worth all the labour that can be bestowed upon it. T. P. Field. Ashwellthorj)t Hull, Xonvick. The accompanying illustration was made un a plant in Messrs. Wm. Paul's nursery at Walthani Cross. A group of this beautiful [lower was shown by this firm at a recent meet ing of the Royal Horticultural Society. Eds.] SAXIFRAGA BURSERIANA. Hints on its Culture. In the autumn of |s:u 1 obtained good plants of this beautiful Saxifrage S. B. major, spring of 1895 and of its variety th flowered freely in the early mil the extreme delicacy and race of their white cup [ white shaped blooms made one feel that they were worth all possible care and attention. But for a long time after this first success I met nothing but disappoint incut. Both plants were near the top of a bank, formed by cutting a V-shaped trench to provide shelter for hardy Ferns. ] ■ - ,'.- V "SUMPS CLEMATIS INDIVISA LOBATA. ( From ii drafting by ll. <;. Mom i '#» March 10, 1900. THE GARDEN 183 They enjoyed the sun morning and evening during most of the year, but in winter the evening sun did not reach them, and they never had sun in the middle of the day. My first attempts to bring back the flowers were confined to carefully dividing the plants and to altering their positions upon the same bank. [t seems certain now that the blooms of 1895 were due to the tine condition in which the plants were received. But at first 1 attributed them to the suitability of the position, and was anwilling to change. It was not till the spring of |s!in that I gave lip the hope of flowers without some radical alteration, and moved the plants to an entirely different situation. In two respects the new position differs from the old. The Saxifrages now get no evening sun, but they are fully exposed from early morning to mill-day. They have the advantage of a deep, well-drained bed tilled with loam, made light by a liberal proportion of mortar and sand. At the back are rocks, and stones are freely distributed over the surface to prevent evaporation. It so happened that 1 paid a long visit to the rock garden at Kew last August, and devoted special attention to the Saxifrages. It was comforting to learn that even there S. Kur- seriaua had proved a very shy bloomer, and a helpful hint was gleaned by noticing that the spaces between the plants were thickly covered with a layer of small stones. When I next saw my own plants it was plain that their new quarters had already effected a change for the better. With good hope I applied the .-tone mulch I had learned at Kew. and eagerbj awaited the results. This time there has been no disappointment. Before the hard weather, winch commenced a fortnight ago and has broken up to-day (Feb. 15), S. B. major was in full bud, and one or two bloom- had opened The frost and snow have bruised the open Mower, but the buds are not only not injured, but they have developed considerably while out of sight under tin- -now. S, Burseriana itself is not nearly so far advanced, but it too is forming flower-buds and is full of promise. Until my plants have been a year or two in their new position I cannot claim to have leached any assured results : but I think I have found their secret in full exposure, _ 1 drainage, light soil, and a stone mulch. Co. Dublin. H. K. M. soul gazing silently from edge to edge of manifesta- the mind of colour and of form are of so diverse a tion. over the beautiful waves of phenomena to that nature ; colour seizes upon the floating emotions which is beauty itself." We listen to the great and enthralls them, but it is a higher part of the herons in the sunlit Scots Firs, and see the lights consciousness that recognises form : its appreciation and shadows o'er the Hat bogs of Erin, and again necessitates in part the intellectual. The savage we see the flash of Daffodils in the grassy meadows, who gazes with rapture at a glare of scarlet per- and breathe the fragrance of wild Hoses and Wood ceives not the Gothic lines ofhis own tree colonnades; Hyacinths ever fresh and fair. the colour forces itself by its so evident beauties The hook throughout is an exquisite collection upon the uncultivated mind, but the loveliness of of poems in prose, and one finds deep rich notes form is a quieter and a less apparent thing, which must lie sought by the finer understanding." struck in life's music- now reminding us of Words worth or again of Walt Whitman, hut always delicate and tender and true. The contents consist of ten short chapters under the titles of Fir Xeedles, Bog Pictures. The Music Making, The Voice of the Syrinx. Virginian Creeper, The River Be\ 1 the Mountains. Winter's Trees, A Creeper of tic Earth, In Autumn Weather, and Finis. All are most suggestive and charming, but thc-v should lie read under shady trees or in the garden during a summer holiday of ample leisure and peace. The scenes appear to be mostly laid in Ireland and Wales, but the spring, summer, and autumn aspects of tree and flower life touched upon will appeal to all those interested in gardens or in wild Nature any- where. In the chap- ter on Winter's Trees we are told that ••winter is the long Lenten fast of trees." Again, of " Weeping Birches with branches tineas a maiden's hair. and nun-like in then sweet melancholy keep vigil, perchance -,i\ genl 1" masses, over the graves "t thrushes grown tired of play : golden was the hair of the Birches hut a short time since, hut now it i- turned all grej with that watch- ing and weeping in the cold star shine" Speaking of perfume we arc told thai " In an October twilight the air seemed charged with ghostly frag ranees that arise and move wistfulh to and fro: these are In a word, " Faith Life" is a little hook thai will set the quiet reader thinking on many of t he Subtle mysteries of Nature as they exist in garden and field for all who have eyes to see and a mind alert to recognise the importance of apparent trifles, the nebula out of which all things delightful arc mail,'. F. W. B. The weather. A Weybridge correspon- dent, writing on February 27, says: "In many respects the weather this month has been very unusual. The rainfall has amounted to 4 '59 inches. Snow fell on the 2nd inst.. and did not entireh -Will; vc. v la RSERIAN'A W viol:. (Diinrn iii Kewby II. <■. .!/""„.; i hi 1 BOOKS. THE HARTH LIFE. N the star-emblazoned halls of the world. let deeni that lie is poor while lie take- to himself the heritage of the ages, and moves like a king in royal participation of the earth life, breathing its breath exhaled from grass and foliage, with the blood of Roses pulsing in his veins." lit ;dl thing- Nature is sufficient to itself, and man is either a rev. rent worshipper or an impudent and ignorant meddler in all life's highei mysteries. All the old nations had respect for the bounty of too.l. clothing, and the beauty of Mother Earth, ages before cultured Greece bowed the knee to Demeter. To love- aid reverence the earth lie- a- it were -it tin- v,i v deepest root of material things, and in i In- little hook one- may find oneself "catching i tie- floating veils of illusion that shimmer in the spray oi waterfalls and in glamorous tree-tops quivering between us and the sun." In its daintv line -cek- tin- thing behind, and sees the world grow strangely filmy and transparent with unreality, in the midst of which one stands, a naked " Tin Earth Life.' -' ftedwaj 1899, ouls of flower- but melt until February 19. The -now which fell on i'uclv'dead conic hack "to look for their petalled the 2nd and 13th nists.. when melted yielded dwellings For the scent of a flower is its little respectively 1 22 inches and 0"68 inch of snow soul differing from another even as the souls of water. A cold thaw set m on the loth, and halt an inch of rain fell. In the frozen state of the ground it was impossible for the water to run away : hence the Wev and the Thames became in a state ot flood. The Wev hurst its banks at 11 p.m. on the llitli. rose higher than within living memory, broke tin- Plough Bridge at Bvfleet, and did other considerable damage. The record for sunshine amounted to 35 hour- 2(1 minutes, registered on fourteen days." the bodies Eranthis eilieiea (Schott & Kotschy). 0£ trees and of men shall lay them down all Tow arils the- end of last autumn I received from a brotherh I ther in their common mother-soil, nurseryman at Haarlem a couple of dozen tubers and the 'colours of October leaves shall blend once of a plant under the above name, which he described more with the sunlit tints in auburn hair ; thus the in hi.- catalogue a- Icing larger and finer than F. wild-rose flush which we have loved may but pass hyemalis (the well-known Winter Aconite) and to brighten again in June hedges; for the joy of very early blooming. These are only now coming these unborn may glow inside tropic shells or throb into flower about the end of February, so that. across the dove colour of opals: it shall perchance compared with E. hyemalis. which bli is early in deepen the blush of a future dawn, or the latest January, thej cannot be said to fulfil their promise rosiest flush over -now peaks, after the sun ha- of extreme earliness. They are apparently very men: and as for these blossoms that are scentless, one must pity and he very tender— perhaps one day they shall have found a perfume." ( line again. " In the scent of Mignonette there is all the -wet lies- and all flu- sadness of life." and even when cold and snow have- done their worst in garden. wood, and field, yet still thereishope. "Nature in her love el ses'ever to take away weary things to ic-t deep-hidden for a time, tec mingle one with the •tin i for building up a newer life. Thus' By E. Longworth Dames- London : over -nc i\v i gone down. And -.. it come- forth in everlasting renewal, in the gladsomeness of youth, this pulsing lite oi th, body that is miscalled mortal, moving fair limbs in fulness of health and vigour, sparkling in laughter and smiling through its own April tears. to pass onwards for ever and for ever in ceaseless interchanging and blending with other forms." Here is a little hit on form versm colour thai will appeal to many readers: "The relations to free-blooming, as. though tin- tubers were by no means large, every one of them is producing one or more flowers. The flowers are of a hue bright shade of yellow and of a good cupped form, and make an exceedingly pretty edging to a small led in the spring garden, where perhaps their coining as a succession to the common kind may by many be considered an advantage. W. E. • .1 MCI, ETON. IS4 THE GARDEN. March in. 1900. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowing Seeds. WITH the break up of the frost, seed sowing in the southern parts of the country will need to be con- sidered. Of course it is early for this work on a large scale, but, on the other hand, it is well to make a start with such crops as the small early Radishes, Spinach, Lettuce. Turnips, and Carrots. Carrots take a longer time to germinate than many other vegetables: they should have a warm border for the first crop in the open, sowing such kinds as Early Nantes or Sutton's Early (Jem. Turnips should be sown in small quantities for an early supply, using such kinds as Extra Early Milan or White (Jem, the latter being of rapid growth, oblong in shape, and of great value for early supplies, as it does not run to seed in heavy soils i- do some of the flatter roots sown early. Radishes need so little soil as a cover when sown, that the land will soon be ready for this crop, and a warm sunny border will be suitable. The Earliest of All Radish is a remarkably quick grower with a very small top. There is no lack of good kinds such as the Forcing Turnip varieties and French Breakfast, (irowth is assisted by covering the seed bed at night or in cold weather with long dry litter or bracken. The Carter Spinach is a very early variety, and sown now on a south border will give good dishes at the end of May. Sow thinly and in good soil. Parsnips. The most approved mode of culture is to sow as early in the year as possible, so as to obtain a long season's growth, and it is advisable to do so as soon as the soil is in a workable condition. For exhibition roots large size is considered needful, and it is important that the roots be shapely, and though there arc but few varieties, and those mostly good, the best flavoured root is doubtless the new Tender and True, which is not so large as the older kinds, but the quality is excellent, and tic' root is of perfect shape and much whiter in colour than others. This vegetable is not always a favourite, but in hard winters it is valuable. For late supplies, that is from February to April, we ,n» much later than is often advised ; the roots grown thus are smaller, but 1 think they are more serviceable, as they are not so strongly flavoured, and, being quite hardy, may lie left in their grow ing quarters and lifted as required. If desired, they may be dug and clamped in the open, as it spoils the I- to house or store in a dry or warm place, for large roots the Student and Hollow Crown are reliable. They need ample room 15 inches to Is inches between the rows and half that distance between the plants. G. Wythes. Si/oh Hojtm Garden*, Brentford. FRUIT GARDEN. Vineries. A i tivit\ must prevail from now onwards through- out this section of the forcing department. In the early vinery, as soon as the setting period is past, reduce the number of bunches on each Vine rod to ;i fair crop, i.e., as many as each Vine can bring up to perfection in the gize and colour of the berries without unduly taxing it. The number of bunches left should depend on the size they promise to be ; \ ig Vines produce larger bunches andagreater weight of fruit than do oldei ones, and early forced Vines cannot carry so great a weight of fruit as those started later in the season. Thin the berries by the time they have attained the size of Radish seeds. This is tedious work and requires carefully doing, so as not to damage or dirty the remaining berries. The amount of thinning required depends upon the variety, and whether the berries will he large when ripe or not. Black Hamburgh may be made thinner than Foster's Seedling, and Madresfield Court more so than either on account of the closer habit of the bunch. All berries should have room to swell so that they are not wedged together when ripe, and yet they should be sufficiently close for the bunch. when cut and lying on a dish, to retain its natural shape. Berries may be left much closer on the top shoulders than on the lower part of the bunch, as they are so arranged that they fall back towards the main stem, which they hide more or less and give the bunch a compact, finished appearance. Clip out the small berries, leaving the largest. With these proper fertilisation has probably taken place, and the largest at this stage will be the same when ripe. The temperatures may range from 6.3° by night to To dm ing tin- day. with a rise of 10" from sun-heat. Ventilate cautiously to maintain a growing atmo- sphere without creating an inrush of large currents of colli air. Close early in the atternoon so as to shut in the sun-heat, and when the weather is mild put on a crack of ventilation at dusk to remain on for the night. Ventilate at the apex of the vinery only at this season. Once a day may suffice wdien it is dull for damping all bare surfaces, while four times is not too many when the sun is shining, particularly if the nights are frosty. Go over the Vines as often as once a week to pinch back laterals. In the case of Vines in flower, a drier atmosphere is favourable to free setting. Maintain this by increasing the amount of warmth in the pipes and giving more ventilation. Every day about noon give each Vine rod a few sharp raps with the hand, which will have the effect of fertilising the flowers. Damp only on very fine days, and then in the afternoon. Disbud Vines lately started as soon as it can be seen which shoots show fruit, leaving shoots that show good bunches and those nearest the base of the spin's. This applies where only one shoot is required from each spur. Where the latter are further apart on the rods two shoots may be required : in this case leave the one that shows the best bunch and the other nearest the base. When tlie shoots have grown to one or two haves beyond the bunch, nip out the point ; whether one, two. or even three leaves beyond depends on the distance between the rods, but guard against crowding ihe foliage. Prevent the shoots getting damaged in growing against the glass of the roof by drawing them partly down to the trellis, more or less according to the strength of the shoot, and finally tying them to the trellis when they have reached a tougher stage. Suitable temperatures lor Vines with young shoots beginning to grow arc about 55° at night and 60c in the day, gradually increasing them as growth advances until the flowering stage and the temperatures mentioned above are reached. Damp down as often as circum- stances demand. Start late Vines into growth by closing the ventilators and applying heat to keep up a night temperatureof50°. Takead vantage of theassistance ,,t sun-heat bj closing early, ami syringe the rods once or t \\ ice daily until grow th is on the mine. Examine the soil of borders, and where it is approaching dryness afford a liberal supply of tepid water, civ ing it when the soil is less dry where lie fruit is swelling, but guard against watering while in flower bj doing it a week beforehand. Hatfield Houm Gardens. (I. Norman. [NDOOB GARDEN. Ferns. February is a g 1 month in which to pot or replant the various Ferns, as they will then make their growth in the various receptacles, be they pots in an ordinary house or pockets in a rockery, to which they are transferred. The immediate effei t of tilling up blanks in rockeries at this time ol yar may not be so good as may be had b\ planting specimens in full growth later on. but the after results are better in all ways. When plant- ing Ferns for effect it is well to mix with them some of the hardiest of the Rex Begonias, the propagation of these being simplicity itself, as single lea\es taken off with an inch or 2 inches of stem, which may be pushed into a little soil in any available fissure, root freely and form plants from the base of the leaf, such plants being more com- pact than those which have been struck elsewhere and potted up in the meanwhile. The Selaginellas, too, should be attended to, replanting where neces- sary short pieces of the growth tips, thus getting rid of the older stems, the decay of which often causes the whole growth to fog off. Many of the Acliantums which are to be used for pot wank may have all the growth cut away before splitting them up or repotting them in larger sized pots. This would be bad for many things, but the closer growing Adiantums of the cuneatum t\ pe appeal to grow away all the more freel}' for the cutting. provided it is done before man}' of the new fronds get into a forward state. For almost all Ferns a mixture of half fibrous loam and half good peat, mixed with enough sand to keep the whole free and open, will be suitable, but for the delicate rooted kinds some finely broken brick and charcoal mixed in as well will be found useful. HlPPEASTRUMS will now be pushing their flower-spikes, and those which are showing must be brought out from their winter quarters and stood on the stages in a light house. They may be grow n very well under ordi- nary treatment for garden purposes without using plunging beds, the only difference in treatment being that plants so grown should be potted after they have flowered instead of potting them while dormant in mid-winter. Keep up a nice genial atmosphere in the house, which may lie kept at a minimum temperature ranging from 55° to 65Q, according to the time w hen flowers are wanted to be at their best. The plants should stand on a moist bottom and not on the open lattice stages with which houses are frequently furnished. Carnations. The early autumn-struck batches of Malmaison Carnations should contain many plants thai ought now to be potted on. using 5-inch pots for the majority, though the very strongest may go into 6-inch pots The backward ones should be left undisturbed for a few weeks longer, as nothing is gained by potting on before the plants are icady. Early-struck winter-flowering Carnations may be removed from the propagating house and hardened slightly to prepare them for potting. Anthuriums. Root action will now be getting very active, and as Anthuriums of the Scherzerianum section are i n ■ i s 1 1 \ surface rooting, it is advisable to add a little fresh material in the shape of fibrous peat a id loam, interspersed with some lumps of charcoal and here and there a little Sphagnum Moss. The spathes now showing freely make it necessary to increase the water supply to the roots, but in tins individual plants will vary greatly, according to their activity of growth. -1. C. Taixack. Shipley Hull Gardens, Derby. FLOWED GARDEN. Pruning Roses. 'In i. pruning of Roses should now s 1 lie taken ill hand; indeed, in mild seasons in the south-west the end of February is none too soon tor com mencing this operation. Amateurs as a rule prefer that their plants should produce a plentiful supplj of llowers rather than a few show blooms for the exhibition table, and therefore need not prune so hard as is necessary where production of the latter is tin- object in view. All bush Roses should have the dead wood and spindly growths in the centre cut away : weak -hoots should be shortened to half their length, while the stronger may be allowed to retain two thirds of their growth. In the case of some specially weak growers harder pruning is advisable, since they lack sufficient vigour of constitution to perfect a quantity of bloom, and it is therefore necessary to direct what energy they possess to a limited amount of growth. Strong-growing Roses, such as those generally employed for covering walls and trellises, should, in the majority of cases, have had the greater part of the flowering wood cut out after it had perfected its crop of flowers in the preceding summer in March 10, muo. THE GARDEN. Is;, order that it* place might be taken by the strong shunts thrown up during the season, which come into bearing the following year. This cutting out is. of course, unnecessary where the wall or trellis is but meagrely clothed, as in such a ease ample room is afforded for the young growths to be laid in amongst the old without undue crowding. Some Roses, such as Reve cl'Or. should be but sparingly pruned, t lie growths being re-arranged and laid in as far as possible instead of lieing cut out, since extensive pruning encourages growth at the expense of flowers. Propagating Summer Flowers. .Many di rative plants that are indispensable for brightening the Hower garden during the summer and autumn months, but which are of insufficient hardiness to exist during the winter in the borders, are usefully propagated during the early spring. <>t these, tuberous Begonias occupy a foremost plaee. Seed should be sown in well-drained pans of light, porous compost surfaced with finely sifted sand and leaf-mould, the seed being sprinkled on the top of the soil. A pane of glass should be placed nver the pan, and this kept in a temperature of 65°. The handsome (annas may also he raised from seed, which should he snaked fur twenty-four hours in tepid water and then sown in light, porous soil in a temperature of s.~i . Seeds of plants useful for sub-tropical beds, such as Acacia Lophantha, certain of the Solanums, Eucalyptus globulus, Zea Mays variegata, Ricinus Gibsonii, and like subjects, may also be sown in heat, while Petunias. Verbenas, Marguerite Car- nations, Campanula pyramidalis, and other showy border plants may lie propagated from seed. Dahlias of the Cactus and decorative sections, to which our autumn gardens owe their chief bril- liancy, may be increased by placing the tuberous roots in heat, removing the young shoots when a few inches long with a little heel and potting them up, growing them on in heat and planting out in the early summer. Another plant that well repays, by the depth of its colouring, any little labour involved in increasing the stock is Salvia patens. whose beautiful blue is scarcely rivalled by that of the Gentian. This may he propagated in the same manner as recommended fur the Dahlias, the young growths starting from the old roots making good plants fur putting out if taken off anil gruwn on in heat, while the routs eventually form more shoots in the plaee of those taken off. This plant may also be increased by sowing seed in heat at the present time. S. \V. F. ORCHIDS. MlI.TONIA VEXILLAK1A. The favourable change in the outside conditions lias had considerable effect mi the plants inside our Orchid houses, and much of the work which has been delayed will require early attention. The treatment of the above species, which I have found to he most successful, differs considerably from that which is generally adopted. The principal differ- ence in the mmle oi culture is in the season of repotting tin.- plants. The month of September is generally advised for this operation. I hail been for many years under the impression that the autumn was not altogether the most suitable season lor this operation, hut. following the advice of those whom I considered more experienced than myself. I did not like to risk so radical a change as to defer repotting until the spring. When entering upon my present charge, the usual potting of this species had not been done, and I had thus an opportunity of putting my own ideas into practice, and my method has proved in every way satisfactory. It will be found that the principal rooting season of M. vexillaria is at the time when tin* new pseudo- bulb is about to he formed. If carefully observed, new roots will found to he forming in quantity all around the base of the new growth. This is the I"-! indication that tie- potting season has arrived, and should receive attention before the roots have become too far advanced, or they are liable to be injured in the operation of repotting. If done at this stage the new mots quickly establish them- selves ii, the new material, and no ill-effects are experienced when the flowering season arrives. Our plants are more forward than usual this season. and the roots being freely emitted, they are now receiving attention. The potting compost should he of a very light nature ; we use two parts chopped living Sphagnum Moss to one part fibrous peat. The pots should be just sufficiently large to contain the plant comfortably without crowding the old roots, and should he two-thirds tilled with clean broken crocks. Shake the plants out of their old pots and carefully remove the old potting material. Cut away all dead roots from the base of the old bulbs. The newly developing growths are usually produced from the axils of the lower leaves at the base of the preceding season's growth. These leaves which ensheath the new growth generally decay when or just before rooting com- mences, and in case they have not decayed, and are likely to imprison the roots and interfere with their action, they should be removed, at the same time taking care to remove all dead and decaying matter that may he about the base of the plants. Take care that the base of the new growth is raised level with the rim of the pot, press the material moderately firm and slightly mounded towards the centre. After repotting give a thorough watering with rain water, using a moderately coarse rose on the water-can. Arrange the plants in position so that they may be placed within reasonable distance of the glass to prevenl weakening the growths through being drawn. Shade carefully from direct sun rays in bright weather until the plants become re-established. when more liberal treat- ment may he afforded, and a* soon as the tlow er spikes make their ap- pearance an abundant supply of moisture is required at the roots. The night temperature now should not be allowed to fall below 55°. Keep the house moderately close for a few days after repotting, hut when the roots get hold of the compost, free ventilation may be afforded as soon as the temperature reaches 58°. The atmosphere in bright weather should be liberally charged with moisture, the damping being done sufficiently early to permit the moisture to evaporate before evening. The smaller growing section which flower later in the season do not commence rooting usually before April, and their repotting may he postponed until then. The lovely M. v. superba belongs to this section, also M. v.' Leopoldii. These should not be disturbed until root action commences, but more liberal treatment as regards moisture at the roots should be afforded. Place the last-named varieties in a position near the glass. I find that they do best when suspended. H. J. Chapman. beautiful than the subject of the illustration and its near relative. Z. pulverulenta ; and no flowering shrubs of modest growth are more desirable, where garden ground or. still better, wild garden spaces present conditions favourable to theii well-being. They thrive in moist, peaty earth, and accord most pleasantly with the wild Heaths. Whortleberry and Mosses that in such soils form the natural undergrowth. The flower oi Zenobia speciosa is a handsome spike, more fully set with the waxy white bells than perhaps any other of the Andromedas, and the individual bells are of more solid texture. This beautiful shrub is also known as Andromeda cas- sinicfolia. and is one of the most distinct and charming'of^the entire race. ZENOBIA SPECIOSA. ZENOBIA SPECIOSA. OJF the large class of hardy flowering shrubs, broadly known as Andromeda, and for the most part natives of North America, none are more THE FLOWER GARDEN. HARDY PLANTS IN POTS. IT litis always been a mystery to me why some amateur does not take up the cul- tivation of early-flowering hardy plants in pots and show us what they are capable of doing. Year after year we see many of mil- choicest gems struggling against frost, snow, and torrents of rain, such as we are now experiencing, or icy blasts and parching drought such as we have suffered from in recent springs. As long as they do nut absolutely die we let them fight it out with the elements, and in most years lose a great part, if not all, of their beauty. The late Mr. Atkins, of Painswick, who was my first pupil in horticulture, and who 1S6 THE GARDEN. March 10. idiki. knew how to grow hardy plants as well as anj man 1 have ever known, often said that if people would give the same time and skill to hardy plants as they do to Orchids or florists' flowers, they would often be better rewarded; and though many of them want considerable experience to grow them well in pots, thej are worth the trouble. I never knew the real beauty of Anemone Pulsatilla, an indigenous plant here, till 1 potted a good plant raised from seed. There must have been 150 flowers all out at once in a 10-inch pot and far finer flowers than usual. Saxii'raga Stracheyi, S. ligulata, Primula denticulata ami other Hima- layan ami Japanese plants, such as Epiniedium macranthum, are far more interesting and beautiful ornaments for the house at this season than the everlasting round of Hyacinths, Tulips, Cinerarias, and Primulas, which too often fill the greater part of our greenhouses. Corbularia alba, Tecophylaea cyanocrocus, and many of the smaller and more delicate spring bulbs are also excellent pot plants when properly managed. 1 shall be glad if anyone can tell me how to manage the hue varieties of Japanese Iris in pots. 1 cannot grow them out of doors, but have not yet discovered whether they can be mown in pots of moderate size. H. .1. Elwes. Cole&bovne, Gloucestersniri . THE CARNATION. .\ noted florist writes to iiic about the Carnation. By tlic word "florist" f mean an amateur who cultivates the favourite garden flowers such as the Auricula. Tulip. Pink. Carnation, &c. The Carnation, to the florist, includes the bizarres, flakes, and Pieotees ; these my good friend terms i he classic forms. My friend's words are important as showing the mind of the true old flutist on this question. He writes, "I could not bear to grow any but the classic forms that make the flower to me. I do not think that these could ever vie in border effect with the self s (and the fancies perhaps), but then the object of the two divisions is different. In the olden time we did not grow for bordcrings anil el umpings. and other devices that were a! linn besl afar nil. Our delight was in the intrinsic separate properties of each single flower.'1 The old florists (anil there are many net so vet y old) have a stanilanl nf excellence for the Carnation ami Picotee. The Carnation, whether it be a bizarre or flake, must : up to this standard. The ground must lie pure white, ami if a scarlet bizarre, the colours an- scarlet ami maroon laid mi in flakes ami -tripes. The crimson bizarre has also two colours, crimson anil purple en a white ground. flu' pink bizarres are pink anil purple. The flakes have a white ^i id marked with one colour only; they are of three colours, purple, scarlet . and rose. The Pieotees have also a pure white ground with the petals margined with red, purplr, ruse or scarlet. The above defines the florist's type nf a Carnation. Of course the flower must lie of good form, I he petals broad and of good substance, a smooth, not a serrated margin, and the flowers holding up their heads boldly mi Stout stems. This wasan important point in the early half of the present century, ami a hurst calyx was a disqualification. The late Mr. E. S. Dodwell, a keen Carnation fancier, informed me that he was one of the first amateurs who suggested showing dressed flowers on cards. I am not sure about the date, hut it must have been about the year 1850, earlier rather than later. Before that time the stem of the Carnation was inserted in a long slender tube ami stood up boldly above the mouth nf the tube, ami in this condition it was placed on the exhibition table. The National ' 'a i nation ami Picotee Sociel j lias, amongst other good things, provided classes for ( larnaf inns shown as they are cut from the plants ; moreover, it has improved on the old system nf showing nj putting (he foliage nf the Carnation with the flowers. Thej are, oi course, still exhi- bited as heretofore on cards, ami many persons think that the flakes ami bizarres are mosl effective in this way. Certainly the beautiful markings nf these lovely Carnations are shown to the best advantage on cards. I am well aware that many amateurs do nol like to see cards used with Carnations at all, hut that is no reason why they should nut lie so exhibited now. as they have certainly been fur half a century. ( 'arualiun growers are now preparing to repot their plants, or to plant them in the open ground. The soil should he prepared anil be in good condi- tion before potting. The flower-pots also should be chan anil dry. Sufficient drainage of potsherds should be placed in the bottom oi the puts, and uver the drainage some turf fibre to prevent the linei particles of soil from mixing with the drainage. A very g I compost fur Carnations consists of gunil fibrous loam, and if the loam is what may he termed sandy loam, do uot add any sand, but a little mortar rubbish and a sixth part of leaf-mould. Pounded oyster shells may he used ill small quantities, say a quart to a barrow-load nf compost. It is desirable to pot firmly. Even in making a remark of this kind one is not always clearly understood. I instructed one of my men to pot the Carnations firmly, and he pounded the snil su much that the plants were forced out of the soil. Amateurs entirely ignorant of gardening matters often take up the culture of Carnations, and although they may lead papers written in Till': GABDEN and elsewhere for their instruction, it is easy to make a mistake owing to lack of practical knowledge. One of the must instructive writers on gardening matters was the late Mr. Thomas Baines, ami he gave instructions in one nf his papers as to the quantity of artificial manure to place on the surface of a 15-inch pot as a stimulant. It is well known amongst gardeners that this is a flower-pot 15 inches iii diameter, inside measure, but Mr. Baines informed me that an amateur who attended to his own plants hail followed his advice, and complained that the dressing had killed his plants. He had measured round the outside of the flower- pot under the rim, anil used the amount of manure recommended to surface-dress a -U inch pot. It is easy fur an amateur tn write tu the editor for advice when any detail is nut well understood rather than to risk failure by following out instruc- tions in the wrong way. After the plants are repotted they may be put into the garden frames again for a lew weeks. If frames arenoi available, they may at once be placed out iii tl pen garden, hut in that case it would lie better not tn repot them until the middle nf March, or even April. Heine ti,L. owner of a huge collection, the repotting nf the plants extends over a considerable period, ami I continue repotting well into May, bul the late potted plants do not produce layers su freely as those done early. The < 'oi on loni as a border plant is held in high estimation in most gardens, ana many of us exclaim with Perdita, "The fairest flowers nf the garden a in' Carnations." Like the Rose, I he( larnation is a good uhl English flower, ami charms us with its sweetness anil beauty. It deserves one of the best positions in the garden, and when well culti- vated u'liT tiiU I give satisfaction as a hauls border plant. It likes a rich deep snil ami lie careful hand of the gardener, Some people say their snil is not adapted to the culture nf Carnations. I can only reply that I have cultivated the Carna- tion in all classes of snil. and never failed to gro^ the plants well. In light gravelly snil in a i\i\ districf the plants need attention as tu watering in summer, and the layers should lie put down as si as they are reaily. If is easy also In gel a little good loam oi a clayey nature tn mix with the light snil a spadeful would be sufficient fortw ■ three plants. I prefer In plant three strong layers of Carnations in one clump, and i or two spadefuls of suitable yellow Loam placed around the roots will fun n an ample root-run fur the three plants for one season. This, of course, is nut necessary unless the snil is unsuitable. In snil adapted to Carnations nothing is needed except deep working of the snil to a depth of 18 inches or 2 feet. In new snil this depth has tu he reached gradually by digging or forking up the subsoil withouf throwing it on the -in l he [f manure is plentiful, some of it may he mixed in with this subsoil. fur the last six or seven years I have been breaking up fresh snil in this way: the system answers admirably fur Carnations ami all classes nf flowers, fruits, ami vegetables that relish a generous deep snil. The ground has been under grass for generations, ami we line off an opening fur the trenching '-' feet li inches wide : a good spit is taken out and all Un- loose earth : the bottom is then well dug up, so that with the tup spit and the loose earth taken out this digging loosens the soil to the depth of Is inches, hut the bottom part is left at the bottom, and if some g 1 manure is mixed up with it the roots work freely into it. If this lower S inches were put on the top and what was previously the surface turned to the bottom, a failure of the crop the first year would be the result. Trench as deep as you can. hut work the subsoil into the upper portion gradually, that is a few inches each time of trenching. It is always sale to put a few handluls of potting soil around the roots of each plant, pressing it down firmly. Three plants together in a border have a better effect than one. For borders and clumps selfs are best. By the use of this class a mass of crimson, purple, or bluish purple (as in Bendigo), scarlet, rose (deep or pale), yellow, butt, white, blush, etc. is obtained. I do nut think any of the striped, flaked, or edged flowers should be planted in masses, hut as individual plants, or three together, in borders tu he admired, as for their beauty and sweetness they are unsurpassed. Before this paper appears in print it will lie time to sow Carnation and Picotee seed. March is the lest month, as under careful treatment every plant will produce masses nf bloom the following season, that is in 1901. Sow in a little heat, prick the seedlings out in boxes, and they are ready to plant nut in Ma\ ur June. It is also the time for repotting, ami here, as in the border, the best offeel is obtained by three plants in a pot 8^ inches in diameter. In the flower-pots a size smaller two plants will he enough, unless they be small, when three maj he put in. I may finish this too lengthy paper with a few hints about tree or winter-flower- ing Carnations. Get flic cuttings or slips in as early as possible. Now is the time to strike the plants in order that flowers may be obtained at Christmas. The cuttings should he given a little bottom-heat, and the temperature of the propa- gating house should he about 55", certainly nut less thai i 50°. The cuttings form nice rooted plants in about three weeks, when they may be removed from i he propagating frame and he inured to a more airy house. Put nil singly into small flower-pots, and as the plants increase in size ami vigour repot when necessary. The plants produce the best blooms in 6-inch flower-pots. J. Douglas. XICOTIAXA SYLVESTRLS. In comparatively few of the numerous seed lists which reach one at this time of year do I find this recently introduced Nicotiana. How it nomes that a plant nf this importance, alike valuable for the sub-tropical garden and hardy border, should receive tardy recognition 1 am at a less in under- stand. It was shown at least twice last year at meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, ami received an award nf merit. Unlike Nicotians atlinis, this plant produces large heads nf bloom which remain open all day. 1 would advise all who want a distinct new plant not to fail to otiler a packet of seed this spring. .1. T. Bbnnett-Pok. SOME OF THE RARER SHRUBS AND CLIMBERS. As my text is about •'flowering shrubs ami climbing plants, 1 think I must next say a word about Abutilon vitifolium, which takes high rank wherever it does well. 1 have two varieties of it. and both were given to me by the late Major Gaisford. So far it has done quite well in my garden, though I fear it is not very long lived, and certainly it needs protec- tion when the weather is cold. Mr. Nicholson says in his "Dictionary" that it is not a fast March 10, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 1*7 grower, but he does nut live in the Isle of Wight, for here 1 think it responds to the conditions uniler which it is growing very quickly indeed. It considerably overtops the wall against which it is placed, and it would reach to a greater height still if it were not for the wind. Fertile iest of my "flowering shrubs and climbing plants" 1 think names must in a meat measure suffice. Magnolias should never he forgotten where objects "f great interest are desired, and the following may lie recommended with safety : M. conspicua, from China, which mows to a great size, and is a very handsome hardy deciduous tree : M. Soulangeana, which is pro- bably a hybrid between M. conspicua and southern garden. It is a pretty Australian composite, and its small whitish Aster-like flowers make it look as though it were all covered over with snow in the month of July. Several Hoses are of course to be recommended. Rosa gigantea seems to lie worthy of its name, though it has not been so kind to me in the way of flowering as it is to its possessors in Cannes. Rosa sinica is too recent an introduc- tion forme to speak about it with any certainty as of use in the Isle of Wight. All that I can say is that it seems to lie passing through this winter successfully, and if it does half as well here as I saw it performing last spring in the south of France 1 shall he glad that T have it. years against a wall with a western exposure. It grew to such a large size and did so well from every point of view, that .Mr. Noble, of Ascot, who happened to see it, declared that it must he the finest in the kingdom. But its end was a miserable one. I noticed one very hot day. cither in July or August, that the sap was exuding from the stem and trickling down in rather plentiful streams; the leaves were also beginning to curl up, and "unhappiness" was written on my shrub in a very evident manner. In a very few days it was' all over with it, and sunstroke had done its work beyond all chance of repairing. As 1 have no wall in my garden with an eastern exposure, 1 planted another CLIMBERS croN THE OLD ABBEY WALL. BATTLE. NKAK BASTINGS. M. obovata; M. stellata, from China ; M. Lenne, which is a hybrid and has large Mowers of a rosy-purple colour; and M. parviflora, from Japan, which is certainly hardy in this part of the world and a great favourite of mine. Piptanthus nepalensis is a sort of evergreen Laburnum with bright glossy green leaves and abundance of showy flowers. ( 'arpenteria californica must not be passed over; when in bloom the pure white flowers, resembling those of the Japanese Anemone, render it of -iv.it beauty. ( laryopteris mastacanthus, from ( Ihina, is certainly of great value because of the late season of the year when it is accustomed to blossom. Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, though rather tender, should have a place in any Vitis Coignetiae and Vitis humulifolia are both included in this place. The former for its vividly bright red foliage in autumn ; the latter foi- its very pretty berries, which are of a pale china-blue colour and marked all over with dark specks. ( )f course the above do not comprise anything like the number of flowering shrubs which can be recommended for a warm part of the world, and there are many others besides them, but I think those which I have named are amongst the best I possess, and the others may be taken for granted. Let me just mention two that have done well here for a long time, but which, alas ! are now lost to me. I had a very fine specimen of Fremontia californica for many Freinontia against the vestry of St. John's Church, and this seemed to prosper for a time, but its fate was as bad as its predecessor's, though in quite a different manner. I did not return from the Continent last year till April had come, and my gardener becoming impatient uncovered the shrub before the east winds had departed : it was stricken by a cold blast, and very soon perished. Still, 1 feel sure that under more favourable circumstances I could pilot FreiiH mtia californica through all its difficulties, and that it would again do well in my hands. It should never be exposed to a western sun in the Isle of Wight, and must be protected against strong east winds while it is young. There is another fine shrub which is much hardier than ]HH THE GARDEN. [March 10, 1900. is generally supposed, and which deserves a word of mention in this place. I refer to Lagerstroemia indica, which is lost to me through my own fault. Sour- years ago 1 was paying a visit t<> Major Gaisford at Offington, and of course 1 inspected the garden with the greatest attention and care. He said to me, "Come along here ami I will show von something with which 1 am sure you will be pleased." He then took me into the little inner garden, where so many treasures were kept, and there he pointed out a tine specimen of Lagerstroemia indica which was in full blossom at the time. Unfortunately, I was far from being pleased with what 1 saw. The shrub was delightful and unite worthy of his strongest commenda- tion, but 1 saw in a minute that I might have liad just the same in this garden if 1 had not been so impatient about it. Lagerstroemia indica had been in-Major < laisford's hands for a long time before it blossomed, and so it had I n in mine, and to all appearance it was doiiu very well indeed. Perhaps it might have blossomed the very next year if I had not cut it down and thrown it away. It was a lesson to me which I have never forgotten, that I should not despair about shrubs. Canon Ellacombe says something of this in The Garden of February 10 about Clerodendron trichotomum. Lagerstroemia indica is a beautiful object, and Mr. Robinson writes in his hook on greenhouse and stove plants that it is quite different in appearance from any other plant with which lie is acquainted. I have just taken a run round ni> garden, and I see there are still several other things which deserve a word of mention by me, but thej must he taken foi -ranted. Let me only give just a few names, [ndigofera decora, Pterostyrax hispidum, Abelia rupestris, Exo chorda grandulora, Berberis stenophylla, Lonicera fragrantissima, Lapageria alba and rosea, Rhynchospermutu jasminoides, Des- Hum penduliHorum. Ohoisya ternata, &c. St.John's,Ryde,I.ofW. H. Ewbank. THE FRUIT GARDEN. AMPLE BESS POOL. HIS is a very old kind, and one mil often una w itli. but it lias much to recom- mend it. especially where good late T Apples air in demand. It is excellent t.a- in iking, or may lie used for dessert. ■*■ 'I'll.- fruit is long and pointed, above average size, ami deep red. After being kept for some time it turns a yellowish red, and is in use from February t" April. Its greatest fault is that it is a shy bearer in .. young state, but those planting an orchard will he wise to plant two or three trees of this kind. It is an upright grower, and when it comes into bearing, crops enormously. S • thirty years ago there used i" I"' some tine trees in an orchard at Eedsor Park, Maidenhead. Has anyone tried this grafted on the broad-leaved Paradise stock.' •'■ CROOK. PLUM POND'S SEEDLING. THIS is a tine useful kind, ami when in full bearing the crop is most profitable, as it commands a ready sale if in g I condition when placed on the market. This, as well a- Victoria, dors grandly on north walls, and frequently here escapes frost, while it is destroyed in other positions or on trees in the open. This I saw an example of last Sep- tembei when paying a visit to Sherbrook Park, i. On a high wall. U feet or 16 feet high, were growingtwo large trees, which were covered with large fruit. ■'. ( . Chard. GUMMING ON FRUIT TREES. What is known as gumming on fruit trees is practically confined to those producing stone trait. Peaches, Nectarines, Plums. Apricots, Cherries, and Almonds arc all prone to it. ami the intelligent cultivator dreads its appearance on the trees named almost as much as an outbreak of canker in the Appl chard. Fortunately, however, it does not spread rapidly from tree to tree as canker does, though it is equally difficult to eradicate when once it puts in an appearance. Is gumming really contagious? Some authorities aver that it is so. and that tin- exudation contains spores of a fungus which under certain conditions increase rapidly, and do not remain on one tree. So far. our experi- ence does not lead to this conclusion, as we have known one Peach tree badly attacked for years, while the adjoining tree whose branches met those of the diseased one remained perfectly free. Its appearance at times is most puzzling, even to experienced growers, as. knowing what conditions are likely to produce gumming, measures are taken to avoid or combat it. This is not so, however, with the amateur or young gardener. The latter especially often undertakes the management of a valuable lot of trees either growing against walls in the open or under glass. A few errors on his afforded as the trees require it. Deep rich borders .if loose formation and overcharged with manure encourage soft strong shoots which seldom become matured bj autumn. With outdoor trees such unmatured w I is easily injured by frost, ami it- effect is readily noticed the following spring, first of all by the discoloration of the hark, forming patches of nil hcie and there. These eventually turn black, the hark dies, and this is generally followed by the exudation of gum. From this it would appear that the sap vessels having been ruptured, strangulation at that point results, and the growth above, being cut off from further support, perishes. With strong growing trees then we would advise that they lie lifted and the roots | re-arranged, bringing the latter nearer the surface. Place fresh strong loam about them, the only addition required being old mortar, and then ram the whole firm. Although, as pointed out, gumming may lie the result in the first instance of indifferent root action, coupled with what may In- termed frost-bite, it generally follows wounds or abrasions of the hark. How do these abrasions occur'.' Seeing the evil which follows, how careful one should lie in avoiding them. A perfectly trained tree always reflects credit on the man in charge. u II and young gardeners generally take a par- donable pride in such interesting work : but in securing some of the branches in the desired position a certain amount of strain is necessary, and it is here that £}' 1 | [ m( the utmost care must be taken to avoid undue pressure on any part sufficient to K\yjJ damage the hark. A '-if \ // wound to the latter \A /' \4f is easily produced by the use of shreds that are too short, and which will not allow for tlie free swelling of the various shoots for at I \ 11" K \ least a year. No part of the tree should ever be allowed to press hard against the brickwork. Young trees should always he planted so that the base of the K \ II. EFFECTS 01 WIRE AM' TIGHT SHREDS. stem is at least li inches from the wall ; part in the cultural details may lead to much then should any of the main branches or any trouble, if not the total loss of valuable trees, portion of the stem, owing to curves or bends, through the excessive exudation of gum from the come too near the bricks, they should have the main stem or branches. As many will lie employed hark protected by placing a wedge of cork where fur the next tew weeks in the important work of the pressure exists. Many condemn the use of pruning and training these fruit trees, a few remarks i strained wire on walls for training purposes, as 1,1 hearing upon some of the causes of the evil referred to may prove useful. We say '■ some" of tin- causes, because it is cer- thc wire and the eyes or studs through which it is laced prove so harmful to the hark. In these gardens there is something like a quarter tainly not confined to one. Among others, one of a mile run of Peach walls, of which half is furnished the most fruitful sources is the too free use of the j with wires, and for the rest we use shreds and knife. Trees which produce stone fruit resent nails for training the trees. We cannot say that any hard pruning more than either the Apple or Pear, difference has been noticed, or that gumming has Under proper treatment pruning can and should proved more troublesome with one or the other be reduced to a minimum. This in the first instance | method, but the greatest care is used in training. is accomplished by properly disbudding the branches, and secondly by preventing the formation of gross shouts. Rank-growing trees arc mine subject to gumming than those which make medium growth ami cany full crops of fruit annually. To severely prune the former only makes matters worse. The fault can generally he traced to the border, unless through some mishap the crop fails, and there is not the strain of fruit-production to balance growth. It is the roots, therefore, and not the branches that must he dealt with. A firm and rather shallow- rooting medium favours the formation of short- jointed, healthy fruiting wood, support being Idle matting or tar cord is twisted round the wire before the shoot or branch is tied in position, and it is the aim of the workman to place the ties alternately on cither side of the shoots, the same as uiic would do Willi shreds and nails. By this means the growths can he straightened and the strain is on the matting, as the hark is not pressed against tin- wire, while the loop is of sufficient size to allow of the wood swelling. Even then it is necessary to look over the trees frequently during the growing season to free any shoot that is likely to become too closely encircled by the shreds or matting. March 10, 1900.1 THE GARDEN, 189 The usual wall nail, we consider, when it comes in contact with the bark is equally as injurious as the galvanised wire, perhaps more sit. as the edges of the former are sharp, and soon make an indenta- tion in the swelling bark. Neatness in training is requisite, but the health of the trees must be studied also ; therefore sufficiently large shreds should not be discarded for those which are just large enough at the time, but which do not allow for future development of the branches they hold in position. The accompanying drawing shows the evil result of the latter and a fruitful source of gumming. Richard Pakkkk. Goodwood. CORRESPONDENCE. CYCLAMEN COUM. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR,— "H. H. D.'s ' note (p. 90) on the successful culture of Cyclamen coum in a sunny border is interesting, as affording evidence of the adaptability of this charm- ing flower and its varied forms to posi- tions situated in full sunlight, provided conditions of soil and drainage are satisfactory. The inference apparently drawn by " H. H. I)." is, that his fortunate experience is due to the baking received by the corms from the summer sun, but, from the numerous instances that might be recorded while this plant flourishes in more or less shaded situations, it is to be surmised that full exposure to the sun's rays is by no means the chief element of success. In the note referred to, in mentioning the profusion of self-sown seedlings which have sprung up in the neighbourhood of the parent corms, your correspondent alludes to the seeds that have been carried into the shrubbery behind the narrow, sunny border, from which spot corms are being constantly dug up for friends. Here, at all events, there must be shade, which the plants, from their rapid increase, evidently find as con- genial as full exposure to the sun. I have met with instances where Cyclamen coum, C. neapolitanum, and others have seeded themselves freely in sites shadowed by trees, and were surrounded by hosts of immature plants. The chief desiderata for the successful culture of hardy Cyclamens arc, doubtless, perfect drainage, a porous soil and shelter from bitter gales, which by tearing off the leafage weaken the corms. and, given these conditions, it would appear immaterial whether they arc planted in the full sun or in partial shade. S. YV. F. MAKING AX ASPARAGUS BED. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sik,— I shall be much obliged if you can furnish me with a few hints as to laying down an Asparagus bed. I have two old beds about 30 feet long by .") feet wide which I propose to plant with fresh roots. Can you advise me as to when I should plant the roots, approximately how many I should require, and generally as to the course to pursue in planting? Norwich. W. 8. Tili.ett. | We fear that jou will get poor results by patching old Asparagus beds, as the result from such is never satisfactory. The soil must be partially exhausted and the plants or seeds would not have a fair chance. You could fill up gaps with seed, or you may, as you have two old beds, lift one to patch up the other, but by so doing you will probably injure the old roots in the bed, and the roots lifted will not be nearly so good as younger ones in new soil or position. Your best plan would be to plant a new bed entirely, then in a year or two at the most you may destroy the old beds. If you have the means to force in a frame or a house, the roots from the old beds would do for that purpose, and after-wards may be thrown away. If you have no convenience for forcing, we advise you to cut hard for the next two seasons whilst your new bed or beds are making good progress, and then destroy the old ones, using the land for a totally different crop for a time. There is no time to lose in making the land suitable by deep cultivation and manuring. By making the beds now, the soil will be in better condition to plant or sow early in April. \Ye would in your case advise plants for the making of new beds, as you will thus gain a season's growth, as seeds do not make much progress the first year, and you cannot cut from seedlings till the third year, and only then very sparingly. The beds are best made ' in an open position and in light soil. This should be deeply trenched, and the land will need ample quantities of decayed manure, well mixed in as the work proceeds. In good loamy soil double-digging will suffice, the bottom being dug up and the manure being placed under the first course. In heavy land we would advise a liberal use of old mortar rubble, burnt refuse, sea sand, or charcoal refuse — in fact, anything that lightens and improves or drains the soil. For the latter purpose a liberal use of rubble or the rougher materials advised above will be found beneficial if this is placed in the bottom of the trench as the work proceeds. Planting is best done early in April just before the root growth is active. In a 30 feet run of bed, l."> to 18 inches between the plants would be none too much, and the same distance between the rows. We prefer even more space if room is no object, but frequently in small gardens much room cannot be afforded. We have had good results by planting 12 inches apart in the row, with 18 inches between the rows. In light land the beds are best made level, not raised, but in heavy or wet soil the beds should be 6 inches above the alleys. These latter should not be less than 2 feet wide. In planting, draw out wide flat drills, spread out the roots evenly, and cover with fine, good soil. Plant 4 to (i inches deep, and should dry weather follow, give water and mulch between the rows with short manure to conserve the moisture. We prefer two- year-old seedlings, and these, if purchased, should not be out of the soil long or allowed to dry. No cutting should be done the first year, and very little the second. If seed is sown, sow at the same time as advised for planting, thin early, and feed in both cases as growth is made.] FLORAL CLOCK. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir,— I may refer "A. K." to the "Philosophic Botanica" of Linnaeus (ed. iv., 1.809, p. 415). That is the original of all floral clocks, and if "A. K." does nut know the book, he will thank me for intro- ducing him to a work which, in my opinion, has more good information on botany in a small compass than any book I know. ' H. Ellacombe. Bitton Ficarage, Bristol. OX THE WILD ELORENT1XE TULIPS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— In answer to " T. R." (p. 1.50), at least nine distinct species of Tulip grow wild in the neigh- bourhood of Florence, viz. : T. Oculus solis, T. precox, T. maleolens, T. Fransoniana. T. Clusiana, T. strangulata, T. spathulata, T. sylvestris, T. aus- tralis. Whether they are all truly native there may be doubted/ Some of them (e.g., T. Clusiana, sylvestris, and australis) show very little variation. Some of them show a great deal. On plate 1990 of the Botanical Register are figured four well- marked varieties of T. strangulata. Whether T. spathulata is a wild Italian plant or a variety of the long-cultivated and very variable Siberian T. Gesneriana is doubtful. Several very distinct tonus of Tulip commonly cultivated in gardens are nowhere known in a wild state. The whole subject of Florentine Tulips has been fully discussed by Dr. Lerier in his paper entitled " L'Origine des Tulipes de la Savoie et de l'ltalie," published at Turin in 1.HN4, and in a paper entitled " Les Tulipes de 1'Europc," published in the 14th volume of the bulletin of the Society of Natural Science at Ncuchatel. He has also written other papers on the same subject. The whole question of the relationship to one another of the different Tulips is a very difficult one. Not long ago Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S., discussed it fully in a paper read before the Royal Horticultural Society and pub- lished in their journal, and I have since done my best to monograph the genus, in the journal of the Linnean Society and the Qardevers' Chronicle. J. G. Baker. BUCK-BEAN. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— It has occurred to me to write you about a flowering water plant which I saw growing wild in the country last summer. It seems to be a species of Water Lily, and blooms about midsummer. It has triple leaves, somewhat like the Strawberry plant, but smooth and glossy green. The flower- spikes resemble very much those of the Horse Chestnut tree, and are almost exactly like it both in colour and form. I have a very small fountain in the grounds of this club, the lower basin being 4 feet or 5 feet in diameter and nearly 3 feet deep, containing gold fish. Do you think I might try to grow a clump of those flowers in it ? If so, what would be the best way to manage them, and the pioper time to attend to the planting? The garden space is well open, and gets a good share of sunshine in summer ami autumn. P. F. O'Reilly. St. Iberius ( 'lub, Wexford, Inland. [The plant you describe is the Buck-bean or .Marsh Trefoil (Menyanthes trifoliata). It is not a Water Lily, but a member of the Gentian tribe. Like others of the Gentianacese, the root is intensely bitter and a valuable tonic. It grows in mud covered with shallow water or peaty swamps, and is not suitable for growing in a deep basin. If the tank has an overflow that could be led into a cemented space a foot or so deep, a suitable place could there be prepared for it. It should be planted in autumn. — Eds.] VERONICA SPICATA. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — This beautiful little alpine is. 1 believe, almost unknown in English gardens, except by those who have brought it from its own mountain haunts, from the fact, mentioned in the note in The Garden, February 17, page 130, that an altogether distinct and common species is credited wrongly with its name. It is plainly to be iden- tified by the description in M. Correvon's very useful and popular little book, "Flore coloriee de poche" : nevertheless, it was wholly a revelation to me last year to find it not more "than 3 inches or 4 inches high, growing on grassy ledges on the mountains above the Rhone valley, and always finer and bluer when the drip of the rock above made the soil somewhat damp and spongy, which hears out " T. J. W.'s" theory that it does best in moist soil. Having grown the tall garden Y. spicata and discarded it as taking the room of more desirable species, I puzzled a good deal over this dainty little alpine, and was very glad to have the difficulty solved by his note. The true V. spicata has the advantage of lasting in flower for a con- siderable length of time, for we found it in July, and a few stray spikes still remained in September when we left the mountains. The little colonies of bright blue spikes, scarcely higher than the turf from which they sprang, "will always live in memory amongst the many lovely pictures of plant- grouping which we found amongst the rocks. Once I gathered a solitary pink specimen, but never again met with one. Though it evidently enjoys moisture, V. spicata will suceeed in drier spots; indeed, M. Correvon gives it as growing in dry pastures, where it is certainly abundant. We found it in company with Dianthus sylvestris, one of the most charming of alpine Piiiks, and with the deeper coloured and clustered D. atro- rubens. K. L. D. [Is it possible that in this case, as in some others. that those who have brought plants from the Alps may haveobserved that what in higher altitudes is a dwarf plant degenerates into a lanky, weedy thing in our gardens? Wehave seen this happen in the ease of the common field Ox-eye Daisy, flowering only a few inches high at about 4000 feet, and to all appear- ance a charming dwarf alpine plant, but gradually growing in a garden to its usual stature. Also a 190 THE GARDEN [March 10, 1900. very neat ami showy Echium from a mountain district in Norway grew from seed in an English garden into a dull plant of straggling habit, not to be compared with our native Viper's Bugloss. It is unlikely that this is actually the ease with regard to the Veronica in question, for were it so, the fact would lie sure to be known to M. Cor- revon, and probably also to so excellent a gardener as " K. L. I). " But it is worth mentioning in anticipatory mitigation of the occasional disap- pointment of the ardent collector. In illustration of the same natural law as affecting some plants, we may mention that seeds of a true strain of the dwarf Papa ver alpinum grown for three years in English gardens produce plants that increase in size till they are not to be distinguished from 1'. nudieaule. Eds. | THE BEST PEAS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— As I have the following sorts of Peas, could you kindly tell me through The Garden which suits to sow and how often to keep up a succession : Ringleader, Fillbasket, Autocrat, Main-crop Mar- row. Ne Plus Ultra? YouNt; Gardener. | As regards dates of sowing, a given date cannot always be advised, for this reason, seasons vary very much; for instance, if cold or wet, a much longer period of growth is needed, and if hot and dry. the plant is soon affected and cropping over. The following is a safe plan : Sow seed every three weeks from now until the end of June or early in July. Begin with Ringleader, which should be ready early in June. Fillbasket will follow on if seed is sown at the end of March and be ready at I lie end of June. Autocrat sown the middle of April should be ready in the early part of July and last until the third' week. Main-crop Marrow sown the end of April or early in May will provide a succession of pods well into August, ami it has few equals as a good summer Pea. Your last selection. Ne Plus Ultra, cannot well be beaten. Seed sown of this in June should give you good produce early in September. If you need a longer supply, sow 'Michaelmas Pea at the end of June lor late September use. On the other hand, the best calculations maybe upset by climatic influences; to guard against this, provide deep drills and an ample supply of rotten manure for the three- late lots. your selection is excellent, and you should not tail witli these.— Ens.] DEEP CULTIVATION. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR, Having read in your paper the excellent article- by Mr. Beckett on "Trenching the Soil," also the- interesting and instructive correspondence arising therefrom, I should like-, with your permis- sion, to say a few words. Ten years ago the writer worked under Mr. Beckett at Aldenham House fen nearly three- years, and so had facilities for observing the- working of the- soils in the kite-hen gardens, and also the new ground work then, as at the present time, being extensively carried on. I can fully endorse all Mr. Beckett and your other able correspondents say in favour of trenching, both as regards the excellence and uniformity of the crops at Aldenham. During the two years I have been in charge of the gardens he-re- I have always, whenever possible, carried out this same system of trenching. Although only about a mile from Aldenham House, the character of the soil differs very considerably. Here we have a very sandy soil, while in many places within 2 feet or 3 feet of the surface there is pure white sand of a very fine nature. After being here a lew weeks I took in an extra piece of land for vegetable growing, trenching it 3 feet deep and working in a good dressing of manure. The crops we- have had from it have well repaid the trouble taken with it. Potatoes were very .lean, while I may mention that Brassicas were quite free from clubbing, a trouble which in my opinion we should hear much h-ss of if trenching wen- carried out. Mr. Engleheart mentions the ease- of the allotment holders who had excellent crops obtained from the ordinary digging, while- the- deep cultivation system on the adjoining land was a failure. 1 may mention that I know of "a labourer living in this parish who three- .a- four years ago obtained a piece of meadow land, about 10 poles, for an allotment, and who trenches it every year. The land is very heavy, having a clay subsoil. He has had first prize for his allotment at Aldenham show for two years, while last year he obtained the bronze medal given by the Royal Horticultural Society for the neatest aiid best cultivated allotment, following this up by obtaining seven firsts, two seconds, and one third, out of eleven entries at the One-and-All show held at the Crvstal Palace a few weeks after. H. Naylor. The Gardens, PiggotU Manor. Elstree. NAKCISSUS PALLIDUS PRECOX. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— In Mr. Arnott's note on the above Daffodil he alludes to the difficulties that so often attend its culture in some gardens. In many instances that have come under my own notice this variety- has persistently died out, though re-introduced again and again and planted in varied soils and exposures. In light soil, in heavy loam, and in the grass its behaviour has proved equally unsatisfac- tory. The first season it blooms fairly well, the second poorly, and rarely shows more than an occasional flower in the third year. As mentioned by Mr. Arnott and by " F. H. C." (p. 49), this Daffodil is very variable. Sonic strains doubtless possess a stronger constitution than others. In my own ease the only one that appears to possess any constitutional vigour bears a flower the pale yellow of wlvch is suffused with a suspicion of buff, while the petals are of greater consistency than is the rule in the majority of forms. It is to be regretted that this beautiful Daffodil is not amenable to universal successful culture, since- its chaste colouring and earliness render it invaluable in the- garden. S. \\ . P. and other tender plants are kilh-el tinuc- to give- much pleasure during of summer. These should also be six in 3-inch pots and kept close- these- will con- the closing days stunk five eii- ii a cold frame till rooted, when they may be potted off singly when sufficiently rooted, and planted out from these about the middle of May on richly-prepared ground. Twenty-four good varieties are as follows with their colours and approximate heights : — Alice Butcher, red, shaded orange, 3J feet ; Bouquet Feu, terra-cotta, 3feet; Crimson Precocity crimson, 14 feet ; Crimson Pride, crimson, 2J, feel to 3 feet ; General Hawkes, crimson-claret, 3 feet ; Geo. Wermig, sulphur-yellow, 24 feet ; Gustavo Grunerwald, light pink', 14 feet; Harvest Home, bronzy red, tipped gold, 3 feet; Harvest Queen, ivory-white, 34 feet ; Henri Yvon, rosy salmon, U feet; Ivy S'tark. orange-yellow, 24 feet; Lady Fitzwygram, white, 2 feet ; Little Bob, crimson, 14 feet ; Louis Lemaire, rosy bronze, 14 feet ; Mine. A. Nonin, silvery pink, 4 feet; Mint Desgrange, white, 24 feet ; Mme. Marie Masse-, lilac-mauve, 2 feet ; Mrs. J. P. Pitcher, blush, 2 feet : Mychett Beauty, golden yellow, 3 feet ; Mychett White, pure white, 14 feet; Piercy's Seedling, orange-yellow, 14 feet ; Queen of the Earlies, white, 34 feet : Roi des Precoces, dark crimson, 3 feet ; Ryecroft Glory, golden yellow, 3 feet ; While Grunerwald. white, 14 feet. E. Beckett. Aldenham House Gardens, Elstree, Herts. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. SEASONABLE ATE NOTES. ■oduce 1 1th L produced. blooming varieties will produce a wea of flowers during midwinter, some of these lasting well through February. For supplying cut bloom for Christmas and the Ne-w War festivities, I know of nothing more- beautiful or more easily Indeed, from a gardener's point of View, this section is probably the most serviceable of any, either as bush plants for tin- conservatory or for use in a cut state. Good cuttings should now be procured and rooted five or six in a 3-inch pot. Little heat should be afforded them at this season, giving only just sufficient to keep them in a fresh condition. Pot off singly into 3-inch pots immediately they arc sufficiently rooted and grow on in a cold frame. Among the best varieties to grow for this purpose- are Jessica, in my opinion, the best of all the many whites; L. ('aiming, Niveum. Boule ch- Neige, white; Princess Blanche, creamy white; Golden Gem, bronzy yellow ; Eugene Lanjaulet, bright golden Anemone pompon ; Jeanette Sheahan, light yellow sport from the well-known Princess Blanche ; Rubra perfecta, purplish crimson ; Perle des Beautes, crimson ; King of the Plumes and Mrs. Filkins, both golden yellow, belonging to the feathery class, most useful for this season, but will require' to be stopped rather late to retard their flowering. Early-flowering varieties should now be propagated. For beautifying the flower garden during the autumn these have few equals. When grouped together in separate colours in flower beds, dotted about in the shrubbery borders, or arranged in their proper heights and blending their colours so as to harmonise cm a border wide enough to contain three or four rows- and this. I think, is the most suitable- and pleasing position to cultivate them —they are objects of much beauty, and a few degrees of frost do not hurt them, for after the Dahlias RECENT PLANT PORTRAITS. The March number of the Botanical Magazim contains coloured portraits of the following five plants : — Stanhopea Rodigasiana (plate 7702), a native of New Grenada, is a handsome member of this most singular family of Orchids. The flowers, which are solitary, are so anomalous in character, that they cannot be compared with any other of the forty known species, and may almost be said to constitute a distinct section of the genus. The flower has a white ground heavily spotted with carmine, and the middle portion of the lip (or mesochile) bears no approach to anything hitherto known. This curious plant bloomed for the first time in 1S98 in the collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bt., at Burford, Dorking. Matthiola sinuata rar. Oyrusis (plate 77<>3), a native of Western France, is a fragrant annual or biennial Stock, with good-sized single flowers of the purest white. It is found in a wild state on the He d'Yeu (Insula Ova), off the coast of La Vendee, whence its specific name, which in gardens has been corrupted into ohiensis and chinensis. Ceropegia Woodii (plate 7704), a native- 01 Natal, is' a curious trailer with variegated foliage-, pinkish stems, and inconspicuous tubular flowers of merely botanical interest. Cereus mojavensis (plate 77n.">), a native of California, is also known under the synonyms of C. Bigelovii, C. moliavensis, and Eehinocereus mojavensis. It is one of the dwarf tuftod species nearly allied to C. Fendlerii (Botanical Magazine, t. 6533), and has very long spines and medium- sized, rose-coloured flowers. Kniphqfia Rufa (plate 7706).-- A native of Natal. This is a' pretty little new species of Kniphofia, nearly allied to K. laxiflora, from which it differs in its shorter smooth-edged leaves, shorter perianth, and exserted stamens. It is exceedingly free-grow- ing, and was introduced into cultivation by Hen- Max Leichtlin, of Baden-Baden. The Paris Revue Horticde for February lb has a portrait of a pretty and well-known hardy shrub named Ribes speciosa or fuchsioides, with flowers resembling a small Fuchsia. The number of I In- same periodical for March 1 gives a portrait of a new Hybrid Tea Rose named Solcil d'Or. The'Semu >\ •J4 ; of ('actus 1809, a decrease of 4o ; of singles 816, a decrease of 466 : making a total of 57'27 blooms, a decrease of 585. The unfavourable season had adversely affected tin show and fancy blooms, so that they were mostly deficient in the quality and symmetry which secure admiration for them ; nevertheless, there were some fine individual blooms. The pompons were exhibited in very good form, small compact blooms of good quality being generally staged instead of the larger and coarser blooms that were once too often seen. The dry weather militated seriously against the display oi singles, so that the competition was poor, several intending exhibitors failing to stage their blooms. Those that were staged presented the usual attractiveness and charm of the single varieties in a high degree. The display of Cactus 192 THE GARDEN. [March 10, 1900. varieties was again magnificent, and received added interest on account of the large number of new kinds. They are evidently very popular, and arc developing more rapidly than ever, so that the task of adjudicating on the respective merits of the many seedlings is rendered difficult. Certifi- cates were awarded to sixteen new Cactus varieties. The committee made arrangements to hold a meeting at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, on September 1!) and 20, for the purpose of affording an additional opportunity for the exhibition of seedling Dahlias, and for the awarding of the society's first-class certificate to such of the new varieties exhibited as the committee considered worthy. In order to give additional interest to this meeting, it was thought desirable to offer prizes in a few competitive ehisses, and £26 was promised towards a special prize fund for this purpose. The primary object of this, the first late exhibition of the society, was so well attained, that more than seventy seed- lings were brought before the committee, and certificates awarded to ten of them. The competition in the various classes was very good, in a few severe, and such a large number of miscellaneous collections was got together that the whole formed quite a large show, the success of which was the subject of universal comment. The committee desires to thank Mr. R. Dean for the invaluable services rendered by him in connection with this show. The value of Dahlias for decorative purposes has not yet been fully realised, and it is hoped that the society will be able to do more in the future than it has done in the past to Illustrate the effectiveness of the Dahlia when used in this way. More classes should be provided having this object in view. The methods of staging at present in vogue in most of the classes are admittedly far from ideal, and the committee would welcome any exhibits in illustration of fresh ways of staging or any suggestion that would improve the existing methods. The committee desire to call attention to the periodical horticultural shows in connection with the Paris Exhibition of 1900. Classes will be provided for Dahlias mi the follow- ing dates: August 21, September 11 and 25, and Octobei 9, each show extending over a period of five days. Further particulars can be obtained trom the Royal Commission, Paris Exhibition. 1900, St. Stephens House. Westminster, London, s.w. The committee desire to convey their best thanks to the donors of special prizes, viz.. The Crystal Palace Company, Messrs. .1. Cheal 'V Sons, Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.. Messrs. Dobbie .V Co., and Mr. W. Tresedcr ; also tn the Horticultural club for kindly allowing the society's meetings lo be held in the club room. The committee are able to report that the membership has been well sustained during the year, but the numbers should be much greater than they are, and it is hoped that the society's supporters will in the coming year endeavour to bring the society to the notice of some of the many enthu- siastic admirers of the Dahlia who are outside of the society and unaware of its existence. The committee deeply regret to have to record tin- loss by death of one of the patrons of the society. Ilaion Ferdinand de ftothschild, M.P. Tin- committee has also to deplore the loss sustained through the death, in the prime of life, of their president, Mr. T. W. (.milestone, M.A., K.b.S., who was elected to the presidency in I.vi7 after' serving the Bocietj as hon. secretary for nine years. Tn each of these offices Mr. Girdlestoue devoted himself enthusiastically to the interests of the society, and great things were expected as the result of bis efforts iu future years, During bis brief tenure of office ;i- president he bad secured tin- addition of many names to the roll of membership, and the compilation of the official catalogue of Dahlias was almost entirely bis own work, Mr fiirdlestoiic s achievement s as :i raiser, grower, and exhibitor of single Dahlias are more fully dealt with on another page; by bis untimely death the National Dahlia Society loses a most distinguished president and its st liberal supporter, and the horticultural world one of its most devoted and intelligent members. In conclusion, the committee express the sincere hope thai each member of the National Dahlia Society will make ever; effort to obtain the support of new members, in Order thai the work of 1 be society may be extended and carried on to the best advantage. The income of the aocietj from all sources, including the balance of £15 3s. 9d. in the society's favour from the year 1898 and tin* Bums contributed to provide prizes for competi- tion at the second exhibition, amounted to £200 is. 9d. : and the entire expenditure, including the paymenl of all prizes awarded ai the two exhibitions, amounted to £192 lis, 7d., leaving a balance in the treasurer's hands of i.~ pis. 2d. Mm bon. secretary is Mr. Prank Hudson, Gunnersbui*] Mouse, Acton, \\\ opinion of counsel upon questions affecting the trade, and to contest or support any action for their mutual benefit, as the annual subscriptions to the association are insufficient for this purpose after discharging the working expenses of the association. It may interest our trade readers especially to know the names of those interested in this association. Prom the annual report we learn that the treasurer is Mr. W. J. Nutting (Messrs. Nutting and Sons), 100, Southwark Street, S.E. Trustees: Mr. FT. Simpson (Messrs. Cooper, Taber and Co., Ltd.). 90 and 92, Southwark Street, S.E. ; Mr. J. Hayes (Messrs. J. and J. Hayes), Edmonton ; Mr. Harry -f. Veitch (Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, Ltd.), Chelsea. Committee: Mr. G. H. Barr (Messrs. Barr and Son), 12, King Street, Covent Garden, W.C. ; Mr. Ueorge Bnnyard, Maidstone: Mr. W. Y. Baker (The Thames Bank Iron' fo.), Upper Ground street, Blackfriars, S.E. ; Mr. .1. Harrison (Messrs. Harrison and Sons), Leicester; Mr. .!. Hayes (Messrs. J. and J. Hayes), Edmonton ; Mr. J. Ingram (Messrs. Wood and Ingram), Huntingdon: Mr. W. .1. Jeffries (Messrs. Jeffries and Son), Cirencester: Mr. John A. Laing (Messrs. J. Laing and Sons), Forest Hill ; Mr. William Paul (Messrs W. Paul and Son), Waltham Cross, Herts: Mr. T. Peed (Messrs. John Peed and Sons), Roupell Park Nurseries. West Norwood. Surrey ; Mr. T. F. Rivers (Messrs. T. Rivers and Son), Sawbridgeworth ; Mr. A. P. Silberrad (Messrs. R. Silberrad and Son). ■-!», Savage Gardens, Clutched Friars, London: Mr. H. Simpson (Messrs. Cooper, label and Co., Ltd.), 90, Southwark street. London; Mi. J. B. siade (Messrs. Protheroe and Morris), 0». Cheapside, London: Mr. Harry Turner. The Royal Nurseries, Slough. near Windsor: Mr. Harry J. Veitch (Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Ltd.;, Chelsea; Mr. Wood (Messrs. Wood and Son). Wood Green, London: Mr. H. Williams (Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son). Upper Holloway, N. Secretary : Mr. J. P. Worrell, 80, Wood Street, Cheapside. B.C. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Names of fruit. Webb «« TRADE ASSOCIATION, LIMITED. Sale ok weed-killers ani> Insecticides. THE annual report of this association contains many matters relating to the trade, including sections of the Pharmacy Act under which proceedings have been instituted by the Pharmaceutical Society against nurserymen and seed merchants for selling by retail compounds for Killing weeds and insects on plants. As the members present desfred thai the Phannaej Act should be amended to permit of nursery and seed merchants Belling these compounds, the subject was referred to the committee of management fco consider and determine what steps should be taken in the matter, and to ask the assistance of the manufacturers of and wholesale dealers in these compounds in defraying the COStS of and incidental to the preparation and passing of an Vet of Parliament . The president (Mr. v v Sherwood) expressed his opinion, and the members concurred that it was advisable that a fund should be raised to enable. the association to. take the TREES AND SHRUBS. Shrubs to fringe a small pond (Pomona). our correspondent asks for the nanus of shrubs suitable for planting on the margin of a small pond in Northern Somerset- shire. We should advise Guelder Rose, whose original form is the wild Water Elder (Viburnum Opulus) of pur stream-, sides ; also this same Water Elder, for the sake of its beautiful berries ; hardy bamboo < I'.. Metake), Quinces. beautiful both in Mower and fruit; and the North American Snowdrop tree (Halesia tetraptera), grown either as bush or standard. With such shrubs it would he well to associate such plants of hold aspect as the large herbaceous Spiraeas, BUcll as S. Ai uncus, and the handsome (tubus speeinsus. FLOWER GARDEN. Seedling- Verbenas (Eva). Yon can purchase Verhenn seed now from any good seed firm at quite moderate juices both in distinct colours and in mixed form, some four to six diverse colours we have noted as being thus offered in packets separately. Seedling plants make verj beautiful beds and cannot iic termed formal ones, as^when several colours intermingle, there is not only variety in col but in habit of growth. The seed should be sown thinly in shallow pans that have in the bottoms ample drainage and are filled with sandy soil. It is well where seeds are few to make shallow holes equallj all over the surface of the soil with the point of a linger and to put a Med into each, as in that waj the little plants later get ample room to grow, and become quite strong before it is needful to dibble them off into other pans, or else shallow boxes, thinly, or tn get them singly into small pots before planting i hem outdoors in Maj - Dahlia shootsts. M, ft.). There is yet ample time to obtain cuttings from stored Dahlia roots. Set yours in shallow boxes close together and put some Hue soil about them, then water and stand in very gentle warmth on the floor of a greenhouse for a ueek. As soon as the small shoots arc seen to break up from the crowns of the roots place the boxes near the glass and give more warmth, In a very short time stout shoots 3 inches long will he formed. Take these off carefully with a sharp knife, each cutting having a small piece of Meshy root attached, insert them thickly into 5-inch pots filled with sandy soil, and stand them in a close. u a nil frame, or, failing such, then in a box stood in the green- house that can be close covered with glass. They will soon make root, and become, after being potted singly, nice strong plants in small pots ready to plant out at the end of May. The roots may then be divided with a sharp knife, each portion having one stout shoot, and these again may be planted out in due course. TRADE NOTE. THE RATIONAL TREATMENT OF FUNGOID DISEASES. I'npk.i: this tit.l«- we have before us a copy of ;i pamphlet, issued by Messrs. William \V 1 ami Sun, Limited, of \Y i Green, N., the well-known horticultural merchants anil specialists. Marking, as it dots, a departure from the old methods of dealing with the fungoid pests of field and garden, the details of the treatment cannot hut lie of interest tn all horticulturists and agriculturists. We gather from the pamphlet that "preventive treatment is the basis nf the rational method, i.e., purification of the soil and the destruction of hibernating spores which may he resting iu it, thus ensuring for the roots healthy action and immunity from fungoid contagion. The soil being thus freed from impurity anil disease germs, the environment of the young plants is favourable to vigorous growth. This purifi- cation is effected hy means of a new discovery of this firm, which they have named "Veltha," and which is considered to In the most destructive fungicide known. Prevention is always better than cure and growers would do well to begin at the mot ,.f the matter hy applying the fungicide even before there is visible evidence of the fungus. Certainly there is no more practical way of demonstrating the worth of an article than by the testimony of the users to its beneficial effects. Judging from the large number of letters which the Arm have received giving strong evidence of the value of 'Veltha as a cure for and preventive of lungoid diseases, there should be a great future before the new remedy. We understand that Messrs. William w I and Son. Limited, will he happy to Supply copies of Ibis pamphlet gratis and post free to inquirers. Mr. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. .1. S'roTKsmKY, late head gardener to Mr. George Pirn, Brennanstown, Cabinteely, has been appointed head gardener to Colonel Smyth, Gaybrook, Mullingar. Mi. W. USHER, for the past three years general foreman at Brennanstown, succeeds Mr. Stnteshuiy as head gardener. INDOOR GARDEN. Ivy-leaf Pelargoniums (Ayliffe). observe .that to the plants you term "Geraniums given the proper appellation of Pelargoniums, 1 ale not at .ill I o raniutiis. That these plants : employed, as you say, in summer bedding there doubt, but if the soil he at all rich You will " we have iiv they largely I he no ir the weather wet. ( Iatalogues Received. Farm Seeds. -Kent ami Brydon, Darlington. Asparagus, George Bunyard and Ci Herbaceous Plants. ~-F. Engineer Cycles. — The Maidstone, Kent. Perciml, haclifori. War Engineer Cycle Works, they have a tendency to grow too luxuriantly and not to Garden Seeds, ir. //. Hudson, /''.'». High Road, Kilburn, .v. W. II'. .1. Burpee A Co., Philadelphia, V.S.A. Books Received. ■ Hand Listof Tender Dicotyledons cultivated in the Royal Gardens, Kew, 1899." Sold at the Royal Gardens. Unbound 2s. lid., bound :1s. "The Nature and Work of Plants. An Introduction t" the Study of Botany.' By Daniel Trembley Macdougal, Ph. H. M'acmillan and Co., Ltd. 1000. Price is. 6d. " Flowers of the Field." By the Rev. C. A. Johns. Edited by Prof. G. S. Boulger. Published by Society for Promoting christian Knowledge, Northumberland Avenue. London. Price 7s. I'd. •■ Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information.'' Additional series iv. List of published names of plants introduced to cultiva- tion, l876to 1896. Eyre ,v Spottiswoo.lc. East Harding Street, Fleet Street, London'. Price 4s. ■■«* <3fcy- GARDEN. Sd^fe^f^ Vs No. 1478.— Vol. LVII.] [March 17, 1900. TO OUR READERS. NOW that the renewed issue of The Garden is already in the third month of its existence, we feel it to be no less than a duty of com- mon courtesy to otter a few words of thankful acknowledgment to the many friends whose cordial co-operation may well lie regarded as the main cause of its now steady growth and increasing usefulness. The letters that went out to the paper's old friends, asking fir a continuation or revival of their active support, have without exception been answered in a spirit of the most friendly encouragement, while the two or three who have excused themselves from special exertion on the plea of age, or ill-health, or of a burden of literary work already too heavy, have expressed their regret in such kindly terms, that we feel as sure of their sympathy as if they had been able to prove it by practical acquiescence. We feel that it is no small matter of encou- ragement to lie thus assured of the willing support of those eminent in botany and horti- culture throughout our land, while we have also the distinguished satisfaction of receiving constant proofs of most generous kindness from our brothers in horticulture in foreign countries. it is doubtful if there lie any bond of common interest so fruitful of good-fellowship as that of gardening. The love of flowers induces a kind of freemasonry, so much so, that we often feel a need to relax some of those lesser restrictions of civilised intercourse to which we Britons are apt to attach a perhaps undue importance. For whereas we are notoriously shy of addressing ourselves to persons unknown to us, even in such exceptional circumstances as render this exaggerated reticence an absur- dity, SO does a love of flowers, ami the simple and wholesome impulses it engenders, impel us to abandon our attitude of apprehensive isola- tion—to cast oft' our defensive armour, ami .meet each other as simple human beings. Perfect strangers will write to one another, the ceremony of introduction being performed by -nine Daisy or Forget-me-not; and from such a beginning many a lifelong friendship has arisen. • 'lose is the natural bond between botany and horticulture ; each needs the help of the other, and though a good gardener need not be a profound botanist, yet some knowledge of tin- broader classifications of plants and their main relationships is not only a great addition to the interest of gardening, but is an important matter as a guide in cultivation. When, for instance, we say broadly that all Buttercups like strong heavy soil, it is understood that this applies not only to the more obvious Butter- cups such as Ranunculus, Caltha and Trollius, but also to Clematis, Anemone, Adonis, Helle- borus, Eranthis, and the other plants that come within the natural order Ranunculaceae. So also the fruit grower, if he has a garden favour- able to Pears and Apples, will know that he can also succeed with Ibises : and he will remember how closely linked are the many plants of the great Rose family that inhabit our gardens and woods and wild places ; of how his Peaches, Plums and Apricots. Almonds and Cherries are all nearly related, and these with the Sloes and White Thorns of our hedges and the great wild Cherries of our high woods ; of how Cherries are nearly related to Laurel and its kinds; how Raspberries and Black- berries are near akin ; how Strawberries, < leums and Potentillas resemble each other in flower and leaf ; how Quinces, Medlars, Pears and Apples, Mountain Ash and Service tree, and all the wild and cultivated forms of Spiraea are all within the great Rose family, and love good loam as does the Hose itself. And for all such easy excursions into the fields of botanical knowledge and such aids to the grouping of our ideas we have to thank the botanists, beginning with the great Linnaeus. And though much of botanical lore may be dry, or may appeal' so to those who have little knowledge of the chain of observation and record that have gone to the development of each separate conclusion, yet we may well be reverently thankful to those patient and learned men who have endured tin- toil needful for the gradual disentanglement of some of Nature's knotty problems, and have put the discovered facts before us in ways so clear and simple, that they can be easily followed by people of little learning. While offering our thanks to all those whose constancy of helpfulness seems tacitly to promise a steadfast continuance, yet as we wish always to increase the usefulness of The Garden and to further extend its wide embrace of matters of horticultural interest, so do we also invite the further co-operation of all whose tastes are reached by the subjects of the paper. Those who have a love of flowers and gar- dening are widely spread throughout our immense empire ; and now that whole families of the younger generation are growing up in homes where an understanding of the better ways of gardening, that during the last quarter of a century have conic to be underst 1. and are about to go forth into the ends of the earth as soldiers, sailors, and engineers, on missions diplomatic, religious or medical, on surveys, on duties of all kinds that take men into many parts of the temperate world, we ask them to remember the home gardens and to keep a bright look-out for anything that may help to enrich them. To such correspondents the pages of The Garden offer a cordial welcome for any short record of their observations, especially when these are gathered in such latitudes as may present some sort of equality of climate with our own. We feel sure that the friends of The Garden will learn with pleasure, and we trust with some measure of personal gratification, that the paperis increasing greatly in circulation, and this surely is a wholesome sign that the love of flowers is extending in these isles and in other lands, from whence most encouraging letters have been received to testify to this world-wide interest in gardens and horticulture generally. HAMPSTEAD HEATH PROTEC- TION SOCIETY. We are pleased to learn from the report of the third annual meeting of this society that its zeal in preserving the natural beauty of the famous Heath shows no abatement. This society has accomplished much good work in the past, and will ever watch that tin picturesque features of the Heath are not destroyed by bad planting and the idiosyn- crasies of local authorities. In the course of the meeting, a short, formal report of which we give in the proper depart- ment, Mr. F. Danford Thomas mentioned "the unrivalled charm of wildness so near London. In his garden were to be seen not only wood pigeons, but squirrels. The very greenness was restful. Indeed, some people seemed to value the Heath because, they said.it was so good for their children's eyes." There was an interesting discussion upon the various beautiful features of the Heath and the best means of preserving them. Mr. Alfred East. A.R.A., spoke with en- thusiasm of his, and all artists', delight in the Heath. He reminded his hearers also of "the value of its associations in its wild state with so very many great men. It was loved by the poet Keats, who wrote that exquisite ' Ode to the Nightingale' here. It was the chosen home of the leader of the renaissance of landscape art — John Constable. These associa- tions with Hampstead Heath in its natural 194 THE GARDEN. (March 17, 1900. state Avert' of immense value, and should never be broken." Mr. Walter Field, A.liAV.S., spoke of a member of the Ha'mpstead Heath Protection Society who had died recently, Mr. Gordon Chisholm, who had sketched on the Heath sixty years ago with the great artist William Midler. Mr. ( 'hisliolm was over eighty when his warm love of the Heath induced him to join the newly-formed society. The urgent question of repairing the bald places on the Heath without introducing any discordant note, of assisting, not altering, Nature, was discussed by the meeting generally. The chairman promised that the committee would note the points agreed upon and do their best to fulfil the object required. Readers know from past comments m The Garden that the society has our cordial support, and it is unnecessary to again express at length our thoughts concerning its impor- tant work. "IN A SMALL WAY." Notes from an Oblong Garden. — III. February 14. I HAVE a lovely plan for next month, and the beginning of it must be arranged for at once. In the front of my oblong — the portion which lies between the house ami the road, and which is partly occupied by the stable, against which a tiny greenhouse is built as a lean-to — there is a patch of miss, which forms an illegitimate short cut to both greenhouse, cold frame, and stable, and which is now a bare eyesore, the weakness of human nature taking the servants invariably and myself occasionally across it as a thoroughfare. It is a fairly sheltered spot and gets the afternoon sun, and I propose to make of it something quite out of the way for an oblong. Perhaps 1 am ridiculously ambitious, but I do not see why Mr. Barr's plan of growing Nymphseas in sunk tubs should not be carried out — in a small way — here. There is only room for two tubs, but better two than none. An oil barrel is ordered, and when it comes will be cut in two round the middle, and with the bottom taken out this will make two miniature ponds. Two holes will be dug. the staves sunk, and the water made to stay in situ by puddling with clay, after the direction in I '.air'- catalogue. The rain- water supply is close by, so that any loss from evaporation can be easily made good every day in hot weather. Round the two sunk tubs, which are really not tubs, but may he called so for convenience sake, I shall make a subdued rockwork border, and plant Lythrnm and the Globe Flowers, with their roots well tucked up in the grateful coolth of stones. This bit of ground is not very dry even as it is, so I fancy they will do. The worst thing about the plan is that climbing ambition has fixed its desires on Laydekeri rosea, which costs 15s., is a lovely pink colour, and smells sweetly; while odorata pumila, the little white fragrant Water Lily from America, is much more likely to succeed in such humble surroundings, and only costs 2s. 6d. or so. The yellow Nyniphaeas are all much cheaper than the pinks in proportion, and I am inspired to try Helveola, a little pale Evening Primrose-coloured plant with pretty bronzy leaves, for my second tub. The planting is simple enough, but good quality heavy loam is indispensable. A layer of well rotted cow manure is put in first, then loam and a little manure about a foot deep; then the Lily rhizome, tied to a turf or stone, is planted, anil the water let in. Mr. Barr recommends the addition of a little broken-up charcoal to keep everything sweet, and I think that the addition of an inch or so of river gravel on the top of the loam would improve the appearance of the miniature pond still further. Nymphseas are fairly hardy, especially in these parts, but they must lie protected from frost, for which purpose I shall have a wooden cover made for each pond, which, with the near neighbourhood of the heated greenhouse, ought to answer, as only the severest frost gets into the cold frame close by. Business is very active in the greenhouse just now, for the oblong expects to be largely supplied from it. As 1 like a perennial garden — and it is pretty closely planted, the borders being blocked out in lengths of 3 feet or 4 feet, each devoted to one class of planting — there is no room for bedding-out, but there are always gaps to be filled up. 1 am keen on having the encircling walls, which are of old limestone, delightfully lichened and full of cracks, thick with Stonecrops, Houseleeks, and Dianthus. I have mixed seeds of all these with stiff soil, and pushed it into all the chinks, and sown Wallflower and the Cheddar Pink in the inter- stices of the coping ; but in case of failure, the second halves of all the packets have been sown in the cold frame, and a box of mixed Saxifrage seedlings in this greenhouse is making second leaf. The interest of raising perennials from seed is not half appreciated. They can be sown almost at any time in a warm green- house, and there they are not so slow in ger- minating as when only sown in a summer frame after the approved fashion. 1 have Viola cornuta just thickening in a pan close to the glass and a big panful of seeds of the hardy Primulas, so that the pan is a standing dish in the greenhouse for many months. Pentstemon hybrids occupy another pan. One block of the sunny border is devoted to these lovely Mowers, which are not thought half enough of by amateur gardeners. Their flowering time is so long, if they have plenty of manure, and they are so useful for cutting ; while even if a very severe winter finishes them, two or three pot- fuls of early autumn cuttings kept in a cold frame will furnish a fresh supply very easily. All flowers with campanulate or tubular blooms, from the spotted Foxglove to the glorious Gloxinia, appeal to me very strongly, and my earliest joy among them is in the Fritillaries. These are supposed to be rather particular and to do best in shade, but 1 find they will grow anywhere here. Anything more exquisitely fairy-like than an unexpected white or yellow Fritillary dancing on its hair-like stem I defy ( lln ion himself to show me, and they take up little space, yet they are very seldom seen in gardens. M. L. W. Bathwick, Bath. AMERICAN NOTES. A Teaching School ok Practical Horticulture. Practical beginning of what promises tn be a most important movement in horticultural advance is made in the recent action taken by the I lommittee for the Improvement of the Condition of the Poor in New York city, in acquiring land for a horticul- tural school. This committee, which was formed in 1896, has as its original members A. S. Hewitt, II. F. Cutting, W. E. Dodge, Mrs. J. S. Lowell, J. H. Schiff, Howard Townsend, Mrs. A. B. Comstoek, and Professor I. P. Roberts, of Cornell, but has since been greatly enlarged. Acting under the advice of Mr. Powell, a farm lias been taken at t'happaqiia, thirty miles ti New York city, and in direct communication with the New York Botanic Garden, which latter institution will co-operate with the new teaching school of practical horticulture. The purpose of the movement is to demonstrate the value of horti- cultural work in its practical application as a means of relieving much of the agricultural distress of to-day, and at the same time to train up a race of expert practitioners. The institution will wink on lilies entirely distinct from what are followed at present by any teaching institution in the country. It will lie for practical application of practical methods ; in short, commercial horti- culture as against investigation "I scientific prin- ciples, and will, indeed, form a connecting link between the higher education of the agricultural colleges and the bread-and-butter work on the farm. The 200-acre trad of land, which has been secured through the generosity of one of the members of the committee, is admirably adapted for experimental horticulture. It contains a good proportion of orchard land and a variety of sites adapting it for the several crops which will have to be grown. The institution, while looking toward the improvement of the conditions of the people, is not a charity, but is founded with a view to demonstrate the value of real work, to build up a healthy sentiment in the realisation of the value, dignity, and importance of work fol- ks own sake, and to better the methods of horti- cultural practice as applied to everyday life. In this country, with all the wonderful advan- tages of State agricultural colleges and their experiment farms, we have yet been much behind some European countries in the opportunities oi training young gardeners and horticulturists in the actual handicraft of their profession. At last the blank seems likely to be tilled. It is a somewhat interesting antithesis thai w hal is practically the Chiswick of American horticulture sees its light in the same year that the council of the Royal Horticultural Society of England is forced, through the development of urban growth, to abandon the time-honoured and historic gardens of that name in England, which have shed such a lustre on the horticulture of the world. — American Gardening. RECENT PLANT PORTRAITS. The last-issued number of the " Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees " contains portraits of the following thirteen Orchids, species and hybrids : — CatUeya heopoldii var. purpurea. This highly- coloured ! hvhiit. though placed under C. Leopoldii, M. Cogniaux, in the text accompanying the figure, questions as to the probability of its being a natural hybrid. Cattleya Adandii*. Known so well to all Orchid growers, that a detailed description is not required. CatUeya Atlanta var. splendent. This handsome form of C. Atlanta, already described, has been raised by M. Beeters between ( '. Warscewiczii crossed with pollen of C. Leopoldii. With flowers much linger and colour more brilliant than ( '. Atlanta, it deserves the varietal name splendens. Cattleya Wendlandiana. A very fine hybrid, raised by Messrs. Veitch between 0. Bowringiana crossed with pollen of ('. Warscewiczii, which latter it much resembles. CatUeya Ella. Another of .Messrs. Veitch's fine hybrids between ( '. bicolor and C. Warscewiczii. A flower of remarkable size and colour. Cattleya Ooossensiana. — This remarkable hybrid has been raised by M. Peeters from ('. Schilleriana with pollen of C. Gaskelliana. It is dedicated by M. Cogniaux to M. Goossens, the artist who illustrates the " Dictionnaire." It bears a richly- coloured flower with a large handsome lip. Cypripedium A. de Lairesse. — A grand hybrid of large size and distinct marking, raised by M. Peeters between < '. ( 'urtisii and C. Rothschihlianum. In appearance it takes more after the latter. Cypripedium MaMera car. /v. Clinge Doorenbos. A tine hybrid between C. Lawrenceanum and Rothschihlianum. intermediate in form and colour between the parents. DissockUus Horsfallii. An old plant rarely found now in cultivation, producing tall, many-flowered spikes of delicate rose colour and maroon. Oncidium Kramerianum. This is the old and well-known Butterfly Orchid, so wonderful inform and rich in colour. March 17 l&OO. THE GARDEN. 19.* Oncidium reflexum.—Oae of the many small- flowered Oncidiums with branched sprays of red- brown blooms with yellow lip. Stanhopea Wardii. Another introduction of many years ago, bearing quaintly-formed blooms of bright yellow with numerous small spots of red- purple. Vanda Sandt riana. A good form of this most remarkable Vanda, or Esmeralda, as it is sometimes railed, varying so much from the typical Vandas, that with one or two others it is placed in a sub- section of the family under the name Esmeralda. BEST APPLES FOR BRITAIN. E A R I. V . Irish Peach. ( 'elliui Pippin. Keswick I !odlin. /), Ml ,-/. Lady Sudeley. ' 'on/.'iin/. Lord Grosvenor. New Hawthornden. Stirling Castle. MlDSEASON. /;. inert. Allington Pippin. Cox's Orange Pippin. Blenheim Orange. King of the Pippins. Cockle Pippin. Margil. Etibstou Pippin. ( looking. Striped Beau fin. Tower of Glamis. Warner's King. Wellington. Late. Dexm n. Adam's Pearmain. Fearn's Pippin. Barnack Beauty. Reinette du Canada. Claygate Pearmain. Scarlet Nonpareil. Dutch Mignonne. Sturmer Pippin. Winter Rlbston. ' 'ooking. Alfriston. Newton Wonder. Bramley's Seedling. Norfolk Beaufin. Lanes Prince Albert. Sandringham. Wellington. [Through pressure upon our space, several impor- tant contributions upon the subject arc held over until next week. — Ens. 1 Bismarck. Lady Henuiker. Lord Derby. THE INDOOR GARDEN. LACHENALIAS. X no way do Lachenalias show to better ad- vantage than when grown in circular wire I baskets. Their natural habit of growth is a semi-pendenl one, which renders them just I suitable for suspending in a greenhouse <>i conservatory. This style of growing these naturally drooping plants is preferable to having them in pots. When once the bulbs arc cstahlisl.nl in the baskets it is not necessary to disturb them for three years. If i inches of the surface soil is pricked off in September and replaced with turfy loam and cow manure in equal parts. thiswilllicsutHcic.it toassist the growth each year, with the addition oi weak liquid manure freely given when growth is in full swing. The in. He the plants are fed within reason the nunc luxuriant will the foliage be, and for baskets the leaves play an important part in the beauty of the plants, as they serve to hide the wire. The bulbs of Lachenalias increase fast when they are in a healthy state. When re-arranging the bulbs in the baskets it is a good plan to sort them into two sizes fur the sake of uniformity when in flower. The best time to shift them is when they start into growth in September or early in October. The baskets arc easily made of galvanised wire (No. 8 size). The size of the basket may vary according to circumstances, such as the number of bulbs at disposal and the site they are to occupy when in flower. Those IS inches "in diameter and 15 inches deep afford space for a very fine display. Line the basket with common green moss from the woods to prevent the soil falling through between the wires. The bulbs are placed in layers, com- mencing in the middle at the bottom of the basket, and placing the point of the bulb in such a way that the leaves will grow through the wires and I $ I.AilIKN U.I \ \KI.sonu. (HALF NATURAL SIZK.) (From n drawing by Agnes ''.„,/- 0J flowers sent byMr. Allan, Gitnton Park Gardens, Norfolk.) hang downward. Strong bulbs may be planted 3 inches apart. When filled, the baskets are at once hung in a light position in a cool house, where the growth will he stocky. If they are given too much heat the leaves are liable to become drawn, which spoils their appearance, and the flower-spikes are not nearly so strong. The soil being moist, water will not he required for a week. The moss should, however, be daily moistened to keep it in a fresh condition. When growth has fairly commenced water must be given freely. As regards compost, Lachenalias are not too particular. Three parts of fibrous loam and one of leaf-mould and cow manure, with a plentiful addition of coarse silver sand to keep the whole porous, form a suitable soil. When the plants have done flowering they should be hung in the full sunlight, gradually withholding waterfront them as the foliage shows signs of ripening off. When this has wholly taken place the baskets may be hung up in a cool shed, where they can remain without water until the time again comes round for renewing As to variety, although L. Nelsonii is generally regarded as quite the best, there are other deserving sorts. L. tricolor is an excellent variety for baskets, as it is quite easy to grow and blossoms profusely. L. aurea, a free-growing yellow-flowered variety ; L. luteola, having yellow flowers with green and red markings ; L. quadricolor, scarlet, yellow, and gieen with a crimson edge, and L. pendula, with rich crimson flowers tipped with green, are all worthy of attention. E. M. RIVIERA NOTES. Among the crowd of early-flowering bulbous Irises, Iris assyriaea can hardly be said to take a first place. Its large bulb makes one hope for more vigorous growth than it actually attains to, but its quiet grey-blue flowers are prettily raised above the bold recurving foliage, so that a guild group of it is not without considerable merit. There is a curious simi- larity in the shade of blue between it and the lovely I. sinensis, so beautiful and so full of flower just now, but it entirely lacks the grace of form and bright golden markings that distinguish I. sinensis. Iris assyriaea, how- ever, is much more lasting in individual bloom. After some weeks of delightful weather it is sad to say that a severe fit of cold and heavy fall of snow visited us this morning ; it is too early to say how much damage has been done, lmt as the snow has melted in the morning's sun there may not be much injury to plants unless it freezes again at night. It will be curious to hear how other places fared on -March 8. E. H. Woodall. < 'hii if-., Nice. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Early flowers at Kew. The Royal Gardens, Kew, increase in interest as the year ages, and recently on a cold March day Crocuses were scattered in profusion over the Cumberland mound and in the grass near the entrance from the Green. Kew in spring is a garden of flowers, and a thousand Daffodils arc showing through the grass to continue the flower beauty commenced with the Snowdrops and the Crocuses. Dwarf Irises. — Every spring one is charmed with the various dwarf Irises which gladden one's eyes with their brilliant colours ; some, too, are precious for their exquisite scent. But one's pleasure is dimmed by the recognition of the fact that but a very small remnant consent to live more than one year with us, and this note is written in the hope that it may elicit suggestions from those who have been more successful than we can claim to be. Of all the common forms, I. histrioides is the only one that seems perfectly contented. Histrio may linger a year or two, and so with Bakeriana, Rosenbai liiana, reticulata (both forms — the less attractive Krelagei being the more persistent), but none seem to be here proof against some foe, be it fungus, climate or some other cause I know- of a garden in Worcestershire where I. reticulata increases and multiplies as fast as Scilla sibirica or Chionodoxa ; this is in light soil, in beds on terraces on a steep hillside. Quite 196 THE GARDEN. [March 17, 1900. latelj I have heard of it near Wimbledon flourishing as vigorously in stiff soil almost resembling clay. What is the secret ? Here in Reading we have no M>il — -20 feet of gravel lies below us, and we must put in whatever soil we deem our plants require. Stagnant moisture we do not fear. Would that those who have succeeded, especially such as have gardens resembling this, reveal wherein the cause of failure lies. ( hie's perplexity is increased by the fart that litre anil there in some odd corner a single bulb of I. reticulata will live and thrive for vears. — A. C. B. A note from Ireland.— May I say how glad I was to see " Notes from Ireland "in to-day's Garden. 1 have sometimes wondered why we so seldom see any Irish gardening news in your paper. In spite of frost and unpleasant weather generally we have had our rooms full of Snowdrops for more than a month. The Laurustinus bushes are a mass of bloom, and the Crocuses have never seemed so bright. About three weeks ago we found ten little Primroses in the Scotch Fir wood near the sea. In the garden to-day I found three beauties, and noticed, loo, a dear little Primrose out, also Czar and Neapolitan Violets, Wallflowers, and Periwinkles. In a neighbour's garden the Mediterranean Heath and yellow Nemophila are ready ha- the bees, and plenty of Anemones and Polyanthuses. The winter Jasmine still looks bright, but Pyrus japo-nica is nearly over. The buds of the common double Daffodil and the graceful princeps give promise of early flowers, and make us feel that the most beautiful of all the seasons of the year, the spring, is very mar. — 0. C, Carrow- yarry, < 'o. Sligo. [We think that our correspondent's yellow Nemophila must be Limnanthes Douglasii. — Eds.] Botanical work at York. Messrs. . lames Backhouse and Son, Ltd.. of York, have inaugurated a new department in their nurseries, whi.h may be of great service to botanical lecturers and demonstrators, in providing a supply of material especially for microscopic work. They have issued an extensive priced catalogue, com- prising objects in the M vxomycetes, Alga' (includ- ing diatoms), Charaeea-, Fungi, Hepaticic, Musci. Pteridophyta (prothallia and vegetative- organs), Gymnosperms, and all the more important orders of Angiosperms, The department is under the management of an experienced practical botanist. Dr. Arthur H. Burtt. and seems likely to supply a long felt want. Nature. Iris japonica. -This Iris, now in flower, is very much in the way of the Moreeas, lately figured ami alluded to iii Tut: Garden. It is in every respect a very beautiful plant, and under greenhouse treatment keeps up a succession of its charming blossoms for about six weeks. The Japanese Ins is seen at its best when grown in good sized masses or clumps, as in the ('actus house at lx'-w , where it is just now very attractive. The flowers, which arc borne on a branching spike, ate of a beautiful pale mauve colour, blotched with yellow, and are about 3 inches across. A kind of fringed crest forms a very conspicuous feature of the flower, and owing to this it is sometimes nut with in gardens as Iris timhriata. while another name for it is I. chinensis. Its cultural require- ments arc not at all exacting, yet many fail to flower it in a satisfactory manner. The principal consideration is g I drainage, a soil that will stand for years without renewing, as it flowers best when pot-bound, and full exposure to the sun in order that the rhizomes may be ripened. — T. Croci at Kew. Few flower gardeners seem to know the great wealth of Croci, not the Dutch tonus merely, but species and their varieties. It is interesting to see a small collection of the most beautiful near together, as we noticed a few days ago at Kew, when- small beds are Idled with distinct species of beautiful colour. We made a note of the following: C. biflorus var. minor, tic old ('loth of Cold Crocus (C. susianus) ( '. Korolkow ii. the ordinary C. vermis, ('. T masinianus, a charming flower, purplish rose, and large; ( '. etruscus, pale lilac ; the handsome C, linpeiaii. C. Sieberii ; C. chrysanthus var. fusco- li neai us. a i 'tocus of remarkable colour, deep butter yellow . and 1 1, rel tculatus. PhlOX maculata, the spotted - stalked Phlox, introduced into this country originally from North America in the year 174(1, is in danger of becoming lost. I find no evidence of its presence in this country beyond a few examples in the herbaceous borders at Kew, and it speaks volumes for those ably conducted gardens that so many forgotten treasures are retained there. It may be argued that Phlox decussata has been so improved of late years, that there is no need of other species. Few will dispute the fact, however, that the large blooms of the improved varieties of the latter have assumed a very indefinite shape, or mop-like contour. There is room for improvement by giving breadth to the trusses in preference to the conical shape, and the habit of Phlox maculata with its flat-topped trusses would seem to be a good model to work from, and an equally desirable parent to work upon in the effort, whilst increasing size of bloom, to retain the original form of truss, with a better display of each bloom upon tall Phloxes. — W. Eakley. Agatliaea CCKlCSt is. When the Mar- guerite became a popular flower, this Agathiea also advanced in favour, and, under the name of the Blue Marguerite, it made its way into many gar- dens where as Agatluea ccelestis its merits had been previously ignored. If stopped during its earlier stages, it forms a neat bushy specimen that will flower more or less continuously throughout the year. The Daisy-like blossoms are a pleasing shade of blue, and being borne on fairly long wiry stalks, their value in a cut state is thereby enhanced. If cuttings are struck in the spring and the young plants shifted on as required, they will by the end of the season form good specimens in pots (> inches to 8 inches in diameter, and will in a warm green- house flower throughout the latter part of the autumn, during the winter, and often well on into the new year. For winter blooming the plants should, after midsummer, be stood outside in a sunny spot in order to ensure good sturdy growth and an ample supply of flower-buds. Should the plants show a tendency to bloom before they are required to do so. the flowers may be picked off. This Agathaea was introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1753, but its popularity is quite of recent date. — H. P. The Mountain Avens. Divas octo- pctala. of Scotch origin, and therefore hardy and endurable, is a member of the extensive family of Rose-worts, which should be better known and more generally grown. The young leaves it forms annually somewhat resemble small Oak leaves, the delicate coloration of which is so highly appreciated, from amongst which rise its eight-petalled white flowers, somewhat resembling Anemones. The plant is very suitable for a front rank border plant and rockeries, but, as regards the latter, should be planted in clefts beneath which are goodly depths of soil. It thrives best in peat soil, and is pro pagated from seeds, cuttings, and by division — the cuttings to be made in summer and covered with a hand-glass. There is a dwarfer form, named Dryas octopetala minor, which is more compact in growth. I may add both are evergreens. I observed lately at Kew < lardens, Dryas Drummondii (yellow-flowered, all other species being white- flowered) doing well in the open border. Though a North American species, it is classed amongst half -hardy evergreens. It is deserving attention, though absent in trade catalogues. Dryas of this class make pretty pot plants. — W. Eakley. Achillea tomentosa, or Downy Milfoil of British origin, has become prominent of late years in connection with carpet bedding, but has not. in accordance with its real merits, yet taken its proper position as a herbaceous border plant, a front row plant in particular, for which it is so well adapted. It is a more pleasing permanent subject than many that are habitually grown — a permanent evergreen with an effective downy appearance, which displays prominently its bright yellow flowers. It is suitable both for growing in tufts and as an edging. — W. E. I-I.ANT SHELTER AT OAKWOon. W ISLEY. SHELTERS. Part of the garden at Oakwood, Wisley, before some Poplars grew up was much exposed to high winds, and for some plants we wanted shade, so the question of shelter from wind and sun had to be considered. We began with sheep hurdles, which answered to a certain extent, but tie feet on the ground rotted and they were not high enough. We had higher ones made, but they were very clumsy, so we tried iron cattle hurdles with cut Furze or Heather worked in between the liars. For some purposes these answered well. If Japanese Rose hedges are wanted, young plants grow fasl against this shelter, and by the time the Furze has rotted the Hoses have made a good fence. We next tried scrim from the Willesden 1'apcr Company stretched over the Iron hurdles ; but this after a time looked shabby and the scrim rotted. We at last arrived at a shelter which we think practically answers every purpose, and is easily portable. We have a great many of this scut in use and have thoroughly proved them. I send on a photo- graph. The iron hurdle is five-barred : it stands 3 feet fi inches out of the ground and is (i feet wide : 3-feet common laths are tied by tarred string to the hurdles, two sets one above the ..ther overlapping about 9 inches ; this gives stability and a height of shelter of 5 feet :i inches, which is enough for most purposes. < )ne cross piece is put above the hurdle to stiffen the laths. The laths do not touch each other, so air passes between them. The whole shelter, iron, laths, and twine, is well painted over with black varnish, which we get from Hill and Smith, of 118, Queen Victoria Street. We make up the shelters for our own use, but if there is any likelihood of a demand for them, 1 could send a pattern to Messrs. Hill and Smith, who supply the iron hurdles, and ask if they could supply the shelters complete from their country works. All I should ask is that they should lie called "The Oakwood Shelters." I believe wooden shelters are used in Holland, but I have never seen them and do not know how they are made. George F. Wilson. Iltiithi rluink, Weybridgi Heath. March 17, 1900.] THE GARDEN, 107 THE GROW I GARDEN. FROM M ING APPLES CUTTINGS. UCH has been written in favour of glowing Apple trees from cuttings instead of the orthodox or generally followed plan of grafting or budding them upon various stocks. I have repeatedly made experiments with many varieties to test the suitableness of the plan or otherwise. I must say I cannot think how any person can advocate the principle of raising trees from cuttings. My difficulty has been to induce them to strike at all. I have inserted cuttings in August, September, and October, even in the spring, anil with but indifferent results. The only varieties I could ever induce to root at all are Manks Codlin and King of the Pippins. The former is the better adapted to this mode of increase. Even this does not grow freely enough to make a tree and give a fair return. There desirable practice would be a great gain in more than oneway, fur exhibitors would find that the appearance of their fruit was actually improved, while all persons of taste while visiting the show would far rather see Melons and Grapes shown with a natural garnishing of their own leaves than bedded in oddly-irrelevant nests of pink paper. OANKEB IX FRUIT TREES AND ITS TREATMENT. M. Pierre Passv in the current number of the Paris Rewie Horticoli writes as follows about the abo^e-named subject : " ('anker is a serious disease of the branches and shoots of fruit trees ; Pears and, above all, Apples are attacked by it, but all varieties are not equally subject to this malady. There are some which arc able almost entirely to resist its attacks, while others, on the contrary, such as the Heinette du ( lanad ,. arc specially liable to sutler from them. It is also an undoubted fact that the conditions of locality have a great influence on the evolution of this disease. It is, for example, in confined and damp situations, in narrow valleys, and in lo,\ lying and jlamp soils that the disorder A CROUP OF OCTOBER FRl'IT GROWN IX YORKSHIRE. appears to be no vigour in such trees : they remain much t -lose to the surface, although they fruit freely enough. Certainly I shall not be tempted any more to take up time and space in raising trees by this method when I can follow the orthodox system of grafting or budding them on such stocks as the Crab. " Paradise. is most prevalent. It has also been asserted that it was altogether the result of locality, ami that it was inherent in certain varieties. These arc, in my opinion, mistaken conclusions. Canker is the result of the development ot a parasitic fungus, a fact of which there is no longer any doubt. But free, or the English often affections which are fairly analogous in form E. M OCTOBER FRUITS AT SKELTOX CASTLE, YORKSHIRE. It is pleasant to see a picture of a group of fruit so well grown by a good gardener in the north of Yorkshire, and to see it so simply and effectively grouped by an amateur photographer who is an enthusiast for fruit and flower subjects. The basket contains Tomatoes and the good early- cooking Apple Duchess of Oldenburg. The rest of the group comprises the excellent Pear Louise Bonne of Jersey, Melon Hero of Lockinge, Peach Bellegarde, and Orapes Black Alicante, Muscat of Alexandria and Barbarossa. The fruit bears as good evidence of Mr. Batty's successful culture as the grouping does of the photographer's taste. We canm.t help thinking that if some such group- ings of fruit, with the beautifying adjunct of re- lated foliage of fine type, were adopted in putting up exl-oits of mixed fruit at shows, that such a causing the"death "of "the are confounded with those whose cause is very different. Thus many assert that canker is caused by the piercings of insects such as the lanigerous plant-louse, thus completely confounding the affec- tion caused by the insect with that of the fungus. If it is true that after many years the wounds caused by the insect show a certain analogy to those caused by the fungus, and that sometimes this latter fixes itself in the wounds caused by the insect and so aggravates them, it is none the less true that at the outset there is between these two attacks no connection and no resemblance, and oie can hardly conceive the attribution to one and the same cause of affections which are so distinct and so different _ one from the other when they are examined with some care. These confusions can only be the result of inaccurate observation. Many mycologists have for a long time affirmed that the cause of the canker was a fungus, and the ex- periences of Herr Goeth in Germany have shown that Nectria ditissima (Tul. ) was a "true parasite, orsrans i> invaded, and that the cause ,,f death was not a Saprophyte which had established itself in tissues which were already dead. We have this year confirmed these experiments by starting the development of well- defined canker on a variety of Pear tree relatively by no means subject to it. The canker was dis- tinguished n.it only by its general aspects, but by the production of the fructifying organs of the fungus. We had chosen for this purpose a Pear of the variety named Bonne d'Ezee, which, although growing very near the varieties Duehesse and Beurre d'Ainanlis, kinds which are very subject to the attacks of the parasite (as they showed numerous cankers characterised by the two sorts of fruit-hearing organs of the fungi Conidies and Peritheces), yet Bonne d'Ezee was absolutely free from it, which is a proof how little liable it is to this malady. On -May 20 we made on a branch of the previous year a small longitudinal incision, into which we introduced by means of a perfectly clean instrument some spores of the eonidian form taken from a .anker borne by a Duehesse Pear. In order to avoid too intense an evaporation, which might easily have taken place at this time, and thus have ottered an obstacle to the germination of the spores, and to avoid also the introduction of other germs, the wound was immediately covered up with some Pear tree leaves spread over the incision and kept in their places by two ligatures of raffia. Eight days after the inoculation you could already see on both sides of the incision the spreadingof the mortification of the tissues, indicating clearly to a practised eye the nascent canker. Six weeks after the mortification had spread to about six centimetres in length, and already at regular .lis tances you could see the formation of the little button-holes by which the masses of fructiferous stroma escape. In the month of August canker had attained ten centimetres in length, many- groups of fructifications having separated them- selves from the bark. The branch, entirely circum- scribed by necrosis, was visibly perishing", and the leaves borne on the young lateral shoots were beginning to wither and fall. There is no doubt that death was near, and that the branch would certainly not have shot forth in the ensuing spring. This artificial inoculation of canker into a variety not liable to it shows clearly what is the provoking agent, and at the same time the rapidity with which the malady can extend when the fungus is well implanted into the living tissues as was here the case. It also tends to confirm the opinion that Nectria ditissima is a true parasite capable of rapidly bringing about by itself the death of living tissues and of causing the special necrosis so well known by cultivators of trees. It follows quite naturally from the above-mentioned details that one should seek in the first instance to radically destroy existing cankers. The most effectual way to do so is to burn the affected branches so as to destroy all the spores, and thus diminish the chances of their dissemination. If one cannot destroy the branches attacked, the cankers must be severally cut out, removing every particle affected by the parasite, and even removing also a portion of the sound wood. The portions removed must then be burnt and the wound healed with a powerful antiseptic. For this purpose might be used a concentrated form of the Bordeaux broth, or the following preparation : Sulphate of iron, 30 to 40 kilos. ; sulphuric acid, 1 kilo, to 100 litres of hot water. Pour the acid on the sulphate, and then add the water very slowly and with pre- caution. Apply the mixture as soon as the disso- lution of the sulphate of iron has taken place. Then protect the wounds from fresh infection by covering them with some appropriate coating, such as grafting wax, Norway tar, or clean earth worked into a clay with Bordeaux broth ; also anti-crypto- gamic dustings of all the branches will destroy any spores which may be on them or may be brought to them, and will act as a preventive. Finally, the facility of infection being granted, one should avoid with the greatest care the making of wounds with instruments which have been previously used to cut off branches affected with the fungus." This would he to expose one's trees to a direct inocula- tion of the malady. All instruments, therefore, should he most carefully cleaned before using. 198 THE GARDEN. [March 1?, 1900. Then conditions of locality having, as we have stated above, an undeniable influence on the deve- lopment of this disease, which is easily explained when the conditions necessary to the germination of the spi ires and the development of the mycelium are known, one should strive to open out the locality to fresh air and to make the soil as whole- some as possible, so as to render the conditions as little favourable as may be to the spreading of the disorder." W. E. 6. [We have to thank Mr. Gumbleton for the trouble lie has taken in making the translation of this most lucid and useful article. — Eds.] A LETTER FROM ROME. The Winter Aspect of the Pimm. It is interesting to note the effect of winter on trees, more or less foreign, in warmer seed-pods of an Acaeia, still green, at a little distance arouse illusive topes of spring. Planes dangle their prickly balls, and are too idle to scatter their gulden silk without a shaking. Even the Limes are unwilling to part with their winged seeds, and almost delude the bees with false hopes of nectar. Leaves fade through sheer weariness, but there is little storm or stress to shake the branches free fr< im the burden of the past summer. The Ginkgo, or Maiden-hair tree (Salisburia adiantifolia), is an exception. A short avenue of sturdy, straight-stemmed specimens of this little-known tree is growing, in full vigour, on the Pincio. They might easily be passed by at this season ; but an observant eye cannot fail to notice the short spurs — not spines-thick set upon the slender branches, which distin- guish the (linkgo from any other tree form. for flower-beds displayed in so many of them, it is delightful to look with a critical eye at the groups of Palms and evergreen and flowering shrubs, and to find how much may be accom plished by permanent planting. Doubtless the genial climate of the south makes what we call "sub-tropical" gardening both, possible ami easy. for example, the fine Musas, which were in great perfection but a few weeks ago, have simply had their broad leaves trimmed clown to the base, the stumps being fully exposed and needing no sort of protection, and the young leaves being almost ready even now to burst the sheath. ('annas, too, are cutoff at the ground-line and the dead leaves ami stems laid over the clumps. But "natural" planting, which is in vogue here, is in direct contrast to the formal style of the old Italian garden, with its close-clipped walls of Pay and IMMUNIS IN SEED in the coast or sicily. (From a photograph by Signor Crupi.J climates than our own. With us, it is tine, the dead, crisp leaves may cling to tin- sheltered side of the Beech or Hornbeam hedge, but the rocking branches of ( )ak, or Kim, or Ash in our wind-swept isles tossoff every leaf and leave us a gracious legacy of bare, interlacing boughs. \eurns fall ami seldom leave their cups behind ; the Ash and Sycamore drop their "keys" ; even the Laburnum holds fast but few of its pods when " stormy winds do blow " ; only the Alder sets up its pert little catkins and laughs defiance at the blast. But in Italy, trees, like tired children too long kept awake, seem to fall asleep half-undressed. Locust trees hang out their great black beans amongst shrivelled leaves. The brown panicles of Paulownia wait to be pushed off by swelling buds. The beaded Even so it would have been hard to recognise them had there not been — now some weeks ago a carpet of yellowed, wedge-shaped leaves spread beneath the trees, waiting for the garden barrow ; and not leaves only, but an abundant harvest of Plum-like fruits, each containing one large kernel. Most of us know the fine tree at Kew, and it would be interesting to learn whether it ever fruits in our climate. I shall watch with pleasure the budding in the spring and for the flowers to follow. The arrangement and planting of the Pincio has been done with infinite care, and calls for unstinted praise. When we consider the great difficulty of keeping a public garden— or, for that matter, any garden — year in, year out, at a high level of beauty, and the inordinate rage Ilex and fantastic forms of bird and beast carved out of the living green of Pox or Yew. So rare even now is " natural " gardening, that it must have required courage to be its pioneer in a land where formerly "no tree or shrub dared to grow in its own natural fashion " without the intervention of the topiarius, or head-gardener, to shear it into shape. Under such a shorn archway and canopy of Ilex, indeed, we pass along by the Passeggiata, through the iron gate into the Pincio Gardens. There we bid farewell to Messer Topiarius. Trees and shrubs are no longer clipped or tortured. Clumps of Indian Fig (Opuntia) 1 lask under the warm shelter of the wall, spreading their huge spiny joints to the sun, well set with unripe fruit. Groups of Yuccas,now past their March 17, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 199 best flowering, still show many spikes in all stages, which only wait for spring to open, and wait in safety. It lias been noticed more than once of late that Yuccas in English gardens are she nving unseasonal lie flower-spikes. No doubt this is due to an exceptionally hot summer : but may it not be probable that in congenial climates they have no set time for blooming, being influenced, like bulbs of Eucharis or Pancratium, rather by the age of the offsets than by the season .' Further on, Laurustinus in a sheen of metallic blue berries is an old friend in a new dress. At home the berri s ripen — sometimes — but never with such lustre as this. By-and-by we come to some lovely Pepper trees (Schinus molle) with their graceful drooping branches and pink berries. This is a tree we must perforce do without. As far as I am aware, it succeeds neither in the sheltered gardens of Tresco Abbey nor on the favoured west coast i if Scotland. Soon we turn into the garden proper, with its green turf, its shady trees, its groups of Palms, its flowering shrubs, and its climbers. For the distinctive feature of the Pincio is to be found in the many happy unions between tree and climber, and an hour spent in noting down some of the combinations tried — some successfully, some less so — by Signor Cav. Palice, the skilful and enthusiastic Director- General of Public Gardens in Rome, is by no means time wasted. At the present moment the Winter Jasmine, in full flower, is charming, festooning hert and there a deciduous tree with its yellow stars, or scrambling down the lair of an Ivy-clad wall. This is a shrub, to use an antiquated phrase, that no garden should be without, and though we may be forgiven if we prefer variety where there is such wealth of beauty to choose from, yet it is surely true that this fine old winter-flowering plant is too much neglected. It is wonderfully lovely when it is given free license to drape as it will a bare and. perhaps, unsightly tree trunk, or to fall over, rather than to climb up, sonic crumbling wall. A combination not so likely to succeed, perhaps, with us, but very good and effective, is an Acacia, leafless mean while, into which a Smilax has run rampant, showing off its stiff heart-shaped leaves and coral berries to great advantage. To note a few more. A Magnolia screens with its broad foliage the Manrandya winding up its stem. An Araucaria, at its last ,ua-~p, ] r thing, is granted a beautiful screen lor its woes in a strong l>midee Rambler or some such Rose. Passion Flowers twine about the bare stems of some of the conifers. Vir- ginian Creeper saucily flings, in autumn, her crimsoned trails over the august boughs of Cedar of Lebanon. Scarcely a tree, in fact, but lias its clinging companion. It is a whim of the maestro, and we thank him ami enjoy it. All these, however, are but experiments by the way. Roses climbing Hoses of every sort — clamber into the trees; Banksian, Noisette, Cluster Roses, with evergreen foliage now and promise of flowers to come. And when the month of Roses is here, Queen Rose will hold her court on the Pincio. < >u the crest of the hill, on the further side, looking away to the Borghese Villa, but within the precincts of the Pincio Gardens, a colony of majestic Italian Pines rear their noble columns. How many centuries they have stood there, keeping sentinel over the ages, it is hard to tell, but these ancient trees are solemn in their stately grandeur. For the Pincian Hill is historic ground. Put here, too, the Roses have their way and wreathe their long shoots about the rugged steins. There is a time to refrain from planting. Is not this one of such ' Roses here are scarcely seemly. One spot on all the hill might well be dedicated to shame and remorse for the crimes of human kind. But the crowd revels in Poses. It recks little whether Valerius dreamed, as he paced his beautiful alleys under the shade of such Pines as these, of the cruel fate preparing for him by greed of wanton covetousness ; or of the stern decrees of justice which required the forfeit of the guilty life on the very site of the sacrifice. "Wait till the Poses bloom," say the Romans ; "then the Pincio will be in its glory." The sombre shadows fade — one is recalled to the happier Present and the life of every day. The carriages circle about the gay enclosure; the scarlet cassocks of the German seminarists gleam athwart the green vistas, and the band strikes up the cheerful strain of the march in "Carmen" K. L. Davidson. Rome. OUR GARDEN PLANTS AT HOME. The Common Ferula. Ferula communis is one of the most striking- plants of the umbelliferous family. It is a native of the shores of the Mediterranean from Italy to North Africa, extending even to the Canary Islands. At La Mortola the plant is perfectly at home, attaining an immense size in favourable situations without any culture. Early in February the roots begin to push up their leaves and soon form a mass of elegant bright green foliage. The stem reaches a height of 8 feet to VI feet, and is much branched from the base to the top and clothed at the joints with smaller bract-like leaves supported by a long sheath ; only the umbels at the top of the branches bear fruits. T. Haxbury. La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Feb. '.'. [We learn from Mr. 1 »aniel Hanbury's " Phar- FERt'LA COMMUH IS. macographia," a book of vast research and exhaustive record of the history of drugs, that a plant of this family, F. Sunibul, produces sumbul root, used in medicine and perfumery ; that asafcetida is a product of another, or rather of two others, of the same genus growing in the mountains of Beluchistan ; the drug, which is in the form of a resin, being obtained by scraping or otherwise wounding the upper portion of the root after it has been laid bare for the purpose. Galbanum is another pro- duet of the Ferulas, and the ancient drug ammoniacum was obtained from F. tingitana, one of the Giant Fennels that adorn the rocky wastes in many parts of Northern Africa ami some of the islands of the Grecian Archi- pelago. — Eds.] FORMS OF ANEMONE CORON- ARIA AND A. HORTENSIS. The bright-coloured Anemones of the south of Europe, which extend in a wild state from Spain to Palestine, are usually classified under the two species which Linnaeus established, coronaria and hortensis. Each of these, how- ever, runs into numerous forms, and 1 cannot help thinking that some of the garden varieties owe their origin to hybridisation. There is a very elaborate paper upon the forms that grow wild in the neighbourhood of Grasse by the Abbe Pons, in volume 36 of the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France, which should be studied by those who are critically interested in the subject. Here I will merely enumerate and briefly characterise the forms which have been treated by recent authors as distinct species, taking as my guide the new "Flora of France," by Rouy and Foucade, still in course of publication, of which the first volume, which contains the Ranunculacese, was issued in 1893. Anemone coronaria is distinguished by its thin leaves with numerous narrow divisions, dis- tinctly laciniated involucre, and 6—8 imbricated obovate-obtuse flower divisions (sepals), which are nearly or quite an inch broad in the ordinary garden form. < )f this, Rouy and Foucade admit nine varieties as follows ;— 1. A.eyanea. Risso : A. coronarioides, Hmirir. A. coronaria, Moggridge (Cont. Fl. Ment., t. 51). -Flowers lilac, without any distinct star at the base, divisions (; s, much imbricated. Anthers not apiculate. ■1. A. albiflora, Rouy and Foucade ; A. alba, Goaty urn! Pons. -Flowers pure white through- out. Anthers not apiculate. 3. A. rosea, Hanry. Flowers rose violet or paler, without a distinct basal star. Anthers not apiculate. I. A. lerinensis, Hhuttlevi.- This differs from the last by its more globular flower, with acute bright rose red divisions, without a basal star of white. 5. A. coccinea, Jord. Flowers huge, bright vermilion-red, without any distinct white basal spot. Anthers not apiculate. A common garden form, usually considered to be typical coronaria. 6. A. Mouansii, TIanry.- Divisions of the leaves broader than in the foregoing; flowers violet, more or less deep in hue ; divisions narrowed to a short acute point, no white basal star. Anthers not apiculate. 7. A. grassensis, Goaty and Pons.- Flowers middle-sized, bright red, with a distinct white basal star, divisions oblong, acute. Anthers apiculate. 8. A. ventreana, Hanry. Flowers large, white or yellowish-white, with a transverse red central band round the middle inside. Anthers apiculate. This is the form that is figured as 200 THE GARDEN. [Makch 17, 1900. coronaria in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 841, .nd in Reichenbach's " [cones," tab. 4648. 9. A. Riss' iana, Jord. — Flowers large, mottled red and white, divisions pointed, basal star dis- tinct. Anthers apiculate. In A. hortensisthe leaves are firmer in texture, with 3 — 5 wedge-shaped lobes, cut down slightly or deeply from the apex, an involucre often of three entire lanceolate leaves, and a flower with 8 — 18 spreading linear divisions about a quarter of an inch broad and pubescent on the outside. ( )f this, Rouy and Foucade admit six varieties as follows, which I am extending to seven : — 1. A. stellata, Lam. — Flowers 1 — li inches diameter with 12 linear obtuse pale red divi- sions, without any white basal spot. This is the common wild form of the species figured by Moggridge (Cunt. Fl. Mentone, t. 2), Sibthorpe and Smith ("Flora Graeca," t. 515), and Reichenbach (Icones Fl. Europ., t. 4ii4!>). ■1. A. grandiflora, Pons- — Flowers large (reaching 3 inches to 4 inches diameter), violet .ir n.se coloured, divisions broader, more acute, basal star none. .3. A. fulgens, ./. Gay. — Flowers larger than in the type, bright red, without any basal star ; divisions obtuse, \ inch to ', inch broad. 4. A. pavonina, L/uii. — Like the last, but divisions of the flower very numerous, linear. Both this and the last frequent in cultivation. .">. A. variata, Jord. — Flowers lj inches to :i inches diameter, rose-red or bright red, rarely vhitish or lilac, with a distinct white basal spot ; divisions 8 -lit, sub acute. (>. A. lepida, Jord. — Flowers lA inches to 3 inches diameter, violet outside, purple inside; divisions 8 -10, oblong lanceolate, acute, whitish basal star distinct. 7. A. Regina, Risso. — Flowers li inches to I inches diameter, divisions oblanceolate, acute, blight red, [ inch to ', inch broad, basal star distinct, whitish or straw-coloured, figured by Moggridge (Cont. Fl. Ment., t. 1) and called in the third division of his book A. hortensis var. ocellata. This, like fulgens, runs into a pavonina form, as shown in the top flower in Moggridge's figure. A plant which Heir .Max Leichtlin sent me some time ago from Beyrout must surely be a hybrid. It has a coronaria (lower, bright red, with six obovate, obtuse, much imbricated divisions, a deeply laciniated involucre, and a thick leaf with three deeply laciniated wedge- shaped lobes. .1. ( l. Baker, Kew, Feb. .'.'. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Asparagus. THE wintry weather experienced during February will have prevented ground work being attended to; but it fre- quently happens that a mild spring follows a hard or changeable winter, and there should be no delay in doing up tin' Asparagus quarters ready for the sprine. cutting. For seine years I have advised grow- ing this plant mi the Hat and giving more room than is often allowed. I am aware the latter advice is much easier given than carried out, as every inch of space must he made the most of. When the beds are hoed or pointed over with the loik they may have a dressing of soil and fertiliser, or. what is better, burnt refuse and food given as a top dressing. [ am not in favour of manuring beds in the autumn : it is far better to feed during growth, and with the plants mi the Hat. and given ample space, it is a e J plan to place well-decayed manure between the rows now ; this seen gets pulverised by the weather, and acts as a mulch if the summer should be dry. Of course, in feeding, a great deal depends upon the nature of the soil ; if this be wet or clayey, the operation is better deferred for a time. New beds will need less food than old ones, few manures being superior to liquid from st a I iles. Rhubarb. Where tins is needed in quantities for forcing it is well to plant a certain number of roots every year. Few roots need better treatment, as though the plant will grow for many years in the same spot, nevertheless, by ample food and good culture a better return is secured from a limited space. The ground should be deeply dug, or, better still, trenched, and a liberal supply of manure worked in as the digging proceeds, and if possible a change of quarters is beneficial. An old root will cut up into a good number, each portion of root detached having a bud or crown, and the work is best done as early in March as possible, planting firmly at 4 feet to 5 feet apart. If manure can be spared, it is a good plan to cover the surface, as afterwards this acts as a mulch and encourages new surface roots. No stalks should be taken the first year if the young stock is needed for forcing, and only a little for those intended as stock plants, as it is better to draw from the older plants. An equally good way to secure plants or new stock is by sowing seed ; this sown in g 1 land will give a fair return in two years, and by sowing in a frame and planting out the seedlings in June, time is saved. Thin sowing is needed in any ease, also early thinning of seedlings. AUTUMN-SOWS Onions. If not yet planted out in their finishing quarters, these should be taken in hand at an early oppor- tunity, as the plants are making new roots anil will need careful lifting. The plants should be planted on land richly manured and deeply dug. the food being placed well under the roots. In light soils it is advisable to tread the soil before planting. A liberal space should be given between the plants and between the rows, as it allows of working more freely and feeding later on. Onions delight in ample supplies of liquid manure and other food when in active growth. In planting, each luilb should have the roots carefully spread out, and each made linn as the work proceeds. r half-shadi biennis, a plant that is rather handsome when one sees it growing wild, lmt is far in- ferior t" the garden kind. The careful gardener must look out for reversions to the type, which often occur. After a little practici e gets to know the rogue seedlings, when half-grown, by a certain suspicious what real value there is in this now large family. greenness. The first open bloom, much and how well they may he grown with care and smaller and rather deeper in colour than discretion. Perhaps not t lie least important GE. Lamarckiana, of course shows up the rogue WALK ol EVENING l'KIMKosK.'dEXoTllKKA LAMARCKIANA). at once, but by that time other tilings are growing tall and a plant may easily be over- looked, and then the garden is in danger of being overrun with seedlings of the more unworthy plant. Hon beautiful a thing is this tall 1 rimri in feature in the early forcing of Narcissi is the abundance of foliage obtained, which is not possible in all hard-forced flowers. Indeed, forcing injures many plants by blanching the blossoms and causing the leaves and stems to come pale. In the Daffodil family there is none of this injury by hard forcing and the foliage is as dark and handsome as the •.veiling flowers generally are good. Naturally not a little the late summer evenings, when depends on how the work is done, and of its flowers, that are closed and drooping in the hottest sunshine, are wide open and giving off their delicate scent, or, better still, in the calm daylight of the early summer mornings In-fore tile sun is up. It it is cut and (Hit in water when the blossoms ate fully expanded, they remain wide open, and will last in beauty for several days Index and Editorial :iiii'iii_'st tin- aqvertisenjente, Notices will in- found course m this as in other matters there have been failures as well as successes. A very common error in forcing the Narcissus is that insufficient water is given at the root, whereas with good drainage it may be said that it is scarcer* possible to err on the side of over-watering. Upon more than one occasion my opinion has been asked by those growing these flowers under glass for the first time, and invariably I rind the soil too dry. In giving this opinion I have been met with the remark: ■'Oh. but that soil is moist enough for anything " : and my reply has been. " No, it is not ventilated, closed by degrees and warmth adminis- tered in like manner. Assuming the bulbs may be introduced early in December and potted early, they will at that time bear a temperature of 4.>' to 50", depending to some extent on external conditions. I have found it a good plan in dealing with these flowers to avoid much warmth till the flower-scape is free of the neck of the bulb. Great heat or sudden variations of temperature prior to this stage frequently results in failure, and even if a flower is obtained, in all probability it is a distorted one. Winn the flower-scape is free of the neck of the bulb, a little more heat may lie applied, but there is no need where good flowers are required ever to exceed 55° at night. I have already spoken of moisture at the root. Of equal import is atmospheric moisture, and on no account must this he neglected. Bottom-heat should never be employed ; indeed I do not know a single kind that is assisted by it. while nearly all strongly resent it. A point of importance in forcing these flowers is that too frequently the value of the more plentiful kinds is overlooked, and it is worthy of note that what ar nisidered the comroi rest 202 THE GARDEN. [March 1900 kiwis are among the must serviceable fur early furring. Thus the bettei kinds may be reserved for more natural flowering later on. Even with our hosts of good Daffodils, nunc ran surpass the following for the very earliest forcing Ard-Righ, or Irish King, and ( Ibvallaris or the Tenby Daffodil both cum ins,' very close together, and the well-known double Daffodil following about three days later. A grand kind when well done is Golden Spur, but this, as also does Horsfieldii, requires a little more time and is best regarded as semi-early. A very useful and graceful kind is Princeps ; this comes away in advance of the last named, and with gentle forcing produces splendid steins and foliage and blossoms of the must serviceable kind. Though a very short list, it will Vie fun ml ample for very early forcing, avoiding more expensive sorts. Hampton Hill. E. Jenkins. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. L.ELIA JONGHIANA. IT was a fortunate day for Orchid growers when this beautiful Brazilian plant was lately re-discovered and imported in quantity ; and, coming into bloom as it does between the autumnal-flowering L. pumilaand the spring-flowering L.majalis, which it more closely resembles, it is of con- siderable value for early spring decoration, and Aconite. For a description of it we refer our readers to Mr. Gumbleton's note on p. L83, March 10. IRIS STENOPHYLLA. It is not often that such a distinct species is introduced as this new Iris, which was shown at the last February meeting' of the Royal Horticultural Society by .Messrs. Wallace, of Colchester, when it received a first-class certificate. No species can be compared with it except in size, and this is 1. alata, but it is even more refined. The new-comer is without the rough outline of I. alata, nor does it possess the very broad blade to the fall of the latter. But in one feature it does suggest I. alata, and this is the way in which the claw from the lower side embraces the style, only that in I. stenophylla it is more uniform and definite, quite overlapping the entire upper surface of the style by the extended wings that meet on the central surface. The azure-blue, purple- shaded flowers arc very beau- tiful, while the richly -coloured blade of the fall might be that of a handsome view, do not quite agree with all that has been published on this subject. All the more am I thankful for the admirable words of Mr. (1. 1). Leslie (page I Hi), and am confident that many of your readers feel with me : "A garden is fenced in from wild Nature and for man's private use and enjoyment." It is so true ! Wild Nature can never be our garden proper. 1 am leaving out of consideration those larger gardens or parks in the arrangement of which landscape effects can and must be studied, but allude only to those plots of ground which we know as a cottage or a villa garden. In these there is no room for wild Nature, however much we may admire her, though perhaps our love of her, of this inexhaustible source of ever- changing' combinations of living form and I colour, so fertile also of edifying meditation, should be felt to be the main impulse for the creation of our gardens. As we stand enrap- tured viewing a beautiful natural scene, our eye delights in the masterly contrasts of foliage and flower, of undulating turf, and perhaps winding waters and picturesque rocks. The beauteous picture attracts us to the spot, but — and what a lesson to vain humanity ! — the ^■v X ' o I (I'm also is likely to prove useful for hybridising. The first record of its flowering in Europe was in the year 1872, and it was figured in the Botanical Magazine in 1873, but for many years it has been little known but as a name. The bh is, of considerable size, between 5 inches and (1 inches across, arc of a soft rose purple tint, and produced solitary or in pairs, as in tlv case of L. pumila. The brilliant orange-yellow disc of the lip and the exterior blotch of yellow on the side lobes give it a distinct appearance. As y.-t it has not flowered in sufficient quantity to determine the extenl of its variability. .1. T. BeNNETT-PoE. ERANTHIS CI I.K'K 'A. Several notes have appeared in The Ga kden lately about this interesting and rare Winter I..i:i.l \ JONGHIANA. urn by II. G. Moon from flowers sent by Mi. ./. r. Bennett-} Iris reticulata. The species is destined to become one of the most notable of the early bulbous group. E. H.Jenkins. ' [This beautiful new species is a native of Asia Minor, and is closely allied to 1. persica, being similar in growth and very distinct in colour; the flower is nearly 4 inches across, and borne on a stem between :i inches and t inches high, the standards of a. soft blue shade, the falls intense blue bordered with white. Eds.] FALSE IDEALS. With the keenest interest have I followed the honest words written in your, or may I say our, GARDEK against supposed false ideals. I am a gardener, and perhaps for that reason looking at the matter from a different point of effect of the whole serves only to make us observe its parts ; the true jewels of that charming scenery are the individual plants and all and every part of them. To know them we have to take them out of the ensemble. It is only after we picked the single flower that it reveals to our ad- miring eye all the beauty of its intricate structure and the infinite wisdom which moulded it. The more we know it the nearer we want to draw it to ourselves ; we need to feel it in our hand, to put it to our nose. It needs every sense of ours to draw it to our heart, so that we may love it ; and when we have learned to love it, then we plant it in our garden, to have it with us all the time. "The garden is for our private use and enjoyment." Primarily the garden is for our private use; it is not for all ; it is ours ; every plant it harbours is our own ; we know them all individually, for we rear them from year to year ; we enjoy our garden, and no more noble purpose could it serve. The arrangement of it cannot be but of secondary importance. We cannot reproduce the spontaneous vegetation of wild Nature, as we cannot replace the hand which created it. We may well preserve a wild scenery in larger parks ; there we may even be able to create circumstances by judicious selection and plant- ing, which, if left to develop naturally, may ultimately lose the mark of our handiwork ; but we cannot plant wild Nature. Such an attempt would bear the stamp of absurdity on '.) M ARCH 1 ' I 900. Tl IE GARDEN. 203 its face, so let us not deceive ourselves with petty imitations. The arrangement of the garden should be governed by good taste, of course, but not dominated by reasons of appearance. The often too narrow confines of the garden may, for the sake of the well-being of some of our dearest plants, dictate such grouping as is not exactly in accordance with our own ideas of harmony. If there is a tree too large or too thick for the healthy development of more dainty plants below or beside it, sacrifice it or parts of it. If the hedge interferes with any plants, let it be trimmed, and, lest it present an untidy appearance, be trimmed evenly all round. The arrangement is imperatively a matter of convenience also. The walks must be well made and well kept, for at all times must we be able to approach our friends. Tidiness is necessary for obvious reasons ; so let the garden bear the marks of it. It gives a feeling of comfort to the one who feels re- sponsible for the treasure the garden harbours. Let the lawn then be shorn and its edges be cut accordingly. -Much the prettiest gardens are those in which the loving hand of their owners is evident. If close comparison is the object of the observing flower lover, there cannot be any objections to formal rows of plants placed side by side. Look through your own GARDEN. Your beds are of formal shape, scrupulously trimmed : even the giant Beech tree, which I could have admired so much in its broad spreading fulness, is mutilated in order to give prominence to the tiny Crocuses which it shelters. It is not your intention to curtail the tree, but branches were cut away to show us those pretty flowers, and your purpose justi- fies your measures. Thus let everyone's heart choose how and what to plant in his own garden. It will then be a natural garden : we shall then see no more imitation birds cut out of the Box bushes, nor shall we see the unhappy rock gardens any more, for which the r icks alone seem to dictate the name : nor the shrubbery robbed of its flowers by untimely trimming anil the fruit tree mutilated by reck- less pruning. We shall then see individuality and no more mere copying in the garden. •*/• patient he V HAKE WINTER U UNITE (ERANTHIS CIMCICA ( Dm mi at Kem i,h II. ',. Ham ) «- .W* > . ** To spread the knowledge of the requirements of the plants, to teach us their culture, to make us know the treasures which distant climes and coun- tries produce for us, to show us the pretty flower which at our very door we are so apt to overlook, to teach us to seethe beauty of Nature — that is a laudable pur- pose, and everyone will thank The Garden workers for their deavours in this direction. Where the garden is looked at so' as a necessary environment tor a dwellin house, it is no more a garden proper a decoration to the main object ; it is primarily then a matter of appearance and convenience. The purpose is a good one and worthy of the most hearty support of all, though different from the object of a true garden. For this decorative garden the gardener is generally called in to set out a few suitable trees anil shrubs, and, perhaps, flowers. Here he should show his individuality : here he should show his art of combining to the best possible advantage the two purposes which a garden can serve. The success of his work is, of course, dependent on many circumstances: not the least is the good will or the purse of his employer. But remember, you may not always blame the gardener if you do not like his work ; he IS often, too often, the instrument only of his master none more than he suffers if has to work without his heart — and he should be spared the reproach if a commonplace result is the outcome of an unhappy compromise between his ideas of a good garden and the orders of his master. Theo. Eckardt. I PERCEIVE from the perusal of Mr. Leslie's letter on the above subject (page 14li) that in my remarks upon the Clipping of shrubs I was Dot sufficiently careful to observe the axiom. " Write not so that you may be understood; hut so that you cannot he misunderstood." In deprecating the fashioning of disconnected evergreen shrubs into rounded mounds of greenery, a practice annually observed in innu- merable English gardens, I had no intention of condemning the clipped evergreen hedge. There is no rawon i/'i in for spherical or quaintly modelled shrubs scattered about the grounds, whereas in almost every garden dividing lines are necessary, and these may often be more fittingly formed out of living growth than with stune or bricks. A well-kept Yew, Holly, or Box hedge creates an admirable boundary, and, as Mr. Leslie says, no more effective background can be conceived than the sombre green of Yew for enhancing the charms of the "well-arranged herbaceous border," while such a hedge em- blazoned in the summertide with the vivid scarlet flower-trails of the Flame Nasturtium is in itself an object of unsurpassable splendour. As far as I am aware, the class that advocates the absolute and unrestrained rule of Nature in every part of the garden exists only in the imagination of the votaries of the artificial, who, i der to disparage the opponents of their style, set up an altogether false and exaggerated standard as being the aim of those who agree with Kingsley that "the further you get from Nature the nearer you get to bad taste," in order that they may demolish it by contemptuously describing it as "arrogant futility." As to lawns, I think must of us agree with Dudley / ''// lawn more with beau- Warner, that •• one cultivates great satisfaction, for there is noth tiful than grass or turf." One of the primar, objects of lawns and grass walks is to afford a cool and velvety surface for the foot during the heat of summer, and it therefore follows that the better a lawn is kept the more nearly it attains this desirable end. In the same ' manner garden scats, pergolas, summer-houses, bridges and foun- tains have one and all their uses, ami if simply designed and not overlaid with trivial and needless excrescences, a practice tooapparent in the so-called •'rustic- work" that disfigures so many gard.-ns. add to rather than detract from the beauty of their surroundings ; while in respect to the value of water in the garden, one is in. dined to echo Bernard Pallissy's words : "It is impossible to have a spot proper for a garden unless there lie some fountain or stream passing through it." 1 trust I have demonstrated that I am fully in accord with Mr. Leslie and his " wise little girl '" in appreciating that "happy medium" which both he and I alike deem desirable, and I imagine that few, if any. lovers of Nature and of the garden hold a contrary view. In my two notes on "False Ideals" I have taken exception only to the undue dwarfing and doubling of our garden flowers, to geometrical carpet bedding (while allowing that bedding and other tender plants are often of the greatest use in the garden), and to the (dipping into unnatural shapesof isolated shrubs, for I am not at one with those who accept the dictum laid down in a recent work that " Yew lives trimmed close gain their full beauty." In conclusion. I think I may safely say that nothing 1 have written suggests the inference that I object to a clipped hedge in its proper place, to smooth lawns, pergolas, or to a fountain of artistic design, and if there be those who disapprove of these things I have yet to meet them. K. W. Fitzherbert. Iris reticulata major. We have received a boxful of flowers of this beautiful Iris from Messrs. Kelway and Son, Langport, Somerset. This is a much larger form than the type, but of the same Harm colour and strong Violet fragrance •204 THE GARDEN. [March 17, 1900. ORCHIDS. ORCHIDS AT OAKWOOD. WYLAM, a country village on the hanks of the river Tyne, will ever he famous to growers of Orchids through that ardent hybridist, Mr. Norman C. Cookson. A bleak day in February , with the country covered with ice and snow, was not the best time In inspect a collection of Orchids ; but there are always Orchids in flower in every establishment, and in Mr. Cookson's garden I found a wealth of beautiful kinds. The collection is almost entirely formed from seedlings raised in the Orchid houses, but a certain proportion is c posed of tine varieties of the more popular species. In one of the Cattleya houses the eye is at once arrested by two of the finest varieties of Odonto- glossum crispum. viz.. Cooksonii and Mundayanum. The first-named, I believe, was obtained by Mr. Cookson from a small batch of imported plants. It was a small plant when first exhibited before the Bora] committee in the old Kensington garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, where it obtained a first-class certificate. By careful management and the most skilful culture, this one small plant has now developed into fourteen fine plants. Itis well figured in the " Orchid Album," vol. iii., plate 118. The white sepals and petals are irregularly and heavily blotched with brownish crimson, the white and yellow crested lip being similarly blotched. The variety Mundayanum is also a distinct and striking Orchid. This is well figured in the second series of the " Reiehenbachia," vol. i., plate .">. It is brownish crimson, with crimson-purple blotches, the latter show ing unusually distinct on the back of the petals. I wondered at seeing these cool -house Orchids in thei 'a tt leva house, but Mr. William Murray, thehead gardener, informed me t hat the flowers develop more freely in the higher temperature. I thought what splendid varieties might be obtained if the two forms could be. cross- fertilised. Doubtless this has been considered in all itsbeariugs, for handsomec-mss hied ( Idontoglossums have been raised and flowered at Oakwood. A handsome hybrid Lselio-Cattleya was in flower; this is a cross between La-lia purpurata anil Cattleya llowiana. It is some twenty two years since the late Mi. Dummy proudly showed me a plant from this cross in flower under the name of La-lia Dnininiana. He had sown the seed sialic sixteen years previously; that would give thirty-eight years or more since the cross-fertilisa- tion. A similar cross was exhibited two or three years ago under the name of Apollonia, and received ,in award of merit from the Orchid committee, Later a still better form was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch under the name of L. -( '. langleyensis. This received a tirst -class certificate from the Orchid com- mittee. It would be better to return to the early nomenclature. It is a handsome garden hybrid and delightfully fragrant. The white forms of La-lia anceps make a line show in the Cattleya house. The variety Schrcederiana is one of the hest ; the pun- white flowers aie marked with crimson lines in the throat. I,, anceps Percival- iana is also distinct and pretty. I cannot hear thai anything has been done in crossing these white l.;elias ; personally I own tocnntinual failures with them. Since writing the above paragraph Mr. John Seden lias successfully crossed Lielia anceps and l.ielia purpurata. The plant was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch on February 27 as L. Kdissa ; itis described on p. 172 of The Garden. Tin- uiimlicrs of hybrid Cypripediums raised at Oakwood are legion, and ^ t i 1 1 they come. ( '. San del iano ( 'iirtisii, the most recent Oakwood acquisi- tion, was well figured m The Garden (p. 74), and I'. Sander iano supcrliiens is equally handsome. These C. Sanderianum hybrids are well described by Mr. Chapman in the same number. One of the most useful and handsome of the Oakwood Cypri- pediums is ( '. Calypso (Oakwood variety); it is a cross between C. Spicerianum and a good form of < '. Boxallii the variety atratum, 1 think. The vigour of the plants show that C. Boxallii is the seed parent. This is a matter of considerable importance, for unless the seed-bearer- is vigorous, it is unlikely that the seedlings will either' lie vigorous or long-lived. A rather handsome hybrid was in flower, unnamed, between ( '. Stonei and C. Argus. The dor-sal sepal has the distinguishing traits of ( '. Stonei, while the elongated lateral sepals have the spotting of ( ', Argus ; the spots and blotches not so thickly placed as in the famous C. Stonei platytajnium, but reminding one of that variety. One of the glories of the Oakwood collection of hybrid and bi-generie hybrid Orchids are the Phaio-Calanthes. As longagoas KS07 Phaio-Calanthe irrorata flowered in Messrs. Veitch's nursery at Chelsea by crossing Phaius grandifolius with Calanthe vestita var. Turnerii. Mr-. Seden made a similar- cross soirre time later. There is now in flower- some very beautiful Phaio- Calanthes at Oakwood. The variety P. grandis is a chaste arrd lovely thing : the sepals and petals are creamy white, with a soft rose-tinted lip. Some of the varieties are much darker than others, and it would he a mere matter of taste whether the light oi- dark forms were preferred. One very pretty variety had sepals and petals of a dark rose colour with a rosy red lip. These are crosses from Phaius grandifolius and Oakwood Ruby Calanthe. Phaius Sanderianus crossed Calanthe William Murray has produced a fine batch of seedlings ; all are distinct and handsome. The rosy bufl' sepals and petals, with the spreading white lips of some of these, are great acquisitions to the large family of home-raised Orchids. Most Orchid fanciers remember the sensation caused by the advent of Phaius Cooksonii, a cross between 1'. Wallichii and P. tuberculosus, com- bining the characteristic features of both parents. The sepals and petals are nearest to P. Wallichii. with the handsome lip of P. tuberculosus. P. Nor- marrii was raised later from P. Sanderianus crossed with P. tuberculosus. The progeny are again inter- mediate ; some of the varieties are very beautiful, and even surpass P. Cooksonii. The interest in any collection of Orchids in the future must largely centre upon the seedling plants and in the distinct forms which arc found irr importations. I intended to have said something about the numerous fine Calanthes raised at Oakwood, but this must 1»- left for a future occasion. .1. Douglas. THE ROSE GARDEN. ARRANGING ROSES IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. SHOULD there be a rosarium in a large establishment, or- is it preferable to group the Roses among the other occupants of the garden? The answer- seems in favour of the latter, for one rarely hears of a really good rosarium. In years gone by, except during a short period, a Rose garden was apt to appear rather a dull spot, hut this need not he so at the i iresent day if preference is given to the glorious Monthly Roses, among which I class the Tea-scented as well as the Bengal or- ( 'hiriesc. When a rosarium is formed it is a common prac- tice to have a centre Led of standard Roses. 1 cannot say 1 admire this arrangement even if the lues grow freely, which, unfortunately, they Si limes do not. 1 would rather- see a glorious mass of climbing Roses in the centre running over a bower- or some old tree stumps. What a bean tiful centre-piece for a rosery would be the Hire specimen of Bennett's Seedling, so well depicted in tl Century Rook of Gardening"! Certainly such kinds would rrot blossom for- any great length of time, but they might be surrounded by dwarf Tea Roses that would go orr flowering after the climbing Rose had ceased. As regards standards and half-standards, these seem to do more to beautify the rosery if allowed to develop into fine drooping heads, such as t he William Allen Richard- son depicted in the work alluded to. If seemed to me that a few such specimens as these were tin- one thing wanted to complete the harmony of the lovely Rose garden Mr-. Tate has formed at Down side. Many of tire fine climbing Tea and Noisette Roses should be more frequently employed as standards and half-standards; they make such graceful heads, much more so than the still', erect- growing Hybrid Perpetuals. Many Roses that are never thought of as standards, such as Gloire des Rosomanes, Armosa, the common Monthly, Stan- well Perpetual, Longworth Rambler, Paul's Single White, Griiss an Tcplitz, Macrantha, Penzance Briars. Ayrshire and Evergreen Hoses, and many others, would make delightful drooping heads of bloom entirely free from any artificial appearance. If 1 were forming a rosarium I should not be anxious to dispose of the plants so that they could all be seen at a glance. To come upon a group unawares would give greater pleasure. A delightful feature of tin- Rose garden at blew is the grassy dell with Roses on each side. This dell, I am told, was once a gravel pit, and sonic hundreds of cartloads of loam were employed to form the huge mounds, which are faced with rugged stumps of trees. The Crimson Rambler grows with wonderful vigour- in such soil, and many of the delightful early Roses, for instance, Rosa lutea, P». hispida, the Carmine Pillar Rose. Scotch Roses, also some beautiful new hybrids in the Japanese and Boursault tribes, here find a congenial home. Now that we have our collections enriched with the pretty creeping Rose, R. Wichuriana. and its many lovely hybrids, unthought of effects can be produced by their- aid. for they will run about and root like Ivy and cover the earth with their charming flowers and refreshing glossy foliage. Neither in a rosarium nor, indeed, anywhere else does a bed of mixed Roses show to any great advantage. If I could only grow three plants of a kind, 1 should plant those three in a group by themselves. There is such a diversity and indi- viduality among Rnsis. that they need to be so disposed to obtain the benefit of their- full beauty. Many lovely Roses which are usually bunched up to a stake to form a pillar would appear far more natural if allowed to grow without this artificial support. In our hedgerows we see this wild, yet elegant, style to perfection, and what can be more lovely than the graceful fountain like branches of the Dog Rose laden with their- delicately fragrant blossoms irr June? I once saw a very pretty little rosery formed upon the side of a slope, surrounded by huge Rhododendrons. Of course the soil had to he imported for the rosery. It can be easily imagined what a fine background of foliage the Rhododendrons afforded, and they also acted as a splendid shelter from keen winds. I think when a rosarium is formed upon an extensive scale many single specimens of evergreen and deciduous shrubs could be advantageously introduced without producing any incongruous effect. Of How eiing shrubs, the most suitable would be well-developed specimens of such things as Forsythia suspensa, Philadelphus speciosus, Spira-a aria-folia, Pyrus Mains, Scheideckerii, &e., or graceful evergreens of the type of Juniperas chinensis, ( fsmanlhus ilicifolius, Thujopsis borealis, Phillyrea decora. Laurustinus, Yucca recurva, I'irurs cxeelsa. broad-leaved Hollies, Weeping Spruce, and others. Golden evergreens and bright- coloured flowering shrubs would be best avoided. I should plant weeping Roses rather- extensively to relieve the flatness, and would endeavour to find space for one or two of the exquisite weeping deciduous trees, such as Young's Weeping Birch, Weeping Cherry, Weeping Almond. Weeping Poplar, Sophora japonica pendida, and others. Beautiful as they are, I think it is a mistake to crowd the rosarium with the strong growing single Roses which have conic so much to the front lately. The sunny side of a shrub border seems to be the most titling place tor such Hoses unless space can In- afforded to grow them as single specimens upon or- in the vicinity of the lawn. The Penzance Briars are delightful as single specimens, and the same may be saiil of Hebe's Lip, Mail ant ha. Janet's Pride, Andcrsonii, &c. Uul what is to become of March 17, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 205 the Mess Roses, the Damask, Mme. Hardy and Painted Lady, Maiden's Blush and Celestial, the Hybrid Chinese. Blairii No. 2, Coupe d'Hebe, and Charles Lawson, the York and Lancaster, and a host of other old favourites? I would suggest that they be grown as individual specimens. If no other place is available, put them in the herbaceous border, which surely is the most fitting place for them. Those who are not exhibitors, but who wish their gardens to appear beautiful, will doubtless accept these disjointed thoughts in the spirit in which they are written. A. R. SEASONABLE ROSE NOTES. EPOSES under glass stalled in December will now lie ma forward condition; consequently, weak doses of liquid manure should lie given at every other watering. Many growers believe in adding some g I artificial fertiliser to the soil when repotting in July. This is an excellent practice, as the roots can utilise the food when required. One is apt to In' 1 mi i generous and afford more than is_ necessary, witli tin- consequent injury to the small rootlets. A 5-inch pot of a good reliable phosphatic manure is ample to each harrowload of the compost, which isists of two parts of un- sifted loam and one part of decayed manure. I refer to this now because if such stimulant were given at the time mentioned it is obvious that at this period weak doses only of liquid manure are required. Failing this addition, a sprinkling of artificial manure now will lie necessary. Watering the plants is work that should he carried out by a most careful workman. When the foliage is fully developed, Roses require plentj of water, but much of this may be given through their leaves. hence the need of a moist atmosphere. The si.il should not lie allowed to become thoroughly dry, hut, on the other hand, it must not lie over- watered. Water-tanks or barrelsof water should he provided in each I lose house. Roses planted out under glass are much assisted now by a mulching of cow manure ami wood ashes in addition to the sprinkling of bone- meal they receive after pruning. The result is soon manifest in the splendid foliage, and it is surprising how Little aphides infest thoroughly health} foliage. When, however, they an- observed, fumigate inune diately. The syringe should lie freely used on bright days. See thai the water i- forcibly directed to the under side of tin- foliage, for- this is where the red spider lurks, causing discoloration and the un- timely dropping of the leaves. A few pots of button-hole Roses placed in a vinery just started will afford many useful flowers. The beautiful Sunlit,.. Isabella Sprunt, Niphetos, Safrano, Queen Mali, &c, arc excellent for this pur- pose. Should no plants he available, a few might he purchased established in 8-inch pots. Such plants require no repotting. All that is try is to examine the crocks and clear them ot soil, then remove an inch of the surface soil. Give a sprinkling ot some good fertiliser, covering this with an inch of fresh loam and well rotted manure in equal parts. For button-hole work very moderate pruning is hest. Cut out the small twiggj growths from the centre and retain the remainder almost their entire length. Hybrid Perpetuals, Hybrid Teas, Moss Roses, .mil tic- delightful* Ihina and I'olyantha Roses, such as Mme. Eugene Resal and Perle d'Or, which have been established i year and kept since November in cold pits, may now he given a temperature of 4."i to "ill at night. I liml bard pruning the hest for such plants. Cut the one-year-old wood back to the sec I, third; or fourth eye, the topmost eye looking outward. About twelve weeks will elapse between the pruning and the blossoming. As growths develop and flower-buds form, 60° at night may he given. This has a tendency to lengthen the stem, which is very desirable. Roses grown for exhibition on the cool system should now be placed upon inverted pots or two bricks and a good watering afforded. Tie the plants out carefully, so that as the foliage develops it may get the full benefit of sunshine and air. A string is placed under the rim of the pot and the growths brought into position by tying raffia to their ends and securing this to the string. The final shaping of the plant is done with sticks as soon as flower- buds are visible. Roses that are now flowering afford wood for cuttings, which should be utilised if increase of stock is desired. I prefer cuttings of two or three eyes, and the healthier the foliage, the better will be the plants obtained. Insert the cuttings round the edge of 3-inch or 4-inch pots in a sandy compost. Of course, an ample supply of crocks must be previously placed in the pots. A 2A-inch pot inverted and shows its vigour and profusion of big creamy- white spathes, which rise up above the glossy foliage, a wonderfully bold and rich effect against the leafy background. One may judge from the illustration that this Arum is perfectly happy here, and its bold beauty reminds one of the little fields of spathes in the sunny Scilly Isles and the southern parts of the English and Irish coasts. The Arum Lily is a thorough water lover. It inhabits the ditches of South Africa, and is there known as Pig Lily — hardly an appropriate description of a plant so luxu- riant and beautiful. It would be interesting to know whether the butter-yellow-spathed O Pentlandii and others of this group have been tried in the open garden. Tneir intense yellow colour is hardly so beautiful as the rich ereaminess of the type, but the colour is good, producing a striking picture when the plants are crowned with spathes. The Abbotsbury Gardens are amongst the most interesting in ARUM LILIES IN ABBOTSBURY GARDENS. placed on the surface of the cutting pot will keep the foliage from premature decay. AH the foliage is retained on the cutting except the bottom leaf. This has the end leaflet removed. When the cut- tings are dibbled into the soil, hold the pots for a few seconds in a pail of water, then plunge into bottom-heat of about 65° to 70°, the top-heat not exceeding 55°: I much prefer a frame placed over a hot-water tank in a greenhouse, but many use a manure lied, and, providing the latter is well made and carefully- examined to see that the fumes are not injuring the cuttings, it answers very well. On bright days shade the cuttings and sprinkle with water morning and evening. Remove decayed leaves promptly. Philomel. the kingdom, and one day we hope to describe them more fully than at present. ARUM LILIES IN ABBOTSBURY GARDENS, DORSET. Nut the least interesting feature of the beau tiful Abbotsbury Gardens of Lord and Lady Ilchester is tin- growth of the Arum Lily (( lalla a-thiopica) in flic water there. The illustration MARKET GARDENS. THE RATING OF GLASSHOl'SKS IX MARKET GARDENS UNDER Till-: AGRIGULTUEAL RATES ACT, 1896. The decision of the House of Lords in the case usually (pioted as Smith v. Richmond (really tin- overseers of Worthing v. the district Surveyor of Taxes) is a somewhat serious blow to the market gardening industry. Nearly a hundred years ago the courts recog- nised that the rule of law. that whatever was affixed to by a tenant to the land he occupied became the property of his landlord, and could not be removed by himself, wrought a great injustice to those market gardeners and nurserymen who spent large sums in the erection of hothouses ami greenhouses for use in their trade. The Court of 206 THE GARDEN. [March 17, 1900. Queen's Bench relaxed this rule, which long con- tinued inexorable in the case of an agricultural tenant, and allowed the removal of greenhouses and hothouses as fixtures erected solely for the purpose of trade. This relaxation operated most favourably, and conduced largely to the development of the business or profession of market gardening. By the Public Health Act of 1875 it was enacted that the occupier of any land used as a market garden or a nursery ground should he assessed to the general district rate of an urban sanitary authority, and to the separate rate made to defray the special expenses incurred by a rural sanitary authority, at one-fourth part of the net annual value of such market garden or nursery ground; or in the case of a rural district where n" special assessment was made, such occupier should pay only one-fourth part of the rate in the pound payable in respect of buildings and other property. It then became a somewhat disputed question whether the occupier of a market garden containing greenhouses, &c., should not he rated on tic1 full scale for such erec- tions, and on the one-fourth scale for the part not occupied by buildings. The question came before the law courts in due course, and at last the Court of Appeal decided (in the case of Purser v. Worthing Local Board) where a piece of land had been almost entirely covered with greenhouses built on brick foundations, and used for the purpose of growing and forcing fruit and vegetables and flowers for sale, and the local board had rated the occupier upon the full annual value of the buildings instead of as a market garden, that the local board were wrong, and that the land must be rated as a whole as a market garden, for it did not become any the less a market garden because glasshouses were over it. This decision again proved a boon to the market gardening industry, and secured to it the same benefit as was given to agricultural land. By the Agricultural Rates Act, 1896, the occu- pier of agricultural land is liable to pay, to any rate to which that Act applies, only one-half the rate in the pound payable in respect of buildings and other hereditaments which are not agricultural land. The expression "agricultural land" is defined in the Ait as "any land used as arable, meadow, or pasture ground only, cottage gardens exceeding one quarter of an acre, market gardens, nursery grounds, orchards, or allotments, but does not include land occupied together with ft house as a park, gardens other than as aforesaid, pleasure grounds, or any land kept or preserved mainly or exclusively for purposes of sport or recreation, or as a racecourse." Following the interpretation placed in the Worthing case mi the somewhat ana- logous provision of the Act of 1S7">. many judged that even if a market garden were entirelj covered Willi glasshouses it would still lie a market garden wit hin the meaning of the Act of 1896, anil as such it would still be agricultural land, ami entitled to the relief afforded to agricultural land liv thai statute. But they omitted to notice the full force of the provisions requiring that where buildings and agricultural laud had been previously valued in one amount, and the value had been so stated in i Im valuation list of the parish, separate valuations of the agricultural land anil the buildings were to In- now made. For the purposes of the Public Health Act of l*7">. farm buildings had been assessed separately from the land let therewith. and it had been decided that fur the purposes nf that Act greenhouses in market gardens were not in Im- rated separately From the garden, and so, in spite uf the provision as to the separati f values, many contended that the market gardens must he rated as a whole, and that the occupier was entitled tu an allowance "I one-half of the rates to which tin- Act applied. As was inevitable, the matter ca before the courts, hut. singularly enough, it was Worthing which was again the source of litigation. Robert Piper, a market gardener anil nursery- man at Worthing, owned and occupied four acres nf land, on which stood fifty-seven greenhouses or jl.i lenses liuili mi dwarf brick walls in the usual way. Fifty-One of these houses were used for ji'iwmil' Vines, and six were Cucumber houses, within which wen- dwarf brick walls supporting corrugated iron sheets, upon which earth was placed and in which earth Cucumbers were planted. These erections covered rather more than two acres, the remaining two acres being merely vine borders, paths, and stoke-holes. In their state- ment the overseers of Worthing returned this holding as market garden and nursery ground, and made no separate estimate of the annual value of the buildings. The surveyor of taxes objected, and the assessment committee upheld his contention that the hereditament was not entitled to the relief the statement of the overseers would afford Piper. The overseers appealed to Quarter Sessions against the decision of the assessment committee, and the Sessions allowed the appeal. The court slated a case for the Queen's Bench, which came on before .Justices Collins and Ridley, and these judges differing in opinion, the decision of the Sessions was confirmed. The Crown appealed, and the Court of Appeal set aside the order of the Court below and of the Court of Quarter Sessions, the Master of the Rolls and Lord Justice Bigby holding that the statute distinctly and explicitly directed that buildings and agricultural land should be separately valued, and that the antithesis between agricultural land and buildings was the very foundation of the Act. The case went next to the House of Lords, which, after taking time for consideration, upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Lord Chancellor saying, " It is extra- ordinary that any claim should be made that what is here described is agricultural land. It would he quite as reasonable to claim that any building, however solid and substantial, used for agricultural purposes was agricultural land." He considered the terms "land" and "buildings," as used in the Act, were mutually exclusive of each other. So. after much prolonged and expensive litiga- tion, the question has at last been settled, and, although the decision of the House of Lords is at least logical, it will to some extent militate against the market gardening interest. To the layman there may seem some conflict between the decisions in Smith v. Richmond and Purser v. Worthing Local Board, but it must be remembered the cases arose under different statutes. Had the legislature thought fit, when considering the Act of 1896, to direct that all buildings on agricul- tural land (of course excluding dwelling-houses) used for the purpose of the cultivation of such land should be valued with that land, the agricultural interest and the market gardening interest would have received greater relief, and the principle laid down ni the case of Purser r. the Worthing Local Hoard would have been carried to its logical conclusion. X. X. X. r THE FLOWER GARDEN. THE DOUBLE ROCKET. ( > one like myself who tu.o-s a keen interest in the old flowers which have given delight to many generations of flower- lovers, hut which are every now and again in danger of being overlooked.it has been a pleasure to sec that my short noti the double Rockets has attracted some at- tenl ion. I feel more than repaid for it by I he pleasant letter it has produced from the Rev. Denis Knox, although it begins with a happy hit of badinage caused by a chance remark of mine that my taste was not quite in the direction of such Mowers. I imagine that most of us who arc lond of llowcrs and plants in general have to make a choice, which is oiilv made with difficult}' and of ten with sadness, as to w hich plants we can grow in our gardens. It is oftei t a question of what we would like to grow, hut of what we have an opportunity of growing. I may, however, have Been a little unfortunate in the phrase I used, as 1 certainly had no wisli to lead anyone even to think that I did not .are lor the double Rockets, though that choice which has to he made by all of us has inclined me more towards flic cultivation of alpines. II I have seemed to disparage the Rockets which 1 am not prepared to admit I am quit" willing to atone lor it, although I feel that 1 have done these flowers a good turn. Like Mr. Knox. I feel that flower-colour descrip- tions form very dangerous questions to touch upon, and it is just possible that the old Rocket variously called crimson and scarlet may be the one of which Mr. Knox speaks as the old double lilac, and a plant of which he has most kindly offered me. If 1 can again get bold of the old double crimson, I shall hope to have the pleasure of sending it to him for comparison. It is, however, remark- ably difficult to lay bold of, and the friend who had it last year has lost his plant, but as he had given one to another friend. I hope to secure it vet. The late Mr. Cameron, of Kirkintilloch, bad it last year. This double crimson Rocket was quite well known to some of our older writers, and some in more recent times have also spoken of it, in s ases as the double led. There is no doubt that it exists, though it is possible that the vagaries of colour-nomenclature may have been such that it may prove t lie same as Mr. Knox's. The old Scotch White is a dwarfer and more compact plant than that which was figured in Thk Cakden the other day. It is not, however, dwarfed to the degree which is properly condemned in the article on "False Ideals." It is still in cultivation, though much scarcer than the other white forms. It is probable that there arc more varieties of the double Rockets in existence than some suppose. Another variety of which I have known for some time, but which 1 have been unable to hear of in gardens at the present time, is one with flowers which are variously described as striped or varie- gated with purple and white. 1 have never heard of anyone who has this Rocket at present, and it seems to have escaped the notice of Mr. Knox in his search for the various double forms. I hope that I may not incur the displeasure of any other flower-loving reader by the remark that I am not favourably impressed with the description of this Rocket. Still. I should like to see it, as it forms one of those links which connect us with those of like tastes who loved their gardens and their flowers in days long gone by. when flowers were scarcer than now, and when times did not afford so many opportunities for gardening. I have to thank those who have written in TnK Garden, as well as those who have written me privately about the Rockets, for their useful notes. S. ArnotT, Carvethorit, hy /honj'riis, X.B. A SPRING-FLOWERING KNIPHOFIA. K. I'liiui i,i\v is now in great beauty with me in a greenhouse from which the frost has just been kept i nit during winter. When I first got it 1 had it in tin- open ground, hut. finding it did not flower till winter. I potted it, and titid it is a good pot plant for winter or early spring. The colour is a clear, bright primrose-yellow, and the spikes last a month or more in full beauty. K. Xclsonii is also a very good pot plant, though in hot summers like the lasl it flowers well in the open ground. It varies much from seed, and the dwarfer varieties should l.e selected for potting. Whether it will survive a hard winter remains to be seen, hut, if not, it is certainly worth a place in a frame. K. eaulescens, which I have lost in hard winters previously, seems to have got through this one successfully, and should flower in May and June. H. .1. Elwes. Till: FLAME NASTURTIUM. (Tnor.Knl.lwi SPKCIOSUM. ) By sonic mischance, Tropajoluin tuberosum, on the culture of which in South I Icvon I lately contributed a short note, was indicated as identical with its far more showy sister, Tropa'olum speciosum. The latter, well-named the Flame Nasturtium, is far less amenable to successful culture in the south- west than is T. tuberosum, which, as far as 1 Know, has no equivalent English designation. In (he north, especially in Scotland, the Flams Nasturtium grows like a weed and affords sheets of glorious colour, hut in tin- south west it is the exception to sec it displaying its brilliant charms in luxuriant abandon. Being extremely anxious to establish the plant in the garden. 1 tried it in a MARCH 17, 1900.1 THE (lARDEN. i'07 dozen dissimilar sites, in all but one of which, although carefully attended t", ii eventually died ; in the remaining one, however, it became thoroughly established, and for the past three years has Haunted the splendour of its vivid bloom-trails during the summer months, followed later on by its less striking, but still decorative, blue seed clusters. The soil in which the plant in question is growing, in a north-east angle of a wall, is shaded liv another low wall on its southern side, anil never receives direct sunlight throughout the entire year. At a height of 3 feet or 4 feet from the ground- level the shoots grow into a fuller light, and as they ascend further emerge into the full sunshine in which the mantling blossom glows with almost dazzling effulgence. A porous compost, consisting of leaf-mould, loam and road grit, which is kept fairly moist during the summer, apparently suits this specimen to perfection, but as an exactly similar compost was employed in the cases of the failures, it would appearthat in this instance it is to site rather than to soil that success is due. This Tropseolum possesses such eminently attractive qualities that it is well worthy of an exhaustive trial, even in districts where its culture is beset with difficulties, since success will amply repay any trouble involved in its establishment. S. W V. South Demn. R. gratissima, a native of .Mexico. This has deep green leaves, and flowers even more nearly resem- bling the Laurustinus than those of R. cordata. They are borne during the winter and early spring. R. speciosa or cordata, with vermilion flowers, is tic' best known of the genus. H. P. CORRESPONDENCE. CRINUM CAPENSE SEEDS. (To the Editor ok "The Garden."] SIR, — Two short notes have lately appeared in the columns of The Garden respecting the seeds or bulbs borne on the umbels of the Crinum. Whether these bulbs arc, as surmised by I >ean Herbert, attached to withered seeds or no, I am unaware, but for all Dractical purposes the products are CHERRY TREES IN BLOSSOM. No fruit tree seems to show such a bountiful mass of bloom as docs tin' ( licrry : iitul as it is generally the largest of fruiting trees (except, perhaps, some of the great west country Pear trees), the large area on which the mass of bloom is displayed is all the more striking. In company with such a blossoming tree tlic homeliest of farm-build- ings will form a delightful pas- toral picture of early summer : while the great wild Cherries of flic woodlands, scarcely inferior in size t" tin- largest of our forest trees, deck the wild groves witli wide-spread clouds of blossom, while the nightingale is pouring forth his song. RONDELETI A CORDATA. Is the temperature of a stove, or even in that of an intermediate house, this Rondeletia is flowering freely, and a very ornamental subject it is. though very rarely met with. Last spring, however, at an early meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society some g 1 examples were shown, and attracted a considerable amount of attention. It forms a bold-growing shrub clothed with stout leaves, the largest being about (i inches long anil half as much in width. The terminal clusters of Sowers remind one to a certain extent of the Laurustinus. and, like that well- known shrub, they retain their freshness a con- siderable time. In the bud state they are deep pink, but the interior of the flower visible after expansion is blush, with a quantity of yellow hairs in the middle, thus forming a golden centre. Even in the neighbourhood of London it is. after all the foge we have experienced this winter, in good con- dition, thus proving it to be of robust constitution. In the "Dictionary of Gardening" two species, R. cordata and R. amoena, are given as natives of Guatemala, but I fail to see any difference between them as generally met with. Though now included in the genus Rondeletia, these plants were formerly known as Rogiera, a name still retained in gardens with that charming cool house shrub, IN CHERRY-BLOSSOM TIME. bulbs, which, if planted in the autumn, make good growth the following summer. The white variety of Crinum Moorei, known on the Continent as C. Schmidtii, also bears these bulbs or seeds in quantity in warm and sheltered situations, thereby affording a far more rapid method of propagation than is admitted of where bond lid: seeds are sown. S. W. F. SEEDS OF .MISTLETOE. [To the Editor of "The Garden.''] Sir,— On page 132 "Medway" asks for a few Mistletoe berries when ripe for sowing. Some advo- cate the months of February and March as the best season for propagation, others as late a date as May or June, but there is no reason why berries should not be rubbed on to the bark of such trees as it is wished to furnish with this parasite at any time they may happen to be handy. Though, doubtless, germination is retarded by mid-winter propagation, the fertility of the seeds is apparently but little if at all affected, as three out of four seeds that I placed on trees on Christinas Day some years back germinated and made good plants. ' The underside of the crease formed by the junction of a smaller and larger branch is the best site for the location of the seed, as in such a position it is less likely to attract the attention of birds. A covering of muslin or clay has been recommended as a means of preservation from winged marauders, but if attached as above suggested the majoiity will remain intact. Some advocate slitting the bark and placing the seed in the cut, hut seeds merely adhering to the outer surface of the hack germinate with equal freedom. K. MUTiSIA DECURRENS. [To the Editor ok "Tim Garden."] Sir, — I should like to point out to "A. I;. W." that this lovely composite is quite hardy when .planted against a Mali without pro T teetion of any kind above. Your I f correspondent infers that the over- head shelter is more or less necessary. This is not so. 1 have grown it in a rather cold northern district, where the plants flowered each year and where overhead protection was unknown. I believe that stonework or brickwork is helpful to the plants, and as a fact I have never tried to grow the plant without such aids. As " A. R. W." points out, there is always difficulty in obtaining sup- plies, and the suckers are not easily •rr~~V.., ' removed with roots attached. I tried many of these before I bit upon AJg the following plan, which, however, requires both care and patience. It is the most successful way I know . and a goodly number were secured with nice routs. A large pocket on the rockery was selected; this was purposely made more shallow by laying bricks in cement below ; then followed a thin layer of soil, peat, loam, sand, and charcoal. Now the plant was put in position, being laid on the side of the hall so that the growth should trail over the rockerj . The rock pocket was stone on all sides, and when a little fresh soil was added to the plant, a block of sandstone was placed on the top of the ball of soil. The object of this was to attract the sucker-like stolons to the stone, from which they would naturally emerge to the light. When;, few points could be discerned pushing through the front, it was considered the time to act, and when the upper stone was lifted off it was found that the suckers had first arisen to the stone, then travelled along and out into daylight. This gave a clear course for treatment as previously the chief drawback was the necessity of digging among roots and suckers to examine them to see if any were rooted always to the danger of the plant." This danger was now disposed of at a single blow, and it could be seen whether the suckers were rooted and ready for removal without danger to the parent plant! ' These suckers do not root quickly, and i found it hastened matters to just crack the skin with the knife and cover with sand or sand and cocoa-nut fibre refuse. Water was given, and the suckers were then covered up with the stone and left for three months, by which time most were rooted well enough for detaching, which is best done quite early in autumn or in spring. That this is a slow method I am quite willing to admit, but it is the best and the least fraught with danger to the old plant. I have often thought it remarkable that I have never once seen any seeds of this lovely plant offered for sale. Surely such could be had with a little trouble, collected, of course, in the native home of the plant. Always and ever a scarce plant in cultivation, there are many who would like to 208 THE GARDEN. [March 17, 1900. possess it could it be obtained. Possibly the Kew authorities with their unique correspondence abroad could lend a helping hand by endeavouring to obtain seeds of this plant. E. H. J. //'Ilil/i/nil Hill. CAN WE IMPROVE OUB ROSE EXHIBITIONS ' [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir. — Although during the last two or three seasons great improvements have occurred in the style in which garden Roses are arranged at the exhibitions, I here yet remains something to be done before anything like perfection is reached in the displaying nf this our favourite flower. To say the least, we are not artistic enough. Monotonous long rows of Imxcs on monotonous tables have had their day. Let us contrive something better. I do not say we can improve upon the box plan if the fat monstrous blooms are to have it all their own way ; but why should they? The general public do not ask for these monstrosities. Frequently in the crush of a Rose show I have heard an exclamation of pleasure pass the lips of visitors who have turned aside to admire groups, naturally arranged with all the delightful buds and foliage retained, even if the individual blossoms were not quite so perfect. This has led nie to think that something was wanting different to the orthodox style with which Rose societies regale their patrons. Then- si ill remains much to be done before a Rose show is the delightful thing it is possible to make it. Can any Rose grower deny that the decorative Roses -that is to say, those kinds that bloom freely and almost continually — are not in fashion ? Although fashion in flowers is to he deprecated, I cannot shut my eyes to the fact that for once the general public are right. Bold masses of exquisite Teas. Hybrid Teas, and China ibises are much to lie preferred to the stiff, although perhaps individu- ally superb, Hybrid Perpetual. Bu1 are these decorative Roses displayed to the best advantage at a Rose show? No mere handful adequately portrays the beauties of such Ibises as Mine. Eugene Resal, Queen Mab, < J. Nabonnand.t 'amoens. Marquise de Salisbury, Mine A. Chatenay, and such like beautiful flowers. Therefore, why not invite exhibits of say one hundred sprays of these Roses, cut with long stems and tastefully arranged in vases hidden in mounds of moss? In the matter of grouping, when one visits an early exhibition like that at the Temple Gardens, is it not the tasteful arranging of standard, pillar and bush Roses, which enables the exhibitor to introduce all tribes, that appeals to the majority of the visitors rather than the huge specimen, however magnifi- cent? Therefore. \\hv not try (we who as a nation are probably the largest growers of the Hose, although the Russians run us rather close) and arrange a Hose show upon broader lines, so that those who desire it can form an idea how this beautiful flower may be made to embellish the garden ? In the first place, the exhibition must needs be arranged in a tent ; and, speaking of tents, cannot our tent makers invent something to prevent the oven-like atmosphere often too apparent ? The Rose is not a flower that will stand excessive atmospheric heat. A cool, showery day sees Roses in greatest perfection ; still, as we cannot make the weather, let us try and do something to mitigate the nuisance complained of . Supposing, then, the Crystal Palace authorities provided a tent located upon the grass, with a covered way leading thereto as a provision against storms, and that this tent be put up a day or two in advance, so that all who cared to make an effective group could have plenty of time in which to carry out the work. In arranging a large group everything in the shape of rases, ivc, should be placed ready at least the day before the show, excepting, of course, the cut flowers. Prizes should be offered for groups of bush, standard, pillar, and climbing Roses in pots, such groups to lie augmented by means of great bunches of cut Roses in vases and other receptacles. Blooms cut with lj-feet to 2-feet steins would not only lie an object-lesson Ifor the novice would learn linu in prune tin- various forms and tribes), but the show nnild be rendered artistically beautiful with pillars of Penzance Briars and other delightful single and semi-double Hoses. Standards of some of our loveliest Hybrid Teas should be shown, and bushes of many tribes such as the tiny Polyanl ha, the charming Moss Rose, the delicate tinted Maiden's Blush, the unique coloured Austrian Briar, the robust rugosa, and a selection of the worthiest of the Hoses usually seen at Hose shows. Now, objections will be raised, such as the season being too late for pot Roses, or that it is too expensive to move them about. But such a show, to catch the garden Roses at their best, might be held in June ; then the difficulty • f exhibitors taking about with them vases, epergnes, &c, to exhibit their flowers in. and many similar objections would lie sure to arise. As to pot Roses being over, I maintain that they could (by growing them out of doors) be had in bloom by tin- end of June. As to the expense of cartage, this would no doubt be considerable for many rosarians. but the enthusiast would surmount difficulties of this kind. As to the early-flowering garden Roses being over, why, then have two, or even three exhibitions, so that all growers and all classes of Hoses would have a chance of bring represented. Surely an early Rose show is worthy a better fate than the usual Drill Hall company, or rather non-company. There is no better place around London for such an exhibition as I have in my mind than the Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. Could not arrangements be made with the Royal Botanic Society that would allow the early shows to lie held there V Those undulating banks covered with Roses such as I have attempted to describe would be a creditable sight, worthy of a country that claims tin' Koso as its national flower. As to tin- expense of the exhibitors carrying about their own vases, &c, this should not he necessary. Let the various societies provide them. They would surely show better taste in their selection than many individuals whom 1 have seen arranging their beautiful Hoses in ugly blacking-botiles. It would be interesting if this subject were ventilated before the time came round for the making of schedules. I am afraid that as at present constituted Rose committees consist of men not exactly averse lo garden Roses, but who pin their faith to the show Rose. I am not unmindful of the arguments of our exhibitors that Rose shows arc established to ci. coinage good cultivation. Granted that this is so, does not the striving after size rather tend to create apathy against all the lovely gems that arc not grouped under the heading of show Hoses, and also in careless arrangement of their plants in the garden. One noted grower has asserted that In' would not mind growing bis Roses alongside a bed of Unions, provided he could obtain g I Roses. I opine this would not be the opinion of individuals w ho care for fragrance in a Rose before even form. Philomel. [We print our correspondent's letter as it stands. although we do not entirely endorse some of the statements it expresses. For one thing we think that the function of a well-organised show of any popular flower — and who shall say that the greater of our Rose shows are not well organised ? — has not so much for its object the pleasing or tickling of the shallow taste of a general public or any sort of recognition of passing fashion, as an honest and thoughtful intention to demonstrate what in the way of Rose culture is most worthy of effort, and what result of effort is most worthy of commendation. We most earnestly desire to approach the large subject of the influence of shows, as one of the most powerful agents in horticultural education, in a spirit of careful thoughtfulness, and above all things to abstain from delivering hasty and ill-considered judgments. We believe that in the shows of some flowers, especially those of Carnations and Chry- santhemums, practices are allowed and even encouraged, and aims are held out as admirable that we hold tn lie of doubtful soundness. But in the case of Rose shows we have never seen, although perhaps not quite worthily placed in their stiff little stands, other than flowers of individual beauty, and we have never seen prizes awarded to other I ban blooms whose production should most justly lie the pride of their growers, With regard lo our correspondent's suggestion that more should be made of the free growing Hoses, though we think with him that the Teas might be shown in large free bunches in all their beauty of length of branch and freedom of flower, and bud and leaf, yet we believe that even could bis desires for better tent ventilation and more time for arrangement both be provided, it would still be almost impossible to show cut branches of the more rambling of the free Roses, other than Teas and their allies, in anything like good order. For the display of these at shows we shall have to depend as heretofore upon those who will grow them in pots for the purpose. We also fear that no earthly power will prevent a tent from being hot in June and July. It is at best only an un- avoidable makeshift. For the most favourable display of flowers there should be a substantial building, abundantly lighted like a picture gallery ; and until such a one arises. as a worthy and well-deserved adjunct to the possessions of the Royal Horticultural Society, we shall have to be contented with, and even thankful for, the temporary tent and the venal Drill Hall. Meanwhile, we shoot our arrow of suggestion into the air, hoping that its flight may perchance project its harmless point into the heart of some patriotic millionaire with horticultural sympathies, and may guide his thoughts into such a desirable channel for the flowing forth of some superfluous wealth, as might be provided by the presentation and endow- ment of such a building. We shall hope to have something more to say on tin- subject of Hose and other shows before long. — Eds.] RANUNCULUS LYALLII AT HOME [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, Under this heading " E. W." contributes some remarks concerning this handsome New Zealand flower in your number of October " last. Two or three of bis remarks evoke these com- ments. He says, "Reliable information concerning it seems of the vaguest description." About two years ago I sent you a note, which you published, giving such reliable information as one who has oliii seen it at Otira Gorge and other places in our Southern Alps, and who has grown it for many years, might be expected to furnish. Vet, not- withstanding ibis, the notes which have recently appeared in your pages show that growers have either overlooked or disregarded the information I supplied. " E. W." speaks doubtfully about this plant being an annual growing in marshy situa- tions and in stony ground. I may. perhaps, he allowed to say that the plant is not an annual, does not grow in marshy situations, nor is stony ground a necessity. It grows best in a peaty soil with abundant moisture and thorough drainage. What I have to contend with in my garden is that the tuberous root gradually rots away, which I attribute to the circumstance that instead of the soil being frozen, as it must be in winter in the mountains, it is then too wet, and is too much baked in summer. My plants often start growing in winter in a half- hearted sort of way instead of coming away with a strong growth in the spring. If any of your readers wish further information, I would refer them to my former note. Perhaps you could append the exact date. A. Bathgatt. Dunedin, X.Z. [The note appeared on p. 164, vol. liii. — Ens.] WINTEB ACONITES NOT FLOWEBIXO. [To the Editor of " Thk Garden.") Sir, — " W. P." inquires the reason of the plants not flowering year by year. If the plants are really in full leaf as stated, and indeed they should be so now, it is obviously a case of overcrowding, for which lifting and replanting is the remedy. This, however, cannot well be done until the foliage is again mature and ripened off. It will be advisable not to replant the tubers at once, but to give them a good rest of at least six weeks in quite dry earth, or even spread out thinly in shallow boxes. This simple, though very welcome, flower is rarely seen to good advantage". This is as frequently due to March 17, 1900. THE GARDEN. 209 deterioration of the tubers as it is to uncongenial soils. Deterioration is brought about in many ways ; for instance, many amateurs in wishing to extern! the culture of tins plant in the garden will lift a few clumps for transplanting just as the leaves are beginuing to decay. These clumps mayor may not he divided into one or more parts, and here is the beginning of the end. If divided, they reap for a time the advantages that fresh soil and position impart. If not freely divided, then deterioration is always more certain and more rapid. This is due to the way the tubers cluster in an established root clump, and if carefully examined it will be seen that only a few of the outer tubers in the clump flower at all. Each year this becomes worse. Hampton Hill. K. H. Jenkins. STERNBERGIA COLCHIOIFLORA. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sik. Has any reader of TheGarden any knowledge of the above plant ? It was introduced more than sixty years ago by the Hon. W. F. Strangways, and illustrated in the Botanical Register, No. 2008. In appearance it is not unlike a Merendera, hut yellow instead of purple. It is an autumnal bloomer. T. H. Archer-Hind. FRANCISCEAS. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] Sir, — Can any of your readers give me information about growing these beautiful flowers? I have two large flowering plants and one of the smaller variety. They " flower themselves todeath," as the gardener says, hut make no growth and are very leggy. They are kept fairly cool, hut go into the warm house toset tlic buds, and when flowering are placed in the i servatory. M. E. H. [These plants are predisposed to flowering most profusely. In the cases of both the large and small flowering varieties, the method to adopt in order to obtain good wood growth is to pick oil the flower-buds and place tin- plants in a warmer and more congenial atmosphere Treat them as if they were Indian Azaleas after flowering so as to secure the same ends. The " leggy " appearance may lie overcome by judicious training and tieing. bending the shoots down md around the stakes; by this means back growths may lie induced to break forth. The best soil for the Francis. eas is turfy fibrous peal and sand. potting firmly, hut not t ften. We are glad to see that these charming plants are not alto- gether lost sight of. The fragrance alone of F. uniflora (syn., F. Hopeana) is quite sufficient t-i recommend it. Eds. I CROCUSES IX MACEDONIA. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Sir. The illustration , jf •('incuses under a Beech tic- and the editorial note thereon reminded me of a never-to-be-forgotten picture which I saw last year during the n th of March in Macedonia. A friend and I were riding from l'ii rend to Pristina, accompanied by zaptiehs, or Turkish mounted police, tow] iwe had in vain endeavoured to give the slip. After reaching the summit of a range .if hills, and just as we were beginning to descend the further side, we entered a dense wood of magnificent old Beech trees. There was truly enough "no fresh sward or Bramble tangle, or brake of other bushy growths." hut the ground was yellow with thousands upon thousands of Crocuses, flourishing "in the carpet .if dry rotting lin.s.' We stopped our horses to feast our eyes upon the glorious colour. My friend observed, after a moment's silent admiration, " Why, J thought that ni> flower would grow under Beeches ! "' It may be worth mentioning, however, that although pretty blue clumpsof Scilla bifolia were common enough on the treeless hilltop, growing there side by side with and in greater luxuriance than groups of Crocuses, they .lid nut share the partiality which the latter conceives for the shelter of the Beeches ; only a few isolated specimens of them were I., l,e seen ,n the forest itself. Rou.o Meyer. SCENTED-LEAVED GERANIUM SCARBOROUGH. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — Will any reader of The Garden who successfully grows that beautiful sweet-scented Geranium named Lady Scarborough tell me how to grow it well, giving details as to propagation, soil, summer and winter treatment, and the tem- perature it should be kept in during the winter months, as I find that it is a difficult plant to grow in the same way as the zonal varieties? P. J. [The variety in question is not by any means one of the easiest to keep in the best of health. It is not alone in this respect, for there are a few others belonging to this attractive section which are quite as uncertain as regards their constitution. We have f. Hind the best remedy to be to grow such as Lady ■Scarborough as if it were a Cape Heath or New Holland plant, and never to adopt the same method of culture as that accorded to the show or fancy sec- tions, or, on the other band, to the zonal Pelar- goniums. By potting firmly from the cutting stage in good loam and leaf-soil, never attempting to excite growth unduly by the use of liquid 01 artificial manures, as in the case of other Gera- niums, it is possible to keep the delicate growers in a much better state of health. It should not be inferred by this that no stimulant is advisable, but when applied the plants should he well rooted in their pots, and then only a very occasional and weak application is recommended. I list eacl of the pruning, as in the ease of show or fancy Geraniums, a regulation of the growth by pinching, as in the ease of Cape Heaths, is the better plan to adopt. In fact, in every respect, excepting the soil, treat them as if they were ( ape Heaths. It is always a good plan in have a fresh batch of cuttings struck every season in order to be able to dispense with the sickly ones. Caution is also necessary not to overpot these delicate growers. Oneofthemos fragrant land a charming plant when in flower) is Countess of Devon: it is a variety but little known. but well worthy of ex- In- tended notice. The only drawback to its culture is its rather delicate constitution, borough may be propagated in the spring in a slight warmth, or in the summer when the wood is well ripened the same as show Geraniums are treated. In the summer thorough exposure to light and air is essential. The greenhouse during the winter is quite warm enough. — Eds. | i ady NEW AND RARE PLANTS. SOME NOTES ON NEW PLANTS. The following new plants are announced by Hen- Max Leichtlin : — Aster /•' mill ,-ii (A. Gray).— A native of North America. A low-growing species of the group of Krieoide;e, with much the aspect of Diplopappus linaria'folius, with violet flowers. Asclepias Hallii (A. Cray). — Flowers with a gieenish while corolla and purple lobes. In appearance this much resembles A. Sullivantii. It is found near Denver, on Upper Arkansas River. Onopordon bracteatum. A native of Pisidia. This is a fine species with rose-coloured flowers, with a thick white down over the stems or branches. Lady Scar- Hibbertia dentata. -This is a delightful climbing plant for a small greenhouse, as it does not need much space for its development, and not only does it bloom during the first three months of the year, but its young foliage is also very attrac- tive at all seasons, being of a bronzy red tint. The saucer-shaped flowers, about a couple of inches in diameter, are of a bright yellow colour. — T. rOLIA VAR. DUBIA IN' HERE MAN LEICHTLIN S GARDEN AT BADEN-BADEN. Monardella macraniha i A. Gray). — This is figured in ninth volume of the Botanical Magazitu on plate 6270, and has bunches of tubular scarlet flowers. Meconopsix grandU. — This is a very fine speci- men found only in Western Sikkim, but plentiful there. The flowers are solitary like those of M. simplicifolia. figured in Cathcart and Hooker's work, and are ."> inches in diameter and of very deep blue colour. It is quite one of the finest of the Himalaya" species. W. F. Gumbleton. Liatris graminifolia var. dvbia. -This genus contains several very beautiful species, such as pyenostachya, graminifolia, scariosa, magnifica. elegans, and punctata, which are all welcome garden plants, their bright-coloured flowers having 210 THE GARDEN. [March 17, 1900. a lung duration, and, notwithstanding a certain stiffness, they have a graceful appearance. I find the best of the tribe is L. graminifolia var. dubia. From a full sized root emerge four to six stems .5 feet to (i feet in height, clothed half way up with grass-like bright green foliage, the upper *2 feet showing a dense, well-furnished spike of bright deep purple flowers, which last about three weeks. They arc at their best in September. Honour to whom honour is due ! I do not wish to adorn myself with others' plumes! Referring to the article on p. 156, I beg to state that I am not the raiser of Gladiolus princeps. It was raised by my friend, Dr. W. van Fleet, and I have only been instrumental in the case by furnishing the materials to effect the cross. The female parent is G. cruentus, and the male a gandavensis variety. Baden-Baden. Max Leichtlin. BOOKS. Bulletin of Miscellaneous Infor- mation, Kew. —We regard the hooks issued :asionally from the Royal Gardens, Kew, as most important contributions to the horticultural and botanical library. This bulletin is a "list of published names of plants introduced to culti- vation from 187<> to 1S9H," and is undoubtedly a guide that everyone should possess who is interested in the nomenclature of plants. It is a trustworthy reference, of value to the private cultivator as well as the nurseryman. In the preface by the director it is mentioned that "the new plants of ISTii to 1885 wen- catalogued for •The Gardener's Year Book' by Mr. N. E. Brown, F.L.S., an assistant in the herbarium of the Royal Botanic- Hardens, as unofficial work. He proceeded on a definite plan, which has been continued since. It was, therefore, considered advisable in preparing the present list to start with the new plants of Is7ii. The lists published in the Kew bulletin are now prepared as routine work by the staff. In addition to species and well-marked varieties, hybrids, whether introduced or of garden origin, have been included where they have been described with formal botanical names. Mere cultural tonus of well-known garden plants are omitted for obvious reasons. In every case the plant is cited under its published name. These arc largely provisional and often wildly incorrect. When tirst introduced into cultivation the merit of many new garden plants depends solely <>n their foliage. Their true botanical affinities cannot lie ascertained till they Bower, and in some cases many years may elapse before this takes place. A striking instance is afforded by Talisia princeps, now k low n to belong l<» Sapindacea? ; it had previously passed in gardens under the names of Thcophrasta pinnata (Myrsiuaceffi) and Brownea princeps and B. erecta (Leguminosse). . . . The total number of plants catalogued for the twenty : years which is covered amounts to 7600. The majority of the actually new plains included have been derived from the United States. Colombia, the Malayan region, and the Polynesian Islands, all areas known to be rich in species and still imperfectly explored botanically. The orders must largely represented are all monocotyledonous ; they are Orchidacese, Liliacese, and Aiacese. This is, however, only significant as representing the present drift of horticultural taste. The two first are especially popular in the British Isles for the sake of their flowers, and the latter on the Continent for their foliage." The director also adds : " As an index to the horticultural literature oi recent years it is believed that it will be found of practical utility." I )i this we feel assured. The Hop. 1 This is an excellent work, dealing thoroughly with the plant from all aspects, and the author, the editor of the American Agri- culturist, has nut been e. intent with regarding the Mop from the American standpoint, but obtained contributions from various countries, including 1 Bulletin of Miscellaneous information, Kew. Eyre Mini Siiiittiswniiik-, Easl llai'ililm Street, Fleet street, E.C. Price Is. t "The Hop, i'.\ Herbert Myrick. Lond Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubnerand Co, Price 7s. 6d. Britain. It is full of illustrations, the majority interesting, though not always reproduced in the best way. With regard to this country the author says, " About two-thirds of the usual Hop area is confined to Kent, the other counties being, in order of importance, Hereford, Sussex, Worcester, Hants, and Surrey. Following the period of high prices, the English crop reached a total extent of 70,000 acres in 188(i, but has steadily declined to about 50,000 acres during the closing years of the century." SOCIETIES. NATIONAL DAHLIA SOCIETY. With the view of drawing attention to varieties of the best Cactus type (as distinguished from the many so-called decorative Dahlias), the committee have drawn up a list of Cactus Dahlias. The list is subject to annual revision, and for the year 1900 is as follows :- Cacti e Dahlias. Alfred Vasty Lady Penzance Arachne Laverstock Beauty Augustus Hare Lucius Beatrice Mme. Medora Henson Bridesmaid Magnificent Britannia Major Weston Capstan Mary Service Casilda Maurice S. Walsh Charles Woodbridge Mayor Tuppeney Cinderella Mrs. Barnes Countess of Gosford Mrs. Carter Page Countess "t" Lonsdale Mrs. J. J. Crowe cycle Mrs. John Goddard Ebony Mrs. Leopold Seymour E. J. Deal Mrs. Sanders Elsie Mrs. Wilson Noble Emperor Night Ethel li.anji Falka Regulus Fantasj starfish Fusilier Stella Green's White Sylph Harmony The Clown Harry Stredwiek Tillie Innovation Uncle Tom Island Queen Viscountess Sherbrooke J. F. Hudson Wm. Treseder Keynes' White Zephyr The official catalogue -.1 the National Dahlia Society , issued during the summer of 1898, contains an account of the Dahlia— its bibliography, selerted lists of the best varieties of each type (.show, fancy. pompon, Cactus, decorative and single Dahlias, the latter grouped as self, fancy. Tom Thumb, and Cactus varieties). together with an alphabetical list, with name of raiser and date of introduction of Dahlias of all sections at present in general cultivation in Great Britain. Selections of varieties which make an especially effective display iti the garden are given, as well as of those most suitable for exhibition. N.B.- A supplement has been prepared by a sub-committee during January, 1900, and contains revised selected lists, which are particularly necessary in the case of the rapidly developing ('actus varieties, HAMPSTEAD HEATH PROTECTION SOCIETY. THK third annual general inectingtook place on March 1 last. Letters were read from Mr. Brodie Hoare, M.P.. Sir s. Hoare. M.P., Mr. G. D. Leslie, K.A., and Mr. David Murray, A.R.A. Mr. E E. Lake, the chairman, in his opening speech men- tioned Hie interest taken in the preservation of the natural aspect of Hampstcad Heath as a heath, not a park, by the late Duke of Westminster. Mr. H. F. Pooley, hon. secretary, spoke of the necessity of stopping an> shooting of rubbish on the Heath. The London County Council had agreed that this is to be absolutely for- bidden, and bad ordered the removal of some mould and clay placed on the " Horse King on the East Heath. The Parks Committee had thanked the secretaries for informing them mi cinders being deposited on the East Heath, and assured the society that they are "most desirous that nothing shall be done to interfere with the amenities of the Heath. Mr Basil Champneys, in moving the election of Lord Mansfield as patron Of the society, spoke of the loss that the public had sustained by the death of the late Duke < it West- minster, who helped so many good causes. He reminded his bearers of the dukes generosity on the occasions of the buying* f Parliament Hill Fields and of Golders Hill for the public. He congratulated the society on having a neighbour and helper in Lord Mansfield. Col. Grant Gordon^ in seconding, mentioned amongst other subjects the -reat importance of the proper treatment, of trees. In Scotland, he said, forestry was considered as an art and deeply studied. Mr. Figgis said that there was a widespread interest ill our beautiful Heath. Many of the London County councillors had taken a great deal of trouble about the proper treat- ment of it. As an example, be mentioned that as he was Crossing the summit of the Heath at half-past eight one morning, he was hailed by Mr. John Burns, M.P., L.C.C. " Hallo ! What are you doing here?" said Mr. Figgis. " Oh ! I have come up to see how you are going on here, and whether the Heath is all right, said Mr. Burns. Other interesting references to the Heath ai the meeting are referred to on pa^e L9S. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. THE spring show of this society will be held in the Royal University Buildings. Dublin, on April 11, and promises to be the finest display for many years. SHROPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. We have received the splendid schedule of prizes off ered at the forthcoming shows of this society. The spring display will take place on April 4 next, and the 26th annual floral fete on August 22 and 23, when prizes to the amount of about £1000, with gold ami silver medals, &C, will be offered. BRISTOL GARDENERS ASSOCIATION. The usual fortnightly meeting of the society was held on Thursday, 8th inst. A large attendance was presided over by Mr. Charles Lock. Mr. R. Stewart, Sneyd Park, provided the paper on the subject of " Peaches and Nectarines. He disclaimed at the outset any intention of dealing with the cul- ture of the fruits in the open air, and confined his remarks to orchard house culture. He described the structure he thought most suitable, the method of preparing the borders for planting, the soil best suited to the plants, and the time and manner of planting. He also gave a good deal of information respecting the pruning and training of trees, root pruning, disbudding, and thinning of fruit also, urging care in watering, that the trees may never get quite dry on the one hand, or very wet on the other. A good discussion followed, ami Mr. Stewart was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of the chairman. THE SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. THE usual monthly meeting was held at 5, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, on the 6th of March, Mr. D. P. Laird, vice-president, in the chair. There was a good attendance. Unfortunately, Mr. Arnott, the well-known expert on bulbs and hardy plants, who had promise'! a paper on theCrocus, was unable to be present through illness, but his able and elaborate paper was well read by the secretary, Mr. R. Laird. Mr. Arnott plunged at once into his subject, on which he has lung been an authority, ami fortified himself by references to Dean Herbert, Mr. Maw, Mr. Baker, as well as the 16th volume of the Gardeners' Chronicle, "The Crocus, especially the Saffron Crocus (C. sativils), has lung been cultivated. Crocus sativus has a literature of its own, in respect that it has Wen the subject of works devoted to it, just as the genus as a whole has received full treatment at the hands of Mr. George Maw, whose mono- graph of the genus is likely to be ever looked upon as a noble memorial of the author's research and perseverance. Those who have seen it will realise the difficulty one has in foil. .wing in his footsteps, and in presenting to you a neces- sarily condensed account of the plant which was so fully treated of by Mr. Maw in that work. As almost everyone knows, the ancients had a simple and convenient, albeit a poetical, way of accounting for the origin of the Crocus as well as that of other flowers. There is more than one version of its first entrance into the realm of flowers. It was said to have owed its origin to the youth named Crocus whose love for Smilax was rejected by that fair dame, and who was changed by the gods into a flower to signify unrequited love. "However ready we may be to smile at the apparent childishness of these fancies of the ancients, we yet feel that thev give interest to our glowing Crocus, even if the traditions and fables mostly refer to the Saffron Crocus of autumn, and not to the flowers of spring with which we are most familiar." Mr. Arnott then gave lengthy and interesting poetical references to the flower. Mr. George Maw says the centre of the area of Crocus distribution roughly centres round the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts. The same authority rightly says that the district which includes Greece, the Greek Archipelago and Asia Minor may be called the metropolis of the genus. The most western species known to him was C. Clusii in Portugal ; C alatavicus, the most north easterly, is from the Ala-tan Mountains of Central Asia, since his various itings were compiled a new habitat for the Crocus wa Aitchisonii, which represents a Crocus that is apparently found in Afghanistan by the discovery of C. speciosus Aitchisonii, which n rather widely spread. Then Mr. Arnott wrote of the botany of the Crocus, and saiil that those who wish to master this should turn to volume 16 of the Gardeners? Chronicle, where the subject is exhaustively treated by Mr. Maw. Dean Herbert and Mr. Baker are also great authorities on the subject. '* At this season we naturally think most -if the Crocus pi spring, which delights us with its beautj and its brilliant or quiet colouring when early spring appears. I sometimes think what a glorious effect could be produced in the beautiful Princes Street Gardens by a free use of the Hutch Crocuses. They would in no way be incongruous even with those rocks and that grey old castle which tower above the gardens and this historic city which is so dear to even Scotsman worth) of the name. They would give the passers-by a gleam oi that Moral beauty which has so powerful an elevating influence. "It is needless to expatiate on the beauties of the best known of these Dutch Crocuses. In addition to those from Holland, which are BO plentiful everywhere, there arc sonic pretty varieties, such as George Maw, which is white, with a golden band up each segment ; Leedsii, which has small flowers, purple, tipped with white, which reminds -me of the Dutch variety known as Ne plus Ultra; Uucorhynchiis, a prettily marked variety, and several others. It always appears sur- prising to me that it seems to be thought that this Crocus is not susceptible of further improvement I think we could do with more substance in some of the flowers, and we might not only raise flowers with new markings or tints, but others flowering earlier or later. In reading an old horticultural magazine lately I came across an article by the late Mr. T. Francis Fivers, in which he spoke of r usin„ Crocuses from .March 17, 1900. J THE GARDEN. .Ill seed, with the result that there yeas as much as six weeks' difference between s..me of them in blooming." Further information was given respecting the family, to which we shall refer again. Messrs. Todd, McKcnzie. Johnston, Fish. Ac, spoke highly of the lecture, and a cordial vote of thanks to Mi. Amott was carried. On the motion of Mr. MeKenzie seconded by the chairman, the sympathy of the association was desired to be expressed by the secretary with the families ami friendsof two distinguished gardeners recently deceased, Messrs. Gorrie and Fairweather. THE UNITED H0RTIC1 LTI'RAL BENEFIT A.M) PROVIDENT SOCIETY. Annual Meeting. This was held on Monday evening last, March 13, at the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, W.C. Mr. s, T. Wright, superintendent of the Royal Horticultural Society s gardens, Chiswick, wh<> was to have presided, was unfortunately absent through illness, and the chair was taken in his stead by Mr. Richard Dean. The chairman, after reading a telegram from Mr. Wright expressing regret for his absence, called upon the secretary (Mr. W. Collins) to read the minutes of the last meeting, and also the report and balance sheet. The treasurer. Mr. .lames Hudson, then made his statement of the accounts of the society. Tin- chairman said he considered the report and statement of accounts in every way very satisfactory. He regretted. however, that there were not more members ; nevertheless, the society was making distinct progress. He doubted if the lust means were adopted .,f making known the existence oi such an institution, and it was very important that it should be familial throughout the country. He suggested that the superannuated members, or the secretary, or both should attend some of the leading provincial tlower shows in order to make the society known. Every one of the accounts was extremely satisfactory, which showed Mic excellent condition of the society. The entire expendi- ture was more than covered by the interest on invested funds. He thought the hard-working secretary was not well paid: t:;n per annum was very little to pay one who had done such good work. He heartily congratulated the committee and members of the society on the g I work being 'lone and on the satisfactory report, and proposed that the report be adopted. This was seconded by Mr. w Marshall, and carried unanimously. Messrs. Curtis and ^t ■ .u i >t i- l-_n- were elected as members of the committee to till tin places of retiring members. On the motion of Mr. Heinsley, seconded by Mr. Sinners, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the treasurer, who had tilled his post so splendidly for Is years. Mr. Hudson, in replying, said it was always a pleasure to him to do all he could for the society, and hoped he would be able to remain at his post for yeai-s to come. Mr. Marshall proposed that a message be sent to the widow of the late Mr. .lohn Eraser, expressing the sympathy of the members for herself and her family and their appre- ciation of his invaluable services as first treasurer of the SOi iety. He said that the work had been extremely difficult, and that they owed much to Mr. Eraser for the splendid way in which he had managed it. The motion was carried unanimously. The members present unanimously thanked the secretary for his valuable services on the proposition of Mr. Hudson, and also re-elected him as secretary. Mr. Hudson then proposed, and Mr. Heinsley seconded', that a bonus of tin be given to Mr. Collins in addition to his ordinary salary, and on this being approved, the chairman presented Mr. Collins with a cheque for £52, which included this sum. It wa- decided that the committee should lie recommended to considei a proposal to increase the secretary's salary, and t. bring the matter before a meeting called for the purpose. Votes of thanks to the committee, the trustees, tin horticultural press, and the chairman for the evening res] tively for their services were then proposed and carried. 1 E'l'V COMMONS VNI> FOOTPATHS PRESERVATION SOI Threatened Inclosure of Hontingdon Commons A MEETING of the executive committee of the Commons and Footpaths Preservation Society was held recently at I Great College street. Westminster. The Right Hon. G. .1. Shaw U-fevre presided, and those present included Lord Thring sir .lohn T. Brunner, Hart.. MP.. Sir William Vincent Bart Professor -lohn Westlake, Q.C., and Messrs R p' Blennerhassett, <;.('.. r. E. Jerningham, c. A. Buckmaster •I. Butler, \\. Dcrham, P. Birkett, and I.. W Chubb i secretary i. A|i gat other private Kills considered was that promoted b\ the Huntingd lorporation. Mr. P. Birkett the solicitor to the BOciety, stated that the corporation sought power under the bill to enclose various parcels of common land within the Borough of Huntingdon, containing alto- s', acres. The land comprised 14tla _'i I'lip of ordinary common land. Ua. lr. 17'p. of " baulks," and 195a a. J; p. of Lammas laud. When acquired the corporation will be able to sell, let on building lease, exchange or other- wise dispose of the whole of the 356 acres, with the exception "i I11: acres, which an- to be used as a recreation ground In addition to taking tin unions the corporation also propose ■ appropriate a Bum of £9421 17s. Hid. consols, representing purchase moneys derived from the sale of portions of the commons to railway and other companies at various times ' ""- """Id receive by way of compensation for their rights of common, '• doles' in the shape of a perpetual annuity .a t,4s. The surplus income arising from the "" Ipsure ol the comi land would go to swell the borough funds. Mcietj considered that the scheme is a complete violation of the principles of the Commons Act, 1876, which the preamble that inclosure as opposed to regula- tion should not be made unless it can be proved that such inclosure would be of benefit to the neighbourhood as well as to private interests. By proceeding under a private Bill instead of by means of the machinery provided by the Commons Act, the local inquiries and other safeguards which "ere necessary under that Act were evaded, and then- was therefore no means of ensuring that the public interests would not suffer. It was stated that the second reading of the Bill would take place in the House of Commons on Tuesday, the 13th inst., when Mr. Hudson Kearley M P would move on behalf of the society. "That this House is not prepared to consider a proposal for the inclosure of common lands except when recommended by the Board of Agriculture in accordance with the procedure of, and on the principles laid down by, the Inclosure Acts. It was decided to appeal to all Members of Parliament interested in tie open space movement to assist in the opposition to the P.ill which, in the opinion of the Commons Preservation Society' is in effect one of the most mischievous Inclosure bills promoted for many years. ROYAL HORTICl'LTl'RAL SOCIETY. The Drill Hall was filled with flowers on Tuesday last. Orchids and hardy plants being the chief exhibits. There were very few awards, but the groups themselves contained many interesting plants. A charming group of forced trees and shrubs came from Messrs. Wm Paul A Son, of Waltham Cross. It is interesting to know how many shrubs will flower profusely with gentle heat. The little bushes were full of blossom, and included Primus triloba. Carnation-flowered Peach, double white Peach, and For- sythias. Cinerarias came from Messrs. J. James & Son, of Farnham Royal ; Persian Cyclamens from Mr. s. Bowles of Hanwell ; cut Roses from Mr. Mount. Canterbury: Ferns from Messrs. .1. Hill & Sons. Lower Edmonton ;' Azaleas from Mr. Russell, Richmond, and Messrs. G. Cuthbert, Southgate; and hardy flowers from Messrs. Barr & Son and G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. oucHib committee. Messrs. Hugh Low A Co. sent a small group, containing a finely-grown plant of Dendrobium Brymerianum with thirty-three flowers. D. Wardianum and D. Fitehianuni were well represented: D. Madonna, with white flowers, except the purple spottings on the outer margin of the lip: and D. nubile Murrhinianum. with its pale-tinted seg- ments and rosy -purple disc, were very attractive. \iie.ie the hybrids were tine specimens of D. Ii inianum. of D. rubens grandiflorum, I). splendidissimum, and D. Ains- worthii intertextuni were well represented. Cypripediums and other interesting Orchids were included. Mr. .1. Bradshaw. The Orange, Southgate, sent a group consisting principally of tine varieties of Cattleya Triamc. In striking contrast to tin- dark forms was a plant with two flowers of C. T. alba, and C. T. Aniesiana. the sepals and petals pure white, the front lobe of the lip bright pink, is one of the most distinct varieties we have seen. tielogy'ne cristata alba and Odontoglossums in variety were well repre- sented. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Mr. R. G. Thwaitessent Dendrobium nobile nobilius, D. n. burfordense D. heteroearpuni, and odontoglossums, Mr. T. B. Hayw 1 sent eighteen finely-flowered hybrid lieii.lrobiuins. the most distinct among them being D. yins- worthn. Woodhatch variety, the sepals and petals creamy white, the lip haying a large maroon disc. Several of the varieties with distinctive names were derived from the same pod of seed. The plants were remarkably well grown. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Mr. N. Cookson had s e finely-flowered plants of Phaius Normanii. Mr. R. I. Measures sent Cypripedium Boxallo-Rothschildia- num, derived from the species indicated by the name. Captain Holford, Westoubirt, Gloucester, sent a line cattleya Triamc and Cypripedium Calypso. Mr. H. A. Tracey, Twickenham, exhibited Cattleya Triamc Furziana with an exceptionally brilliant lip. Mr. S. Baxter sent Odontoglossum Wilckianum alliens, a finch spotted form. Messrs. .1. Veitrb .V Sous sent a lovely variety of Liclin- Cattleya Dominiana langleyensis (Dowiana purpurata), ' C. Antnnachas Cicnea (Dominiana rosea ■ Warscewiczii). I..-C. Pisandra (Eldorado x crispa). and Dendrobium Imogen (signatum euosmuni leucopterum). a distinct form with small yellow flowers. Baron Schroder sent odontoglossum elcgans. showing the intermediate characters of o. cirrhosum and o. Hallii. the species from which it is supposed to have originated. Mr. W. Cobb. Dulcotc. Tunbridge Wells, sent odonto- glossum eleganteum, a pretty hybrid with yellow sepals and petals spotted with dark brown. Major Joicey sent a finely-grown plant of Dendrobium atro-violaceuro with sixteen racemes of flowers. Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., sent Dendrobium nobile virginale with pure white flowers. Mr. Arthur Haj sent a natural hybrid Laelio-Catlleya imported with Cattleya Warnerii resembling L.-C. albinens'is. Mr. .1. Cypher exhibited some finely-flowered Dendrobiums consisting of such flue forms as D. nobile nobilius, D. Ethel D. Luna, D. Wiganie, and interesting unnamed seedlings were also included. Floral committee. There were many interesting groups before this committee. A delightful display was made by flowering shrubs from Messrs. W. Paul A- Son. Waltham Cross, and obtained a silver-gilt Banksian medal. In it were delightful little bushes of Prunus triloba with pretty pink blossoms, the Camellia-flowered Peach, double white Peach, Staphylea colchica, and Magnolia Soulangeana. such groups as this teach important lessons, showing the great value of forced shrubs for beautifying the greenhouse and conservatory. A silver-gilt Banksian medal was also awarded to a group of Cinerarias belonging to Messrs. J. James * Son, Farnham Royal, Slough. These dwarf Cinerarias are now famous for the colour and the quality and size of the individual blooms. A pretty group . if cut Roses came from Mr. G. Mount, of Canterbury, and was given a silver Banksian medal. It consisted ..1 blooms oi i aptain Havward, Mrs. .1 Laing and CatherineMermet besides others. The flowers of the la-i mentioned Rose were exquisite. A silver Flora medal was awarded to Mr. o. Bowles Hanwell. for a ven tine group of Persian Cyclamen. The plants were good and the individual flowers large and ol rich colour. Mr. II. .1. Jones, Lewisham, S.E., sent an excellent group of yarious Hyacinths and Narcissi, which received a silver banksian medal. It , tainc.l among the Narcissi, bicolor Horstielihi, Mrs. Thomson (primrose - yellow), poeticus poctal inn. Ac. Bright colour was given to the show by two excellent groups of Azalea mollis in its very varied colours, ranging from white to brilliant orange. This was a remarkable dis- play. One was staged by Messrs. II. A o. Cuthbert. Soiith- gate, Middlesex, and the other by Mr. John Russell, •■! Richmond. Surrey. A silver Banksian medal was also awarded to a Hue group of Ferns from Messrs. .1. Hill ,v s,,n. Lower Edmonton. Among other subjects in this collection we noticed the bright green oi I ...lea barbata, Ailiantum Farleyense, Athyrium Gorin- gianuiii pictuin, and the delicate green and reddish tints of Adiantuni scutum roseiun. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were awarded a bronze Banksian medal for an interesting group of alpine plants. containing a variety of small Saxifrages, Primula denticu- lata. Megasea Stracheyii. single bine Hepatica. Helleborus caucasicus, punctatus. ,Vc. Messrs. .1. Laing A- Sons. Forest Hill, staged a group of miscellaneous plants, including various Dracaenas and Crotons, Calla Elliottiana, and a tine basket of the graceful Asparagus Sprengerii. \ group of Cinerarias, Sutton's Light Blue and Sutton's New Pink, came from Messrs. Sutton and Sons. Reading The flowers were extremely pretty ill colour. Messrs •I. Veitch A Sons showed a pretty group of Cerasus pseudo-cerasus in bloom, and also another of chines. Pi t inulas. including Veitch s Double Crimson, Double Salmon Double Many. i. Mrs, Harry Veitch, anil others. A collection of spring-flowering plants, such as cinerarias, Hyacinths, Ericas, and Cyclamens, was sent by Messrs. J. Peed A Sons. Norwood Road, S.E. An excellent group of plants was shown by Messrs. u , Cutbush A Son. Highgate, N. It contained various Ericas and Epacrises, Spiraea prunifolia tl.-pl., staphylea colchica begonia Globe de Lorraine. Ac. Mr. H. B. May Upper Edmonton, sent a group of Clematis, including MissBateman, Lady Londeshorough, and Albert Victor, and the brilliant begonia Globe de Lorraine. From Mr. Tritton. Norfolk Lodge, Barnet, came a -roup of blue Primroses. Mr. W. Palmer. Andover, sent a plant of Cineraria Marquis of Winchester, the petals of which are yvhite towards the centre, flu- other half being of a brighl blue. Messrs. W. Paul A Son, Waltham Cross, exhibited Camellia Novelty, a single white flower splashed with pink, and also Rosa semperflorens Field-Marshal, which the com- mittee wished to see again from the open ground 3 new light blue Hyacinth, Mrs. H. .1. .bines, came from Mr. H. .1. .limes. Lewisham. Messrs. F. Sander A Co., si. Albans, exhibited interesting plants, including two new single red Camellias, named respectively Ladysmith ami Kimberley. Messrs. .1. Veitch* Sous sent two new white Primulas. Mrs. Hairy Veitch and the Queen Empress; also Rhododendron indicuin car. Kiempferii. Mr. W. .1. Pciiton. Bowden House. Chippenham, sent a new double \ ioli it James Penton. From Messrs. R & G. Cuthbert, Southgati came Azalea I.eucuntheniinii alba, a hardy Japanese variety and Azalea His brilliant, bright orange. Messrs R Wallace* Co. showed Anemone blanda and Eranthis cilicica. Mr. Elwes sent a plant of Knipbotia primulina; while Ml •I. T. Beuuett-Poe, Cheshunt, exhibited the beautiful babiana i ubro-cy anea. Narcissi s committee. The only eroup that came before this committee yeas shown by Messrs. Barr A Son. King street. (Went Garden, and received a silver Banksian medal. It contained many varieties of Daffodils, and also plants of 1'ritillaria auren Cyclamen coum, Chionodoxa Lucilise, Crocuses. Ac ftuit Committee. Apples formed the chief exhibit, some promising -...I lings being amongst them. These in a few cases the. inittee desired to see on a future occasion. An excellent collection came from the Duke of Richmond. G Iwood (Mr. R. Parker, gardener). Goodwood Pippin was worthy of note. This much resembles a cross between the Blenheim Orange and King of Pi]. pins, and was given an award last .year. From the same gardens came three other varieties o Id but good Wellington, splendid fruits, well worthy of the cultural commendation awarded. Another Apple, called Marketing, was also shown, but the committee thought this was an old variety called Wareham Reinette. A very putty Apple came from the King's Acre Nursery, Hereford, called King's Acre, a cross between Stunner Pippin and Ribs ton and very much like the last-named, being an excellent fruit and yvell worth extensive culture, but the fruits stic'ed wen- past their best. From Jersey Mr. H. Becker sent a new Apple called w inter Cheer, very pretty, and not unlike a Bauniann s Red Reinette. The flavour, however, vi'as not considered yen good, but doubtless the fruits were over-ripe. A pretty scarlet Apple named Roekhampton Scarlet was scut by Mr. Fellows, Kingston House, Dorchester. The fruit i nth i. k Hants, sent Apple Hagon's is not unlike a large Stri Mr. E. A. Lee, Fowley, Lip] Seedling, which much resembled Bess Pool. Mr. Ross, gardener to Captain Carstairs, Welford Park Newbury, sent Apple White Nonpareil, a delicious fruit a green medium-sized dessert variety. Mr. Crook. Forde Abbey Garden's, Chard, sent three varie- ties of forcing Radishes grown in six weeks— the Extra Early \\ bite and Red. and a new variety of quicker growth namely. Veitch s Early Gem, an excellent frame variety •J 12 THE GARDEN [March 1900. PLANTS BEFORE THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Pentapterygium serpens. It is for- tunate thai an enthusiastic grower such as Mr. Bennett-Poe has taken the culture of rare hard- wooded plants in hand, and saved them from extinction as far as the English garden is concerned. He exhibited at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society a specimen of this rare plant, and was given an award of merit. It is a native of the Eastern Himalayas, and a remarkably distinct plant in growth and form of the florets, the stems, tieing arched and sparsely clothed with leaves, strongly reminding one of those of the Ledum. The flowers are tubular and brilliant vermilion-red with deeper lines. In a note some time ago in The Garden it is mentioned that "In the warm conservatory or greenhouse, given a special position, this plant would prove highly attractive at this season of the year. The root- stock is large and tuberous, requiring a pot of large size and a peaty soil perfectly drained." Odontogiossum elegans I Kastwood Park variety). — This is a beautiful form of the natural hybrid which is supposed to have originated by intercrossing 0. Hallii and < I. cirrhosum. In growth and flowers the parentage of tin- species is plainly shown. The sepals are each 2h inches long, pale yellow, blotched and spotted with brown, the petals being broader than the sepals, slightly lighter in colour. The lip is 1 \ inches long, pale yellow in front, and in the centre there is a blotch of dark brown, witli yellow on the basal ana. There is also a rich yellow, streaked with brown, tuft of hairs on the disc. The plant carried a six- flowered raceme. It is a distinct and desirable addition. From the collection of Baron Schroeder. First -class certificate, Royal Horticultural Society, March 13. Laolia Jonghiana. This is a very old species ; it has been scarce for many years, but recently re-introduced in quantity. The sepals and petals are pale rosy lilac, the lip crested on the margin, pale rose, becoming white in the central area, the side lobes rose, shading to yellow at the base. There are seven longitudinal raised and crisped ridges traversing the base. The plants exhibited carried single-flowered racemes. From Major Joicey, Sunningdale Park, and Mr. M. T. Pitt, Stamford Hill. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, March 13. This is limned on p. -21(2. Leelia Jonghiana (Temple's variety). This is the finest form we have seen: the Bowers are 7 inches in diameter and deep rosy lilac, darker than those of the type. The side lobes and base of the throat are orange. It is a most desirable Form. From Mr. Temple, Leesw I, Groombridge, Sussex (gardener, Mr. E. Bristow)). Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society. March 13. Odontogiossum crispum Oak- field Sunrise. Tins is .< remarkable form of 0. crispum. The sepals are I inch long, y of an inch broad, and creamy white faintly tinted with rose. The petals arc I! inches lone, almost wholly chestnut-purple, tipped, margined and mottled with creamy white. There is a raised ridge running through the centre of the dark area, terminating in a prominent point to each of the petals. The lip is white, spotted with purple, becoming yellow on the crest. There are numerous brown lines on the disc at the base. The plant carried a six-flowered raceme. It is an interesting and u Million kind. It was exhibited by Mr. T. Baxter, Oakfield, Morcombe, Lancashire. We have no doubt that when the plant gets stronger it will greatly improve, and a higher award, which its disl incl ion merits, will be given. We understand t he ] ilar it originated with Messrs. .1. ( 'owan A ( 'o. . of Liverpool, who sold tire plant to the present owner- for a sum exceeding £200. Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society. March 13. DehdrobiumBurberryanumilt Find layanum I >. Dominianum). This, as tin- parent age indicates, is a secondare hybrid, and was raised in the collection of the Right Hon. J. Chamberlain a tew years ago. It is one of the most distinct and desirable of the Dendrobium hybrids. The sepals arc If inches long, deep rosy purple, becoming lighter at the base. The petals arc as long as the sepals, nearly an inch broad, white at the base, becoming suffused with rosy purple, which is more intense at the apex. The lip is upwards of an inch broad, and at the apex there is a broad tip of intense purple, the whole of the central area and side lobes being white. There is a slight trace of yellow around the small maroon discs at the base. The habit of the plant and shape of the flowers show the intermediate characters of the parents used in its production. The plant was exhibited by Sir T. Lawrence, Bart, (gardener, Mr. W. H. White), and carried four flowers. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, March 13. OBITUARY. DEATH OF A DISTINGUISHED SCOTTISH GARDENER. It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mr. William Hugh Gorrie, late gardener to Sir William Hozier, of Mauldslie Castle, on the 9th inst., aged sixty-five years, after a painful and protracted illness. Mr. Gorrie was well known throughout Scotland as one of our most successful gardeners, and by his urbanity arrd kindly nature commanded the esteem of all who had the privilege of his acquaintance. His success in horticulture has been exemplified nr a marked degree where it has long been much irr evidence at Mauldslie. The deceased was associated with horticulture from childhood, arrd his opportunities were great, which he embraced with zeal, and he early showed decided talent as a keen cultivator. He had capital training under his father, who was gardener al Polmaise, near Stirling, for many years. After1 making tin- best of his time as an apprentice and journeyman, he went as foreman to Luchie, Fast Lothian, arrd was afterwards foreman at Tynning- harir, under the late Mr. Lee. From there he went as head gardener to the late Colonel Ferguson, of Raith, Fifeshire. That proprietor being a keeir lover1 arrd liberal supporter of horticulture, Mr. Gorrie had very favourable opportunities of turning his talents to good account, and Raith under Mr. Gome's management attained an amount of fame seldom equalled in the north, which attracted visitors from long distances to see the decorative work which was year- by year- to be witnessed in the beautiful flower gardens. Mr. Gorrie was at all times treated by the gallant colonel as a trusted friend, and very deservedly was the honour conferred upon him. When the colonel died, Mr. < ionic (after ten years of distinguished service as a gardener) left ami went to Sir- W. Hozier. of Mauldslie Castle. Lanarkshire. The gardening at Mauldslie for- thirty years (the period of Mr. (ionic's management) has been of high class order, lb- was devoted most sincerely to bis excellent employer, « I ould appreciate tin- services of a first-rate gardener. Mr. Home's services as a judge wen- much iii request at the great northern shows, and by leas t Iris sound judgment and pains- taking efforts as a censor he commanded the implicit confidence of those who had the privilege of Ins services. The deceased has left a widow ami grown-up family to mourn Iris loss. Carroti, Falkirk, -V. It. M. Tkmi-i.i:. o. .1. SYMONS, K.li.s. I In Saturday afternoon last this well-known meteorologist passed awa\ at the age of sixty-two. lie was the founder of the British rainfall organisa- tion, and at flu- age of eighteen joined the Meteoro- logical Society, founded a year previously by Mr. ( rlaisher, and iptickh became one of tire Registrar - General's meteorological reporters. This office he occupied until his death. In the 'Finns it is men tinned that in I860 be published his first annual volume of the " British Rainfall,'' which contained records from 168 stations— namely, 163 irr England and five in Wales, there being none for Scotland or Ireland. With persistent energy In- continued for forty years to develop this unique organisation of voluntary observers. His last published "British Rainfall," for- 1898, contained records from 2645 stations in England. -237 irr Wales, 436 in Scotland, and ISli in Ireland -a total of 34114 stations. In 1866 be began the publication of SymcniA'H Monthly Meteorological Magazine, which has been continued up to the present time. It is claimed for- him that at the lime of his death he was the head of one of the largest purely volunteer organisations in existence, having over 3(111(1 observers in all parts of the kingdom. His annual digest of then records is a standard work, in which not only meteorolo- gists, but civil engineers, sanitary experts, aircl others place unquestioning confidence. Throughout the forty years of his work, Mr. Symons, whenever possible, adhered to his custom of giving in the Tun: - a summary of his data respecting the year's rainfall. These observations became especially valuable during the cycle of dry years such as 1890 '.I'.l. E. .1. LOWE, F.R.S. Many botanists and horticulturists will hear with sincere regret of the death of this great Fern authority arrd meteorologist, who passed away at Chepstow. Monmouthshire, in his seventy-fifth year-. It is interesting to krrow that from 1842 to 1882 Mr. Lowe kept a daily record of meteoro- logical observations, and was one of the founders of the Meteorological Society. Of his work amongst Ferns and grasses we shall write at further- length than is possible just before going to press, but may mention that amongst his more important contributions were "Ferns, British and Exotic" (1856-60), "A Natural History of New and Rare Ferns " (1871), "Fern Growing" (1895), " Beautiful -leaved Plants" (1866), "British Grasses" (1858), and " Our- Native Ferns" (1811(1). ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Names of plants. .1. /■', -Dendrobium longicornu; the pinkish-white flower is Saccolabium giganteum. Roses infested with thpips (M. E. H.).— During the last two or three seasons this pest has been very trouble- some, owing in a great measure to the drought. Roses in such dry positions as the walls of dwelling-houses ami greenhouses fall an easy prey to the ravages of this insect. They rarely attack thoroughly healthy plants. As they congregate only on the underside of the foliage, means must he taken to drive them out of this location. We have found flowers of sulphur one of the best remedies. Place some in a sulphur duster and apply vigorous puffs immediately under the foliage until a perfect cloud is produced. Repeat this operation at frequent intervals. Some one-year-old soot scattered among the branches is another excellent preven- tive. Von would do well to prune your plants rather severely this year, ami induce a free, healthy growth by applying liberal doses of water ami liquid manure during the growing season, as well as good syringings with rain water every tine morning and evening. Owing to great pressure on our space, we have beer compelled to hold over many replies to t|iiestions until next week, when all will he dealt with. SWEET PEA EXHIBITION. Messrs. Jas. Cartek & Co. are ottering a handsome com- memorative cup at the Sweet Pea hi-eelit eliary exhibition, to he held on July 20 and '21 next at the Crystal Palace, for the best display of Sweet Pea blooms. Quality of bloom, not mere quantity, will he considered in awarding the cup. ROSE SHOW FIXTURES IN 1900. June 27. -Salisbury (N. U.S.) ami Richmond, Surrey. ' 28, Canterbury. nil.— Windsor. .Inly 3. — Gloucester, Marrow and Sutton. 4. — Croydon, Hereford and Reigate. 6. Hath ami Norwich. 7. -Crystal Palace ( N. U.S. ) lo._ Wolverhampton. t 12.— Brentwood, Elthain and Salterhebble, is. Canlilf. 19.— Birmingham (N.K.s.)aml Helensburgh. ■14.- Tihshelf. Shows lasting two days, t Shows lasting three days. I shall he glad to receive the dates of any other Rose show-, (or horticultural exhibitions in whicn Roses form a leading feature) for the next list of hose show fixtures, which will appear early in April. EDWARD M.wvi-Kv Rosebank, Berkhamsted, lints. jafe*L_ ;W&~^~ ^ GARDEN. No. 1479.— Vol. LVIL] [March 24, 1900. KEW AND ITS WORK. THE botanic gardens at home and abroad show stronger evidence than at any period of their history of a desire to render a knowledge of plants more easily and pleasantly acquired. We are reminded of this by the recent issue from the Royal Gardens, Kew, of two 1 looks of reference, "Hand-list of Tender Dicotyledons" and " Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information," which is a list of published names of plants introduced to cultivation from 1876 to 1896. These have been reviewed in their proper place, hut it is pleasant when an oppor- tunity is thus conspicuously given to make further reference to the Royal Gardens than is provided by a mere review of books identified with a botanical establishment. Xo scientific or horticultural library is complete without the hand-lists of plants issued occasionally since 1894 from Kew, the various families being grouped in their natural orders, and species and varieties set out without in- flicting the weary task of removing a crust of dry scientific dissertations to extract the kernel. The object of these hand-lists, explained in the first of t lie series upon "Trees and Shrubs ( trown in the Arboretum pari I. Polypetalse," has been fulfilled, and the direct us' wish, that " they will be found useful in indicating to visitors interested in particular groups of plants the species which Kew already possesses," should remind visitors to Kew bent upon extending their knowledge of plants that these lists provide a trustworthy and handy guide. They have unquestionably rendered more easj the work of "establishing an approximate standard of nomenclature which is often much confused in gardens and too frequently erroneous." In the preface of the first volume (1894) it is mentioned that "a rough census of tin1 species and distinct varieties of plants cultivated at Kew gives the total as approxi- mately 20,000. Of these, 3000 are hardy trees anil shrubs." It is needless to state that the lists are the result of years of persevering and painstaking work, which is repaid by the greater interest shown in plants cultivated at Kew and other botanic gardens. We are thankful for the liberal policy adopted by the director of late years. Kew is no longer, as we have before mentioned, a living herbarium of plants dis- played in lines and patches, but a beautiful garden of flowers. An atmosphere of down- right earnestness pervades the whole establish- ment, in the labours in the gardens, in the herbarium, and in those useful agencies, such as the Kew Guild, in which the permanent officials associate themselves with the young men who are equipped in the gardens for their duties at home and in distant lands. This brotherhood is maintained in after life, to the advantage of the entire organisation. One has only to read the journal of the guild to under- stand the advantage of this friendly intercourse between the authorities and past workers. At this season, when the awakening of spring- bids the flowers open to the sunshine, Kew is a garden to visit as frequently as time will permit. One never walks through the pleasure ground, arboretum, or houses without dis covering some rare and interesting plant unknown to us before, and seekers after novelties -flowering, may be, for the first time in England- will, as our records in The Gahden show, be richly rewarded. The Croci now spread their yellow carpet over the grassy slopes of the mound near the Cumberland Gate, and beds of distinct species and varieties are in full beauty elsewhere, each kind so grouped that the gardener may see to what useful purpose the plant may be put in his own domain. It is the more practical and poetic aspect of Kew, if we may thus express ourselves, that must not be forgotten when considering its great importance as a centre of botanical pur- suits. The wonderful variety of trees and shrubs, hardy plants, and things requiring artificial conditions is rendered more easily understood when the hand-lists are studied also— handlists that may be regarded as indices of the collections under cultivation. The Royal Gardens are interesting to the keen observer at all times, but the "opening ol the flower season" is naturally more plea- surable to the visitor than the winter, when the silvery bark of Birch and crimson stem of Willow add their noteof colour to the harmony of browns and greys. When the Croci have flowered, the Daffodils in their thousands bend their stems in the wind — Daffodils planted in the grass to make sheets of colour, and saturate the breeze with perfume, until the misty azure of Bluebells in the wood- laud and in the charming grounds surrounding the Queen's cottage compel our attention. With the drowsy summer days the Water Lilies upon the water surface idly float, opening in the heat of the day those scintil- lating masses of petals that have given new t interest to the pond and lake, hybrids grown in all their best forms at Kew, to show to the thousands of visitors from all quarters of the globe their value and beauty in enriching the home garden and public park. It is a pleasure to praise where praise is due. There is no rigid adherence to the traditions of the past, but the director and his assistants have during past years transformed the gardens into a place more beautiful and interesting than many a private domain where botanical science is not expressed in the plants set out in bed and border. Those who wish to be critical may declare that this flower beauty is provided at the nation's expense. True : but a nation does not bestow artistic instincts upon the individual. If Kew were as ugly as the con- ventional cemetery, we have little hesitation in saying that the public generally would consider that botanical research necessitated a sacrifice of a plant's individual beauty. But it is not so. ami from this time until winter again robs the tree of its leaves and bids the flowers depart until sunnier skies again brighten the earth, there is no more interesting and beautiful spot for its flowers in the British Isles. Of the flowers in the grass we shall write more when the Daffodils and the Tulips have expanded in their thousands. This is a dis- tinct and precious form of gardening that of recent years has increased the charms of many a private garden, and is carried out in its fulness at Kew. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY & THE PROPOSED NEW GARDEN. Considerable anxiety is felt apparently in some quarters, judging from recently expressed opinions, that the Royal Horticultural Society is likely to definitely settle an important undertaking without consulting the Fellows. But we think this is an entirely wrong con- clusion to accept, if we remember rightly, of the matter discussed at the annual meeting a few weeks ago. The president, in carefully chosen words, stated that the scheme of the new garden had developed no further than that the council were seeking for some good site, and when that had been regarded as likely to prove suitable, the proposed measures to adopt for its purchase would lie laid before a general meeting. Our excellent contemporary, the Gardeners' Chronicle, protests "most earnestly against the view taken that the adoption of the report of necessity carries with it acquiescence in the details of a scheme which was not, and has not been up till now, laid before the Fellows. How can the Fellows acquiesce in anything 214 THE GARDEN. [March M, which is unknown to them?" But little more than a month lias passed since the annual meeting, and the stipulation that the Fellows would be consulted m due course, and their opinions considered to guide the council in their efforts to act rightly, we consider a guarantee that nothing will he accomplished in any way to repeat blundering* and an utterly false policy, which for many years before 1887 well-nigh wrecked the entire organisation. We know our contemporary has the welfare of the society deeply at heart, and, being mind- ful of the bitter experience of the past, which can only be looked "back upon with feelings of abasement and humiliation," is anxious about the future. We have full confidence in the men leading a society whose watchword is "Horticulture, "and feel assured that no attempt will be made to establish an elaborate school of horticulture, or undertake any Utopian schemes likely to spell bankruptcy and dishonour, but simply to acquire a new ex- perimental garden for the furthering of the society's work, a proposed departure cordially supported by the annual meeting. We ardently hope that the School of Horti- culture will at no distant date be established, but this is a matter that can rest until something more definite can be decided than a few maybe hastily expressed ideas as to its important bearing upon the horticultural in- dustry in this country, ami we are not surprised that its establishment with the funds of the society should arouse the "gravest apprehen- sions" of our contemporary. To embark upon this undertaking hurriedly would mean disaster, but it is not too much to hope that from the school, for such it may be called, at ('hiswick then' may arise a more substantial structure under the care of the Royal Horticultural Society. The future of the ( 'hiswick < hardens must be considered at no distant date. It will be hard to part with gardens of historic interest, and identified with the Royal Horticultural Society throughout the most interesting period of its existence. We hope that they may be spared for other work than mere experiment and trials, and if it lie possible to save them, we feel certain everything will be done to accom- plish this end. The president, council, and secretary have shown themselves equal to the tasks before them in the near future ; they have rescued the Royal Horticultural Society from its slough of despond and restored it to the full confidence of the Fellows and all who are interested in horticulture in this land and many countries abroad. We feel assured they will not tail at this interesting phase of a new departure to celebrate a centenary which should gather round the society scientists and horticulturists from all quarters of the globe. Bismarck. Lady Henniker. Lord Derby. Cookiiiij. Striped Beaufin. Tower of Glamis. Warner's King. Wellington. Adam's Pearmain. Barnack Beauty. Baumann's Red Winter Reinette, (Jlaygate Pearmain. Dutch Mignonne. BEST APPLES FOR BRITAIN. E A R I. V . jh ,,, ,■/. Irish Peach. Lady Sudeley. Mr. Gladstone. ( looking. ' elliui Pippin. Lord i Irosvenor. Keswick Codlin. New Hawthornden. Stirling ( lastle, Manks Codlin. MlDSEASON. Jh 98i >'t. Allington Pippin. Cox's Orange Pippin. Blenheim Orange. King of the Pippins. Cockle Pippin. Margil. Worcester Pearmain. Ribstou Pippin. Late. Hi "r rt. Fearn's Pippin. Hormead's Pearmain. Reinette du Canada. Scarlet Nonpareil. Stunner Pippin. Winter Ribston. Cooking. Alfriston. Newton Wonder. Bramley's Seedling. Norfolk Beaufin. Lane's Prince Albert. Sandringham. Wellington. FRUIT GROWING IN BRITAIN. An important subject is written about in youl leading article of March 10, and the way you have considered it will doubtless stimulate those whet have an interest in fruit culture. The remarks are most opportune, as only a few weeks ago a gentle- man greatly interested in fruit drying was invited to be present at a meeting of the fruit committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, he having a most improved system of drying fruit. He said that he would take an immense quantity of fruit, which unfortunately could not he forthcoming. I am glad you have alluded to the difficulties or cost of transport. This, of course, may be met by having centres to prepare the fruits for drying, and the gentleman referred to exhibited specimens greatly superior to foreign productions. This shows what an opening there is for quantities of fruits of all kinds. A better time could not have been chosen to refer to the lark of good fiuits in our markets, as at the present moment it is only seen in small quantities. 1 am aware that salesmen favour the imported supplies, and in a measure this has been brought about by our own careless culture, for if the grower could send iqi a regular supply of the popular kinds there would lie a corresponding demand. Of course there are occasional new intro- ductions that find favour for a time, and some are then lost sight of. but the grower would soon Hud this out, and not put all his eggs into one basket. It is not safe to rely upon one kind, as in some seasons it may fail, and if more kinds are grown a crop may Vie obtained from one or other every year. I think it a safer plan to grow both cooking and dessert kinds, as frequently the latter crop when the former fail, and via versa. An instance of failure has come under my notice. It was caused by planting young trees in an old orchard. This rarely pays, and it is tar bettei to give the trees a fair chance by not mixing them with old ones in a crowded orchard. Of course many growers will not agree with the list given. Worcester Pearmain is omitted, and I In. ugh this is excellent in its way, it is not of first- rate quality. The prices, however, that this variety obtains in the market are astonishing, especially if the fruit is grown on a warm, loamy soil and well coloured ; it is also most valuable to the large grower through being early. Till we get another kind of superior quality that crops as freely, I fear growers will not cease growing it in quantity, as the trees crop so freely. Among the culinary early Apples Manks Codlin has been omitted, but it is valuable for its earliness. I admit the Keswick is similar, but so far I have found the former more profitable, its great drawback being that it only fiuits every other year, but by growing Lord (Jrosvenor, also an excellent Codlin, the grower will have two strings to his bow. Allington Pippin is mentioned in the list. I have no knowledge of this as a market variety, but if it is as free cropping as it is handsome, it should be a favourite. I am glad the subject of keeping was mentioned, as this is a point worth more than passing notice. We do not want elaborate or costly stores, but at the same time it is useless to keep fruit that will not sell. Appearances go a long way, and a dull, poor-looking fruit, though it may keep well and be of good quality, does not sell so readily as a bright Wellington! Unfortunately, so many of our handsome Apples, for example, (Jaseoigne's Scarlet anil Washington, are not so free cropping or auch good keepers as might be desired, and the tendency of the fruits recently introduced is strongly in favour of colour, but they lack flavour and keeping qualities. I am aware this remark will not meet with the approval of those who exhibit, but my note more concerns the producers of quantities. There are many fruits in the article referred to that are well worth the attention of growers, but I have already taken up too much space. From my own point of view, I greatly value your selection of cooking Apples. Norfolk Beautin is none too free, but Lane's Prince Albert makes up, and the newer Newton Wonder promises grandly. Fruit Grower. Correspondence being invited on the selection of varieties of Apples suitable for market purposes, perhaps a few remarks on some sorts not mentioned in the issue of March HI may prove useful, particu- larly as they are largely relied on by some of the most successful market growers in Kent. Referring in the first place to early dessert varieties.no reference is made to Mr. Gladstone, which is one of the earliest late Apples we have, and largely grown for market purposes. The fruit, w-hich ripens in July and August, is highly coloured and carries a rich bloom : the flavour is good, and the variety is free in bearing. I know several growers near the south coast who pin their faith on Mr. Gladstone because it comes in early, and there is a ready sale for it when Kent and Sussex water ing-places are tilled with visitors in August. I notice also that Worcester Pearmain is omitted from the list, and in this we have one of the most popular market dessert Apples in cultivation. Many Kentish plantations are devoted entirely to this variety, which is amongst the must profitable of September Apples. Its flavour is inferior to some others, but the fruit is highly coloured, and this has its etf'eet on the sale of dessert Apples; moreover, the tree is a sure and prolific bearer, and its habit of growth leaves nothing to In- desired as a bush for plantation work. The fruit is sold direct from the tree, and the fait that plantations of Worcester Pearmain arc increasing in Kent is evidence of its suitability for market purposes. Turning to early cooking Apples, I note the absence of Ecklinville Seedling, which is a house- hold word amongst the fruit growers in this county on account of its suitability for fruit plantations and market sale. In the neighbour!] 1 of Sitting- bourne I am acquainted with large plantations of this useful Apple, which bears freely and can be sold direct from the trees. Ecklinville may net be a favourite with all growers, and the fruits of this and other large culinary varieties are said to sell best in the northern markets, but, considering the freedom of its growth and its excellent bearing qualities, I do not see how Ecklinville Seedling could well be left out of a select list of early cook- ing Apples for market. It is obvious that to a market grower the time taken by varieties to come into good bearing baste lie considered, and such a variety as Blenheim Orange would be more popular if it gave a quicker return. No one says a word against Blenheim ((range as a dessert Apple, and a well-established orchard of it is very profitable, but other sorts coming into bearing more quickly are preferred before it. Bramley's Seedling is not grown so largely as it would be if it were not for the same reason. Among late dessert Apples, Baumann's Red Winter Reinette and Hormead's Pearmain are well spoken of by some growers. Kentish Man. Without doubt there are far too many worthless or third-rate Apples in cultivation, but there is this consolation, that no one need grow them. But. unfortunately, all the preaching in the world in reference to improving our ways in Apple culture and varieties grown seems wasted on the many. March 1900.] THE GARDEN. 215 Yet, again, there is consolation in the undoubted fact that a few do benefit by good advice, and follow it. But we Hnd. write what may be with respect to Apple varieties and their too great abund- ance, that others still come. How many new varieties, or old ones resuscitated, have received awards of merit during the past autumn and winter it is hard to say, but at the present rate of progress we seem to be adding from sixteen to twenty fresh varieties or names to our already overloaded lists. It must net, however, be assumed that the granting of an award of merit to a variety signifies first-class quality. Would that it did, then we should see our existing Apple stocks greatly improving. Practically such an award means that the variety is about as good as the average, and no more. But we have, indeed, more than enough varieties of average quality. We want more of exceptional merit, and it would be a good thing were none now so honoured except they were such. When we note the first-class certifi- cates awarded, then is increase found to be verv slow. That fine dessert variety Charles Ross is, so far, the only one that during the past season obtained so high an honour, and it is earnestly hoped that in the future it may be found what this award anticipates. There is in relation to so many varieties this fact to be admitted, that whilst scum- few seem to do pretty well everywhere, not a few very fair varieties will not do SO. Then is it found advisable to grow such varieties as will do well, and it is because of that we find, as Mr. Parker mentions, some that are little known generally having high reputations in various localities. But beyond these there arc myriads of varieties th.it should be marked as worthless when com- pared with the much superior ones we have even in abundance. Down to the end of the year. what with early and second early varieties, it is possible to have scores furnishing useful fruit. yet few may he of first-class excellence. The real test of quality, whether of keeping or of flesh anil flavour, is found in the early months of the new year, and of cooking fruits, what Apples from January to June are belter than Alfriston, Prince Albert, Newton Wonder, Wellington, Mere dc Menage. Norfolk Beaufin, Northern Greening, Hambledon Deux Ans. and Bramlev's Seedling? Some would perhaps add French Crab, but it is only of third rate quality. From this list a choice selection may lie made of five or six to suit all positions and give a long succession of fruit. All are great croppers, good cookers, and, in cool places, long keepers. But in relation to keeping qualities, it cannot be too strongly urged that perfect maturation is absolutely essential. The very best keeping Apples are, of ordinary late varieties, those which grow in ample sunshine, are allowed to hang as long as possible, anil if the weather lie dry, the tree roots get occasional soakings of water. When varieties of this character fail even in . 1 places to keep well, in the majority of cases the fault lies in too early gathering and mot -dryness. Xow of dessert varieties that can he had good tor table from January to June if grown under the conditions mentioned, Cox's Orange Pippin, the most delicious of all Apples, will always be good till the end of February, possibly even later. But whilst that variety is so good anil crops abundantly, low poor rcktively seem the best of all others. Cox's Orange has probably the yellowest Hesh of all Apples, hence its delicious flavour. It is a pity that raisers of new Apples lose sight so much of that consideration. After that there is no variety that gives Letter flavour late than does the old Cockle Pippin, a capital variety that everyone should grow, and to succeed that, none again arc better than Stunner Pippin. Pew dessert Apples will keep letter than the last mentioned. Of other good late ones. Braddick's Nonpareil, Rosemary Russet. Claygatc Pearmain, Duke ot Devonshire, and Adam's Pearmain are ex- cellent through this late season. Good late eating Apples should possess fairly soft and easily masti- ■atcd flesh, la- of fair flavour, brisk and juicy. We seem to have much to learn yet both in maturing fruits on the trees and keeping them well in the store, but on this latter head doctors differ amazingly. A. I). Although, as Mr. Parker has pointed out (p. 157), we do not want such a multitude of Apples as arc now grown, experience shows that it will not do to be too drastic in cutting down the list. No doubt in good Apple years there comes a time when one wishes that the number of varieties was not so great, and that the bulk of one's crop was made up with only a few of the most popular sorts, but in scarce seasons there is often need to be thankful that the orchard contains some others besides these. I never found Norfolk Beaufin so certain a cropper as Mr. Parker appears to have done, and if it were so generally, there would be little need to look any further for the latest keeping Apple. Easter Pippin was a far more certain cropper with me, and I should always include it in a selection for very late keeping. Again, Wellington is by no means a sure cropper, though it is certainly the king of cooking Apples where it can be grown, but the tree is very liable to canker on some soils, and is generally looked upon as uncertain. For myself, however, I have no fault to find with it, as in Suffolk on a very light soil and here on a heavy one I have found it do well. I should like to add to Mr. Parker's list of dessert Apples the name of Lamb Abbey Pearmain. I think this is the very best flavoured dessert Apple that can be grown for an April supply, and this was evidently the opinion of the judges in the Vciteh flavour competitions some years back, when it was placed first in competition with good Stunners and others. Lamb Abbey Pearmain is a crisp-eating Apple and juicy to the last. The tree is a good, but not quick grower and very fruitful, the slowness of growth and upright habit making it an ideal tree for a garden or fruit plot where space is limited. J. C. Tai.i.uk. GARDEN THOUGHTS. THE JOYS OF A GARDEN. GAKDENING is indeed one of life's purest pleasures, anil a not alto- gether selfish ime, inasmuch as those who look mi the flowers we grow possess them also; their beauty brings a free gift to all who can receive it. It is not in the multitude of our blossoms, nor yet in the extent of our gardens, that the joy exists, for a simple cottage garden with its clambering Kose and clinging Vine, its sweet Lavender and fragrant Pinks, still wet with the morning dew, will ofttimes afford happiness far beyond that given by the rich acres enclosed within some stately garden wall. Xo.it is tlie love for the beautiful that the simple flowers themselves are able to draw forth in which consists our richest gain. It is the continual symbolic lesson of plant life, the perpetual teaching of our own hearts from them, how difficulties may be overcome, adverse circumstances contended" with, and how fulfil- ment may be attained, if not by the visible crown of success, yet by the enrichment of our lives through the increase of our powers of steadfast endurance, patient labour, and abiding hope learned by working. In the beautiful garden of human souls we should not always judge people by what they are, but by what it is possible for them to become ; and so in our gardens of blossom we should press forward towards a high ideal, not only in the arrangement of our plants as to harmony of colour and balance of line and form, but in the fuller development and evolution of the plants themselves, so that the world may be the richer for our passing through it. For may we not be as a high priest in our gardens, 80 that the marriage of our blossoms shall give us a yet fairer progeny with which to catch the sunbeams in their growing petals, and drink the dewdrops in their burnished cups. The birth of a new Narcissus after seven long years of waiting from the date of seed sowing is a joy as great as that experienced by a scientist when in his laboratory he makes a new discovery after many years of research and toil. Hearing a physicist lately describe his sensation of rapture on such an occasion, I felt it to be similar to what I had experienced while watching the first petals of a Narcissus unfold new as yet to the world. The procuring of a plant is often thought to be all that is necessary, and that success is sure to follow. But not so. The labour of love only begins with the possession of a plant. At once its life is assailed if it be not helped and cared for in its early efforts of growth, if there be a hot sun at planting time, the evollets get parched and the leaves drop. A cold wind may shrivel up the foliage; later on a frost may blight it. If none of these things occur, then comes the insidious slug, that devours every attempt at fresh growth while the plant is still young and tender ; or, in like manner, the green fly, arriving, sucks away its juices. Then the soil may not be suitable— too sandy or too heavy, too dampor lacking moisture, too calcareous or having over-much peat. Again, the position may be unfavourable — over-expo sure to sun and wind, or too much shade. Hut it is the overcoming of these difficulties that gives gardening one of its special charms. Failure should ever act as a bracing wind, giving renewed force with which to press onward with joyful endeavour. A. L. L. THE LATE E. J. LOWE. By the death of Mr. Edward Joseph Lowe, which we could only briefly notify in our last issue, the horticultural world loses one of its most prominent workers, and the lovers of our native Ferns will especially miss him as one of the pioneers of varietal discovery, culture, and hybridisation, and owner of probably the finest collection in the country. No one who attended the Fern conferences of bSilO and LHU-J, held under the auspices of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, can forget the marvellous display of British Ferns of which he was the main exhibitor, nor can they forget the number of forms shown which had practically originated under his care. Mr. Lowe's position enabled him to pursue this special hobby of his (among many others) without limit of space or accommodation, and his residence for the past eighteen years in a climate peculiarly congenial to Fern life aided in their development, so that not merely fine forms, but robust and perfect specimens abounded both in his spacious gardens and in the houses and frames devoted to them. For about half a century the study of Fern life was his favourite pursuit, and the credit is certainly due to Mr. Lowe of having been the first to demon- strate ineontestably the possibility of crossing and hybridising Ferns by his production of a hybrid between two diverse forms and species of Polv- stichum, viz., P. angulare Wakeleyanum, a cruciate form of one species, and P. aculeatum densum, a congested form of another, the result being a cruciate aculeatum. This was followed by an immense number of successful crosses mainly between varieties, the record of which is given in his last work, '-Fern (bowing," written to illustrate his theory of "multiple parentage," which, however, the scientific biologist declines to accept as esta- blished despite the very singular results which Mr. Lowe produced in evidence. Decidedly the most striking hybrid, however, is that between the Hart's. tongue and Ceterach otficinarum, evidence of which, fortunately, is in the writer's hands in the shape of fronds, though the plant itself has perished. It is hardly necessary for us here to recall his published contributions to Fern lore: "British k21(3 THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. Exotic Kerns," 8 vols., " Our Native Ferns," •J vols., and " New and Rare Ferns," 1 vol., all splendidly got up and profusely illustrated with coloured and other plates. His last work, " Fern Growing,!3 is on the same lines and completes the dozen. As a still more popular bonk his descriptive pocket catalogue of British Ferns is known far and wide. Ferns, however, as we have said, did not constitute by any means his sole pursuit. The crossing of flowering plants was also a hobby of his. His name is known to many in different connections altogether. Thus the short biographical notice of his death in the Times refers solely to his meteoro- logical repute, and, save in the case of his publica- tions, ignores his botanical research almost entirely. Biology in all its phases interested him, and upon his beautiful estate near Chepstow the visitor passed from one branch to another with curious indiscrimi- nateness ; here a basket of curious hybrid Ferns, there a bed of equally odd and mixed flowers, and yonder would he pointed out some equally curious developments in crossed cattle, pigs or fowl of all descriptions — a very menagerie of the unexpected. As a result of his position, leisure, and these varied tastes, we find that he figured as a Fellow of many prominent scientific societies, being elected F.R. A. S. in 1X4.S : Fellow of the Ro3'al Meteorological Society, of which he was one of the founders, in 1850; F.G.S. in 1853, and F.L.S. in 1857. He was also a member of the Conehological Society, and F.R.H.S. ,a J. P., and D.L., a list which is sufficiently illustrative of his scope of study and activity. In addition to the publications named above we must cite " Beautiful- leaved Plants" and "British Grasses," also finely illustrated, and forming with his Fern hooks a series of volumes at once handsome and valuable. C. T. 1). Saxifrage with other species, although there are not many of these early -flowering enough. One would be glad then to get again the lovely but scarce S. Boydii — I mean the original clear yellow- flowered form. Besides other varieties such as indicated above, much, even extreme, variation in the size of tin- flower is noticeable, as also in the precocity of flowering. Again, speaking broadly, the larger- flowered varieties seem to he the earlier flowered, and via versa. But, of course, though the difference in the size of the flowers is even enormous if we compare the extreme ends of the chain, the sequence of sizes is pretty complete. There is nothing that can be called a true botanical difference between them, and (as in many other cases) I think it might have been well if for the " major" varieties the nurserymen had dispensed with the added name. However, I know there are two sides to that question, and that it may be as well thus to be able to bar the poorer small- flowered forms in ordering. In my own collection (an accident of their origin) large-flowered forms removable glass, although the pot helps to a convenient mobility. Subject to that 1 agree in every word he writes. An amateur of my acquaintance many years ago did lake up that culture, preached it, and believes and practises it still to some extent, to his own delectation. But Mr. Elwes would be astonished at tin- quiet contempt this amateur has had to endure from many of his visitors. I should say that nine out of ten of alpine plant-lovers were also lovers only of culture in the open air. This amateur, too, had a nursery, and nothing, he fancies, damaged it in reputation more than the ability of competitors to say that he grew alpines under glass. It mattered nothing that he grew them also in the open, and that those which he grew under glass others rarely grew at all, or grew ill. But that is by the way. Many years ago I wrote for the Royal Horti- cultural Society and printed a paper on houses for alpine plants. It was not very good, I know, and I have not reprinted it ; lint it was, perhaps, suggestive, and has been helpful to some ; and if SAXIFRAGA BURSERIANA. I is pretty confident, as the result of considerable experience with this plant here, that the difficulty in its culture referred to by " H. K.. M." in his interesting note of the 10th inst. is easily met (in tin' south at any rate) by the means indicated by Mr. H. .1. Elwes in his valuable note in the same issue (p. IN.-)| on " Hanh Plants in Pots." It is simply "glass protection from winter wet." The coincidence of these two notes in the same number of Tin-: Garden is perhaps a little curious mid felicitous. 1 have now hundreds of this delightful plant just passing out of bloom and in the best of health and vigour, and 1 doubt if I have this year had less than I O.I II II I flow ers, perhaps 2(1,01111 ; 'it would be hard to count them. They are the accumulation of five Or six years, and are the progeny of a few hundred ill-c litioned scraps, which it needed two "r three years of rare to bring into health. Now the stock, once established, grows with perfect case, the one essential seemingly being that (of course without including air supply or permitting fire heat) the plants are kepi dryish from about October to February. In the open here, speaking broadly, the plant has failed or ill-thriven, as with others i1 generally does. But it is obvious to observe that there can l.e no objection at all to planting it out upon the rockery yearly, even to I. loom there if so desired, and replacing it in pots in October. By its compactness the plant lends itself with tic greatest ease to this treatment, and though it is a decidedly slow grower, it is long-lived. I have several probably eight to ten years old. Further, and quite evidently, the necessary glass protection may be given iii l \ l> VI Till, SM u.i.kkt PART. very greatly predominate, hut I fancy myself singular in that respect. One wishes that the few who have kept their Saxifrages in health and in the open for many years Continuously (for there's the rub) without glass winter protection would kindly help us to a similar sun -ess with them by a careful statement riot only of their locality, hut of all the conditions under which they have succeeded. 1 suspect, though I do not know, that shade given during the heat of summer, so given as not to sacrifice exposure and free air, may, as iii the case of sonic other alpines. be among these conditions. A plain fact forgotten by many when discussing the suit- ability of a climate for such cultures is that while pre-eminently suitable by its comparative dampness in summer, it is pre-eminently unsuitable for a like nason in winter, and another similarly forgotten (but. 1 take it, tolerably certain) allied fact is that, as regards soils, the soil st suitable in summer, say, chalk, strong loam, or other of a moisture- holding nature, is. for the same reason, precisely the worst in winter. Mr. Elwes is wondering why some "amateur does not take up the culture of early-flowering hardy plants in pots," &o. Probably he means under glass, and I will so presume, for there is nothing much gained, that I know of, by the mere pot as distinguished from planting out under any - thinks of following Mr. Klwcs's advice and that it even might be useful to him I will he glad, if I can. to hunt up a copy and send it to him on application. But the paper is somewhere in the journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. Hitherbury, Guildford. H. Selpe-Leonasd. | An illustration of Saxifraga Burseriana major was -urn in The Garden, March In. p. ls:i. We are pleased to know (hat recent notes upon it have created interest. S. Burseriana is a beautiful flower of late winter days, and is grown at Kew under glass in the hardy plant house, as well as in the rock garden. - Ens. j PHOTOGRAPHING PLANTS. At a recent meeting of the Liunean Society a very interesting paper was read by Mr. J. C. Shenstone on photographing plants, and more particularly mil' w ihl ones. Of these he exhibited a collection of photographs that he had made containing no less than 700 species. Many of the photographs were most admirable, and gave a much better idea of the plant than the usual figures, or even dried specimens. Some of the photographs were thrown by means of a lantern on to a screen, and also figures from hooks (which arc usually considered to be very good ones), and it was very interesting to sec how lunch more life-like the former were than March 24, 1900. J THE GARDEN. 217 the latter. In order to obtain a picture of the plant in as natural a position as possible, Mr. Shen- stone places his camera vertically with the lens downwards, and lays the specimen beneath it on a horizontal surface. In this way it is easier to arrange the specimen so that it does not look stiff or unnatural than it is in a vase, when the weight of the upper part of the plant may cause it to assume an undesirable attitude. Mr. Shenstone also threw upon the screen a series of photographs of our native plants growing in their natural habitats. These showed the natural growth and Ordinary surroundings of the plants in the most delightful manner, and were much admired. He described the difficulties he met with in obtaining these views, or rather portraits, and said he hoped next season, with improved apparatus and his previous experience, to obtain even better results. A series of these photographs, particularly of the gathered specimens, would be of the greatest use to students, who would find them in many ways better than the dried-up bits of plants of which a herbarium generally consists, and which at the best give but a poor idea of their real character. It is to be hoped that some day Mr. Shenstone will see his way to having these photographs reproduced so that they may be published. It would be very useful if botanists who arc travelling in foreign lands would bring home with them a series of photographs of a similar nature. Those who are obliged to stay at home would then have a much better idea of the Bora of other countries than they can have at present. Miss North's collection of drawings at Kew is admirable for this purpose, but naturally it only covers a very small portion of the field that is open to photographers. There is. however, room for much good work in this direction in our own country. 1 ANCIENT POLLARD OAKS AT HAYES, KENT. What are commonly culled the old Oaks at Eayes are really situated on a piece of West Wickham parish adjoining Hayes Common, which was bought by the Corporation of the < litj of London from the [ate Sir John Lennard, ami was dedicated to the public. The ( laks are very old. The writer has been informed that they are mentioned in Doomsday Book as the old pollard Oaks at Hayes, and those who should know and have examined them think ANCIENT POLLABjj i they are probably more than 1800 years old. Until about thirty years ago they were regu- larly pollarded, and for the sake of future generations it is a pity that the practice has been given up, for their heads have now grown so large and heavy, that, the fine old stems will probably be split before very long, ami then the trees will cease to exist, though if they were pollarded, their vitality is so great that they might live for many a year to come. To give an idea of their size, one is 20 feet round at the smallest part, another 20 feet 9 inches at the smallest part, another 25 feet 7 inches at the smallest part, and another 18 feet 5 inches above the knob at the right, but measured round the knob is 28 feet 4 inches, and an enormous massive root or stem goes down to the foot-path. Theyare growing on pebblegravel of great depth. Hayes Place, Kent. K. II IN HAYES COMMON. KENT. POLLARD OAK, 28 FEET 4 INCHES ROCXD. HISTORY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FERTILISATION OF FLOWERS. Thai' the sexes of plants were to a limited extent known to the ancients is seen in the writings of Pliny and others. Thus Pliny says, copying from Theophrastus : "The more intelligent inquirers into the orerat ons of Nature state that all trees, or rather all plants, belong to either one sex or tin- other and this manifests itself in no tree more than in the Palm." Linmeus also records how the Arabians from time immemorial fertilised the Date, while the Persians did the same for the Turpentine tree, and the inhabitants of Chios the Mastich, these all being unisexual. Bacon, following Pliny, expressed his belief that all plants must be sexual, and hints of it are not wanting by Shakespeare in the " Winter's Tale." Thus Perdita speaks of " streaked Gilliflowers which some call Nature's bastards," the mixture of colours apparently suggesting a crossing between two whole-coloured kinds, a fact which Prof. 1!. Bradley showed to result from crossing a yellow with a red Tulip in L725 ("Discourses on the Four Elements as they Relate to the Growth of Plants," by E. Bradley, Professor of Botany in the University of Cambridge). Again, Shakespeare speaks of " Pale Primroses that die unmarried." The distinctions between male and female plants were, however, excepting in the trees mentioned, very fanciful both with the ancient and mediaeval writers. Tournefort, even in 1730, follows the ancients, though the true nature of the sexes was well understood at that date. Tradition records that Sir T. Millington, Savilian Professor of Botany at Oxford, was the first, since Bacon's time, to point out the true function of stamens and pistils. This was in the year 1670 ; but Crew and Bay soon after showed they understood it ; while Vaillant, the French botanist, was evidently perfectly familiar with the fact in 1718. Bradley, too, at this time was quite aware of the existence of varieties which he describes as fertile by crossing as well as hybrids : these he believed to be always infertile, like males (Op. cit., p. 87 seqq.). in 1760, Linnaeus wrote his "Dissertation 218 THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. on the Sexes of Plants," and in 1790 Dr. J. Kotherham contributed a pamphlet to the subject in opposition to those who still disputed it, entitled " The Sexes of Plants Vindicated." Bradley exemplified male and female flowers by such as those of Hazel. Bi-sexual flowers he called androgynous, but Linnaeus termed them hermaphrodite. The former were fertilised by the wind, but the latter he regarded as always being self-fertilised, though crosses could arise by the aid of the wind, as in producing striped Tulips. In describing the subsequent behaviour of the pollen, Linnaeus thus records his obser- vations on the Jacobean Lily, Amaryllis (Sprekelia) formosissima : "A drop of limpid fluid exudes from the stigma at mid-day, is re-absorbed about 3 p.m., but re-appears at mid-day following, if we shake the anthera over the stigma, so that the pollen may fall on this limpid drop, we see the fluid soon after become turbid and assume a yellow colour, and we perceive little rivulets, or opaque streaks, running from the stigma towards the rudiments of the seed." Linnaeus also notices the shrivelled pollen-grain, which, he adds. refutes the idea "that the pollen passes into the stigma, pervades the style, and enters tin tender rudiments of the seed." The above is interesting as being the first recorded observation of what we now know were the pollen-tubes : but the prevailing idea was that "aii extremely tine exhalation only or 'aura' passed from the pollen to the embryo." Having only simple microscopes to work with, the subsequent details of ovular impreg- nation were unknown. With regard to this, a great controversy arose somewhere in the forties over Schleiden's contention, that the embryo was formed within the enlarged end of the pollen-tube itself. Henfrey and other botanists, however, finally brought the controversy to an end by proving that the egg-cell was always outside the tube and within the embryo sac itself. The first botanist to perceive the adapta- tions in the structure of flowers to insects was Sprengel (" Das Geheimmiss der Natur," 1793), who illustrates numerous eases specially facili- tating intercrossing by insects. The subject was not taken up again till Darwin published his I k on "The fertilisa- tion ot Orchids" in 1862. Since that date the fascinating pursuit has attracted the attention of a host of observers. The question soon arose, that since Nature has adopted three methods wherewith to secure the fertilisation of flowers, viz., by wind, insect, and self-pollination, which gives the greatest benefit to plants ' Andrew Knight s found in his experi- ments early in this century with crossing cultivated plants, as also Dean Herbert in the thirties, that they were greatly "improved" thereby : so that the former experimenter came to the conclusion that a "cross should take place between neighbouring plants of the same species." In 1862 Darwin came to the same conclusion, which he expressed in a converse way, that " Nature abhors perpetual self-fertilisation." He, however, admitted subsequently that this was too strongly expressed. Indeed, it is now seen that it is totally false, and that self- fertilisation really prevails in Nature. In 1876 Darwin published his book on "The Effects of (Voss and Self-fertilisation in the Vegetable Kingdom," in which he enumerates a \ast number of experiments and their results. Dh fortunately, his bias towards the imaginary advantage of intercrossing runs through the book, so that he quite failed to see that his own experiments tell against his theory to a very damaging degree. Darwin's erroneous inference arose, like Knight's, from his experiments being made with the more highly coloured and conspicu- ously flowering plants well adapted to insects rather than with plants bearing insignificant and minute flowers, such as Groundsel, Shep- herd's Purse, Solatium nigrum, etc. It is true When, therefore, we look to Nature and compare results between conspicuously and inconspicuously flowering plants, we find that the latter far outnumber the former in indi- viduals where any species exist in tolerable abundance. Secondly, the geographical distri- bution of the former is limited, while that of the latter is cosmopolitan ; and that if "garden plants" and "weeds" are left to struggle for an existence, the latter soon prove FOXGLOVES IN A I'OI'SK ON T1IK EDI1K OF DAI1TMO0B. he found that by carefully crossing plants artificially — not in the haphazard way it is done in Nature — he stimulated them to grow finer and produce more seed ; but, as a rule, lie did not pursue his experiments long enough to discover that these "improvements" were only temporary : nor when he did so, did he sufficiently observe — what, indeed, his own experiments proved — that after a short time the comparative results (as in weight, height, quantity of seed, toj me, and Lthe next morning I found that the extreme ends of the shoots had turned completely round and were pointing north again, and in" a day or two the shoots doubled back and began to climb up them- selves, merely to get away from the sun as I at first imagined. The real reason, however, appeared to be that the only way that Thunbergias can give their blooms the curious tilt from the main stem is by making all their growth in one direction, namely, the direct opposite to the place whence comes its main allowance of sun. Now I alwa3's plant at the bottom of what I want to cover, and the plants do as I wish, always provided they can grow away from the sun. Bearing this peculiarity in mind, 1 know of no better annual for covering the front of rockwork or patches of resting bulbs, and yet I have never seen the plant grown in the open except in my own garden. It is worth while if only to see how different the plant looks when growing clean, from the specimens one sees under glass, which are nearly always covered with spider, or thrips, or both. Browallias have of course the same tilted flowers, and in a minor degree I have noticed the same inclination on their part to slant their shoots away from the sun so as to get the blooms at the right angle. The whole thing seems most interesting, for the flowers must have assumed their tilt for some reason, and as a consequence the plant has to con- form to a certain style of growth. One wonders what the reason was and what the earliest ances- tors of the modern flower were like, and how they grew in times of which we knew nothing. planted, while those on the west seemed undecided what to do, and finally joined the tangle on the north. I have only once had trouble with spidei on plants grown in the open, and fancy then it was my own fault for keeping the seedlings pot- bound too long before planting out. Newton Abbot. B. D. Webstek. v> inn l -'El:> following year several plants were set out in early spring at the edge of a line of red sandstone which faced due south, my hope being that the orange and whit,- flowers would be well set off by the coloured stone. Here came the trouble. Tumble down over the stones they would not, but shoot away due north and climb over the plants at their hack they were only too ready to do. At first I did not see the reas.,11, and putting the affair down '" "" cussedness." I pulled some of the -t ranger shoots over and pegged them down. The It is only right to add that with a north expo- sure you get a downward growth, so it is not a mere question of the plant being so much of a climber as that it refuses to be a tumbler. I have proved this by planting the edge of a tub with Thunbergias, the result being that the plants on the south side grew upright, then inclined over to the middle, and finally fell away over the north edge, where the original and proper inhabitants were already doing the same thing. The plants on the east side fell over for the most part where BOOKS. Hand-list of Tender Dicotyledons.' — We have come to look upon these hand-lists issued from the Royal Gardens, Kew, as friends, and now welcome another volume of the same character as the useful series that has preceded it. In an excellent preface the director mentions that ■'Tender dicotyledons, though not the most con- spicuous, are the most numerous in point of species of plants grown under glass at Kew They are culti- vated with various objects ; many for the beauty of their flowers or fruit, others for their useful proper- ties, others, again, for their scientific interest." A note occurs upon the Himalayan Rhododendrons, which we extract as likely to greatly interest those of our readers who cultivate this beautiful group of shrubs. Of course the note concerns the Rhodo- dendrons in the Royal Gardens: "The first Himalayan Rhododendron was introduced in 1818, when Dr. Wallich sent to this country seeds of Rhododendron arboreum. One of the trees raised from them had reached at Kew in 1880 a height of •23 feet. In the years 1847-f)l Sir Joseph Hooker, during his memorable travels in the Sikkim Himalayas, sent home seed in quantity of a large number of fine species mostly new to science. With few exceptions these found a congenial home in the open air in Cornwall. At Kew their cul- tivation presented considerable difficulties. While they will endure without suffering a tolerably rigorous winter without protection, they come into growth too earlj- for the average English climate, and are there- fore peculiarly susceptible of injury from the frosts and cold winds of spring. Of late years they have been grown at Kew with moderate success under a frame which could be enclosed with shading material during the critical period. For open- air gardening reliance will have to be placed on hybrids, which combine t lie floral beauty of one parent with the hardy constitu- tion of another ; of these the fine cross raised at Kew, Rhododen- dron kewense. which in most years flowers profusely in the Rhododendr [ell, is an example. Some of the older crosses, such as I!, altaelarense and K. Nolile- anum, still retain too much inherited precocity of growth. The completion of the temperate house afforded an opportunity o cultivating these magnificent plants with more success than had been previously possible at Kew. The conditions of the main body of the building had not proved very suitable to them. The winter temperature was too warm to allow of their receiving a com- plete rest. Their growth was in consequence not properly matured, and the plants eventually became weakened and exhausted. It was there- fore decided to devote to them the new north wing of the temperate house, which was completed in 1899, where they could be grown without any heat at all. In this they were associated with Camellias, * " Hand-list of Tender Dicotyledons. Gardens ; unbound -Js. id., bound 3s. S,,1<1 at the Royal •220 THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. Bamboos, and other plants representative of the Indo-Chinese region. As soon as the north wing was given up by the contractors it was furnished with great rapidity, largely due to the generosity of Mr. 1). H. Shilson, of Tremough, Cornwall. This county thus repaid its debt to Kew, from which, as stated above, it originally received the plants when introduced by Sir Joseph Hooker. The late Mr. Shilson, father of the present owner of Tremough, was one of the first to take up their cultivation. ' Several of the plants ' transported from Cornwall to Kew are said to have ' required a separate railway truck each, and were nearly •2 tons in weight.' Another prominent feature in the house is a large Camellia 15 feet high, removed from a private garden in Kensington Palace Gardens, where it had been grown by Mrs. Falk, who presented it with other plants to the Royal Gardens." Flowers of the Field. "— This much enlarged edition of an old book that most truly deserves its steady popularity has been entirely rewritten and revised by Mr. Boulger. The present edition includes the Sedges and Grasses. The veriest beginner can recognise the familiar wild plants from the distinct woodcuts, while a careful study of the introduction, which offers firstly an explanation of terms, and secondly and thirdly a brief classification and directions for identification, gives as concise and lucid a pre- paration as such a work could well have. It is a book for all children who love wild flowers as well as for their elders, and though it is a serious botanical volume, its teaching is presented in a form that seems to avoid nearly all that is dull and dry while retaining all that' is interesting and instructive. The Century Book of Gardening.— This book, which has been appearing in weekly parts, is now published in volume form, and will be found a comprehensive guide to all interested in gardening in any of its phases. A considerable feature is an alphabetical list of hardy perennials, with notes upon culture and the best kinds, but alphabetical arrangement has been followed wher- ever possible, whilst the index will assist further in identifying plants about which information is de- sired. Thefollowing quotation from the introduction shows the object of the work: "It is to help the home gardener that this book has been prepared. Here, whether his garden he large or small, it is confi- dently believed that he will discover what he requires. The arrangement is simple— alphabetical wherever possible— and information is given in the simplest way and in a manner that everyone ran understand. Our gardener loves his garden ami its flowers and fruits with a pure enjoyment for their own sake. He is a botanist, perhaps, though not one of those who ■ Love Dot the flower thej pluck and know it not. And all their botany ia but Latin names.' However. Inn- the aim has been practical, and hard technical terms are avoided wherever that could be done. The whole work of the flower, fruit, and vegetable garden has been considered from the very beginning, anil the laying-out ami draining of the land, up to the gathering of the blossoms in the borders, of fruit from the orchard or hothouses, and of kitchen products from the useful garden beyond. The steps that are to be taken to give variety, charm, and character to the garden, the means that conduce to success, and the dangers and pests that invade have all their place in ilnsl k. Again, every aspect and varietj oi gardening, it is believed] has been adequately treated according to its importance." Amongst the contributors are the following: Mrs. Earle, author of "Pot Pourri from a Surrey Karden," writes upon " Shrub Borders and Hardy Flowers"; Mr. F. W. Burbidge, M.A.. "Tender Plants foi the Summer Garden" ; Mr. S. W. Fitzherbert, "Rock harden Plants": Mr. W. Paul and Mr. Edward Mawlev, secretary of tin' National Hose Society, "Ibises ami Rose Gardens" ami " Exhibition Roses" respectively: Mr. .Tames Douglas, "The Carnation and Picotee : " "Chrysanthemums," Mr. E. Beckett ; " Orchids,' Mr. White, Orchid growe to Sir Trevor Lawrence Bart. ; " Ferns," Mr. C. T. Druery, F.L.S. . " Trees and Shrubs," Mr. Bean, of the Arboretum, Kew; "Suggestions foi Planting Trees and Shrubs," the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, M.P. ; " Insect Enemies and Friends and Fungi," Mr. G. S. Saunders : and " Fruits," Mr. Geo. Bunyard : whilst other practical writers include Mr. Wythes, gardener to the Duke of Northumberland ; Mr. A. Dean. Mr. H. T. Thomas, &c. The book is copiously illustrated, not merely with beautiful garden views, but also with portraits of individual plants, which of course are more helpful in identify- ing a flower than a volume of description. Each de- partment receives its due share of attention, and the illustrations are spread evenly over the pages. No one subject is more freely illustrated than another", the object throughout being to pro- duce a thoroughly reliable book of reference upon horticulture in general. The names of the con- tributors are a guarantee that this elaborate hor- ticultural guide may be considered trustworthy, justifying its already " widespread reputation as "a comprehensive work for every lover of the garden." It forms one of the Country Life series of horticultural and scientific works. The cover is printed in three colours, and the artistic excellence of the volume makes it an appropriate gift book to those who appreciate gardening beautifully por- trayed in hundreds of varied pictures. It is edited by Mr. E. T. Cook, ami published at the offices ol Country Liu . 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C., ami Messrs. Geo. Newnes. Ltd . 7-12, South- ampton Street, Strand, W.C. Price 18s. nett. NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. CINERARIAS AT FARN- HAM ROYAL. D i lowi i ■ -i n Id B3 He- lati i:> I i'. V .Mms. -hi, edition London: Societj (or Promoting Christian Knowledge SPRAY OF CINERARIA SHOWING THE FORM OF THE FLOWER. and the houses at Farnham Royal are masses of brilliant colours, painful almost in their intensity, masses kept distinct to show the fulness of the superb variety and depth of colour. Here is a "roup of intense purple blue, there a tint as light and pretty as the Forget-me-not blinking in the spring sunshine, ami maybe a house entirely filled with pure white and cream-coloured flowers, or flowers in which blue margins the petals. Warm rose. pink, deep maroon, intense blue, pure white-margined flowers and intermediate shades of many kinds are represented, the heavy burden of blossom almost hiding the rich green leaves. A walk through the houses at Farnham Royal is an interesting lesson on what we have on many occasions spoken about, namely, the great work that has been accomplished in moulding a flower into the form it is desired to assume. There is wonderful colouring and even more wonderful breadth of flower, many individual blooms measur- ing nearly, if not quite, 5 inches across, without in any degree developing a coarse texture. All this is the result of years ,,f patient work in striving to reach an ideal in view, and hence as the years speed on departures occur from existing types. A conspicuous feature of the Farnham Royal .-train is the dwarf growth of the plants, anil this is main- tained with increasing massiveness of the flower clusters. But Messrs. James and Son have shown no standing still, as the newer hybrid forms are grown well, many interesting and important forms appearing in the later displays. We enjoy these hybrid Cinerarias, their gracefulness and delicate beauty ; and whilst thus expressing admiration for this more recent development of the Cineraria. urge that there is ample space ill our green- houses for both sections. We must have the brilliantly coloured and dashing Cinerarias so long associated with the name of .lames, anil also the quieter and more graceful forms which have been URING this season of the year a bright flower is the Cineraria, and seen in its full variety of form ami colour at the early spring exhibitions. We w ere reminded that Cineraria time had come by a group exhibited at the first March meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society by Messrs. J. .lames ami Son. Farnham Royal, Slough, ami the accompanying illustration represents a spray cut from one of their plants, Of course a photograph unhappily fails to show the colour of the llowcr. but its perfect form is revealed, and in it- wonderful symmetry and substance there is undeniable charm. True the flower is formal, but a formal Cineraria is a "thing of beauty." and a rebuke to those who think the essence of loveliness i- in the flower that displays a wilder and more jr. i i tul expression. A dashing beauty is revealed by the Cineraria, alreadj illustrated in The Garden March 24, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. ■2-2] CORRESPONDENCE. f T/tf Editors are not responsible for thi opinions expressed by tin ir com spondents, ) MOR/EA IRIDIOIDES MACLEAII. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR, — In reply to the inquiry of "J. C. L." concerning this fine plant (see p. 90), I have long cultivated it, having received seeds of it from Durban Botanic Garden about fifteen years since, but 1 have no memorandum of the exact date of its introduction. My largest plant, in a 12-inch pot, has a perfect sheaf of scapes, most of them 4 feet to .5 feet high. Nearly all are branched, and have as many as six to eight nodes, from the uppermost of which a flower is produced each season. I do not know on what grounds your correspondent regards it as a hybrid. Mr. j. G. Baker, in his monograph of the Iridere, classes it as a form or variety only of M. iridioides. I believe the seeds were sent me by the late Mr. McKen as those of a plant indigenous to Natal ; further, its fertility and free reproduction by seed seem to negative the theory of its hybrid origin. Ipswich. W. Thompson. SEEDLINGS OF JAPANESE ROSE. (Rosa eugosa.) [To the Editor or '-The Garden."] Sir, — About eight years since a friend sent me a berry of red Rosa rugosa. I sowed the seeds care- fully, and grew about two dozen plants, but the Bowers were all the same colour. The plants made great bushes, but were slow in flowering, and then did not do so profusely. R. M. S. [The paucity of blossom upon seedling plants of this species, especially when the seedlings have not been transplanted, is one great drawback to this method of propagation. Plants that are produced from layers or by budding, flower and fruit very freely. We should advise you to lift these seedling bushes next autumn, cut away some few inches of their roots, especially the long tap ones, and replant, taking care to spread out the roots hori- zontally, and see that they are not buried more than 2 inches or 3 inches below the surface. In the following spring entirely remove some of the growths where crowded, and cut back the remainder about half their length. Retain those growths that have laterals, and shorten the latter about half their length. This season you may induce the plants to flower if you bend down at once some of the growths within about L8 inches of the ground, remove a few of the centre shoots, and the remainder just merely cut off the extreme ends. — Eds.] CULTURE OF PHAIUS TUBERCULOSUS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir,— I should lie much obliged for a few cultural notes upon this Phaius. I have an imported plant on a block (breaking). What is the best treat- ment ': [•' ||. Phaius tuberculosus is one of the most difficult of the Madagascar Orchids to deal with. It requires a higher temperature than the other species, with an abundance of moisture both at the roots and in the atmosphere, especially during the growing season. The plants usually grow well in a hot. moist corner of a stove or in the Phalamopsis house. The compost for potting should consist of two parts fibrous peat to one of chopped Sphagnum Moss. After the rhizomatous tuber has been fixed Id position, c-over the surface of the potting compost with living Sphagnum. The pots should be amply drained, and if a sprinkling of finely broken crocks is mixed with the compost, it assists in keeping the material open and porous. Water always with -oit rain water, which will encourage the' growth of the Sphagnum, as hard water quickly destroys its vitality and it soon decays, One of the greate'st difficulties in the successful culture of 1'. tuber- culosus is to keep the plants free from thrips and red spider. For the destruction of the former fumigate occasionally with XL All vaporiser, and spray the plants at least once a week with the wash prepared by the same firm. For red spider wash the leaves occasionally with a soft sponge. In bright weather spraying the plants overhead once or twice a day will be found beneficial. Arrange the plants close up to the light, either on inverted pots or by suspending them from the roof. Do not take the plant from the block if it has become attached thereto, but plunge block and all into the potting compost. A shallow pan or basket is the most convenient for the purpose if suspension is necessary. — Eds.] I NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PRECOX. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] I have to thank the various correspondents who have so kindly given their experiences of Narcissus pallidus prsecox in response to my request. It would, I think, be of some service if a few more would do so in order that we might, so far as the peculiarities of gardens permit, arrive at the causes of success and failure. The last note, that of an experienced and careful observer, refers to the question of the greater adaptability of some of the forms to cultivation. This is a most important point, and is worth considering by those who have failed with this Pyrenean Daffodil. I have several forms here, but all seem equally easy to grow ; while with one of your correspondents the only one that appears to have any constitutional vigour is that with a suspicion of buff and with greater substance in the petals. It may be that those of us who live in the north can grow this Daffodil with more ease than some further south, and this is one of the things I desire to ascertain. Even the palest forms of Narcissus pallidus pra-cox do quite well here, and seeds sown in the open germinate, and in due course produce flowering plants of at least equal vigour to those imported from their native habitats. It will be a favour if correspon- dents from some other districts than those whence reports have already come will help in our consideration of the problems presented in growing this charming Daffodil. S. Arnott. Car-set horn, by Dumfries, N.B. FLORAL CLOCKS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir. — The reference which Canon Ellacombe has made (see page 189 of The Garden) to the " Philo- sophic Botanica" of Linnaeus is, of course, quite right ; but there is a further question which may be raised, and about which he has said nothing': What exactly did Linnaeus mean by his own words ? I am indebted for this observation to the very interesting book on " Flowers and Flower Lore" by the Rev. Hilderic Friend, in which he quotes, on page 33.5. a passage from Dr. Cooke to the following effect: "It was a happy idea of Linnieus to construct a floral clock with the hours representing the opening or closing of certain flowers." It was also the same botanist who applied the name of "meteoric flowers" to such as closed and expanded periodically, at or near the same period of time, or such as appeared to be influenced especially by the definite atmospheric changes in opening or* closing. Pretty and poetic as such a theory may be, it is doubtful if it extends beyond this. ' A dull day and a bright sunny one, a dry morning or a moist one, will certainly not produce the same results. The opening and closing, depending so much on light and temperature, will be related more to the bright clear sky and the warm genial atmosphere than to the particular hour of the day. Admitting all these influences and conditions, it is doubtless true under a normal condition there are many flowers which open and close nearly at the same time, or within an hour. It might be said that certain flowers have a manifest tendency to open or close at or about a certain time unless this tendency is disturbed or thwarted by special interference. Probably this was all that Linnaeus ever intended, and that his design was to indicate that some flowers expanded with the first break of day. others not until noon, and others again in the evening or during the night. It would seem then after all that we cannot set our watches by Liniueus's floral clock, but if only tendencies are to be regarded, it is not difficult to name a few things which have an inclination to open or shut at or near to a given time. The Morning Glory speaks for itself ; Tragopogon, which is so very oddly though suitably named " Go-to-bed-at-noon," seems to have a pre- ference for a different hour ; Chlorogalum pomeri- dianum keeps fairly well to its designation as an afternoon flower in my garden ; and the Evening Primrose (Oenothera) generally, but by no means always, waits for some few hours afterwards before it puts in an appearance, and many other instances of preference might be given. But it would be an erratic sort of clock that moved about in this way, and punctuality would go to the wall if only tendencies were regarded. I wonder if the Father of Botany kept his engagements by a floral clock. St. John'*, Hyde, I. of II'. Henry Ewbank. APPLES UPON WALLS. [To the Editor of "The Gardes."] Sir, — In his notes on page 127 Mr. Coomber advances some very clear and practical reasons for and against the adoption of Apple culture on walls. The instance quoted from Crimonmogate, Aberdeen- shire, is a case where the shelter of walls gave the desired results after repeated failures with culture in the open ground. In the southern and western counties of England wall culture does not receive much attention, because good fruits can be obtained otherwise, but there are instances even in these counties where an enhanced quality is produced thus. In the palace gardens at Wells, Somerset, there was a fine tree of Peasgood's Nonsuch which at one time gave some magnificent fruits that found no rival at many shows, including that held by the Royal Horticultural Society at the Crystal Palace. This was in the late Bishop Hervey's time. They were not only remarkable for their great size, but for their handsome shape and rich deep colour, which constituted an ideal such as few, even the Kentish growers, could approach. This tree occupies a west aspect, one, it may be said, that is much more suitable than a southern one, by reason of the susceptibility of the fruit to sun -scald wdien exposed. In these gardens I found on taking charge there were some young trees of Cox's Orange, King and Rihston Pippins planted on a south wall, but they never paid for the space occupied, fruit-bearing being very sparse, though in one season a few very fine Cox's Orange were matured. Curiously enough, too, on this hot wall American blight made a most desperate effort to defy attempts to exterminate it by winter dressings and summer syringing with insecticides. I have not seen young trees so badly crippled with this pest on open bush or other trees. Careful pruning of the summer shoots is needful to prevent injury to the fruit, as if the shoots are closely pruned during a sunny period, the Apples are sure to suffer from sun-scald. There is no doubt but that a finer and more delicate skin and clearer colour are the outcome of wall culture, exactly in the same manner as in the case of Pears, though for dessert purposes their quality may not be proportionately enhanced. Mr. Coomber does well in advising tiie Paradise stock for this kind of Apple culture, as on the free stock the trees become very robust, and need much attention at their roots to keep them in a fruitful condition. It is not often that space can be afforded for these on walls, nor, except for special purposes, is it necessary except in the northern counties, in Scotland, or cases such as those instanced by Mr. Coomber in his recent notes. W. S. Wilts. SILENE MARITIMA FL.-PL. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, — Photographs if well done are as often as not base flatterers of men a.i I flowers. What more charming picture could one have than that of Silene maritima 11. -pi. in The Garden of the 17th insfc, and yet whenonc sees the plant in the life one immediately thinks that the whole thing is a mistake. The Bladder Campion that one sees growing in sheets on the cliffs— nowhere more 222 THE GARDEN. March 24, 1900. beautiful than at Tenby — is a lovely thing, a harmony in pale green and grey. The double form is nothing bul a dirty Mi's. Sinking growing amid foliage and in a manner that does not become it. In a wild state the Bladders stand more or less erect anil wave with each breath of wind, thus producing the wonderful shimmering effect which is their chief charm. The double form has perforce to hang its towsled head for very shame and heavi- ness, and a more dismal, bedraggled object after rain one seldom sees. Surely this is a plant that is best left undoubted. Grow the single one by all means, and plant near it Thrift and the wild Sea Wall- flower, which are its natural companions, and be content; the double one, never. I have mentioned Tenby and its cliffs. In spring and early summer, that is. until the summer droughts come and the famed Tenby snails com- mence their annual devastation of plant life, there are few places in which Nature displays such a blaze of colour. What with Thrift and Valerian, Corse and Broom, Bracken and Brambles, Bladder Campion and Wallflowers, there is a constant and ever changing mass of colour, and when one begins to clamber among the rocks and on the top of the downs, one finds many a lovely and uncommon plant that is unnoticeable from below. The little Seilla, for instance, that grows all over Gilta and onCaldv Island, and the name of which I do not know, is a charming thing, and the flowers of the Blueberry that grows on the sandhills rival the best of the new cultivated Blackberries. Another uncommon anil very handsome plant is the wild Sea Cabbage, which grows freely on part of the Castle hill. The sandhills are covered with the sweet Sand Rose, and later on one may find colonies of the dainty Lady's tresses Orchis. The Tenby Daffodil as a wilding is almost extinct. I have only twice seen it wild, and probably tic last have been grubbed up long since. It seems sad that a flower with a choice of two romantic origins should so disappear. There are two stories told of the way the bulb reached Tenby. The one more likely to be true is that some hundreds of years ago a Portuguese galleon was wiecked oft' the village of Penally, a place a mile from Tenby, anil that the crew were drowned, while some bulbs were washed ashore and grew, thus becoming the ancestors of the race. The other is that one of the old lords married a Portuguese wife, who brought some bulbs with her to remind her of her home, and that from her garden the plant escaped. Both the stories are pretty enough, and, wisely enough, agree in giving Portugal as the original home. Anyhow, there is not a more satisfactory Daffodil for early work. It forces so easily, and to-day (February 2(i) I have it in full beauty in the open. ffo/rewood. B. I). Webster. Sir, HARDY FUCHSIAS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] —Mr. Tindall Lucas's description of his fine in my locality, especially in public gardens, that all beauty, natural form, and individuality in the shrubs grown in these gardens are quite destroyed. Everything is sheared over annually into a rounded form. Evidently the garden authority here and in many other places apparently has no other ideal but a rotund one. Doubtless the pica is that time will not permit knife pruning ; but that is not a good excuse, as with proper knifing, so as to retain intact the natural form of the shrub, such pruning need be done only about every third year. The force which did so much to kill the old style of summer bedding is badly needed now to launch a crusade against the "shear" abomination seen in shrubberies. Kingston. A. D. shrubby outdoor Fuchsia globosa at Hitchin, Hiits. is indeed interesting. If that kind does so well, why not others of similar character, especially Riccartonii and i orallina? It is strange, seeing how beautiful these comparatively hardy Fuchsias are, that they are not planted throughout the southern counties in warm positions. Certainly during some three or four winters we have not bad intensely severe frosts ; indeed, the chief harm to shrubs of any kind during winter is done after a cold, wet summer and wood is soft and badly matured. But I should, apart from that con- sideration, regard it as good practice to cut back tin- previous season's growth fairly well each spring, as likely to conduce to stronger growth and more free and continuous blooming. So treated. few plants more readily respond than do these so-called hardy Fuchsias, for then they make beautiful objects. I >. SHEARING SHRUBS. [To the Editor of " The Garden. "] Sir, — I read with much pleasure "W. R.'s" protest against the use of the shears in pruning shrubs. The practice is unfortunately so common AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. PAUL'S SINGLE ROSE. WHITE THIS Rose is a seedling from the Hybrid Noisette Boule de Neige ; its charm is the contrast between the pure white flowers and the blackish or dark-coloured stamens and the light green foliage. Its autumnal flowering character and semi-climbing habit render it one of the prettiest of Roses for a 5-feet to 6-feet hedge. When the shoots are carefully trained along two cross posts, no further support is necessary. Here it grows just behind a low hedge of Rosa rubrif olia, and the contrast is charming. My firm sent it out in 1883, so it is an old Rose. G. Paul. FONTIN'S LILY OF THE VALLEY. We have referred on a previous occasion (The GARDEN, September 4, 1897) to this beautiful variety of the flower of the woodland (Conval- laria majalis). It is unneces- sary to describe the variety at length, as the illustration shows its distinctness and beauty. The "bells," as the individual flowers are popu- larly called, arelarge, very open, pure white, and accompanied by broad rich green foliage, whilst the flowers are as frag- rant as any other form of the Lily of the Valley. We have now several distinct varieties of the Lily of the Valley Berlin, Dutch, Victoria, and last, but not least important Pontius, which, though a somewhat recent acquisition, will probably lie as largely grown as any in the near future. \ SPRAY or PAULS SINGLE WHITE ROSE. i Prom a drawing by II. G. Moon, > FLOWER GARDEN FRAME VIOLETS. AN interesting article on the culture of Violets in frames for continuous winter blooming appears in the /■'< vm Horticolt tin March 1 from the pen of M. A. Millet, the Violet specialist of Bourg - la - Heine, near Paris. He writes as follows : — "Some persons do nut obtain good results from the culture of Violets under glass, which often arises from giving them too much March 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 223 care. There is no need of too much heat or of any hotbed ; they need but little care, but one must begin it a long time in advance, and now is the best time to commence. In order to obtain fine Violets under glass from the end of September to the end of spring, one must carefully raise the plants beforehand. Violets should be increased each year by a division of the plants in March or April, when they may be planted in the open air in the vegetable garden like common vegetables. They should be kept very clean throughout the summer. About August it is necessary to remove the first formed runners ; these runners planted as cuttings will make good plants the following year. After this removal the growth of the Violets enters on its most active period. They now grow rapidly and form their hearts and their flowers ; a large number of buds accumulate, and from this time onwards continue to develop themselves. It is then that the plants should be put into frames. In the case of Parma Violets this should be done from October 15 to 31 ; in the case of other varieties, about November 1.5. You should at the same time remove any runners formed since the main stripping; then, as they have been flowering since September and we do not wish to stop this bloom, we should lift them in small clumps, removing all leaves that are old or too large, ami plant them in frames which have been prepared for this purpose on good ordinary soil which is neither too light nor too heavy. The frames should have a southern aspect. From forty to sixty clumps may be planted in each frame according as the varieties are of weak or vigorous habit of growth. Thus, with very little trouble fine Violets may be had all through the winter. It only remains to give some attention to cleanliness and health and to remove any leaves that turn yellow, thus allowingthe air to circulate freely between the plants, Ventilation should be freely given during mild weather. A mat maybe thrown over the frames when the weather is severe. It must not be supposed, however, that if this were not done that the plants would perish : they would only bloom a little later in the season. In order to secure a consecutive and uninterrupted gathering of flowers I shall here mention the varieties which give the greatest satisfaction under glass. First, Parma Violets, well treated, produce flowers from October to April with the exception of the variety Comte de Bra/.za. which stops blooming from December to the end of January ; then come three or four suits generally known as perpetual four-season Violets; lastly, and above all, our beautiful and large- flowered varieties which bloom from October and November, with a reduced production during December and January, followed by an abundant bloom up to the middle of March or even later. These include such as La France, Dybowski, Princess Beatrice, Comtesse Edmond Dutertre, La Luxonne and l'lnepuisable. To these may be added, if a little more trouble is taken in protecting them than the others, some later blooming suits. as Victoria, double rose colour, Belle do Chalenay, double white, and others." Those readers requiring further or more detailed information as to varieties or culture are referred to M. Millet's pamphlet entitled " Les Violettes,'' price Is. fid. This may lie obtained from any bookseller in Paris, or direct from M. L. Bourgignon, Maison Rustique, Rue Jacob, 2fi, Paris. COLUMBINES FKOM SEED. Seedsmen are naturally and appropriately calling attention to Columbine seed, especially of the hybrid strains, and are reminding the public that the time for sowing seed is near. If the public want to have something especially beautiful in gardens next year, they should accept the recom- mendations, readily purchase seed, and sow it in due course. Aquilegias, so much better known by the million as Columbines, present in their hybrid forms very material advance upon Un- original species. Beautiful as are chrvsantha. ccerulea, Skinnerii, canadensis, or the tine-flowered, but somewhat shy glandulosa, the hybrids that have been obtained by intercrossing the finest of thr Canadian species are much stronger, very floriferous, and bloom with much more con- tinuity, whilst in size and beaut}' of flower and variety of colouring none of the originals can equal them. Columbines seed freely, and anyone who may have good varieties can perpetuate them readily in that way. But the plants are essentially perennial and practically evergreen, for no sooner have the flower-stems been cut down than new leafage is formed, and clumps of such leafage make very pleasing objects in flower borders during the winter. The plants will do well in the same place for three or four years, when they need lifting, dividing and re-planting, as being gross feeders they in time impoverish the soil. But it is a good plan to either purchase seed of a fine strain yearly and sow it, or else to save a few pods from some of the best and most beautifully coloured flowers. Where soil is naturally good the seed may safely be sown out doors during the month of May, but being hard shelled it is well to keep the soil moderately moist and also to shade during hot sunshine ; but it may be safer to sow in shallow pans or boxes and stand them in a cool frame until germination has taken place, as unless the grower can give attention to outdoor- sown seeds in the day, a few hours' scorching may result in failure. But such may be the case with many other seeds just when germination commences, and it is a primary cause of failure with them amongst ama- teur gardeners whose vocations take them from home in the daytime. But it is well to know that seed germinates most readily when light is excluded, and light becomes needful only when growth has commenced. With ordinary care, let the conditions of sowing be what they may, plenty of strong seedlings should re suit by the end of July, and then it may be wisest to dibble out 6 inches apart into a good piece of ground where somewhat shaded for several weeks, and then by October they will have become strong, well- foliaged clumps fit to lift with balls of soil, and be planted where they may be wanted to bloom. The average height when in flower to which these hybrid Aquilegias attain is 3 feet, and their position in the flower border should be regulated accordingly. Plants put out 18 inches from a path on either side in rows, and the same distance apart, form singularly beautiful features, th,e free growth, wonderful floriferousness, and quaint forms of the flowers, allied to variety in colouring, constituting a charm that has no formal associations. Even if the plants be put out across a garden quarter in rows 4 feet apart, they are not less pleasing Only those familiar with the wondrous beauty and variety found in hybrid Columbines can realise their l-'oNTI.N'S LILY OF THE VALLEY. (From a drawing by II. G. Moon.) value as hardy garden flowers. Many persons familiar only with the old heavy and dull-coloured garden strain, having never seen the beautiful hybrids, may not care for Columbines at all. To them the newer strains, if they would but grow such, would come as a revelation. There are many hardy plants readily raised from seed, and thus obtained cheaply, that will beautify gardens delight- fully, yet how seldom have they been found in ordinary gardens. After all, gardening is with the many greatly behindhand. A. 1). ROSE MME. PERNET-DUCHEK. Tins delightful Hybrid Tea is one of the verv best as a decorative variety where a mass of white is appreciated. It has all the attributes of a bedding Rose, withstiff, vigorous, but not rampant growths, and each one is crowned with a fine truss of blossom. The flowers, although only semi-double, have such a wonderful petal, that three or four expanded .it the same time upon each corymb produce a tine effect; and as there are numerous creamy yellow -JiM THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. buds ready to take the place of the older blooms, the display is kept tip for some time. Although Teas and Hybrid Teas are seldom unprovided with fresh growths to confirm their perpetual flowering reputation, something may be done to prolong as it were the first effect. Instead of allowing every growth to develop its blossom, stop two or three of such growths by rutting away the truss of bloom as soon as it is visible. This action will enable the shoot to ripen more quickly, and new growths will start earlier than if they had blossomed, with the result that as soon as the first blooms are over we have other growths to take their place. There must be a close kinship between this Rose and Gustave Regis, but although a first-rate grower, it has not the half-climbing habit of the latter. As a cool greenhouse plant it would lie charming, the shelter from the wind enabling the blooms to develop to such an extent, that one would scarcely recognise the Rose when seen under these conditions. P. GARDEN DESTROYERS. SECTION 01'" PART OF A PEACH LEAF, HIGHLY MAGNIFIED, SHOWING SPORE CASES ON SURFACE. LEAF -CURL IN PEACHES AND NECTARINES. ( EXOASCUS DEFORMANS.) DIRECTLY the Peach and Nectarine trees begin to come into leaf, various persons are sure to write to The Gaepen about this disease, and as most of them by their remarks show that they do not in any way riecognise its true nature, it may be interesting to your readers to give a short account of this pest. The injury it causes is generally attributed to cold winds or draughts of some sort. No doubt certain conditions of the weather are more favourable to the growth of this fungus than others, a sudden fall in the temperature after mild weather, during which the leaves have opened, being particularly liable to cause an attack. Still, if this fungus was not present in the tis- sues of the tree, no atmospheric condi- tions Would cause the disease. Peacn leaves are often at- tacked by aphides, which cause the leaves to curl more or less, and the two kinds of attack are THE I.K Uf-CURL FUNGUS (EXO LSI l S DEFORM \Ns) os PEACH LEAVES. USOl T TWO-T DS N ITI I: \l SIZE. sometimes mistaken for the same, but the dif- ference as a rule is easily detected. The "curl" is rather of a different nature ; it has not the same puckered appear- ance, and though in both cases the diseased part of the leaf may turn red at last if caused by aphides, it never assumes the pale sickly green colour that it does from being infested by the fungus, nor has it the almost velvety appear- ance. It happens not unfrequently that a tree may be infested by both pests, for insects often seem to prefer plants that are not in very robust health to those that are. The leaf-curl fungus attacks Peaches, Nectarines, and Almonds. How it gains access to the tissues of its host is not at present very certain, but it probably does so through the leaves. Having once established itself in a tree, there is no means of eradicating it except by cutting oft' the parts infested by it. The fungus lives throughout the year in the shoots and smaller branches, pushing its growth into the young leaves as they are opening, which causes a very abnormal growth of their tissues. The cells in the parts of the leaves between the veins growing much more rapidly than the veins, causes the leaves to become crumpled. These portions of the leaves are also much thicker than the other, and eventually the diseased parts become covered with a delicate bloom, the result of tin' spore-bearing part of the fungus being pushed through the surface of the leaf so that the spores can escape. The Section of the leaf shows the little spore-bearing cases technically known as "asci, which cover the surface of the diseased part of the leaf, very much magni- fied. Each ascus or case contains at first only eight snores, but these increase by budding until the case is full. When ripe the spores are liberated anil are carried about by the air, infecting any leaves they may meet with. As to the best way of dealing with this pest, probably the most usid'ul is to cut off any Bhool that bears infected leaves as far back as possible, so as, if possible, to remove all the infected wood and burn it. Any leaves which are diseased that may have fallen should be gathered up and burnt. Spraying with Bor- deaux mixture as the leaves are opening, and again in about three weeks' time, is useful ill destroying any spores that may be carried from other trees. There is no method by which the fungus while in the shoots of the tree can be destroyed, so that when once a tree is infected, unless the diseased portions can be cut off, the fungus is almost sure in time to kill the tree. A certain amount of shelter to the trees in inclement weather as the leaves are opening, so as to prevent any checking of their growth taking place, is most useful, and should always be provided if possible. Though such precautions may appear to prevent an attack, it should always be borne in mind that they do not kill the pest, but merely ; revent it from growing into tin' leaves and bearing fruit, just as some plants will not Mower in seasons that are not congenial to them, for the pest remains in the shoot or shoots all the same. G. S. S. THE FRUIT GARDEN. PLUMS FOR PRIVATE USE. WHEN going through our Plum plantation, a market grower con- demned some of the varieties as un- profitable. He was probably look- ing at the matter from a market point of view, and thought other than the best kinds for that purpose, such as Rivers' Early Prolific, The Czar, and Victoria, scarcely worth growing. The chief object of a private gardener wdien planting, however, is not a question of pecuniar}' profit, but how to keep up a regular supply of good dessert and culinary fruit over as long a period as possible ; and in order to do this it is expedient to include amongst his selection some that are not the best adapted for commercial purposes. The method to adopt in order to achieve ins purpose has to be governed by circumstances, and it may be an easy or difficult task according to the situation, &c. , of the place in which it has to be accomplished. The supply can be lengthened by forcing trees in pots. We used to devote a house to this purpose, and I can, from experience thus gained, understand Mr. Hudson eulogising the practice, as he recently did in the pages of The Garden, and agree with his views respecting the advantages attending it. Most grow-ers, however, have to depend upon out- door trees for their fruit, and have sometimes, owing to the fickleness of our climate, to face dis- appointments. Spring frosts are often destructive, more especially in low districts. We have striking experience of this owing to the wall trees being placed in a much lower position than is the planta- tion of bushes ; the former have to he while in blossom, and usually for some time altar, well protected, while the latter without protection are rarely even slightly injured by frost, illustrating the utility of a sound choice of situation. In most cases the best way of securing satisfactory crops of good varieties is to plant a selection of both bush, pyramid, and wall trees, placing such as the best early and late Gages, with Ickworth Impera- trice, Coe's Golden Drop, and other late kinds, upon walls, and growing the more hardy varieties as bushes. Under good management in favourable positions most kinds can be grown to great perfec- tion as bushes and pyramids, and enormous crops are produced by these means. We find no cause to complain about the bearing properties of even such as Early Transparent Gage and Coe's Golden Drop, and the latter usually ripens perfectly, but, owing to its late season of ripening, it should not, except in warm situations, be grown as a bush. Provided the soil and position are suitable, there need be no difficulty attending the management of bush trees, and they may be planted from !l feet to 12 feet apart. While young a few of their branches are apt to take the load in growth. This can be rectified, and the growth of more fruitful wood be promoted by careful root-pruning. Old trees arc, however, impatient of severe root-pruning, and will nut withstand it without injury. The chief point to bear in mind when pruning is to avoid crowding of branches, for naturally spurs are freely formed and readily spread anil lengthen, and a tree may thus soon become massed with foliage. Not only does this, owing to the lack of sufficient sunlight and air, weaken the wood and fruit buds, but the fruit that is produced under those circumstances is at no time of high quality. Another matter of importance is the thinning of heavy crops of fruit, as these also both injuriously affect the quality of the fruit and enfeeble the future cropping power of the trees. For private use in particular high quality is of first importance, especially in the case of dessert fruit, and time should consequently be found for thinning. There arc few things more humiliating to a gardener than to find the fruit grown liv him is not freely partaken of because <»I its interior quality : anil, on the other hand, it is March 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 22? encouraging to hear that its high quality is appre- I eiated. The above remarks apply also to wall I trees. With these there is some difficulty in keep- ing their spurs in close enough bounds to allow their blossoms and fruit to reap the full henefit of the sun. but much may be done to improve old trees in tins respect by removing faulty branches and replacing them with young wood. Of insect pests, the aphis and caterpillar are most troublesome, and the most efficient way of dealing with them is to act on the principle of prevention rather than cure, for if once the trees are badly attacked the pests are difficult to dislodge, and . they quickly injure both the trees and their crops. A winter spraying of the well-known solution of caustic soda and crude potash and timely spring and summer sprayings of liquid quassia extract will keep trees perfectly free of all parasitic enemies. The efficacy of spraying with insecti- cides rests in its being done at the right time and thoroughly. We often hear of this or that remedy being useless, while the fault rests entirely with the operator. Plums are free-rooting, gross feeders, and soon exhaust their soil and need assistance. This may be accomplished by liquid manure or top-dressings of farmyard or rich compound manures. The best time to "apply the latter is in early spring, not later than soon after the fruit is set ; and for moderately heavv soils, such as suit the Plum, bone-meal answers well, is easily applied, and quick in action. The following are good varieties, and afford a lengthened supply. Dessert kinds : Early Green Gage. Oullin's Golden Gage, Early Transparent Gage, McLaughlin's Gage, Bryanston Gage. Trans- parent Gage. Denniston's Superb. Kirke's, Jeffer- son's, Ickworth Imperatriee,and Coe's Golden Drop. (Jul nary varieties : Rivers' Early Prolific, The Czar, Prince Englcbert, Victoria, Pond's Seedling. Grand Duke, and Monarch. Thos. Coomrek. LATE WHITE GRAPES. Ox p. 34 " J. C. T." mentions Lady Hutt, and asks for information as to its keeping qualities. It is grown at an establishment with which I am acquainted from which about two tons' weight of Grapes are annually sold, and was there thought highly of as a late white Grape. Only a few Vines of this Grape have been grown in the vineries referred to up to the present time, but I understood at my last visit that it was intended to largely supplement this number in the near future. In the middle of November some good bunches were hanging from the rods, the fruit being of a very pleasant flavour. S. W. E. HARDY VINES EOR THK SOUTH OF ENGLAND. A FEU years ago. wishing to plant some hardy Vines nn the south and west sides of some rough buildings, I purchased a few kinds. They were of the Chasselas class, but among them was one named Chasselas Gros Goulard, which ripens so remarkably early, that it is obviously a good kind for our climate. It is fully ripe in the beginning of September : indeed, the bunches are sweet and pleasant before the end of August : whereas the ordinary Chasselas (Royal Muscadine of English nurseries) and Chasselas Vibert are never ripe here before the end of October. Gros Goulard is slow to begin fruiting, and up to the present time — some eight yearsafter planting — does not yet bear freely, but its precocity ensures ripening, a mutter that is often doubtful in the case of other kinds. Soutk-ia it Sum y. <;, ,[. GRAPE WHITE LADY DOWNE'S. Thk reas .n why I did not include the above in my notes nn late white Grapes is that my experience of it after fruiting it for two years is the same as that recorded by " G. W. S." ; indeed, I came to the conclusion that it was beneath contempt. If. as "G. W. S." suggests, there are two varieties of it. we must have got tin- worst of them, for no Grape I ever saw grown gave a worse return than this, though it was planted in a specially well- prepared border in company with other Grapes which succeeded well. It set badly, and the berries that came to perfection were small, although they coloured well. This does not appear to have been the general experience, for in " Vines and Vine Culture" Mr. Barron describes it.as "greenish yellow, often covered with dirty russet." A true white counterpart of the old Lady Downe's Seed- ling would be a boon to growers of late Grapes. .1. C. T. THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSE CAMOENS. FOR massing this variety is, in its way, quite unequalled. The delightful shade of China Rose colour is very taking, there being a distinct freshness about it rarely met with in any other kind or similar tint. On closer examination the flowers are seen to possess a yellowr base. It is. how- ever, the extraordinarily free-flowering quality of the variety that is, perhaps, most appreciated. Espe- cially is this the case in autumn. This late-flower- ing propensity, although now very common with numbers of Roses, may be still more encouraged by rather hard pruning now and then. New growths are thus compelled to break out strongly from the base, which, from the very nature of the varieties, are crowned late in the year with huge corymbs of blossom. I have seen beds of this and similar Roses that presented anything but a bright appear- ance owing to the want of ne-n- wood. At pruning time it seems such a pity to cut away the growths, but my experience is that even with massing Roses it is well to harden one's heart now and then, and " be cruel onlv to be kind." RAMBLING ROSES FOR PLANTING AGAINST TREES. Success with Roses thus planted depends mainly upon two conditions, namely, (1) giving the plants a good start in some new soil, their roots being planted a considerable distance from the base of the tree : ("2| trees selected where not too much shaded and whose nearest branches are some 8 feet or 10 feet from the ground. The latter condition is not so important as the first. I have seen the delightful Carmine Pillar rambling up a Pine tree, its branches very low down, but in this instance new soil to a considerable distance had been placed near, and, of course, the roots of the Rose soon seized hold of it. Where practicable take out two or three barrowfuls of the old soil, say about a yard from the base of the tree, and replace it with good loam and cow manure, the latter in about one-third the bulk of the former. Select plants on their own roots. It is not too late to plant out now, but I would advocate pruning ba.-k the Roses quite half their present length. They will not appear to be making much progress the first season, but next year strong growths will break out that will soon reach a con- siderable length. Beyond the first pruning nothing further will be required in this way for three or four years, and even then only if the branches are too crowded. These rambling Roses are much best left severely alone. Considerable patience must also be exercised, for even after three years one only begins to obtain a small return in the way of blossom, but their ultimate splendour will amply repay for the period of waiting. HALF-CLIMBING TEA ROSES FOR GREENHOUSES. The advisability of using the free-growing Tea Roses of the Mme. Lambard type for roof or walls of ordinary greenhouses was brought to mind by seeing a splendid example of the variety named upon the roof of a suburban conservatory. Such Roses are really more useful by reason of their floriferousness than the very vigorous climbers of the Solfaterre and Reve d'Or stamp. Of course, one cannot obtain an effect so quickl\ from plants with 2 teet to .'! feet 'it growth as from those of 10 feet to 12 feet, but there remains the compen- sating fact that tin., crops at least of flowers can be obtained from the former, whereas the latter barely gives us mure than one. Where the roof is too lofty, a few large pots or tubs placed on the staging would get over the difficulty of starting such Roses. Providing they are not arranged too closely together, and thus shade other occupants "I the house, gardeners will find this an excellent method to obtain quantities of useful Roses. It is a remarkable fact that of the Roses forced under glass by market growers, several of them have yielded climbing sports. Whether this is due to the environment of the plant I am unable to state, and must leave it to eminent scientists like the Rev. Prof. Henslow to explain. There appears to me to be some grounds for supposing this to be the case. But, be this as it may. I have proved that for small structures the growths of Perle des Jardins, Bridesmaid, Niphetos, &c. , are quite strong enough if planted in tubs or pots as advocated without troubling about the climbing forms. I can imagine the grand effect a greenhouse roof would be covered with the lovely Sunrise Rose, The Bride, Bridesmaid, and many other charming kinds. Given a brief rest in June or July and again in late autumn, one could be sure of a good supply of lovely Roses for many weeks during' the year. Naturally, the best results are obtained where the plants' requirements are best studied. Surface feeding will answer for a long time, but every two or three years the plants would need repotting or relubbing. A w-ise system of training the shoots so that light is freely" admitted to the foliage would tend also to harden the wood, so necessary with Roses, and Tea Roses in particular. A few grand kinds for t his mode of culture, in addition to those named, would be: President. Souvenir d'un Ami. Marie van Houtte. Anna Ollivier, Sunset. Francisca Kruger. Papa Gonticr, Mine. Hoste. Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Medea, Francois Dubrieul, Maman Cochet and its lovely white sport, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Clara Watson, Mme. Ealeot, and Mrs. W. J. Grant. Philomel. RECENT PLANT PORTRAITS. The fourth monthly number of the fifteenth volume of "Lindenia" contains portraits of the following Orchids : — Miltonia Candida (the white-lipped Miltonia). — A very handsome species with brown sepals edged and tipped with clear yellow, and a pure white central tube with a purple crescent at end of throat. It is a native of Brazil, ami is by no means of recent introduction, as it was first bloomed in England by Messrs. Loddiges in 1838. It was first introduced by Lord Arraii to the Irish Botanic Garden of Glasnevin, near Dublin. Dendrobiwm primidinum (the Primrose Den- drobium).— A well-known and delicately beautiful species, with violet sepals and a large relieved lip of primrose-yellow. It was introduced to European gardens either in lSnT or 1858, and its flowers exhale a perfume somewhat like that of the common Primrose. Ca&ogym Dayann (Mr. John Day's Ctvlogyne), a most distinct species from North Borneo, bloomed for the first time in Europe in 1SN4 by Messrs. Veiteh. The flowers have pure white sepals ami throat, with distinct chocolate-brown markings mi the lip. Cattleya ,Dowiana var. moortebeekien/d-i (the Moortebeek variety of Captain Dow's Cattleya). This is a superb variety with flowers of the greatest size : the sepals an- of a elear golden-yellow, with a gorgeous lip of clear rosy-purple most richly and beautifully veined with white and yellow. W. E. GUMBLETOK. SEEDS. While there is doubtless a great deal of truth in what Mr. E. H. Potter has to say about growers becoming lost in the multitude "t varieties in seed lists. I think that it each grower were to follow o26 THE GAKDEN. [March 24, 1900. your correspondent's lead and give a list of his own selection, the confusion would become worse con- founded. In the list given there are some unaccountable omissions, as, for instance, no mention is made of that most popular of Cabbages, Ellam's Early, neither does Autocrat Pea find a place ; indeed, the criticism that could be made would cover more space probably than could be afforded to the critic, therefore I confine myself mostly to generalities. From the economical point of view, Mr. Potter's list is not a good one, as there are in some cases too many varieties of one kind, some of these being poor and some too much alike to be worth growing under different names. Again, the list has evidently been com- piled from one catalogue only, or from two at most, and many of the names given are mis- IN THE GARDENS OF ALTON TOWERS, STAFFORDSHIRE. The accompanying illustration represents the cascade and lake in the famous gardens of Alton Towers, one of the residences of the Earl of Shrewsbury and Talbot. Wherever one wanders some fresh and interesting feature is revealed. If tired of statues and masonry, there are the leafy Rhododendron groves brilliant with masses of flowers in the late spring and early summer. The visitor will find a flight of 172 steps,known as Jacob's ladder, which leads down the slope, and a fountain like a ( 'hinese pagoda of quite imposing height is a curious object in the gardens. It is not so lofty as the designer prospect, the Wrekin itself, familiar object to all who know the Severn valley. Tree life is vigorous. Rhododendrons are everywhere, and we tread upon little seedlings which endeavour to usurp the pathway. Many of the finer kinds have been planted, and hence largely the extreme beauty of the early summer at Alton, when the valley sides are clouds of varied colour. Miles of pony drives thread the beautiful scene, and do not offend by presenting harsh lines of gravel, but attract, by reason of their velvety turf. These grass drives are not the least beautiful features of these famous ardens. LAKE AND CASCADE AT ALTON TUWEK- leading, being simply synonyms of the correct names (as used n the wholesale lists) to suit the vendor's purpose. As said before, this is only a very cursory criticism of a paper that lends itself to far more drastic treatment, but I cannot close this without pointing out one other omission, that of perhaps the must popular and most distinct of Cauliflowers, viz., Veitch's Autumn Giant. J. C. Tallack. The Constantinople Hazel (Corylus Coluraa). This Hazel Nut attains to-" quite tree- like dimensions, reaching a height of .'id feet to 40 feet, or- even more. The rough bark of the main trunk and the somewhat horizontally spreading branches are its chief characteristics. — T. proposed — 100 feet —nor embellished with the hundred dragons from whose mouths water, and not lire, should inconsistently be discharged. For the sake of English gardening we are thankful that the design was never carried to its grotesque completion. Alton Towers itself commands, as it should, splendid views of its gardens and surroundings. There are special points to be visited. Thus we may go to the ( iothic temple upon its sandstone rock or climb the flag tower, which looks over mile after mile of romantic scenery. The structure is six storeys high, and is a point of vantage to survey the mansion, the church, and when the atmosphere is clear, beyond the vast GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Pot Peas. IMMEDIATELY the land is sufficiently dry on the surface, plants raised under glass should be planted out in their fruiting quarters, and if the seedlings are at all weak, it will be well to shelter for a time by placing cut branches of Laurel or Yew so as to break the cold winds. Plant- ing should be done with care, as frequently there will be a crowded root growth. It will be well to remove the drainage, and if the March 24, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 22? ball be gently loosened at the base, the mots soon lay hold of the new soil. In heavy soil it will be advantageous to add some Lighter materials to tin- soil as the planting proceed* Peas on Open Borders. I gave advice a month ago on sowing in warm borders in the southern parts of the country, but heavy falls of snow delayed the work, and now there will be less risk of failure, and sowings made now will lie serviceable in June. Much the same advice holds good as previously given, and in heavy or wet soil it will repay the cultivator to cover the seed with lighter or well-worked soil and to sow strong growers, such as Chelsea Gem, Bountiful, or Daisy. In sheltered gardens, for a successional crop I have never found any variety superior to Stratagem as regards flavour and crop, but being a Marrow it needs a warm, dry soil to assist germination. The less-known Danb'y Strata- gem, a selection from the old variety, is a splendid acquisition. Forcing Dwarf or French Beans. French Beans will force well, and though the forcing of this vegetable is well understood, a few words as to the best way to secure a crop at the leasl cost may be useful. The old method was to half rill the fruiting pots with soil, and to add to it in the way of top dressings when growth was active. I do not advise this, as when it is seen how short a time the plants when forced are in tic- pots, what feeding is needed can be given in tin- shape of fertilisers or liquid manure. By adding large quantities of soil I have seen plants checked badly. It is far better to use pots a size smaller, to till at the sowing to within 3 inches of tin- rim. and rely on foods to finish the crop. To get a succession we sow every fortnight now. using 7-inch pots, four or five plants in each, and it is well, if possible, to give ample warmth, say 60° to 7" at night, with a rise by day. When 'bottom- heat can be obtained, planting out w ill give better 'tops. As regards varieties, Early Favourite is a splendid forcer, also Ne plus Ultra, Syon House, and Progress. Salads. These occupy an important place in the garden in the early summer or late spring months, and frequently the demand is greater than the supply at the last-named period, and to prevent this much may be done by sowing in frames, growing a portion on under glass and planting out another on a south border. For early supplies of Lettuce there has been some valuable introductions of late years. Golden Queen and Golden Ball are specially good for frame culture, and if sown early in March, may be had tit for use in May, when good salads arc scarce. The older Commodore Nutt is also an excellent forcing Lettuce, and. in addition to sawing in frames as advised, it will be advan- tageous to make an early sowing on a warm border to give a succession to those forced. In any case avoid thick sowing, as it greatly weakens the plants at the start. I prefer movable frames for salads, as when growth is sufficiently advanced the frames may be used to push forward other crops 01 seedlings planted out on a warm bed of manure. Radishes will now be in demand, and should be s >wn every three weeks. Sowings made after March should be on cool borders. Corn Salad sown now will be a valuable addition to the salad howl in May and June, and a small quantity ot Chervil will be useful. Those who need quantities of green salad may with advantage sow Cabbage Lettuces in boxes under glass, and this cut in a young state like Mustard or Cress will prove valuable. The Endives maybe treated the -'"" w*y- " G. Wythes. Syou Housi <:,i,. NOTES OF THE WEEK. CPOCUS SUSianUS. This pretty Crocus, commonly known as Cloth of Hold, hardly seems worth planting in quantity where a continuous mass of colour is wanted, and yet one often sees it planted and causing disappointment. Individually the flowers are of a better shape than the common yellow variety, and they are well set off by properly expanded foliage at the time that they an- iii bloom, but they aie wholly dependent on sun, fin although the common variety on a dull day is shut up, all that there is of it to see is yellow ; whereas all one can see of C. susianus under similar conditions is the outer brown petals and a mere streak of the inner yellow ones. I have grown C. susianus bj' the side of the common form for some years, and the former has never been a whole week earlier than the latter, the common one having lasted a good fori night longer than C. susianus. — B. D. Webster, Newton Abbot. Spring Colehicums. Most good gardens arc rich in various species of autumn Colehicums, but those which flower in spring, nay, almost in winter, though of comparatively small size, are beautifully delicate and of great interest, yet they are seldom seen. I know four species only — Colchicum luteum, bright yellow; C. montanum, white : C. crociflorum, white striped purple ; and this spring for the first time I have C. Decaisnianum, again a white flower with leaves of equal height, with the flower about 0 inches long. If there be others, I should be glad to know what they are. In ordering C. crociflorum it is necessary to par- ticularise C. crociflorum of Regel to guard against receiving an autumn species, which is figured in the Botanical Magazine, No. 2673, under that name, and very generally supplied instead of the other. — T. H. Archer-Hind, Coombefishacre, S, Devon. Pterocarya caucasica. —I was greatly interested in Mr. Burrell's note on the above in a recent issue of The Garden, especially as it is a noble tree seldom mentioned, and although I fear few possess specimens approaching the dimensions of the particular one he describes, yet it should not deter anyone having a suitable situation from planting the species under the impression that it is devoid of beauty until it has attained to a great age and size. I can quite believe that such a per- fect tree as Mr. Burrell has must possess unique charms not attainable in younger plants ; still, even these are very beautiful for the greater part of the year. During winter the gre3' streaky bark is attractive, almost equal in beauty in this respect to the Snake-barked Maple. In the spring the unfolding of the tender green leaves, and some- ti s catkins, is interesting, and this stage is watched with some anxiety, as often the summer beauty is destroyed at this period by frost. When they escape uninjured, the fully and partly deve- h ipeil ample foliage and the free habit of the tree are admired by all, while as an autumnal tree it is most striking, for in clear air its leaves assume a glisten- ing pale yellow colour, which, alas ! is far too short- lived. Nevertheless, even among the host of native and foreign trees which make up our grand autumnal coloration it deserves a prominent place, and forms a telling object in the landscape at that season. — John Roberts, Tom-y-bwlch, R.S.O., X. Wales. A famous Scottish gardener. — A good, though far from exhaustive, article appeared lately in an Edinburgh weekly on the dwelling of Patrick Neil, A.M., F. L.S. , with some remarks concerning that gentleman, who early in the century combined with his business as printer a keen practical liking for gardening. His house with its garden, which in his lifetime and long afterwards stood in the country in a village called Canon Mills, has been surrounded by the encroach- ing northern city, and is now disappearing alto- gether to give place to the printing establishment of which he was once the head. Mr. Neil left a few essays on horticultural literature, at present almost forgotten and some of them difficult of access. They are, however, of a nature that time will ripen, and will in due course become valuable. His best known work is a "Journal of a Horti- cultural Tour on the Continent," which, along with Mr. Mcintosh, of Dalkeith, and a Mr. Hay, he undertook on the initiative of the Caledonian Horti- cultural Society, of which he was the first secre- tary. Still more important is the report embodied in Sir John Sinclair's general report of Scotland on " The Gardens and Orchards of Scotland." Mr. Neil's views on horticulture are buried in the pages of the Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, besides which he- wrote many short papers and one or two books of less interest on kindred subjects. His memory is kept alive by means of the Neil Prize, a sum of money presented at intervals to Scottish horticul- turists, and which accrues from a legacy he left for the purpose. Mr. Patrick Neil-Fraser, for long the treasurer of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, now represents the family. The love for gardening, it is pleasant to know, has been trans- mitted to him. One would be thankful if Mr. Neil- Fraser could see his way to rescue these old writings from encyclopaedias, reports, and memorials, and let us have them combined in one volume easily accessible to all. Bomarea patacocensis. -It is now about twenty-five years since attention was directed to the ornamental qualities of the Bomareas (a group of climbing Alstrcemads) by the introduction of B. Cardcrii, the largest member of the genus, whose flowers, borne in a drooping umbel, are in shape very much like a Lapageria, but the colour is totally different, the outer seg- ments being pink, and the inner ones of a pale bluish tint, spotted with chocolate. B. patacocensis was, when first introduced early in the eighties, known as B. conferta, under which name it is still occasionally met with. It is a free growing climber, whose stems will attain a length of from 10 feet to 15 feet, or even more. These twining stems are clothed for the greater part of their length with lance-shaped leaves, thin in texture, while the flowers are borne in a closely packed terminal cluster, pendulous by reason of the weight of the blossoms. They are of a bright crimson colour, with bluish anthers. A fine cluster is just now at its best in the succulent house at Kew, where there is a good collection of these interest- ing and beautiful plants. A necessary item in the culture of these Bomareas is to bear in mind that the long twining stem is really a flower-spike, which dies away after flowering, so that particular care must be taken to protect the growing point from injury, a? the whole display of bloom depends upon this. — H. P. A trio Of Linarias not well known, and which deserve more extended culture, are those named below. It may be remarked how suitable the family is for prominent corners upon rockeries where, owing to overhanging tree branches, there is a lack of moisture. I refer to sites facing east, south, or west, where the overhead branches do not shut out the sunshine entirely. They arc neither gaudy nor showy plants, but such as must lie admired, owing to the singular beauty of their individual flowers. The Toadflax carries its numerous flowers upon spikes, which are very numerous, and has not inaptly been likened to Lily of the Valley, possessing, moreover, the merit of giving a good succession of blooms. Linaria alpina, the Austrian form, is a most charming plant, as suitable for a wall as for the rockery. If once it can be induced to grow between the crevices of a wall it soon forms an extremely pretty hanging mass of foliage and flowers, as it is a profuse grower, and, notwithstanding its small leaves, forms ample bulk of foliage to display to advantage the somewhat small llmvers. When, however, it is considered the colours of the latter consist of bright blue and orange, their effect amidst a mass of dark green shining leaves is highly pleasing. Linaria pallida, another creeping prostrate form, is also very suitable for rockeries and walls ; the blooms are comparatively large and of a pale violet tint. Early Irises in the rock garden. --Besides the article in your issue of March 3, which deals with the culture of early Irises in pots, it may be well to write a note as to their culture in the rock garden. This season I have had full opportunity of testing their hardiness. It is not often that severe weather visits the neighbourhood of Dublin, but this year we had a full fortnight of frost and snow. While it lasted I watched my Irises closely. For a week before the first snow, the earliest of them, I. reticulata Krelagii and I. Bakeriana, had developed one bud each, but, like sensible plants, they objected to unfolding their charms in such unpromising weather. They con- tinued so till the middle of the arctic period. Then came a soft hour or so, which lured I. Bakeriana V throw away caution and break into bloom. It was fascinating to see a form so delicately shaped anc coloured literally standing in some 2 inches of March 24, 1900. THE GARDEN. 229 snow. Wishing to set- what would happen, I supplied iin protection. For five days the little flower continued in perfection, heedless of its snowy bed and of the frost which twice readied more than 20". and when on the fifth day the snow melted, a second plant was found to have pushed out its coloured bud under the snow. Meanwhile I. r. Krelagei had not been equally adventurous. It waited till all traces of frost and snow were gone before opening. Its position was a little less sunn v. As a proof of the absolute hardiness of these little bulbs, it is only necessary to add that, 30 far from suffering from the exposure, the display of flowers has been exceptionally vigorous and abundant. Plenty of sun, thoroughly good drainage, and shelter from wind seem to be the important points to secure for their comfort. Given these in the warm nooks of the rock garden, the reward will be a February and March heightened with a display of floral beautv . which, alike for brilliance and delicacy, will not be surpassed by any in the year. — H. K. M., Diindrum, Dublin. Stern bergia colchica. This is in flower here now (middle of March), so Mr. Archer-Hind's information as to its being an autumnal bloomer must be incorrect. It is a pretty little plant, the leaves and flowers coming together. T. Smith, .V. wry. Pentapterygium serpens. Though I have known this plant since I first went to Darjeeling thirty years ago, and the original plant which I brought home nineteen years ago has stood in the corner of the Heath house at Kew ever since. I never knew what a pretty plant it was till I saw Mr. Bennett-Poe's beautifully grown specimen at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on March 13. ' The plant is easy enough' to grow in a greenhouse, coming from an elevation of 7000 feet, where it trails over damp rocks, but is difficult to propagate, as it never sets seed with me, and being of a leggy habit wants training from an early stage to get it into such a pretty shape as Mr. Poe's plant showed. I feel sure that if taken up by a nurseryman such plants as this would be very popular. H. J. Elwes. Gladioli on sandy peaty soil. In our peaty sandy soil must plants luxuriate and produce effects which cannot be equalled on the more loamy mediums. Bulbs of all kinds seem at home with us. but the most striking example of growth I have met with among them was in con- nection with a batch of Gladioli we have had occasion to transplant this spring. Last year they were planted late, but threw up exceptional spikes, and each bulb produced tour or five abnormally large ones for this year's crop of bloom. I enclose halt a dozen as a sample to show their size — some over HI inches in circumference. How very different to this is their growth on heavy soils, when the bulbs gradually diminish in size and eventually disappear altogether.— Riddbll, Rougham. [With this note Mr. Riddel] send- some Gladio- lus corms of remarkable size, which we shall have pleasure in testing in such a soil as that he describes. Eds. | Blue -eyed Joan alia* Blue -eyed Mary (Omphalodes vernal. This humble little plant does not. 1 think, meet with quite so much favour from gardeners as its extreme beautv deserves. I suspect that this neglect is chiefly dm- to tie- fact that its lovely little flowers arc not produced in sufficient profusion to afford a mass of colour to the border, as its cousins of the Forget- me-not tribe do later in the season. It is not a plant for distant effect certainly ; it requires looking at, even rather closely, but it possesses a beaut) of its own which is almost unique. Nothing can exceed the brilliancy of the contrast which the pure blue flower "powdered," to use the heraldic term, amidst the fresh green leaves affords. It is exa< tly tin- right blue and right green in exactly tie- right proportions that produce the exhilarat- ing effects felt on viewing a mass of this plant. It is. perhaps, rather weedy and wilful in its creeping growth, running into and around everything that it comes across. I have known it go' through a Box edging and flourish in the gravel path: lint it i- a plant many people will be sure to love, coming a- it d.c- with both flower and leaf to cheer the cold days of early March. I have never tried it. but I should say that this pretty plant would make the most exquisite carpeting for a bed of choice Daffodils that could possibly lie desired. 1 like its old-fashioned name of Blue-eyed ■loan. II. D. 1... WaUingford, March V,. Dahlia show at the Royal Aqua- rium.— An exhibition of Dahlias, on much the same lines as that held last summer, will take place at the Royal Aquarium on September is and tun following clays. A sum of nearly £30 is offered in prizes, a portion of which has been subscribed by the directors of the Royal Aquarium, and the remainder by private subscription. Two main objects arc sought by the establishment of this show : one is to provide an exhibition of Dahlias n central London, the other to afford a convenient opportunity for a further exhibition of seedling Dahlias. The Aquarium show will be- supplemental to. and not in any way antagonistic to. the exhibi- ti f the National Dahlia Society at the Crystal Palace on September 7, as all the donors to' the prize fund arc members of the National Dahlia Society. Schedules of prizes can be obtained of 1 he superintendent, Mr. Richard Dean. 4i', Ranela'di Road. Ealing. W. Caulescent Hellebores from Wisley. We receive from Mr. Wilson's ever- blooming garden a charming bunch of seedling Lent Hellebore blooms, varying in tint from the deepest of the lurid red-purple colourings of the garden varieties of H. colchicus to the whitest of the olympicus section. In some of the white seedlings the colour is a delicate green-white, even in the flower's earliest stages. In scenic there- is a delightful harmony of low-toned white- and slightest staining of green and purple, with faintest suspicion of purple in the delicately coloured veins colourings that would scarcely please the average gardener, but that arc much valued by the colour student, whose eye is trained to enjoy the tender tintings that arc .inly, as it were, hinted at rather than conspicuously displayed. There is a strong undu- lation, suggesting strength, upon the outer edge of the petals (really sepals i ..t several of these charming seedlings that increases the beauty of the flower; while in the case of the darkest flowered, both the stem and the frill of the- small leaves nearest the blossom have a tinge- of purplish eeile.ur in harmony with that of the flower-. Crocus species. Crocus Imperatii varies, when wild, in a remarkable manner. All round Castellamare di Stabia (S. Italy i. in the- vast Chest- nut woods and the orchards, every spot where a little- rough grass grows is carpeted with the lovely flowers, and I never found two alike. In the garden also it varies from year to year-, and a line of fifty, new last year, has not had' a mark on the outer perianth, whereas this year (though two months later) they are- strongly marked and deeply coloured. C. Sieberii and C. Olivierii are real gems, and ('. chrysanthus fusco-tinctus is not far behind in beauty as well as equally early, but perhaps (after- ('. Imperatii) some of the autumn Crocuses are the loveliest — C. speeiosus with its exquisite colouring, and C. longiflorue with its delicate perfume. They spread like weeds and bloom just when tints of blue and mauve are at a premium, and it is a pity they are not more generally grown. C. iridiflorus does not succeed with me,' but it is well worth trying in various soils and situations. Ji-ma. Warwickshire. Horticultural Club. The usual monthly dinner and conversazione took place on Tuesday, the 13th iirst., and the chair was neerrpicel by tin- Rev. W. Wilks. Amongst those present were Messrs. Gofton, H. Salmond, George Bunyard, Alfred Rivers. Pinches. Selfe-Leonard. George Paul, Ac. The discussion after dinner was on the '• Hardiness of Tea Roses ; " it was opened b\- Mr. George Paul. V.M.H., whose long experience in the growing of this beautiful section enabled him to speak with a good deal of authority. An interesting discussion (in which many of the' members joined) followed the reading of the paper, and a cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. Paul. The question has been a good deal before- the public lately, and it is hoped that Mr. Paul's paper- will appear in the '* Rosarian's Year Book " for 1901. Rhododendron praecox. -Though not to be compared for brilliancy with many other- hybrid Rhododendrons, this is a very beautiful kind, and cure that may lie turned to various uses. It is among the earliest of our hardy flowering shrubs, but, unfortunately, this fact is often a disadvantage, as just as 'the first blossoms are expanding and one is anticipating a grand display, a sharp trust or two will ruin the flowers, though the plant itself is perfectly hardy. For this reason it should, if possible, beplantcd'iir a sheltered spot, or it may be- employed for the embellishment of tin- greenhouse at this season, where its charming blossoms are always appreciated. There arc- several forms, the deepest coloured being that known as R. prsecox rubrum. This Rhododendron was raised by the late Mr. Isaac Davis, of Ormskirk, by the intercrossing of the European R. dahuricum arrd the Himalayan R. eiliatum, a species that has proved of great value to the hybridist. As long ago as March, 1.861, R. prsecox was shown at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, but it only received a commendation instead of a first class certificate, which from present day experience it well merited. — H. P. Narcissus Cynosure. -This pretty and useful incornparabilis Narcissus behaves curiously with me. Gently forced in pots, the flowers have all shown a distinct orange-scarlet shade- in the brim of the cup, much enhancing their beauty : but later in a cool frame they all come with a plain yellow cup, and are consequently not nearly so attractive. The bulbs came from the same source in one lot. This seems to rather upset the assertion that forced Daffodils lack colour, for the reverse is the case in this instance at any rate.- F. H. C, Ryi . Dwarf Irises. -Twenty years ago, walking in a neighbour's garden. 1 saw aire! admired Iris reti ulata. Two bulbs were pulled up and given to me, and were carefully planted in the very poor, sandy soil of a garden then being made. Only one survived anil flowered the following season', the bulbs increasing rapidly in number in the next few years. In 1894 a nurseryman saw them, and offered to purchase as many as could be spared. He has taken over 9000, and a very large number have been given away. They grow in a very loose, sandy, gravel soil, on a slope facing north-west, much enriched by well-decayed manure, aird top- dressed in winter- with leaf-mould. They arc planted in a bed. for sale, and also grown in all parts of the garden in clumps. In the latter case they arc- only taken up every second year, but are heavily top-dressed. Two thousand six hundred blooms have already been gathered this year. Those for- sale are taken up eerily iir Juh . and those to be replanted an- not kept more than a month out of the ground- often much less. They should never be taken up until they have completely died down. I. Bakeriana and I. alata only flowered once and disappeared. I. Histrio and I. histrioides have been much eaten by wireworm. I. Krelagei does tolerably well. Bulbs supplied to nre as I. reticu- lata major were- just the same as those I grow as I. reticulata.— South Hants. Primula kewensis. When this plant was shown at the Drill Hall recently for certificate I was among those who regarded it as simply a much-improved form of one of its parents, viz.. P. floribunda. This being so, I have all the greater pleasure in steeting that, owing to the courtesy of Mr. Watson, of Kew, a sufficiency of material has been placed in my hands, establishing beyond all possible doubt that the above plant is a" hybrid between P. floribunda and P. verticillata. Although the evidence establishes beyond doubt the influence of the latter species, it is not greatly marked to the casual observer, and the mealiness of leaf and stem that I looked for in vain is really absent in these parts of the plant. Another distinct point is that P. kewensis is glabrous, as is also P. verticillata, while P. floribunda is covered with short hairs. There is a leaning to the former in the longer tube of the corolla and the paler tone in the blossoms, though these alone would be altogi the-i- inadequate to establish the hybrid theory. The mealiness. which is evident when examining the solitary flowers, was naturally hidden in the plant exhibited 230 THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. by the hue mass of expanded flowers ; and one is not entitled to pluck feathers from another's bird. Of course, in the outward and chiefly visible sign there is a great leaning to P. floribunda. Kew is much to be congratulated that this remarkable and truly interesting hybrid Primrose made its appearance in these world-famed gardens. — E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. Spiraea astilboides floribunda. The Japanese Spiraea astilboides, a larger and bolder plant in all its parts than the well-known Spiraea or Astilbe japonica, quickly became popular after it was first distributed in 1.S84, and is now largely employed for forcing, being sent to this country from Holland in immense numbers every season. The form known as S. astilboides floribunda is, however, for general purposes superior to the type, the inflorescence being whiter and more in the way of S. japonica, but in vigour equal to S. astilboides. The variety floribunda originated in Belgium, and was distributed in 1891, when it was announced as a seedling from a plant of S. astilboides, the flowers of which had presumably been fertilised with the pollen of S. japonica, w hioh was growing in close proximity thereto. Such a statement is apparently correct, as the variety floribunda is in general appearance about midway between the two. At all events, where Spiraeas are forced into bloom and employed for various decora- tive purposes, the newer variety S. floribunda should be represented among them, as it can now be obtained in the shape of dormant clumps in the autumn at much the same rate as the others. — T. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE RHODODENDRONS OF THE A EPS. THE genus Rhododendron is represented in the Alps by three very distinct species, namely, l>. ferrugineum, /.., It. hirsutum, A., and I.'. ( Ihanmecistus. They occur between the regions of the forest ami the lower snowy zones, and fonn a sub-shrubbj vegetation which gives a special character to the alpine chain. The genus Rhododendron is widely spread through the mountain ranges of Central Asia and of North America, while in Northern Russia ami <.n tin' plains of Siberia there arespecies Dearly allied to OUT own. In sunn- parts of the Alps tin- Rhododendrons come rather low down ami form a distinct sub-forest growth in the great wooded regions of Melezes and of Amies. In Italian Switzerland mi the shines of LagO Mag- giore, at an altitude of :\-i~i feet. Rhododendron ferrugineum is found braving the southern sunshine in company with species characteristic of the Mediterranean region, such as Cistus alliidus. ( '. salvil'olius, IKospyros LotUS,&C. In the smiling Val d'Anniviers the Rhododendron comes very low down, and in the woods between Vissoye and the hotel of the Weiss horn it forms a beautiful sub-forest growth. The two Swiss species, ferrugineiini and hirsutum, are distributed in our Alps accord- ing to the nature of the geological formation, whether calcareous or granitic, the former belonging to the granitic flora ami the latter to the calcareous zone. It is, however, impos- sible to assign definite limits to the two species, for so frequent are tin- exceptions to this rule and SO vast is the area over which they occur m i' Alps, that one cannot determine their exact boundaries. Rhododendron Chamascistus belongs to the Tyrolese Alps. The flower is quite unlike that of any other species, and approaches in shape thai of the Cistuses of the Mediterranean; Inure it derives its name. Iii the Eastern Carpathians there is a species somewhat re- sembling those of our Alps, but smaller, namely, I!, niyrtifoliuin, Schott. The distinct characters of our two alpine species consist in the glabrous deep green foliage, shiny above and rusty brown beneath in the case of R. ferrugineum, but light green on both sides and hairy iii the case of hirsutum. In ferrugineum also the plant has a different habit and the flower a stronger colour, and the truss is more close and compact than in the more widespread flower of hirsutum. Both produce white-flowered varieties that are some- times met with in the Alps, where there has also been found, though rarely, a hybrid form, intermediate between the two, called Rhodo- dendron intermedium, Tausc/i. The culture of our Swiss Rhododendrons is easy m England, though K. Chamaecistus proves somewhat difficult to establish. This probably arises from its growers not knowing that it requires a chalky soil. In the botanic garden of the Linnaea at Bourg St. Pierre, where I planted it ten years ago, it forms magnificent tufts entirely covered with flowers. But as the soil up there is deficient in lime, we sur- rounded it with calcareous rocks. Here in (leneva, where we cultivate it for sale, it is grown in Sphagnum and watered with water containing 8 per cent, of lime, [f shows a tendency to remain dwarf, not growing nearly so tall as at lining St. Pierre ; no doubt in consequence of the little nourishment con- tained in the Sphagnum. We cultivate it in this manner because it dreads the dry air at (leneva. and we rind that it soon dies if grown in any other way. The Sphagnum, on the contrary, surrounds the plant with vapour from the condensation of the moisture that it gives off, thus affording it the conditions necessary for its well-being. <1< neva. H. ( Ioeeevon. SPIRAEA PRUNIFOLIA PL. PL. Mi;. Bean in his interesting note about this charm- ing shrub has not mentioned what is to me one of its chief attractions, viz.. the brilliancy of its autumn tints, and the fart that sprays cut in dry weather will hold their scarlet leaves for weeks in water, whereas the average autumn-tinted leaves drip in a very few days. Naturally one does not care about cutting branches in late autumn when set with flower-buds unless one has plenty to cut at, but if one can afford to do so one will never regret it. In South Devon the flowers open very early, and I have had it in bloom with snow on the ground. At the present time it is in full bud. and some few of the bunches have burst and are showing a few- white petals. Doubtless in ten days there will lie plenty of flowers fully out. \~. irtni, Ahhot. P.. I). Webster. OBITUARY. MRS. ALICE LOUISA LAWRENSON. IT will be a source of regret to many readers of The GaBDEN to hear of the sudden death of this lath amateur at her residence, "Salerno," Killinev, County Dublin, on Wednesday, 14th inst., of acute pneumonia. Under the /»»/« dt plum' of "St. Brigid" and her own initials, Mrs. I.awrenson contributed many interesting notes to The (Iakdkn ; but she will also be known to many of our readers by her double and semi double strains of "St. Brigid " Anemones, and by her green-stemmed variety of Selleborus niger, or Christmas Rose. She also originated two or three very early Star Narcissi, such as St. Patrick or Lucifer and others, all characterised by white perianths and intense red or fiery chalices. Nothing pleased her better than to make pilgrimages to good gardens, except it was to receive sympathetic visitors in her own. and wherever she resided flowers seemed to spring up spontaneously around her. To poor and rich alike she was generous, and one corner of her garden always contained well grown patches of gulden and crimson Wallflowers, giant white and yellow Polyanthuses, and sweet herbs and long- enduring leafage for giving away to pent-up towns- people or the poor in city institutions. Now and then she gave very pleasant lectures or conver- saziones on flowers and gardening, and of these, the last one took place only a few days before her sudden illness. She was buried on St. Patrick's Day (beside her husband, whom she had survived) in the old graveyard at St. Fintan's Church, with its sacred well, on the sunlit and breezy headland of Howth, not far from the place where she had formerly lived, and where her Anemones and Christmas Roses had thriven so well. F. W. B. SOCIETIES. royal horticultural society. Scientific Committee, Feb. 27. Present: Dr. M. T. Masters (in the chair), Mr. Michael, Mr. E. Im Thurn, Rev. W. Wilks. and Rev. G. Henslow, hoil. sec. The Locombe oak. Specimens of foliage and acorns were received from Rev. J. II. Ward, ofSilverton Rectory, Exeter, from a tree growing in the churchyard, requesting for information as to their identity. Dr. Masters has supplied the following details: " 1 believe tin* leaf and acorns exhibited to he those of the Lucombe oak, or from one of its descendants. The Lucombe Oak was a hybrid between the Turkey Oak (<.}. Cerris)and the Cork Oak ((J. Suber). The leaves are all but evergreen : indeed, in some of the varieties quite so. As is the case generally with hybrids, the descendants from the first cross vary extremely, consequently there are many forms ami varieties of the Lucombe Oak in existence. As the speei mens came from Exeter, there is additional ground For presuming it to he descended from the Lucombe, as the original tree was raised in the nursery of Lucombe, Pince .V I'u., of Exeter. The Kulliam Oak, raised in the Fulhani nurseries, had a similar origin, and now I believe it to he impossible to distinguish its descendants from those of the Lucombe Oak. A full account of these Oaks will he found in Loudon's ' Arboretum,' vol. iii." Large Yew Tree. Mr. Ward also mentions the fact of a Yew tree in the same churchyard being 25 feet in circumference at a height of t feet from the ground, and asks if it is a reasonable conjecture that the tree was planted before the Norman Conquest. Data as to the rate of growth of Yew trees have been supplied from trees planted in Basildon Churchyard in 172li. They have been measured in L780, 179(i, 1834, and L889. They were found, after a commencing period of more rapid growth, to be prettj regularly increased by one line (one- twelfth of an inch) per annum, (See Nature, October 17 1889.) BULBIFEROl 6 SCILLA. A plant of Scilla nutans was received from Mr. Alex. Mortimer, 1, Paper Buildings, Temple, in which the outer bulb scale had become greatly elongated upwards, forming a closed tube. It bore two small bulbs on the inner surface, and was greatly thickened at the summit, as if attempting to form a larger bulb; but no other than the above two were developed. They both possessed small rolled -up green leaves. Orange Malformed. Dr. Masters showed an Orange having a band of paler and mi fcher rind than the rest of the skin. It was referred to Hi. Bonavia for examination, who writes as follows: "It somewhat resembles the Biguradier tricolor Orange, which has a yellow skin, with orange stripes when ripe. Again, the liigaradier bi/anerie has smooth parts of an orange colour and warty parts yellow. These parti-coloured < 'ranges are normal." Dr. Bonavia would theoretically explain this peculiarity by referring to the "fingered' Orange, which he regards as a whorl of modified leaves, coalescing to forma covering to the inner portion of the fruit. To apply this theory to the case in question, he would compare the paler portion to. say, a Euonymus, which may have green leaves with an occasional yellow one, or again he would compare it w it-ll striped petals, as of the York and Lancaster Rose. The objection to Dr. Bonavia's ingenious theory lies in the fact that the paler coloured stripe did not correspond with a single carpel, but covered the half of one and the half of the adjacent carpel, so it would represent two halves of different capillary leaves. Secondly, striped flowers are probably the result of crossing two whole-coloured flowers. This is obviously the case with Petunias, a purple and white- flowered species having been the parents of ad our garden forms. So that it would seem more probable thai tin Orange had received the pollen of a smooth-skinned variety. and the tubes penetrating one placenta, common to two adjacent carpels, had influenced the surface on both sides of the division, Similar stripes have been known to occur on the fruit of one variety of Theobroma (Cacao) when pollinated by a second variety. Dr. Bonavia's report will appear in full in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. The next fruit and (lower show will be held on Tuesday, March 27, in the Drill Hull, James Street, Westminster, 1 .'• p.m. A lecture on 'Some of the Plants Exhibited will he given by the Rev. Professor O. Henslow, M.A.. at :: o'clock, March 24, 1900."] THE GARDEN. 231 CROYDON CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. The thirteenth autumn show will he held on October 30 and :;i at the Public Hall, George Street, Croydon. READING GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. The large attendance of members at the recent fortnightly meeting of the Reading and District Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association on Monday last testified to the increased interest which is now being taken in hardy flowers. The subject for the evening was "The formation and arrangement of a hardy border with a list of plants suitable for same," by Mr. 1). Harris, gardener to Colonel Jekyll, Munstead House, Godalming, and it is needless to say that the paper was of a very practical character. Mr. Harris, in introducing his suhject,' said that the field open tn the outdoor Hower gardener was a very wide one. as the position in which gardens were placed varied so much in character, that it was nearly impossible to copy. Thus gardeners had each to work entirely according to circumstances. He acknowledged the great advantage he had derived from working under Miss Jekyll, from whom he obtained much knowledge respecting hardy border plants. The lecturer then passed on to describe the' best sites, formation of same, soil, suitable plants and their arrangement, time of planting, &c, A large number of questions "etc asked, and an interesting discussion followed, in which Messrs. Stanton, Neve, Town- send, Lever, Hurtitt. Bin ton, E. J. Dore, Fry, Exter and Chamberlain took part. A feature of the evening was two splendid floral exhibits hv Mr. F. Lever. The Gardens, Hill- side, Reading, and Mr. W. Townsend, The Gardens, Sand- hurst Lodge, the former staging Azalea indica alba, V Deutsche Perle (grown from cuttings). Doronicum caucaaicum grown in pots, and a splendidly flowered Dendrobium nobile : whilst the latter staged n beautiful group of Begonia Gloire ile Sceaux. The president (Mr. C. B. Stevens), in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Harris for his paper, said that the greatest charm was not bo much the lecture as the kind and ready way in which the numerous questions were answered. The exhibitors were included in the vote. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. PRIMULA KEWENSIS. AX accidental hybrid between two of the most floriferous of Primulas, viz., P. verticillata and I'. floribunda, has been discovered at Kew among a batch of seedlings of the latter species. It was shown at a recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, and obtained a first-class certificate on account of its elegant habit and free- flowering character. It forms a tuft of slender stems a foot long, springing from a nest of bright green leaves (i inches long, and bearing whorls of large leafy bracts subtending the whorls of Bowers. These are an inch long, ^ inch wide, the pedicels slender and an inch long, and the colour bright buttercup-yellow. Evidences of the hybrid origin of the plant are seen in its resemblance to I*, floribunda in leaf structure and arrangement of Bowers, whilst in the absence of hairiness it is characteristic of P. floribunda, and in the presence of mealiness on the flowers, as well as in their size, it resembles P. verticillata. Although the prepotency of the female parent (P. floribunda) is evident, the influence ot the male parent is also to be seen. The plant is likely to become popular for pot culture. 8ENECI0 ATJBICULATISS1MUS. Plants of this new introduction from British Central Africa are now to be seen in flower in the conservatory at Kew. It is almost a climber, the thin wiry stems, a yard or so long, being trained round sticks. The leaves are kidney - shaped, stalked, with a pair of large ear-like appendages at the base ot cadi petiole, hence the specific name. The flowers are in loose corymbs, which on the most robust stems are a foot in diameter, and each flower is an inch across, bright golden yellow, and lasts a week or more. It is supposed that this species will probably cross with Cineraria, to w hie h it is evidently closely allied. TWO NEW CODONOPSIDS. Tins genus of Campanula*** is known in gardens by ( lodonopsis ovata, sometimes grown by collectors of uncommon and interesting hardy plants. There arc. however, other species which are as good or better than ( '. ovata. two of which have latch been forwarded to Kew by Mr. Hildebrand. of the Shan States, Upper Burmah. He describes one as "a Passion-flower-like plant, the flowers hanging on the stems like bells, I inch to -J inches long and an inch wide, their colour greenish white with purple veins." This is probably C. lanceolata, hitherto known only from China and Japan. The second is C. convolvulacea, of which very little was known beyond that it had been collected in Yunnan about thirty years ago. It was found wild in the Shan States by Sir Henry Collett, who describes it as a pretty little plant with thin wiry stems which twine round the culms of stout grasses, and bear numerous bright blue hells an inch across. The stems are annual, springing from a perennial tuber. There are twelve species known, all natives of the East. W. W. L/ELIO-CATTLEYA CALLISTOOLOSSA SPLENDENS. The original Lielia callistoglossa appeared in 1882 before the compound name, derived from the generic species Ladia and Cattleya. was introduced. It was (L. purpurata ( '. Warscewiczii Sanderianai. the undesirable features of the first cross have disap peared. The plants are of most robust growth, and arc generally most satisfactory to deal with. The subject of the accompanying illustration, L.-( '. callistoglossa splendens. is one of the most beautiful and highly coloured forms that has yet appealed The sepals and petals are of great substance, show the intermediate characteristics of the parent species, and are intense rosy lilac in colour. The large lip is deep crimson-purple with darker veins ; the side lobes are also of a similar shade. with the characteristic yellow discs on each side of the throat ; the base of the throat is suffused with dark purple. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme, and was exhibited in Messrs. Veitch's group at I he Drill Hall on February 27 last. H. J. Chapman. I.EI.Io-i 'ATTI.KVA CALLISTOGLOSSA SPLEN (S/iuun at meeting ofR. Horticultural Society i»i Messrs. .1 raised in the nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. and is the result of crossing I.alia purpurata and Cattleya Warscewiczii (gigas). Plants of the old type of t ,'. Warscewiczii that are still in cultivation retain to the present day their shy-flowering characteristics. This influence is unfortunately characteristic of the original batch of seedlings. and this has greatly disappointed purchasers of the original stock. About the time the original L.-C. 'callistoglossa flowered, what was supposed to be a new species of Cattleya was introduced and distributed as C. Sanderiana. When these plants flowered they proved to be a geographical variety of (_'. Warscewiczii, and the free-flowering character- istics displayed justified the distinctive name of C. Warscewiczii Sanderiana, a name by which it is recognised in gardens at the present day. Mr. Seden, no doubt, recognising the free-flowering characteristics of this type of C. Warscewiczii, was influenced by the tine qualities possessed by the original hybrid, L.-C. callistoglossa, and decided to repeat the cross, hoping, no doubt, to overcome the shy flowering trait above referred to. The result is, that in the second batch of seedlings, which appeared in 189.5 as L.-C. c. ignescens THE " PILOT." The ranks of weekly journalism have received an ' important accession in the production of the Pilot, a paper that "addresses itself especially to that section of educated laymen which desires to sec theological anil ecclesiastical questions discussed with adequate knowledge and breadth of view . . . while in other respects it covers a large field." Even the most cursory glance reveals a paper of the highest type, a thing of dignity that bears itself with an air of distinction, while a careful reading of its admirable articles already in the early num- bers gives an indication of the scope of its subjects and the tendency of the leading of the guiding hand. Mr. Lathbury, so long connected with the Guardian, docs not desire to conduct this new paper in any spirit of rivalry with existing journals, hut rather to give it such a place of its own as is as yet unfilled. With this desire he will make a special feature of foreign correspondence on matters cede siastical, so that we may look to have fuller and more accurate information concerning the growth of religious thought and move- ment throughout the world. When we say that in his moments of rare leisure Mr. Lath bury is an ardent gardener, we have all the more reason to wish success to the graver work of his life ; we know that for the present at any rate this is arduous in the extreme, and that in devoting what ■J small spare time he may have to his flowers, he is seeking the best f physical recreation and the wholcsornest balm f mind. DENS. I'eitck PERISTROPHE SPECIOSA. It is but seldom that one has the pleasure of seeing this most useful and attractive winter-flowering plant in a greenhouse, yet its merits should claim for it a place wherever cool house plants are culti- vated. Introduced from India in 1826, it is remarkable that after such a long period its culture is still so restricted, as is apparently the case. The flowers are of a peculiarly twisted form, the tube pale purple, and the two lips of a deeper hue. At any time this particular shade of colour is uncommon in flowers, and especially valuable at such a dull season. In the course of a year very tine specimens can be obtained if a proper course of treatment is followed. We take cuttings from the old plants in February, and insert them singly in 3-inch pots, placing the latter in a warm house. A light soil, containing a fair amount of silver sand, is the most suitable medium for rooting the cuttings. When roots are visible around the inside of the small pot 232 THE GARDEN. [March 24, 1900. it becomes neci'ssaiy to move the plants into 4^-inch ones, using a compost of loam and leaf-mould in equal quantities, mixing with these a little manure and silver sand. As soon as they are well estab- lished in the new material, a cool frame is the most desirable position in which to cultivate them throughout the summer. This should lie kept close for a few days so that the change from the warmer house may not check their progress in any way. but afterwards quite cool treatment is essential to their well-being. A light shading will probably lie necessary in the hottest weather for a portion of the day, and daily syringings are of great benefit, both by keeping the plants clean and healthy and as a means of encouraging growth. At the final potting, performed as soon as the Peristrophes are sufficiently well rooted, they are removed, the strongest plants into 10-inch and the smaller ones to 8-inch pots. The soil advised for use at the previous potting will again be suitable. In order to ensure a bushy habit of growth atten- tion to the timely pinching of the shoots is neces- sary, for it is early in the season that the future form of the plant can best be regulated. As soon as cold weather approaches, a warm house, i.e., where the night temperature is about 60°, should be prepared to receive them. With careful watering and the judicious use of stimulants, the buds will develop and the flowers will commence to open about Christmas-time. H. Thomas. Frmjnnn-' . Windsor. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. FLOWER GARDEN. A border of Poppies f the laterals will probably lie blind. Had it been possiUe last year after rutting the Grapes early to have well fed with artificial and liquid manures, so as to have forced extra strong growth, the results this year might have been better. If you elect to keep the Vine in the pot, remove 4 inches of the top soil and replace with a compost of turfy loam, old hotbed manure, wood ashes, and hone- dust, the loam being in the proportion of two-thirds. But it would have been better to have turned the Vine out of the pot. loosened the roots from the old soil, planted it in a holder of good fresh loam, and, having cut it hard hack, have in that way forced it to form a new rod that would in time produce plenty of fruiting wood iii your greenhouse. Pruning1 bush Apples (D. G.). It would have been much better had you pruned your Apple trees earlier. Still, better late than not at all. As the trees are now well established, do not prune hard, heave a certain number of main branches to form the tree, and let these he from 18 inches to 20 inches apart at least. Then shorten hack the leading shoots one-third, taking care to cut to a bud which breaks outwards or towards the primer. Cut just over that hud. Also cut nearly close hack all side shoots, as the Object should he to induce the back huds of these si imi its as well as the chief huds on the main or leading shoots to form fruit-huds. Hut that is best done hy proper summer pruning, which is done by cutting hack all side snoots to about four eyes or huds in July, then cutting all these spurs back to two or three buds in the winter. Take ■arc to keep the insides of the trees fairly open to admit ample light and air. Apple store (Waterfield).- The assumption that an elaborate store is needful to keep Apples in well is quite an absurdity. We have kept fruits well for several months in a moderately cool cellar in boxes, and equally well in an upper room looking cast ; indeed, we have now fruits that have been iinn six months, and are remarkably fresh. All the advice as to putting fruit into barrels with or without all sorts of material, such as dry peat, sand, ashes. &C, is not worthy of a moment b attention. Such materials absorb flavour far more rapidly than it is parted with in the air. Gives cool position where the temperature keeps fairh even, and ranges from 35° to 40°, hut rather low than high, where air can be given occasionally and frosts can he readily excluded with- out exciting the temperature, and fruit will keep well. For a special shed nothing is better than concrete low walls, a thicklj thatched roof, and a soil floor with neat lattice shelves, a i id a door for entrance at one end and a glass door or window at the other. KITCHEN GARDEN. Runner Beans iMi'H.). Von need not restrict your self to one description of Runner Bean only. There is the oh) rough 01 so-called scarlet strain, which is, except in colour of flower and seed, the same as the white Dutch Runner. This is, of course, the chief favourite, because it is at once the best cropper and the most enduring. Then there is the smooth runner as seen in the climbing Canadian Wonder 01' Tender and True section. This is a capital strain when sown thinly and well grown, because it renders some two or three sowings of 1 »w art Kidney I leans needless. Differing still from these is the old Caseknife section, a long- podded Bean that has a distinctive taste ; and then there is the Butter I '.can, of which yet few seem to know the excellent properties. You will do well to have rows of all these in your garden, as then you will he able to enjoy the luxury of having different ones dailj on your table. For all of them have the ground deeply worked and well manured, and sow seed quite thinly in the rows. Do not sow until the end of April for the earliest, and same of May for the latest. Tomatoes for outdoors (C. II hi There are so many named varieties of Tomatoes, and all relatively good, that it is difficult to specify one as better than another, hut it is generally found that for outdoor purposes the heaviesl - roppi rsare the corrugated ones, such as open Air, Earliest of All. and Magnum Bonum. You may, however, prefer the smooth round ones, which, if less heavy croppers. are generally the besl liked. Of these, capital ones arc Conference, Comet, and Chemin. The best place for outdoor plants is against a warm wall or wooden fence, the plants being \- inches apart and kept hard pinched to a Single stem. Next to these positions, a warm holder looking south, with plants put out into rows 24 feet apart and 15 inches asunder m the rows, tied up to stout stakes, or, if [.referred, to trellises, not direct across the border, hut running slantingly. The second week in May is soon enough to put out the plants. MISCELLANEOUS. H. B., Ambleside. Will our correspondent kindly send his address ; it lias been, unfortunately, mislaid.— Ens. Planting a window box (R. < '.. Moffat, N.B.).— No plants are better for window boxes or keep up a longer display than Pelargoniums, and if one of the soft scarlet or salmon-pink colourings is chosen the effect will he better than if one of the hard scarlets were used. The front of tin box could he draped with pink Ivy Pelargonium Madame Crousse. The yellow Paris Daisy (Chrysanthemum frutescens) is also a good box plant, and can he suitably accompanied by a hanging front edge of Creeping Jenny ( hysimachia Num- mularia), but the latter should be planted in the autumn. Varieties of Nasturtium (Tropa'olum) are also excellent box plants, both the dwarf bushy kinds and the older trailing scuts being used together. Plants and watering1 (St. Andrews). -The theory that when plants, especially in pots, arc in flower they need less water, because watering tends to shorten the flowering period, is quite wrong. In every direction we see plants, whether in pots or growing outdoors, failing to bloom all the more when the roots are dry. Prac- tically, plants growing in the open ground during the flowering period will bear any amount of watering such as does not exceed what Nature in a rainy time affords, hut heating of the (lowers by water of course does harm. But that does not apply to plants in pots under cover. Then it is well to remember that whilst the roots of pot plants arc greatly restricted and can find less moisture as a rule than the roots of outdoor plants, watering must not he unduly lavish lest the roots damp off. But, on the whole, plants in flower need rather more water than plants not in bloom. TRADE NOTE. Cafe Pears. The s.s. Briton recently brought from Natal a very tine lot of fruits from Capetown. Among other things there were 1371 boxes of Grapes, :; of Peaches, 4 f Plums. L39 of Pears, and 42 of Nectarines, and they had a ready sale at good prices. The Cape Pears brought hy the Briton are con- sidered equal to the Californians. As regards the develop- ment of this particular trade, everything, of course, depends on the shipment. If the Cape Pear can be got into the London markets in good saleable condition, then, it is said, tons can he sent to this country with every prospect of a read} -ale, especially during the months of March and April Book Received. "My Gardener." By H. W. Ward. London: Eyre and Spottiswoode. Catalogues Received. General Catalogue. Guildford Hi Plant Nurseiy. Potash Manures.— F. W. Berk a Co., Ltd., Fenchureh A vemte, London. Seeds. Cooper, Taber ■(■ '',,., Ltd., do&ux, Southwark Street, London, S.E. Ricliard Dean, Ranelagh Road, Ealing, W, Thmnpsonand Morgan Ipswich. 1. S. Ware, Ltd., Totten- ham. Seeds and Plants. Rioaire ami Son, /'-', A''"' (TAlge'rie, Lyons. Cocker am1 Sons, Aberdeen. Perennial Plants, Ac John Peed di Son, West Nor- wood, S. E. Barrand Sons, Hi mi Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Plants. Otto Frobel, Zurich. V. X . 1-1) the biographer, speaking of si uin' portions of an address given by Morris to the students of the School of Science and Art connected with the Wedgwood Institute at Burslem, writes thus in reference to the second of two passages : "The other passage is a piece of straight- forward practical advice to designers. In the artist, and therefore in his art, a certain moral quality was before all things essential. The qualities fatal to art were not technical ; theywere 'vagueness, hypocrisy, and cowardice.1 And of these three, vagueness was t<> Morris as immoral, and therefore as inartistic, as either of the other vices. " lie careful to eschew all vagueness. It is better to he caught out ingoing wrong when you have hail a definite purpose than to shuttle ami slur so that people can't blame you because they don't know what you are at. Hold fast to distinct form in art. Don't think too much of style, but set yourself to get out of you what you think beautiful, and express it as cautiously as you please, hut, 1 repeat, quite distinctly and without vagueness. Always think your design out in your head before you begin to get it on paper. Don't begin by slobbering and messing about in the hope that something may come out of it. \'ou must see it before you can draw i\ whether the design be of your own invention or Nature's." Would that people would take this ad\ ice to heart in matters pertaining to the laying out of gardens. We should not then see those whole acres of planted ground where the evident procedure of the original planter could not he better described than in Morris's words as "messing about." How often do we see excellent shrubs, perhaps planted without any definite intention, any aspiration towards pictorial effect, i ingruous units huddled together ; a waggon-load of trees from the nursery, ordered without plan, perhaps left to the nurseryman's own choice and planted a.s your g I gardener thinks best — tall ones at the back, short ones in the front, and middle- sized between. Shrubs grandly grown by the nurseryman, perfectly planted by the gardener ; technicality all right, but because of that sin of vagueness, of not taking the trouble to intend the doing of anything in particular, the thing d is senseless and soulless and wholly un- profitable. This is why we may see hundreds of gardens one just like another in their wearisome monotony of utter dulness, where the only impressions that the more understanding observer receives are those of weariness at the tiresomeness of it, of regret that good material and good labour should be spent upon so dull a thing, of a desire to get out of it, to escape from its irritating restraint, to get away into field or w I or wayside, each of them a better garden in the sense of a place of repose to mind and eye than the one where there is no definite or clear intention — nothing but " messing about." It does not matter whether or no the garden shows the kind of treatment that most pleases or interests just you or me ; it may not do either. Your taste or mine may be gratified l\\ beautiful effects of grouping or colouring. Other people who also love their gardens may like it to grow things for their individual interest, or for many another reason, and with a wide diversity of object ; and wherever this is the case, wherever a strong or even distinct wish of any one individual dominates the working of the garden, the garden will show that it is a living thing and not a thing inert. It will in some sort reflect the mind of its owner: it will look like something that is alive, and that has, moreover, the higher life of a living soul as well as the baser life of a merely existing bodj . HISTORY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FERTILISATION OF FLOWERS. It must not be supposed that flowers specially adapted for intercrossing cannot ever fertilise themselves : for the fact is that probably the great majority are capable of so doing, though irregular flowers arc more or less obviously adapted to receive tic visits of insects. If the flower be regular, as of nearly all members of the Ranunculacese, there are no great adapta- tions for special kinds of insects. Thus every petal of a Buttercup carries its own little glanil at the base, and in the Christmas Rose every petal is entirely metamorphosed into a little honey-pot. In the two genera Larkspur (Del- phinium) and Aconite ( Aconituni) the whole flower is much modified. Thus the calyx has not only become the attractive organ, but is highly irregular, and the corolla is reduced to two petals, which are converted into nectaries. The carpels, instead of being numerous, are now from three to one only. The stamens are many in number and hang down at first, so supplying a foothold for bees. They rise up in succession, placing the anthers in a forward position, so that the bee is sure to get dusted just where the stigmas of the next flower visited will strike it. Now what is the supposed advantage of all this' II. Miiller tells us that the expanded flowers of Ranunculus acris were visited by sixty-two different kinds of insects, whereas Delphinium elatum and Aconitum Lycoctonum had only Bombus hortoruni for their sole ferti- liser. A common occurrence with flowers adapted for insects is for the stamens to mature their anthers before the stigmas, so that, unless the interval be very short, such flowers may fail to set seed if 'they be not visited at all. \\ e thus see at least two disadvantages under which these flowers labour. One is the very possible absence of the one, or few insects only capable of pollinating it : the other is the inefficiency or inability of fertilising itself. Buttercups have numerous visitors, and if none come, the anthers shed an abundance of pollen oyer the stigmas, so that the self-ferti lisation is readily and fully effected. Fumitory has minute anil extremely irregular flowers, but is very sparingly visited by insects. The stigmas consist of two lateral horns, each of which is surrounded by three anthers, so that the pollen pours the tubes into them without any extra aid. If its ancestry was more fre quently visited, it has at least acquired a com- plete method of self - fertilisation, though a pistil only produces one seed after all. In the Cruciferse the stigmas of the more conspicuous flowers arc two-lobed. as in Wallflower and Stock. The Howers are highly attractive by colourand scent. They secrete honey by means of two glands or the receptacle. When such flowers have become -elf -fertile, as in Shepherd's Purse, little or no honey is formed, and the two stigmas become reduced to a single knob, around which the anthers are closely adpressed. Mignonette is attractive by its cluster of red anthers and its powerful odour. This illustrates a case of variation in the capabilities of fertilisation. In many instances it is fully self-fertile without the aiil of insects ; in others it proved to be self- sterile, but could re-acquire self-fertility. An important fact is learnt from this and similar instances, viz., that the sterility or fertility of individuals of any species must never lie regarded as absolute. They depend mi many other things besides insects, such as climate specially : thus Eschscholtzia californica was quite infertile in Brazil with its own pollen, but seedssent to Darwin proved capable of iv acquiring self-fertility in three years to the extent of 80 per cent. Violets in this country set no seed by the usual scented flowers, but after they have done flowering, great quantities of buds may be dis- covered underneath the leaves which never open, but form capsules with an abundance of seed. They are called cleistogamous, a. word meaning "concealed unions." They prove to be arrested stages of the usual flower, having only rudimentary petals or none, while the 234 THE GARDEN. Mabch I 000. stamens arc "f quite different construction. The five anthers lie adpfessed on the top "I the pistil, which has a short style with truncated stigma lauled up underneath them, so that the pollen tubes enter at once into the stigma. In warmer climates the ordinary flowers set seed, as in Liguria ; while in Malta, the buds, which are cleistogamous here, develop into ordinary flowers. For further details the reader is referred to "The Origin of Floral Struc- tures," ]>. -26-2, . At a very early age he was attracted to the study of meteorology, ami from 1S40 to 1882 he made a very valuable series of daily observations. He was one of the founders of the Royal Meteorological Society. In addition to this science he was much interested in the biology of animals and plants, Ferns attracting liis especial attention. On this subject he issued many publications, among them being "Natural History of British and Exotic Ferns," "Beautiful- leaved Plants," "New and Rare Ferns," "Fern Growing," ut on several of the bare As for Veronica longifolia, some botanists d t rocky hills in the south of that town it is found in separate it as a species from V. spicata. Godron profusion, especially round (Jloddaeth. These hills t in his "' Flora of France," discusses the question of have a very thin covering of hard, dry turf not their identity, remarking that V. longifolia when mole than 1 inch or 2 inches over the surface of dried always turns black in the leaf, whilst V. the broken carboniferous limestone. It flowers in spicata retains the green. Koch, in his well- August, at which time it is tin- most conspicuous known "Synopsis of the Botany of Central flower visible, though seldom rising 4 inches high. Europe," describes under Latin names four wild Helianthenium eanuni, Kpipactis ovalis. Spiranthes varieties of V. longifolia ami six of V. spicata, autunnialis. and stunted forms of Thalietruni minus some lowland forms being as much as 2 feet high, are amongst its companions. The usual colour of In my garden the spontaneously sown varieties are many, but nearly all belong to V. spicata. A few years ago I took to Kew Herbarium for comparison several of these ; one, and one only, the curator of the herbarium recognised as typical V. longifolia. the Hower-spikes is some rich shade of glossy purple, but 1 have now and then found a spike of pure white, and different shades of pink are not rare. The leaf is broader and of greater substance, anil the stem stouter than in the Newmarket plant. This plant came to my garden about twenty years in I the flower-spike much larger. [ have frequently ago from some nursery and refuses to be expelled. though a weedy plant, and as it comes true from seed. I can always rind one if any reader of The Gardes inter- ested in the species would like to have it. It grows about 4 feet high, with long, narrow leaves on rather long stalks. I may remark in addition that the plant generally called V. longifolia var. subsessilis seems to me to belong rather to V. spicata, being in habit exactly like an exag- gerated form of var. hybrida. It is said to come from Japan, but I never could get a fertile seed from it. There is a putty species nearly allied to V. spicata named V. incana. This forms spontaneous hybrids with the Llandudno V. spicata, which are very pretty, the leaves being I- grey as lavender and the flowers pale blue on a lone spike. Though I have many hardy herba- ceous Veronicas in my garden of which I never could determine the species, those of the spicata class do not seem to form hybrids with t hose which bear axillary flowers, such as V. Teu- crium, which for the most part have greater merit as garden orna- ments. ('. WoLLEY-DOD. Edgi Hull. Malpa-i, < 'In shire. Till \l:KKOI \ ILATA. brought plants home to my garden, selecting various c ilours. The rich tint-- of purple become dull with me : the best is the pure white, which does not alter, and for the most part conies tute from seed, which ripens in abundance. On dry, shallow ledges of the rockeries, planted amongst stones with very little soil, the variety maintains its dwarf character in my garden, but if planted in the damp, retentive soil of the borders it soon becomes coarse and large, and seedlings — whether crossed or not with larger forms which grow about the garden I cannot be sure— are often as much as i or 2 feet high ; in fact, they assimilate to tin- large forms commonly known as V. spicata of gardens, of which there are dull blue and white and pink varieties, and one with variegated leaves. THUNBERGIA ALATA. The pretty greenhouse twiner shown in the annexed illustration, though in cultivation lor three-quarters of a century, is not so often seen as its merits deserve. It belongs to the order Acanthacea;, and is a very slender twining plant, practically an annual, though under favourable circumstances perennial. It occurs commonly in six varieties, white, light buff, and light orange, each with a self coloured throat, and the same series with a purple-black throat, from which it sometimes gets the name of Black-eyed Susan. It is extremely easily grown, and will do in the stove, greenhouse, or, after a fashion, outside, but an airy green- house seems to suit it best. Sown in January it will flower all the summer with the most ordinary care, but lookout for red spider, [f the cultivator possess a microscope, the hairs on the stamens will repay examination. The plant is a native of the East. Greenw > I'm NOTES ON NEW OR RARE AMERICAN PLANTS AND SEEDS. I'l. WIS. Anemone dichotoma (syn., pennsylvauica). I fool, pure white, neat habit; remains a long time in bloom. Anemone multifida (syn., Hudsoniana). Bright crimson flowers. Anemone patens. 1 foot, flowers very Large, pale lavender, early. A white flower under this name is figured on plate 1994 of Bot. Mag. Aster I'urteri. — 1 foot, one of the best pure white species ; flowers large foliage and stems very neat and slender; good for cutting. Fraxcra speciosa. — A member of the Gentian family, .'i feet high, rigid erect habit, curious white How ers arranged loosely but symmetrically up the whole length of the stem, foliage whitish ; called the Monument Plant from its very suggestive appearance. (July one of the seven known species — F. earolinciisis, or Walter] seems to be in cultivation. Hclianthella quinquenervis, 3 feet, allied to Helianthus. Coreopsis, &c, grows from a thick tuberous root with slender stems and very large flowers sometimes ."> inches broad, of a pale yellow colour. An involucre of large leafy bracts gives a very distinct appearance to the heads of flower. This is the earliest to flower of any plant of its class, and quite one of the most striking. It is of the easiest culture either from seeds or divisions. Lepachis (syn., Rudbeckia) pinnata. — Bol. Mm/.. xlix.. t. 2310.' Seeds. Argcmone platyceras (the Broad -horned). .'f feet, very large white flowers, blooming all through the summer ; very ornamental foliage. Not mentioned in any of the ordinary books of reference or in the " Index Kewensis." Argemone hispida (the Colorado Silver Poppy). — Almost identical in appearance with Ronn.eva Coulteri, only rather smaller in size of bloom. Aster foliaceus. I fool, very large lavender How ers often 2 inches in diameter. Aster Fremonti. — 1 foot, with large violet-rayed flowers sometimes 2! inches in diameter: suitable for moist, shady places. Haboura trachypleura, I tout, has beautiful golden yellow flowers in large compound umbels and slender stems ; foliage divided into beautiful feathery sprays ; a most graceful plant. This plant is nut mentioned in "Index Kewensis" or any nf the ordinary books of reference. Krynitzkia Jamesi.— 6 inches high: flower resemble those of Heliotrope in form, but arc whiu with yellow eye. Lepachis (or Rudbeckia) columnaris {Bot. Mag., xxxix.. t. 1601) is a beautiful composite with long drooping yellow rays ; blooms the first season from seed. Lepachis columnaris pulcherrima. A grand variety with base of each ray conspicuously blotched with orange-scarlet. Lepachis columnaris totus purpureus. A variety willi dark orange-brown rays, almost black ; quite unique in this family. Oxytropis splendens. — 1 foot, new plant with silky silvery white foliage very conspicuous, with niany-Howcred spikes, several from the same root : flowers large. Sweet Tea shaped, deep rose in colour. Iponuea leptophylla (Bush Moon Flower). 2i feet high, a unique novelty. The plant is bush-like, much-branched, and neither trailing nor climbing. The flowers are of the usual Morning Glory shape, about •'! inches broad, rose colour, deepening to purple at tin- throat, remaining open till noon or a little later. The plant continues t<> bloom for about three months. The tuberous root attains a large size and penetrates deep into the soil, which should be well drained and of a loose sandy or gravelly texture. Plant the seeds where they are to remain ; if a notch be filed at one end 236 THE GARDEN [March 31, 1900. of each before planting they will germinate quickly. This tine novelty has already been introduced into British gardens, as I obtained a tiny tuber of it last year from an English nurseryman which has not vet begun to grow, and which 1 fear is too small to bloom this year. \V. E. GuMBLETON. [Many of the plants anil seeds named in these notc^s seem to promise well for our gardens, and amateurs would do well to give them a careful trial: they are recorded in the list of Mr. 1). S. Andrews, Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.— Kns. | A TRIP TO TAI-MO-SHAN. T/AI-M0-SHAN is a large hill on the mainland in the newly-acquired territory opposite Hong- Kong, and is about :! feet high. Availing ourselves of one of the Christmas holidays, a friend and myself had a day's botauising there and found several plants of interest. We hired a launch and left Hong Kong at 5.30 a.m.. and arrived at Tsin-wan, a village at the foot of the hill, in about an hour. It was just getting light when we got on shore, and as we proceeded on our way through the village we were saluted. in the usual way, by the yelping of a whole army of Chinese dogs and by the squealing of scores of the ubiquitous pig. We had not gone very far beyond the village when we were brought to 'a standstill by a Chinese water buffalo, which immediately on sight of us pre- pared tor action. Eowever, we managed to escape from it by getting through the nearest hedge. I do not know how it is, but these beasts invariably have a dislike to foreigners. Perhaps this accounts for the anti-foreign feel- ing of the Chinese; they take it with their milk ! Passing along the edges of the Paddy Holds, we came across that little sapindaceous creeper, < lardiospermum Halicacabum, in flower and in fruit. In case any should not know, 1 may as well mention that Paddy is the name given to Rice in a growing state, and it is also known by that name previous to being taken out of the husk. Euphorbia pentagons at least I take it to lie that species is a common plant near Chinese dwellings, and is largelj used for making hedges, which was the case here. This plant, as well as Agave americaiia and < Ipuntia Dillenii, is found right away in the interior of ( 'hina, ami unless one knows one would be apt to consider all three indigenous to the country, Rosa moschata, a sweet h scented little thing with white (lowers, was in bloom rather out of season, 1 think, as I have previously met with it in flower in March. As we went along we came across plants of Barleria cristata in the hedges in flower, and tine plants of Ardisia crenata in fruit. The latter when seen,as it so often is, smothered with its crimson berries, is a glorious sight, other things we noticed growing in the hedges were Plumbago zeylanica, Mentha arvensis, and Nephrolepis biserrata. Alter leaving the Paddy fields, and as we began tin- ascent of the mountain, we noticed three or lour small lives, about 15 feet high, literally covered with one mass of berries, and on examination these tinned out to be Hex rotundifolia. Proceeding upwards, on the south side Saccharum procerum was seen in abund- ance, its white wavy plumes being very striking. Small specimens of Liquidambar formosana were also met with here, and at some distance further up a tree about 10 feet high, which one of our Chinese said was a, ft ng-shm tree. Tin us Massoniaua and Oiinninghaiuia sinensis had been largely planted by the Chinese, the former 0, in' mi down as soon as big enough for fire- H I. The vegetation in the ravines was not verj rich until we reached an altitude of about 2000 feel, (lelseinium elegans was then met with, its large dense cymes of pale yellow (lowers making a grand show. This is a verj poisonous plant, and its properties are ap- parently known to the Chinese, as it has been detected as the i poison used in a criminal case in Hong Kong. A friend of mine, perfectly cognisant of the properties of the plant, was handling a fresh specimen a short time ago, when soon after, two or three hours only, an irritation set up in one of his hands, which rapidlybecame verymuch inflamed and swollen, so much so that he had to consult a medical man about it. The doctor on seeing the hand immediately exclaimed that it was a very bad ease of poisoning, and said that it was lucky for my friend that he had consulted him when he did, or the consequences would probably have been serious. 1 think there can be no doubt but that the poisoning was accidentally caused by the Gelsemium. This is by the way, however. Trailing over huge boulders from I'liiiufeet to 3000 feet altitude. Clematis crassifolia, a fine- foliaged plant with thick leathery leaves, was abundant, its large, loose panicles of white flowers, ] produced in the greatest profusion, making an exceedingly beautiful spectacle. In the same neighbourhood Momordica Charantia in fruit was common. Its fruits are ovoid in shape, of a bright orange colour, and are about 5 inches long. The most interesting plant found here was Podocarpus argotaenia (Hum;) described in the "Journal of Botany" for 188S. It was first found by the late Dr. Faber mi the Lo Fan .Mountains, about fifty miles east of Canton. Subsequently Westland found it on Tai-mo-shau, and specimens were sent to Kew, where it was named by Hemsley Podocarpus iiisignis and re-described in the "Journal "t Botany" for 1885 under that name. Mr. Ileinsiey had only male flowers for examina- tion, and in a note he adds : "This is a very distinct and remarkable plant, if correctly referred to Podocarpus. but it may be a different genus." The leaves are arranged distichously, and are from 2 inches to I inches long, tile upper surface green and i he under divided into five longitudinal bauds, two white and three green, the \ittate markings being exceptionallj well defined. The plant has more the appearance of a Cephalotaxus than of any Podocarpus \ know. It is about 8 feet high and branched from the ground, rnfortunately, it was not in flower, but cuttings which were procured have been put in. and I trust will root. Iii this locality we .oily came across one plant, but on our descent of tin- east slope of the mountains we found four small specimens. Magnolia Championii or Magnolia pumila, as it is now merged in, although there are considerable differences in the foliage atad flowers of the two, was growing in very exposed situations, but the plants were very small, not being more than :>, feet high, ami Ferns were quite at home underneath the large boulders, among which We collected tile following : Tl'icllol nalles javanicum, Asplenium rutaefolium, Asplenium cuneatum, Gymnogramma decurrens, Vittaria elongata, Davallia elegans, Davallia pedata, and Davallia tenuifolia. Polypodium coronans was very common and looked very fine ; large massesofit almost completely covered many of the large rocks. ( >n top of the rocks and Stones were a few Orchids, such as Eria am brosia, Pholidota chinensis, ( Icelogyne fimbriata, and Bulbophyllum radiatum. Two Ferns in company with" these were Polypodium adnas- cens and Polypodium Lingua. Trailing over the boulders' were several plants of .Kschy nanthus acuminatus, a species with green and purple Mowers, but by no means showy ; lloya carnosa, not in flower, a simple elliptical-leaved Rubus with a terminal inflorescence, unknown t,, ii- : Psychotria serpens, which was a tine sight with its white berries ; Unlaw reflexus, the foliage of which is very prettily marked when young and grown in the shade ; Pothos scandens, liankiuia Championii, a species with small, insignificant green flowers ; Euonymus hederaceus, a good thing for covering rocks or walls, as it adheres quite readily to them : Kadsura chinensis in fruit ; Miicuua macro but i vs. also in fruit, with pods upwards of I foot in length, and containing five or six large Hat seeds ; and Stauntonia chinensis were also met with here. After we had passed the boulders there was very little to be found, and things became scarcer the higher we went. On the summit we noticed Melastoiua repens and Pteris aquilina. Soon after beginning our descent on the east slope, down a watercourse we came in sight of Aspidistra lurida in abundance. It was the typical form and in flower. The curious small tree-like Lycopo- diuni involvens was grand, growing on stones and shaded by others above it. It was common for some distance down, but a patch about 3 feet square was particularly striking. In close proximity to each other are found Disso- clneta Barthei, a very Hue Melastoinad willi blush-coloured flowers over 2 inches across, and which were open at that time, and Daphne odora in flower, a grand species with sweetly- scented white flowers and leaves from -1 inches to ."> inches long. Phrynium capitatum, Sym- plocOS decora, a richly scented species ; Eurya iaponica, Camellia salicifolia, a white-flowered hairy-leaved species, and Elaeagnus Loureirii in flower were also collected near. Underneath the rocks in the watercourse, with the water dripping on them, Hue specimens of Chirita sinensis were thriving, several of the plants being in flower, although the summer is their proper season for blooming. The colour and size of the flowers vary greatly, and no doubt, if some specialist were to take the plant in hand, results would be obtained similar to those in Gloxinia and Streptocarpus. Sela- ginella atroviridis ami Selaginella flabellifera with Pellionia scabra were found in moist situations. Acorns Calamus and Pentasacme Championii, a pretty little Asclepiad, were growing in similar positions to that o\ the Chirita. The Ferns we noticed around here wer ■ Meiiisciinu simplex, Asplenium fraxiui folium, Nephrodium opacum, Asplenium Crillithiauum, Nephrolepis cordifolia and Acrostichum repandum. Going further down, we secured a \ery Hue ternstrcemiaceous plant, probably a Gordonia, with flowers quite as large as those of Gordonia an omala, but with very different foliage. There were several plants about I feet or 5 feet high and one mass of bloom. Musa sapientum (?), the same species as is found in some of the ravines in Hong Kong, was plentiful, several of the specimens being iii flower and fruit. Other common plants were Adina globiflora, Chloranthus brachystachys, a very showy plant when in fruit with its bright red drupes, which, how- ever, are sometimes orange colour : Farfugiuiii Kamipferii, 1'haius grandifolius, a plant too well known to need any comment ; Psychotria elliptica, a shrub with crimson berries ; Pitto- sporiim giabratum with light yellow flowers; Boehmena nivea,tbe China Grass plant ; Actino- daphne chinensis, Begonia laciniata, Curcu- ligip reourvata, Dianella ensilolia, with dark purple berries: Dichroa febrifuga in fruit, its bright blue berries produced in dense terminal panicles being very noticeable: Enkianthus quinqueflorus, Ficus pyriformis, Atalantia Hindsii with small yellow fruits about half an inch in diameter, and 1'audauus urophyllus. Getting to within 300 feet or 4(«) feet above sea level, we left the watercourse and began to March 31, 1900. THE GARDEN, •_>:i7 make our way back to Tsin-wan, skirting the hillsides as we went. Although we had*about five miles to go, we did not come across so many interesting plants as wehadseen in the ravines. The must striking plant we saw was Gleichenia lougissimaj or <;. excelsa as it is called in Bentham's "Flora Hongkongensis." It is decided!} a most beautiful Fern, and when one conies across huge patches of it one seems to be rooted to the ground in admiration of it. collector whom we took with us managed to get separated from us on the summit of the mountain, but he succeeded in getting home all right, bringing with him, amongst other things, tine specimens of Peliosanthes macro- stegia. W. J. Tutcher. Botanic Gardens, Hong Kong. "IN A SMALL WAY." Notes from an Oblong Garden. — IV. Everything is very late this year. The Sno-w drops, as is their custom, even when they appear a full fortnight earlier, as they did last year, made no sign until a few day's ago, and "then suddenly appeared in their hundreds ; where- upon the Crocuses, not to be outdone, produced a mass of striped blooms, with a few scattered yellow cups prematurely Haunting here and Yet a week ago, when I went round, Lygodium japonicum were also quite happy trailing over small shrubs and rocks. Asplenium esculentum was luxuriating ill swamps, and Bryophyllum calycinum in dry. stony places. T SOLOMONS SEAL. Gleichenia dichotoma was. of course, common Whethee in partly-shaded garden border, in everywhere. We also saw some splendid nooks amongst shrubs, in w Hand or on its there specimens of Cibotium Barometz ; there were hedges, there is scarcely a space where this most both Snowdrops and Crocuses were some dozens of plants growing in a small ravine graceful plant is not a welcome ornament, showing bud at all. The sparrows, with their which we passed. ygodium scandens and and, coming as it does in April and May, when annoying scent for saffron, are down at once, other plants of bold and distinct habit are as of course, and have spoiled a good many yet scarcely developed, its signal merit is all ; of the Crocuses. Saffron is an old-fashioned the more apparent. ! remedy for moulting cage-birds, but whether No plant is more desirable for wild garden- it was given as a laxative, which it is, and was supposed to assist the fall of the old feathers in some mys- terious way, or whether it was intended as a colour food, for which purpose it has some adaptability, tradi- tion sayeth not, so far as my library goes. The sparrows, bow( ver, will not moult until late August, so they have no excuse but gluttony for their destructive work, which they also carry out on Carnationsand Pinks. Every Fink in the garden has had all its leaves tipped, as mis- taken gardeners tip the foliage of Carnation and Fink cuttings, thereby cans ing loss of sap and loss of vigour to the cutting, which wants all it has of the latter to enable it to throw out roots. Perhaps all this is due revenge for the hanging of suet by swinging threads, whereby only such welcome visitors as the tits are able to partake, and the clumsy sparrow has to see himself entirely left out. The (plaint Dog's-tooth Violet is bravely up, with its lovely Arum-like spotted leaves, two folded together and half open, like a pair of hands bringing up a tender pink offering to the moist, soft air now prevailing. I planted a great number of the ordinary (mixed) Kr\ autumn, but they are not SOLOMONS SEAL IN HALF-WILD GABDEN GKOUND ten were some thousands of plants of Eulalia ing in pure woodland, in hold patches with throniums in th japomca in flower, and their white panicles outlying tufts; and nearer home, where wood visible yet, and I feel rather afraid "that they a most imposing joins garden, nothing is better for grouping never will be, for they were an auction lot, and looming Poet's Daffodil and as | for the most part decidedly shrivelled. Auctions present the most vivid temptation to the amateur sight. Of Palms then- were three or four with the May species of Calamus in the ravines, and Plnenix an outlying introduction to allied wood-loving acaulis was rather plentiful in other places, plants, such as Lily of the Valley and Smilacina. On approaching the villages (there are two or Solomon's Seal has a way of growth and a three rather close together) we saw some g I kind of beauty that are entirely its own. The specimens of Quercus fissa, Camphora officin- stem rise- nearly upright, and then bends over arum and \> ' fine large l-;i \ and sonii'u hat like those of a Spanish ( Ihestnut whose ambitions outrun his purse, but, on the whole, 1 think it is best to buy less from a nurseryman and pay more for it, unless one is able to attend the sales and look at the lots. helium Litschii. The Oak has in a flattened arch that admirably displays the With all the care which 1 have no doubt is incheslong clusters of greenish- white Fell-flowers that taken, the condition of the Imlbs is very varied, spring from the axils of the leaves. In wood- even at the big Loudon sales whose promoters land places it should be planted in different Uheilanthes tenuifolia ami Notholsena sulcata were found on old walls, and Pandanus odora- tissimus in any quantity near the sea. The economic products of the district, are chiefly Fire and Fine apples. Rice is mown on all the land where sufficient watei is available, and tin' Pine-apples on the slopes of the hills situations, so that in some places where a wood-path is in a hollow it may be looked at from below, and the curving arch of the stein and tender beauty of the little flowers may be fully enjoyed, while other groups planted in hollows and seen from above have quite a facing south. Finns Massoniana is, as before different aspect, for the leaves seem to 'lie out mentioned, grown for firewood. A Chinese flat and reflect the sky. are of the most undoubted respectability ; and when this is taken into account, there is not much saving in the end. For professional gardeners and those who can go to the sales, opportunities are afforded of getting really wonderful bargains; and, indeed, a little list I filled up not long ago brought mo so rare Indian Lilies, apparently perfectly healthy bulbs, for a mere nothing ; whereat mmdBf 238 THE GARDEN. [March 31, 1900. rejoicing I Country town auction sales of Roses, &c, are often got up by people who are not at all to lie trusted, and the most tempting-looking rows of Rosebushes, all beautifully uniform and most neatly cut and tied up, are apt to turn out very differently to the result promised 1 . v their labels. Two or three years ago a couple of men went round this town with a large cart-barrow, whereon were quantities of the most healthy looting Carnation plants imaginable, each done up neatly in moss and bast and labelled. They found eager purchasers, one of whom, now writing, somewhat distrustful at the time, ex- pended is. 6d. on an experiment of live, and was in no wise surprised to tind that "Crimson Clove," "White Clove,' "Germania,".and "Alice Ayres"grew profusely and blossomed sparely with single blooms of a dirty pink and about as big as a sixpence ! To judge by the crowds around that barrow, a good many people here- abouts have been disappointed in Carnation growing. Sometimes we see cartloads of the freshest green Palms, which are offered at low prices. These have been well forced on, and, like most of " all a-growing and a-blooming's " stock, bitterly resent their open-air peregrina- tions following on their native hottest of hot- houses and wholly refuse to l.e happy in any human habitation. Apropos of the migration of a plant from its first home, 1 had a gift the other day for my little greenhouse, consisting of a couple of small pots, one containing what had been a thriving Saintpaulia ionantha. and the other a small Gloire de Lorraine Begonia. Unluckily, these were a secondary bestowal, ami had been given by the gardener who grew SHOOT (>!•' EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS, SHOWIi them to a friend of mine, who has no green- house, with the polite, but misleading assurance that thev would grow in her drawing-room. To this end they had been assisted with an over-plentiful supply of hard cold water, and Saintpaulia had rotted at the core in the in- sidious way its family have, whereby the crown of the leaves looks all right, but on examination is found to be only connected with the root by sundry links of rottenness. The Begonia, after the manner of its kind, dropped all its leaves as a protest, and the recovery of either is more than doubtful. Pity, since the rather insignifi- cant flowers of the former— little black eyed scraps of bright lilac velvet — are so plentiful as to strike a charming note of colour against its grey-green plush leaves, while the deliciously toned crisp pink Begonia blooms crowd all over the plant till it is a very drooping pyramid of clear rose. A visit to the small frame which helps to supply the oblong winter-tender beauties is also a treat to me. Just now it is full of a neat array of small pots of hybrid Columbines — Aquilegia is a pretty word, but Columbine a prettier —Mimulus of a particularly charming strain, whereof the big'blooms vary from palest unspotted primrose to deepest and most fiercely blotched crimson, and single Pyrethrums, fast covering their pots with a spread of fresh foliage like carrot-tops. All these, sown last summer, would have stood a mild winter out of doors, but as there was the chance of a hard one. 1 kept half my stock of seedlings in the frame, and they are four times the size of those in the beds and 'will blossom earlier, thus keeping up a succes- sion. Among a few- cuttings in the cold frame are some bits c if Buddlea globosa, which L brought with me from , our last garden, and which have rooted beauti- fully. This shrub is one of my pet plants, and is not half so much used as it de- serves. It is pretty either as a bush or on a wall, and has a tropical look which is very attractive, the cool sage-green, pointed leaves, lined under with silver, 1. eating the Willow by superior size and crinkly formation which charms the eye. The ( )range halls, about as big as a ( 'berry, from which it takes its English name ( (range - ball Shrub are delight- ful in colour, and it produces them freely when the sun reaches it ; and yet its roots can be in sweet moist loam. Another of my favourites is Veronica spicata, but 1 have only the blue form, which seems glad to grow wherever I el se to stick in a twig of it. Very soon we shall have flowers am. fruit. a gay row of Dean's hybrid Primroses ; already they arc catching up their brethren, Wilson's blues, which have been Struggling to flower all through the snows of January and early February. This is their second year in both cases,so must sow more when July comes. 1 do not tind it advisable to sow any seeds in the open here, for this soil dries very fast on the surface, and all my perennials and biennials are raised in the frame, which can easily be shaded and kept moist, while it is easy to mulch the parched-out seedlings with a sprinkling of cocoa fibre. M. L. \\ . Bath. EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS. Although it is usual to disparage this plant either because of its tenderness, the worthless- ness of its wood, or its liability to damage from winds, yet it is by far the most useful, as a garden plant, of the many Cum trees that have been tried. Except in the extremely favoured localities of these islands, i.e., the Scilly Isles, the south and west of Ireland, Ac, it cannot be left out of doors in winter with safety. It may escape in a mild winter, and there are plenty of records of its "hardi- ness" in England based on such exceptions' As a matter of fact, it is no hardier than Acacia dealbata, Embothrium coccineuni. and Fremontia californica, and is less hardy than Camellia japonica, Azalea indica, Chanuerops l-'ortnnei, and Phoriniuni tenax, which are popularly known only as greenhouse plants. But it has considerable value as a sub-tropical plant, as may be seen in the London parks every summer, where its attractive silvery leaves are often used with excellent effect. In conservatories it may be relied upon to grow rapidly into an imposing tree, but thus used it must be ruthlessly cut down and replaced with a new one as soon as it gets too large. In countries where it is hardy it is one of the best known of ornamental trees, and many a picturesque scene on the Riviera, in India, California, the West Indies, &c, has the Blue Gum for its most effective object. W. W. WOODLANDS. BY-PRODUCTS OF WOODS. T HESE are of less consequence now-a- days, owing partly to the reduced demand and to the want of thrifty management on estates. Except in the disposal of the measurable tim- ber, comparatively little attention has been paid to minor forest products. One general reason of that is the very common practice on estates of selling timber standing 111 the wood. This plan is supposed to save trouble and expense, the purchaser usually taking all risks, removing the timber within a stipulated time, and taking to the lop, top, bark, and underwood. When the lots are cor- rectly valued beforehand, the owner knows their exact worth and can get it, this is probably the best plan ; but there are few men who can value standing timber well, and meat mistakes on the wrong side are common. It is a very significant fact, too, that timber merchants invariably prefer to buy lots standing, and they are too g 1 hands at valuing to otier lor any lots unless they are sure of a good margin. Of course, the felling and lottingof timber in huge quantities, stripping, drying, and selling the bark, cutting up and disposing of the cord- wood, &c, involve a good deal of expense to March 31, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 239 "'tiKLJt Hi u V I'll - GLOBULUS IN SOUTB ITALY. tin.- vendor; but the purchaser who buys timber standing has to risk all that also, and it the vendor sets about the business in the proper way. Iir ought to gel all his expenses back again in tlir price of the timber. Bj far the best plan for owners ol timber is to fell and measure the timber after it is down, and I look forward to the time when, under a better system of forestry in this country, that will be the rule. There is great risk of loss ami waste in our present methods of conducting sales. When a tree is down the measuring of its contents in feet is one of the simplest operations and the measure can be verified by anybody ; butwhen trees are valued standing, their owner has seldom even a vague idea himself what they are really worth. The market price pel foot is easily lined; it i- the number of feet that the vendor needs to get at, and all the rest is plain sailing. 1 have seen valuations of large hits of timbei by persons calling themselves valuers in which the number of trees ami poles only were banded in to the owner, with a line to the effec* that the vainer valued the hit at s. i iniieh, giving ilie total sum, ami that was all. I b el once in act as referee in a disputed case where a whole plantation was sold to a colliery, the difference between the opposite valuers being wide. N'l't being able to see where the value claimed oi e side came in, after sorting oul the different kinds of trees and their itents, I asked the valuer " how he got at it." Hisreply was, "That is my b'isiness." The fact of the matter was that either his quantities were not there, or hi- price was out of reason, ami he knew it. At all events he had tu make a large abatement. One of the first things that strikes the visitor to German forests is the extreme economy practised ami the absence of waste. Every scrap of wood is turned to account. Seeing a waiter at a hotel turning out a bundle of what I sup- posed to be matches, I looked at them, and found thej were tooth- picks from the forests i lose by. and they were 'he only kind in use « herever I went. Nothing is wasted. < >f course the demand for firewood nets rid of much small forest pro- duce that is frequently unsaleable in this country, and that more than anything else clears the ft nest of much small top and lop that is left after falls of tim- ber in our own woods to litter the ground till it mts. The (iernian system of forestry really renders a complete clearance of old refuse from the forests a ne- cessity. Decaying branches breed disease, harbour injurious in- sects, and hinder seed- ing and planting opera- tions. Hence, after the timber has been removed, all the cord- wood and small top is collected, stacked in and suld for firewood Wood-splitters exist in measurable quantities ami other purposes. every village in the forest regions, and immense quantities of firewood are stored close by. In some places the villagers (women) are allowed to go into the woods to pick up the brushwood — paying a small suai for it — and they carry it for miles on their backs to their homes. Forest produce of the kind described in the forest regions of the continent are to the poorer inhabitants what peat is at the present time to country people in remote moorland districts in Scotland and England. If ever we have again extensive forests in this country, forest industries will no doubt revive, ami w 1 tires in dwellings will he much commoner than they are now with coal plentiful. FlREW would now In- far more extensively used, in preference to coal, if only it was plentiful ei n 'Ugh. That is the sole reas. in. I believe, why ii i- not used more extensively, for most people prefer wind tiro, if they can have then i, and in some houses the fireplaces are made to burn wood. Iii the south ami south- west of England a good deal of wood is burned at present, and whenever coal reaches a high price, the demand for wood i> considerable, on the score of economy al Immense quantities of small lireu 1 are consumed now in towns and villages, and ri.ular supplies are furnished to shopkeepers to supply their customers. This firewood is used mainly for lighting fires, and faggots for that purpose are carried rigbj into the country from the towns and sold at so much per bundle or dozen bundles. And not a bit of this com- modity is home-grown. Quantities are, I believe, imported from the continent, and at all events the best faggots are made from foreign Fir, deal fragments, and refuse. And this goes on in neighbourhoods where much home timber is felled and quantities of faggot-wood left on the ground to rot. Agents to proprietors might collect every bit of brushwood and dispose of it to advantage, but that i- rarely done except for home consumption. ( )n numbers of estates 1 1 people would collect the firewood of this description and he glad of it. and willing to pay a reasonable price, but the gamekeeper steps in here on behalf of his pheasants and other game and prevents them. The quantity varies, but for even 100 cubic feet of timber removed from a wood about a ton of top-w 1 i- left. A huge p.ntion of this consists of CORDWOOD, pieces from I', inches to 0 inches thick, and which is usually cut and ranked by itself. Not so long ago the cordwood ranked as an im- portant item in a fall of timber, L 5s. per cord or ton being easily realised for it, which meant 10s. fur the owner in the wood, the difference being paid for cutting and sorting. Cordwood is either made into charcoal on the spot or is removed by manufacturers to their works and distilled fur its chemical products. There is always more or less demand for charcoal in connection with the manufacture of steel and tor other purposes, but it should he well made if a fair price is expected for it. Sheffield steel manufacturers sometimes buy huge quantities in the wood and have it burnt there by their own men. In most parts of England charcoal can always lie readily sold. and there are usually charcoal-burners in every locality who under- stand the business, living in the woods during most of tin- year. From time immemorial charcoal has been an important by-product of woods in England, and the sites of charcoal pit- ran often be detected in old woods by the groups of seedling trees that have sprung up on them while they were bare of vegetation. Scottish writers mi forestry, such as Brown and Grigor, make hardly any allusion to the sub- ject, and charcoal-burning is less understood in the north. I mt nowhere should cordwood suitable for charcoal he neglected when the quantity is large. We have sold large quantities to the poorest of charcoal-burners, who collected and cut the wood themselves and found the purchaser.-, paying the forester for each pit before removal, the fraternity being something akin to gipsies in their hahits and customs, but ade| tsat their business. A charcoal pit requires close attention day and night in order to pro- duce the " coal" without waste. All the dust and small has to he sifted out, lump charcoal only being paid tor, the dust, as often as other- wise, being left in the wood. After the charcoal man comes the " ramil" burner, who takes what the first leaves in the shape of stieks under 2 inches in diameter. This produces small nodules of coal tit for some purposes, but the demand for it is not great. .1- Simpson. ( To be continui 'I- > LiOtUS PeliO^hynCllUS. Even in the must favoured spots this will nut always pass through our winters out of doors unprotected. For the rock garden it is an ideal plant, and likes a hot, sunny spot where it will grow freely, throwing out long growths of pretty grey-green foliage. Overhanging a ledge of rock or trailing over a great boulder and studded over with crimson Clianthus- like flowers, it is really beautiful. It is a plant seldom seen grow nig in the open. — J. R.. -V. II ales; 240 THE GARDEN. [March 31, 1900. KITCHEN GARDEN. WINTER ROOTS NOT MUCH GROWN. AT certain seasons, such as we have just passed through, when great havoc is played with the winter green vege- tables, there are some things not much grown that are worth extended culture, as they need but simple atten- tion and give variety. Another point is that these vegetables may be grown specially for winter sup- plies, and for this little glass protection is needed. My first vegetable on the list is ( 'ki.kuiac. a root of which I have several times advised the culture in The Garden, and a vegetable that at the present time is being imported in large quantities from the Continent, and I fail to see why this is necessary, as it will grow as well in this country as in France, but of course to get it equal to imported produce it needs good culture. In this note I shall only briefly describe the most simple, and at the same time efficient mode of growing good roots. As its 'lame implies, it is closely related to Celery, the root being the edible portion instead of the stalk, and, unlike Celery, little blanching is necessary. In my opinion few vegetables are superior when this is well cooked, and those who like boiled Celery would prefer the sweet nutty flavour of Celeriac. Now and until the end of April is a good time to sow seed, and at the start it may be treated like Celery. For early autumn loots I would advise sowing in the early part or middle of March, and for late use from Christinas to April, the seed should be sown in April. For an early supply a box of seed raised in heat will be ready to plant in the middle of May. and later sowings should be planted in June : in fact, whenever sown it is well to prick off the seedlings when large enough to handle. These will do in frames, and the earliest will benefit by a little bottom-heat. On the other hand. I have sown Celeriac in a cold frame in April, pricked out the seedlings on a warm open border when large enough, and got roots equal to t hose sown in heat. When planting out they need care, and the -ml should !«• deeply dug and well enriched with manure. They do well in drills 'A inches deep to convey moisture to the roots. Bach seedling should have all suckers removed previous to planting. The plants may be placed in rows 2 feet apart, or even more it laud tan lie spared. and IS inches apart in the row. They need copious supplies of water dining dry weather, and liquid manure or a fertiliser previous to the watering. During growth all suckers that show should be pulled out, and I have in light soil found a mulch of short manure of great value in the summer months. Celeriac remains sound for months after attaining maturity : it is nearly hardy. It may be lifted and stored like other roots, or soil may be drawn up to the crowns early in the autumn anil the roots dug up as required. 1 favour the latter method, as the roots are firmer and sweeter. S M.s M v AMD SCOEZONEK \. Both these vegetables are useful at this season and can be grown and wintered in the open in well-drained soil, with litter as a covering in severe weather : but it is, don I it less, the best plan to lift in November and store the roots in sand or line ashes. as treated thus the\ are easy to get at when needed in severe weather, and the Last-named, being a native of Spain, in severe winters is liable to injury in the colder parts of the country. I mention these two vegetables together on account of their scisiill belli.: the -,.11111- and both needing t lie, une kind of culture, but it should be stated that Salsafy should not be sown in recently manured land, as it is inclined to fork badly, and to prevent this I would advise land that has been heavily manured for a previous shallow-rooting crop and dug deeply. Few roots better repa.i than this, and, failing liquid, it is well to make free use of fertilisers, such as guano or nitrates, given during growth. An open position is essential, as shade in any form creates a tendency to run to seed. Seed is best sown in April for an early supply, and the middle of May for a late spring crop. Both need much the same space— 2 feet be- tween the rows, and half that distance between the plants in the row. Unlike Celeriae, these roots go deep down in search of food, and thus need deeply- dug soil and food during growth as advised above. In poor land they run to seed and are worthless. There are very few varieties. The best Salsafy I have grown is Giant and the Mammoth. These are larger than the ordinary kinds, and the newer Russian Scorzonera is superior to others. The flavour of these roots is much liked by many. Hamburgh Termr-rooted Parsley. This is probably much less known than any of the above roots, and on this account is worth describing. It is well worth growing in all gardens where variety is needed, or vegetables in quantity are required. The roots when well cultivated are delicious, and many persons are very fond of their distinct flavour. Much the same culture is needed as advised for Salsafy. Recently-manured land causes the roots to spread or fork badly, and though poor land is not desir- able, food can be given freely during growth, or the land heavily manured for a previous crop, such as Onions or Celery. Seed for root-production is best sown in March or early April in drills IS inches apart, and the plants 12 inches apart in the row. They are ready for use in October, and keep good till April if stored in November in a cool place. G. Wvthes. ILFRACOMBE MARKET IN SPRING. Tin: end of last April found me in llfracoinbe. and, without knowing what was in store for me, I dis- covered that I was in a part of Devon where old-fashioned flowers were grown in abundance anil made to pay. Down here in the south of the county tin ttage gardens are singularly unin- teresting, but ill the north it is otherwise. One has heard much of the beauty of the North Devon gardens -loo much, in fact, for the grubber from South Wales and elsewhere has ravaged the whole [lfracombe district, and one may go miles, not only on the high roads, but in the bye-ways, off the beaten track, and find little else lint Hart's-tongues and other equally common varieties. Devonshire land- owners are at last awaking to the seriousness of the situation, and the United Devon Association is making arrangements to undertake prosecutions, and pay a part of the expenses if need be; but the grubbers are by no means easy to catch, and when caught the people robbed often refuse to sanction a prosecution. When too late the seriousness of the situation will be recognised. However, if the hedgerows are losing their charms, the cottagers and fanners are fully alive to increasing the beauty of their gardens. The rich red soil is unusually well provided with the essen- tials for brilliant colouring, and in it bulbs above all things flourish and increase to an extraordinary extent. Further than this, every flower that can In brought to market finds a ready purchaser. llfracoinbe Market House is built on two levels, with a drop of some '20 feet between the two, a double set of exceedingly steep stone stairs pro- viding communication, bet anyone who loves a mass nt colour take his stand at the head of the stair-, say. at ten o'clock on a Saturday morning in late April or early .May, and he will enjoy the scene, Behind and in front of him will be crowded stalls, flowing and overflowing with flowers of all sort.,. Tulips and Narcissi, Forget-me-nots and Wallflowers, Seillasof all sorts, stacks of Hyacinths, Anemones, Primroses of every shade, Ribes and purple Flags every kind of good hardy flower is there. For a shilling you can get enough flowers to keep a house gay for the week, and, what is more, not only flowers - for the g 1 folk have far but one can get bunches of green of all sorts, and bunches of grasses and great bales of sweet-scented things, such as Southernwood and Myrtle. Lemon Verbena and Rosemary. The flowers of the field are not forgotten either. There are several stalls devoted to Marsh Marigolds and Cuckoo Flowers, the wild Aquilegia and Water Forget-me-nots, tinted Ivy and Water- cress. Everything is jumbled up and, owing to lack of space', huddled together, but it is a sight never to be forgotten. The Tulips are for the most part Gesneriana and Golden Crown or Golden Eagle, which you will, but there are many bunches to be seen of good old striped varieties, one in particular that I am very fond of, orange splashed with apricot and rose. Parrot Tulips have only lately been introduced. and are more expensive than the others, but doubt- less as they increase they will get as cheap as the rest. Most of the flowers' have to be brought many miles to market over precipitous roads, and several of the carts come with the Tulips cut with long stalks and rammed into flinch pots, the bottom of the carts being packed tight with the pots, and then on top come boxes of the smaller flowers. It seems an excellent plan, and the flowers travel straight to the buyer's hand as though they had only been picked ten minutes. To my mind, the chief gem of the whole show is the Scilla tribe. Nutans and campanulata are to be seen in heaps in all shades of colour, from white, through rosy pink to pale blue, and so on to intense purple. Why are these lovely Scillas so little grown ? They are ridiculously cheap, and for planting with a background of shrubs or trees, or, better still, in semi-wild places, they are unequalled. One old lady brings a cartload of Anemones — and such Anemones ! I have never seen a finer range of colouring ; and as to her fulgens, they are dazzling. But the pride of her heart is her stock of fulgens bicolor, a variety now almost out of cultivation, and to my mind a most beautiful thing. It is exactly like the type, except th.it it has stronger foliage and a white band running down the centre of each petal. As the flowering season is on the wane this band is not well defined, and the petals are irregularly flecked with streaks of white. Poking about among the stalls, I last year found many other treasures, including a splendid crimson Jack-in-the-Green Polyanthus: a dwarf German Iris, both white and purple, half-way in height between pumila and the common form ; Muscaii comosum, monstrosum and luteum ; a funny old- fashioned pale pink Hyacinth with about a dozen semi-double flowers on a long stalk— in fact, I took it to be a double form of nutans until I bought some bulbs and saw the foliage, which proved it to be a Dutch form ; and many another thing I saw that I have no room to speak of. All 1 can say is. go and see ; and if you take an interest in the flowers of our ancestors, you will find them at Combe Martin and Braunton, Lee or Barnstaple. The whole district is full of good things, but. above all, go to Combe Martin, where lives the Lady of the Anemones. B. I). Webster. Xi iiimi . I hbol. liberal applies of food in the way of liquid manure | better taste than many a professed market grower- u FERNS. [ARDY FERNS. NDOUBTEDLV the best time of the year for re-arranging or dividing hardy Ferns is in March or early in April before they commence to send up their fronds. Moved or parted at this period, their long winter's rest enables them to stand the operation with practi- cally no cheek at all, and they have the whole of the growing season before them in which to re- establish themselves. Those who may be desirous of starting a collection of good varieties should avail themselves of the opportunity, as while still dormant they travel without damage, and. as we have said, are all ready to start fair in the new March 31, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 241 quarters which may be provided for them. The more delicate varieties — that is, as regards their make, for all are hardy as grass — to which we have already alluded in previous articles, should certainly have the protection of a frame or cold conservatory, as few gardens afford those congenial conditions of shade and shelter from wind which permit them to show off* their charms to the best advantage. Anyone with a conservatory facing north, where flowers are handicapped by lack of needful sunshine and only exist as scarecrows, would be well repaid by the acquisition of a few good Lady Ferns. Lastreas. and Shield Ferns of the right class, which would thrive under such circumstances. A frame or two vmder north walls would do the like, and it is a capital plan to keep to the varieties of one species in each frame, as is often done in the Lake district, where our native hardy Ferns are appreciated as they should be. There we walk into a Fern-lover's garden, and rind one frame full of Blechnums — no two alike, but all beautiful — another full of Polypodium vulgare in all its diversity, anil so on. There, as a rule, the plants are in the soil, a special bed being made of 2 1 compost, and the frame simply put over it. due attention being paid to shading and admission of air. A thick lied of ashes, however, at the bottom of a frame and plants in pots or pans serve the purpose well, and admit the better of shifting if the growth becomes too crowded. Cocoa-nut fibre does well for a time as a plunging material, but is apt after a while to rot and breed fungi, and then is distinctly harmful. In the open many of the minister varieties, such as most of the Lastreas or Buckler Ferns, can take care of themselves, and lose little beauty by roughing it; but it is always advisable to embed porous stone or brick- burrs between the plants, forming a sort of rockery, even if it be Hat. as these serve the double purpose of retaining moisture in the soil and keeping the plants from spreading unduly into each other's domains. It is well, too, to divide the plants from time to time when their crowns have a tendency to multiply and form bushes: single crowns always- develop to far better advantage. The best site for a rockery is under a north wall, and with a slope facing north or north-east ; but some sort of wind- break is needed with such an aspect in many situations, as Ferns suffer perhaps more from wind than from hot and scorching sun. If a Fern needs dividing, it is better at this season to fork it up with as little root-damage as possible and pull the crowns apart, using a knife a- a start if necessary, but taking care not to pinch the crowns, in which the future crop of fronds is even now snugly packed, and consequently liable to be damaged by rough handling. Any dead stumps are better removed, but it is early yet (March) to clear away tie- old fronds altogether, as they serve as Nature's own protection against frost and drying winds. With the starting growth a multitude of fresh roots push from the fr^ud bases, and are fostered by the protective debris aforesaid; hence a fit of tidiness may suddenly expose these and seriously damage future results. If neatness is a sim qud rum, some light mulching of leaf-mould should be given as a protective substitute round the crowns. In the open ground Ferns are far less dainty as to soil than they are in pots or pans. Good Loamy garden mould does for practically all, but it always pays to give a liberal admixture of leaf-mould or brown peat when a Fern bed or rockery is made, and if the soil be stiff this is quite indispensable. A common mistake is planting too closely together. In the first instance, acquisitions are usually young plants, and consequently are installed so as to furnish the bed or rockery fairly well at the out- set : hence a single growing season suffices to crowd it, and only the few on the outside get a chance of displaying their beauties', and quite possibly some unfortunates in the middle perish altogether in the struggle for light and room. It is therefore highly desirable to bear in mind the size of the adult plants, and submit to a little bareness at first ; and it i- also best to put tin- dwarf forms well to tin front. Finally, we beg our readers not to devote g 1. shady, sheltered, congenial spots for Ferns to tin- common ones bought from the street haw k-T or 1 1n- shilling-a-dozen roots exposed outside some flower shops like seedling Cabbages. These are not — emphatically wt the Ferns we treat of at all. True, if properly grown they are pretty, but their place is the country hedge, or coppice, or glen whence the Fern vandal has plundered them, and where Nature now and again in some inscrutable way transforms individuals amongst them into the varieties, ten times more worthy of cultivation, with which our Fern-hunters and Fern-raisers have enriched us all. though few are wise enough to profit by their successful and persevering quest. ('has. T. Druery, F.L.S., V.M.H. NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. HYBRID DENDROBIUMS AND L.ELI AS. VISITING Mr. .1. Cypher's nursery at < 'heltenham at any season of the year is interesting, but about this time Den drobiumsand Ladias form an important feature. The flowers of Dendrobium Phahenopsis are produced in wonderful profusion, and the species and hybrids of the deciduous section also present a picture that cannot be excelled, not alone for the number of flowers, but also for the varied characteristics displayed in the innumerable varieties now in full beauty. The hybrids of the !>. Ainsworthii section ate a host in themselves. 1). splendidissimum granditlorum and its near allies produce large Mowers of rich The Cypripediums are represented by the best and rarest forms. One of the finest in flower was C. Wottonii (eallosnui bsllatulum), from Mr. Measures' original stock. Numerous forms of ('. Lathamianuni, C. Calypso, and C. villosum were in beauty, showing the usefulness of these late winter-flowering Orchids, which an- suitable sub jects for cool-house treatment. The Mexican Laelias, like the Dendrobiums, have been for many years a special feature of the Cheltenham nurseries, and remarkable instances of good culture are evident in the numerous natural hybrids and species. The dark section of Laelia anceps includes such superb forms as L. a. Amesia- and L. a. grandiHora. which is closely allied, if not identical, with Mr. Chamberlain's fine variety (certificated a few years ago). The subject of the accompanying illustration will convey an idea of the extent to which the white section alone of L. anceps is cultivated. 4'Jn blooms being in full beauty at the time at which the photograph was taken. They include such well-known forms as L. a. Dawsonii. L. a. Sanderiana, L. a. Williamsiana, L. a. Stella, and L. a. Hillii. We should much doubt if a finer show of this section has ever been seen than the one displayed. H. J. C. SEED SOWING In these notes I refer chiefly to vegetable crops, though, as a matter of fact . they apply equally to annuals sown in the open border, or more tender ones raised under glass. In earning out such important work, how few of us escape making the common error of sowing the seed too thickly. I lertainly no one would a Ivise such a bad practice, A DISPLAY or W1I1TK FORMS "1 T..KI.IA ANCEPS IN MR. .1. CYPHERS NURSERY AT CHELTENHAM. substance and colour. I). Dulce (Linawianum x aureum) is represented by the best form we have seen ; the flowers are much larger, more open, and of a deeper rose tint than usual. I), rubens grandi- rlorum is another striking hybrid, showing the influence of D. nobile nobilius in its parentage, the sepals and petals being as dark as the last-named species, the lip tipped with purple, and having a broad band of white in front of the rich maroon disc The species are well represent'. 1 by finely- flowered specimens of I). Wardianum. D. atro- violaceum. I), nubile in variety. I), n. Ballianum, I), n. nobilius, L). Cooksonii, with unusually large flowers, and various other species were well repre- sented. The robust growth shows the good effect of Mr. Cypher's system of culture. and all are. or should lie, familiar with the evil likely to follow. Whyjthen do we continue making such mistakes'/ Probably we do not realise, at the moment when the " pinch " of seed is between the thumb and finger, the number of seeds that ■•pinch" contains. Some seeds are sosmall — the Begonia for instance — that no little care and patience are necessary in distributing them evenly and thinly over a given space. In this case some slight excuse may be made if the seedlings appear in tufts rather than each one separated nicely from its neighbour ; but this certainly would not hold good with any vegetable crop. Few, if any, of our crops are sown so thickly as Carrots. On cultural lines all seedsmen would condemn such a method, but as a matter of business 242 THE GARDEN. March 31, 1900. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. TWO INTERESTING SINGLE ROSES. HE single Rose named Miss Will- mott is a seedling raised in this nursery from Mine. Hoste crossed with l'ldeal. The flower has almost T Chinas. Rosa berberidifolia Hardii is a somewhat old hybrid raised by M. Hardy, of the Jardin de Luxembourg, in Paris, from It. simplicifolia or berberidifolia. Its parentage is not known, but that it is a. hybrid the departure from the simple leaf of the species shows. It i th letal. The cultivation is not fairly hardy, but wants a i thev can hardly lie expected to be severe with their clients for the wholesale waste of seed. A moment's thought should he sufficient to stay the careless hand of the sower. If we take the Brassica tribe or Celery, for instance, it is desirable to have a good store of plants to work upon, and there is safety in sowing plenty of seed, providing it occupies sufficient space. Unless ii be tie- different kinds of Beans « liii li are set out with a dibber at regular intervals, how few of our other crops but suiter more or less from the overcrowded state of the seed-bed. When thinned out or transplanted, the plants may out- grow such unfavourable conditions, but better results still would undoubtedly follow had they not been subjected to i liem. In sowing the seed of Peas it is necessary one should bear in mind the abundance of haulm many of the main crop varieties make and provide room for its full development. It is impossible for each plant to branch out freely when the seed is sown thickly. The drills should not lie V-shaped with the seed huddled together in the bottom ; they should be broad, from 0 inches to a foot across, and flat. If the seed is next sprinkled thinly over the surface of such shallow trendies, each plant would lie capable of producing far more fruit. "lie' advantage floes nut end here, as when grown under these conditions growth is robust, and the plants are thus better able to withstand the trying ordeal of drought, the greatest enemy of this vege- table. Compare an ideal row of Peas growing tinder the conditions described and a crowded mass of pale-coloured haulm wedged together between the supports, which quickly collapses under the influence of dry weather. Again, the rows are often placed too close together. It is far better to have ihem 6 yards apart instead of 6 feet, and to take snme other dwarf- growing crop from the intervening space. The main batches of ( 'elciy w ill s.ion have tu he sown, but in sti.nl of crowding the seed in shallow boxes or pans and placing them in heat, select a warm, sunny bonier. prepare a nice -nil bed, and sow mi this. cpvei nig afterw a rds with spare sashes or hand lights. Il given plenty of room the plants will become sturdy from the first, and when large eni nigh go direct into the trenches, thus saving much tedious work in pricking oft' and en- couraging the en- feebled plants raised in a crowded state to become strong and healthy. The same remarks apply alsci to ] ! i < >. ■. ■■ .1 i and all our winter crops now being sown. When raised thinly the plants are hotter able to withstand the check given by trans- planting, which usually has to be d during the hottest days of sun r. Many have to trust in annuals to give the summer display in the flower garden or borders, and beau- tiful i hey are w hen |n iperly managed, hut in many instances how very fleeting is their season, especially during hot, dry summers like the last. With a deep whilst allowing a free circulation of rich soil and the plants very thinly disposed, a ( '/it \/i it lit. GeORI longer season and finer flowers would be secured. To instance this we have onlj to notice to what a size and strength a chance seedling of Mign tie will attain if allowed unlimited room In develop. Many other eases can Id he quoted did spai-e permit, tint perhaps sufficient has been said to draw atten- tion to the evil of thick sowing, a practice which, 1 think, cannot he too frequently or forcibly con- demned. Richard Parkek. the coppery colour of the Austrian Copper Briar, and the plant is of the same growth as Miss Lowe's single China. It is evidently a "hark back" to the single was growth tree near-like leaf Inlly 20 inches Inch, but the plant that was grown in the Tooting nurseries as the type about twenty-five Mar- -nice, as this and the plant now figurine as I. reticulata major are, to my mind, absolutely identical. I speak with no slight knowledge of the Tooting stock, for my acquaintance was most intimate with the plant year by year- indeed, it formed part of my charge at the time. In no soil ir locality have 1 ever -ecu the plant d dug better than in the light, silken, sandy soil of Mr. Parker's nursery. Here not only mil abundant, and the long blossoms themselves stood nearly I foot in height. More than this, the plant was a free. regular, and abundant seeder in the locality named, ami large quantities of the seeds were gathered each year by the writer. The rich coloured flowers of the plant are so only Ih is,, with a blotch like a Cistus on each ; well known and the welcome fragrance so mucl quite easy. It is rv and warm site, CHINA ROSE (['row " drawing by say amongst south wall. ami the warm site autumn wood well. a few stones at the base of a It is apt otherwise to mildew. is necessary to ripen the It is thoroughlj autumnal appreciated, that it is unnecessary to dwell on that point. A more useful item is the culture of this lovely spring flower. The plant does not grow equally well in all localities, and the soil which is of all most disliked by it is that of a close clayey nature: in fact it is almost certain death to plant the bulbs ni any such soils. Tin- plant also most strongly dislikes manures, not merelj the raw. crude material that is harmful to hosts of things, but it positively dislikes even the very oldest of manures, and nol less so the much favoured mushroom bed manure that is recommended rigid and left for all sorts of things. Even more or less distasteful is rich loamy soil. This naturally reduces the soil list to a ver\ small one, and the more fully this is realised and adopted, the greater likelihood is there of success. The soil best suited to its well-being is of a very sandy, peaty nature. This is far the most suitabl '. ami anyone desiring to do this plant the justice it deserves in the garden should en- deavour to imitate tin- character of soil as much as possible. It is a plant well deserving atten tion, and a small spot in the garden may easily be set apart specially for its benefit. A good open drainage is essential, also quite 1 foot deep of soil, of which, if a mixture has l to be made, quite the one-half should be sand. A warm sunny spot is also necessary. Excellent results should follow the cultivati if this plant in the rock garden when a choice of positions is available. An early bloomer, and in proportion early in maturing, it should be planted in all possible instances in Augu t. The bulbs may be kept a short time in the dry state with impunity, but, in common with all classes of bulbous Irises, the sin liter the time the better for the plant, few bulbous plants are more impatient of the dryiug-olt' treat- ment than these, and if anything | reyents the planting being done at the proper time, bury the bulbs in dry sand in boxes, and so exclude the ail'. With due attention to the above or perpetual flowering, which the type is not. The type, li. simplicifolia, is more difficult particulars the disease which often carries the to grow. I have tried it in sea unsuccessfully, but it needs in winters a glass shade to throw IRIS RETICULATA. Amoni; the many species and forms of the early bulbous Irises none are better known than the forms of the above plant. What many years ago was regarded as the type is the finest the bulbs are plant and most showy of them all. I refer to the sand not bulbs off wholesale may be greatly reduced, our moist if not warded oil' entirely. !V the wet The several varieties of the plant are almost air. equally well known and equally deserving of E Paul. attention. The range of colour from the rich violet to the purple, and. again, that of I. r. cyanea, which may be synonymous with 1. r. co-rulea. affords just a glimpse of its great variety in this respect. I. reticulata is a very charming not plant, and grown thus one can enjoy its flowers earlier than is possible when 1 in the onen around. E. H. Jenkins March 31, 1900] THE GARDEN. 243 THE FLOWER GARDEN. THE CROCUS. is no lovelier spring flower grow all the best varieties SURELY there than this. I u of ('. vermis, the ordinary garden Crocus but not one of them is open nearly as soon as those named below. There are a con- siderable number of bulbs in the rook garden planted in masses of each variety. A golden yellow species now in flower is C. susiarms, or the Cloth of Gold Crocus, an old favourite of our gardens, and mentioned by John Gerard in his " Herbal." published so long ago as 1579. The contrast between the golden yellow petals and the outer surface of rich deep bronze is charming. With it we have the species ('. chrysanthus, golden throughout and very pretty. There are various forms of it, and Mr. Maw says he gathered a white variety on Mount Olympus. There are other forms with the petals of a brownish colour outside. Another form with bluish petals, also found by Mr. Maw on Mount Olympus, should be mentioned to show bow variable it is in nature. Another species not so well known as the above is also beautifully in flower — C. Korolkowii : this is also yellow internally, but the outer surface is brownish. The gem of the collection is C. Imperati : the inner surface of the petals is of a pale purple, and the outer surface butt with purple markings. This fine Crocus should be in every garden : being widely distributed, it is variable. A curious reddish form is figured in Mr. Maw's book on the ( 'roeus. C. Fleiseherii is in full flower and very pretty, though not strikingly beautiful. The flowers are white, the outer segments of the corolla being stained purple. Mr. Maw says, " This species is best cultivated to advan- tage in a cold frame, as from its delicate habit and early flowering time, it does not thrive in the open border." It does so here, however. ('. biflorus Weldenii forms an attrac- tive mass of colour owing to the variation of colouring in the flowers ; one variety is pure white anil others p 11 r p 1 i s h . tinted with different shades of colour on the outer surface of the outer petals. C. etruscus, stated by Mr. Maw to be in its flowering state on March 20, was in flower here in Feb- ruary on a part of the rock garden sloping to the east. The flowers internally are of a lilac-purple colour ; exter- nally the petals are buff, with purple stripes. The plant is of robust habit and flowers freely. C. versi- color was in flower on Feb- ruary "23, the flowers being pale purple, veined with deeper purple. This is a good garden species, and has been well known for a long time in English gar- dens. Parkinson alludes to it in the " Paradises, ' and Mr. Sabine treats this species and its varieties to the number of pighteen to a long paper in the seventh ' volume of " The Transactions of the Royal Horticultural Society." The Crocus sixty or seventy years ago seems to have been highly valued as a garden flower. Dean Herbert took special in- terest in it. There is a hand- some coloured plate of nineteen species and varie- ties illustrating Mr. Sabine's paper, which is most interesting and practical. When the Royal Horticultural Society estab- lished a garden at South Kensington in ISIS. Mr. Joseph Sabine was enabled to present the council with a complete set of the known species anil varieties. These were added to as new species and varieties became known after the society removed its gardens to Chiswick. Crocuses at that time were given no protection in winter. Mr. Sabine remarks that "Crocuses require no protection in winter, except from mice, which attack them voraciously, frequently destroying the whole of the roots if they are suffered to continue their depredations unmolested. Rabbits also will eat both the leaves and the flowers of several of the kinds ; they are particularly fond of the varieties of ( '. biflorus. The commoit.house sparrows, as has been noticed by Curtis [Botanical Magaziiu . ROSA BERBERlniFoMA. (From a drawing by II. G. Mum. ) early years of the present en tury, raised in England. Two leading growers, one in the east, the other in the extreme westof London, were the most \ , successful. ( xvas \]r George Anderson, of Eaal Ham, Essex, and Mr. Richard Williams, of Turnham ( '.]<■•,,. the other. Mr. Joseph Sabine, secretary to the Royal Hor ticultural Society, was also a successful raiser in his garden at North Minims. Mr. Williams raised ( '. vernus leucorhj uchus and many others of the versicolor and vermis section. The besl by far Si the autumn-flowering species arc ( '. speciosusand C. zonatus : both these increase amazingly in our chalky soil. J. Dor/GLAS. SAPONAR1A OCYMOIDES SPLENDIDISSIMA. VAE. THE LARGER NETTED IRIS (I. RETICU- I. VTA MAJOR) ; FLOWERS USE- HALF NATFKAL SIZE. f From a drawing by tab. 46), are so fond of pecking the blossoms, especially of the Of the many beautiful flowers and of those that large yellow Crocus, that they make the most striking display, of all alpine plants will soon destroy the beauty of that I have had the pleasure of meeting with a collection if they are not kept during my rambles a I various times on the different away.'' mountain ranges in Italy, fiance and Austria, none Mr. Sabine also took pains to can compare with the many beautiful varieties or identify the natural habitat of forms of Saponarii ymoides. Crocus vernus. The species j The first deep-coloured variety which was dis- seems to be naturalised "in a tributed from the York Nurseries was. I believe, large extended meadow on the found by Mr. Alfred Wheeler when visiting the side of the river Trent, south Swiss Alps ; this was named S. o. var. splendens. of the town of Nottingham." Sonic years later, when on the highest parts of the Specimens were sent up to the Maritime Alps, one day I noticed something un- society in 1824 by Mr. John usually bright in the distance. This proved bo I" Pearson, of Chilwell; the flowers the finest in form, and most brilliant and deepest were of a pale lilac colour, and in colour of any variety Iliad ever seen. The plant others purple of various shades, was by no means a large one. It was secured with When I first began to grow I a good root and safely conveyed to England and this species of Crocus I was in- propagated. The first two plants of it were formed that they must be exhibited at the Whitsuntide flower show at Man grown in pots. I have tried cheater, and were greatly admired ; so much so, that this, but it is most unsatis- I remember a gentleman who was very fond of factory. They do not appre- alpine plants gave half a guinea for one of them, ciate pot culture, and the bulbs It was not until some years after all this that become in some cases smaller , failii they alto- health compelled me to reside m a drier county than Yorkshire. The soil in my garden in Oxfordshire is what the farmers here call "corn brash," that is, it is full of small bits of shelly or flaky limestone and is only from li inches to 15 A square of glass may be laid over inches deep, resting on hundreds and thousands of winter-flowering species if the | tons of limestone rubble ; hence the soil is drained and smaller until AgruxCook.) gether disappear. My advice is, try every kind, autumn, winter and spring flowering, in well-selected positions in the rock garden, groups of the weather is unfavourable. The flowers if picked to perfection. Some rooted cuttings of this plant will open at once in a warm room. They seem to were brought and planted on the side of the kitchen thrive well on our rather heavy chalky soil, but I garden walk, where a few pieces of st had been take the precaution of putting some decayed fibrous j placed to form an edging. In twelve months the loam under and over the bulbs at the time of planting, plints had made such extraordinary growth, that Success or failure will often depend upon the care some of them were fully 1 yard in diameter, and taken in planting, and also to a certain extent when they flowered they formed one perfect mass upon the position chosen. All my bulbs are planted or sheet of brilliant rosy-crimson flowers, so closely where the water can drain away rapidly, and care massed that one could not put a finger in without is taken to encourage the growth of the foliage until it naturally decays. It mav be interesting to some readers to know that inauv new varieties of the Crocus were, in Un- touching a blossom certainly the most gorgeous display of this plant I have ever beheld. During the last few years our gardens and col- lections have been enriched by several new specie.5 •J44 THE GARDEN. [March 31, 1900. of Saponaria, all of which are good and welcome. We have also now a white variety of Saponaria ocymoide3. found by Mr. James Backhouse during liis rami. It's on the I'yrenean Alps. Richard Potter. Charter villi House, Witney, Oxon. PLANTS IN FLOWER AT LA MORTOLA, VENTIMIGLIA, ITALY, ON NEW YEARS DAY, 1900. We have received from Mr. Han bury a most inte- resting list of 363 plants in flower in his garden on January 1. Among other species, many of them rare in gardens, are the following : — Abelia chinensis Gasteria disticha Abutilon venosum Genista monosperma acacia Fa nesiana Grevillea Thelemanniana microbotrya Grindelia squarrosa neriifolia Hakea eucalyptoides saligna Haplocarpha Leichtlini Achania mollis Hexacentris coccinea Achillea Ageratum .Tuniperus Oxycedrus Ageratum conyzoides kalancboe rotundifolia Albizzia lophantha Lantana Sellowiana Aloe Schweinfurthi Lavandula nniltiftda Alyssum gemonense Lippia chamedrifolia Amicia Zygomeris Lopezia miniata Antlmi i iris vismsa Meliunthns Trimenianus Antirrhinum Orontium Arctotis aspera Arisarnm vulgare Asclepias curassavica Banksia marcescens ,, verticillata Begonia heracleifolia ,, incarnata Berberis asiatica Bignonia buccinatoria ,, jasrainoides venusta Buddleia auriculata ,, madagascariensis Bouvardia triphylla Calendula suffruticosa Canarina campanulata Carica candamarcensis < lassia bicapsularis „ coquimbensiG < asuarina atricta Oestrum mortolense Parqui < lineraria geifolia clematis cirrhosa Cluyfcia Richardiana Cobxa main istemma scandens Coronilla pentaphylla Cotyledon gibbiflora Crassula Schmidtlana Crepia virena Cuphea Zimapaui LYliinocactus cornier ,, flavispinus Elreagnua reflexa Encephalartoa Altensteini Ephedra altissima Eucalyptus crebra leucoxylon Euphorbia cereiformis ,, Peplus „ sege talis Freylinia ceatroides Me MercurialU M'Ticandia arvensis Muraltia Burmanni N icotiana glauca Oreopanax Epremesnilianum Othonnopsia cheirifolia Panctaria officinalis Passiflora racemosa Pentstemon campanulatus Pentzia virgata Picridium vulgare Plectranthua fruticosus Polygonum lanigerum Psiadia glutinosa Reseda Phyteuma Rhus viminalis Rhynchosia phaseoloides Rosa Banksia? fl. simpl. ,, indica hybr. hort. Royena pubescens Salvia cacalirefolia Saracha viscosa Schinus Molle Scutellaria Columns! Senecio hadiensis ,, macroglossus Sida mollis Solatium Lycopereicum ,, pseudo-capsicum Sonchua oleraceua 8ph»ralceii umbellata Strc|it'iSi.lcii Jamesoni StephanophyBiim longi- florum Tacsonia manicata „ Van Volxemi Tecoma capensis ,, -stans Xhea cainensis (Jrospermum Dalechampi Verbascuni malacotrichum Vicia Faba Visnera Mocanera W ithania somnifera INDOOR GARDEN. ZONAL PELARGONIUMS. THF. extremely beautiful ami variously tinted flowers produced by tlie many varieties of Pelargonium zonale now render this plant almost indispensable for greenhouse decoration during the early part of winter. Probably with the varieties of no other single species of cool-house plants could so attractive ami brilliant a sight be afforded as by a group of zonal Pelargoniums in flower. In addition to their undoubted value as ornamental pot plants, their How cis in a cut state arc also most useful. Seldom nave I seen a more effectively decorated dinner- table than when pips of this Pelargonium were placed upon a foundation of Maiden hair Fern for the table wreath, the centre vases being filled witli tic lower-trusses, interspersed with a little greenery. For small table bouquets, too, the out Blooms are very suitable, hut arranged in vases for room decoration they are not particularly satisfac- tory, owing to tic petals soon dropping, although the numerous charming semi-double and double varieties that we now possess have largely done away with this evil, so great a drawback to the single ones. If it is necessary to remove the plants some distance away, a little gum dropped into the centre of the Mower holds the petals together. The culture of zonal Pelargoniums requires a certain amount of careful attention if well-grown specimens are to be obtained. The present is a suitable time for propagation, which is generally effected by means of cuttings. These, short- jointed and firm, should be cut to a length of about 3 inches and inserted singly and made firm in small pots of soil, consisting half of sand and half of loam. Very little water is needed until the cuttings are well rooted, and the best place for them is a heated frame or pit where a night tem- perature of about 60° Fahr. can be maintained. When the plants are found to have plenty of roots and are seen to be commencing to grow, they ought to be moved directly into 6-ineh pots and taken to a cold frame. As a potting compost, good loam, with some silver sand intermixed, proves very satisfactory. In order to ensure a firm and healthy growth it is essential that the plants should be kept near to the glass and for a dry, airy atmo- sphere to prevail in the pit. By the beginning of June, if the weather is at all seasonable, a bed of ashes, over which a frame is placed, is an excellent position for the summer quarters of zonals. Some cultivators stand them completely in the open, hut we find it advisable to make use of a frame, as in the case of cold nights or rough weather protection is then easily afforded by closing the sashes. The cultivator should endeavour to produce plants of a pleasing shape, and to this end the leading shoot must be stopped, and the resulting growths also as may be required, taking care always to pinch back to a node where a wood-bud is situated. Stimulants in the form of guano and liquid manure may be applied when the pots are well filled with roots ; an abundance of water is then also required. Any flower-trusses appearing during the summer should be pinched oft'. Even when cold and variable weather again sets in, if the sashes are drawn over the plants, they may stay in the unhealed frame until late September. In October the zonals must be removed to a warm, dry, airy greenhouse, there to remain until flowers are pro- duced. An excess of moisture in the atmosphere quickly causes the individual flowers to damp off, thus completely spoiling the appearance of the whole truss. A circulation of dry air, brought about by judicious management of the hot-water pipes and careful ventilation, will counteract this. Frogmore, Windsor. H. Thomas. MALMAISON CARNATIONS IN SPRING. Old as well as young plants are now in full growth, and the serious work of another season has com- menced. It was customary a quarter of a century ago to propagate stock from cuttings, which were inserted in autumn in pots filled with a sandy compost, and preserved during the winter months in a cold pit, roots being emitted in early spring, when the young plants were potted and kept growing slowly. Not a few old practitioners con- sidered this method of propagation gave superior results to layering. The present practice is at least better in that flowers are produced a year sooner than it is possible to produce them in the old way. I have, however, occasionally increased stock by rooting cuttings in spring. Plants that have been flowering during winter push nice stocky side shoots which are not difficult to root in a warm pit. The cuttings must be covered with glass and protected from the sun until roots have been formed. They are then potted in 3-inch pots and shifted as required till the advent of winter, when they will be established in those 7 inches in diameter, and will form strong flowering plants the following summer. Potting will require to be undertaken at this time for two classes of plants : one, weakly sub- jects that have been wintered in 4-inch or 5-inch pots, and which will now need a shift into those two sizes larger, or, to save space, three into a I 9-inch pot; ami the other, the strongest of last year's layers, which, shifted on now singly into 8-inch or 9-inch pots, produce much better winter and early spring flowering plants than those shifted on in early autumn. It is most important that tie more forward plants should be selected, as bloom in winter is secured only from early-ripened growths that form buds in autumn. Bloom may he taken off these newly-potted plants during the summer, but where there is a sufficient number of plants to meet ordinary demands without flowering them, the central shoot should be removed now in order to strengthen the side growths. Malmaisons coming into flower require a warm temperature, but they must not be stewed in a close and moist heat. A large structure is best, in which they can be most easily provided with a warm, dry. and buoyant atmosphere, such as we find best suits them at their natural period of flowering in summer. Well-rooted plants at this stage and under these conditions require abund- ance of water. The suppression of aphis by means of dustings of tobacco powder also calls for unremitting attention. As a rule disease fixes itself on these early-flowering plants, and it is generally advisable to burn them when once their crop of flowers is exhausted. While none of the diseases that afflict Malmaisons can be safely ignored, in the case of young plants it is not so difficult to at least mitigate their had effects ; old and large plants, on the other hand, cannot be so certainly relieved, hence the desirability of destroying all those infected with disease. Plants in 6-ineh and 7-inch pots, to provide a supply of bloom in summer, from this time demand very careful attention. Aphis is sure to effect a footing unless the growing points are regularly dusted with tobacco powder or the structure fumi- gated at intervals. When plants are clean, one is apt, in the rush of other work, to overlook this ; it is, however, a dangerous omission, because aphis has often effected much harm before its presence can be detected on the foliage, whence it is invariably difficult to dislodge. A check, either from over-watering or from pro- tracted dryness in hot weather, often opens a way for the entrance of disease ; therefore careful watering will be found one of the best means of retaining in robust vigour an already healthy stock. Hot sunshine, for the same reason, is inimical to vigour, and shading should lie applied early in the season and continued till the blooming period is over. A common source of weakness in stock arises from allowing all the side growths to grow, and when there are eight or ten of these besides the buds and flowers to provide for, it is no wonder that plants become weakly. Four or five, or at the most six, side growths are a sufficient number to leave on each plant, all the others being removed by means of a sharp side twitch while they are yet small. Those remaining on the plants will grow with much vigour, and before they become Liable to break down by their own weight they must he shine to the stake supporting the flowering spike. The latter must not be permitted to carry too many buds. If flowers with very long stems are required, it will of course be necessary to leave only the main bud to open ; but where stems of, sav, (i inches or S inches in length meet requirements, a healthy plant will easily bring forward six good blooms. Up to the present time the plants have stood quite close to each other, but now they must be allowed more space, and by-and-by they will again need to be set yet further apart. These operations provide a good opportunity to examine the foliage and to remove fungoid spots and decaying leaves. Slight applications of manure can at the same time he sprinkled on the surface of the soil, but little extra feeding is needed, because if manure is too freely used it favours the production of coarse and ugly blooms. R. Pace. [MANTOPHYLLUMS. Of late years the culture of these beautiful plants has received more attention in the majority of gardens than formerly, and, in my opinion, with splendid results. At the present time (March 16) March 31, 1900. THE GARDEN. 245 we have some fifty plants of different sizes, from single specimens in 6-inch pots to those in pots 12 inches and 14 inches diameter, and all alike have well dowered. They make a grand display in the conservatory. The spikes when cut full length and used in large vases make a fine show, or the Bowers taken off singly and used in small glasses with Asparagus Fern or other greenery are quite as effective for the table. I well remember when these plants were looked upon as belonging to the stove, or at least subjects that required a great amount of heat. All that is now changed. Here, after flowering, the plants are given a growing temperature of about 60° and are well supplied with diluted liquid manure at every watering. Plants that have occupied the same pots for years take an immense quantity of water when growing freely, being well syringed overhead daily to keep the foliage clean, sponging being out of the question here. After the growth is com- pleted the plants are put into a cool house and shaded from the sun until October, when they are transferred to a frame for the winter from which frost is excluded. They receive very little water during the next three months or until the flower- spikes begin to show. They are then taken to a warm house and well soaked with clear water at tirsi, then with manure water at each watering until the flowers begin to open. Under this mode of treatment the plants retain their foliage in the best possible condition and flower with great freedom ; the flower-spikes rise well above the foliage, and on some spikes I have this season counted twenty flowers. Few plants require less attention and very few gi'-e a richer reward. By . resting a few earlier and starting them in heat tin' flowering season is considerably extended. The main point, where a good display at one time is desired, is to prevent excitement in autumn, otherwise the plants will throw up thin and not flower so freely the following spring. I have always found the flowers wanting in depth of colour in the autumn compared with spring flowering. Where it is desired to increase the stork of existing plants they may In- divided immediately after flowering am! placed in a moist, warm structure where they soon emit fresh roots. Imanto- phyllums may be freely increased from seed. I have a number of seedlings which bloom very freely, and make stronger growth than the majority. Some of our largest plants have not been repotted for several years ; in some cases the plants have burst their pots and have had to be put into larger ones. With careful attention to feeding regularly with manure water it is astonishing how the plants grow and flower year after year without being repotted. With suitable treatment insect pests are unknown. David Kemp. Stohi Park Gardens, Slough. GARDEN DESTROYERS. THE SHOT-HOLE FUNGI'S. (CeKCOSPORA CIRC1 MsrlssA.) f EAVES of Peach and Nectarine trees often suffer from the attacks of another fungus that is of a very different nature to the leaf curl M. «/ fungus, described and figured in The Gabden of last week. This fungus, as its name implies, is the cause of the numerous small holes often found in the leaves of Peaches, Nectarines, and Almonds. [f the attack is 1 > 1 1 t slight, little or no harm is done, but if it be severe, the leaves fall earlier than they should, and are of less use to the tree before they fall, so that the crop of fruit the following year is probably a poor one. It is generally supposed when leaves are infested by this fungus that they have been attacked bj some insect, ami surprise is expressed that no insects can be found even after the most careful search. The holes are formed in this way: The fungus, which is a microscopic one, kills the part of the leaf on which it grows. This dead part soon falls out, leaving a hole of a variable size. If the fungus attacks a part of a leaf near the edge, when the withered portion falls out it leaves a notch almost exactly like what an insect would have made when feeding on the leaf. As soon as this disease is noticed, the affected leaves should be picked off and burnt, and the others sprayed with an ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate, which may be made as follows : Mix 1 oz. of carbonate of copper and ."> oz. of car- bonate of ammonia to- gether in a quart of hot water ; when thoroughly mixed, add 16 gallons of water ; or make 1 oz. of carbonate of copper into a paste with half a pint of water, then add slowly half a pint of strong am- monia water (26°), and when well mixed add 9 gallons of water. It is not safe to use Bordeaux mixture, as even when very diluted it has an injurious effect on Peach and Nectarine leaves. If an attack is anticipated, spray with the carbonate of copper solution when the leaves are .just opening, and again for some time at intervals of a week. This fungus not only attacks the leaves, but also the shoots and young branches. Any leaves that fall should be collected and burnt. The falling out of the infested por- tions of the leaves helps to spread the fungus, as they carry the spores to others on which they may fall. There is another fungus that attacks Peach and Nectarine leaves in exactly the same manner belong- ing to another family ; it is known as Phyllosticta persiea : but as the means of combating both pests is the same and the differ- ences between them are quite microscopic, it is needless to comment on them now. The leaves of various plants are infested at times much in the same wax by fungi belonging to these two genera Cercospora and Phyllosticta, though in some cases the diseased parts may not fall out, but remain as brown withered patches. Migm mette. Ivy, Celery, Geraniums, and Wallflowers are often attacked. (!. 8. S. £Vh ~ NaPCiSSUS Seedlings. It may interest some of your readers to know I have triandrus albus seedlings now coming into bloom from seeds sown in September. 1897 — two and a-half years ago. Thev have had the protection of a frame in winter. -Henry Backhouse. Yelland, Darlington. I. PEACH LEAF ATTACKED BY SHOT-HOLE FUNGUS. (NATURAL SIZE.) •2, 5, 6. SPOTS ON LEAVES AND SECTION. 3,4. SECTIONS or HOLES. (MUCH MAG- NIFIED. ) 7. LEAF SHOWING INFESTED PARTS WHICH HAVE Not BROKEN AWAY IN All EAL SIZE.) S. PORTION or LEAF SHOW INC A SHOT JUST BEFORE FALLING OUT. (NATU- RAL SIZE.) CORRESPONDENCE. ARUM LILIES IN ABBOTSBL'RY GARDENS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR, — The beautiful illustration of the above in the issue of Tin: Garden for March 17 is abundant proof of the luxuriant growth and free blooming of tile Callas in the water there. Here they also do well as aquatics, and having a notion (hat ('alia Pentlandi might be induced to thrive in the open under somewhat similar conditions, I experimented last year with a few by forming a puddle-hole at the foot of a rock where a tiny stream could he made to Bow at will, and by which a series of miniature pools occupied by Water Lilies are eon- •246 THE GARDEN. [March 31, 1900. itected and kept full. In this at the end of May a group was planted, but I must admit that in my case it did not turn out sufficiently satisfactory to induce me either to repeat the experiment or recommend others similarly situated to try it. The plants made little growth and produced few Bowers, and the few leaves assumed a sickly yellow [rue before autumn set in. The roots were not actually under water, but the soil was kept a constant puddle throughout the summer. That the position was a tairh favourable one as regards sunshine. &C, may he judged by the behaviour of the occupants of the chain ..I' small pools already referred to. The uppei one was full of Pontcderia (Eichornia) crassipes, which bloomed freely all summer; the next. Xymplneas (Marliac's) ; next THE DR. HOGG AND CRIMSON bulbs of N. pallidus precox, kindly given me by i i \ I \ v I n? ru A r'HPS ^r- Barr from one of his earliest importations, and vjAi^A.N JJJi I JiA^nr-o. gaye them> as T thought the best treatment in good [To the Editor of "Tup: Garden."] ground in the open garden. But two years later Sir.— Please give me your opinion about the two , they were so evidently unhappy, that to otter them Peaches Dr. Hogg and Crimson Galande. Which of the two do you prefer for a second early house (to be started" about January 15)? Which is the more prolific and better flavoured, and possesses the most vigorous constitution '! R. K. [Both of the Peaches in question are recognised in England as excellent varieties. The last- named is an old favourite, but is now being sup- planted by the former. Dr. Hogg is. in out- opinion, one of the finest of all second early or mid-season varieties ; it has the following excellent amc ('alia Pentlandi; the next two, Nyuiphseas points in its favour : a hardy and robust constitu ; and the lowest of all, ('alia a-thiopica and Aponogeton distachyon, the whole of which invariably do well, growing luxuriantly and flower- ing freely. I regret that < 'alia Pentlandi proved such a failure, as its buhl given leaves and deep yellow spathes would have added interesting variety to this sp.it. It was selected for trial in preference to ('alia Elliottiana because the white washy spot- ting of the latter is to me most objectionable. 1 hope others have succeeded better and will record their experie • Joins Roberts. Tan-y-bwlch, X. Wale*. BULBS GROWING IX WATER. [To the Eoitoh of "The Gakden."] Sir,— I have grown this winter in the house a bowl of Grand Monarque Narcissus. The plants have been st beautiful, full of blossom : they were grown in water, only propped up with stones. 1 should be glad if you would tell me the best way of treating the bulbs after the -blossom is over. B. I.. D. [Bulbs that have been forced or grown in water. both of which met huils of treatment arc somew hat against their nature, cannot be depended on to flower again the next year. If it is thought worth while to keep them at all, they will have to be nursed into well-being bj being planted in a warm aspect in well drained soil and left for a sear to re. o\ it. after which they may be used again, though they may not be so good as properly grown Dutch bulbs, which an- now so cheap, that it i- hardly worth while to practise the nursing plan.— Eds.] a chance of life under other conditions I planted the few that survived in the copse. These have done so well that it is clear proof that such a place is the most suitable. — G. J.] BUCKBEAN GROWING IX A TUB. [To the Editor oi " Tin; ( I vrden."] Sir, It may perhaps interest your correspondent who questions yui as to the Buekbean in Thk Garden of March 10, page 189, to know mj ex |,ei leiiee ill tile |il.Olt. 1 ll.lVe it growing ill U tub filled with clayey loam and sunk in the ground, with its edges hidden by small rocks. Here it thrives perfectly, but is unfortunately subject to he attacked by the cats of the neighbourhood, wl I constantly find contentedly chewing the growing stems. Perhaps they recognise the tonic properties oi the plant, to which you allude; in am case they appear to enjoy its bitter flavour. Norm w Rijshworth. /;, , chfit Id, H uUtoa-on- Thann *. ROSE EXHIBITION. [To in k Editor of "Tin. Garden."] Sir, Your correspondent "Philomel," writing in cm 'issue oi last week, mentions the, Royal Botanic l. anlen- as the most suitable place in London to hold a Hose exhibition. May I be permitted to say that this society some years ago made an offer to anj recognised Bora] society to hold their exhi- bition in the gardens in Regent's Park, the society providing all the usual accommodation free of • reserving only t he right of its Fellow s to be admitted. The offer has been taken advantage of by several well-known societies. I am sine my council would be pleased to offer the use of their gardens for a Rose exhibition of the kind contem- jilai ed by ymr CO] i <>- pi indent. Bryant Sowv.f.by. See. Royal Botanic Society, litytnt'i Park. tion, so much so that it can be easily recognised ; it is a prolific setting variety, not being in any sense what is known as a bud-dropper ; its fruits when well developed are of first size, firm and well coloured. Its flowers are of the largest size. too. and when in flower the tree makes a beautiful display. The merits of Dr. Hogg as a high-class variety are fully recognised by those who cultivate for market supply only. Last season we noted that many kinds of Peaches failed to bear well, being thin in flower ; not so Dr. Hogg, which stood out more prominently than ever. Crimson Galande belongs to the small-flowered section; on the whole its constitution is good. Its fruits do nut average so large as those of Dr. Hogg, but of the two they are of higher colour, with more marked traces of colour next the stone. In flavour we consider it to be equal to the other kind in question, hut il: nut deem it tosurpass that variety in any one point. Both for prolific fruiting and in constitution the balance is in favour of Dr. Hogg, which kind will remain fur years as one of the finest uf all the many seedling Peaches raised by the late Mr. T. K Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth. -Ens.] NARCISSUS PALLIDUS I'll.KCOX. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, Some correspondents uf Thk Garden seem to have difficulty in keeping this very distinct Daffodil. It has' nut the habit of multiplying by offsets as readily as more robust varieties of X. pseudo-narcissus, but I find it ripens seed pretty freely, which if allowed to full when ripe and left in the soil undisturbed, comes up and keeps up the -ink. But X. pallidus precox is a wood plant, and I have never seen il do well fur lung in exposed sunny borders. In its own home it is invariably found in woods, tin though there are other varieties with flowers uf the same size and colour which grow mi open hill- both in the Pyrenees ami in the north uf Spain, X. pallidus pra;cox has very distinct characters of its own. the must obvious being i he long Loose spathe uf the bud. rounded and s iwhat nipped in near the base, like that uf the wild Arum. Fifteen years ago these Daffodils were abundant in woodsclose to Bayonne, but nut crossing to the west of the river Nive. They an' nuw nearly extinct near the town, except in enclosed grounds. 1 have seen them flowering in such dense thickets of thorns that I could not get my hand down in tin in when within a few feet, but 1 have never e seen them growing wild in the open ground. Two in three years ago I was driving through Landes, a few miles north of Bayonne, in search of wild X. maximus, when the road passed for half a mile through an unfeni ed thicket in which pallidus prsecox was flowering in profusion. I am afraid that by this time these have all found their way to the English market. The local collectors grow i In in for a season iir two in open beds, but they make | ■ bulbs there and do imt increase or look happy. I would recommend all who have failed with them to try planting them in moist spots in grass under the shade uf trees. When once established in such ground here they seem capable of reproducing themselves, even though each bulb may be short-lived. C. Woki.ky Don. Edgt Hull. Maljxix, Cheshire. [Experience with this lovely Narcissus on a sandy hill tup in West Surrey exactly agrees with tic words of Mr. Wolley-Dod. 1 planted about fifty STOCKING A NEW VINERY. |Tn the Editor of "Thk Garden."] Sir, I should be very grateful for a few hints on the stocking of a new vinery. I have a f -span house. 'J(i feet by 14 feet, facing south, and should like to have several different varieties of Grapes, which I know is often considered inadvisable. It was proposed to plant out within the house seven Vines, and perhaps to try a few in pots. Hitherto I have only grown Black Hamburghs, and know very little of other varieties. I should state that we do not want our Grapes till end of August. Berberjs. [Von may easily grow several kinds of Vines in your house of the size named, and we have seen some of the best exhibition Grapes grown in such a house. Though you say that you do not need your Grapes till the end of August, you do not tell us for how long you need them, which is an important point, as in advising you it is essential to give the best kinds in their season. We presume you do not require to use much heat during the growing season, as Vines such as Hamburghs ripen readily at the season named if started early in April and very little artificial heat employed. There is no reason whatever why you should separate your plants, but we donot sec that you have much room for pot Vines in a house 'Jli feet long besides the seven Vines planted out ; and though by crowding \iiii could possihh have a pot Vine between the permanent canes, we fear this would not be sutis- laetory. as you might injure the latter and get but poor results from the pots. There is no objection whatever to your growing pot Vines till the permanent canes have filled the house ; indeed, this would be an excellent plan, but you do not tell us the age of your Vines, so that we are unable to judge uf space occupied. There are some good kinds you could grow in puts, such as Foster's Seedling, a white early Grape, not a keeper. but one of the best for amateur culture ; Madres- tield Court, a black Grape; and the Diamant Traube, a fine Sweetwater early (irape. If you planted nut. \(iu could add Alicante, a beautiful, easily grown iate black Grape ; also Applcv Towers and Lady I in» ne's. the last being one of the best keepers we have. We do not advise Muscats to be grown with Hamburghs, as they need more heat, though at the warm end of the house Muscat of Alexandria planted out would not fail. Ens A PARTING-WALL AND ROCKERY COMBINED. [To thk Editor of "The Garden."] Sin. Your recent admirable illustrations of wall gardens have given birth to the thought that this excellent plan for the display of many rare rock plants and other subjects has not hitherto been utilised to a desirable extent. Many gardens exist and are in process of formation where parting fences or walls are necessary within the outer anas. Often it is important to confine such division to small limits, hence hedges are not always desirable or suitable. Why. therefore, should not com paratively narrow hollow walls be constructed to act as the dividing line and grow numerous rock plants upon? Such walls may be constructed of burrs, clinkers, pebbles, or even I nicks. As the wall is hollow, the outsides maybe held securely in place with cement, the centre being filled w ith a mixture of old mortar rubbish, loam, and peat ; tie bricks should be used for greater stability. If the compost named is pressed firmly into position, numerous rare ruck and alpine plants would thrive admirably planter! each according to the aspect it requires. \\ . EaUL£V, .March 31, 1900.1 THE GARDEN. 247 LILIUM GIGANTEUM. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sik, — It has been well observed by Mr. William Robinson that ^the introduction of Oriental and American Lilies has entirely transformed the aspect of our gardens. Of the former, the most remark- able illustration is the great Himalayan Liliuni giganteum (pertaining to the sub-genus Cardia- crinum), which when its massive bulb has assumed its full dimensions exhausts itself in the creation of a powerful stem, crowned sometimes at a commanding height with the glory of its funnel- shaped, pendulous, ivory-white, purple-stained flowers. Its perpetuation is entirely dependent upon offsets, of which the largest usually survives, but it takes at the lowest estimate at least four [ prove nearly so florally effective if it has not been grown from infancy in its present position and [ strongly established The process of root-formation must necessarily in such instances as that of Lilium giganteum be exceedingly slow, but when its full capability has thus been acquired, how grandly commanding is the floral result. I had a splendid specimen of this majestic Lily in my garden last summer, which was the result of several years' growth, and attained to a height of over 111 feet, the flowers, which were numerous, being abnormally large and of exquisite hue. But this superb plant was surpassed, at least in dimensions (as I am informed by your contributor Mr. S. Arnott, of Carsethorn), by another which grew in the garden of Cavens House, Kirkbean, Kirkcudbrightshire, to a height of 14 feet, the flowers over-topping the COTTAGE GARDENS. The air of the country, pure and unvitiated, a liberal space of garden ground, good soil, and, in most instances, methods easy within his reach in obtaining manure, See., are some of the advantages enjoyed by the cottager. His garden is to him one of his chief delights, and during the summer-time he spends not a little of his leisure, early in the morning and oft late at night, attending to the wants of his favi unites. True it is that the country has its drawbacks, but then what pastime is exempt from trouble? Water, perhaps, had to be carried a long dis- tance for many weary weeks during the great drought, and sleep was robbed many a time. A I'OTTAOE AND GARDEN AT DEANE, NEAR HASINOSTOKE. years to build up its magnificent flowering bulb. With many cultivators who do not know its nature or elaboration of development, their patience becomes, in the language of my friend, the late Matthew Arnold, " too near neighbour to despair." It is, nevertheless, only when grown from offsets that Lilium giganteum reaches the full realisation of its remarkable powers. A bulb, however imposing in its dimensions, obtained from one of our great Lily cultivators, and planted in November amid the most favourable conditions of climate and of soil, however perfectly it may seem to harmonise with its environment, Mill hardly attain to an elevation of more than 5 feet or 6 feet. Nor will it lofty garden wall. The foliage of this great Lily is heart-shaped, as luminous as that of the Laurel or the Holly, and highly ornamental. David R. Williamson. Marine of Kirlemaiden, WigtOTvihire, X.H. MAKING KLDKR-FLOWER WATER. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — I shall be greatly obliged if you or any of your readers can give me a recipe for making Elder-flower water, and also where a still enn be obtained. C. A. S. Hut what then l. the plants survived. One can call tn mind simple homesteads in not a few of our villages surrounded by much that appeals to one fond of gardening. Borders full of old \ time flowers ; plots of well-grown vegetables ; fruit trees evincing unmistakable signs of years of good culture ; hives of bees, perchance ; the quaint -looking summer-house around which creepers lovingly cling; even the door of the cottage itself half hidden witli climbing plants; the rough home-made garden seat — all combine to make the place typical of an English cottage home. 24* THE GARDEN. [March 31, 1900 Yes, after all, though he may be cut off from what townsfolk are pleased to call "social life," the cottager who loves his garden has many compensations. Roses, perhaps, are his special hobby, and who has better opportunities for cultivating them ! He makes friends of the farmers, and so one finds him in the neigh- bouring fields selecting his Briars. He is on good terms with the gardener at the "hall," and eaeli year he upholds his reputation as an exhibitor in the villagers' class at the annual show ; or if may be that his intentions are bent (in the production of Peas, Beans, Potatoes, and kindred vegetables, and with these he has scarcely ever been beaten, while every year without dissent the villagers have held the opinion that he alone can lay claim to the premier prize for the best kept garden. Against such a tribunal, is it to be wondered at that no local judge has ever differed? Beyond a couple of frame lights or so he cannot boast of much "glass,'' but in these he grows ( lucumbers with the best of his opponents, and contrives, with the aid of his frames, to winter a lot of little stuff. Auriculas, too, he is very fond of,and his " Recklesses," as he calls them, occupy a prominent place in his thoughts. Of his borders he is deservedly proud, be- cause in them are to be found quite a host of hardj plants, some of them tenants of long standing. Pseonies, for instance, take up a good deal of space, and here and there are Lupins and German Irises, Rockets and scarlet Poppies, affording bold masses of colour in early summer, whilst Sweet Williams, Campanulas, and Delphiniums are not forgotten. Gladioli, Tiger Lilies. Phloxes, and Starworts are there to give a brilliancy to the place a little later. The cottager, moreover, has many privileges which an artisan, for example, in a town doe, not enjoy. A house, with a good strip of garden attached, is often to be had at a moderate rental, and his table is furnished with vege- tibles for most of the year at least ; but the town-dweller is handicapped in this respect, as the nearer one resides to a town, the higher is the rent, and long gardens are the exception. Then, again, the purity of the atmosphi re has to be reckoned with, and it is due mainly to these e litions that the cottager is enabled to grow his -allien |irod nee so well, and to ha\e for -ii Ion!! a tune borders of ever-varying and attractive blossoms. W . F. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Hamamelis arborea is flowering more tiri'h lli. in usual here tliis season, the result. I presume, of tin- thorough roasting the plants were subjected to last summer and tho consequent well- ripened wood, but, unfortunately, the wretched weather experienced throughout their flowering lias greatly marred their beauty with one exception. Having a fine plant that was being overcrowded, it was lifted as it commenced to bloom and huddled up mi the lee-side of a Yew tree in a sheltered spot, and a few leaves thrown around the Kail until Favourable conditions occurred lor replanting it elsewhere. There it remains, still waiting, but covered with, I think, the most beau- tiful sheets nf bloom I have ever seen, and the dark background of the Yew tree enhances its beauty. All our others an- much battered and nearly ever. .1. R., North Wales. Ccelogynes and Cypripediums at Vivod, neap Llangollen. A word or two ,il the beautiful Ccelogynes and Cypripediums at Vivod, the seat of Captain Best, mm be of inte- rest In some readers of THE GabDEN. The ex- treme vigour and beautiful shape of these plants would make them an ornament to any collection, hut what struck me must was the extreme small ness of the pots in which— or rather on which — they grew. The reason of this is, that as the plants are used for house decoration, small pots are found much more convenient than larger ones. I noticed that one or two of the strongest pseudo- bulbs of the Ccelogynes had thrown out a small bulb in place of the flower-spike, which is, I suppose, the result of over-development, which few growers are able to bring about. One plant of C. eristata in an 8-inch pot had a diameter of 3 feet Ij inches, carried thirty-six flower-spikes, and bore leaves 16 inches in length. The number of blooms on each spike varied from four to six. while the average diameter of the bulbs was about 5 inches. I also saw a Cypripedium insigne. twenty-eight years old and in a 10-inch pot. the measurement of whieh, by pining the tape loosely over the top, was 78 inches. Mr. Curtis, the gar- dener, uses an entirely different material for grow- ing Ccelogynes and Cypripediums from that usually in vogue, but his system is gradually spreading in the neighbourhood. — Trevor. A note from North Wales. Must wretched weather prevails here at present — very severe frosts, frequent snowstorms, and piercing easterly winds. Consequently, vegetation is very backward, whieh is fortunate in many ways, for, owing to so much rain and snow throughout the winter, there is yet a great deal of planting and groundwork to do. Many tender shrubs are either killed or badly crippled by the prolonged frosts, I fear.— J. 1!.. Tan-y-hwlch. To lighten London's tirab. A touch nf much-needed colour has been introduced in a very simple way into the homes of the poor of Lambeth. In December last, by the kindness of Mr. A. Cameron Corbett, M.P., 2000 children in the parish of All Saints', Smith Lambeth, were each | ue tented with a Hyacinth bulb and a glass in grow it under. The gifts were accompanied with instructions and the enc luragement of prospective prizes. The results, shown at an exhibition nf the Hyacinth blooms at All Saints' Institute, have astonished and delighted the promoters. Quite a beautiful display was made by tin- little exhibitors, some of whom had come from the sadly-crowded tenements nf Nine films. Narcissus pallidus prsecox. Mr. S. Arnott asks for further information about the cultivation of this charming Daffodil, so I will 'jnr lii iii my experience. \l \ success, after several failures, was entirely due to chance. It had been plant ml in ordinary suit on the western boundary of my little rock garden in close vicinitj to a varie- gated Periwinkle. The Periwinkh so n encroached u| us domain; but the Dill. 'HI. so tar from resenting this usurpation, rejoiced m its curtailed rni a room, ami flowered and multiplied well. Last year I was obligi I to separate the bulbs, which had grown into lumps as big as two fists. The exhausted s.nl was removed and replaced l»\ some good loam, and the Daffodils and Vinca replanted. This year iln> promise in bloom as well as ever, though, like everything else tins tardy Bpring, they have lost their precocity. I believe a great many of the more dittieult Daffodils have proved amenable to cultivation by planting them in soil which becomes impoverished by foreign roots. The incomparabilis section all seem to abominate my heavily manured soil, but Emperor and Horsfieldi are perfectly happj in it. I ought to add that the variegated Periwinkle makes the prettiest possible ground work for N. pallidus prsecox. H. M., Bronittgrove. Eremurus himalaicus from seed. 1 think it may interest some of those who grow this beautiful hardy " While hot Poker" to know that ii can easily In- raised from seed, and that with pa tii a ice for it takes some time to arriveat blooming size — a stock nf it can be had from one's own seed. Last autumn soon after it had ripened I got two pans prepared and sown. One pan I had surfaced with coarse gravel to retain uniform moisture, the other nnt so treated, and the difference in germina- tion is must marked, for that covered with the small stones is a fine crop, while the other is not half as well tilled. The plants are getting quite cool treatment and will be left undisturbed till the leaves fade. The parent plant, whieh has been now some five years in its present position, la,st summer showed signs of a double crown, from having been liberally treated with top-dressings of a rich nature, a sprinkling of chemical manure lining added to the rich loam, and just now it is appearing above ground with two large heads, each of which will surely give a bloom. These plants are largely surface feeders from the nature nf their thick horizontal roots, and are an interest and beauty that no good garden should lack. Being perfectly hardy and coming up after a cruel frost of 82°. no one need hesitate about obtaining them. I think, if a plant can be now turned out of its nursery pot. it will, as mine did. make unchecked growth and probably flower next June. I shall be very pleased if any reader will give his experience nf E. aurantiacus, which is said to be quite hardy, and also an edible variety. — I. Hill Poe (Capl.), Rivf.rston, Neiiagh, Ireland. Anoiganthus breviflorus. This is one nf the South African bulbs that has proved to be very amenable to cultivation in this country, that is judging by the examples that have been grown at Kew for some years past. A pot containing a number of closely packed bulbs is just now in the T range hearing several spikes of blussoms, and a very attractive and at the same time uncommon feature it forms. The flower-scapes reach a height nt about a foot, and are terminated by a loose umbel consisting usually of less than a dozen flowers. They are of a rather peculiar funnel shape, having the appearance of being only partially expanded, about a couple of inches long, and of a clear bright yellow colour. This Anoiganthus is a native of Natal. Apparently like the Vallnta. Gastronema, and kindred subjects, it succeeds best when allowed to remain undis- turbed at the roots.— H. P. Sidalcea malva?flora Listeri is a prominent and superior member of an important genus of flowering plants and an advance on its parent, S. malvieflora, also on S. Candida, though a variety named S. m. James Dickson, which I have not yet met with, is highly commended. Sidalcea niaha tlnia Listeri forms the same bold spikes with conspicuously large blooms as the normal form, but with the addition that the beautifully fringed flowers are nf adelicateh, shaded pink colour. The family generally make very showy border plants, and are not difficult of culture upon warm, sunny aspects and where overcrowding is avoided. To grow them well they should be cultivated upon Frontal positions nf prominent rockwork, where, between sheltering boulders, they receive slight protection, and their bold spikes display themselves above mine lowly vegetation, dwarf grasses, and the like. Besides their beauty and effectiveness when growing, the spikes nf bloom last fresh a considerable time when removed from the plants anil placed in water. — W. EarLEY. Veronica spicata. My plants have been iii my possession for many years, and show no signs of altering I heir dwarf character in whatever posi- tion they are. No doubt the plant 'grows larger and si i nnger than in the mountains of whieh it is a native, for the flower-spikes come smiie li inches high or so with me. But it is essentially different in its growth from V. longifolia, being creeping and rooting as it grows, while V. longifolia grows from a woody root-stock in the same way as the tall Phloxes. Like them, ton, it must be frequently divided to keep it at all. The confusion of name cannot be accounted for by similarity nf habit when in cultivation. T. J. W., Woodside /'ink. Crocus gargsrieus from Bithynia. Like many of our spring flowers, the Bithynian form of Crocus gargarieus from Mount Olympus is later t his year than usual. It was in bloom in the laid of February, but it was nnt until the beginning of March that it was in its full beauty. My best clump, though small, looked scry beautiful on one of the best days we have had for some months, when tin- sun was almost summer- like in its warmth fm a time. This little clump had over forty flowers fully expanded, and the brilliant yellow flowers were closely packed together, and really looked very delightful. Their charms were increased by the presence of the bees, which were numerous among the Crocuses, and it was quite cheerful to hear their humming as they flitted about or entered March 31, 1900. 'HK (4AHDKN 249 the golden cups. The Bithynian form of Crocus gargarirus is recognised as being mini' brilliant in its colour than the other forms of the same species. At first I was afraid that this Crocus was going to be a disappointment here, as it flowered badly for a year or two after 1 received the corms from Brou'ssa. It has now quite recovered from the effects of the rough treatment it received in col- lecting, and blooms as freely as any other Crocus 1 have. Though small, the blooms are very attractive, and its earliness in most seasons is considerably in its favour. — S. Arnott. Soil Samples. We have received a cata- logue of the first four thousand samples in the soil collection of the United States Department of Agriculture, prepared by Mr. .Milton Whitney, chief of Division of Soils. To all interested ir soil investigations this publication will lie a useful and suggestive work of reference. Not only does the collection contain specimens of soils from the chief geological formations of the United States, it also includes samples from many of the important agricultural districts, and likewise special collec- tions of wheat soils, tobacco sods. cVc.. from all parts ot the world. Remarks are made concerning tin- collecting of specimens, their arrangement and classification, and it is stated that sets of repn sentative soils are arranged in hoxes. to he distributed to agricultural colleges and experiment stations, with explanatory text regarding their origin, chemical and physical peculiarities, &c. I me object in publishing the catalogue is to suggest exchanges with institutions in other countries. Nature. Sternbergia colchica. IiiTheGardek March i>4. p ±_'s. Mr. Smith, of Newry, says I am wrong in supposing Sternbergia colchiciflora to he an autumnal bloomer. //• writes of S. colchica ; /. ot Sternbergia colchiciflora. The former name is unknown to me. and Mr. Smith's plant is in Hower now. That to which I referred is figured in the Botanical Register, vol. xxiii., plate 2008. Marschall v. Bieberstein describes it as perfuming the fields of the Crimea in the months of Septem- ber and October. Waldsteiu and Kitaibel also speak of it as flowering in autumn, and in the Reyixtt /-it is described as having flbrt s autumiialex, folia rerna. — T. H. Archer-Hind, Cooml>efi*hacre, l)t >-<,,,, March .<;. Narcissus minimus. Itstrikesone with sonic surprise that so many alpine growers arc without this earliest and tiniest Daffodil. I know of man \ collections which, however rich in other Daffodils, d t possess this miniature one. For some time a little clump, originally from some half- dozen ot imported collected bulbs, lias been most attractive on a sunny rockery. I have had flowers from this clump in .January, but this season they have lingered somewhat, and February had come before the first flower opened. There is much difference in the size of the flowers and in the time at which thej open. Today (March 12) two plants have not opened their flowers. In size the difference is noticeable, some one or two being almost as large as those of X. minor or X. nanus, hut others are of that tiny size which made this Daffodil appreciated when it was first introduced. Unfortunately, too many of the bulbs sold for minimus give flowers of comparatively large size. This dwarf Daffodil is one ot Nature's own productions, and is thus not open to criticism on the score of being dwarfed artificially. Its proportions arc pel feet, and one is delighted with its little Bowers. It is in its true place m the rock garden where its bright yellow Rowers can be seen to ad vantage. — S. Arnott. Plants in flower at Hig-hgate. The houses in Messrs. Win. Cutbush anil Son's nursery at Highgate are gay with mam dowering shrubs, prominent an g which are Lilac. Spiriea pruni- folia S. -pi., Laurustinus. ( Ytistis Andreana, Labur num. Staphvleas. and some fine pyramid Genistas, which will soon be a mass of flower. Small plants ot Azalea Deutsche Perle are showing an abundance of flowers, while in the propagating houses is a healthy and promising display of Dracaenas, such a- Sanderiana and Lindeni, Aralias, and many other subjects. In another house is a large batch of ('alia KUiottiana, which is just showing itself above the soil. Vet another is largely devoted to small but well-grown plants of Araucaria exeelsa and A. exeelsa glauea. Outside, a prominent feature of this nursery is the collection of Yews cut into various shapes, such as those of birds, tables, &c. Ivies, also, of every variety are to be seen, while not least beautiful is a large number of very handsome pyramid and standard Bays. Notes from Corsica. Mr. Woodall's note from Cimiez in your number 147* suggests to me the following remarks. The frost anil snow he speaks of on March ,H at XTice were not noticed here, where the thermometer fell at 5.30 a.m. to only (i1' centigrade, though we are only 2° further south. On the 12th instant the first bloom of Gladiolus gandavensis was brought into the house, while we have had Anemones, Ranunculi, Freesias anil Callas for these last three weeks. The latter, being grown in masses and kept in the same place for years, are just now a sight to see. Azalea mollis and indica are in full flower, while Acacia dealhata and cultriformis, especially tine in flower this winter, are now forming their s I pods. A bed of Besehorneria Decosteriana, surrounded with Acanthus mollis, is just now a sight of beauty. Ke 'dyas cultivated in collection have given great satisfaction, and the Abutilons have not been without flower the winter through. Spirsea Thunbergi and Genista alba and Andreana are in full splendour, owing undoubtedly to the dryness of last summer and autumn. In the vegetable department early French Beans show flower. Broad Beans being ready for cropping this week. Tomatoes are out since the first week in February, and begin to form their fruit. We have had some Strawberries in the open, the field showing now a mass of white. The crop of Asparagus, extensively cultivated on this property tor export to the RivHia and bans, is onl) just beginning, though most years it is in by February 15. It must have had a check in root-action owing to the two hail- storms, though these did no harm to the Tomatoes. The sun all through January and February was unseasonably hot. Asparagus is cropped here in autumn and in spring. Another cause of its late ness this spring may have been the dry and open weather right up to (he beginning of the year. preventing autumn digging and sowing all through the island. W. S. E. . I.,: Carrosaccia, Ajp.ccio, I 'ornica. BEST APPLES FOR BRITAIN. I'] A I; I, i . Ii Mi Lady Sudelev. Gladstone. ( 'ooking. Cellini Pippin. Lord Grosvenor. Keswick Codlin. New Hawthorndeii. Stirling Castle. Manks I lodlin. M IlisK \so\. Ih m rl. Allington Pippin. Cox's Orange Pippin. Blenheim Orange. Ring of the Pippins. Cockle Pippin. Margil. Worcester IVarmaiu. Ribstou Pippin. ( 'ooking. Bismarck. Striped Beaufin. Lady Hcnniker. Tower of Glamis. Lord Derby. Warner's King. Wellington. Late. It, m rl. Adam's I'earniain. Fearn's Pippin. Barnack Beauty. Hormead's I'earniain. Baumann's Red Reinette du Canada. Winter Reinette. Scarlet Nonpareil. Claygate Pearmain. Stunner Pippin. Dutch Mignonne. Winter Ribston. ( 'ooking. Alfriston. Newton Wonder. Bramley's Seedling. Norfolk Beaufin. Lane's Prince Albert. Sandringhatn. Wellington. OBITUARY. MR. T. BOYD. FRIENDS of Mr. Thomas Boyd, who died suddenly at the Gardens, Callendar I'ark, on March 19, will lie deeply grieved to hear of the removal, at the age of fifty-five years, of one so popular and so much respected by a large circle of friends. Though our friend and neighbour was not quite well for some time past, there was nothing to indicate that there was serious illness. He was horn at Ilopetoun. near Edinburgh, and had excellent opportunities of gaining an early experience in practical gar- dening. For many years Mr. Boyd was a successful exhibitor of fruits, especially in large general collections and with Crapes. He was a pro- minent competitor at all the large international exhibitions in Englandand Scotland. At Edinburgh. Dundee, and Glasgow Mr. Boyd was often a leader in the van. and returned to Callendar with many valuable prizes from well -contested encounters. He captured two Veitch memorial prizes for Grapes (in both cases they were Black Muscat Hamburghs, a variety somewhat difficult to manage well). At Loch Ryan for some years. Mr. Boyd, when gardener there to Sir W. Wallace, gave a capital account of himself as a young hut successful exhibitor of fruits. He came from there to Mr. Forbes at Callendar I'ark, where his success has been marked as an exhibitor— general cultivator of fruits and vegetables and during the twenty years he has served Mr. Forbes in the fine gardens at Callendar, Mr. Boyd's zeal and interest in his duties has been unremitting. He has left a widow and large family to mourn his loss. M. Temple. Carrou, Falkirk, X. II. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. ORCHIDS. I'a" ti.kva T'n I \\ .]<:. PLANTS of this species which have recently passed out of flower will he beginning to emit new roots from the base of the last made pseudo-bulb. It is advisable, as soon as root-action commences, to attend to any repotting or top-dressing that may he required. Unless the plants have outgrown their receptacles, or the potting materia] is in an advanced stage of decom- position, it is not advisable to turn the plants out of their pots or other receptacles to which the roots have become attached. It is far better in such cases to remove as much of the old material as is practicable and replace it with new. Suf- ficient drainage should be afforded, and a few puces of broken charcoal or finely-broken crocks should be mixed with the t op-dressing materia] to assist in retaining an open and porous condition, while at the same time the compost may be made moderately firm about the roots and base of the plants. Water the plants as soon as potting has been done, and even' encouragement must lie afforded to retain the plants in a plump condition, and even' induceme it given to assist the new roots to establish themselves in the fresh material. This is best done by frequent damping, so that a desirable degree of humidity may lie present in the atmosphere when the temperature has reached the normal conditions. Fresh-potted plants should be shaded from strong sunlight until they have re-established themselves, as this will make the leases turn yellow, which is likely to give the plants a shabby appearance or perhaps permanent disfigurement. The house should also be kept closer, using the shading to keep the inside tem- perature within bounds in all the departments when cold winds are prevalent outside. Shading. This is one of the chief items that will require attention at the present season of the year. In districts where the value of light is of considerable 250 THE (iAkl)EN. [March 31. 1906. importance, one of the most important questions is how to procure the maximum amount of light while protecting the plants at the same time from injury from over-exposure. This is a most impor- tant consideration in London and in the neigh- bourhood of other Large towns, where the smoky and foggy conditions are so detrimental for so many months of the year, that it is necessary to make the most of the more favourable months that remain. We formerly used canvas blinds on all our houses, but now, except on the Phalsenopsis and Vanda houses, we use Walter's lath roller blinds. The initial outlay on these is somewhat large, but when we consider their durability and the uses they can be put to in cold weather, they are of considerably less expense than the older system. The advantage gained in light is of great value to the plants generally, and more satisfactory results are obtained. They are easily fitted, and work in a similar manner to the old canvas roller blinds. Tin: East Indian House. The occupants of this division will now need attention. Where such species as Aerides, Vandas, Saccolabiums. &e., are grown it will lie found necessary to do the required potting before the roots commence to unseal and the flower-spikes make their appearance. For such species as the above living sphagnum moss is the only compost required. Unless the plants have become leggy through the loss of their lower leaves, it is not advisable to turn the plants out of their pots. Carefully remove all decayed or dead material and replace it with the new moss. Where it is neces- sary to cut down the plants, it is best to detach the roots which have become attached to the pots with as little injury as possible. If they are thoroughly wetted before beginning to remove them, they will be the mure easily detached. It is desirable, of course, to bring the basal leaves as near the rim of the pot as possible, but this must be governed by the position of the roots, and they must be cut accordingly. After covering the hole at the bottom of the pot. place the plant as low down as possible; then carefully place the routs inside the pot and till the remaining space with broken crocks, finishing with a layer of chopped sphagnum, mounding towards tin- centre, and pressing moderately firm. Water always with soft rain-water. This is best applied at first through a moderately coarse rose. Keep the house close and a liberal amount of moisture in the atmosphere at all times. Carefully shade from the direct rays of t be -un for a few weeks. When new roots make their appearance, more liberal treatment may be afforded. II. .1. < n \vu w KITCHEN GARDEN. Sowing Reeds. During this month there are several things needing attention, as the land is now in good working order, anil small seeds may lie sow ii. Another sowing of I'eas may be made to keep up a succession. As regards salads, small and frequent sowings will prevent waste or a glut at one time : indeed, from now till August il is well to sow Lettuce every three wicks. A start should be made with the early Broccoli to follow autumn Cauliflowers, few kinds being superior to Autumn Self-protecting, and for succession Michaelmas White or Snow's Winter are excellent. A good bed of Brussels Sprouts sown now will be valuable tor winter use. as I find this vegetable hardier grown early from opon ground sowings, and the sprouts, though not quite so large as those sown under glass, are quite large enough, being solid Mai good. A small sowing of summer or early- ■ nt mini I labbage should be made. There are some excellent kinds, such as Tender and True. Little Gem, and Matchless. These small, sweet varieties oe much liked when the I 'en (lop is on the wane. ( 'a n 1 1 How ei s are an important crop in all gardens, and though not ot great value when I'eas and French Beans are plentiful, in the autumn they are much liked. There is a g 1 selection for present sowing. The I'eail sown now will be ready in August, and for later use such kinds as the King of the Cauliflowers, Magnum Bonum.and for late use Autumn Giant and Mont Blanc arc good. Savoys, unless there is a special demand, should not be sown yet. If liked early, the small Earliest of All or Green ('titled is the best. The same remarks apply to the Kales. April is quite early enough to sow this vegetable. For summer use a good sized bed of the Short Horn type of Carrot will be found useful, and should be sown now. In heavy clay soils it is a good plan to use some lighter soil or wood ashes as a top covering. Spinach is an important spring and summer vegetable, The Carter being the earliest variety 1 have grown. Needing a large quantity of this vegetable, we sow in long rows on land to be planted in May with the main crop of Brussels Sprouts, and the erop is cleared before it inter- feres with the Sprouts. Earlier sowings may be made on a south border. The variety noted is a very strong grower, and needs much room and well-manured land. The Victoria Round-leaved is the next best Spinach, though such kinds as the ViroHay and Long-standing arc excellent. These kinds all do better with ample space, 18 inches between the rows and thinned to Ii inches apart in the row. I have previously advised sowing Leeks under glass to get large roots, but many cannot practise this, and it is not a necessity, as excellent produce can lie grown from seed sown in the open at this date. For early supplies the Lyon is a splendid root, and for later use the Holborn Model is very tine. For spring supplies few varieties are superior to the Musselburgh. Celery for main crop supplies and late use should be sown in a cold frame close to the glass, and the sashes kept close for a time. Sow thinly and in tine siiil. Earlier sowings will now be large enough to prick out on a warm bed, but give ample venti- lation in tine weather to secure sturdy plants. We get our late Celery for spring use from seed sown in tin- open in April, merely covered with mats till it has germinated. Another good vegetable is Chou de Burghley. This is a late vegetable, and is not grown nearly SO much as it deserves. It is best sown now for use early next year, and few green w inter vegetables are its superior in quality. Radishes should be sown every fortnight in small quantities. Parsley should also be sown fur summer use. and where the plants do not thrive well dress the soil freely with soot and wood ashes or burnt refuse. Another sowing of Turnips should be made. Snow ball being • of the lust tor early summer use. (I. Wvtiins. Si/mi //i.»s, Garden*, Brentford. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. VIOLET LA FRANCE. THIS beautiful single Violet is now fairly well known, and we cannot write more truthful words than those recorded in The Gardes, January 6, 1900, p. 10, where an illustration is given of it. Messrs. House & Sou. Westbury-on- Trytn. who showed it at the recent Royal Horti- cultural Society's meeting, and were given an award of merit, wrote the article referred to. The variety was thus described: "'La France is the latest addition, and is an improvement, in many respects, on Princess of Wales. It has only recently been possible to arrive at this conclusion, but they have now been fairly tested. La Frame is more com pact in growth, which is a consideration where quantities of flowers are required and the space is limited. It is also a linger flower and of a richer and darker colour. Lastly, it is certainly more free flowering than the other." DENDROBIUM MELPOMENE. (SlGNATUM • sfl.KM'llilsslwIM GUANDIFLORUM. ) Tuts secondary hybrid, as perhaps might be expected, resembles to a great extent some of the yellow ground varieties of 1). Wiganiie, but the flowers arc nearly twice the size. The sepals are pale lemon -yellow , ['inches long, and the petals both longer ai similar to the and similar in the broad mat and flattened The well - gn dozen Hnweri Exhibited by Dorking (gard was raised i. cultural Soeie 1 broader than the sepals, the colour sepals. The lip is f of an inch broad. colour to the other segments, except i disc. It is somewhat broadened by the influence of the hybrid parent. iwn plant carried upwards of two ;. It is a most desirable addition. Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., Burford, ener. Mr. W. H. White, by whom il First-class certificate, Royal Horti- ty, March i>7. ZONAL PELAKOONH'M ALL FLOWER This is, we think, a very distinct variety. True. there are other white zonal Pelargoniums, but this has a wonderfully neat little truss, and the flowers are as pure as driven snow. The plant is very free both in growth and bloom. It is a variety that will probably be largely grown. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society. March '27. From Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons. RHODODENDRON DR. STOCKER. We should like to know more about this beautiful Rhododendron. It is. we believe, supposed to be a hybrid, with R. pontioum as one of its parents. Whatever its origin it is very charming, the shoot shown bearing several large open wavy-edged flowers of delicate colouring, white, with the lower inner half soft lemon. If this hybrid proves hardy it will be a gain, but w hethei this is to he so or not it is sufficiently beautiful for the conservatory. Shown by Dr. Stocker. Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society, March 27. CYCLAMEN PERSICUM FIMBRIATUM. We havereferred to tins remarkably distinct strain of Persian Cyclamens in the general report. There is no doubt whatever that these fimbriated flowers mark an era in the history of the Persian Cyclamen. and as the variety of colours extends they will increase in value. Award of merit. Royal Horti- cultural Society, March 27. Shown by the St. George's Nursery Co.. Hanwell. DENDROBIUM AGGREGATUM. A finely grown plant of this old Dendrobiunt was scut from the collection of Mr. H. T. Pitt, Rosslyn. Stamford Hill (gardener, Mr. Thurgood). The plant carried fifteen racemes of flowers, which ate bright yellow, becoming more dense in the centre of the lip. The species has not been previously recognised. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, March 27 . CATTLEYA TlilAN.E VAIL KATIE VVIGAN. This is a beautiful form, very distinct anil delicate. The sepals are .")i inches long, white, slightly suf- fused with rose, the petals being as long as the sepals. 'A inches broad, white, faintly mottled with rose. The lip is wholly of deep rose except the throat, which is neb yellow, with some darker orange lines tunning longitudinally through the base. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. From the collection of Sir F. Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gardener, Mr. W. H. Young). Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society. March 27. ADA AURANTIACA. A MADE-UP basket of finely-flowered plants of this old favourite was sent from the collection of Mr. .1. T. Bennett PoS, Cheshunt (gardener, Mr. Downcs), and the plant having never been previously certifi- cated, the committee gave il an award of merit. DENDROBIUM CLIO SUPERBUM. (SPLENDIDISSIMUM GKA.NDIFLOKIM ■ W.\ KOI AN I'M.) The sepals are upwards of 2 inches long, the ground colour creamy white, tipped with rosy purple. The petals are as long as the sepals and broader, white on the basal half, but becoming suffused with deep rose purple towards the apex. The lip is Ij incites across, the tip in front deep March 31, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 251 purple, then a broad white area shading to yellow around the large maroon-purple disc : the side lobes yellow, streaked with purple. The plant rallied about two dozen flowers. The habit of growth shows the influence of both parents, but the influence of D. Wardianum is evident. It is a most desirable addition to the Wardianum hybrids. From Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking (Orchid grower, Mr. W. H. White). Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, March 27. DENDROBIUM NOBILE ALBUM. Tms is one of the whitest forms of this popular species we have seen. The sepals and petals are of tine form and substance and pure white. The lip also is absolutely white, very little trace of the faint primrose usually noted in previous white varieties being seen. The shape of the flower and habit of growth indicate the characteristics of D. nobile. The plant carried ten flowers. From Mr. .1. Gurney Fowler, Ulebelands, South Wood- ford (gardener, Mr. Davis). First-class certificate. Royal Horticultural Society. March 27. ODONTOGLOSSUM TEIUMPHANS RAYMOND CEAWSHAY. Tins is a beautiful variety. The flowers are 3g inches in diameter and of remarkable form and substance, the whole of the sepals being deep brown, tipped, margined, and mottled at the base with bright yellow, the lower half of the petals yellow, thickly covered with small brown spots. On the apical half there is one solid blotch of brown tipped with deep yellow ; the lip yellow at the apex, then bright brown, the whole of the basal half white, with an orange-yellow disc and a few small brown spots at the base. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme. From Mr. de B. Crawshay, Rosetield, Sevenoaks (gardener, Mr. Cook). Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society. March '27. SOCIETIES. national auric! la and primula. Southern Section. The report of this society for last year has come to hand, and we are pleased to know that it is thoroughly vigorous. sixteen new members have joined during the year, and this surely is satisfactory evidence of the increasing interest taken in the work of the society. The committee " earnestly call upon members to continue their endeavours to bring to the notice of their friends and the public the desirahility of increasing the usefulness of the society. This can he accomplished by the addition of new members. All friends and lovers of the (lower are cordially invited to join, and all will receive, in addition to the privilege of exhibiting at the shows, the annual report, tickets of admission to the exhibitions, and a packet of choice alpine seed saved from the collections .if Mr. . (anies Douglas and Mr. Charles Phillips, who very generously present this seed as an en- couragement to grow era to join the society." The committee, with a view to encourage the cultivation of the Gold-laced Polyanthus, have added two classes to the schedule for these beautiful flowers, one for three dissimilar vaiieties and one for single specimens. They wish to draw the attention of memhers to the fact that the lion, secretary will gladly send reports to any member who may wish for extra copies to send to friends who may he likely to join the society, and there must he many lovers of the Auricula and Primula who would gladly join if the advantages of member- ship were but placed before them. The committee desire to tender to the Rev. H. Uonywood 1 ' ' unliiain and the memhers of the Horticultural Club their best thanks for the use of the club room for their meetings during the season ; to the council of the Royal Horticultural Society for the liberal donation of £10 to the funds of the society, and tickets of admission to the exhibition; and to the Rev. \\\ Wilks and Mr. Wright for the .admirable arrangements made for holding the exhibition. The twenty-fourth annual exhibition of the society will be held in the Drill Hall of the London Scottish Volunteers, James street, Westminster, under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, on Tuesday, April i'4. The hon. secretary and treasurer is Mr. T. E. Henwood, Auricula Villa, 16, Hamilton Road, Reading. We are pleased to see that there is a balance in hand of £20 18s. Od. national carnation and picotee. Southern Section, Thk twenty-third annual report of this society, just re- ceived, shows a remarkably satisfactory condition' of affairs. Many new members have joined during the year, and the interest now taken in tlie cultivation of the Carnation is pleasing evidence of the successful work accomplished by the society. To all who love and cultivate the Carnation, the committee otter an earnest and cordial invitation to join the society and participate in the privileges of membership. Through the kindness of the president, the society are able to offer a copy of the " Carnation Manual " {a most useful and exhaus- tive work) to all new members, also a packet of very choice Carnation seed, saved from his collection— without doubt, one of tile finest ill the world. After referring to other matters, the report says; The schedule for 1900 has been considerably enlarged. The classes for yellow ground Picotees have been placed upon the same footing as for white grounds, and the class for six fancies (one variety) divided into two one for yellow and butt* grounds, and one for other than yellow or butf grounds. In the schedule for 1S99 these classes for six blooms of one variety were open to exhibitors in the first and second divisions, hut having proved so successful, the committee decided to offer separate classes for each division, and thus further encourage these interesting exhibits. A silver cup is also offered to the winner of the highest number of aggre- gate points in the elasses for undressed blooms, as a further encouragement to amateurs. The committee hope and believe that the very liberal list of prizes now ottered will secure for the society an increased patronage and support. The committee desire to call special attention to the classes for undressed flowers to be shown with a sprig of foliage only and without cards. It will be seen that these Mowers can now be stayed either in boxes, glasses, or bottles. at the option of the exhibitor. The committee sincerely hope the appointment of a floral committee for dealing with the question of the yellow grounds, and the decision arrived at at the annual general meeting, will meet with the approval of members. A list is now published at the end of the schedule determining as to each variety whether it is to he exhibited as a Picotee or a fancy. Any yellow ground not mentioned in the said list may be shown on its merits. In compiling the list the com- mittee have exercised a wise discretion in not drawing a too hard-and-fast line in view of the fact of a scarcity of good yellow ground Picotees. hut it was deemed necessary that some action should be taken to prevent (lowers being shown under both headings. The committee will deal with the question annually, and will not only add new names, hut also revise the list as occasion may require. The exhibition for 1900 will take place at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, London, the probable date being Wednes- day, July 25, but the exact date will be announced to mem- hers as soon as settled. The directors of the Crystal Palace Company have most liberally promised £50 to the funds of the society and free passes to members. The secretary is Mr. T. E. Henwood, who is so well known in connection with the National Auricula Society. TORQUAY SPRING snow . THK Torquay District Gardeners' Association held their spring show on Wednesday, the 21st, in Splendid weather. Tin- whole of the exhibits were arranged in the Palm Court, and the effect was charming. There was a great falling off in the number of entries compared with previous years, but owing to the fact of this being the first show held since the Palm Court has been inaugurated, the former exhibitors were not so much missed. Among the exhibits w3s a very fine groupof miscellaneous plants, flowering and foliage, from Mr. J. Slogrove, arranged with good effect. Among the plants exhibited were Licuala grandis, Cattleya Triaiiic delicata, Antectochilus petola, and several Dendro- biums. In the group for a collection of Orchids arranged witli foliaye plants, Miss havers was the only competitor, and here stood out prominent l> Cattleyas, Ccelogynes, Odontoglossums, Lycastes, Cypripediums, and Dendrobiums in great variety. In the class for three specimen Orchids Miss Lavers lost the first place by what, in the writers opinion, was an error in the wording of the schedule. Three distinct specimens of < tologynes, Cymbidiums, and the beautiful Angracum Besquipedate wire staged. Against these stood three well-flowered specimens of Dendrobium nobile, which came from Dr. Ford Edgelow, and took first, Mrs. Hassal coming third. The classes for Primulas. Hyacinths, Tulips, Freesias, Deutzias. were well filled and the flowers in good form. Azaleas would have been better for another ten days to bring them to perfection. A very creditable lot of Gloxinias for the month of March was staged by Mrs. Hassal. In the cut flower section were some very pretty arrange- ments, notably among which was an epergne from Mr. P. W. Kushby, taking first prize, with Mr. Emmet second, and Mr. Davis third. The baskets of flowers grown in the open air showed how favourable is the climate of Torquay, but the arrangement was not first-class. The button-holes and sprays also were not what one could wish for; they lacked refinement. With tlie tables there was more skill displayed. Mr. Minifie came first with a tabic beautifully arranged ; second, Mr. Emmet ; and Mr. Davis third. The nurserymen were very strongly represented with imposing banks of spring-flowering plants. Among the exhibitors were Messrs. Vet ten. A' Son. Exeter ; Messrs. Curtis A* San ford, Mr. W. P.. Small, and Mr. Alward. LINNEAN SOCIETY OF LONIinN. Thk next meeting of the society will be held on Thursday, A] nil .">, at 8 p.m. precisely, when the following paper will be read by Dr. D. H. Scott, F.R.S., K.L.S. : " Sphenophyllum audits Allies, an extinct Division of the Vascular Crypto- gams." A specimen of Beech wood showing old carving singularly imbedded by subsequent growth will be exhibited by Mr. E. Bidwell, F.Z.S. ; also a selection of Dr. A. Henry's latest botanical discoveries in Western China, by Mr. W. Rotting Hemsley, F.R.S. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEM1 M SOCIETY. (in Monday evening last the executive committee of the above society held a meeting at Cans Restaurant, strand, when Mr. Percy Waterer occupied the chair, The minutes of the previous meeting and various matters arising out of the correspondence having been dealt with, the secretary submitted the report of the newly-constituted show committee, which was really a statement defining its duties. It was resolved that some time during the month of .Inly next the annual outing 'if the society be held at Hal ton, Bucks, the charming residence in the neighbourhood of the Chiltern Hills of Mr. Alfred de Rothschild, who has kindly consented to allow the visit of the National Chrysanthemum Society. After the discussion of other matters purely of a formal or routine nature, the meeting closed with the election of several new members. SWEET PEA BI-CENTENAEY CELEBRATION. Substantial progress is being made towards the celebration of the introduction of the Sweet Pea into Great Britain two bundled years ago. This celebration, as already announced, is to lie held on .Inly 20 and 21 at the Crystal Palace, Syden- ham, and will take the form of an exhibition of Sweet Peas shown in bunches, in vases, in pots, in pans, in baskets, in bouquets, in wreaths, in table decorations, and in other ways that may suggest themselves to the gardener and florist: at the same time a conference will be held at which papers will be read and discussed. The work of arranging for this con- ference occupied the attention of the executive committee which met at the Horticultural Club, Hotel Windsor, on Friday, the 23rd inst., when it was decided that the con- ference proceedings he held during the afternoon on each of the show days. Broadly speaking, the subjects for considera- tion upon the first day will be the history, evolution, and improvement of the Sweet Pea, also an Americans view of this popular annual, (in the second day it is proposed to deal with the decorative uses of Sweet Peas, Sweet Pea culti- vation and classification. It is probable, however, that other matters relative to Sweet Peas will be discussed, but a further meeting of the committee will be necessary ere titles and authors car. he announced ami the final arrangements made. The desire of the executive body is that the largest possible amount of information regarding Sweet Peas shall be brought into reasonable limits of time and space, for it is hoped that the funds will admit of the publication of tin- papers read and discussion elicited, together with classifica- tion, ivc, in the form of authoritative report. The executive committee reports that the actual income up to the date of meeting is, in round figures, £250, this including subscriptions and special prizes. The hon. secre- tary, Mr. R. Dean, Ranelagh Road, Ealing, stated that. owing to the immense demand, he had practically distributed the whole of the two editions of schedule and circular; conse- quently, it was decided to have a further aaO of each printed. Letters from several continental and American gentlemen were read, ami in each case the writer expressed his sympathy with and interest in the movement, and his intention of being present at the celebration. Mr. N. N. Sherwood's generous otter to place at the service of the committee, for the purposes of classification, the immense trial of Sweet Peas his firm Messrs. Hurst and Sons are this season conducting at Kelvedon was unanimously accepted, ami Mr. Sherwood's thoughtful generosity in this matter was heartily applauded. ROYAL HORTICCLTrRAL SOCIETY. THERE was an excellent show at the Drill Hall on Tuesday last, when, besides a good display of Orchids, hardy (lower's were a feature of much interest. Floral Committee. Messrs. W. Raul & Son, Waltham Cross, again showed a large and extremely pretty group of hardy (lowering trees and shrubs, including a great variety of subjects, such as Lilacs, double French Cherry, Pyrus Mains floribunda, P. M. floribunda Scheideckeri, Magnolia Soulangeana and Cerasus Fortune!. This group was awarded a silver-gilt Flora medal. A silver-gilt Banksian medal was voted to the St. George's Nursery Company, Han well, for a fine group of Persian Cyclamens, part of which was devoted to the new Hmbriata strain, which was given an award of merit. This strain has both the petals and leaves fringed. Air. John Russell, Richmond, Surrey, staged a fine group of hardy dowering shrubs, both bushes and standards, including Genista Andreana, Azalea Anthony Koster, standard Lilacs ami Pyrus Mains floribunda atro-sanguinea. This obtained a silver Flora medal. Mr. John May, St, Margaret's, Twickenham, obtained ;i silver Banksian medal for a group of fine well-grown plants of Persian Cyclamen. Messrs. J. Veitch A' Sons, Chelsea, showed a group of seedling Emantophyllum miniatum in its various shades of orange and allied colours; they also had some plants in bloom of Viburnum Tinus lucidum. This latter is better than the ordinary form and forces well. Both these groups obtained silver Banksian medals. Roses were delightfully shown by Messrs. F. Cant A" Co.. Colchester, and a bronze Banksian medal was awarded. The exhibit consisted of a pretty stand of cut Roses, among which were the beautiful W. A. Richardson, Catherine Mermet, Mine, de Watteville, Marquis Sito, Mine. Guinois- seau, The Bride, Rubens, Perle des Jardins, &c. A handsome group of the new Azalea, Fielder's White, was also awarded a bronze Banksian medal. This was shown by Messrs. R. A' G. Cuthbert, Southgate. Middlesex. Messrs. J. Peed A Sons. Norwood Road, S.E., exhibited a group of Imantophyllums, together with other plants, such as Azalea Deutsche Perle, Pandanus Veitchi, Hyacinths and Drachmas. Messrs. William Cutbush A Son, Highgate, staged a group of forced shrubs, containing Staphylea colchica, Magnolia Alexandrina, Viburnum '['inns, White Thorn anil Laburnums. Mr. Isaac House. West bury -nn-Try in. Bristol, was the exhibitor of a group of Violets in pots, including La France, which obtained an award of merit, Sulpburea, Marie Louise, 252 TILE GARDEN. [Mahcii 31, I'.KKt new Italian variety, K. Augustine, These Violets are becoming more Princesse de Lamonte, anrl Princess of Wales. popular. A group of hard} flowers was shown by Messrs. T. S. Ware, Limited, Tottenham. It contained, among other things, Anemone blanda, A. vernalis, Saxifraga apiculata, Hyacin- thus azureus, various Narcissi, hardy Cyclamens, &c. Mi. H. .1. Jones exhibited a pretty group of Tulips and Narcissi. Ai g the Tulips were Lord Derby. Joost van V lei, Kaiserkroon, Artus and White Swan. Mr. .1. A. Kenrick, Berrow Court. Edgbascon (gardener, Mi' Cryer), showed a collection of seedling Amaryllis in varying shades, from deep red to white streaked with red. Sir. .1. T. Thornycroft, Eyot Villa, Chiswick Mall (gardener, Mr. F. Mears), sent two pots of tine specimens of Iris ger- manica, which had lieen forced to show- its value for that purpose. From Messrs. Wallace .V Co.. of Kilntield Gardens, Col- chester, came plants of Tulipa Kaufmanniana. Iris sind- jarensis, Chionodoxa gigantea, lilac-blue, and Eepatica cccrulca Warley Blue, a pretty, bright blue Mower. They also had cut blooms of the type of Iris stylosa to c pare with a plant of I. s. speeiosa. A most interesting exhibit. Mcs-rs. Paul A Son. Chcshunt. sent a plant of the double Persian Lilac, and also blooms of K isa Andersoni and Rosa hybrida Anemone, both single pink varieties. Messrs. \V. Paul A' Son, Waltham Cross, sent Lilac Belle de Nancy, slightly blush, l.ilac Doyen Keteleer, white. Fr Mr. John May, Twickenham, came a line plant of Cyclamen Lady Roberts, a pretty pink form. A plant of llV.icana albaneiise var. striata in flower was shown by Messrs. F. Sander & Co., St. Albans. This tirm also sent a basket of Pteris argentea, ,i variety having somewhat silvery and finely-cut fronds. Mi C. Springharn, Llandogo-nn-Wye, Chepstow, showed a bloom of tie* -icce Helleborus viridis. Deutzia Lemoinei Boule de Neige came from Messrs. J. Veitch A Son-. Mr. II. .1. .lone-, Lewisham, S.E., exhibited a plant, of a new dark crimson Malniaison Carnation, II. -I. Jones. Mr. Hayward Mathias. Thames Ditton, sent a plant of the icd CarnatWn Hypatia. Prom Mr. F. W. Moore. Royal botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, came a plant of Chionodoxa 1 ,i I . - i 1 i : i alba. In StOCker, besides the Rhododendron men- tioned ill our list of new and rare plants, also sent some blooms Of tile |o\el\ pale \e]|oU \eaeja hiecaiia. FlUlll Rev. c. I'. Digby, Wareham Rectory. Wells. Norfolk, came plants of Primrose Wareham Seedling. This is of the same colour as the wild Primrose, but largi r, Narcissus Committek. This committee awarded a silver Flora medal to a large and very handsome group of Daffodils exhibited by Messrs, r.arrA son- King Street, Covent Garden. The group con- tained Narcissi of almost every form ami a large number of varieties. Mrs. R. 0. Backhouse, Sutton Court, Hereford, obtained an award of merit for Daffodil Comet, a verj pretty, small, bright yellow, trumpet-shaped variety. Messrs. W. Mauger A Son, Guernsey, sen! a seedling Narcissus, Souvenir, six jars of well-grow n Daffodils, grown oi cocoa-nut nine, were exhibited by Mr. Robert Sydenham, Birmingham. Orchid Committkk. Mi. II. T. Pitt. Rosslyn. Stamford Hill (grower, Mr. Thurgood), sent a g i group. In the back row weresome finely-flowered plants of Oncidium sarcodes, Epidendrum O'Brienianum, and Vanda tricolor. An g the numerous Dendrobiums was a tine specimen of D. .'iL^KL'atiini with upwards of a dozen spikes of flower; Cyuibidium Lowio- ebnriieiiin with a foiir-llowered raceme; the prett} btll. Epidendrum Endresio-Wallisi, a hybrid derived from the -peeies indicate, I bj the iiaiio : Spathoglottis anreo-Veillardi, the se|ials yellow suffused with rose, the ground colour of the petals yellow, the whole being covered with minute purple spots ; the front lol f the lip purple and yellow at the base: the side lobes purple mottled with yellow. Cypripediums, Miltonias, and Odontoglnssums were well represented, an -sf them forms of II. Huiilicw ell iaiium and < i \di iana AiiLiniriiiii inodcstuin and A. fastuosum. wit h its fragrant flowers, were yen attractive. A line plant was shown of Pliaius Norman with two spikes of (lower. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Messrs. Hugh Low a Co, sent a group in which were numerous plants of the highly fragrant Cattleya Sdiroederaj, Dendrol Brymerianum, D. Findlayanum and li. bar- bal ill inn. 0. Ai'idcrsoiiiannin and (I. Adrianffi were also well represented. A .silver I'.anksian medal was awarded, Messrs. F. Sander* Co. sent a small but interesting group, consisting of some finely-flowered plants of Odontoglossum erispuin. Oncidium VVlltoui, Dendrohium atro-violaceum, L\easte Skiiuieri and C\ pi ipediums iii variety. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Mr, N. (i, Tbwait.es. Cliristchurch Road. St reatliani, sent a finely-flowered plant of Dendrobiuro nobile Cookaoni, I), ii. Ballianum, a creamy -yellow form of 11. Ailisworlbi intertextuui, D. Wiganise, and Odontoglossums i" variety. Sir F. Wigan, Hart.. Clare Lawn, Fast Sheen (gardener, Mi w. II. ¥oung), sent Masdevallia Ponrbaxi, a hybrid derived fr the intercrossing of M. Veitchi and M. caudata Shuttleworthi. It has the intermediate characteristics of the parent s| ies both in colour and form. Cattleya Nigal, a hybrid having C. Lawrenceana as a parent and showing ir, a great extent the influence of that species, k dark form of c. Triaicc was also exhibited. Mr. De P.. Crawshay, Rosefield, Sevenoaks, sent Odonto- glossum triumphans Imperator, a heavily marked form ; 0. mulus crawsiiayantiNi one oi the finest spotted varieties ui have -ecu ; it exeelleiis Craw sba.\ aiiuiii , and others. Mr. ii. w. Law-Schofleld showed Cypripedlum Shillianum with a two-flowered raceme. Messrs. .1. Veitch A Sons Sellt Cypi'ipediUm Miss Relidel (hirsutissimum ■ Argus), a pretty form having the interme- diate characters of the parent species used in its production. Mr. A. .1. k, i line Seni four varieties of Ladia Jonghiana, SirT, Lawrence, Bt., sent the yellow Laslia Cowani, like a orange yi How vai ict j of i. flava. bill IT COMMITTEE. There were very few exhibits before this committee, but all were interesting, two awards being given for special merit. A tirst-class certificate was awarded to Rhubarb Daw's Champion, a remarkably early variety, five other kinds that, bad I ..li grown side by side with It Lin., very inferior this variety got an award of merit early in February, and as a forcing variety it far exceeds the excellent Hawke's Cham- pagne in size, colour, and earliness, and will be a great gain to those who value early Rhubarb, it was exhibited by Air. W. Poupart. Twickenham. Apple King of Tompkins County received an award of merit. It is one of the best American dessert varieties, and is valuable for its lateness. A large and handsome fruit.it was introduced into this country many years ago by the late Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth. This was exhibited by Mr. Parker. G lwood Hardens. Chichester. From the Duke of Richmond s gardens also came eight other varieties of Apples of excellent quality, the cooking fruits being very superior. They comprised fruits of Wellington, Lanes Prince Albert, the old French Crab, a » I keeper and cropper, Norfolk Beaufln in tine condition, Court pendu Plat. Lemon Pippin, splendid specimens of Stunner Pippin, an old dessert Apple well worth extended culture, and a tine lot of Reality of Hants, Ac. A seedling Apple was seiit by Mr. C. Springharn, Chepstow, Monmouth. TO ANSWERS CORRESPONDENTS. THE THADEKS IN POISONS OK P0IS0NO1 S COM- POUNDS l-oi; TECHNICAL OK TRADE PURPOSES PROTECTION SOCIETY. Tin. above society lias been formed to secure the amendment ..f the Pharmacy Art of 1808, whereby it may he made legal fojj traders other than pharmacists to sell poisons and poisonous compounds for technical or trade purposes. The initial meeting was held on December G, 1899, at Euston Ih.tel, London, wheie a number of influential firms were represented, and it was resolved that the existing unsatis- factory Conditions nf the Pharmacy Act of 1808, whereby poisonous compounds can only lie sold legally by chemists, should be ventilated in the agricultural ami horticultural and seed trade papers. A second meeting was held on the 6th inst. at Euston Hotel, when it was resolved to extend the sphere of this society to all those trades which are in any way affected by the existing Pharmacy Act, and which would be benefited by an amendment of the said Act to enable them to retail poisons or poisonous compounds for any technical or trade purpose, in original sealed packages, as received from the wholesale dealer or manufacturer. A committee has been nominated, with power to add to their number, who have appointed Mr. G. H. Richardsastre isurer, and Messrs. Dobbs & Hill, of Worcester, as legal advisers. Offices ami a permanent secretary will he appointed, and to meet expenses it will he necessary to obtain subscriptions from those interested. Anion-' thegentlemen present at the last i i ing there were guarantees given amounting to ti50, ami as expenses "ill he considerable, it is earnestly Imped that a sum will he subscribed sufficient to .any on the work to a successful issue. Since it is desirable to make the move- ment popular, the minimum subscription for membership has been made Rs. per annum, or a donation of LOs. Gd. Cheques ami post-office orders should be made payable to the order of o. H. Richards, hon. see. protein,, and crossed "London and County Bank, Lambeth Branch," ami for- warded to him at the temporary offices, 128, Southwark street. London, S.E THE READING GARDENERS SOCIETY, A very large attendance ol members assembled on Monday last in the Club Room of the Old Abbej Restauranl in spend an evening in " A surrey Garden bj the aid of limelight views ami under the guidance of Mr. Hex, Wright, ol Bucklebury Place Gardens. The garden was that of Falkland Park, which was entirely planned ami maintained for several yeors by Mr. Wright, who in a very interesting manner explained the different alterations that were made and the reasons for planting particular varieties of trees, shrubs, am) flowers. Messrs, Basketl and Neve -poke ol the very interesting evening that had been spent, am! congratulated Mr w righl < n the splendid waj In which he had laid out the grounds and gardens under his charge. < ffi tin. proposition of the chairman, Mr. E. Fry, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the lecturer, also to Mr i;. Smith, of Cintra Lodee Gardens, for stagins some beautiful specimens of the White (irape Hyacinth, and to Mr. Cretchley, The Gardens, Tin* Honeys, Twyford, for a splendid plan! of Cineraria slellata. TRADE NOTES. A NEW SYRINGE. w i have received for trial from Messrs. Benton & stone, of Birmingham, a sample syringe (White's patent triplex) We find on trying it that it is an excellent syringe, throwing a powerful spray to a considerable distance. By a clever and extremely simple automatic inee lianism, that cannot possibly yet out oi order, the spray is changed at will by merely turning the syringe in the hand, from a single jel throwing a powerful column of water, to a coarse spray resembling that of a medium rose, or one that is finely diffused. It is a simple ami effective too], well worthy of commendation. \ NEW I, W\ N -\\ BEDER. We have received from Messrs. Vaughan, of Birmingham, a lau n-wceitcr thai should commend itself to those who desire to free their lawns from Dandelions, Plantains, Ac. The tool has a pair of bandies, by separating which the jaws open. These arc of blunt chisel shape, opening like pliers . t hey are placet I so as t<> be just on each side of the weed, when a moderate pressure sends them into the ground The handles are then brought together, and the weed is gripped and brought up. The handles are of walking- stick length -o that the user need not stoop. Iris Ksempfeni (Perkins).- This may safely be moved in spring. Removing flower-buds from Tree Pseonies (Perkins). Whether it is advisable to remove the flower- buds from the Tree Pseonies the first and second years after planting depends on the size and strength of the plants ; but if they are small or the usual nursery size, it would be well to remove them to encourage growth. Planting- after Daffodils (Pekkins). -Advice is asked as to what to plant in Daffodil beds when the foliage dies down. This is in June, when half-hardy annuals such as Phlox Drummondi or Salpiglossis might be planted, or plants of this class whose roots are not too robbing. Any- thing with very persistent growth should be avoided, or it will hinder the ripening of the bulbs. For this reason it is undesirable that Daffodils should be in beds that are meant to be kept smart and well furnished during all the flower season. Begonia flowers not opening (H. C. R.). It is difficult to state the reason of the enclosed Begonia seldom opening, for the plant is undoubtedly, iudging by the speci- men sent, in the best of health. At the same time, BOme forms of Begonia ami this is one never open to the extent that many kinds do. Very probably yours originated from :1 seedling, in which the closed character is more pronounced than usual. Apparently it is a rosy form of B. Carrier!. Admission to the Royal GardenB, Kew, is at 12 o'clock, or before bj anyone really interested in horticulture. Applica- tion should be made at the curators office. Violets unsatisfactory (Perkins), The Violets that have lost most of their leaves ami show a brown trans- parent spot on the few that remain are probably attacked by a fungus, possibly induced by too rich treatment ami too little ail- in the case of those in frames, ami by too soft and rich growth from over-manuring in those in the open bed. Plants affected should be taken up and burned to prevent the fungus spreading. We recommend fresh planting in a different spot with clean stock from another garden. If the querist is a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society, the scientific committee would, no doubt, name the disease if ample specimens were sent to them on any of their days of meeting. Iris stylosa (NUTFIELD). — When grown in a warm situation this flowers well through the winter, but there may be some conditions, such as undue dampness, or insects or fungus injuring tin- crowns of shoots, and thus causing the failure of which you complain. It is also sometimes desirable to place a hand light over these winter-blooming Irises to furnish that warmth and protection from heavy rains and snowfalls they seem to need. How deep are your roots planted Generally it is best to plant rather shallow . that is from I inch to •_• inches under the soil. Then it is the rule with some growers after planting, where glass is not employed to place some light Heather or Ecru over the clumps. Certainly the iris needs some nursing during hard or w et winters. Thinning bloom on fruit trees (CROMER). Generally it is good policy to thin bloom on fruit trees when the\ seem overdone, but on the whole it is best to wait until the bloom is over ami has set. Then when the fruits are found to be too plentiful it is wise to thin them ere they swell. This is good advice in relation to Apples ami Pears. In the ease of stone fruits it is best to wait to see how far tin- process of stoning is passed through, for often many fruits fail to do so successfully, and I hen fall. But all thinning should be done early, and when there is a large set. one half the crop may be removed at least, not taking all at once, but twice or thrice, just as the fruits are Found to Ik- too thick in places. Over-cropping trees i- a great evil and should not he allowed. You mm well try for experiment, considerably thinning the bloom to note the result. Seedling Orange (Niti'iki.p). There is no neces- sity for you to graft or otherwise manipulate youi set'. bin- Orange plant. Simply mow it on as at present usiiii: a compost of one halt '4 1 old turfy loam, the re-l being of equal parts of well-decayed leaf-soil, old hotbed manure and sand] peat A little white sand and wood ashes may also be added. Possil.lv your plant will be all the butter if got into a larger pot, but for a plant H feet in heisht, a pot *i inches across will be ample. Seedlings needa few years' patience to cause tliein to ilower and fruit. Four plant, being from two to three years old, should have been rather taller before now, but it may have been in rather poor soil. Should it. alter it has flowered and fruited, be round worthless, you can then have it grafted with a better variety. Young tops set into pots in sandy soil, covered with a bell- glass and stood in a strong bottom-heat, will make rooted plants in a few months. iblc II ral Guide. ( Iatalogues Rkceivkd. llyhocks. Webb it- Brand, Saffh II. CannellA- Son ulfi Kent. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mi;, a Coleman, late head gardener to General Lor \ G Russell, Ewhurst Park, Basingstoke, as gardener t Lord Stalbridge, Motcombe House, Shaftesbury, Dorset. Mi;. D.Anderson, formerlj head gardener at Monkstow Park, has been appointed head gardener to Mis. Pease, i Willow Park, Booterstown, Dublin. Mistletoe seeds. If any of your readers wou d kindly send me a lew Mistletoe seeds i" graft on some old Apple trees, I would he verj grateful.- M Wilson, '"<" gmne, Rdgeworthstoion, Co. Longford. Correction. On p. 210, second paragraph ol Saxifraga Curseriaiia article, lim LI, for " including,' read "excluding. #^-«— ■ GARDEN. ^^ £lte* -^>- No. 1481.— Vol. LVII.] [Apbil 7, 1900. WATER GARDENS. With Especial Reference to the Hybrid Xympileas. WHEN the history of gardening in the present century is written, a distinct era will be formed by the introduction of the hybrid Nymphseas from English and foreign raisers, hybrids that have brought to the lake and pond surface the glorious colouring of the species of tropical climes. Their acquisition is a precious gain. and has transformed many an ugly lake into a garden of living beauty, with flowers of rich and tender colours, as delightful as anything in the hothouse and conventional "summer bedding." We draw attention to this wonderful race as this is the season for planting, and those who have not yet considered the lake surface as providing a place for a beautiful garden should introduce the Water Lilies, remembering that the hybrids are thoroughly hardy, equalling in vigour and frost-resistance the white Lily of our ponds and river back streams. In many an otherwise interesting garden a needless blot is the lake, as bare of flower life as a gravel path, but capable of rich effects through the summer and autumn from the hybrid Nym- phaeas, forming big floating groups, jewelled with masses of petals, varying in their colouring from i lee pest blood-red to pure white, the plants showing to,, as great diversity ingrowth. Some, the pretty miniature Nymphaea pygmaea and allied forms, are for the margin, and lead up to those remarkable hybrids, the Mariiaeea set, albida, Chromatella, carnea and other hand- some forms. The Water Lilies are happier in a sheltered quiet lake than in quite open water, and they are not flowers for the large domain merely, but for gardens of even moderate dimensions, where they are more under control than in extensive lakes visited by rats and other enemies of water flowers in general, and Nym- phaeas in particular. In a sheltered, yet not over-shadowed, lake the plants make rapid growth, ami bloom with wonderful freedom through the summer until the cool autumn days make full flower development impossible. It is a pleasurable sensation to seek the water garden when the great leafy groups bear their rich burden of flowers, open wide in the sun- shine, and be -cunning the surface with masses of yellow, crimson, glistening white, deep red, and innumerable shades. The flower gardener who undertakes the growth of the plants for the first time need not fear that failure will result from embarking in this recent phase of English gardening, as with few exceptions the plants are hardy and strong in growth, and the flowers may be gathered for table decoration, thus fulfilling a novel and delightful mission in the house itself. But it is not profitable to try experiments with species not hardy, or at least their hardi- ness must be proved by persistent trials in various positions. The species that have imparted so richly their colouring to the hybrids are not for the open garden, unless in some favoured spots, which cannot be accepted as general conditions for Nymphaea culture. Interesting, it is true, is this experimental garden- ing, growing outside the beautiful Water Lilies of warmer lands than ours, but they possess none of the hardiness of the hybrids. Where no pond or lake exists, one may grow the smaller forms in tanks and tubs, and thus add appreciably to the interest of the garden. Water gardening is not confined to the Xymplueas. The water margin should be also a garden of flowers, and not some ugly stone, brick or cement edge, which of course renders flower life impossible. In not a few gardens and parks some ugly stone is considered suffi- ciently interesting and beautiful as a margin to the water. A world of flowers is thrust. aside when opportunities of introducing moisture-loving plants are not regarded— plants that provide a procession of flowers from the early spring until the threshold of winter— the Irises, the larger Spearwort (Ranunculus Lingua), the Globe Flowers, Japanese Primrose, and kinds that live in the water, liuckbean. Arrowhead, and a host of things that occur to the mind when thinking of the beauty of some natural stream coloured withthe flowers that are ha] ipy only in moisture. < )f the value of the good grouping of Bamboos, grasses, and plants of bold growth— Poly- gonums and such like— near the lake we have given from time to time illustrations. The flowers by the margin and the Nymphaeas upon the surface are in our thoughts at this season of planting. VERBENAS IN THE FUTURE. In an article in the Gardeners' Chronicle by a well-known florist, entitled •'The Verbena Revival," attention is drawn to the merits of a delightful plant that has of late years been much neglected. This neglect has no doubt arisen from the immense growth in popularity of hardy plants. But though the Verbena is only suited for putting out in summer, it is much too good a thing to be allowed to fall into disuse. Another reason for its late loss of popularity may lie in the fact of its undoubted "miffi- ness" and unwillingness to live out our long- winters as scarcely-rooted cuttings under glass" It is true that many losses occur by damping off, but it is too good to let go for want of due care and vigilance. We shall be glad if at blooming time nur- serymen and others who possess selections will send us flowers to report upon. We read with pleasure that some of the old self-coloured varieties are still to be had, and recognise sonic very old friends among the names of the white, scarlet and purple colourings quoted in one catalogue. We are strongly of opinion that those old varieties with a scarcely defined or very small white eye are much to be preferred to those of more recent raising with large white centres. The large white eye gives the plant in the mass (and the Verbena is essentially for massing) a chopped-up look that certainly detracts from its use as a garden plant. We heartily agree with the writer in our contemporary in expressing a hope that more attention may be given to this fine autumn plant, and that it may regain its former popularity both in our gardens and on the show table. The original type, Verbena Melindres, is in itself a very beautiful thing. The whole plant is smaller and rather more condensed and refined than the garden varieties, but the flowers are numerous and of a particularly satisfactory shade of scarlet. The danger with the garden varieties is that of getting them too large anil coarse. What is wanted is strong constitution and short growth. We have already in The Garden pointed out the error, so often fallen into by seed growers, of taking "dwarf and compact" as the chief standard of excellence in the port of a plant, but in the case of the Verbena, as in that of some other plants of trailing habit, some con- densation is a distinct gain, because the nature of the plant is to sprawl unduly, and therefore to space its blooms too widely for good garden effect. For definition of good habit in the Verbena one may bracket it with Heliotrope. The two plants have rather the same way of growth and the same kind of garden use, and in both an exaggerated sprawl, and a loose, weak flower is a defect. No one rule can be offered for general adoption as a guide to this kind of judgment about the merits of garden plants. Persons of good and sound taste and a fair knowledge of horticulture, by long watching the ways of plants and comparison of individuals, come to see, by what one may call an acquired instinct, why a garden flower is good, and why of two of a kind one is better than the other. Some- times the show judgment is an excellent guide, as in the case of Hybrid Perpetual and 254 THE GAEDEN. [April 7, 1900. Tea Roses, though with other flowers it is often only a partial guide. But the keen gardener or amateur who truly loves flowers is inde- pendent of shows in the matter of judgment, for lie can see for himself what is a good flower and why it is good. SPRING GARDENING IN THE PARKS. It is not the fault of those responsible for the beautifying of public parks and gardens if dwellers in crowded cities and suburbs know little of the delights of spring in meadow and wood. At this season in the heart of cities throughout the British Isles flowers are ex- panding in their fulness, splashing with colour the velvet turf and showing the charm of simple grouping. There is much bad gardening in the park as well as in the private domain, but this early flower gardening in the grass and in the 1 led and border we wish were even more extended, within reasonable bounds, as excess in anything, however beautiful and wholesome, means future reaction. In Regent's Park the early flowers are prettily grouped in the glass, the Scilla, Snowdrop, Crocus, Daffodil, and the Hyacinth, and this well-planted open space does hot stand alone in showing the quiet beauty of masses of early flowers in groups. The great mistake is in planting too thickly, desiring, maybe, mere masses of colour without the beauty of the simple grouping revealed in the scattering of flowers in the meadow. This is a blemish of many good English gardens, striving to gain effect at the sacrifice of natural beauty. Every flower of the garden is not well placed in the grass, and there are strange effects from the use of things seen to better advantage in a border or bed. Lumpy Hyacinths of the conventional show order are not pretty in the grass, but in one park last year we remember this grotesque assemblage of nodding heads, weighted to the soil almost with the heavy clusters of blossom. This is grass gardening made ridiculous, though a well- meant endeavour to scatter fli iwers everywhere ; but there are right and wrong ways of accom- plishing this, and the gardener— we use the word in its broadest sense — should so plant and distribute a flower that it may teach a whole- some lesson. To stick scarlet ( lerauiunis in the turf is not less foolish than to show the Hyacinth of the glass bottle in the same unfortunate way. But we are happier in giving praise where praise is due than in dwelling upon a few examples of bad taste in planting flowers that are not easy to distribute in the way that Nature follows in scattering her gifts over the English meadow. Simple, natural grouping is not readily acquired by everyone, and for this reason it is wise to refrain from their too liberal use and planting things out of harmony with their surroundings. THE EDITORS' TABLE. At this season the flowers of the garden are coming forth abundantly, and we invite our readers to send us anything of special beauty and interest for our table, as by this means many rare and interesting plants become more widely known. We hope, too, that a short cultural note will accompany the flower so as to make a notice of it more instructive to those who may wish to grow it. We welcome anything from the garden, whether fruit, tree, shrub, orchid, or hardy flower, and they may be addressed either to Miss Jekyll, ' Munstead House, Godalming,' or to Mr. E. T. Cook, 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Potato culture in Britain, 1899 Lasl year 547,682 acres were occupied with Potatoes — England 70'8 percent., Scotland 23'2 per cent., a i id Wales (i per cent. In each of the British Isles the yield of tubers was below the decennial average per acre, whilst the average of 5 "62 tons for Great Britain as a whole showed a falling off equivalent to one-third of a ton. During the last fifteen years the ISO!) average has been exceeded ten times ; the extreme yields over this period were 6 64 tons per acre in 1895, and .V17 tons in 1S!I7. The total weight of the crop is estimated at 3,077,000 tons, as compared with 3,283,000 tuns in [898, and of this quantity England is credited with 2,254,000 tuns, Scotland with 650,000 tons, and Wales with 173,000 tons. The largest yield of which we have any record was 3,592,619 tons in 1895 ; the smallest was 2,608, 103 tons in 1807, as a result of which our imports of Potatoes underwent an extraordinary expansion, more especially from Germany. Nuttallia eerasiformis.— Whilst the flowers of this shrub have no bright colours to recommend them, they are so abundant and so graceful, that the species may be included amongst the best of the few shrubs we possess whose flowers brave the winds of early March. At a short dis- tance the plant might be taken for a Ribes, one of the greenish-flowered Currants. The habit is the same — a thicket of erect stems bearing numerous short, pendent racemes of blossom. It belongs, however, to the Rose family, and is sometimes called Primus californica. A large bush at Kew now in flower produces male blossoms only, so I conclude male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. The feature of the shrub is the great abundance of its racemes, an abundance I have never known it fail in. Bach raceme is 2 inches or 3 inches long, carrying ten or twelve flowers. The small petals are white, but it is the larger green calyx that gives the prevailing hue to the plant when in bloom. The Nuttallia is a native of X. ( lalifornia and is quite hardy here. — B. Todea superba and T. pellucida in the open garden.- On reading the article on "Hardy Ferns" in your issue of March 31 it occurred to me that some of your readers might be interested to know that two very beautiful Filmy Ferns generally grown in greenhouses can, with "a little care, be safely grow n all the year round in the open air. I allude to Todea superba and T. pellucida. They require constant shade and mois- ture in summer, and when subjected to more than U° of frost, a slight covering of dry Bracken in winter. There arc in most gardens corners where the sunlight never falls, and if sheltered from strong winds they could be made into snug nooks for these beautiful Ferns. The protection in winter is easily enough given. The climbing Fern, Lygodium palmatum, is also hardy in a similar position, and I think there are very many garden owners who do not know that the Canadian Maiden-hair (Adiantum pedatum) is as hardy as the commonest Fern that grows in a fence-bottom. — Yorkshire. Teeophylaea eyanocrocus Ibis de- lightful bullous plant, lo whidi the English name of Chilian Crocus has been applied, is now in flower in the open in Mr. Archer- Hind's garden, Coomfae- fishacre House, S. Devon. Beautiful as are the respective blues of the Scillas and Chionodoxas, the tint of the Chilian Crocus is still more lovely, rivalling, if indeed not excelling, the Gentian in depth of colouring. In the instance under notice the bulbs are planted at the foot of a south wall in a compost of leaf-mould, peat and sand, and at a depth of 10 inches below the surface. At first sight such a depth appears excessive for such small bulbs, but doubtless the success that has been attained is mainly due to this deep planting. The bulbs in question were planted two years ago, and give every appearance of being permanently estab- lished, in the bright March sunshine the lustrous blue of the satiny petals has a charming effect, and in gardens where the Chilian Crocus can lie suc- cessfully grown, the display of spring flowers in the open air will be exceptionally enhanced by its inclusion. Tecophyliea eyanocrocus is rarely met with in flower except under glass protection, but a few years ago I noticed it in bloom in the gardens of Abhotsbury Castle, Dorsetshire. Under glass, as mentioned by .Mr. H. J. Elwes (p. ISO), it tonus a brilliant addition to the more generally grown occupants of the greenhouse. — S. W. F. Kerria japoniea under glass.— Of late years we have at Kew seen many departures from the hardy shrubs commonly employed for flowering under glass early in the season. Just now an instance of this occurs in the case of this Kerria, bushes of both single and double-flowered forms in the temperate house being laden with their golden blossoms. — T. Erica hybrida.— Under the name of Erica nicditerranea hybrida, Messrs. Smith & Sons, of the Darlev Dale Nurseries, have for several years past been sending out one of the most charming and valuable Heaths that can be grown out-of- doors in our climate. I have ventured to give it the shorter name that heads this note because if it be a hybrid between E. mediterranea and E. carnea — the two species that Messrs. Smith regard as its parents — it is nearer E. carnea than the former. Its great virtue is its early flowering. This year, for some reason, it w'as not so early as usual ; still it was some time in advance of E. carnea, which is the next earliest of the hardy Heaths. In the season of 1898-99 it was in flower by the early days of December, remaining a beau- tiful feature for at least four months. The flowers are very similar to those of E. carnea, but the plant is taller, more erect, and altogether of sturdier habit. Both these Heaths as well as the white variety of E. carnea should be in every garden. Among dwarf shrubs in February and March there is nothing that rivals them in the bright red-purple of the flowers or in their indif- ference to any of the " many weathers " an English March can give. — W. J. B. Hepatiea angulosa. This lovely spring flower, which commenced to blossom in January, is now a picture of exceeding beauty in places where it succeeds, bearing flowers far larger than those of the type, with starry petals of a charming tint of blue that at first sight, though of paler hue, remind one of the blossoms of Anemone apennina. It must lie admitted that this Hepatiea is some- what capricious in its behaviour, but its beauty is of such a high order, that any trouble incurred in providing for its requirements is well repaid In- subsequent success. Perfect drainage is a siiu qua non, stagnant moisture being fatal to the plant. A deep root-run is also an important consideration, and for this reason a somewhat elevated position in the rock garden, where in porous soil the root- fibres may strike deeply down along the partially buried masses of stone, is particularly adapted to the needs of this Hepatiea. Care should be taken that lime does not enter into the composition of the soil, and a partially shaded site, protected fiom the sun's rays at midday, is preferable to one thoroughly exposed throughout the entire day. Copious waterings are beneficial during arid summers when there is any danger of the roots suffering from drought. — S. W. F. Prunus (Persiea) Davidiana.— The cold and sunless winter and the inclement weather which has prevailed for some time since have been unfavourable to the flowering of this charming shrub or small tree. It has been considerably later than last year, but has suffered less because of its lateness. It came into bloom in the begin- ning of March. To speak more correctly, perhaps one should say that the white-flowered variety came into flower at that time, as the rose-coloured form is not open to-day (March HI). While both ire pretty, I have a preference for that with white flowers, which is, 1 understand, the type, although I say this subject to correction. The flowers of the rose-coloured form — which is called rubra — are not so clear in their hue as one would wish. One would not like, however, to be without either, as their early blooming makes them very welcome in a sheltered garden. They are leafless at the flowering time, but the bare branches with their pretty single Bowers- dose along them are very Ai'HU. 7, 1900.] THE GARDEN. ■2:,:> pleasing iudeed. This flowering Peach, which comes from China, is perfectly hardy here, the only drawback to its value being caused by trusts coming on after the flowers have opened. The name of Prunus Davidiana is that adopted in the ■■ Kew Hand list of Trees and Shrubs." but it is occasionally catalogued asPersica Davidiana (Carr. ). Amvgdalus Davidiana and Armeniaca Davidiana are other synonyms. The early period at which it blooms .alls for a sheltered place and a position where it ran lie protected if necessary from frosts when in bloom. It is a precious plant, of great value to those \vh i have little or no glass.— S. Arnott, Carsethorn, lit/ Dumfries, X.I!. Hardy Fuchsias. I was much interested in a letter in The Garden, p. '222. advising grow- ing hardy Fuchsias in the south. Here '.Mill feet above the sea they grow most luxuriantly, and have done so for nearly fifty years. I have two hedges of Fuchsia globosa behind herbaceous borders each 2u yards long. Last year it was 4 feet high and very thick, though only planted three years since anil very small pieces were put in. I have the Fuchsias cut down every year because they grow too large and straggly. In the summer they are a mass of bloom. F. gracilis does equally well, but is smaller and a less showv form. — C. J. K. . Wolxingham, Co. Durham. Aubrietia Souvenir de W. Ingram. — This fine variety, the largest in size and deepest in colour of all the rose-tinted Aubrietias, aptly commemorates the work of the late Mr. YV. Ingram ii Belvoir, where he raised spring gardening into a fine art. and was one of the first in this country to attempt the evolution of a rose - coloured Aubrietia. It must be nearly ten years ago when 1 in one of my visits to Belvoir saw in his nursery garden a batch of seedling Aubrietias he had bred up from one which had a tinge of pink in it. and which. I think, he originally obtained from M. Max Lcichtlin, of Baden-Baden. The contrast afforded by the colour of the blossoms of the type named after the before-mentioned honoured continental raiser is very conspicuous against the finest of the blue varieties, such as Eyrei and violacea, to be found in gardens. The red variety, like the blue varies from seed, and it is not difficult to get deep coloured strains by selecting from the seedlings the most distinct and propagating by means of cuttings and division. Seed should also lie taken from the best and sown, and attempts be made in this way to improve upon any leading variety. There are possibilities in the Aubrietia, and it is well to bring them out. — R. D, Galanthus vireseens While one would not rail this an attractive Snowdrop in the ordinary sense of the word as applied to Sowers, it has at the same time some quiet beauty which makes one prize it. I have, unfortunately, only otic bulb at present, tic- remains of a small clump which was attacked bj the fungus about two years ago. I was glad to see it conic into bloom, as I was afraid I had no bulbs of this variety left; its fldwers look so unique with their outer petals of pale green, shading oft to white at the edges, and with the inner petals entirely green. It is a late bloomer, and a seedling from it, raised by Mr. Allen, has the late-flowering habit of the parent, but has not the green colouring in any degree beyond our ordinary Snowdrop. The history of this Snow- drop, so far as known, is related in the paper by Mr. F. W. Burbidge, which appeared in the ••Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society," vol. xiii.. part 2. Its first appearance does not appear to lie on record, but it was grown by Pro- fessor Feiizl. the late curator of the Vienna Botanic Garden, from whom Herr Max Leichtlin obtained two bulbs. The latter afterwards sent two bulbs to this country, one going to the Rev. Harpur-Crewe, and the other to Mr. James Allen. It is by no means a difficult Snowdrop to grow .and I had a nice little clump when the annoying Polv- actis L'alanthina made its attack upon it. I hope Veltha may have the effect of keeping it away in future. S. A. Chorozemas in bloom.— In the flora of Australia the natural older Leguminosie is strongly represented, and among the different members arte a line of inn mist beautiful greenhouse shrubs. notably the Aeaeias and Chorozemas, of which last we have many forms, but. with the single exception of ( '. Hciichmauni. a strong family likeness runs through the whole of them. They are all rather loose-growing subjects, whose slender branches are clothed with leaves in some instances almost like those of the Holly, but much smaller and harsh in texture. The Pea-shaped blossoms are produced in many-flowered racemes at this season of the year, and very bright and cheerful they are, the colour for the most part being sonic shade of red or yellow. A few years ago Messrs. Low brought forward a new variety under the name of C. Lowi, which is one of the best of all, and is particularly valuable for flowering in a small state. It is charac- terised by unusually bright-coloured blossoms and very dark green Holly-like leaves. These ( 'horo- zemas need a compost consisting principally of sandy peat, and they should, in common with the general run of hard-wooded subjects, be potted firmly. During the latter half of the summer they may be stood out of doors for a time, but rare must be taken that they do not sutler from want of water. Red spider is sometimes liable to attack the foliage, but it may be kept down by the free use of the syringe. H. P. Crocus Tommasinianus. ibis locely little Crocus has made a brave show this season and seems yearly to grow upon one's affections. As and the one called atropui purcus is hardly oi lie colour signified by the name; it is more lilai I have only flowered a few seedlings from my own plants. So far, these are exact reproductions of the parent clump, but 1 hope to save seed from the best coloured lot. A cheap Crocus like this might be more largely planted. I see it can be bought for 2s. lid. per Hhi. S. Arnott. PALM IN AN IRISH GARDEN. The Palm represented in this illustration was sent to me some six or sewn years ago from French Riviera, by a pahnierisU named th Brunei, under the name of Phoenix senegalensis, but 1 have now reason to believe that it is nut that kind at all, but P. canariensis. The exceptionally severe frost of January 4 ami !>, 1895, when 29 were registered here, cut this Palm down to the ground, destroying every vestige of foliage, but as soon as the summer weather came it shot up finer leaves than ever before, an additional proof that when a frost is not severe enough to injure the routs of a plant, it dues it good, acting upon it as a tonic. \V. E. GuMBLETON. Queenstown, Go. Cork, In In ml. rllihMX CANARIENSIS \Mi EUXALIA ZEBRINA IN MR. GUMBLETO NEAR QTJEENSTPWN, IRELAND. the clumps become larger the effect is finer, and the weather w hieh has prevailed for a week or two has given the flowers a better opportunity of lasting in flower than usually falls to their lot. Like many other flowers, its colouring is not easily put into words. I see that it is called "pale sapphire- lavender, a description which certainly does not err in the direction of flattery. It is pretty in .its bud state, the plants varying from almost white to lavender in the colour of the outer segments. It is at its brightest and best, however, when it opens to the sun. Then its little flowers display their full beauty. Like many other species, it is variable in shade, and I see that Mr. George Maw remarked that Dean Herbert said that the segments were occasionally marked with a darker blotch toward their summit. Has anyone seen this form? Mr. Maw does not appear to have met with it, and I have never come across it. One clump that I have here is particularly bright in colour, and is deeply flushed with a glowing rosy shade at the ends of the petals when open. There are two selected varieties in the market, but these are not so distinct as one would like. That named pallidus is lighter in colour, but the flowers are not of very good form. WOODLANDS. BY-PRODUCTS OF WOODS. BARK has been ami probably always will lie one of the most important by-products of Oak woods, although the value of bark has fallen oft' greatly of late. To the owner who sells his timber standing it is often an almost lust product, because it is difficult to assess its value fairly on the tree, and the pur- chaser will hardly allow anything for it, A crop of bark is almost as easily spoiled by bad weather as a crop of hay, and the pur- chaser, who buys it witli all risks with the standing timber, and has to hurry it, may be, out of the wood on account of the game, sometimes loses by it. The bark should, however, be an important item in every sale of Oak timber to the owner of the trees who will take the trouble to fell his own lots and sell the •_>:><; THE GARDEN. [April 19(i0. bark separately. He should realise at least 20s. net per tpil at present prices of about £3 LSs. delivered to the tanner. Every I60feet of timber or thereabout should yield 1 ton of bark, and some single trees will yield that much. Hence, in every considerable fall of Oak timber the quantity of bark is large, and represents a considerable amount to the vendor. It goes far towards paying expenses, and if the bark can be chopped up in the woods, a considerably better price may lie had for it. Bobbin Wood. This is a term employed to denote the small w I of Sycamore, Birch, Beech, and Oak, principally from 6 inches down to 2 inches in quarter girth. In the Highlands of Scotland carriage wheels as blocks. These are called "chokes," and so great is the quantity used on railways, that chokes arc one of the things for which estimates are annually invited by rail- way companies. They are usually of Oak, and are never made of anything but the refuse tops and branches of trees that have been trimmed for sale. They are sawn off about i feet long, bevelled roughly at each end, and are then ready for use. The middleman can buy the timber for such purposes, lead it home, perhaps miles, convert it into chokes, and deliver them to the railway company at a profit. Another commodity used on railways and colliery tramways are pegs to hold the rails in the chairs and for other purposes. One has Hazel and any other wood that is tough and long and about I inch thick. This is crate- wood," and can always be well sold by the acre or lotted in bundles. I have known a crop of crate-wood to pay all the costs of felling, lotting and disposing of a large lot of timber, but the wood was old and thin, or the crate- wood would not have been so good. The common Elderberry is not considered a very valuable forest product, but larger quan- tities of it are sold than might be supposed. The wood when old enough is very hard, and is used for pegs by shoemakers anil for making butcher's skewers, &c. On one estate, where the Elder had become a nuisance in the woods, I advertised it and had applicants directly \vhn ,-^« ' ^^^ •;£*-#.'' ■ ZtXti && ffim > W: WPJ ' . V 1 V. - . r> .?rk CAR! Ns IN A HARDEN CLOSE TO THE rill lull JOHN LATERAN, ROME. at one time, and now for anything we know to the contrary, large quantities of Birch used to be sold for bobbin wood, or the bobbins were made in the wood and sent direct to the con- sumer. Large quantities are now sold in the midlands. The whole of the thinning of one huge plantation, consisting of Sycamore chiefly, squaring I inches half way up, about 20 years Ml age, I mice sold tn one man for bobbins at the rate of sd. per foot cubic, a very good price for thinnings. Miscellaneous Products. I daresay travellers by rail have often seen shunters putting short blocks I'' wood under only to reckon up the number of sleepers on a railway, double them, and multiply again for constant renewal to estimate the quantity of timber used for that purpose alone. I used to supply one country customer win i did nothing else but make pegs, and never sold him any- thing but dead, sap-rotten Oak for his purpose, and which was useless for anything else. As foresters know, although the sap-wood on old Oak limbs may be gone, the heart is usually hard enough, and this "peggers" buy cheap and con- vert into pegs sufficiently good for the purpose. Underwood. The most valuable underwood consists of cleared the whole off at 5s. per ton net. After that I had applications for Elder wood till none was left old enough to cut. .1. SlMPSON. ROMAN KITCHEN GARDENS. A BROKEN, crumbling stretch of the ancient Aurelian wall forms the boundary of the modern Ludovisi quarter of Home, and in an angle of its sheltering embrace, hard by the gate where tradition says that Belisarius sat and begged in his blind old age, it holds to-day a simple kitchen garden. (Jo where one will, outside the gates, and not unseldom, as in the April 1900.] THE GARDEN. 257 present instance, even within them, such gardens, half vegetable ground, half vineyard, are to be met with, and luxuriant breadths of plumy Finocchio, or silvery Cardoons, may be seen nest- ling under many a time-worn buttress and battered ruin. The special garden in question has been a source of per- petual interest since the December day which saw it invaded by a host of labourers, armed with the long-handled shovel which in Italy does duty for the spade. Short work was made of turning the rough ground, encumbered with the waste of the lately-gathered crops, into well-prepared beds of moist black earth ready for the hands of the sower and planter. '"The ploughshare is made of iron, but the spade is pointed with gold," says an Italian proverb, and much of the land that we should plough is tilled with the spade, for the yield of ground, spade-worked, is doubled, and bands ot casual labourers such as these are glad and thankful to earn, by digging, their poor wages of a lira or a lira and a half a day. The shovels soon went their way anil the dibbles came into action, and before many days were over, Endive and Lettuce and Finocchio, with every conceivable form of Cabbage and Broc- coli, were marshalled in serried ranks across the empty beds. By Valentine's Day the garden was green again with the quickly - growing crops, the fruit trees were coming into flower. Broad Beans were blossoming, and Peas, sup- ported by "sticken" of tall Arundo reeds, were beginning to make their first young pods. But alack ! no birds were left to hold their blithe festival. ( inns and traps had put an end to every Iniglit little life that should have made merry amongst the Almond blossom, and the tiny ui irsels had, likely enough, been served up, Italian fashion, skewered between sippets of bread. The mass iere of birds in lt;d\ is shocking. To say nothing of thrushes and redwings, it is pitiful to see strings of robins and finches hanging up in the poulterers' shops, and this wholesale destruction of ins iCt- eating birds is a serious evil which takes its ow n iv\ enge. At the upper end of the ground stands the great pozzo, or tank, ready as soon as dry, sultry weather sets in to pour its reviving streams into the runnels between the beds, and then, as evening draws on. we may watch the gardeners banking up a canal here, or making an opening there to guide the irrigating water into the right channels. Near taepozzo the silver grey coronals of a long bed of Cardoons are a con- tinual feast to the eve of form and colour. In contrast to these are the finely-cut deep green leaves ot Finocchio dolce, which occupies a great portion of the ground. This good gift of the vegetable world is essentially Italian, and deserves a passing notice. It is often mistaken by English people for our pot herb Kennel, the usual accompaniment to mackerel, and the question is continually asked why it is not grown in ourgardenson the Italian plan : but it i- altogether different. The wild plant is common in many parts of Italy, but must not be confounded with the giant Ferula which springs from the mouldering brick rubble of many an old Roman ruin. Cnder cultivation it is called Sweet Fennel, and is treated much in the same way as ( Vlery, and then the clasping bases of the leaves become white and succulent, forming an oval bulb, crisp and slightly aromatic, which is very popular either though the heart is heavy ; and though the time is long in coming, we may hop,/ that a better day will dawn. There are those in Italy, as in England, who believe that national prosperity and happiness are greatly bound up in the "wise development of the resources of the land." and who are steadily pursuing their way towards that end. These, too. say " Pazienza!" and work on and hope on. K. L. D. ( To In- continut d. ) ROMAN GARDEN LABOl'RER ; PEASANT FROM THE CAMPAGNA as salad or cooked in various ways. I believe it has been tried in some parts of England, though not with success, but in Italy the smallest garden has its patch of Finocchio, and furrow after furrow may be seen in the Roman market gardens, to which it lends its own special grace. Yet another unusual crop is the white Lupin, always lovely with its folded silky leaves holding the dewdrops in their hearts, but one is tempted to ask its use, except perhaps as a fodder plant. We get an answer at any street corner where vendors congregate, for there is sure to be one or more with a pan of boiled Lupin beans -most popular of light refreshments, as the empty husks everywhere strewn about bear abundant witness. Between the rows of Finocchio and the taller crops are thrifty plants of tufted Endive or crisp Cos Lettuce, for there is no waste of time in- space. No need in South Italy for ground to lie open for the pulverising frost to do its work, or to wait for lengthening hours to bring a little fostering sunshine ; no finding of work for dark wintry days when soil is iron-bound or snow lie-, thick. The patient unceasing toil goes on year in, year out, but less wearisome at this season, may be, than when the fierce sun drives the labourer to his well-earned noon- tide rest. As we watch the work go on. the gentle persistence of it rather than the vigorous attack points the contrast between southern and northern peoples, lint there is no idleness ; rather there is a sort of hopeless industry which is deeply pathetic, for taxes are a heavy burden on the produce of the land and the pittance is hardly won. lint, pazienza .' Faces light up with kindly smiles often enough THE INDOOR GARDEN. DOUBLE PRIMULAS. FEW plants give such a goodsupply of bloom for cutting from as do the double varieties of Primula sinensis. The old double white. <>r Stuarti, as it is sometimes called, is the most prolific. The same plants will give a continuous supply of bloom from September to the middle or end of March, or even later, but 03' this time it isn.it so serviceable, as after the sun gets more powerful the flowers wither very much during the daytime. The same plants may lie grown on for two or three years, yet it is better to divide them annually, or cut them up and make cuttings. The safest mode of treatment is to clean oft' all the old leaf- stalks close to the stem and then earth them up with some leaf-mould ami sand. Roots will soon he produced from the stems, ami if carefully cut oft' close to the old soil ami potted singly in small pots, healthy young plants may be established with little risk of losing them. Care should lie taken in pre- paring the soil, which should consist of good loam, leaf-mould, and a liberal supply of sand. After potting they should be kept in a close frame where there is a little bottom heal, taking care not to give them too much moistureand to keep them shaded until well established. It is very important that 1 1 1 1 ■ \ should have a lit tie warmth to give them a start, and after they are well established they may be removed to a cooler position. During the summer they will do well in a cool frame. Light being essential, a frame under a north wall, where they can get the full benefit of the light without being exposed to the direct rays ot t he sun, wall suit t-liein better than where they have to lie shaded. When potting the plants on into larger pots a little manure may lie added to the compost, and they should lie potted moderately firm, keeping the crown well down on to the surface of the soil. If the plants are dealt with during this month, with good treatment they will make strong plants suit able for 6-inch pots. In addition to the old double white referred to above, there are other varieties which, though not quite so prolific, are very desirable. The pink varieties, Balfouri, Peach Blossom, and carminata flore-pleno, closely resemble each other and are very pretty. Earl Beacbnsfield is a stronger grow rag variety and the flowers an- not guite so deep in colour. Annie Hillier, pale Besh-pink, is one of the best, nf whites, alba plena grandiflora is purs in colour and makes fine trusses ; candidissima is another worth mentioning. The varieties with dark leaf-stalks vary, sometimes being pure white or more or less striped with pink and purple. Marchioness of Exeter, Princess, Mrs. Barron, and White Laclv all have the same tendencies, but the first-named has most colour. The other three may be considered identical with each other. A. Hemsi.ey. RHAPIS ASPEKA. I saw a house full of this tine Palm in Mens. Van ( '.imperii. .lie's garden at Bruges last year, and as it was quite new to me. bought a large clump, consisting of the original imported crown 258 THE GARDEN. [April 1900. and eight young sucker growths, which had come up in eighteen months from the time the crown was planted on its arrival from Japan. I have so far seen no other plants, and the variety does not appear in any catalogue that I can see. Does any reader ' of The Garden know it ? Mons. Compernolle told me that a large importa- tion came over to Holland and Belgium two years ago, and that curiously it had been little grown, but he thought that it was not a new plant. It certainly is an exceedingly rapid grower, and with an established plant there are so many suckers, that the foliage is all on different levels, and the stems, which incline to be lanky, are completely hidden. I judged it to be a pretty tough variety, and was told that last winter the plants stood 5° of frost at Bruges. This year my plants have stood 10°, and are only- a little browned at the ends of the leaves. Emboldened by this, I think I shall try one out-of-doors next year, but I should like to know if the experiment has been made by anyone else. I asked Mons. Compernolle whether he thought plants would survive a winter here in the open, with rather a curious result. He naturally enough did not know where Devonshire was, but proudly informed me that he had an "enormous" map of England on which I could show it him. The "enormous" map was hungup in his office, it is true, but the printer had no room for Devon and Cornwall, and the map ended in a straight line on the left-hand side, cutting oft' the conformation south-west of England somewhere on a line with Taunton ! Apparently, to the foreign mini!, two counties more or less is a small matter. Newton Abbot. B. D. Webster. [VY-LEAVED PELAKGONIUMS FOB WALLS. It is often a puzzle to know what to plant at the base of a high greenhouse wall, both with the object of covering the wall and for producing Hotter, either for the embellishment of the house itself or for using in a cut slate. I can safely affirm that plants put out at the foot of such a wall, even if it lie 10 feet or 12 feet high and the root run limited, will flourish for at least fifteen years. Dining that time such plants will produce an extraordinary quantity of blossom, provided, of course, they obtain a liberal supply of water at the roots, good drainage, an occasional surface dressing with manure, and immunity from aphides. The advantage of this section of the Pelargonium over the ordinary zonal type is that they are quite evergreen, blossom more freely the year round, and what is of equal importance, the petals do not fall nearly so quickly. Stout plants put out in February '2 feet apart in a compost of three parts loam to one of half-decayed horse manure and leaf-mould, with a sufficiency of old mortar rubble, charcoal, and vegetable refuse to keep the whole p. nuns, cannot fail to cover the wall completely in a short time if the points of the strongest shoots are nipped out now and again in increase their number. As t > > variety, any that are free-flowering and are of combined vigorous growth cannot be wrung. Marie Crousse, pink Souvenir de Charles Turner, and Robert Owen are a trio well worthy of attention. *S. RIVIERA NOTES. Spite of occasional storms and beavy tains, the increasing deal of the sun brings on vegetation so rapidly here, that it is a little sad to hear of the cruel cold that checks all growths in the north. To see the tall sulphur Snapdragons ami scarlet Poppies already Howering on sunny banks is a startling reminder that summer is at hand, a reminder that is intensified bj the green tips on a few early Fig trees, Beforethe Violets are quite over I want to remind gardeners whj these big new Violets ate so often accused of being scentless. How many times have I, with many others, been puzzled by tic niter scentlessness of a bunch of flowers I knew to be freshly gathered from the bed. A fortnight ago we had a spell of beautiful weather with very dry atmosphere, and I found to my surprise that a bed of big Princess of Wales Violets that I had accused of having little scent perfectly rilled the air for yards round with perfume. A few nights ago there were some cold and heavy dews, and this same bed of Violets became almost scent- less. To-day, after heavy rains, there was no scent whatever to be found, spite of a warm sun, so it is evident that the large open blossoms on long stalks suffer much more from cold and wet than the modest little old Violet whose blossom was hidden under the shelter of its tufted leaves. Any shelter that will screen the blooms from damp or rain will prevent these Violets from becoming scentless. Of course I am not suggesting that Violets can keep their scent long when gathered, but I am convinced that wetting the blossom, either artificially or by exposure to rain and dew, is the real cause of much so-called scentlessness, and anyone who will protect his Violets from dew or rain will not fail to find the flowers sweeter. The transition from spring flowers to those of early summer is rather sad just now, and I hardly think that the glory of Tree Pieony and Iris of many colours quite compensate for the Anemones, the Peach blossoms, and Carnations of a southern spring. The day after the equinox I saw the first flower-spike of a Horse ( Ihestnut in bloom with fully-developed foliage, while next it was another tree of the same species whose buds had not even burst and were still in the shiny-sticky stage. There is no tree whose individuality is so strongly marked as this, and one wonders what the cause can lie. Bougainvilleas are now at their very best, :i.nd certainly give an effect that nothing can rival. This winter's cold has not been enough to touch them when grown on sheltered walls. The rich orange Bignonia venusta has at last reached Riviera gardens, and is beginning to make a glorious mass of colour when duly sheltered anil cared for, but it is a plant that needs a little nursing in this climate. Edward H. Woodall. THE FLOWER GARDEN. UFTED PANSIES PLANTING. SPRING haracter of the weal her pring season, planting OWING to tl early this operations arc somewhat later than usual. For some years past it has been the custom to plant out in their dowering quarters the bulk of the Tufted I'ansies during the earlier half of March, and from this early work the results have I ii in every way satisfactory. The bard and unsuitable weather of late has deferred spring planting, as it would not hi' wis' to take the plants in hand in such weather. The condition of the stock of cuttings inserted last autumn is fairly satisfactory, the stronger growing kinds being distinctly the better. Among the most noteworthy kinds of comparatively recent introduction a few have done well : the majority, however, are far from pleasing in their appearance just now. but a few days of more genial weather quickly encourages the plants into vigorous root action, quite altering their character. Plants intended for stock purposes for the past time or four years have been subjected to a very Irving experience, the exceedingly hot and dry seasons tor several years in succession undoubtedly weakening the constitution of several of the best sorts. Notwithstanding the fact that exceptional measures were taken last season to keep the plants in a cool and satisfactory condition at the roots, the plants for stock purposes were never- in a poorer and weaker condition. In proof of this, it will be sufficient to state that instead of the majority of the cuttings rooting, although extra pains were taken to ensure this, a number of excellent sorts were absolutely lost, and others with which little difficulty had previously been experienced presented many gaps in the rows, and to make up the necessary quantity for planting, some of the old plants will have to be broken up. In a normal season the Tufted Pansies are seen to great advantage in the south, and it is a matter for regret that some growers intend to use the plants less freely than has been the case in the past. The present time is a favourable opportunity to bring the claims of this useful, hardy, free- flowering subject before the readers of The Garden. as the planting may be carried out within the next few weeks. Many failures in the past have been brought about through the use of a type of the plant which cannot be considered of a tufted character, and those who have compared some of the newer kinds with those sorts which have been grown in our gardens for many years must acknow- ledge their superiority. The newer sorts in most cases possess a habit which is dwarf and compact, or which is dwarf and crawling in its style of growth, and, in addition, they are wonderfully free flowering, so profuse, in fact, that it is neces- sary once or twice at least during their long period of blossoming to remove the blossoms that the plants may enjoy a well-earned rest. Growers need not now confine their selection to, say, white, yellow, and blue sorts, as many charming varieties with blossoms of other good and distinct colours provide sufficient material to satisfy the most fastidious taste. The edged and fancy flowers, too, have their uses, and when contrasted with the self coloured sorts they are very effective, and also present a somewhat unique display when grouped together in the borders or in beds by themselves. The use of Tufted I'ansies as cut flowers for vases and table decorations is deserving of encou- ragement. For this particular purpose they have few equals, especially when small glasses, tubes, and shallow howls are arranged with their fragrant blossoms. The plants are so lloriferous, and one can cut and come again so frequently, that the question of renewing the supplies becomes quite a simple matter. When planting give each plant ample space to do justice to itself. Too often, unfortunately, they are so crowded, that in a short time they become overgrown. At least ') inches between the plants should be allowed, and if the garden soil was liberally enriched with good manure when it was deeply tilled, the intervening space will soon be filled with growth of a healthy kind and the groups present one mass of colour. Plant firmly, and if the weather lie rather dry for any great length of time, give the plants a thorough watering. Stir the surface of the soil frequently. I'). II ('KANE. CHIONOSCILLAS. Amom; the many possibilities which exist in gardens containing a number of plants belonging to the same natural order, one of much interest is that of obtaining hybrids between plants closely allied. We have several sue]), and there is every likelihood that many more might be obtained by means of artificial fertilisation instead of trusting to the insects and winds to do the work. Among these bi-generic hybrids which have appeared arc the Chionoscillas, which, as the name would indicate, arc" the products of the union of the Chionodoxa and the Seilla. As yet there are not many in existence, as their rate of increase is not very rapid in the few gardens into which tiny have found their way. and also because they cannot he depended upon to reproduce themselves from seeds. I have at present under observation a number of seedlings raised from one of these Chionoscillas. and find it interesting to see how some of them have reverted to one or other of the original plants. April 7, 1900/ THE GARDEN. 259 This want of fixed character in the seedlings is possibly a little disappointing, but it also affords a prospect of more variety making its appearance. Sonic of these seedlings, whether they come near the Chionodoxa or the Scilla, are quite distinct in form or in shade of colour. I am selecting the best as time and opportunity offer. The Chionoseillas which have come from the original cross between the Chionodoxa and the Scilla are not numerous, but those which have come into cultivation arc pretty plants of much merit from a garden standpoint. They are good growers and more floriferous as a rule than either the Glory of the Snow or Scilla hifolia, the other parent. In general appearance they are mostly like the Chionodoxa, but the perianth segments arc cut to the base, like Scilla bifolia, in some. So far as I know, no one has said anything about having raised seedlings between the Chionodoxa and Scilla sibiriea or Scilla campanulata, but last year I saw a flower which seemed to be between a Chionodoxa and one of these Spanish Squills, though I could not ascertain what Scillas were grown in the garden whence it came. Of course the Spanish Squill usually blooms too late for the Chionodoxa. but late planted bulbs of the latter might bloom at the same season. The whole sub- ject is of much interest, and its ventilation may lead to the additiou of many charming flowers to our store of spring-flowering plants if a few can be persuaded to take up the work. S. Aknott. i anethorn, lit/ Dam/riei, X.ll. NOTES ON APPLES. GROWING APPLES FROM CUTTINGS. The Variety Burr-knot. HAVE read notes mi this subject the writers of which have considered raising Apple trees from cuttings a very simple matter. Indeed, they have gone so far, I believe, as to say they would strike as easily as Currants or Gooseberries. Not having had any expe- rience in the matter, I cannot say much about it, but the general opinion appears to correspond with that of your correspondent in The Garden of .March 17' (p. 197), that, with the excep- tion of a few suits, they will not readily emit roots. My reason for taking the subject up, how- ever, is to mention a variety that will foot from branches inserted in the ground. I allude to Burr- knot, which is also called Hide's Walking-stick. The following description is taken from Dr. Hogg's " Fruit Manual" : "The tree is a close and compact grower, and a profusion of burrs are produced on the branches which emit incipient roots. If a branch furnished with these burrs is inserted in tin- ground it will take root and become a tree. The name of Bide's Walking-stick originated from a person of that name having cut a branch for a walking-stick in Cheshire, and brought it to his place near Hertford, and inserting it in the ground, it took root and became a tree." This variety has been familiar tome for several years ; there are a number of trees in the garden here. It is also very common in cottage gardens in the villages round about, and all the trees appear to lave been raised from cuttings or small branches. . '. docs not appear in any catalogue that I am familiar with, and one does not often see it men- tioned. It is said to he a Lincolnshire Apple. The tree is a compact grower, and being grown from cuttings it makes a good hush, hut it should not be planted in exposed situations, as the roots are thin ■ iii't weak. Tin- fruit is ripe in October, and will last until the end of November or middle of December. It is a desirable variety on account of its free cropping quality. I have never known it to fail. Last year when so many kinds failed to bear fruit, Burt knot carried a full crop. It is not affected bj any disease or insect pest, the foliage always being clean and healthy. J. Like your correspondent "E. M.." I have been pottering about among Apple trees and propagating them in various ways for a good many years, and am forced to come to the conclusion that propaga- tion from cuttings will not suffice to keep up the stock of those kinds that root freely in that way, and which are certainly limited in numbers. It is something more than fifty years ago since I first began to strike Apple cuttings. At that time there was a small Apple tree a good deal grown in cottage gardens in Yorkshire called Burr-knot. This was the only Apple tree I knew that every cutting, no matter what part of the tree it came from, always grew, hut it was not a very valuable sort, and probably it has disappeared. I mention it because it struck so freely and was so common in small gardens. In the garden where I was employed about that time we had the handsomest little collection of Apple trees in pots I have ever seen, all from cuttings. It is true a good many of them were of the Codlin family, but the collection also included King of the Pippins, Golden Pippin, Rymer, and a few others the names of which I forget now. Since leaving that place I have worked in a good many different counties, and have struck Apple trees from cuttings in some of them. Manks Codlin is certainly one of the best to strike, but I have never had any difficulty with any of the Codlins. I have tried cuttings of various sizes, hut prefer branches about as thick as one's thumb, and 1 generally select a branch or branches with little clusters of excrescences running over the bark, and that will when planted develop into roots. Where there is a little bunch of these embryo rootlets the saw is inserted and the branch cut, off there, and after the wound lias been dressed, the cuttings are planted in rows across a north or at least a shady border somewhere and the soil made very firm, and the ground is mulched all over with moss litter manure. If the following spring happens to lie dry. water should be given freely. The best time to take off the cuttings is about the first week in October. But though own-rooted Apples will be a long time coming in quantity from cuttings, they may be got some other way. I see own-rooted Apples are quoted in the catalogue of one firm, and if that firm finds the demand increases, they will, I have no doubt, find some means of supplying them, though I think it will be more likely to be found in layering than in striking cuttings. It will take time to establish store grounds of our best fruits, but I daresay it could be ('one, and in the course of lime all our best kinds of Apples might be obtained on their own roots. But I do not anticipate that Apple trees on their own roots will make as much growth as when grafted on a vigorous stock. Therefore, those who want big trees might still have to plant grafted trees, but for small gardens there would be a lot of surface- rooted bushes wanted that will increase in size and value annually, and whose chief requirement would be an annual mulch of rich compost. E. Hobday. APPLES OX WALLS. The very sensible letter of Mr. Thomas Coomber on this subject (p. 1271 recalls my first experiences in the matter. These lay so widely apart as Perthshire, in Scotland, and Devonshire, in England. In the first case the variety was the old Nonsuch, grown on the southern gable end of a cottage in which the main fire for cooking and warming was seldom out night or day throughout tlie season. The tree covered the entire space, the branches being trained horizontally from 9 inches to 10 inches apart. The tree, probably from the heat of the chimney and the sun, suffered a good deal from the woolly aphis, but I never knew it to miss a crop, while the colour was so bright and the flesh so juicy and luscious, that most of those experts who tasted it proclaimed it an improved variety. Peasgood's Nonsuch, which I have often recommended for use on walls, is very much larger than the common Nonsuch. My second experience of Apples on walls was gained in a famous fruit garden in Devonshire. The walls stood on the southern slope of a hill, and thus became a conspicuous object at a distance. They were furnished with perfect trees, models of training, symmetry, and fertility. The distant view was rather puzzling, at which the fruit looked almost like Peaches and Nectarines, but on entering the garden it was found to be the finest run of des sertApplesprobablyin Britain. But then surely this was a waste of force ti > devote southern and western walls in the sunny south of England todessert Apples, however excellent. I was assured that this was quite a mistake. The two most useful fruits in that garden were Crapes and Apples, and besides the walls devoted to Apples there were enough and to spare for Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Cherries, and Pears, but none of these remained long in season in sunny Devon. Peaches soon melted. Cherries shrivelled, and Pears became mealy, but good Apples girdled the year round with the most refreshing and welcome fruit for dessert. The kinds grown were Kihston, Colden Pippin, Nonpareil, Newtown Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin, Russet. Cockle Pippin, Pearmains, Mother. King of Totnkins County, Melon, King of the Pippins, Margil. Spice, Calville Blanc Malingre, &c. The Ribslon Pippin alone sufficed to convince me that no climate or shelter could be too good to grow ami finish such superb Apples as these. All the Nonsuches are excellent for cooking, and are also much enjoyed for dessert by those who thoroughly relish a crisp-fleshed, juicy Apple. The new and larger Peasgood's Nonsuch keeps till Christmas, while the old or common variety is in its best season from September till the beginning of November. Peasgood's Nonsuch is one of the largest and handsomest Apples, the prevailing colour being crimson and gold, and it is doubtful if it has yet reached its maximum size or colour on south or west walls. Some of the best results reaped from Apples on walls have been from trees on the Paradise stock. On a large scale and with long runs diagonal training provides them with wide areas. Again, diamond training forms a striking and telling disposition alike of flowers and fruit. Cordon Apples for market may become a little fortune, as the form of the tree saves the fruit from being bruised through winds and storms. While the cordons tastefully disposed add new interest and beauty as well as profit to walls, espaliers, filling small places, generally run to waste. I). T. F. I Best Apples for Britain. We have received many articles upon this subject, which will appear next week. I AMERICAN NOTES. Pr.r.M Guthrie's Green. There are so many new varieties of Plums being introduced now-a-days that the old ones are rapidly forgotten, and yet I am often surprised to find how much better some of the old ones are than some of the new. I think it would be as much worth while occasionally to go over the list of old and perhaps discarded varieties, and see what there is worth a re-trial, as to spend so much time and talent wrestling with the more recent novelties. One of the good old Plums is that called Guthrie's Late Green, and described in nearly all the older works on pomology. This variety was raised by Mr. Guthrie, of Scotland, who seems to have been a man much given to the production of new Plums — sort of an H. A. Terry in his day. The fruit has all the general characters of the Green Gage, Bavay, or Reine Claude, to which group it belongs, the points of difference being of minor importance. The different varieties of this group, although much alike, have slightly different adaptations to special soils or climates, or special palates, so that some gardeners prefer one and some another. < Hhcr fine old, and more or less neglected varieties of this group are Washington, Bleekcr, Lucomhe, Non- such, General Hand, McLaughlin, Jefferson, Bryan ston, Golden Cage, Peters' Cage, and Lawrenci Favourite. These are all fine Plums, and I think most of them are worth growing yet to-day. F. A. Watoii, in American Gardening. A New Cherry Pest. The Cherry maggot is a new and serious pest in New York, During the past season many bushels of fruit were ruined h\ this insect. The fly lays its egg on the skin, as the fruit begins to turn red, 260 THE GAEDEN. April 1)00. and from this hatches a maggot which eats its way in the pit, and is carried off when the fruit is sold. The worst thing about this disgusting pest is that it is so hard to detect its presence. Some affected fruits show a sunken place on one side, but others appear perfectly free from injury, and are sold to the consumer as sound fruit. The protest comes mostly from the buyer, after he has put theCherrj in his mouth. As yet, no satisfactory remedy or preventive has been found. — R. N. Y., in Canadian Horticulturist. FLORAL CLOCKS. Tin*: old notion of floral clocks has lately been revived in these pages, hut however interesting the subject may lie. these flowery parterres could never have been a success as accurate timekeepers. Like the sundial itself, flowers, too, very often depend on sunshine (or sun-heat) for their time of opening, and, on the other hand, flowers of many kinds close on the approach of rain, or when there is a more or less sudden decrease of tempera- ture However well carried out, no flower clock could prove to he aught but a partial success, since the flowers enumerated for their construction do not all flower together, or even at the same season of the year, even in the same gardens or places. Hence, as Kerner says. •■ the floral chick of Linnaeus has fallen into oblivion, anil the younger generation of botanists scarcely know its name." 5?As ('anon Ellacombe has kindly pointed out. Linmeus's own account of this phase of flower gardening is told in his " Philosophia Botanica," but, so far as 1 know, by far the best and most complete modern accounts of flower clocks. &C. , is to be found in vol. ii. of Kernel's "The Natural History of Plants" (Oliver's translation), pp. 215-219; tin' why and wherefore of flowers opening and closing being also therein clearly explained. ■■; Many, if not most, of the plants alluded to by Linn.ciis in this connection were not garden (lowers at all, but mostly weeds, natives of Sweden and Norway, such as the I landelion. Sow Thistle. Hawk- ! weed, &c. Apart from sunshine, the latitude, elevation, aspect, &c, of a place naturally make a difference in the time particular species open their flowers. Thus the floral clock adapted for the latitude of Upsala would not do for that of Innsbruck. 13° further south. There was often as much as two hours' difference between the opening of the same flowers at the two places. For example, Nymphsea alba opening at Upsala at 7 a.m. did not open at Innsbruck until S or !> a.m., and Anagallis arvensis opening in the one place (Upsala) at S a.m. did not open at the other till II or 10 a.m. The last plant is also, like Tulips, Groci, and many other flowers, "a shifting index," so to say, seeing that it does not open at all on dull, wet days, and may close at anytime during its usual hours of remaining open. The whole subject of the opening and closing of flowers is very complicated. Some open in the dark if the heat is sufficient, while others close in darkness, no matter what the temperature may be. Then it is now well known that both leaves and flowers have the power of transferring light rays into heat under certain conditions, so that the question becomes a very complex and intricate one. even to the most skilful botanical physicists themselves. To return to the flower clock, however, we may say that the subject though in its broader aspect is most fascinating, vet its practical importance from a chronological point of view is slight indeed. Still, if one is absolutely determined to make a flower clock, a good deal of study and labour would be essential. My own plan would be to make a combination oi a sundial ami a floral clock together on the ground, so that if the flowers failed to open and close at their appointed time I should still have the dial during sunshine to guide me, and to show how far wrong or right they were. But even a marine chronometer would not tell me if my flowers were a fortnight or so behind time. Seeing that flowers are so dependent on external c litions all their lives, so subject "to circum- stances and conditions entirely beyond their own control," I think it is just a little unfair to expect them to keep time for us in our gardens. Even the hardiest of native plants anil trees do not. because they cannot do so. Here in Dublin all our spring flowers are fullya fortnight, or even three weeks, behind their usual dates, ami I have no less. it her doubt the same is true, mor localities. As to the good taste of making floral clocks I need say nothing. The American public gardeners may have tried todo it, and if so I would ask them to tell us of their success. To me the attempt savours of a revival of that which would he better left to the past, like carpet-bedding and maps of the world in Sowers, or other mechanical devices in gardens that are, alas ! not of the past. A floral clock, to me at least, appears to be a return to " false ideals," and not in vogue with the healthy and rational progress in the art itself, which is Nature. F. W. 15. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. CYCLAMEN COUM. THIS pretty and graceful Cyclamen may be regarded as the typical central figure of other allied forms such as vermin], ibericum, Atkinsi, and, as in not a few other instances, either the hybrids, or the latter-day forms, or geographical variations of the plant are vastly superior as garden plants. This is very true of these pretty spring flowers, for if we accept ( '. ibericum as merely a geographical variety of ( '. coum, we have in the former a plant vastly superior to ( '. coum. With regard to culture, there is nothing difficult to overcome, the only thing oecessiary being to carefully select the position lor them, and having well planted them, leave them alone to become established. It so happens, however, that the conns of these pretty hardy spring flowers are impatient of much disturbance on the one hand, and strongly resent on the other that worst of all treatment to which these at times are subjected, viz., the long retention of the conusor tubers in an absolutely dry state. I have known instances where the corms, .planted after a long period of this treatment, have ( Drawn in Mr i YULAMEN COUM R0SECM. Barr and Sons' Numenl m Surbita by II- G. Moon.) April 1900.] THE GARDEN. 261 remained upwards of a year in the soil with- out the least sign of life above ground. In- deed, the 1 mllis have remained nearly the whole of this perioi without rooting afresh, the absolutely sole in- dication of vitality remaining being that the bulbs were soun and plump upon exami- nation. The best way of avoiding this class of plant to start with is to purchase growing plants in pots, and to make a point of order ing and planting them in tlir proper season. The plants are usu dl> in flower in February and March, and go to rest at the end of April, whilst they are best transplanted from -lu to end of September. There is plenty of room for such things in most gardens, and one of the Tremough is exceptionally good, the flower heads being as full and compact and the colour as brilliant as the ■est form of II. arboreum. W. W. ROSE GARDEN. HYBRID TEA ROSES. HAVE in my garden L80 varieties ol the Rose ; of these. the most valued are the Hybrid Teas. This is comparatn ely ■ > new race ol I loses, hut it is steadily extending, and already eclipses the Hybrid Perpetuals in popularity chiefly by reason of their greater reliability and free besi of positions for them, and where they do not at any time interfere with other things that hear them company, is the hardy fernery. The root-fibre suits both classes of plants. \\ here possible, these pretty spring flowers may he freely planted in the fernery, ami usually they do well. Near the base of large bushy shrubs is also good foi them, and similar places as they occur in the garden. In the rock garden they may he freely grouped wherever there is -hade. Half-shaded pockets siit admirably, and where a free mixture of loam, old mortar, cow manure, sand, and sandstone rock can be given them, with a drainage pretty secure. there need be no fear of failure. The tyne has purplish-red flowers that are somewhat crimson at the mouth. There is also a pure white variety, ( '. c. album, and a rosy-red form known as 0. c. roseuin,or sometimes called canieum. It is this pretty form of which an illustration is given. The pure white kind was raised by the late Mr. .1. Atkins, of P; swick, tie- plant receiving a first-class ucrtifieatc from the Royal Horticultural Soci !ty as long ago as 18(58. This plant has tie- sane foliage as C. • i i , tic flowers whit", with dark mouth. Our gardens to-day are also indebted to the same hardy plant enthusiast for the many charming hybrids that figure as < '. Atkinsi, originally a hybrid of the C. coum section. In this the leaves are more ovoid than in ( '. coum and variously marked, while ( '. coum is plain and tougher in texture. E. Jenkins. tHODODENDRON SHILSONI. A LARGE hush of this beautiful hybrid is now flowering freely in the new Himalayan house at Kew. It was raised ten or more years ago by Mr. I!. Gill, gardener to Mr. Henry Shilson, Tre- mough, Pcnryn, Cornwall, from II. bar- batum and II. Thomsoni. In the same house at Kew there is also in flower a large hush of II. barbatum, also from Tremough, and the relationship between it and I!. Shilsoni is easily seen. At the same time the influence of the other parent, I!. Thomsoni, is evident in the shape of the leaves, the larger size of the flowers, their deeper colour, the campanulate calyx, and the glahrOUS ovary. The leaves of the hybrid arc oblong or ovate-cordate, dark green above, pale underneath, :? inches to 4 inches long and -Ih inches wide. The flowers are shallow campanulate, over i inches across, and of a dull red colour. In R. Shilsoni, therefore, we have a distinct anil worths addition to the two Thomsoni hybrids pre viously known, namely. II. Luscombei (Thorn soni • Fortttnei) and 11. Harrisi (Thomsoni • nr- hbreuin). 1 have lately seen flowers of a Rhododendron from the garden of Mr. Thomas Acton, of Kilmacurragh, which Mr. Moore believes to he a hybrid raised at Glasuevin from I!, barbatum and II. Shcpherdi, anil which has the floral attractions of the best forms of both parents. There are forms of R. barbatum of third-rate quality, but that front flowering capabilities. Theyare much cultivated >y the greatest British and French rusarians, many of whom have given us new and very beau- tiful varieties. Among those eminent raisers perhaps the most distinguished ha veheen Pernet Ducher and Guillot, of Lyons, M. Nabonnand, Messrs. Dickson, of Newtownards, and Mr. William Paul, of Waltham Cross. To these rosarians we are indebted for such splendid Hybrid Teas as Mine. Pernet- 1 'ucher, canary- yellow in colour, an inestimable variety for garden decoration ; Papa ( lontierand Fiametta Nabonnand, also very effective and florally effusive ; UUStave Regis, nankeen yellow in complexion, very pretty in hud : I Innocence ( Rernet-1 *ucher, 1897), a recent acquisition, with pure white Howers ; Marquis Li tta, BardouJob, only semi-double, hut of lustrous aspect and richly decorative; La France and Caroline Testout, Souvenir de Mine. Eugene Verdier, Marquisof Salisbury, and that grandly growing and flowering variety Gloire Lyonnaise. These are among the finest of French introductions : while Kaiserin Augusta Victoria was introduced by Lambert and Reiler in 1891. Among those of British origin, some of the most notable are the varieties raised by the late Mr. Bennett, such as Viscountess Folkestone, in fragrance and ttoriferousness a rival of La France : Ular;i Watson, a Rose of great attractiveness, intro- duced by .Mr. Prince, of ( txford, after its raiser's death, the grandest in my garden of all Hyl lid Teas; the somewhat uniquely coloured Grace Darling and Lady Mary Fitzwilliatn, the litter of which has been surpassed by White Lady, its extremely handsome derivative, raised nl Waltham Cross. Mr. Pauls Aurora. I possess and admire, hut his Tennyson, which I inn t ere long acquire, 1 have not yet seen. From the Messrs. Dickson, of Newtownards, Ireland. we have receh ed several varieties of the highest merit and distinction : conspicuous among these 262 THE GARDEN. [April 7, 1000. is Mrs. W. J. Grant, introduced by them in is;).",, with large, freely-expanding, brightly- coloured, and richly fragrant Mowers, known in America as Belle Siebrecht, its original name in this country lightly remaining what it was. Their Marjorie, though of very dwarf habit and not in my experience very reliable, is one of the sweetest of all Roses, a veritable gem, while Bessie Brown, of very recent introduction, and its beautiful predecessor, entitled Killarney, are universally regarded as great acquisitions. The importance of such Koses fur garden culture can hardly he over-estimated, combining as they do the vigorous constitution of the Hybrid Perpetuals with the delicate refinement and fragrance of the Teas. In them strength and sweetness are harmoniously blended to form the faultless liose. D. R. Williamson. Mansi of Kirkmaiden, Wigtonshire, X.B. CORRESPONDENCE. ( Tht Editors are not responsible for tin opinions expressed by their correspondents.) DEEP CULTIVATION. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] SIR. — I thank Mr. Beckett for now giving a few details which, as I said hefnre, should have accompanied his first drastic advice. Your correspondent finds in practice that he cannot trust his sub- soil without the agency of something else similar to the material of the top spit buried. I maintain that it would have been better to have worked a good part of the rubbish-heap material into the first bad spit of subsoil, which in time would be in a tit state to bring to the surface later on. This practice would not interfere with the immediate crop- ping anil sowing, and at the same time give a deeper tilth. It is well known to every practical man that if the so-called rubbish-heap is converted into a slow tire.it produces one of the best possible materials for mixing in a spit of bad heavy subsoil, and if one happens to have a heavy collected heap— which in practice is at various times raked off the surface of the heavy land —put this also on your rubbish-heap fire, which will further add to its quality : in fact, it is a valuable material for all use. from the culture of Orchids to the kitchen garden, which is a very wide selection, irrespective of what is said in a recent issue of this paper. The ballast material which I advo- cated is of a mild description, which pulverises under flic influence of an\ ordinary winter, and very valuable I have always found it during my experience of over thirty years. .Mr. Beckett's plan of boring deep boles and filling them with good soil for tlie production of long taper roots for exhibition is a i erj old plan. A lew articles from some of our successful Hardeners would prove interesting reading. Fre- quently have I been asked. " What can I do in get my Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflowers to finish?" Tin' great trouble in the majority of eases arises from the mischief caused by the maggot of the Antbomyia brassica. •! \s. R. Hall. Fox Warren, Cobham, Surrey. IRIS RETICULATA. [To the Editok or "The Garden."] Sir, The note by "South Hants," p. 229, on his remarkable success with this Iris is very inte- resting. I. reticulata is an excellent illustration of the truth that there arc plants which evade all general prescriptions for their well-being. We occasionally hear of its multiplying like a weed in the gardens of the most diverse soils and climates, I iiit such instances are much rarer than confessions of whole or partial failure. That it cannot, in many places, oe grown into a large stock is proved by tiie ta.t of i lie price remaining practically what it was twenty years ago. The truth seems to be that few districts are exempt from the appearance! sooner or later, of the dreaded " ink-spot " disease. This is a fungus which appears as a small black spot or stain on the white envelope of the hulb, spreads rapidly, and finally consumes its entire contents, so that badly affected bulbs are lifted as nothing but blackened and empty hags. My own experience is as follows : When I came to my present home, in 1881, I. reticulata was quite unknown in the neighbourhood, and I congratu- lated 111} self on having made quite a discovery in the way it throve and increased in my soil, a medium flinty clay or chalk. Then came the disease, suddenly after some half-dozen years of immunity, and I lost nearly all my stock. The importation of fresh clean bulbs was quite un- availing. But a few years ago I noticed that stray plants which had somehow been introduced into my kitchen garden were developing into strong and healthy clumps. As sometimes happens, pressure of other work prevented my rescuing these for some seasons, and meanwhile the}- were annually lost after the disappearance of the leaf and trenched into vegetable quarters or Daffodil beds, often very deeply and in heavily-manured soil. Either by reason of, or in spite of, this treatment, I. reticu- lata took a new lease of life, and the produce of these clumps has given me ample stock for my borders and for a nice nursery bed. Curiously enough, the disease seems to have vanished for the time being, even from the old quarters of the Iris where it was so destructive. I think there was long ago in The Garden some discussion on the benefits of kitchen garden soil for I. reticulata. The term is a sufficiently vague one, except that it implies much manure and much digging. I leave it to others to assign the cure to deep planting, manuring, or both, and to explain how the disease came into my garden and why it lias fled. One or more points about I. reticulata. Can anyone give me an assurance that a major form really exists ? I have never been able to obtain it. Does the dull, puce-coloured variety possess a scent in anyone's garden? It is commonly described in catalogues as fragrant, but here it is absolutely scentless and as inferior to the type in this as in other respects. As to the specific name of this Iris, it is rommonlv described as the "golden-netted" violet Iris; but " reticulata " was applied not to any markings of the flower, but to the hempen mesh-like tunic of the bulb. George Enoi.eiieart. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, When bulbs of undoubted hardiness die out, look for the fungus, and it is probable that "A. C. B." (p. 195) will find the cause of his failure with Iris reticulata and its allies in the black spot to which the bulbs arc subject. A very interesting note appeared last summer in, if my memory serves me. the Qardeiierx' Chronicle, and by Mr. Wolley-Doil. in which soaking the bulbs for some hours in a weak solution of formalin was offered as a remedy. 1 tried it. and thereby saved many bulbs. I regret that I cannot now refer to the paper. Notwithstanding losses from tins disease, my Btock of Iris reticulata (including I. Krelagei anil an early dwarf form which appeared amongst some seedlings, in colour a claret as intense as is the true purple of the type) continues to increase. I. histrioides, I. Bakeriana, and I. Danfordi, added two years ago, are likewise thriving. I. Histrio has always been a trouble, mainly. I think, because il starts into growth so early, but the bulbs I have received have not invariably been in the best con- dition. Though an occasional bulb may grow from year to year until it forms a clump. I should recom- mend " A. C. B." to take up his bulbs annually when they go to rest, or, at least, every see, aid year. He can then sort out any unhealthy ones and change the site- not unimportant when a fungoid trouble has to be encountered. It may be a small matter, but I have noticed that the leaves in decaying form holes in the ground which reach down to the bulbs. The lungiis, I think- may find its way down, and there- fore I close such holes by forking oyer the surface. Planting should be done earl}- in August or Sep- tember, as the bulbs suffer if kept long out of the ground. Dig deeply and, need I say, add no fresh manure. If anything is required, a little well- decayed leaf-mould will suffice. Some silver sand about the bulbs will be an advantage, though, perhaps, not absolutely necessary. My soil is a good light loam and well drained. I give no winter protection. In conclusion. 1 would say. take care of the off- sets. I am sure many failures with bulbous plants arise from neglect of these, and in constantly grow ing from young stock may lie some of the success of the Dutchmen. James Snow Whall. Worksop. MI'TISIA DECURRENS. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Sir,— Having been for many years an admirer of this grand evergreen wall shrub, I have read with much interest the recent references to it in The Garden, and am happy to be able to corroborate all that has been said of its perfect hardiness in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. I knew the plant well in Mr. .Tenner's garden, as also in the Botanic Gardens, and have seen the specimen in the Comely Bank Nursery while it was covered with its gorgeous blossoms. Other plants, though much smaller, are to be seen in other places, and all seem to be quite at home, notably one planted out from a pot about two years ago in the Messrs. (bieve's nursery at Redbraes. It was only 3 feet long when planted, and in the following summer produced four of its large Gazania-like, orange flowers. Last year it seemed to have all the appearance of good health. I am not aware that any specially prepared soil was supplied to the older specimens to which I have referred, but Mr. Grieve informed me that his plant had been treated to a few spadefuls of sand}- peat, and this fait may prove suggestive to Mr. Arnott and others who, having failed in the past, may he inclined to make another trial. Omega. [To the Editor of "The Garden."-] Sir, — I am much obliged for the remarks on the above from your correspondents, and hope some day to make another trial of the plant. My diffi- culty is to get one. It is no longer to be had from the source whence I got my former supply. If any- one should be aware of any being for sale and would send me a postcard, I should be very pleased. T. J. Weaver. Thirlwood, Holden Road, Woodnidt Park, X. L1XARIA PALLIDA. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir. In The Garden, March 24, p. 228, Linaria pallida is recommended for the rock garden. A word of warning may be useful. It is extremely pretty, but in my rook garden has become a most troublesome weed. F. A. Stcroe. Coed /Cl'it, mill- Wrexham. PLANT SHELTERS IX HOLLAND. [To the Editor of "The Garden:"] Sir, — The shelter Mr. Wilson describes (p. 196) is practically the same as a kind we sometimes use in Holland, only instead of being of iron our hurdles are made entirely of wood, which is rather a dis- advantage, as wood rots away after a few years, that is to say, those parts of the hurdle which touch the ground, notably the principal poles. On the whole, however, I cannot say that in our line of work, i.e., bulb-growing, these shelters are of much practical use. If very early-growing bulbs which require shelter, like man}- Fritillaries, Tulips Greigi, &c, are grown on the south side of the shelters they naturally come on much faster than if grown on the open ground, but then the hurdle- do not at all protect the plants from the March and April night frosts. Km- these bulbs we rind the best plan is to grow them completely exposed, but as soon as they slmw above tin- ground to drive in a few stumps around the beds at about (i feet April 1900.] THE GARDEN. 263 apart. Over these some laths are fixed, and during frosty nights mats made of reed are rolled over the beds. In Holland these mats can be bought very cheap. A (i-feet mat, measuring when rolled out about 3d feet square, costs about Is. 6d., and when not too roughly handled will last for three winters, so that for (id. we can cover 'M ) feet square. Of course there is the labour of unrolling the mats in the evening and rolling them up in the morning, but this is well counterbalanced by the very good results we get. The mats are at about In feet above the ground. A further advantage of this plan is that when very sharp frosts occur which will penetrate under the mats they can be left on until the plants thaw gradually. Forplants which require shade during the summer, like Hellebores, Tnlliums, Hepaticas, &c. . we use the same plan, only the mats are made much more open. Haarlem, Holland. J. Hooo. [To the Editoe of "The Garden."] Sir, — Wooden shelters arc in use in several of the nurseries at Bruges, and I took particular notice of them last year, as I had not seen them before. -Most of them are fixtures, stand 7 feet to ,s feet high, and are formed of laths nailed to stout wooden uprights, which are let deep into the ground and are further strengthened by struts. The laths are nailed on each way across and across about 1A inches apart, crossing one another at right angles. The screens seemed to answci their purpose well, and I was told that they lasted many years. They were to be seen protecting many things, though for the most part Arauearias, but in one nursery, that of Muns. Van Compernolle, I think, there is a large plan tatiou of young standard Days surrounded with screens. I am inclined to think that if Mr. Wilson arranged his laths both ways, after tin- Bruges plan, his screens would be neater and also stronger. B. I>. Webster. A'< mloii Abbot. days. In one garden the seed was sown in July in line soil and covered with a hand-light, the plants being wanted to flower at the end of April and during May. As soon as the seedlings appeared air was freely given, the top of the" hand-light being removed in fine weather. In September the plants were potted into 4-inch pots, two plants in c.uli, in a compost of three part.- loam and one part manure, leaf-mould, and coarse sand. At the end of October they weie placed in a cool pit close to the glass and fully exposed, except in frosty weather, the soil in 'the pots being kept fairly moist. In February each pair of plants was shifted into a 6-ineh pot and liberally assisted with weak liquid manure till the bloom commenced to expand. Nothing can be more beautiful or useful than Stocks in pots when well grown, and their fra- grance is delicious. Some of the plants referred to were retarded for flowering early in June, being stood on ashes behind a north wall. These were valuable for rutting or mixing with other plants in the conservatory. Autumn-raised plants are much better for flowering at the period named than plants raised from seed sown in heat in January or February. East Lothian Stocks often get rough- and-ready treatment when grown in the open. our soil is naturally light. On the other hand, our rainfall is over 80 inches in the year. Under these conditions Narcissus pallidus piwcox flowers abundantly every year, ripens a great quantity of seed, and what I do not gather sows itself. The border is full of seedlings. My gathered seedlings grow freely in a rather moist and peaty reserve bed. from which they are planted out anywhere. I cannot say I have found any place where they refuse to grow and flower. Mine are exceedingly varied both in colour and shape, being probably collected wild bulbs. I think that, as Mr. Arnott says, the plant must be one of those easier to grow in the north than in the south. A. M. STERNBERGIA COLCHICIFLORA. [To the Editor or- "Tun Garden."] Sir, — Sternbergia eolehiciflora must still be in existence at Melburn, the home of the Hon. W. T. Strangways after he became Earl of Ilchester in 1 858. Many years ago now, I was shown a flower of a Sternbergia there, the first I had ever seen, and I remember distinctly that it was fragrant. The flower, as far as I recollect, was much the same as Sternbergia lutea. SHERBORNE. THK CALIFORNIAN Hl'SH POPPY. (RoMNEYA Coll.TEKI.) [To the Editor or •■ The Garden."] Sir. I see in The Garden (p. Kill) that Mr. Webster asks for information as to the culture of Romneya Coulteri, and as I grow and bloom it very successfully without any trouble, I think I can help him. His error is in leaving the last yearswood. I leave theold growth as a protection during the winter, but as soon as the new shoots appear at the base the old wooil is cut down to the ground like any other herbaceous plant. In ease you may like to reproduce it, I enclose a photo- graph that I took last summer of mylargest plant. I hail then thirty-seven expanded 'blooms besides numerous buds. When I planted it eight years ago it was a very small plant. It was put in a warm corner facing south west, and it now covers 111 feet of ground and is .", feet high. "It has no protection and blooms freely every year. Twyford, /:■ ,•/',. ' F. < ;. Coleridge (Capt. i. EAST LOTHIAN STOCKS. [To the Editor ok "The Garden."] Sir, Mr. Crook's note on growing Stocks in pots tor flowering in spring and his reference to the plants grown at Didlington Hall remind me of the beautiful plants of the East Lothian Stock East Anglian gardeners generally grew in my younger IALIFORNIAN BUSH POPPY (ROMNEYA ILTERl) IN BERKSHIRE. 'I'o do them justice they must have good soil well enriched with cow or horse manure, be watered with liquid manure, and have all ex- hausted bloom-spikes promptly removed. Thus treated, it is surprising what grand plants they will make anil the length of time they will flower. .1. ( Irawford. NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PRECOX. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sik, — Mr. Arnott asks for further accounts of the behaviour of Narcissus pallidus pnecox, which seems in some gardens to be so difficult to grow. I got some bulbs some years ago, and, knowing that they had the reputation of being difficult, I followed advice which I had seen in The Garden, to grow them in a very dry place. I therefore put them in a small border which slopes to the south and is eaten up by the roots of a scrubby Oak. At the back of the Oak is solid rock, and below the border the path is cut down about 15 inches, the border being edged with big stones to that depth. Nothing, therefore, could be better drained, and BOOKS. The New Forestry." The author is of the opinion that the planting of forests on the continental system, or something approaching it, should be practised on large estates in England. The chief difference between the two systems lif, indeed, we may be said to have a system) is that our plantations are much more thinned, so that an acre of ground that with us only carries 3110 trees will on the German system bear ten times the number. We space out the trees so that each may have air and light, whereas in Germany "the general theory of the system is that thick planting at the outset and dense culture throughout arc the first essentials in the production of good timber ; second, that thick planting leads to the early establishment of the overhead canopy, promotes height growth, and protects the soil, preserving its fertility, and keeping it jn a more uniform degree * "The New Forestry. Pawson and Brailsford. By John Simpson. Sheffield : 264 THE GARDEN. [Ap i;i[. I, 1900. of temperature and moisture than is found in open woods or where the ground is exposed : third, that density or crowding causes the struggle for exist- ence to set in early, in which struggle the trees begin to shed their lower branches while they are still young, grow in the desired cylindrical shape in their steins, arc free from knots, and produce timber of the best quality for all purposes; lastly. that the quantity of timber produced to the acre is greater than can be produced by any other system, and the value of the crop proportionately greater." Mr. Simpson strongly advises that the care of game and woodland should he placed under one responsible head, instead of forming separate departments, between which there is often a good deal of unavoidable friction. This seems to be a most desirable combination. On the subject of the difficulties and jealousies that commonly arise between the forester and the gamekeeper, we read: '■The only way to obviate this state of things is to class the woods and game together, and place both under one responsible and capable head. ft is immaterial whether the forester learns the keeper's duties or the keeper learns the forester's, but the former is by far the more likely man for both posts. As a rule he is a better educated man than keepers usually are: his duties as a forester furnish him with as many opportunities of acquiring a know- ledge of game as those of the keeper do, and on most estates he already performs not a few of the keeper's duties. It is not proposed to abolish the office of head-keeper, or to upset generally existing arrangements, but it is proposed to class the game as a sub-department under the head of 'woods' or 'forests, ami work the two conjointly. This is the Herman and French plan ; the gamekeepers are foresters, and all sporting expeditions arc con- ducted in Germany by the o/« rr' a fairly copious one. hut it is strange tint it should not include the valuable evergreen suh shrub ( laullhei ia Shallon, that otters warm shelter •_' feet high, aii abundance of excellent f I. and that llourishes even under trees on the poorest soil. The kinds of trees Mr. Simpson most strongly recommends for planting in quantity are the hardj Pines ami Scotch Fir. "Of the nearly £18,000,000 worth of timber imported from abroad, over £14,000,000, according to Government returns. represent Pine timber, consisting of Scotch Fir, Spruce, and. to a less extent, Weymouth and Pitch Pine. The three first succeeded well enough in this country, but the Scotch Fir is the mosl valuable of the three and the most extensively used. And the consumpti i Pine timber is increasing at an almost incredible rate, especially since the w I | > 1 1 1 1 ' trade assumed such dimensions. This m\\ sumption takes no account of the Larch and Fir timber of home growth also consumed, which is large, only it does not enter into competition with the foreign timber of the same kind in the uses to w huh Ii is put. Heri-. then, we have three species the Scotch Fir, Spruce, and Weymouth Fine to which should be added the Larch, making four species which supplj by fat ■tin- greater portion of the enori is quantity of timber used in this country, which could be grown more quickly, and probablj more successfully and profitably, than any other specie, in almost every part of the British islands.'' Whether the general adoption of the continental system of forestry would ever be practised in England is a matter ol considerable doubt, though il would probably he of -h advantage on large properties where there are considerable areas of hill or mountain waste if thes icurred union i he reach of a ready market. The great (oust- of German) are Crown property, and the Government has the power of placing certain restrictions even on those that are the property of private owners. Then, again, the forest and roughest copse land is in England of so much greater relative value as harbourage for game. Such land earns a yearly value that will probably exceed that of the -auic area under a forest crop, which would (except for the price of the two thinnings, of which that of the first is scarcely worth considering) only conic to the hammer in a hundred years. Moreover, unless the forestry is on a very large scale. there is nothing that causes an owner so much trouble and difficulty as the profitable sale of timber. Then in our much more variable climate, the danger to young planted stock of two or three consecutive severe winters must be taken into consideration. We hear of young Ash destroyed three years in succession by spring frosts, and of a large piece of seedling Sycamore carefully fenced in. hut all dead, smothered by grass; and even when good timber is ready for sale, we hear sinister rumours of the " knock out " system being prevalent among buyers. With these facts in view, we think it likely that our woodland will in the main continue to be. as heretofore, tracts of wooded land flu.' home of furred and feathered game, of infinite beauty and interest to the naturalist and lover of Nature la point we Ml;. T. II. Ala tn;i; iiimi. think important, hut that docs not have our author's Sympathy), rather than as distinct areas bearing timber crops. I'.ut the land is wide, and there is room for both ; and those who arc interested in the planting of trees will do well to read all that is written in a book whose every page contains interesting records of the experience of an able forester. My Gardener. The scope of the hook is thus stated in the introduction : " I will indicate the best kmds and varieties of vegetables and hardy fruits and Bowers, and how fo grow them . . . . and the manner in which tin- most ordinary kind of garden and allotment work should he done. for. no matter however simple any kind of work may be. there is always a right and a wrong way of doing it." It is a simply written hand-book, rather specially addressed to those who do their garden work themselves. It contains a g 1 deal of prac- tical advice and is illustrated by cuts of the usual catalogue character. The pure is m,i slated, but is probably moderate. " My Gardener." By Eyre & Spot! isw le. W. Ward, F.R.H.R I Imi WORKERS AMONG THE FLOWERS. Ml!. ARCHER-HIND. WE are happy in being able to give a portrait of our good friend Mr. Archer-Hind, and we leave him to tell his own story of his work amongst the flowers of the garden. His notes upon the Hellebores will be read with unusual interest, as these beautiful flowers have been made his especial study, with the result that a glorious series of varieties for their colour and form has been raised for the English garden; — "My gardening days began now lung ago, for from the time that 1 was a schoolboy, when George IV. came to the throne, I had a garden of my nun, and was always devoted to flowers. " I was favourably placed, for in my fathers garden at Elswick, in Northumberland, the best flowers of the day were to be seen, grown where in olden times the monks had chosen a sheltered spot fur their residence. Two old Mulberry trees remained as evidences of their attempts to grow what was not quite suitable to the climate, though they did occasionally ripen their fruit. "An early taste fur gardening generally grows in later years, and a rather extensive collection of the best herbaceous and alpine plants which 1 got together mi the banks of the Tweed accompanied me to Shropshire ami Cambridgeshire, and finally to this county (Devon) nearly thirty years ago. Compared with others it is nut an extensive collection, but is sufficient to give pleasure not only to myself, but to many who have come to see my garden. " In the counties I have named the wild flowers have always been my special study. Each has some peculiar to itself, but Shropshire beats the palm, having, 1 believe, more than half the known British plants growing within its bounds." HELLEBORES. In the earlier volumes of The Garden (vols. xvii. to xxx.) the treatment of these plants, so far as my experience has gone, has been 30 frequently given, that it would be idle to repeal it here in detail. 1 will only say that the interest attached to the subject is almost inexhaustible. By crossing one species with another, anil again and again crossing the hybrids thus produced, endless new varieties are obtained ; new forms, new combinations of colour result from year to year, and the present generation of experimentalists have the benefit of a goodly field to carry mi the work. It is worth all their skill, since, whether as they appear in the border or as cul flowers, the unique effect of so much beauty and variety in the earlier months of spring is wonderful, and would have astonished gardeners in my early days, or even thirty 01 forty years ago. It was before that date that 1 first took them in hand, but with slight success. Not more than five or six were to be had ; some had been lost, most never introduced ; but by watching my oppor- tunity 1 ultimately collected nearly thirty reputed species. In the meantime, those I had gave me .spontaneous hybrids of considerable interest, and by subsequent systematic crossing, both hybrids and varieties have multiplied yearly. Two species I have long wished to obtain, but without success, viz.. true 11. lividus from Majorca, and vescicarius from Syria : the lot tner has long been lost, but I remember it seventy years ago. and its exact habitat is still known. The latter has. I believe never been An: iL 7. 1900.] THE GU.RD.EN. 26.': seen in England. Linnaeus classed the common Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) and also the little Canadian Uoptis trifolia amongst the Hellebores, and, I believe, before his time the Astrantia, Trollius, and probably others were included : but now the family is, for the present at least, denned, and popularly distin- guished as Christinas Hoses and Lenten Hoses. 1 have never succeeded in crossing the Christ- mas Hose (H. niger) outside its own family, neither have I so far raised any cross from our native H. fcetidus nor the Helleborus trifolius (argutifolius of Viviani), the only representative of the class in Corsica. With regard to the Lenten Hoses, I am inclined to think that all of them, whether with persistent or non-persistent leaves, may He crossed one with another, and their hybrids still further indefinitely extended into varieties. This is the task I would set before young lovers of their gardens. T. H. Abchee-Hind, F.L.N. Coombejishacre House, Smitli Devon. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Early Beetroot. BEETS are forced in very few gardens, and, unless needed for special pur- poses, it may not be necessary to do so, as of late years the introduction of the Globe varieties has been a great gain as regards earliness. To get a few <,ul\ roots for salad purposes, a considerable gain in time may he secured by sowing three or lour seeds in small pots, thinning to the strongest when large enough, growing in cold frames till the '■ml oi April, and then planting out on a warm border. Another plan is to sow a box of seed in a warm house, placing it in a frame when the seed his germinated, and pricking out when large enough. Beetroot is easy to transplant, but care must be taken not to break the roots. Early ( 'rocs in- the Open Ground are raised with less trouble, and may be sown on a warm south border or at the foot of a wall, thin- ning early, and feeding as growth is made. Few \ igetables respond more quickly than Beetroot ulan surface-dressings are given, say, in showery weather, either in the shape of nitrates or liquid manure. Tin' Turnip- rooted Beets need liberal treatment, as, having only a small tap root to depend upon and making their growth in a short lime, they need ample food. For present sowing 1 do not know of a better variety than Cartels Crimson Ball. This is a great advance as regards shape, size, colour, and earliness on the old Egyptian Turnip-rooted form, and is specially suit- able for poor or shallow soils. Sown now, 'it will be ready for use in three months. If long-rooted Beets are preferred, Sutton's Black is a beautiful root, both as regards quality and earliners. Asparagus. Early in April is a suitable time to sow Asparagus seed, either in permanent beds or for future plant- ing. If for the former purpose more preparation is necessary, as the roots will occupy the land for a much longer time and the soil will need good culture. I am not a lover of sowing seeds for permanent use. as the land needed may be made better use of if plants about two years old are planted, seeds occupying the land for quite two years when it might be bearing another crop. VV nateyer plan is adopted, by doing the work early in April a longer season's growth is obtained, less injury from drought, and less watering needed. t plants are purchased there should be no delay in having the soil in readiness to receive them, and in heavy clay soils it is advantageous to use some linei material at the roots if the soil is in a lumpv condition, and care should be taken to spread the roots nut carefully, cutting a wide flat drill 6 inches to s inches deep previous to the planting, each plant being made firm as the work proceeds- -indeed, in our light soil we gently tread them in. I prefer beds on the flat to raised ones, and there should be ample room, at least 2 feet between the rows and 15 inches, or even more, between the plants. With seed to form permanent beds the same advice holds good as to space, but sow thinly in shallow drills 3 inches deep and thin early to the required distance. Plants sown for lifting or forcing later on may be closer. 15 inches to IS inches between the rows, and half that distance between the plants in the row. Turnips. In an earlier note 1 referred to the value of Extra Early Milan and the White Gem varieties for sowing in frames, and the same advice still holds good as regards varieties for the first crop in the open. To these should be added Snowball, one of the most shapely roots grown and of excellent quality. It will now be safe to sow larger breadths of this vegetable than advised earlier, as witli more sun-heat germination will be more rapid. These roots, making their growth in a short time, need rich soil or that recently manured : failing this, a liberal use of a good fertiliser will be beneficial. I need not go into details of sowing, distances and position, as the culture is fairly well known, and the roots do well in an open position and well-drained soil. This sowing will give the midsummer supply. Carrots. These are best when grown quickly and used direct from the soil. To effect this' it is well to make several sowings, and for summer use the Early Gem and Model or the Short Horn section are advised. For later supplies any of the intermediate type, or Favourite and Model, are well adapted, and these sown at the end of this month will be valuable for autumn supplies. Carrots, unlike Turnips, do not need fresh manure, as too much causes the roots to fork ; at the same- time, good land is necessary, such as was well enriched for a previous crop. (;. WythES. Syon Houst Uardem, Brentford. INDOOR GARDEN. Fuchsias. Old plants which have up to now been kept dry at the roots in cool quarters may be brought out, pruned into shape, and started gently in a house with a temperature of about 50° at night, and in which a hotbed of leaves and manure will be a great advantage. Water must still be withheld for a few- days after pruning, and very little will be required after the first soaking until the plants arc ready for potting, which should be carried out when the new shoots are less than an inch long. Autumn- struck cuttings make excellent plants, and this is the best way of raising stock where the propagat- ing quarters are likely to lie overcrowded in the spring. The young plants should now be shaken out from the cutting pots and potted in some good material, consisting of two-thirds fibrous loam, one-third leaf-mould and decayed manure in equal quantities, and a good sprinkling of sand. If a few old plants were started for the production of cuttings a few weeks ago, the cuttings will now be ready for insertion, giving them the benefit of a close propagating box until rooted. Shading. During the first bright days of the year much harm is often done to tiny seedlings and tender growth by outbursts of sunshine, alternating with dull skies. A strict watch on the weather is necessary, and shading material should be .kept in readiness to cover all such things whenever desirable. Winter-flowering Heaths. As these go out of flower they should, if intended to be kept for another year, be cut back into shape, but not too close to the base of last year's shoots, as they refuse to break freely from very hard wood After pruning place the plants near the glass in a nice light greenhouse, and take great care not to over-water, as the roots, not having much top growth to support, are liable to die off from an overdose of water. Hard water should never be given lo these plants. As a safeguard against mildew the plants should be well'' dusted' with flowers of sulphur. Epacris. The erect-growing forms of Epacris comprise most of the best varieties, and these, too, should now have their annual pruning. Thev bear harder cutting than the Heaths, and as the production of a tew strong shoots, in preference to a crowd oi smaller ones, gives the best results, this should be the object aimed at. After pruning, it is advisable to keep the plants in a close atmosphere to induce the young growths to come away freely, and there is no danger in so doing, as the Epacris is not liable to mildew. Repotting should take place when the most forward of the new growths have reached rather less than an inch in length, and the pots used should be large enough only to give the plants a bare shift, and the soil best suited to their requirements consists of fibrous peat and sand. Pot firmly and keep the collars up above the new soil. Epacrisesare not nearly so much grown nowas they were formerly, anil have given place to the easier grown soft w led plants, but there cannot be a doubt that gardens have lost much by the change. Seedlings. By this time there will be many seedlings of early sown things such as Begonias, Streptocarpus, &e.', ready for pricking off', and I find it best to adopt the nurseryman's plan of pricking off' such things in little clumps early rather than to wait until they are big enough to set out singly, for the soil in the seed pots turns sour and is not conducive to growth, while the disturbance of the plants and the move to fresh soil appear to give them the impetus needed, and much time is gained. For a few days after pricking off a little extra attention must be paid to shading, and the pans or boxes should be lightly sprayed over with the syringe two or three times a day. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. Cuttings from the base of these plants will now be showing freely, and as soon as they reach about •1 inches in length the\ will be fit 'for insertion, striking them in small pots in a propagating frame with a fairly moist atmosphere. Avoid striking cuttings made from last year's stems, for though these may be got earlier, they persist in making flowers and get stunted in growth. Those of the right kind taken off later will soon overtake such as these and make far more satisfactory plants. • I. C. Tallack. Shipley Hall Garden*, Derby. ERUIT GARDEN. Peach Treks Indoors. All now are in different slams of growth, and must be treated accordingly. If the fruit is set and grown to the size of Hazel nuts it should be thinned, as undue delay in this work is direct loss of strength to the trees. Take off the smallest fruit where there are two on one node, and all be- tween closely placed blanches and those that cannot swell to their fullest size without being deformed against trellis wires, taking oft' other fruit to one. two, or three on each piece of wood, and leaving for a crop the largest and the best placed fruit to receive the fullest benefit of the rays of the sun. As soon as the fruits have perceptibly increased in size, go over them again and further reduce the quantity to very nearly the number for a crop. leaving a few over to be taken oft' when the stoning period is reached. A suitable number to leave is about one fruit to every square foot-spread of the trees, a few over for the largest, and under for the smaller. Consideration also must be paid to the vigour of the trees. Those growing in recently made borders may be allowed to carry a heavier crop than those in exhausted borders. For Nec- tarines, about !l inches square may be allowed for each fruit. If many fruits are left on a tree over and above a fair crop, they do not add to the weight of eatable pulp and the flavour is not so good. The increased number of stones so tax the power of a tree, that it has not the strength, after stoning, to add to the 266 THE GARDEN. April 1900. pulp. At the time of thinning fruit, to avoid crowding of foliage, thin out young shoots. Those (jii the end of the old wood in front of fruit and no1 required for next year may be stopped at •-' inches or •'» inches long, so as to give the fullest space to growth required for next year. Weak wood of last year's growth, without fruit, may he taken out, cutting in front of a young shoot, which will grow- on in placeofit. Trainand tie young shoots to the trellis, and for this purpose go over them as often as required. A mild forcing temperature is beneficial at this from about 53° at 6 a.m. to 63° in stage, ranging the daytime, with if lfr-' to 1 fi where the trees are weak. That containing lime. ammonia, and phosphate suits them. For trees in bloom maintain a sweet, buoyant, moderatelywarm atmosphere, with a temperature of about 50' at ti a.m.. and rising to 60° in the day, must be main- tained, and ventilation applied rather freely. Where ripe I'eaehes are required to lie as late as possible in the autumn, retard the trees when they are coming into flower by keeping the house wide open and "shaded from bright sunshine until the bloom begins to open. Peach trees in pots require the same general treatment as those planted out. but sharp attention must he paid to watering. When the stoning ing in colour tliau Ky the water-side, us depicted in tin' accompanying illustration. Over the glistening pond-sides the trees lung their graceful branches, reflected in the clear surface a picture the artist delights to paint. MR. PATRICK NEILL. I\ addition to the article on horticulture in the " Edinburgh Encyclopaedia," referred to in the in- teresting note in The Garden of March --1. Mr. Neill, in collaboration with the Rev. John Smith, wrote the treatise upon the same subject for one of the editions of the " Encyclopaedia SILVER BIRCHES BY WATERSIDE IN BURNHAM BEECHES heat ■ ;, Little over this at .-losing time will do no barm In line weather use the syringe freelj twice a day will not be too often— in the morning and .M .losing time, while in dull weather the damping of tie- surface of the border once may be sufficient. Maintain a sweet atmosphere with ventilation at the apex of the house when it is mild, putting it on gradually in the morning as the temperature rises, avoiding strong currents of cold air Keep on a crack of airthrough the night when it is mild. Peach tics should not at any time be allowed to become quite dry at the roots, and as growth advances the demand for moisture at the roots i great i therefore copious supplies must lently I"- given, with manure occasional!} period is completed, they may be brought along in a temperature a few degrees higher than is give" in the first swelling stage. Some early varieties of Peaches and Nectarines brought out in recent years take but a short time in stoning, which makes them adapted for bearing ripe fruit early indoors. (t. Norman. Tin Gardens, Hatfield Home, Herts. THE BIRCHES AT BURNHAM. In the beautiful Bnrnham Beeches a note od silvery colour is given to the landscape by the Birches, which here and there break in upon the view, and in no spot are they more charm- Britauniea." This was afterwards republished as a separate volume, entitled "The Fruit. Flower, and Kitchen Garden." This appeared in 18411, the publishers being A. and C. Black, of Edinburgh. A copy of it is before me as 1 write. Mr. Neill's colleague, Mr. Smith, was, it appears from the preface, the rector of Bathgate Academy, and afterwards the minister of Eccles- machen. He was the son of Mr. John Smith, of Hopetoun House, a celebrated gardener in his day. S. A KM ITT. Forsythias this time, the sho. bloom. They witl are bright-flowered shrubs at ts being wreathed with golden .land ih treatment. April 7, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 267 FERNS. FERN SPORE SOWING. RAISING Ferns from spores is just one of those nice operations which would suit your lady readers as '.veil as the Fern lover generally, since in all the first stages it can be managed within the limited compass of a small Wardian case, within which can be concentrated infinitely more interest than if it were merely tilled with a few purchased plants. Assuming such accommodation as a 30-inch case affords and a location for it in an unshaded north window, we will give the modus operandi in '.'/■ nso based precisely upon the lines I habitually follow my- self. Obviously the first essential is good spores off good varieties, and as we have in view an unheated ease and hardy Feins, we suggest the purchase of a packet of good spores from one or the other of the known hardy British Fern nurseries, or in the late summer the acquisition of a few fertile fronds from any available source. Personally » e greatly prefer tosow from the frond, as we -tut then on a securer basis, knowing fairly well what to expect. On the other hand, the packet system has its advantages, especially if the material come from reliable hands, as the harvest is fairly sure to be in the nature of a lottery, the prizes or blanks predominating according to the conscientiousness of the supplying source. Fern spores arc borne in variously shaped patches, usually on the backs of the fronds, and are generally ripe when the patches become brown, i.e., in July and August. The fronds should then be cut and iaid spore side downward on white glazed paper, when in a few hours in a dry room the paper will be illustrated by a faint brown picture of the frond, the picture being formed by the shed spores scattered from the burst capsules. Ourraw material is now ready for sowing. We now take small shallow red-ware pans or small flower-pots (2i-inch) and half till tins,, with crocks or broken pieces of pots by way • if drainage : on this we spread a thin layer of dry moss, and then All the pots or pans with a little Fern compost of loam, silver sand and leaf-mould or peat -mould in about equal proportions, rubbed fairly tine, topping this with a few small nodules of loam sprinkled evenly all over it. Our puts ami pans are now ready for sowing save one very essential thing — that soil is already full of spores of mosses and fungi, and probably eggs of inserts. worms, and other things which will eventually enter into a struggle for existence with the young generation of Ferns to which we want togive every possible advantage. We therefore, prior to sowing, place a small piece of paper on the soil in each pot to prevent washing up, and then carefully pour boiling water out of a small kettle on to this paper until the effluent water is scalding hot also. This is very important. With a mere single drenching the water will run out almost cold, chilled by the Cold soil, and hence any Fern foes at the bottom of the pots are left unharmed. We now remove tin' paper and let the pots cool, and turn our attention to the spores. That brown picture above described represents quite probably two or three million- of spines, while our little pots and pans can only accommodate a few hundreds, and even the most ardent fernist will hardly want more. It is there- fore wise to sow extremely thinly. A tiny pinch on the to]> of a penknife is ample* for a pan, and this should be distributed as evenly as possible by a series of gentle taps. If one is systematic, one will now put in a small wooden label with the name of the Femora reference number— the latter pref.1,1 1 ilv - anil our sowing is done. A circular piece of glass, or a tumbler fitting pot or pan, should now be put over the culture, and the various sowings completed, they should be bedded in the Wardian case in fresh cocoa-nut fibre well damped, and the further operations left to Dame Nature. If the case be kept . lose, no watering will be needed until the young Ferns appear, but if there lie any appearance of drought, the pot or pan should be lifted and held in a basin . .f water until the water is seen to sparkle on the soil surface, then withdrawn and reinstalled. Watering overhead is a mistake ; it tends to disturb the spores and introduces those of the moss and fungoid foes already killed. In the growing season we may expect in about a fortnight to see a sort of green blush pervading the surface, showing that the spores are germinating, and presently we shall find an immense number of little emerald-green heart-shaped scales, about the size of herring scales, shouldering one another for space. He or she who goes in for a numerically large crop will now prepare other and larger pans precisely as before, boiling water and all, and prick out tiny pill-sized patches of the scales, inserting these an inch apart in the fresh soil. In a few weeks" time tiny fronds will begin to appear in all directions : and now begins the most interest- ing stage, as even these first fronds often show- signs of that cresting and cutting which is so beautiful in the adult plants. When the second or third frond appears it is high time to part them, and as they have by this time a little set of roots, it is best to lift them in little clumps and immerse their roots in a saucer of water : this softens tin' soil and enables them to be pulled asunder with little damage. After this it is simply a question of care, repotting and bringing on, and if success has so far attended the culture through its most delicate stages, tin- presumption is that nothing more will be required than ample space in which to develop the manifold beauties of the crop. As a practical example of what a successful crop means, I may mention that one of my earliest attempts yielded over Mill beautifully crested Hart's-tongues from a sowing in a 21-inch pot. Hence even a trial on a small scale under a bell-glass instead of a Wardian ease is well worth making. ('has. T. Druelv, F.L.S., V.M.H. THE FRUIT GARDEN. PYRAMID PEARS. UXDF.R good management this kind of tree is prolific anil produces fruit of excellent quality : it is also orna- mental and suitable for planting by the sides of kitchen garden walks. For this purpose it has in a measure superseded the espalier, and it is well adapted for small gardens where t here is a i leficiency i if wall space. \\ here practicable it is better to form a plantation than have trees distributed about a garden, as when grown together their wants in the way of protection, insecticides, manures, &c. , can be readily and thoroughly attended to, and by devoting a portion of ground to them they are not liable to be robbed or otherwise injured by other crops, as is sometimes the ease under other modes of culture. In Selecting a Site for a Plantation. aspeel ami shelter sin mid receive due consideration, for the Pear delights in a warm situation. A gentle slope facing south is most desirable, although any point from south-west to south-east will answer provided it is well sheltered and elevated above the fog line out of reach of late spring frosts. Pears are impatient of cold and wet soils, and succeed best in a deep calcareous loam. In preparing soil for planting, if the soil is not naturally well drained, this must be secured by artificial means, and it should be bastard trenched to a depth of 2 feet. Manure should not be applied until the trees show- by their growth and the quality of their fruit that it is needed. Usually upon good soils 3-oung trees grow freely, and until it is somewhat exhausted, manure is injurious rather than beneficial There are plantations here of Apples, Pears, Plums and Cherries which have been planted six years, and yield heavv crops of excellent fruit without assist- ance from manure further than that with which they were mulched when planted, and, judging from the nature of their growth, manure will not be necessary for some time to come. Stocks have a marked influence upon the Pear, and both the free and the Quince stocks possess special qualities. The former roots deeply and promotes free growth ; it is consequently suitable for large trees and for those planted upon light soils, as owing to its deep rooting propensity trees worked upon it do not sutler so much from drought as are those upon the Quince. Pyramids worked upon it and planted in deep rich soil, however, produce more wood than fruit unless they are skilfully root- prunril. This has the effect of stopping luxuriant growth and causing the formation of fruit buds. Trees upon the Quince are dwarf in habit, prolific, and fruit early. They form numerous fibrous surface roots and thrive best upon good loamy soils. Owing to being surface-rooters they arc, especially upon porous soils, liable to suffer from drought, and ate. therefore, benefited by being mulched with short manure. From these remarks it will thus be understood how important it is when planting to obtain trees worked upon stocks suitable to the land they are intended to occupy. The principal object to be kept in view in pruning is to secure a. well-balanced tree without crowding its branches. The following is a list of some of the varieties that do well either as pyramids or bushes, and which will supply a lengthened supply of fruit : — Varieties. Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre d'Amanlis, Souvenir du Congres, Beurre Hardy, Beurre Superfin, Comte de Lamy, Conseiller de la ('our. Emile d'Heyst, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Marie Louise, Beurre Diel, Doyenne du Cornice, Uurondeau, Thompson's, Beurre Bosc, Beurre d'Anjou, Josephine de Malines, Winter Nelis, Beurre d'Aremberg, ( lliviei iles Serres, Easter Beurre. and < Hon Morceau. The two last named are only suitable for pyramids in very warm favourable situations. Thus. Coombee. PLUMS. There is no mistaking the fact that fruits of all descriptions are being increasingly looked upon as necessary additions to our food supplies, and enormous quantities are now used for making jam. In the case of Plums, like Apples and Pears, we rarely find that the best flavoured sorts are the best croppers, yet we cannot com- plain much of the quality of some of the heaviest bearers. The Victoria Plum stands foremost of them all, as it is a heavy cropper and a great favourite with the public ; it is a large, oval, red, juicy Plum with a fairly good flavour. Individual trees in my orchard have during the past season yielded nearly a quarter of a ton of fruit, and as other kinds failed to crop it will be seen that the Victoria is a most useful Plum. During the last few years quite a trade has sprung up in the sale of green unripe Plums. Hundreds of tons are gathered every season and sold at a fair price, last year prices for green Victorias ranging from Is. to 2s. pet- stone of 14 lb. There are many advantages in disposing of part of the crop in a green state, one being that it extends their season, which lasts three months, while from other countries we have a regular supply for nine out of the twelve months. I do not advocate selling green Plums unless there is an enormous crop, and then it is best to sell tin- thinnings. Many jam-makers say the Victoria Plum when ripe is too watery for making into jam. I wrote to two large firms last year offering my emp for sale, but both of them replied that they only bought the green fruit. The Victoria Plum makes a most appetising jam ; in fact, if stoned and skinned and the kernels put into the jam, the colour and flavour nearly approach that of the Apricot. A little isinglass put into the jam will make it set better. No Plum in the market sells with such ease as the Victoria, and. taking all points together, it is the people's favourite. To obtain the best of the crop it is a good plan to manure around the trees when the fruit is half grown, giving the greatest quantit}' of manure to the heaviest cropping trees. There seem to be two distinct types of Victoria, one large and oval and fairly soft, the other smaller, round and firm. Another excellent type of the red Plum is Autumn Compote, which ripens two or three weeks later than Victoria. The flavour is good, and it is one of the prettiest Plums grown. There is a 268 THE GAKDEN. April 7, 1900. golden tinge about it that makes it look almost like an Aprieot. In the nurserymen's lists I find it described as an enormous cropper. My stock ol it consists of a fen twenty-year-old trees, and they arc growing amongst the Victorias. With me its ■ [ i is represented by 1 stone to each hundred- weight of Victoria. If it cropped anything like the latter I should have a very high opinion of it indeed. Another gardener's favourite in red Plums i- Pond's Seedling, an enormous oval dark red Plum, slightly mottled. This sort ripens even later than ; Autumn Compote, in fact quite a month later than Victoria. Pond's Seedling usually crops well, and when all other sorts fail one generally rinds a crop of this. One cannot say much for its flavour, but ripening when oilier Plums are forgotten and being of a pleasing colour, if it had no llavour what- ever it would still lie a great favourite. The demand for Victoria Plums has temporarily affected the sale of other varieties, and especially those of j the black and blue colours. Plums that ripen before and after Victoria pay handsomely for their cultivation. A very old favourite, and one that is hard to heat to-day, is I livers' Early Prolific, a small, almost round, dark blue Plum that carries a lot of bloom, and is ready for gathering nearly a month before the general crop. It sells readily, and I have known it make •J-ls. perewt., and a g 1 sample of Victoria the same season only lis. or 8s. per ewt Mitchelson's is a medium-sized dark blue Plum, a fairly good bearer, and the best of all for preserving. The j trees arc very upright in habit, and in more than one garden I have seen the crop lost through no one caring to climb its long straight branches. Belle de Louvain is a giant dark blue Plum, early, of good flavour, and well worth growing. Dymond is a heavy-cropping, almost black Plum, a capital market variety that tills the basket quickly. Goliath is a massive dark Plum. Kirke's. a large round dark blue variety, a medium cropper, and one of the best for eating. Monarch, another nearly round dark blue Plum, large and handsome. Prince Engelbert is large, oval, fine flavoured and dark blue. It is a great mistake to neglect the planting of black and blue Plums. Already the public tight shy of the red kinds, and dark ones arc nought after more and more with each succeeding u. In yellows the Magnum Bonum stands well to the front ; Jefferson's is a rich flavoured oval yellow; Washington, a large Apricot-like yellow, flushed with red, and very large. Coe"s Golden Drop is of magnificent flavour, too late in ripening for planting in the northern counties unless pro- tected by a wall. The old Green Gage takes a lot of beating in quality. Many new and improved I rages have made their appearance during late rears, some of them of excellent llavour and larger than the original (Jage. The Gisborne is a useful market Plum of medium size, yellow, early, which is a recommendation, and a splendid cropper. In Damsons we have the choice Prune Damson, for which there is always a ready sale, and also the ('luster or Farleigh Damson, which is a wonderful cropper. There are many other excellent sorts of Plums, but all the above varieties I have grown in quantity, or have- seen sufficient of them to form a fairly sound opinion as to their merits, Victoria, Pond's Seedling. Dymond, Gisborne, and Cluster Damson are all marvellous croppers. In a single season 1 have gathered thousands of stone of Plums, and there is nothing like experience to teach one what is most profitable to grow. Plum trees should be pruned a little during the first two or three years after planting; after then let them grow. merely cutting out any cross branches. By this method the tree grows quickly and soon begins to bear fruit. As the Plums grow they weigh down the branches, letting in air and sunlight to the tree. Geo. Holmes. Aconib, York. ORCHIDS. DENDROBIUM NOBILE ALBUM. DUP>IN\ the existing Pharmacy Act, and who would be benefited by an amendment of the said Act to enable them to retail poisons or poisonous compounds for any technical or trade purpose, in original sealed packages, as received from the wholesale dealer or manufacturer, are invited to co-operate. Since it is desirable to make the movement popular, the minimum subscription for membership has been made 5s. per annum, or a donation of 10s. fid. Cheques and post office orders should be made payable to the order of G. H. Richards, hon. sec. pro te sown thinly in well-drained shallow pans in a compost of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Place the pans close to the glass in a temperature ranging from 60 to <; greatest care should be taken that tl is kept moist. When the plants have made the second leaf, pot off into 2j-inch pots. Care should also lie taken not to injure the roots, as the ( lyclamen is very tender-rooted. Place the plants in the same temperature upon a shelf close to the glass, a compost as advised being suitable for this potting. Keep the plants well syringed and shade from bright sun at all stages of growth. The third week in Feb- ruary the plants will be ready for another shift into 2i-inch pots, and they should be kept in shows, these flowers are remarkably well grown by the gardener (Mr. Gait), and the account sent to us by the foreman will doubtless inte- rest those who wish to grow these plants to the same perfection. Mr. Strange kindly sent US the photograph, and in a note to us he men- tioned that the sweet-scented Cyclamen should receive consideration. Twenty years ago most of the flowers in Mr. Strange 's collection were B sweet-scented, though the flowers of that time e surface were not fit tube compared with the productions of the present day. Oui correspondent finds that it is more difficult to impart fragrance to seedlings than other characteristics, such as colour and habit of growth. — Eds. I SOME OF THE RARER CLIMB- ING AND TRAILING PLANTS FORWALLS AND PERGOLAS. In the growtli of many of the rarer and must dis- tinet and beautiful of climbing shrubs one must in the same temperature, but be very careful not the main be guided by the natural surroundings of to give too much water at this stage. About soil and shelter, or by climatic conditions In the PERSIAK CYI I. AMEN HOUSE IN THE GARDENS If .U.HERMASTON COURT. '.'"' -' '"' week in April remove them to a cold midland and northern districts of England I frame on a nice moist bottom close to the glass, have seen common Laurels and many Roses killed The first week in May the pots will be found to the ground during severe winters, and it would full of roots and ready for another shift into he sheer folly to try to grow many, if not most, of the plants hereafter to be mentioned in this paper. In Hampshire, Devon, and Cornwall, ana in many other isolated and sheltered nooks near the sea in England south of the Thames, many so- called i-ncil greenhouse plants often grow and thrive luxuriantly in the open air. This is also true of - many localities in the south and west of Ireland lleof September, and at the beginning of such as F,,la. Cork, Bantry, and Tral October remove them to the house in which New Zealand, they arc to flower. An application of artificial Chilian shrub manure is very beneficial to them. Be careful | Nearly all 5-inch or 6-inch pots, but it entirely depends upon the strength and condition of the plants. Good fibrous loam (hand-picked), leaf-mould, and sand, with a sprinkling of one of the well- known fertilisers, form a good compost for this |»tting. Cease syringing the plants in the mid " not to water over the top of the bulb, or damp ing will follow. With careful watering, s\ ring- ing, and shading, a wealth of flowers will be the result. \V. Cox. '/'//< Gardens, Aldermaston Court. - where Japanese. Californian, and many are quite happy in the open air. visitors to Glengarriff notice the luxu- riance of the Fuchsias, which, not being cut down there every winter by severe frosts, assume more or less of a tree-like aspect, and are literally one mass of brilliant coral-red flowers during summer and autumn. But lo me it is even more wonderful [The gardeusof Aldermaston ( lourt, Reading, \ d^rt^SST** UP "" ** the residence of Mr. C. E. Keyser, are amongst plants as Maurandva, Lophot, permum. Mikania. and ( ape Pelargoniums- year after year. But, apart from mild climates, aspect has an enormous effect on many climbing shrubs, and especially on light dry soils. Lapageria, for example, prefers a northern exposure, and the same is true of Berberidopsis and in the ease of the familiar Fatsia (Alalia) japoniea. Many climbers and trailers, again, are hardy on north or north- western walls that are ruined by bright sunshine after frost, which is often experienced on south, and especially south-western, exposures. Even when climbers like Wistaria, Jasminum nudi- florum. Ceanothus. Cydonia, and many others are perfectly hardy on sunny walls it is often a great advantage to train a few branches over the top of the wall to the shady side, as in these cases there is a week or ten days or more difference in the lime of blooming, and so an agreeable .succession is obtained In planting both walls and pergolas there is danger in planting too thickly, and in planting too hurriedly or without sufficient preparation. We all must perforce often do the best we can rathei than the best we know. Large-growing, perma- nent shrubs, such as Cydonia japoniea," Wistaria and Magnolias, which may remain in the same spot for twenty years or more, often fail through starvation, and in any case never attain their full luxuriance and beauty if cramped and stunted during the first few years after planting. Again, it must be remembered that both wall and pergola creepers often suffer a lack of moisture during the summer and autumn months, and provision should be made for necessary mulching and watering. There is one important point that must be attended to in the planting of anything of which the general hardiness is not fully assured, and that is, never plant late in autumn. The golden rule with all half hardy things is to plant well in April or May, after all danger from severe frost, cVc, is over, so as to allow the plants a long summer and autumn season of root and top-growth before the stress and strain of winter weather come upon them. In this way many plants will succeed per- fectly in establishing themselves that Mould at once die off if planted out in October or November. This advice to experienced gardeners will appear to be on my part "a keen perception of the obvious": but I am also writing for many who probably do not know, and I would spare them the disappointments I and others have already gone through. Walls we have always had with us. but the pergola from Italy and south of France is a more modern introduction to English and Irish gardens. Its origin in Italy was in part due to the climate, where shade is a grateful boon at mid-day. and thrifty economy also played a part in its evolution, since by il s use both shade beneath and a crop of Crapes overhead were obtainable at the same time. When flowi-ring shrubs, such as Roses and Clematis, are grown over pergolas, the flowers, instead of hanging down like Crapes, often cover the leafy rout of the structure, and so are unseen except loan points of vantage like upper windows. For this reas, in arches at intervals down a walk or garden path possess a certain advantage at times, a pergola when allowed to become overgrown becoming "a flower-bed on stilts," as I was once informed by a young lady of five or so ! But there are pergolas and pergolas ; you can have the massive brick or stone piers, as in Italv, or a simple structure of Pine stems or of iron supports with cross-pieces and sides of stout bamboo, or of Fir .a- Larch stems, whichever you will. I have sometimes thought that a simple pergola covered with annual climbing plants might be con- venient and pretty where one's tenancy u.i- limited as tu time. In a cottage garden I once saw a very pretty one covered entirely with Scarlet and Painted Lady Kunner Beans, the owner, whose land was limited, having gone back to the thrifty confadiiia's notion of shade and economy, i.e., shade and produce as well. A light pergola or gazebo might indeed be very charmingly covered with Tropasolums of sorts, scarlet and yellow, including Canary Creeper; Sweet Peas here and there on the sunny side, and Cobaeas and Japanese Hop on the other. A rough pergola or gazebo could be very handsomely covered with various kinds of •272 THE GARDEN. [Aran. 14, 1900- edible and ornamental gourds. These plants crawl and scramble in all sorts of graceful ways over Larch or Spruce branches tied to rough posts, and in late summer and autumn thej' take on the most beautiful colours and markings. Apart from more practical or culinary uses, the quaint fruits of the "best ornamental gourds are very pretty ornaments indoors during winter. But as a fact there is scarcely any limit to the methods and materials for making and covering these structures, and most gardeners can best strike out a plan to suit their own desires and surroundings ; and to aid the choice of those who wish to try some of the less common things, I have, at the request of a friend, drawn up the subjoined list, which though necessarily an incomplete one, may none the less be a slight help to some of the readers of The Carden. It. would prove helpful if any reader of The Harden who lives on the south coast of England, or on the mild west coast lines of either Scotland or Ireland, would kindly tell us under what circum- stances and conditions any other of the more rare and beautiful wall shrubs and climbing plants thrive in their gardens. In order to render such information as instructive as possible it would be desirable to indicate the locality clearly, and also to give some notion as to existing shelter, whether natural or artificial. Ah, I'm floribunda. — This is a Mexican plant, and Nicholson says it is " the best and freest-flowering evergreen species." I have seen it very hand- somely in flower on a low wall at Mount Usher, County Wicklow. Its pendent flowers in axillary clusters are of a rich purple-red, and remind one of some Fuchsias. A. rupestris, a Chinese plant, is very pretty, as also is A. triflora from N. India. A. serrata I have not seen, but all the others do well in mild localities, either as isolated bushes on grass or border or as trained to walls. AbutUan oitifolium. -Several kinds of this genus are sufficiently hardy to thrive on walls or in borders near to heated plant-houses, and I have seen A. striatum, A. vexillarium, and A. vitifolium grow and bloom for years outside. The last-named forms a spreading bush 1(1 feet to 13 feet high in south, west, and eastern Ireland. It has hoary leaves somewhat resembling those of the Grape Vine, and clusters of pale lilac, mauve, or lavender- tinted flowers that remind one of those of Meco- nopsis Wallichi in shape, size, and colour. A. viti- folium comes from Chili, and enjoys shelter and ample root moisture, being apt to suffer from drought iieai1 walls, otherwise it grows well thereon. Akebia quinata. — A most distinct Japanese creeper with rive-lobed leaves and twining stems ; although generally grown in a greenhouse, where it flowers in January or February, it is quite hardy in mild sea-shore places, and bears its monoecious flowers in April or May. The rich wine-purple flowers arc borne in axillary grape- like clusters, and their translucent petals arc verj beautiful as seen between the eye and the light. It Likes a rich, deep, loamy soil, and is increased by suckers or layers. Although introduced to our gardens from Chusan in ]N4."> it lias never become very abundant, but it deserves a place fur its dis- tinctive character. Aristolochia Sipho. — This is decidedly one of the best of leafy climbers tor a shady wall or pergola. In deep, rich soils it grows 20 feet to 30 feet high, producing greal heart-shaped leaves often 9 inches or 10 inches in diameter, with a shagreen-like or corrugated surface not unlike those of thejapanese Vine (Vitis < loignetise), but they die off yellow and never attain to the rich buff-red and crimson tints assumed by those of the Vine. A plant of tins fine Aristolochia has grown in the area of Sir Dominic Corrigan's old house in Merrion Square, Dublin, for the past forty or fifty years. Intro- duced from North America in 1763. Benthamia fragifera. — Now known as Cornus capitata, but in gardens its old name will long be retained. Ill Devon, Cornwall, and in Wicklow, Cork anil Kerry and elsewhere in Ireland this fine In ub Mow ers and fruits luxuriantly as a bush on the border or lawn, but in less favoured plans it needs the warmth and shelter of a wall. It is a native of Nepaul, and is readily increased from home-grown seeds, and the plant, like all its allies, is a rapid grower in any deep, rich, loanry soil. Quite small bushes of this plant and the common Arbutus Jnedo are often very handsome as seen laden with fruit in south and western Ireland. Berberidopsis corallina. — The finest specimen of this beautiful and distinct evergreen climber I ever saw was on the stable wall at Lakelands, Cork, when that noble place was in the hands of the late Mr. Win. Crawford, a great lover of garden vege- tation. It is a native of the Chilian Andes, intro- duced in 1802. It likes a deep peaty soil or loam and leaf-mould on a moist bottom, and, like the Lapageria and its dwarf cousin Philesia, it enjoys a northern or shaded aspect, rarely thriving for long together in full sunshine. Its flowers resemble those of the Berberis, but are much larger, have pendent stalks, and are of the brightest eoral- red or blood colour. It grows and flowers here in a shaded corner under an Ivy-topped wall. Billardiera lomjifiora.— This is the Apple Berry of Tasmania, and is of elegant twining habit, its greenish-yellow flowers, which are not very showy, being succeeded by handsome blue berries that are very ornamental, and are similar in shape and size to Fuchsia fruits. The plant is closely related to the Pittosporums of New Zealand and grows 2 feet or 3 feet in height. There are two or three other kinds, but none prettier than B. longiflora. It grows best in moist peat and sandstone, at the foot of a half-shaded wall. F. W. B. (To III Continued. ) THE FLOWER GARDEN. XKLKCTION OF TUFTED PANSIES FOR SPRING PLANTING. GARDENERS who have neither the time nor inclination to follow the advances made with these plants may like a selection of some of the newer kinds. The undermentioned varieties em- brace a few which are regarded with considerable favour by those qualified to express an opinion upmi their merits. Yellow Sorts. Melampus. This is one of the very best sorts introduced last season, being a deep yellow self, rayless, and of medium to large size. The habit of the plant is perfect, developing numerous blossoms on stout footstalks, and marking a distinct advance in those suitable for bedding. t'i mbrokt . -This is two or three seasons old now, but is a very fine, bright yellow, rayless flower, and wonderfully profuse. The blossoms are also fragrant. Although the habit cannot lie compared with that first mentioned, it may be regarded with favour. White Sorts. Whitt Beauty. -A wonderfully distinct plant, giving blossoms of the purest white, with yellow eye. The character of the growth is quite unique, being of a crawling habit, and the foliage is of a singularly bright shade of green. Masterpiece. This is a plant little known, but throughout the flowering season it presents quite a cluster of blossoms of the purest white and of the most refined character. Sorts of other Colours. Devonshire Cream is unequalled as a bedding plant, developing numberless medium-sized blos- soms of the richestcream colour, with a deep yellow eye. Pirginius. In this plant we have one of the newer shades of colour, very pale blush-lilac, almost white, and rayless. It is a most profuse flowering plant, presenting one mass of blossoms all through the summer, and possesses a capital habit. King <•( tht Blues. -This is one of Dr. Stuart's raising, and for its deep blue colour is unsurpassed. The rayless flowers arc not large, but they are beautifully refined and telling, the rich yellow eye setting off the flower very much. This plant is little known, but it should In- in all gardens. It is not quite so robust as one could wish. Councillor W. Waters. — Although this plant has been in commerce for some three to four years, its merits have not yet been so fully recognised as they deserve to be. It is a most robust plant with a good habit ; it is also free-flowering, the colour of its blossoms being a distinct shade of crimson- purple. Tottk McNeill. This is a variety that we noticed at the trial of Pansies at Regent's Park a year or two ago. Excellent use is now made of it and others in a serpentine raised bed at Regent's Park, where its lavender blossoms, freely produced, and its splendid dwarf habit of growth are greatly admired. Magic. — Qf the rose-coloured varieties this is one of the best, developing large, handsome flowers of a deep rose colour, getting paler with the advance of warmer weather. Its habit is fairly dwarf and compact. 1). B. Crane. THE GLADIOLUS AS A GARDEN FLOWER. There are several sectionsof this autumn-flowering corm, but onlj' two that have been extensively used for garden decoration. The first is that known by the name of gandavensis, which is supposed to have originated at Ghent in the admixture of psitta- cinus, byzantinus, and oppositiflorus. It is to this strain that we owe the magnificent flowers which are now yearly exhibited in London by nursery- men ; and yet, notwithstanding all kinds of induce- ments which have been put forward to try and obtain exhibitors amongst private growers, the attempt lias signally failed. The other section is that which has been raised by M. Lcmoine, of Nancy, and is called hardy. But this term must be used only in a comparative sense, as Lcmoine himself says that they are hardy at Nancy with a slight protection of ashes or cocoa-nut fibre. A large number of varieties of the first section we owe to the late M. Souchet, of Fontainebleau, formerly head gardener at the Chateau, from which post he retired after many years' service, but con- tinued the culture of his favourite flower both at Fontainebleau and. to a still larger extent, at Montreux. His conns passed every year into the hands of Messrs. Vilmorin Anilricux & Co.. by whom they were sent to all parts of the world. Mr. Kelway, who has lately passed away, was our largest raiser in England, and I have seen at Lang port some 20 acres under cultivation. I do not think the soil peculiarly favourable, but lie raised a large number of very beautiful flowers. Of late years Messrs. Burrell & Co., of Cambridge, have raised a number of seedlings which have quite equalled those of the best French raisers, and I think that both in size and substance have sur- passed them; and yet, strange to say. the only English-raised variety that one sees grown in any quantity was not raised by either of these growers ; it was raised by a Mr. Hooker, of Brenchley, in Kent, and is called brenchhsyensis. As many of the very choice varieties are now to be had for a few pence, I should like to put in a plea for their more extended cultivation. The}' are beautiful and stately autumn flowers, and continue a considerable time ; they are also admirable flowers for home decoration. The lower blooms on the spike open first, and as these fade others succeed them, until the whole spike is expanded. Like all those flowers which the hyhridiscr has taken in hand, they show a very marked improvement. My knowledge of them dates back for forty years or more. At first we had three or four small blooms open at a time but so great has been the improvement, that I have frequently seen sixteen or eighteen flowers open on a spike at once, and in some few cases even twenty. They are most varied in colour pure white, cream colour, rose, rich scarlet, ami crimson. No one, I think, can see a collection of these beautiful flowers such as is exhibited each year at the Drill Hall by Missis. Kelway & Son, or at the Aquarium by Messrs. Burrell & Co., without being anxious to have them in his garden. Why, then, are they not more cultivated ? Il is not because oi April 14, 1900. J THE GARDEN. 273 their costliness or trouble in cultivation, though it is accessary to take them up in tlie autumn anrl to dry them : but the same thing is done with many Imllis. and people do not complain of that trouble with the Tulip or the Ranunculus. There is one awkward thing connected with them : they are subject to a disease from which many of them perish, which is ascribed to various causes, such as exhaustion, the presence of too much humus in the soil, or general weakness, and there is no doubt it is a very provoking thing to rind a new and valuable variety perishing without any apparent cause. As I am not writing for those who wish to exhibit this beautiful flower, but simply for those who wish to grow it as a garden flower, I would suggest that they should be grown in clumps of either five or seven, each of these clumps comprising only one variety. Planted thus, those fine flowers Grande Dr. Bailey, Rajah, Toison d'Or, Helle Rose des Haies. Ontario. Dalila, Osmanlie, Lily, Adolphe Brongniart, Gerbe de Feu, and others would make a grand appearance in the garden. These are not expensive and all of them are strong growers, and as they grow from 4 feet to ."> feet high they should be planted about the middle of the border : and of course they will require staking, or the spike will be blown about anil greatly damaged. It is never labour thrown away to take care in planting our eorms. and it is well, having selected the place where the clump is to be planted, that the soil should be taken out to the depth of t> inches or 8 inches ami the space filled in with a mixture of loam, well -rotted cow manure, thoroughly decomposed leaf-mould, and a little sand. A little rough coarse white sand aim some powdered char- coal should be placed under and around the Corms, which should be planted about 6 inches apart and about .'i inches deep, and there is no better time for this operation than the present. I have always planted my Gladioli from the middle to the end of March, and have been tolerably successful with them, as I ha\c been for many years an exhibitor, though now 1 have discontinued the practice. ] have mostly grown mine in beds, but what I have said above refers not to the beds, but to the borders. I have grown for some years some of the Lemoinei section, winch are derived from purpureo- auratus, but I have treated them very differently to the gandavensis section, and they are certainly QOl 50 showj for garden decoration, the colours not being so brilliant nor the flowers so open, but 1 have been enabled to glow them without taking up the corms, and have left them iii the ground all the year. They make offsets very readily, and ise- quently the clumps soon increase in size. I have not disturbed some of mine for six or eight vears. and as we have had during that time some very sharp winters, thej are evidently able to continue in our climate-, provided they hr.ve a little protection of cocoa-nut fibre given to them, lam not at all sure that the gandavensis hybrids would not prove equally hardy under the same treatment, for 1 i<- licet that one of my beds contained for two or three years some small conns which had been rubbed off the older ones, and these n*>t onlv grew. lint flowered, anil that without any protection, so that I should be inclined to think that, except in very severe winters, one might hope that they woidd stand the trial successfully, though one does hear of persons who have tried it paying for their temciiH h\ the loss of their corms. I differ from some writers as to the use of the Gladiolus for indoor decoration when they recom- mend mixing it with other flowers. I think it is quite unsuitable for this, and only its own foliage or fronds of Ferns or Asparagus should be used. The spikes should be cut long, and I think there is nothing better to place them in than one of those wide-mouthed Japanese vases which we so con- stantly see now offered for sale : and then as the lowei flowers of the spike decay, they should be removed and the rest of the spike left to open. By selecting varieties which will bloom in succession, the flowering saason maj be continued for three oi four months. In Minis de Vilinoiin's catalogue the vaiiou -nits are marked to indicate their time of flowering, w huh does not depend, as some appear in I Iniik. on 1 he size ol the col ins. but on the variety itself. Thus, such a variety as Shakespeare (no matter what the size of the corm) will always flower at the end of July, anil Matador not before the end of September. H. H. D. GARDEN DESTROYERS. THE ROSE GALL-FLY. (RlIODITES ROS.-E.) OST of the true gall-flies (I allude to the insects that belong to the family Cynipidw) attack Oak trees, some the Leaves, others the shoots, roots or buds, but a few species form their galls on other plants, among them the Rose gall-fly, which causes the strange moss-like balls or tufts on the shoots or leaves which arc so M of them had. The female gall-fly lays her eggs beneath the skin of the shoot or leaf, and this pricking of the tissues of the plant in many places close together causes an unusual supply of sap to flow to that part. This is increased as soon as the grubs are hatched, as they at once begin to feed, which no doubt further excites the flow of the juices, and the consequent abnormal growth of the plant at that point. A gradually hardening gall is formed surrounding the grubs, which each lie in a little cell. Unlike so many of the Oak galls that are comparatively smooth out side, this is thickly covered with long brain lied hairs. These at first are of a pale green colour, but later on are tinged with red, and form extremely pretty objects. It is not difficult to understand the formation of a smooth gall on a smooth leaf or stem, as il woidd appeal natural 1. BEDEGUAR on ROSE STEM AND on I. EAVES. 2, HAIRS FROM THE GALL (MAGNIFIED). 3. GRUB. 4, TAIL OF GRUB (MAGNIFIED). 5, HEAD OF GRUB (MAi.NIEIEI)). often seen : they arc more frequent, however, on Briars than on cultivated varieties of Roses, and probably do but little injury, as they do not occur in large numbers on the same plant. These galls are commonly known as " bedeguars," a name derived from a Persian or Arable word meaning " wind brought." They were, like many other strange and frequently repulsive substances, in old times used in medicine, but what effect it was supposed to have as a drug I do not know ; pro- bably it was so mixed up with a numbei of other drugs that it was impossible to say what effeel anj for the outer skin of the gall to partake of the nature of that of the leaf or stem on which it grew, but on the smooth stem of the Rose (not taking the thorns into account) it seems most extraordinary that a gall with such a hairy covering should be produced, and 1 have never seen any explanation of tlie fact. These galls vary very much in size, from the small ones formed on the leaves, which as a rule contain only one grub, to one considerably larger than that shown growing mi the stem, and they have been found as much as 3 inches in diameter. The remedy for destroying this insect i>74 THE GA11DEN. [April 14, 1900. is a very simple one, namely, picking off the galls wherever they can be found. It is always well to do this, for though the insect at present is com- paratively harmless owing to its never being in great abundance, it is as well to remember the case of the marble galls on the Oak, which are now so common as to be quite a pest at times, but which were very rare some forty years ago. If the Rose gall-fly were to increase in the same rapid manner, there would soon be a loud outcry from Rose growers. Should anyone try to rear the flies from these galls they must not be surprised if two very different insects make their appearance, for there are parasites that lay their eggs in the galls, and the grubs that are hatched from these live upon the gall-fly grubs, and are a great check to the too rapid increase of the gall-flies. These parasitic flies are easily known from the gall-flies by their bright metallic colouring, while the latter are dull in colour, the fore body and the head being black and the body and legs reddish yellow. They are about } inch in length and measure A inch across the open wings. The grubs are about l-10thofan inch in length ; they are white, smooth and shining, but the joints of the body are very clearly defined ; the mouth is armed with a pair of small but strong and sharp-pointed jaws. G. S. S. AMERICAN NOTES. The Boston Fern. (Nephrolepi.s ex aetata boston iensis.) The usefulness of this remarkably handsome Fern can hardly be over-estimated, it adapts itself so readily to its surroundings, however incon- genial they may lie at times, thus making it one of the most desirable plants, whatever its size, both for window gardening and green- house. Yet it responds so readily to a few special requirements that one is almost amazed at its capabilities. The accompanying photograph, taken in the greenhouses of Mrs. Chas. F. Berwind, Wvnnewood, Pa., illustrates what those tew re quirements will accomplish. Two years ago this particular plant was in a 6-inch pot and has served the greater part of the past two summers as a porch decorative plant, and at the last November exhibi- tion of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society won the first prize for the best [Boston Fern ;in the class " open to all," and still remains an excellent example ready to continue its useful services. The special attention necessary to accomplish these results can be given, and the plant will retain its usefulness. For example, after a fair spring growth, 1 am convinced the exposure that naturally ensues from using it as a decorative porch plant tends to give it a more vigorous constitution and repays by a more vigorous and rapid growth when removed to the more congenial quarters in the greenhouse. Plenty of room to spread and an elevated position so that its fronds may assume their natural character, a light shade, being very careful to avoid its becoming too dense, an abund- ance of water, and, when the pot or pan becomes filled with roots, plenty of food will give success. An application of cow manure water twice a w'eek will add greatly to its luxuriance, and by placing 1 pound of soot in a muslin bag in the manure tank the foliage will become a deep, shining green. The soil most suitable is a good fibrous loam, with a liberal addition of cow manure and leaf -mould. — Francis Canning, in American Gardening. [The photograph shows an extremely vigorous and graceful Fern. — Eds., Garden.] A New Violet Pest. The following particulars will interest Violet growers in this country. The United States Department of Agriculture, in bulletin No. '22 of the new series, gives the following data upon the authority of D. \V. Coquillett : — In Europe, two different species of Cecidomyia attack cultivated and wild Violets — the one, Cei idomyia violse of Franz Low, dwarfing the entire plant and causing it to assume the form of a rosette through the working of the larvae at the bases of the short sessile leaves ; the second species, the ( lecidomyia afrinis of Kieffer, folds and distorts the young leaves and.unopened blossoms. It is some- what curious that, although sweet Violets have been somewhat extensively cultivated in this country for many years past, yet up to the year ISSllli no complaint had been made of any Geci- domyian attacking either these or any of the many- wild species of Violets « huh occur in almost every locality in this country. JJMr. Davison, who sent specimens of this insect tojus for identification, states that his experience with this maggot convinces him that it is the worst ■"-' .. ./U * .. . •■ *v «iya '':< »ft«Vf enemy the Violet grower has to contend with, owing to the extreme difficulty experienced in its destruction without injury to the plant. He says — " It secretes itself in the crown of the plant ; the leaves as they come up are tightly curled, and when unfolded there will be found six to eighl small white maggots. On some plants yon can pick off the young leaves until the crown is bare. Loosing the crown will cause the side crowns and runners to start; the latter must be taken off. The maggot seldom appears on the side crowns, giving them a chance to make good plants. The flowers will not be as large as crown flowers. I find when the maggot leaves the plant it goes into the ground. As proof of this, I placed forty or fifty of the leaves containing maggots on a pot filled with soil, covering the soil with glass, expecting in this waj' to see the maggot in the chrysalis state. At the end of two weeks, wanting to send some specimens to the Division of Entomology at Washington, I removed the glass, but the maggots were gone. I turned the soil out of the pot and found maggots all through the soil in the same state in which they left the leaves." He also expressed the belief that the fly was introduced with manure purchased from a person who collected garbage, as no flies were seen in his greenhouse previous to the introduction of this manure, and the maggots were observed only where it was used. Further experience is necessary to confirm this opinion. The subject of the so-called gall-flies which affect Violets has also received mention by Mr. B. T. Galloway in his recently published handbook on Violet culture, under the heading "Gall-fly Maggots.'' The nature of the injury is there described and remedies suggested. This insect, although belonging to the same family as the two species already referred to as also attacking Violets in Europe, pertains to a different genus ; and while its work is very similar to that produced by the Cecidomyia affinis, yet a comparison of the adult gall gnats with the des- cription of the last-mentioned species reveals the fact that the two are distinct, not only in the venation, but also in the structure of the antenna'. The remedy generally employed against this pest consists in picking off and destroying the infested leaves. It is also amenable to the hydro- cyanic acid gas remedy, as detailed in Circular No. :i7. second series, of this division, and un- doubtedly also to the buhach insect powder, recommended as a specific against gall-flies on Roses. Tobacco, however, cannot be safely used to any great extent on Violets grown under glass. A mi ricaii Florist. WHITE IKIS STYLOSA I. Till: REV. tliwvN 1BKWBIUHTS iarden at Algiers. AN ENGLISH GARDEN AT ALGIERS. After three days of sirocco with the ther- mometer up to 72' in the shade, which has brought out the spring flowers with ;i rush, we are now passing through a cold spell accen- tuated by hailstorms, with the Djurdjura Mountains on our southern horizon white \\ ith snow, and a minimum of 39° last night — a record for the season 1899-1900. We Algerians have learnt by the experience of years to expect about tl nd of February some such Parthian shaft from the quiver of departing winter, but this year it comes l«>tli sharp and late ; very good for us, no doubt -lest we forget. Ami we will not forget, in our hurry to welcome the many new fair- weather friends in our garden beds, the few staunch ones who have seen us through our hard time. ( me good friend that it should be impossible to forget in this garden is the Bougavnvillea brasiliensis, which from the first week in December till the end of April and then "lily to begin afresh completely covers the south end of this house with a thick mantle of rich terra-cotta red. At the moment 1 write it is putting on a heavy purple fringe lent by a Hardenbergia penta- pliylla, which seems never happy till it is atop April U, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 275 of everything else, and I see a neighbouring ( )xera pulchella preparing series of garlands of its milk-white pendent clusters to fling across the whole mass of red and purple. To the Linum trigynum also we owe a debt of gratitude. All through December, January, and February we have had this about us in bushes of perpetual sunshine, whatever the weather might be. Judging from the surprise and pleasure with which its masses of bright yellow blooms, each as large as a Periwinkle, seem to strike the ordinary visitor from England, I should say this plant cannot be sufficiently well known in English conserva- tories, ami vet wherever the Datura and Poin- settia an- grown it ought to be quite at home. Another invaluable feature of our winter garden is the white Lris stylosa (syn., unguicu- faris), which I had the supreme and never-to- be-forgotten good fortune of finding in its wild state among the (Jistus, dwarf Oak, and Myrtle of the Algerian Sahel, and introducing to the world of flower-lovers. How that world ever got on without it I cannot now imagine ! Its sweet and graceful blossoms, pure whitefexcept for a streak of gold in their throat), form the staple of all our winter decorations, being some- times the only available flower to be had at critical moments during the comparatively blank months of January and February ; and in addition to their beauty the blooms come in such incredible profusion, that one would say they made it a point of honour to till up their ranks with fresh candidates as fast as they are picked off. Some of this praise may fairly be claimed by their cousins, the wild lavender- coloured iris stylosa, but yon would hardly e\p,rt me to love them as 1 do the white one. At all seasons there are blossoms to lie foimd on the grand creeper Phaedranthus, so long known as Bignonia Cherere, which drapes the whole eastern front of this house for 80 yards. It does not profess to be in full bloom till May and June, when its innumerable deep crimson trumpets fairly overpower the dark green of the leaves. Then there is a double Datura, which I do not remember to have seen without flowers since December, hut the single kind is at present in its undress stage, having put on its best in company with the gorgeous Pom- sett ia to welcome visitors who came out as early as ( tetober. Alas, for all the gardens of Algeria! We have lost all these beautiful trees, some of mine being at the time forty years old at least, in the unique frost of 1888. the Daturas were cut down to the ground, and have since sprung up from their roots, but the 1'oinsettias were destroyed root and branch. All that we have now are from cuttings hastily saved on that occasion from the tips of the ruined boughs. Another very ornamental winter shrub whose Ion-, wavy wands have just lost their leaves is i lie Holmskioldia sanguinea. I find a diffi- cultv in describing its colour, which, like the Bougainvillea, is displayed not in the flower, but in the leafy bract. This changes from a bright red in its youth, through terra-cotta, to copper and bronze in its old age, but is remark- able to the very end. I wish it were possible to convey any idea of the wonder of the colour of these two last. It is si i 1 taming to the photographer, that he cannot even define the form of the sprays, and the same is unfortunately the case with the Big- nonia venusta, which is just now rampant with its deep orange-coloured wreaths over scores of yards of wall and hedge and wire railing, for nothing comes amiss to it, here smothering a yellow blossoi 1 Acacia in its embrace, and then swarming up the rugged stem of a Palm tree and straggling out to the very extremities of its fronds. Our Philodendron pertusum has made many new blossoms this winter ; I see at least sixty fruits in different stages of advancement. They are said to take eighteen months to ripen, but I cannot say that I have ever been able to earmark one for my own information. It has a curious flower, a thick ivory-whiteshell- like exaggeration of the Lords-and- Ladies of the English hedgerows. When this has fallen, the fruit appears stick- ing up like a Cucumber on a long thick stalk, the surface of the skin being a compact mass of green hexagonal scales si imewhat larger than the capsules of a honey- comb. These drop off one by one as fast as the delicious morsel ripens which it covers. This plant, as its name denotes, lives by prefer- ence on the decayed trunks of trees. I feed mine with an occasional supply of dead logs thrown on to the rockery which it has annexed, but it has also taken the precaution on its own account of sending down a huge air-root in the direction of an open water-tank about 10 feet below it, and has now its own water supply laid on. E. A. Mustapha, Algiers. (To be continued.) WALL GARDENS. The subject of wall gardening is very full of interest for me, and I am always pleased to see any fresh phase of it so well set forth as the recent examples in The ( i arden for February 10. It is not, however, in ever}' garden or locality possible to imitate the blocks that constitute the wall in the instance referred to, nor is it likely that such are from every point of view the best, were they procurable. What I mean to convey is that by employing smaller material, producing a more rugged surface, quite a different result is secured, and a much greater variety of smaller plants may be inserted or grown therein. From this point of view I would like to offer a few remarks dealing with a more simple kind of wall well suited to British gardens. I offer not the least objection to the more majestic rock and the much bolder effect such rocks produce, yet I certainly incline to a surface less finished and faced than the one on page 99 for example. It will, of course, not be overlooked that the bolder rock formations offer facilities for larger subjects that smaller rocks do not possess, but then we hardly wish to see our bold perennials relegated to the wall garden, for the latter, if not constructed to grow such tilings well, would only dwarf them. Many years ago I was gardener to the late Mr. Latimer Clark, of Svdenham Hill, who had a DOUBLE DATURA (ERUOMANSIA) IN THE REV. EDWYN ARKWRIIJHT's [GARDEN AT ALGIERS. and bulbs there was among the very finest I have seen in any private garden, while of rock walls there must have been several hundred yards. Much of this was built and planted during the time I was in charge. For choice and convenience — for they were certainly not cheap — Mr. Clark favoured clinkered burrs, these being obtainable in large or small blocks, and usually presenting a rough surface. The garden was on a steep slope, as may be gathered when I say that between the upper and lower exits there was a fall of 8.5 feet. We had a perfect view from this Sydenham garden of the Houses of Parliament, and the scene nearer home, with the Dulwich Wood at one's feet, made it one of the most picturesque spots so near to London. These facts are mentioned that it may be clear to the reader that we have no ordinary flat surface to deal with. The outline of this great slope was a variety of retaining walls in all directions, and these — or at least that part of the upper portion not required for strength and retaining purposes — were put to excellent use in growing many alpine plants. In those instances where the walls could be built erect, the centre was left hollow and afterwards charged with soil. Then by a sort of pocket arrangement on the top the plants were planted, and had the opportunity of sending their roots into good soil below. In this way masses of Aubrietias in considerable variety were planted, also the most distinct of the alpine Phloxes, that not only included P. subulata, P. Nelsoni, &c. , but also P. amiena, P. divaricata, P. verna, and others. A feature was also made of a large variety of alpine Pinks, which were exceedingly pretty among other things. Then with such as Erinus, Silenes, Saponaria, Cheiranthus alpinus, the dwarf Colum- bines, Snapdragon, and the like, a considerable great fondness for rocky slopes, rock walls, and the like. The collection of alpine hardy perennials I variety of good things were introduced. In not a few 276 THE GARDEN. [April U, 1900. of the walls we had the good fortune of having two sides at our disposal as well as the summit, the value of which will at a glance he ap- parent toany- oneinterested in this par- ticular phase of gardening. In our own case both sun and shade were obtainable, so that we were able to grow a greater variety of plants than would otherwise have been possible. One leaning wall was shaded by fruit trees planted on a great bank of treacherous sliding clay 12 feet high. Here, again, some of the upper portion was pur- posely constructed with wide joints and bad mortar, but things for a time were not a success, though I regarded it as a piece of the best of our walls as regards ryt position. The fault of it dawned upon mi' one clay, and 1 had the • ■lay removed the width of a spade, and tin- boh- n filled « it li "lil mortar ami drainage, with tome old putting and leaf soil next to the wall. From a very complete collection of Sedums, Saxifrages ami Sempervivums almost every course in this wall was supplied, and planted even with such Saxifrages as squarrosa, hypnoides, Burseriana, and the ran- S. Vandelli, that' 1 c, ol get now. Thymus lanuginosus was charming, ami great rosettes of Saxifraga longifolia and N. | .\ i a midalis were very tine. These last, with Ramondia, «eie specially inserted as good-sized plants, which \ias not our usual practice. I also established Lewisia rediviva and Ourisia coccinea, the latter mall and in a rather shady place. The great failure was to get any Primula intermedia to grow. I tried planting at various seasons and in different ways, but the only real success in Primulas was P. marginata. In a bolder piece of rock, where great masses of rock were conspicuous, some of the finest examples were huge pieces of Helleborus trifuliatus, masses of red Valerian — always better coloured here than in the border, though of the same stock- Daphne Cneorum, and sweeping masses of Saponaria ocymoides. Other good plants were Epimediums, white Arabis, Alyssum, and the golden creeping Lysimachia, while in a central position Eryogium pandanifolium succeeded for a while. We also tried E. Serra, but this was less hardy, though giving a grand rosette of leaves. The foregoing will give some idea of the variety that may be grown thus when various styles and positions are available. I may also add that in a great degree I favoured planting the face of the walls in early autumn, so that with the moist atmosphere a better opportunity would be afforded for getting plants established. Of many things quite small bits freely inserted answered better than larger pieces singly. Of such tap-rooted things as Columbines, small seedlings were the rule, while not a few things were successfully established by seeds alone. They were placed in a bit of moist rather stiff soil and inserted in a cavity. I know of no more interesting phase of gardening than this, or one that adds mote liberally to one's knowledge of the requirements of a large number of plants. Hampton Hill. E. H. Jenkins. | We think that Mr. Jenkins is not quite correct in assuming that good-sized border plants arc necessarily dwarfed by being grown in a Mall. We had lately in an upright rock wall some self-sown plants ot Yerhaseum phlotnoides quite X feet in height, and with a foliage development that was not surpassed by any other examples in the same garden : moreover, the soil their roots must have been in at the back of the wall was not specially prepared, but was very poor and sandy ; but this may lie found to be different in individual gardens. Ens. ] SPRAT OF TIIK JEWS MALLOW I lponica). (Fni„, ,t drawing made at Kew by //. G Woon.) AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. JAPANESE MAPLES. Acer palmatum and A. japonicum. QUITE an extensive exportation of living plants from Japan to this country has been developed in recent years. Lilies. Bamboos, and the numerous forms of Japanese Maples constitute pro- bably the chief items. Of the Acers (as well as of the others) large importa- tions are frequently being sold by "auction in the London sale-rooms. The way in which these two Maples, but especially A. palmatum, have varied in the hands of the Japanese cultivators is remarkable. At the present day, among hardy, or nearly hardy, deciduous trees and shrubs there is no species that equals them in the beauty of the lobing and cutting of the leaves, or in their varied and exquisite ca ili mring. Acer palmatum (folymokphum). The old typical Acer palmatum was intro- duced from Japan about eighty years ago. It is a small, round-headed tree in this country, rarely over 20 feet in height. In Japan, Professor Sargent gives its maximum height as oO feet. The leaves are palmate, and consist of five (sometimes six or seven) pointed, toothed lobes. In this typical form the leaves and twigs are green ; differing from it only in the red-purple colour of the leaves and young wood is the variety sanguineum. These two are probably the hardiest forms of Acer palmatum, thriving well, and making low, bushy-headed trees in sheltered positions. Sanguineum is the more frequently grown, and where it succeeds is one of the best coloured-leaved of hardy trees. Besides this, however, there are numerous other forms, whose leaves are either exquisitely cut or coloured with various shades of red, yellow, purple, green and white. Unfortunately, they are much less hardy, and the majority are better fitted for cool conserva- tory decoration than for planting permanently outside in all but the most favoured parts of the kingdom. At this time of year, plants that have been forced gently in pots are charming in the various shapes and tender green or rosy hues of their expanding leaves. It would be tedious to attempt to enumerate all the named varieties, but of the coloured ones, roseo-mar- ginatum (red and white), versicolor (red, white and green), atropurpureuin (deep purple), and reticulatum (various shades of green) may be mentioned. Of the cut-leaved ones, dissectum, d. ornatum, d. atropurpureuin, scolopendri- folium, and septemlobum elegans are note- worthy. Some varieties combine the beauties of shape and colour, and many die off in rich red or yellow shades in autumn. A ii: II japonicum. The forms of this tree have been much confused with those of A. palmatum, and varieties of both species occur promiscuously in imported lots. The typical A. japonicum (introduced in 1863) is, like A. palmatum, a small Japanese tree, but differs in the more numerous primary lobes of the leaf. As regards its autumn colouring, it is, perhaps, superior. In its typical form it resembles the American A. cireinatum. The branch that Mr. Moon has drawn is of the handsome variety known as tilicifoliunt. In this there are about nine or eleven deep lobes, each of which is further sub-divided. Brought on in gentle heat, the leaves tire of a pale and exquisitely tender April H, 1900.] THE GARDEN, zi I green. Another variety, called aureum, is comparatively shallow-lobed, and, except for the green veins, the leaf is bright yellow. Arboretum, Kew. W. J. Bean. KERRIA JAPONICA. Kerria JAPONICA, of which three forms are now in cultivation, is a Japanese shrub (the only one in the genus) named in honour of William Kerr, who, when a young gardener at Kew in 1803, was sent to collect plants in China. The species had, however, been in cul- tivation long before Kerr's time. The present year is, in fact, the bi-centenary of its first introduction to Europe, that event having occurred in 1700. The variety then introduced from Japan was the double-flowered one (flore- pleno), which is still, perhaps, the commonest and best known of the three. The transforma- tion of tile stamens and pistils into petals prevented botanists from correctly ascertaining the affinities of this original plant, and they could, in consequence, only guess at its position For growing in the open, the single-flowered plant — the "type" — is a much better shrub. It is neater and more compact in growth ; if its flowers are not so large, they are much more abundant, and it is hardier. So far as the London district is concerned, it may indeed be termed perfectly hardy. The winter of 1894-5 was a good test of the hardiness of any plant, for it crippled such things as our native Gorse, yet the single Kerria japonica was not injured in the least. Its flowers are about 1 inch across. Its introduction from Japan in 183."> (nearly a century and a-half after the double variety) enabled botanists to ascertain the true affinities of the so-called Corchorus. The variegated form is also single-flowered, but is scarcely so robust a plant as the green- leaved one : still it floweis very freely as a rule. Both these single-flowered Kerrias are apt to become choked up with old steins and twigs An occasional thinning out, therefore, is desir- able. The propagation of all of them can be effected by cuttings or by division. What is known sometimes as the white Kerria does not really belong to this genus. It is Rhodo- form of the individual bloom, others for its effect and fragrance in the garden. Mr. Weguelin has endeavoured In instruct both sections, and he truthfully declares in the preface that "a new work concerning the Carnation needs no apology. Manuals have been written in the past about the same beautiful flower, but during recent years many varieties have I win raised and new groups formed to give interest to the family of which the pretty PianthusCaryophvllus, happy in its crevices of the Lichen-stained castle wall, is the ancestor." The book is dedicated to the Duchess of Portland, of whom a portrait is given, and many illustrations are given of groups and individual varieties. There are sixteen chapters dealing with the various groups into which the Carnation and Picotee are divided, and the Pink, too, has a chapter to itself. It was a happy notion to associate the two flowers, as the Pink is as precious almost in its great variety as the ( larnation and Picotee. The following extract about the "Carnation as a Garden Flower" will show the character of the book : — " It is only within recent years that the value of the Carnation as a garden flower lias been seriously considered. The old English garden grew its Pinks and Columbines, the fragrant, crimson Clove spreading into groups in the mixed border, but never planted in a way to show that the Carnation J V>-r in the vegetable kingdom. It was placed in the genus Corchorus, a little-known group of plants allied to the Limes (Tilia), and one sees even now in some belated catalogues the name Corchorus japonicus still clinging to it. Kerria belongs to the Itose family, and among its near allies are the Spiraeas and Brambles. It is a spineless, deciduous shrub, from 2 feet to 5 feet high, bearing rich yellow flowers in April ami May. The variety flore-pleno had doubtless been cultivated by the Japanese long before its appearance in Europe, for in its general aspect and constitution it differs considerably from the single-flowered type or the form with variegated leaves. It grows taller (especially mi a wall), is less bushy and twiggy, and its Stems are thicker and more succulent. It is not so hardy as either the single-flowered or variegated forms, and is most happy when planted against a wall. As a shrub for early forcing it is valued for the bright yellow of its large, perfectly double, rosette-like blossoms. ACER JAPONICUM KIl.li'IFoI.IUM. (Drawn at Far hi/ 11. <;. Moon.) typos kerrioides, a charming white-flowered shrub, also Japanese, and related to the true Kerria. W. J. Bean. BOOKS. Carnations and Picotees.* -We are not surprised that a new book should appear upon the two fashionable flowers of the day, the Carna- tion and Picotee, and those who know anything of the flowers for exhibition will read the information set forth in these pages by Mr. Weguelin with interest. It is a book written by one who is what the world calls a "specialist," and in this case the specialist is an enthusiast, who regards the ( larnation as a flower for the garden as well as the exhibition. There is a distinction between the two, many growers simply regarding the flower as some- thing to be shown on a table to reveal the perfect "Carnations and Pieoteea for Garden and Exhibition." By H. W. Weguelin. London : George Newnea, Limited. Price :is. 6d. is as entitled to an honoured position in the garden as the Rose itself. Gardeners of a former age were wrapped up in the Carnation for pots, or to give blooms to put into paper collars and pat down upon a green box at the exhibition. Old works upon gardening show the narrow view taken of a flower which, properly used, creates beautiful effects in the garden and is fragrant too. Whilst (he thoughts of raisers were centred upon the bizarres and flakes, and the self-coloured kinds were discarded, there was little hope of the Carnation being placed amongst the most handsome of hardy plants. It is not the florists' varieties that are the most effective in the garden. Rich flakes and stripes lose their boldness viewed from afar, and the result is a muddled, unsatisfactory, and inartistic picture— the same effect that would be got from a bed of striped Ruses or byblcemen Tulips. "I wish to impress upon my readers that it is important always to think, when planting Carna- tions in the flower beds, of the effect they "ill make when in flower. For this purpose, of course, no section is so handsome as that known as the self-coloured, the varieties of which are of one decided colQur, or shades of it. the petals nrnad, 278 THE GARDEN. | Ai'iiii. 1 I, 1900. stout, and held well within a strong calyx. Vigour of constitution is also essential, not yellow-looking, weakly growths that spoil the flower bed through- out the year. There are at the present time, thanks to modern raisers, an abundance of good self kinds, welcome in colour, although sometimes disfigured by a faulty calyx. Flowers that burst their bonds are not alwaj's beautiful, no matter how rich and handsome their colouring. Rains and winds sweep over the garden, even in July, and bedraggle the flow-ers. Flower gardeners, as a rule, little understand the value of Carnations for lieds and borders. One of the chief reasons why this should be so is doubtless because of the scarcity until now of really good self or effective colours, and there is quite an erroneous idea that the plant is tender. " Let me at once say that the Carnation is quite hardy, and observations made in all parts of the British Isles prove the power of the plants to resist hard frosts. Frequently in my wanderings I have seen cottage gardens in which ( tarnations have been freely used, and grown into bold clumps with age. They are never so fine as when in some garden near the sea. Even exposure to the salt-laden wind does not harm the silvery tufts, as one may notice in many a fishing village along the northern coasts. The sand of the shore is used liberally in the soil in which the Carnations are planted -heavy, badly drained ground being fatal to healthy growth. "Whilst gardeners coddle Carnations in pots and pans, the plants will remain susceptible to frosts. There is no reason whatever for treating layers as if tender. Grow them entirely out-of- doors from the first, and adopt the plan of the cottager, who frequently possesses the finest Carna- tions in the village, and has no greenhouse or frame in which to put the plants if he wished to do so. I am not writing now of choice seedlings or some rare named kind, nor of the varieties to be grown in pots for conservatory or greenhouse, but of those to live an entirely open-air life in the future. The position the plants are to occupy must be well prepared, and I think that hurried and careless preparation of the ground is responsible for more failures than insects or fungus. Beware of importing the first spit of pasture into the Carnation ground, unless one ascertains by close scrutiny that a bidden foe — the terrible wireworm — is not conveyed also. This pest runs riot in this soil. " The Carnation may be associated witli the Tea Rose, when this fragrant flower is grown in groups, the plants sufficiently wide apart to permit the ( larnation tufts between, and this meeting of Rose and Carnation, two of the finest flowers to grace the garden, is indeed happy. A light-coloured Tea Rose, such as Marie van Houtte, Edith (iifford, or Mme. Hoste, against a fine red self Carnation is an efi'eetive and artistic com lunation. Though dainty in colouring oft-times and beautiful indi vidually, the striped kinds scarcely possess sufficient force to tell effectively. Bold groups alone display the characteristic beauty of the kind, and we know this to be true by the spreading mass of crimson and white Clove Carnations in many a cottage garden, where, without annual layering, the plants have increased in proportion and effect with age. " As there are so man}' good Carnations, it is not easy to make a selection, nor do I propose to do so here, as the subject has been treated elsewhere in the book. It is the self Carnation of strong constitution that gives those rich colour-pictures one desires in the summer garden. " I have seen the Carnation used in vases even, the glaucous stems hanging over the edge and creating a new and pleasant departure — a relief from the perpetual, almost wearisome repetition of a set plant, the Ivy-leaved Pelargonium for example. " A delightful phase of Carnation growing is raising seedlings, which should always be practised where the plant is to take a great part in the garden. There is much joy in getting new kinds of value for their effect. If the seed is good very few single varieties will be found, and these should In .it once removed, and in the weeding-out of inferior kinds, maturing the selected seedlings, and sowing again to maintain a constant flowering of unt iicd kinds, the amateur gardener will find delightful iccicatii.n," On the Eve Of the War. —This inte- resting book, a narrative of impressions during a journey in Cape Colony, the Free State, the Transvaal, Natal, and Rhodesia, scarcely conies within the scope of this journal for review, but we were pleased to read many passages about the flowers and scenery of the Cape. Several illustra- tions are given, some reproduced from sketches b}r the author's wife, the Hon. Mrs. Evelyn Cecil, who accompanied him in his travels, and others from photographs. We do not intend to discuss the political aspect of the book, but the following extract from the chapter upon the Cape flora will interest our readers : — Flowers and Animals of the ('ate ami Life of an Old Colonist. " To have landed in Cape Town only a month before the war, to have been in the Transvaal after the last British despatch had been received, to have been in Ladysmith on the day war was declared, and in Natal for three weeks after the colony had been invaded, and afterwards to have visited Beira and Rhodesia before returning home by Madagascar and Zanzibar are experiences which do not occur twice in a lifetime, but even to narratives of war there is a peaceful side, in which all can make an effort to unite with a sense of relief and friendship. " If fortunate enough to arrive at the Cape in the beginning of spring (the middle of September), one of the traveller's most memorable impressions will be the exquisite delight with the Cape flora, which blossoms then in its finest perfection just after the rainy season at the Cape comes to an vt\i\. The Cape peninsula becomes a perpetual garden of greenhouse flowers, Heaths, bulbous plants, succu- lents in endless variety and marvellous beauty. On the famous Victoria drive the shapes of the mountains and headlands jutting into the deep blue sea vie with the wonderful vegetation in being much more beautiful than the Italian Corniche. . . . . In the woods near Cape Town the large white Arums, the familiar charms of an English hothouse, are really a weed. The Silver trees of Table Mountain, the Acacias, Pines, weird Pro- teas, and fresh green Oaks, originally brought from Europe by the Dutch, complete a very pretty picture with the broken outline of the Hottentot Holland Mountains across the bay. "Travelling upwards through these mountains, the train passes here and there a typical old Dutch farm with white walls and rounded gables and a thatched roof, a centre for sheep grazing and fruitgrowing; and for fruit growing there is still in this neighbourhood a good opening for intending emigrants. Further on the vast plateau of the Karroo is reached, and now and then an ostrich farm is to be spied out. Throughout this region and right up into the Free State and Transvaal the farms are far away from each other, isolated by distances much more easily measured by miles than by yards. The farms are little oases in the arid plain. Each has its well or spring ('fontein'), and near it are usually planted a few Eucalyptus trees, which grow rapidly in the climate and give the needed shade. The farmhouse itself has often but a single story, with two or three additions or outbuildings or rain tanks of corrugated iron, the universal material in South Africa. All round stretches out the wide expanse of ' veldt,' dotted with low hills or 'kopjes' as far as the horizon, and covered with scrubby Acacias and Wait-a-bit thorns and short brown grass which seems strangely to provide sufficient pasture for the cattle, (if these plenty are kept to 'trek' when required on the long journeys to a market town, and they are 'inspanned' in teams varying from twelve to eighteen and even twenty oxen. Springbok ante- lopes are common in many parts of the veldt, and we enjoyed a real jolting drive across it witli mules to see them. It is difficult to approach them nearer than about 100 yards, and they spring away characteristically, bending their backs in their peculiar fashion so as to turn their brown coats into wdiite as they leap along. At the proper season of the year they afford an interesting day's rifle shooting, in which many a Dutch farmer delights with his Mauser rifle, although the game has somewhat diminished, not only by shooting, but owing to the terrible scourge of rinderpest in 1895. On more than one occasion we came in for a flight of locusts. Every year there are destruc- tive swarms. The sky was thick with them in a long line as far as we could see, and in places they settled on the ground, making it look quite brown, and flew up in a cloud on our disturbing them. " Other more agreeable inhabitants of the veldt which we saw were hares very much like the European species, African partridges, guinea-fowl, steinbok antelopes, and engaging little meercats (Ryzaena suricata), the latter sitting up on their haunches in a row of four or five together about a hundred yards away, and eyeing us with a curiosity equal to our own. We also noticed the holes of ant-bears, animals which come out at night, scratch with their adamantine claws into the hard enormous ant heaps, and then put out their extremely sticky tongues to glue a tit-bit of ants upon them. . . . Pretoria itself is in a basin surrounded by hills, several of which are crested with forts. Johannesberg, guarded by a single fort with underground external communication, stands in rather more level veldt. " Side by side with a farm on the veldt may be descried the residence of an old colonist on the hot coast of Natal, hotter, of course, because it is nearer the level of the sea. His square house, with only a ground floor, and a low pyramid roof stretching down over the iron-pillared verandah, overlooks a wild tropical garden. Inside the house or under the verandah the walls are adorned with all kinds of varieties of African horns, many of them shot in early days by the owner, the rare specimens among which might even be the envy of the Natural History Museum in London. Outside, the garden is quite informal, with sandy hillside covered with Mango trees, Avocado Pears, Pine and Custard Apples, Bananas, Lemons and Indian Papaws. These last are a very digestible fruit , about the size of a Melon, growing in clusters round the stems of the plants, which shoot up from 12 feet to 211 feet high. The flavour of the fruit is very nondescript, and not at all easy to recollect five minutes after tasting." on the Eve of tin- War. By Evelyn Cecil, M.P., with map and illustrations. John Murray, Albemarle Street. Price 3s. 6d,. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. INDOOR GARDEN. Seed Sowing. S KICKS of many annuals and other plants which do so much to brighten the green- house will now need sowing. These will include Primulas, among which place should be found for a big batch of the very useful P. stellata, Celosias, Balsams, and early Cinerarias. Other very useful Primulas in addition to those of the Chinese section are P. obconica, P. floribunda, and P. verticillata, the latter being one of the very best when well grown for flowering in its natural season, which is during April and May. All the above, with the exception of the Celosias, are best raised in a moderate rather than a high temperature, for though some of them come up quickly in heat, they are enervated by it, and the foundation of weakly growth is laid. Almost all seeds should be sown thinly enough to allow the plants sufficient room to grow without crowding each other until they are well into the rough leaf stage, as then they arc more easy to handle when pricking off. Sai.YI \ 5PLENDENS. From the frequency with which one meets with this plant raised from cuttings, it does not appear to be sufficiently well known that better results may be had from seedlings, these being equally fine in their scapes of flowers, with much better foliage and more shapely plants. It should not be for- gotten that there arc two types of this plant, and both may be raised from seed with equal freedom, that known as S. s. grandiflora being infinitely better than the older type, for it carries its April 14, 1900] THE GARDEN. 279 brilliantly coloured bracts many weeks after the flowers have fallen, and during the whole time the plants remain almost, if not quite, as decorative as when in full flower. Seeds sown now in heat and given generous treatment will make grand plants for flowering in October and November, and the bracts will keep them gay till Christmas or even later. Tecoma Smitiii is a very useful and attractive plant, though it is not often seen. Seedsof this should be sown with- out delay and the young plants grown on much in the same way as the ordinary run of tender bed- ding plants until June, by which time they should occupy 5-inch pots. The plants should then he stood outdoors in full sun and with the pots half plunged in ashes, where they may remain through the summer. It is this exposure which induces the plants to flower, which they cannot he induced to i In it grown entirely under glass TlilM'.EKOIA AI'EAVLTAi \ and its varieties are excellent plants for basket work in a moist and shady hothouse. Here the plants grow quickly and produce hundreds of their attractive flowers without being pestered with red spider, the bane of the species when grown under dry conditions or in a sunny house. Sow the seeds now thinly in 5-inch pots, thin out to from four to six plants, and transfer them bodily when well rooted to the baskets in which they are to flower, using rich and light soil. Still another useful thing for sowing now is the Chimney Campanula (C. pyramidams). This is magnificent for cool corridors and conserva- i mi's Those who have lofty buildings to eater for should grow the blue and white varieties of the ordinary type, while those who need plants tor less lofty structures should obtain seed of the now fairly well known Syon House strain, the only difference in which is that it is dwarfer and the spikes more compact. This Campanula is readily raised in gentle heat with other seeds, but great care is necessary to prevent, by moving to cooler quarters, the damping off to which it is liable in its young state. J. C. Tallack: Shipley Hull Gardens, Derhy. now Tun be glowing the plants ORCHIDS < ' U.ANTHKS. The deciduous Calanthes will and need immediate attention, carefully out of the pots, remove all the old potting compost, cut away any dead or decaying matter, and remove the old pseudo-bulb, leaving only the last one made. Examine the plants carefully to see if thc\ ate affected with scale or other insects which accumulate around the base sometimes during the resting season, and where any trace of insect life is found remove with diluted soft soap water. This in .--t important, for any neglect in cleansing at this season is liable to bee e a source of annoy- ance when the plants are in full growth, and they are then most difficult to deal with. The potting compost should consist of one-third fibrous loam, one-third peat, and the remaining portion of chopped sphagnum moss, dried cow* manure, and a liberal sprinkling of rough sand or finch broken crock> to as-1-.t in retaining an open and porous condition of the material. The pots used should be thoroughly clean and drained to one-third their depth with broken crocks. The size of the pots must lie governed by tin- strength of the bulbs and the number of the same- to lie placed in each pot. There is no doubt that dealing with them singly is tin- most satisfactory method. Some "lowers like In Start their plants in small pots and pot on as Boon as the roots arc near the edges, but this is quite unnecessary, for unless great care is taken the tender mots _i t damaged in repotting and rarely cover. In repotting the bulbs place them in such a position that they are just below the ri I the pots. Slightly build up the compost towards the so that it just covers the base of the new growths in such a manner that the new roots may gel hold of the compost immediately they are emitted. It the compost is in a fairly moisi con- dition no water need be given, but if at all dry give a thorough watering with chilled water, using a moderately coarse rose on the water-can. Place the plants in a good light position near the glass. A shelf in the plant stove or hothouse suits their requirements generally. They may be placed close together at first, but as the season advances and the growths become vigorous more room must be afforded. Care should be observed in watering at first, but as soon as the roots become thoroughly established in the compost, and with favourable outside conditions, they require a plentiful supply of moisture at the roots and in the atmosphere. Only sufficient shading should be afforded to prevent scorching of the foliage. The evergreen section of Dendroeidms, such as D. Farmeri. 1). densiflorutn, I), thyrsi- riorum, D. chrysotoxum and others, are now pushing their flower-spikes, and will need every encouragement to induce them to properly mature and expand their flower racemes. Where a house is set apart for the culture of Dendrobiums, the usual requirements afforded to the deciduous section will suffice also for the evergreen varieties. In bright weather the plants may be liberally syringed overhead and the atmosphere saturated with moisture reducing the same as evening approaches. Where the plants have to be culti- vated in an ordinary stove, place them in a good light position and give every encouragement to obtain satisfactory results. 1'n vi. a:\orsis. The majority of the winter-flowering varieties of this genus will be at rest, but in the course of a week or two will commence to make new roots. As soon as the roots make their appearance, any potting or re-mossing required should be done. In the meantime it is advisable, if possible, to have the plants carefully cleaned with a soft sponge and clean water so that they may be ready for re-moss- iug. Give the plants only sufficient moisture at the roots to retain the leaves in a plump condition, but retain a liberal amount of moisture in the atmosphere at all times. The night temperature for this and all other departments may now be graduallv increased. H. J. Chapman. KITCHEN GARDEN. 1'oT VTOES. There should he no delay in getting the main- crop Potatoes planted during the next fortnight. In the southern parts of the country it is well to plant at this date, as the growths then mature early, and in seasons of drought early planting is a great gain in forwarding growth. It is now quite safe to plant all kinds of the seed tubers, and if not too far advanced as regards sprouting, they will when through the soil be free from frost, anil should a wet autumn follow, disease will he less prevalent than when late planting is practised. In many gardens, owing to the space being limited, only early varieties can be planted, anil these usually occupy a warm border. I would advise a well-drained soil, and failing this in heavy- la id the crop may be much assisted by a free use of lighter materials either in the drills or for covering. For early supplies Xinetyfold is a valuable variety, and the value of the Ashleaf section for the first crop is well known. In heavy land I have with main crop and late varieties found it advantageous to dig and plant at the same time, as planting in su.-h soil with a dibber is not advis- able. Wherever the land is poor or there is a want of animal manure, it is advisable to use prepared foods. Many amateur gardeners ask it it is well to i ut Potato sets. I only advise it with large seed, and when this is done it should be some days in advance of planting, so as to allow the cut portion to heal over. Potatoes in Frames. Tile present is a critical period of growth with frame Potatoes, as if forced too hard the top growth will be in advance of the roots, and the tubers will be poor in consequence. Ample ven- tilation in fine weather is necessary, and there should be no lack of moisture. Frame Potatoes are often given a check through dryness at the root, and with growth well advanced occasional supplies of liquid manure will be well repaid, but this is best given in a tepid state and not strong. Plants in unheated frames need less moisture, and should be protected from cold draughts or rain. Vegetable Marrows. For some years I have grown an early lot of Marrows to plant out in frames, as this crop needs but little heat at the roots, anil may often be planted in frames just relieved of Potatoes, and as tlie fruits mature, the frames or sashes may he removed. One seed or two at the most sown in a 4-inch pot is preferable to sowing in pans, as the dividing and potting up greatly cheek growth. The seeds may be placed in heat at the start, but when well above the soil a warm frame is most suitable. For general crops, that is for planting out in the middle or latter part of May, sowing is best deferred for two or three weeks, as the seed- lings soon get drawn and weakly if sown too earlv. Pen-y-bvd, Moore's Cream, and Long White are good early kinds. Tomatoes — Main Crop. The present is a good time to sow the seed of crops for use from July to the end of the year, and at this date plants are raised more readily than earlier in the year. Crowding the seedlings is a great evil, as the dividing is so injurious, that the plants need a long time to recover. Success is best obtained from plants not given too much heat and allowed ample room. The aim of the cultivator should be to get a strong plant by the middle of May, hard and able to battle against our variable climate when placed in its permanent quarters. Earlier sown plants for sheltered walls or house work should be potted on. and at this shift a little heavier compost may be employed, but not manures of any kind. After the potting, water sparingly till new root growth is made, and grow as near tin- glass as possible. (I. Wvthes. Syon fToiuse Gardens, Brentford. WATT GARDEN. Cherry Trees. The forcing of these gives good results when carried out judiciously, but they should not be started unduly early or t prickly. The month of January is the time to start forcing in order to have ripe fruit by May. Artificial heat should he applied with moderation throughout, merely sufficient to maintain a sweet buoyant atmosphere with ventilation, so that the flowers, ami later in the season the foliage, have the appearance they have outdoors. If grown in a bouse with Peaches and Nectarines they should occupy the coolest end of the house. Those on which the fruit is stoning may be subjected to temperatures ranging from 50° to 55° at night and 55° to (ill'-' in the daytime in dull weather, and it is better to be satisfied with the lowest named when the weather is cold. Afford water liberally as often as the soil in which they are growing shows signs of dryness, occasionally adding manure to the water. Syringing is beneficial, except when the trees are in flow-er and when the fruit is colouring, for keeping the foliage healthy and red spider in check. Other insects they are subject to are green and black aphides. Whenever these appear. except while in flower and when the fruit is colouring, fumigating with XL All vaporiser should be resorted to. Caterpillars attack them indoors as well as outside, their whereabouts being detected by the leaves being rolled up. To keep them in check the trees should lie gone over frequently, and the rolled part of the leaves squeezed between finger and thumb. In order to form spurs and to clothe the trees with foliage without crowding. the young shoots, except where required tolay in to form the frame of tree, should be pinched hack, leaving about 2 inches of its length. Plum Trees. The requirements of Plums are much the same as those of Cherries, and they are subject to the same insects. As with Cherries, forcing should lie carried on slowly. The time elapsing from starting 280 THE GAEDEN [April 14, 1900. tu the ripening of Plums is from one to two months longer, according to variety. Trees started at the same time as Cherries will now have their fruit set, and when grown to the size of nuts may be t lii nned to a fair crop by leaving the largest distributed as evenly as possible over the trees, and as far as possible* on the side where the sun is likely to reach them. The number for a crop must be regulated according to the size the fruit attains when ripe. Plums, like Cherries, are producer] <>n spins, so that young growths should be stopped in the same way. Pot trees require the same treatment as trees planted in borders, but very strict attention must be paid to watering. Neglect in this but for a short time would cause entire failure for the season. Throughout the season they must be attended to at leasi once a day, and frequently twice, while on very .Irving days three times will not be too many. Figs. Where these are trained to a trellis, go over them as often as required for the purpose of tying in the young growth, take out the worst placed so as not to overcrowd, and pinch oft' the points of the strongest shoots. Afford water liberally to trees in an advanced stage, with manure added occasion- ally. Maintain a growing atmosphere by syringing when the weather is fine, and at other times by damping bare surfaces. Much as they like mois- ture, this may be afforded too liberally, and it is better to syringe thoroughly once a day than twice only partially, too frequent syringing causing swelling fruit to rot and to fall before it reaches the ripening stage. inches deep. From now onwards until the end of October the plant produces three, rarelv four, flowers per week, a new leaf being developed with each flower. It will be seen from these particulars that the rate of growth is verj rapid. A rough computation of the weight ol the whole plant as grown from seeds between f'el ,\ nai y a 111 1 November gives the extraordinarj result "I about 7 cwt., \ i/. Kill \ leaves, each weighing 12 ll>. 600 lb. ; fifty flowers, each (with stalk) weighing :i lb. I'io lb.; stem, roots, and leaves produced before flowering period was reached, 50 lb. ; total, 800 lb. It is questionable if any other annual accomplishes so much as this. W. W. A HARDIER VARIETY RAISED. The blue Water Lilies, such as Nympluea stellata, have now been grown and flowered successfully in several different places in the open air. It there- fore seems that some attempt might be made to do the same with the Victoria Regia with good prospects of success. If a tank of moderate size were made in a position where hot-water pipes could be introduced without much trouble and the water were then maintained at a considerable temperature, the Victoria Regia would probably flourish as well in the open air as in a Lily house during such summers as we have experienced recently. I do not think that this giant of the Nymphseas would flower in the open air in water not artificially warmed, nor would it probably even grow at all under such condi- tions. Experiments of this kind have been made in North America, and the warmer sun that pre- vails there in summer brings the Victoria Regia to perfection out of doors, even without any warming of the water beside that re- ceived from sun-heat. The young plants would be raised in heat in the lirst i nstance, being planted out later. A varietv has been raised in North America, called Trickeri. which has been found to be hardier than the Vic- toria itself, anil con sequently more useful for this purpose. It would be interesting to know what results I, axe follow ed from any trial that has been made of i Ins variety at home. It one ortwo varieties still hardier than N. Victoria Trickeri ran be raised, we lna\ he w it Inn measurable dis- tance of the time whin the huge leaves of the Victoria shall float on our English lakes and ponds. We look forward to a hardy Victoria, hardj Mne Nymphajas, and hardy Nelunibhim.s. One of tin- first steps towards the realisation of this dream would seem to lie an extensive trial of N. Victoria Trickeri in the open air in different parts of this country both with and without the assistance of artificially-heated water, and it is to be hoped that this will he undertaken dining the summer of 1900, and that I lie results will be made public before the expira- tion of the year. II. surely must proceed from the want of knowing the use to which many of our oldest plants may be put, which, though fully recognised by gardeners fifty or more years ago. appears in a great measure to have been lost sight of by their successors. I was forcibly reminded of this the other evening when walking round an old-fashioned garden. The gardener in charge is over eighty years of age, and though doubtless absolutely ignorant as to the culture of an Orchid or the advanced style of gardening generally, he is a thorough gardener still as regards the work he was trained to, viz., the cultivation of vegetables, fruit and hardy plants, on which he is no mean authority. The kitchen garden under his charge is a model of neatness. and as regards earliness of crops, he is well ahead of many a younger hand at the present time. On entering the garden one is struck by its neatness and order. What was taken at lirst glance as well-kept Cerastium proved to be nothing else but the common white Pink. As a bordering I never remember having seen anything move pleasing or neat, and it certai nly looked better PLANTS SUITABLE FOR EDGINGS. \1\\\ are engaged at this season in the in- teresting work of lifting and replanting her- baceous and other hardy plants, and il not infrequently happens that those so employed are at a loss to know what to use for forming uitable edgings to the beds and borders. This rut: victoria i,..i;ia at kew. than the sombre Box or formal red tiles. In a few weeks there will be long lines of white sweet- scented flowers useful for cutting, and at the same time making the vegetable garden interesting. The compact habit of growth and the lines are very true is maintained by clipping once or twice dining the year. Having seen such a favourite answering a double purpose, I can recommend il to others who would like an edging of this descrip- tion. The present is a good time to lift the old plants, pull them to pieces, and transplant the divisions. If it is intended to form an ease, plant thinly, keep the sets well down so as to bury the stems, and make the soil firm about them. Unless the latter is done, the "grass" will probably wither under the action of sun and wind, roots will lie slow iii forming, and many of the pieces will die, thus causing gaps. The Pink, however, is only one of the main plants formerly used for this purpose. Thrift was a -nai favourite, the transplanting of which 1 remember as a hoy being usual spring work. It is April 14, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 281 of neat and compact growth, and therefore suitable for the purpose of forming edgings. I once had charge of a large terrace garden, and even when the beds were furnished with various plants, none of them caused greater interest than the margins, all of which were of golden Thyme. This was always maintained square in outline and trim, and in early summer the golden hue was pleasing as « ell as the scent of the foliage. Numerous other plants could be mentioned which are sel- - dom seen now in any quantity or employed as formerly for margins, with the exception of the Cerastiums. Among these are Aubrietia, Ajuga. Alyssum variegatum, Arabis, Daisy (double forms), Farfugium, Gentiana, Heuchera, Polemonium, Saxifrages in variety, especially urabrosa (London Pride), Sedum (Stoneorop), Sempervivum (House- leek), and many others. All are hardy and possess an interest of their own. Some should meet the tastes of those seeking plants for edging purposes, and that do not require to be raised from seeds or cuttings annually. A chat with an old practitioner such as I have referred to does much to awaken a new interest in old-fashioned plants, and recalls the foremost place all of them had in the garden years ago. Single-handed. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. SOPHRO-L.ELIA MAR- RIOTTIANA. A MOST distinct bigeneric hybrid Orchid is this plant, raised in the collection of Sir William Marriott, The Down House, Blandford, from the intercross sing of Sophniiiitis granditlora and Lselia flava. The distinct and charm- ing characteristics of its parents are most apparent both in the habit of growth, in structure, and also in the colouring of the flowers. The sepals and petals are each about an inch long, the central ana of both segments being orange scarlet, outside wniih there is a broad band of yellow. The front lol f the lip is orange-red, and the side lolies are of the same colour, shading to yellow through the throat. A plant carrying a three-flowered raceme was exhibited at the Drill Hall meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society in January last. It is a most distinct addition, and is worthy of every consideration when- this section of hybrids is ap- preciated. t 'A LA X T H E HAM ATODES. Tins is a remarkable secondary hybrid, raised in tin- collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart., Burfbrd, Hoiking, by the intercrossing of C. hama- todes rosea and ( '. Veitchi. As might be expected from such a cross, tin.- introduction of a second portion of the haniatodes I. loud has caused the hybrid to considerably revert towards that species. though no improvement can be claimed from a garden point of view. I have no doubt it will |uove a most useful parent in future crosses. The sepals are nisi, streaked with white, the petals mi', and the broad lip deep rose with a white disc. A small plant carrying a nine-flowered raceme was exhibited at one of the Drill Hall meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society. DENDKOBIUM NOBILE A'IRGINALE. A FORM of this beautiful white I )ciidrobium nobile ha- recently been in flower in the collection of Mr. I''. A. Reliefer. The Avenue, Gipsy Hill. The sepals and petals are pure white and of good form and substance; the lip is also white, except the disc, which is pale primrose. The flowers were not quite so large as in the typical forms of 1). nobile, out I have no doubt this may be accounted for to some extent by the fact that it flowered at an early season of the year. It is rather strange that after so many years pure white forms of this popular Dendrobium should be making their ap- pearance. Most of us have been accustomed in the past to meet with D. nobile allium, D. n. albiflorum, D. n. Amesia-, termed as white forms of I), nobile, but these have all rich maroon discs on the lip. I believe the first of these to flower was a small plant in the collection of Mr. T. Rochford, Brox- bourne, in 1S97, among some imported plants procured from one of Messrs. F. Sander & Co.'s importations. It was described and figured by Mr. Rolfe in the Orchid Retriew, vol. v., page 145. In March of the following year Mr. E. Ashworth exhibited a plant at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting with similar characteristics under the name of D. n. Ashworthianum, when it was awarded a first-class certificate. There have since been instances of white varieties flowering in one or two collections. Messrs. Hugh Low it Co. had amongst their group a small plant very similar to Mr. Rehder's variety at one of the Royal Horti- cultural Society's meetings. H. J. C. and it needs a good dry rest in summer or it will dwindle and die. lint on the sunny side of a hedge-bank, under the shelter of trails' of bramble or of gnarled coppice stumps, it is a plant I would urge on all who love a bright flower that will do its best to smile when the sun gives it a chance. Just as Anemone blanda prefers a little shade, Anemone h. stellata demands, sunshine, for even in the sunny south you rarely find it in beauty in shade, so I fear it is a plant that will prefer the dry side of our islands in any case. Grown, however, in the grass or on a bank, and protected by bushes, it will defy all our cold winds and add yet another charm to that old- new thing, the wild garden. E. H. Woodall. OUR GARDEN FLOWERS AT HOME. Anemone hortensis. The charm of this little wilding, called by botanists Anemone hortensis var. stellata, is shown to perfection in the accompanying illustration, which was taken from a photo- graph made near Nice. It is a pity that this pretty wild flower should lie weighed down by the name " hortensis," for it is not at all a border or garden plant, but one that just wants to be left to itself in a suitable place, where it will repay judicious neglect with high interest. It has a few requirements, the first of which is that it is a lover of calcareous clay, and dislikes peaty sand when at home ; it is never so happy as when growing' up through tulle, 1 grass in- some such shelter. Next, it is a true winter bloomer, and resents having its first broad leaves cut off by bitter winds, as is the case in a border. It also prefers a sunny, dry bank with overhead spray that will protect its early leaves and blossoms from severe frosts. There are those who call its stars of rose-lilac by the ugly name of magenta, and I do not deny that magenta "swears" horribly with many another colour ; but in winter, and in an English garden, what flowers will you find to "swear" with it ' So that I think that objec- tion may fairly he disposed of. Moreover, there are so many shades of colour to be found when- ever it has hybridised naturally with the fulgens THE FRUIT GARDEN. THE OLD GOLDEN PIPPIN APPLE. IT has been said time after time that this favourite dessert Apple is dying out. This has been predicted of it during the past forty years, but it exists, is occasionally exhibited, and that, too, in fine character. That it is an English variety there is no doubt ; where and when it originated is not clearly stated, but its original home is supposed to have been in Sussex. That it is very old in point of time there can be no doubt. I find it in a list of Apples published some seventy years ago, anil termed old in that just as we term it old at tin- present day. Certain varieties are sometimes eon- founded with it, such as the Yellow Ingestre and the Downton Pippin. The last named was raised by Mr. T. Andrew Knight, of Downton Castle, from seed from some old Apple crossed with the pollen of the Golden Pippin, and probably with a view to establish the latter in better character, for Mr. Knight was a believer in the doctrine that many of the, old English Apples were in a state of decay and were dying out, an opinion that was not shared by the late Mr. Thomas Rivers. I once saw some very fine examples of the old Golden Pippin which had been grown at Bishop's Stortford, in Herts. They were gathered from a tree trained espalier fashion which had been worked on the Paradise stock ; it was some twelvejyears of '•■ii1 • ■■**■ !•'■ T.iV — '.• ;Vf" ,. . ■■•■ * ^V^ AXEMOSE STELLATA w II. n IN MB. WOqDALL S GROUNDS AT CI5IIEZ, NEAK NICE. section, that an enthusiast will raise some from seed for himself. I know one valley (I will not say where) where they are entirely coral- coloured, and I really thought it to be the loveliest of all wild flowers as it then appeared. In many localities it is pure white, and in not a few places you find white, lilac, crimson, coral, and pale salmon shades all growing to- gether in Nature's kindly mixing. Of this I am sure— it is not a border plant, age, the soil a rich garden mould on a subsoil of loamy clay, well drained and trenched. The tree was vigorous and clean, quite free from moss oi canker. Close pruning was adopted : the spurs were kept very short and the tree bore freely. In hot drying weather the surface of the soil was mulched with well-rotted manure, and at intervals of a few years some root-pruning was done. It was only natural this should be required, seeing that the roots had a free run in rich soil. Any tendency on the part of trees of this 28'2 THE GAUBEN. [April U, 1900 variety to die out cannot, I think, lit' attributed to any failing in the variety itself so much as to being on an unsuitable stock, or in improper soil, or in an injurious situation. It appears to do best in the southern counties, in well-drained soil and in an open position. Sonic years ago I was at an exhibition of Apples and saw two dishes of tic old Golden Pippin side by side, and the contrast was startling. One was represented by scrubby fruit, said to have been gathered from a tree a century old and cultivated under ordinary conditions. The flavour was good, though the Apples were small and ill-conditioned. It was believed this tree was on the Crab stock. The other dish had been gathered from a graft of the old tree worked on the Paradise stock and grown in an orchard house. The fruit was three times the size of the other, the colour the richest, brightest gold, and the flavour all that could he desired. There were no signs of decay here ; it was a simple 1 1 nest ion of di tie rent conditions of cultivation which constituted the difference. K. I>. arch, which gives a delightful old-world aspect to the place. Although these glorious trees are, we believe, of great age, they are yet of remarkable vigour, and the walk they dignify is made pleasant by the presence of many hardy flowers, which are charming against the background of shrubs. If Ingestre only p. issessed this interesting walk it would deserve to be famous. There is fascination in the combination of bright flowers with shrubs, especially when the sombre green of the Yew is the prevailing tone. THE STRAIGHT WALK AT INGESTRE. One of tile most interesting features in the gardens at Ingestre Hall is the walk repre- sented in the uceiinipanying illustration. It is over— some say much over — 300 feet in extent, and laid out in stages, the end of each stage being marked by clipped Yews. A tall specimen forms a kind of support for a quaint CORRESPONDENCE. NARCISSUS PALLIDUS l'R.ECOX. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] SIR,— Mr. Arnott in The Garden (p. 221) asks for the experience of those who have grown Narcissus pallidus precox. I pur- chased my bulbs of Messrs. Barr some four years back, retaining half of them myself and sending the others to a friend at Penzance, who planted them in an open border with other Narcissi. He tells me that they gradually deteriorated, and this year he has no flowers. My own bulbs flowered well the first year : then a change of residence taking place (with a change of soil from gravel to clay), I altered the treatment and planted the bulbs on a rockery, working in plenty of sand. They are growing on a slope, and are shaded so that the sun does not reach them till late in the day. Under these con- ditions they are quite happy, and are doubtless increasing, as the clump has several more flowers this year than usual. The seed, however, does not ripen. Sandy soil, good drainage, and rather more than partial shade are, I think, the require- ments of this pretty Narcissus. Mr. Arnott refers in the same issue to Narcissus minimus. I can j cpiite endorse all he says as to the suitability of the dwarfer-growing Narcissi for the rock garden. I have N. minimus in flower at the time of writing, hardly tall enough to raise its little head above some Thyme planted over it, and the following other varieties are just showing their flowers and will soon be in bloom : Minor, nana, Corbularia monophyllus, and other varieties of the Hoop Petticoat, lohularis, triandrus albus, and Johnstoni Queen of Spain, to he followed later on by the smallest yet strongest-scented of the whole family, the Rush-leaved juncifolius, and the pretty cycla- mineus, which alone of the above requires and receives special attention in the shape of an occa- sional watering to keep the soil and cocoa-nut fibre in which it is growing as moist as possible. All the above are grown in small groups of six bulbs under a carpet of Thyme or one of the mossy Saxifrages, or, better still perhaps, Herniaria glabra. One other delightful flower nearly over with me now is Iris reticulata. A clump of this Iris has THE YEW ARCHES IN THE GARDENS of INGESTRE 11AU.. Apiul I 'MO. THE GA11DEN. 283 still half a dozen blooms, and they scent the whole garden at sunset. I saw some flowers at t he Royal Horticultural Society's meeting recently at the Drill Hall, from which I gathered that the variety I have here is not the type, but probably major, as my flowers are nearly double the size of those exhi- bited and measure 3 inches from the base to the top of the standard. Herbert E. Molynexjx. Brantwood, Culverden Road, Balharn, S. W. STERNBERGIA COLCHICIFLORA. [To the Editor of "The Gardes."] Sir, — There are two sub-genera of the genus Stern- bergia, viz., Sternbergia proper, distinguished by its long cylindrical perianth-tube, and Oporanthus, by its short funnel-shaped perianth-tube. Dean Herbert kept them up as distinct genera. 8. col- chiciflora belongs to the former, flowers in autumn, ami. as Mr. Archer-Hind says, much resembles in habit a Merendera, from which genus it differs by its inferior ovary. S. eolchiea has never, so far as I am aware, been described, but I suspect it to be identical with S. Fischeriana (Roem.l, and which belongs to Oporanthus. If Mr. Smith will send me a specimen I will compare it. A"' a-. .1. G. Baker. HARDY PLANTS IN POTS. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] Sir. — I was much interested in Mr. Elwes' remarks about growing hardy plants in puts, as I have thought for some years past that to get all the true beauty of the late winter and early spring flowers it is essential to protect them from frosts and rain. My cold plant house has been filled with potfuls of many familiar things for some weeks past — Daffodils, Saxifraga Burseriana, and so forth, and I have picked up many hints from Kew. The hardy plant house in the old herbaceous ground is not heated, even with one row of small pipes, but is an absolutely cold structure. Thinking that Mr. Elwes and other correspondents would he interested in knowing what was in flowrer there on the last day of March, I append the following list. The plants were in good flower or approaching that stage, not with a single bloom here and there. It is pleasurable indeed to see these exquisite flowers thus early under glass, where one can enjoy their beautv without discomfort : — Androsace Licru'eri. „ venuuis. Anemone blancia. ChioBodoxa LucUise. „ L. alba. „ L, gigantea L. sardeasia Conydalis bulbosa. Cyclamen coum, DodecatheoD ellipticum. Draba Aizoon. aizoidea. athoa. cariiitbiaca. longirostra Mawi. .. rigida. Erythronium Hartwegi. Bendetsom. giganteum. Fritillaria anrea. ., oranenBia Hyacintbus azureus. Narcissus minor. Ornitnogalam tenuifolium. Primula rienticnlata var. alba. „ Forsteri. ,, marginata var. co-rulea. ,, Palinuri. „ pedemontana var. rosea. „ pubeseens alba. Saxifraga apiculata Burseriana var macrantha iigulata. 1. var. speeiosa. oppositifolia. ". alba 0. major. o. minor, o. pyrenaica maxima, o. rubra. a.var.amphibolus ,, o. splendent. ., a. var. pygmtea. .. Salomoni. [beris gibralcarica. Scilla sibirica. Iris reticulata var. Krelagei. ,, s. pallida. Latbyrus vernus. Shortia galacifolia. Morisia hypogsea. Risyrincnium grandiflorum. Miiscari botryoides. V. ('. T. THE CONSTANTINOPLE HAZEL. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — At p. 226 appears an interesting note by "T." on the above, the writer of which may not be aware that there are much finer specimens near the metropolis than those noted from 311 feet to 40 feet high or so. When recently at Syon House, Brentford, I noticed some remarkably fine speci- mens of Corylus Colurna, these being the largest specimens I ever saw, and, fortunately, in two instances tin- trees were not crowded DV others. They were of upright growth, the heads being beautifully shaped, and at the time of my visit the trees in question were a mass of catkins hanging in profusion from the branches. The catkins are much larger and longer than "our common Hazel ; the leaves also when fully developed are much larger, which renders it a beautiful lawn tree where shade is needed. Mr. Wythes informs me that the trees rarely develop perfect nuts. They are small and insignificant, mostly double and of no value. I should not omit to inform, the readers of The Garden that the trees in question are nearly 60 feet in height, have a straight stem and splendid rugged bark, and cover a large space. Visitor. ROSA SLMPL1CIFOL1A. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, — Mr. George Paul may like to know that Rosa simplicifolia — or berberifolia as it is called — grows with great freedom in this garden. It was given to me at Kew some years ago, and I should think I must have had it here for ten or twelve 3'ears. ., I generally put a glass eovering in winter- time over the head of the original plant so as to guard it against excessive frost if it comes, but I think the precaution is quite unnecessary, for the suckers ramble about nd libitum on every side, and they do not get any harm from it. I could have tilled up a large piece of ground with this Rose if I had wanted to do so. To use Mr. G. Paul's words, it likes "a warm and dry site," and I think it does so well here because it has just what it requires. The odd thing is that Rosa berberifolia Hardvi has never come to be at home with inc. I have tried it several times. It must be owing to some accidental cause, I should say, for it is always esteemed to be easier to manage than the type. Henrv Ewbank. Ri/di. /'. of Wight. HELIANTHELLA QUINQUENERVIS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — It may interest some to know that this plant was introduced by Mr. Ware nearly twenty years ago and widel}- distributed as Helianthus occiden- talis, which is a very different plant. I think on my remonstrance the name in the catalogue was changed. It is one of those composites which gradually waste away in Edge garden for want of summer sun-heat, but where it does well is showy, flowering in June. I may observe also that Lepachys, not Lepachis, is the correct spelling. See Asa Gray, " Flora of N. America," vol. i., part '2, page 263. C. WOLLEY-DOD. Edije Hall, Malpas, Cheshire. TUSSILAGO FARFARA VARIEGATA. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — What is your experience in growing this Coltsfoot ? I have failed in two attempts. Early last summer I bought a good plant in a pot, planted it in light soil in a sunny position where it flourished for a time, but dwindled, and on taking it up I found its roots a mass of minute grubs (not wire- worms). I washed the roots and replanted in shade, but to-day there is no trace of it. The "English Flower Garden" says it is perfectly hardy, should be planted in shade, and increases itself as to become a nuisance. On the other hand, I was told yesterday that the plant is not quite hardy, and should be planted in full sun in sandy soil. My T. fragrans flourishes amazingly here, and every winter I pluck dozens of bloom. It grows in stiff soil on a bank facing north. Walter Price. Ridiiitiiiid . Stir,-' y. LIL1UM GIGANTEUM. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — In a note on page 247 your contributor says of this plant, "Its perpetuation is entirely dependent upon offsets." This is a mistake, for even in the cold and ungenial soil of my garden seed is ripened every year. It is true that it takes several years (seven or eight) to flower, but it comes up readily, and I have twice reared small crops to flowering size. Still further, in the made soil of well-drained, deep peat beds made for Lilies, self-sown seedlings occasionally come up, ami I have at present several living instances of this in spots where I am sure the bulbs were not planted. Twenty years or more ago the late Mr. Harpur- Crewe told me he knew of two places where L. giganteum was plentiful in the shrubberies, coming repeatedly from self-sown seed. One was Merton Hall, in Norfolk, the other Gordon Castle, in Morayshire. The plant seems to prefer a sheltered situation, deep and well-drained soil, and moderate rainfall. C. Wolley-Dod. Edge Hall. Malpas. BUTTER BEANS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — Will you kindly tell me the beet variety of the Butter Bean. I have tried here, in Cheshire, every variety I could obtain, and the result has been failure in every case ; the climate appears to be too cold for therii. The dried Butter Beans sold in the shops are all imported, and I am told they come from Hungary and from California. There is no question as to their superiority to the ordinary Haricot Bean ; in fact, they sell for about double the price ; but without some more definite infor- mation I should not care to again attempt their cultivation. Thos. Fletcher. Grappenhall, ( 'heshire. [We are not surprised that you need further instructions as to the culture of Butter Beans, as they are not much grown, and though they only need ordinary culture, they also require a little care as to the time of sowing and of gathering the crop. In your part of the country Butter Beans should grow well, as we have seen them grown in Stafford- shire without any difficult}' whatever. We cer- tainly do not think it a question of locality in your case, and as to variety, you may have been unfor- tunate ; but we have never found the least diffi- culty in this respect, as quite thirty years ago we grew the Mont d'Or, or Golden Butter Bean, a variety largely grown on the Continent, and though an old variety we think it is one which would not fail. On the other hand, if your land is wet or badly drained or the soil very heavy, you will not have such success as with a warmer soil ; but this should not deter you from growing this vegetable, as it would pay you to lighten a small plot for the plants by introducing any light, porous materials, such as sand, burnt refuse, road-scrapings, fine old mortar rubble or leaf -soil. A trench taken out 9 inches to 12 inches deep and some lighter material placed in the bottom would give you a good return. You might also adopt another plan, which is to make a hole with a broad dibber, drop some good soil into it, and then sow the Beans. This is less trouble than taking the soil away, but you do not note the kind of soil you have. As to climate, there is not the least doubt that you could grow good Beans from June to September. Sow about the middle of Ma}', not earlier, as the plant is somewhat tender. Our best crops have been obtained from seed sown the third week in May, at which time the soil is sufficiently warm to assist germination. To get earlier supplies than by sowing at the dates we mentioned above, if you have a cold frame you may gain a month by sowing now in small pots, say half a dozen seeds in a pot. Grow near the glass, harden thoroughly, and plant out in the middle of May. It may be necessary to give some shelter, but only for a short time. The variety named as a very free grower is a runner, and, as you are aware, this type of Bean is longer in maturing its pods than the dwarf section. We think you would probably have greater success with the latter, and of late years there have been some splendid additions to this class. A very dwarf Butter Bean is the Miniature Golden Waxpod, a very productive variety, anil only 12 inches to 15 inches high. In our opinion this is, as regards quality, the best of all the dwarf Beans, and will grow where others fai . The pods of this variety must be gathered voting, and if -284 THE GARDEN. [April 14, 1900. cooked whole the}- are delicious, having scarcely any skin. Another dwarf variety is the Golden Waxpod, a dwarf form of the Mont d'Or. This is also a free grower, and only needs the same treat- ment as the ordinary Kidney Bean. Both these varieties you may sow early in May and again in June and July, and have a succession well into September, but they need a well-enriched soil and ample moisture in dry. hot weather. We think the (hied Haricot Beans you mention are produced from these dwarf kinds. Let us know how you succeed in future. — Eds.] THE BLUE WOOD ANEMONES. (A. NEMOROSA VAKS. ) [To the Editor of "The Gakden."] Sir, —As it will soon be the season for Wood Anemones, I should like to ask readers of The Garden who live near woods and copses where they grow to keep a look-out for the blue varieties which are now and then to be found wild. Even amongst the ordinary white and pink or purplish- rose variations there is a considerable range in size and colouring. One large-flowered pure white form is very distinct and beautiful ; I first saw it at Munstead, and I think it was there called Dr. Lowe's variety. In general size and stature it resembles the lovely pale or lavender-blue Bobinsoni, which may possibly be a form of it, varying mainly in colour. A. Robinsoni has a curious history. It was found by Mr. W. Robinson about thirty years ago growing in the Botanic Gar- dens at Oxford, and on my making inquiries about it long afterwards, the late curator, .Mr. Baxter. informed me that it was sent to Oxford for a name by some lady then living in Ireland. It seems very strange that the plant has never been seeD wild in Ireland of late years, notwithstanding that the country has been much more thoroughly searched, or botanised, than formerly, and. so far as I know, blue-flowered Wood Anemones (A. pemorosa) are not alluded to in any of the Irish floras. Blue Wood Anemones have often been reported, bul investigation has proved these in nearlj every case to have been naturalised escapes of A. apennina, a very abundant plant in or near old Irish domains. Some years ago, however, Miss F. W. Currey.of Lismore, Waterford, found a blue form of A. nemorosa. but quite different and distinct from A. Robinsoni, being more dwarf in habit, with smaller flowers, and these of a darker purplish-blue colour. I believe I am right in ~:i\ni;j that Mr. A. 1 >. Webster found a blue A. nemorosa in Wales: and on reading a chaptei od " The Bishop as a Botanist " in "The LifeofBishop Walsham How," I find at ]>. 453 the following extract in a tetter from Bishop How to Mr. Hanbury, dated May 19, 1885: "1 am much exercised about an Anemone we sent from Cape! Curig. 1 had found cue plant of it there al I twenty years ago, and this time we found two. It is plainly Anemone nemorosa, only as blue as A. apcnnhia. Is this variety acknowledged in any I k?" We may. as I think, fitly reecho this question today, and I would also like to ask it an\ blue form or forms of A. nemorosa are knows in exist on the Continent when- the type is very abundant? No mattei what, or whence the origin in native habitat of A. Robinsoni, there is no ques- tion as to the extreme beauty and exquisite soft colouring that -tamp it as one of our most welcome spring flowers, and we cannot well have too many of this and other Wood Anemones in our gardens. F. W. Burbidge. DuUnt. sorrow for their own loss, yet it is a matter of doubt whether such a death, coming to one whose life was not only blameless, but ennobled by wise servieeableness and constant works of kindness, should for her own sake be deplored. For to the slender, fragile body full of well- spent years death would come only as a gracious translation to a better and fuller and more glorious life ; a life wherein we trust that she will find the perfect consummation of those joys of a garden whose dimmer earthly pre- sentment had been throughout her life, and more especially in her later years, the ever- flowing source of her own best earthly happi- ness.— Eds. Mrs. Lawrenson had the true artist's tempera- ment, and wrote a good deal of poetry of no mean order. Her adoption of the nom de /ittuiir " St. Brigid," which puzzled so many, was done in order to avoid publicity when she lived near the oratory of St. Brigid at Nurney, Co. Kildare.- F. W. B. GARDEN THOUGHTS. IN MEMORIAM. At the time of printing "The Joys of a Garden " (p. 215), by the late Mrs. Lawrenson, we little knew that it was the last piece of her own sending that would ever be printed. Her almost sudden death Came as a grievous shock to her many friends, and though they may well NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. AMARYLLISES CHELSEA. AT ONCE again the time of the Amaryllis, or Hippeastrum, to write more cor- rectly, has arrived, and it was out- privilege to visit the nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons at Chelsea, where a house is filled with a forest of noble spikes, a display of peculiarly attractive colouring from quite pale forms to those of intense crimson and allied shades. Few flowers exhibit more the great sue ess of the hybridist than the Amaryllis. Not many years ago the flowers were poor in form and little better in colour, starry and uninteresting, utterlj unlike the splendour of modern acquisitions. We never visit the Chelsea nurseries in Amaryllis season without recalling the tremendous strides made of recent years in acquir- ing forms which display a great advance upon i hose already in existence. The great colour display at Chelsea is one of tin- sights "I the year. There are upwards of One thousand bulbs in full flower, and a number oi hybrids may be chosen which exhibit even an advance upon those we saw last year, when the writer told Mr. Ileal that the end of van.i\ in form and colour of the flowers had surely arrived. But this is not so. The Hippeastrum increases in distinctness and beauty as the years roll on. and a visit at tins time to ( 'helsea is well repaid. It is not unusual now-adavs to find that Lhe Hippeastrum is grown in many gardens not re- nowned for the richness of their floral treasures; indeed, it has bee ■ a good garden plant, and as i lie hybrids increase in freedom and robustness, so w ill their popularity also. In looking through the display we noticed a rich Beries oi Belf-coloured hybrids, some of intense colour, others brighter, and record the following as a guide to those who wish to become aci I nal II I ei I with the finer additions to the list. James H. Veitch is a noble flower, very large, and brilliant vermilion-crimson in colour; Bianor, dark crimson with white rays, a wonderfully effective flower; Marina, bright orange-scarlet, set off by raj oi white; Francisca, a very beautiful flower with white rays relieved by a distinct orange colouring in the other portions of the segments; Aniasis, orange scarlet, very bright, the Sower of beautiful form ; N'crula, bright maroon ; Jodel. self dark crimson, very distinct ; and A-eacas, bright red. These were a few only of the brilliant Bowers of the self colours, a group to which Messrs. Veitch are adding distinct forms every year, and this contrast of self colour and white rays is remarkably effective. There is a bold contrast between the two, and of this throng we must award the palm to James H. Veitch, a flower that will be difficult to eclipse for its colour and superb form, but then with man}- seedlings ye.t to flower it is ..scarcely safe to declare any bne kind to be the best. Of late years much improvement has taken place with regard to the light - coloured hybrids, the object being to acquire a white form. This in time, we think, will be gained, as in one hybrid named ( Iphis the flowers are almost white and very large— a distinct departure in the desired direction. (. 'lipid has vermilion coloured segments, margined with almost white ; Emita is white, prettily marked with crimson : Khaki, a very distinct flower, greenish white ground, marked with a yellowish shade ; Polais, white, veined with red ; Lady Brassey. a very handsome flower, almost white, marked delicately with red ; Adrastus, and Topaz. We could mention many other hybrids of con- spicuous beauty, but refrain front so doing, as a list of names is wearisome when all are so hand- some and distinct. The Hippeastrums are not in the least difficult to grow. The practice is to pot the bulbs in the last week in January, and plunge the plants in spent tan. Gentle bottom-heat is given after a short time, and no water supplied until the spikes are an inch in length. This year they had not developed to this extent until the second week in March. Those who are interested in the Hippeastrum and have an opportunity of seeing the flowers expanded in their full beauty at Chelsea should do so. They will be rewarded with a feast of colour that no other group of a family could display — colours of varying shades from vermilion to tints of much delicacy and charm. DENDROBIUM MELPOMENE. Tills is a new garden secondary hybrid derived fl i the intercrossing of I), signatum and ]>. splen- didissinnini grandiflorum. This is . .ie of the most variable of garden hybrids, and was originally raised by Mr. Young in Sir F. Wigan's collection from the crossing of D. signatum and l>. nobile, and named 1>. Wiganiaa. The subject of this notje resembles somewhat some of the forms of 1>. Wiganise. This is only natural when it is eon sidered that I >. aplendidissimum is the result of crossing ]). nobile with D. annum. 1 >. Mel- pomene therefore consists half of D. signatum with a quarter of 1). nobile and the same of IX aureuni. I In close examination it will be found that the disc on the base of the labellum is quite distinct from that of D. Wiganise both in colour and in shape ; Lhe flowers also arc rounder and almost as large again. It is one of the most desirable additions we have had to the hybrid 1 )endrobiunis for S e time, and was raised 'by Mr. W. H. White in Sir T. Lawrence's collection, at Burford. It received a first-class certificate on March -J7 last, and further particulars will be found in No. 1480, p. 250. H. J. Chapman-. GARDEN. —?££>- No. 1483.— Vol. LVIL] [April 21, 1900. BEST APPLES BRITAIN. FOR WE heartily thank our correspon- dents for so kindly assisting us to make something like a representative list of Apples for Britain. Of course it is impossible to draw up a list of Apples and declare that it be the only one that should be considered, 710 matter whether the garden is in Scotland or in Cornwall. ( )ur wish is to guide those intending to embark upon fruit culture in the garden or for profit, and to give expres- sionsof opinion as to the mostprofitableand best flavoured kinds. It is interesting to read the remarks of our contributors and to see that kinds frequently recommended in books as "in- dispensable " are condemned — Lady Henniker, the familiar Cellini Pippin, Manks Codlin, Striped Beaufin, Dutch Mignonne, Reinette du Canada, Scarlet Nonpareil- -and to find that cer- tain kinds seldom written of are highly praised. The late dessert fruit Duke of Devonshire should be add^d to the list undoubtedly, and American Mother, a midseason dessert fruit, is much valued by our correspondents. We feel sure our readers will be interested in the following remarks, and although we do not wish to prolong the subject to undue length, yet hope that tin ise who have experience of fruit growing in gardens or for market will also give their opinions. Certain districts have, as will be seen by letters, varieties of con- spicuous merit, but which may fail in other counties. Mr. Pettigrew, the well-known gar- dener to Lord Bute, Cardiff Castle, recommends a variety rarely heard of Oabalva — as a late Apple, and it is well for intending fruit growers in any district to find out the kinds that succeed locally. In Scotland Blue Pearmain is mentioned as a good kind, but south of the Tweed we doubt if it has a place in any garden. Several new kinds in the original list have been struck out until a more general experience of them has been obtained. Messrs. Dicksoxs, of Chester, write: The list of Apples we consider to be an excellent selection, but we would suggest the addition of the following varieties as being very hardy, extra good bearers, and suitable for growing in most districts : — Early Julien (early kitchen). — This Apple is about the earliest cooking variety in cultivation, of good quality, and a very heavy cropper. Grenadier and Potts' Seedling (early varieties). — These are very good hardy varieties and are very heavy croppers. Mr. Woodward, the famous fruit grower at Bar- ham Court Estate Gardens, Teston, Maidstone, Kent, says : I hope you will understand these opinions are based upon how the various varieties do with me here Irish Peach, a most excellent dessert Apple, fruits principally on the tip of last year's wood. It should be allowed to grow as it likes, only thin- ning the branches out much in the same way as Black Currants are pruned. I have but one tree now of Cellini, having discarded this, being here a very poor cropper and grower. I much prefer Ecklinville or Stirling Castle, two of the most reliable sorts I have. Lord Grosvenor I cannot get to make a large tree, being such a heavy cropper and short-jointed, that I have practically discarded it in favour of the two above m> itioned. King of the Pippins is not to be compared to Cockle Pippin, which I think a great deal of. Margil too small. Ribston much better where it does well. Lord Derby is a wasteful fruit ; it is too corrugated around the eye. Allen's Everlasting is as good in every way, and of much better flavour. Sandringham does not succeed at all well with me; cannot get even a medium-sized fruit. Wel- lington is not wanted, Newton Wonder being much better both as a cropper and also in appear- ance. The most remunerative Apple we grow about here is Worcester Pearmain. Gathered and sent direct from the tree to market there is no waste, and it always realises a good price. Mr. Buxvard, Maidstone, substitutes Devonshire Quarrenden for Mr. Gladstone, the former being far finer, though not so early. Cellini Pippin is a great bearer, but not of such good quality as Potts' Seedling or Grenadier. New Hawthornden when cooked is leathery ; Golden Spire is better. King of the Pippins is apt to canker ; it is not first-class, Golden Reinette being far finer. Margil is very fine, but too small ; Mother Apple is preferable. I prefer Golden Noble or Mere de Menage to Lady Henniker. Baumann's Red Winter Reinette is only a market kind ; substitute Duke of Devonshire. For Dutch Mignonne choose Rosemary Russet. Hormead's Pearmain is more of a cooking Apple, Allen's Everlasting being of much finer quality for the table. Norfolk Beaufin is too small, Belle de Pontoise being larger and good in all ways. A note from Derbv.— A few varieties in the list are not, I think, suited for general culture, and I give below my reasons. I am sorry that you have not yet seen your way clear to include Land) Abbey Pearmain in the list of late dessert Apples, as I look on it as one of the most desirable. Cellini Pippin I like very much as a fruit and also as a good cropper, but it is somewhat liable to canker, and will not grow on cold soils ; moreover, birds and wasps are so fond of it that it is useless to grow in wooded districts. If the quality of Worcester Pearmain were at all equal to its appearance, its growth, and its freedom of fruiting, one would look no further for the best early dessert- Apple. As it is, however, I consider it a very poor thing, and its only place is on the market for con- sumers who know nothing of the qualities of a really good Apple. Allington Pippin. — I reserve my judgment about this, as it is not yet well enough known to have obtained the status claimed for it. Barnack Beauty is of very ordinary quality. It is a handsome Apple, and may possibly improve on further acquaintance. Dutch Mignonne does not come up to my standard of a good dessert Apple. I found it, however, a splendid cropper and a very marketable fruit. To Fearn's Pippin the same thing must apply. I should exclude it from a very limited list, and especially as a very late kind : still I should not like to be without it, as it is so crisp and sparkling when in season and handsome as well. It might very well change places with Margil, which is really a much later variety and one of the verv best. Scarlet Nonpareil I never had much success with, and though I grew for many years three healthy trees which ought to have been in their prime, fruits would not come in plenty, and we never had a really good crop in ten or more years. Its good quality is undoubted. Brandey's Seedling is another not really suc- cessful late Apple with me, and I think it is only suited to its native soil. It cropped well in Suffolk, but the fruits kept very little longer than those of Warner's King, as they soon became spotted. Newton Wonder is still on the doubtful list, and the fruits exhibited in the special classes at the Crystal Palace have, with the exception of one or two dishes at the most, been poor and badly spotted, so that I think there is strong reason to want more proof of its value for general planting. Shipley Hail Gardens. J. C. Tallack. Mr. Johx Watkixs writes from Pomona Farm. Hereford: "In my opinion the following altera- tions should be made in the list of early cooking varieties. Choose Ecklinville Seedling instead of Cellini Pippin, which is liable to canker ; Lord Suffield for Manks Codlin. which is too small for cooking, and although a great cropper, is seldom planted now. Of mid-season dessert Apples, Cockle Pippin should lie amongst the late Apples if retained at all. American Mother is one of the best in flavour after Cox's Orange Pippin. Striped Beaufin should be in the late list ; it is one of the best keeping kinds in cultivation. I should add Golden Noble, Cox's Pomona and Beauty of Kent. Of late dessert fruit, Hormead's Pearmain should be amongst cooking Apples. Winter Ribston is the same as Claygate Pearmain, and I should include Lord Hindlip, Court pendu Plat, and Duke of Devonshire (one of the best of the late dessert Apples). Of late cooking kinds, Sandringham is not very late. Include also Striped Beaufin and Northern Greening. If the list is intended for market as well as for the garden, include amongst the early dessert Apples Worcester Pearmain and Beauty of Bath, and leave out Irish Peach and Mr. Gladstone. Of early cooking varieties include Duchess of Oldenburg and Yorkshire Beauty. " Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, substitutes the following for the varieties in our list. For Irish Peach the Improved Early Peach, a better variety, which does not bear on the ends of its branches, the great fault of the old kind, otherwise it is very similar ; Devonshire Quarrenden for Lady Sudeley, Early Rivers for Keswick Codlin (the former is like Lord Suffield, but does not canker), Worcester 286 THE GARDEN [April 21, 1900. Pearmain for New Haw thornden, Benoni for Blen- lif-i in Orange, Pit mas ton Pine-apple for Cockle Pippin, Mother for Margil, Small's Admirable for Lady Henuiker, Ecklinville for Striped Beaufin, and Beauty of Kent in place of Wellington. Many suggestions are made as to the list of late cooking and dessert varieties. Mannington's Pearmain is substituted for Adam's Pearmain, Scarlet (Golden Pippin for Barnack Beauty. Duke of Devonshire for Dutch Mignonne, Brownlee's Busset for Feara's Pippin, Braddick's Nonpareil for Scarlet Nonpareil, Allen's Everlasting for Stunner Pippin, and Blen- heim Orange for Winter Bibston. Of the late cooking kinds, Baxter's Pearmain gives place to Bramley's Seedling. Mr. James Hudson, of Gunnersbury Gardens, sends the following list : Early dessert : Irish Peach, Lady Sudeley, Mr. Gladstone or St. Edmund's Pippin.* Cooking: Cellini Pippin, Kes- wick Codlin, Lord Orosvenor,* Ecklinville,* Frog- more Proline and Stirling Castle. Midseason dessert : Blenheim Orange,* Cockle Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin,* King of the Pippins,* Manning- ton's Pearmain, Margil, Mother (American)* and Bibston Pippin. Cooking: Bismarck,* Lady Hen - niker, Mere de Menage, Tower of Glainis, YValtham Abbey Seedling,* Warner's King and Wellington.* Late dessert : Allington Pippin,* Adam's Pear- main, Barnack Beauty, Claygate Pearmain, Dutch Mignonne, Fearn's Pippin, Hormead's Pearmain, Beinette du Canada, Scarlet Nonpareil,* Stunner Pippin and Lord Burghley. Cooking: Alfriston,* Bramley's Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert,* Newton Wonder,* Norfolk or Striped Beaufin, Wellington* and Boyal Late Cooking. Mother (American) is an excellent Apple, better in the midseason list than Allington Pippin, which I find is preferable as a late Apple. Worcester Pearmain is not worthy of its place as a select variety : it is only worth consideration as a market fruit. Mannington's Pearmain is infinitely better in quality than Worcester Pearmain. Baumann's tied Winter Beinette is without quality ; the fruit is very tough, but colour and cropping are satis- factory. I prefer Frogmore Prolific, a heavy cropping variety, to New Hawthornden. Mere de Menage is, I consider, a better variety here than Sniped Beaufin, which is a later kind. Ecklin- ville is better than Manks Codlin ; the former is a sure cropper and good. Like Lord Grosvenor, it may be used from the tree, though the fruit may only be half its true size. Walt ham Abbey Seedling is in every way superior to Lord Derby, which has a tendency to crack at the footstalk, hence decay often ensues. Boyal Late Cooking will be found to surpass Sandringhani ; it keeps in better condition. Lord Burghley is preferable to Winter Bibston for general cultivation. A note from South Wales.- -Mr. A. Pettigrew. the well known gardener at Cardiff Castle < 'ardiff. says : " I consider your list of early dessert, early cooking, midseason dessert, midseason cooking, late dessert, and late cooking Apples an excellent one, but I would substitute Lord Suttield (early cooking) for Cellini Pippin and (iabalva (late dessert) for Stunner Pippin. I would also substi- tute (iabalva (late cooking) for Norfolk Beaufin. 1 think tin' quality of Stunner Pippin is over- estimated as a late dessert fruit. The smaller fruits of (Iabalva are much superior to it in flavour, and keep longer than it in good condition. I also prefer Lord Suffield (early cooking) to Cellini Pippin." It is not, 1 know, an easy matter to draw up a list of Apples suited to all soils and climates; all one ean do i- to mention those generally valuable. S.i it is with no wish to find fault that I make a few observations on the list furnished a week or two ago. Irish Peach fails in many places. In some tin- tree is unhealthy, in others the fruit is seal led and cracked. I speak from long experience of this Apple- in many different soils and climates, In my opinion Devonshire Quarrenden is a far Those narked * are the best at GuBDersbury. more reliable and therefore valuable variety, a sure and abundant hearer, a very pleasant juicy fruit, while its beautiful colour makes it welcome for dessert. I never find Wellington or Dumelow's Seedling a very good keeping Apple. It never sees April with me, and this year — not a good keeping one — it is all gone at this date (March 26). I fear I shall weary the readers of The Garden if I again say what I have said more than once before, that in this cold climate ami heavy clay soil there are no two varieties for keeping like Northern Greening and Hanwell Souring. Both bear most abundantly and regularly, and there seldom comes a year in which I have not got them till early in July. D. K. Co. Cavan, Ireland. REVISED LIST. Early. Dessert. Devonshire Quarrenden. Irish Peach. Lady Sudeley. Cookiiuj. Duchess of Oldenburg. Grenadier. Ecklinville Seedling. Keswick Codlin. Golden Spire. Pott's Seedling. Midseason. Dexfsentf American Mother. Bibston Pippin. Cox's Orange Pippin. Worcester Pearmain King of the Pippins. (for market only). Cookimj. Bismarck (particularly New Hawthornden. for market). Stirling Castle. Frogmore Prolific. Waltham Abbey Seed- (lolden Noble. ling. Warner's liing. Late. Dessert. Court pendu Plat. Duke of Devonshire. Mannington's Pear- main. Stunner Pippin. Cool-in;/. Alfriston. Lane's Prince Albert. Bramley's Seedling. Newton Wonder. Dumelow's Seedling New Northern (popularly known Greening. as Wellington). Norfolk Beefing. Allen's Everlasting. Blenheim Orange. Brownlee's Russet. Claygate Pearmain. Cockle Pippin. [We have received so many contributions to this interesting discussion's that notes from Mr. A. H. Pearson, Lowdham, Notts, Messrs. J. Veitoh and Sons, .1. ('heal and Sons, Mr. H. Merry weather, and also from many of the best gardeners in England and Scotland are held over until next week. — Ens.] NOTES OF THE WEEK. Darwin Tulips for forcing-. —The May-flowering Darwin Tulips have hitherto not been tried for forcing to any extent. The quin- quennial bulb show, held at Haarlem from March 16 to 20, has shown the excellent results which may be obtained by forcing these brilliant late Tulips and the glorious display they are able to produce. A group of about fifty varieties was shown in low pots or pan», each containing ten to twelve bulbs of the same variety. The develop- ment of all the blooms in each pot was remarkably regular, and they were almost exactly as large and hold as in the open ground at the usual flowering period. The bulbs were forced in the usual way, aimost every pot was faultless, and it proved quite easy to get them in bloom before the opening of the show mi March 15. It would have been possible to get them ready many days earlier if wanted. .The Darwin Tulips are now being generally appreciated for their dazzling colours and bold grouping effect in May, but it may interest readers of this paper to learn that these late Tulips may be forced into bloom as early as the first part of March.— E. H. Krelaok ami Son, Haarlem, Holland. Iris stylosa speciosa was well shown at the recent meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society by Messrs. Wallace, of Colchester. This kind is rendered very distinct by its soft blue flowers, which are larger and of greater substance than those of the type. It is, perhaps, not suf- ficiently known that these large-flowered forms are not only dwarfer, but have also the narrowest leaf- blades to the tuft. This, indeed, is so marked, that anyone may select the above at almost any time of the year. Another beautiful member of this race as yet unnamed may well be called violacea, or atro-violacea, so good and distinct is it. — J. Fritillaria aurea var.— This was also shown by Messrs. Wallace, and may lie described as a red or coppery bronze-coloured form of the species. The plant is certainly dis- tinct, and would, in company with the old form, make a most welcome gioup. Both are equally hardy, and in peaty nooks in the rock garden such things give much pleasure. Sisyrinchium grandiflorum album.— This ex- quisite spring-flower- ing plant is in bloom with Messrs. Barr and Son. We hesitate to say whether the rich purple or the almost transparent silky wdiite is the better kind, but there is room for both in every garden. In the garden established it is not so frail as may be in- ferred from exhibited flowers, but is per- fectly hardy, and each year it increases in beauty and in stature. Peat and loam in equal parts and a deep, cool root-run suit the plant admirably. Anemone blanda syn- thinica.— Of the more showy among hardy spring flowers this will take first rank, for not only is it showy and free, but the blue and white segments, as seen from various aspects, render it quite unique. A form of this plant, or possibly the same plant, was a year ago given an award of merit by the Royal Horticultural Society, under the name of A. Cypriana. As shown, at any rate the latter possessed a deeper blue externally and was more self-coloured, but this may be the result of better cultivation. With regard to season of flowering, however, the plant mentioned is rather with the Apennine Windflower than that recognised as A. blanda. Androsace carnea is, perhaps, the best of its class for the majority of English gardens ; it is less dense and woolly, and is therefore less generally affected by fogs and by damp. In spring, when dotted over with the pale pink flowers, it is very charming. These plants succeed infinitely better if gathered up — quite carefully it must be- am! planted firmly in very gritty loam. Often they root very freely from the underside of the stems, and when buried in the soil they do this the more readily, and in the ultimate expanse of the tufts are supported by a much better central root action. I have again and again proved this to be so with many of the dwarfest alpines, and the change has usually brought success. — E. J. THE SATIN FLOWER (STSYKINCHirM GRANJUFLORrM). April 21, 1900. J THE GARDEN; 287 Carnation H. J. Jones. Within the last few yeaxs considerable improvement has been made in all classes of Carnations. Many varieties, however, with perfectly formed flowers and of rich colour are in need of stout stems, and anything in the way of improvement in this respect will be welcome. In the above-named variety we have all that is wanted in this respect. The growth is short and sturdy, with broad glaucous foliage and still' erect flower-stems which stand up well without the aid of sticks. The flowers are of a rich deep crimson, full, and powerfully Clove-scented. In habit it may be compared with Mme. Arthur Waroque, though the affinity to the Malmaison type is even more apparent. The parentage is not definitely known, but I should think one of its parents would be Mme. A. YVaroque, for I have found that this variety seeds well, and have raised some seedlings myself, one of which, though not quite distinct enough to name, was certainly an advance on its parent. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented me from making further crosses with this section, hut 1 believe with careful hybridising ;i must useful section of Carnations might lie much or flat baskets tilled with a dozen plants lifted from the borders direct and sent to a show for competi- tion, but certainly not until the first or second week in May. It would not be at all difficult to judge these border Auriculas, because outdoors merit depends on general effect produced, and only flowers of good substance, of some bright colour, and boldly held upon stout erect stems would pass muster. To have variety the dozen plants should consist of not less than six dissimilar, but such a class as this would hardly find favour with the few- elect who make up the executive of the National Society. It is a case in which the help of the Royal Horticultural Society is needed, by offering a few prizes at its first Drill Hall meeting in the month of May. — A. D. Fritillaria imperialis fol. var. One is not generally fond of the variegated-leaved forms in bulbs, herbaceous or alpine plants ; but in this not very common plant, the variegated- leaved Crown Imperial, there is for me a marked exception. In March and April I have no more beautiful object in my garden than the spikes of foliage of this plant, starting boldly from the A HYBRID WATER UI.V (N YM I'M .KA MAUUAC'IiA CARNEA). improved, and I hope to carry out some experiments myself. A. Hemsley. Exhibition Auriculas. — We are now within a week of the exhibition of the National Auricula Society at the Drill Hall. This show, allied to the Royal Horticultural Society's ordinary meeting, is always a very full and popular one, and maybe said to represent the first incoming of the spring. But, seeing how cold and dull the weather keeps, one naturally wonders how far it may lie possible to have Auriculas, with other hardy Rrimulaceic, in bloom then without having the plants, from now at least, subjected to sonic degree of artificial heat. It does seem rather absurd to exhibit quite hardy plants under such conditions, especially when we do not see them in their true characters. But there is after all very little connection between Auriculas in pots as grown for exhibition and those Auriculas that do so much to beautify gardens in the spring grown outdoors, for whilst one person may be termed an Auricula fancier and exhibitor, there are a hundred who grow (and love) Auriculas in their gardens as hardy border plants. What a pleasing feature at an Auricula show would be large pans ground. Tricolor woidd be a good name for the variety, for the colours, blended at first, but parting later, are green, cream -3*ellow and red, all in pleasing tones. A couple (out of perhaps fifty) 1 this year observe are cream-yellow, only red- shaded. I want to see if this beautiful character is persistent. It reminds one of Nympluea Chroma- tella.— H. S. L. NYMPHiGA MARLIACEA CARNEA. Amongst dihe many lovely Water Lilies intro- duced by M. Latour-Marliac there are few to surpass in chaste beauty this and its com- panion, X. M. albida, although many are more gorgeous. Both produce enormous flowers — 8 indies or more from tip to tip of the petals. The first-named has the outside of the petal chocolate colour, which comes through to a certain extent, giving a most delicate flesh tint to the white of the interior. In N. M. albida the exterior is green and the flower the purest white. All the hardy Water Lilies can be grown mosl satisfactorily in cement tanks about In inches deep, either planted out or in boxes. In the latter case the flowers are not quite SO large, but are, I think, produced more abundantly. The essentials are full exposure to sun, no current through the water, shelter from cold winds and rich feeding. Under these circum- stances 1 am at present growing about a dozen kind:',, including several forms of odorata, in a tank 18 feet by 6 feet supplied from the house main. It has been described in detail in former numbers of The Garden. (1. P. "IN A SMALL WAY." Notes from an Obloni; Garden. — V. A very trite reflection nearly always obtrudes itself on me when I am casting an eye round my neighbours' gardens, to wit, how little use they make of their opportunities. No matter how charming the situation or how fertile the soil — and I often have reason to envy both— the same few common plants are visible ever) where, and even when someone makes a plunge into something a little varied, only the most every-day and the cheapest variety of each plant is to be seen. Probably this lack of enterprise and interest is to be found on two counts — the dislike of the gardener, if there is one, and more especially of the jobbing gardener, in whom so many lady owners of gardens will persist in feeling implicit confidence, to novel) \ and the fear of expense. The frugal feminine mind, quite oblivious of the perpetual drain on the purse of that " odd-and-end " shopping, in which it so often finds delight, is generally filled with horror at the mere idea of giving three or four shillings, at the very outside, for a plant, and overlooks the fact that money spent on rare plants is often put out to interest, in that a slip, a cutting, or some seeds may rejoice the hearts of others who have seen and admired them, serve as acceptable presents, and even, being marketable, give return in kind. Many women make money out of their gardens, and though I think personally that it must take away all, or nearly all, the charm of flower gardening to put it on a business basis, yet I should not carp if a good many more, \\ ho at present excuse their vapid, half-empty flower borders on the plea of poverty, set to work to make the money necessary for filling them by salad-culture, or the growing of early vegetables and like produce, which, if only they could be got to put up their stock-in-trade neatly and according to market practice, and if they are lucky enough to possess some business ability (wherein iscom prised punctuality and despatch), would find a ready sale. The demand for garden produce, especially in country towns, always seems equal to the supply, and when 1 am compelled by necessity to earn my own living otherwise than at present, I shall certainly engage in horticulture, for without interfering at all with the trade growers there is room for me and a few others. Meanwhile, I have wandered away in the most rambling manner from my text, which partakes of surreptitious self-gratification, in that I usuallj spend every penny of my pocket-money on the most interesting plants — new to this garden at any rate — which it will compass, and also try to avoid having exactly the same thing as m\ next-door neighbour. In one particular, how- ever, I am afraid I shall be accused of plagiarism — the new Rose bed. It was made in the autumn, a narrow bed all across the top of the oblong lawn, with a foot of grass between it and the path, and as it is in full sunshine, was very deeply dug and some rare •jss THE GARDEN. [April 21, 1900 turfy loam turned in ; loam of that beautiful yellow, greasy texture which Roses so love, and wherein they can have a deep run. The imitation of next door comes in in the arrange- ment, but as my bed is distinctly inferior in this respect, perhaps I shall only be thought guilty i if the imitation which is flattery. Along the further side of the bed, which is about 3 feet wide, are seven climbers of rampant growth - \V. Allen Richardson, Kaiserin Friedrich, l'Ideal, Solfaterre, Gustave Regis, Climbing Souvenir de Malmaison, and Bouquet d'Or. These were chosen, avoiding red Roses like Heine Marie Henriette, partly because there are several red Roses "ii the walls, and partly because of the very strong sun here in summer, which will, I fear, turn poor William Allen into sad parchment, also partly because we have not got any of them elsewhere. They are supported, and here the inferiority comes in, by some branching Ash poles about 9 feet high, which are by no means equal to next door's nice neat Fir pules, with wire arches between. Perhaps the Hoses may make the balance even : their rivals are only two, Gloire de Dijon and a smallish red Rase whose name I am not sure of, and which rather fades in colour in the heat and goes off in a depressing magenta. The Gloire, of course, is, being of old establishment and well cared for, a glon indeed ; but I have a prejudice against this Hose's habit of perpetual heavenly aspiration. It fixes all its ideas on the sky. anil too often resembles a Highlander with an immense leather bonnet anil long ban.' lei:-. I have been unable to get Fir poles. The present excuse, "on account of the war." was not advanced, strange to say, but they have not been cutting the wooas about here. Last i year 1 might have had them for the asking, and next year I shall have done without and 1 e 30 much the richer. Between each of the | climbers, which have had ample room left them to expand, is a bush Hybrid Tea ; these are chiefly pink, and at the foot of each and -2 feet apart is a miniature or fairy Rose. The extreme outer edge of the bed I is planted with yellow Viola Ardwell Gem, and its inner edge with pink Tulips, to be succeeded by Xemesia strumosa, now about to be sown in the greenhouse. The Violas, which so resent drought, can run their roots under the edges of the grass, and meanwhile they are greedily over-running the layer of top-dressing given to the Roses, which embraces them. These delightful little plants are a good instance for quotation apropos of the inertia and indifference I of many amateurs. They— not the amateurs — have been improved almost out of knowledge within the last few years. And though they j are not supposed to like the south of England they do well about here, and last for years if I planted out of the hottest sun : yet I hardly ever see any. and where they occur only the commonest blues ami dark purples, except in one instance where an enterprising and clever young gardener had bedded out some specimens as nearly black as it is possible for a flower to be. 1 cannot myself see any charm in these; though they are quaint and uncommon ; but the loveliness of a wide spread of lilac, mauve or delicate tones of yellow, more or less denied to me for want of space, seems1 unpopular with owners of larger gardens, Of all Violas my favourite is William Neil, which catalogues always describe as "rose," whereas it is an exquisite .-.hade of pale mauve or lilac, unap- proachable exec] it by one or two Clematises. Next to this I love Devonshire (.'ream: abed of these two with a relief of fine raylcss whites is a joy of clear delicate colour. I lost most of my new Violas |ast year through a delay in the journey which brought them ; the lapse of time was too much for them, and though the vendor, who was not in fault at all, generously replaced them in the kind way nurserymen who really take an interest in their clients have, the second . lot were late in rooting and then suffered from drought. This year their reserved powers are bubbling up into a perfect frenzy of growth and spread. In the sunny border there is a delightful colony of the big Dog's-tooth Violets, which have been waiting to flower for weeks, with their mauve-pink buds so tightly shut up on the stalk that crouches to escape cold winds. i and their charming spotted Arum-like leaves. None of the ordinary Krythroniums are even showing yet, the giganteum having here many : weeks' start. The Nymphit-as have been safelj planted, and a cold and splashy job it was. 1 also regret having referred to them before on account of two mistakes which undue haste led | me into, and which several kind, if perhaps slightly contemptuous, friends have hastened to ! correct. One is that Laydekeri rosea costs 15s. It did in last year's catalogue of the liini from whom I bought it ; it is now reduced in price, and I am told can be obtained from France and the raiser for Gs. The other error lay in my expressed determi- nation how to puddle the miniature ponds with clay, a recommendation also out of date, and which I heard to be so before consummating the plan. The Lilies grow through the clay and take the water with them : therefore the better, as the much easier, plan is to leave the bottoms in the tubs used, which I have done. All my hardy Primulas, planted in groups over the irregular mounded rockery round the Lily tubs, are coming on fast. P. denticulata alba has won the race among about twenty sorts, ami is in its snowball glory of round' heads. The Abyssinian Primrose, with its delicate scent, so thin and piercing, is out in the greenhouse close l'\ . I think this one of the pret- tiest of spring flowers, the yellow is so uncommon and tlie powdered leaves so neat. M. L. W. liathwich Hill, /lot/,. Till-: GREAT ASPHODEL AT lloMi; Is SOUTHERN ITALY. (From " photograph by Signor Ciuj'i.j OUR GARDEN PLANTS AT HOME. Asl'UoIlEI.l s KA.Mosl s. How often it seems that sen tinicnt and stern fact are opposed to each other. There could not be a better instance ol this than that afforded us just now in foreign newspapers, apropos of our affairs in South Africa, and of the different ] mints of view taken of this classical Mower in its native lands and in English gardens. We love to see its tall rlower- sf ems starred with milky-white flowers, little thinking that large tracts of land in Corsica, am) I think also in Sicily, where this photograph was taken, are by the presence of this plant rendered barren ami useless. Its foliage is poison oils to animals even when drj . and its scent is so harmful w hen in flower, that a ( 'orsiean prefect who ordered it to be mown down as an experiment was obliged to give up his benevolent idea, the mowers were all made so ill from its April 21, 1900. THE GARDEN. 280 STOT7NG UROWTH OK ASPHODBLUS RAMOSOS OS THE COAST OF SICILY. scent. In English gardens we have nothing of this. Our sun is not sufficiently hot to bring out its poisonous quality, and it does not over-run with its seedlings every inch of ground that is left untitled, so that we can enjoy its beauty, which is none the less real in spite of its offence in the eyes of men who know it at home. A group of it in early summer is an attrac tion to any garden where there is room for broadly-growing plants, and it recalls sunny lands to those who have unfortunately suffered from its poisonous odours. It would, however, be unfair to this striking plant to dwell unduly on its less amiable qualities, for in a great many places around the whole Mediterranean basin it is a thing of striking beauty. As one example out of many, in the plain around the temples of Psestum few things are fairer than the tall spikes of Asphodel rising out of the thick undergrowth of Judas Tree scrub that flushes the whole plain with rose colour in April. Our illustration shows one of its many homes near the sea in Southern Italy. The plants here are so much wind-swept, that they are of inconsiderable height ; in sheltered places they arc considerably taller. I E. H. \V()01 ) ALL. i Hepatica angUlOSa. -Though far from la novelty, an excellent form and full of flower was shown lately by Messrs. Paul & Son. This very satisfying member of the race is none too plentiful, particularly in those good sized clumps that make a real show in the spring garden. Like all the race, this delights in a tpiiet and shady spot where fairly uniform conditions prevail. — J. SOME OF THE RARER CLIMB- ING AND TRAILING PLANTS FOR WALLS AND PERGOLAS. Ccesalpinia japonica. —A prickly shrub from Japan, having light green pinnate leaves and racemes of pure, clear yellow flowers something like those of Cassia floribunda, but smaller and paler in hue. It is a distinct and effective plant even when not in flower, but should not be planted near walks anil paths, as its formidable hooked spines or thorns catch at anything passing, and may do serious injury to children or others unawares. Ceanothw* aznrem. — All the best of the Ceano- thuses should be grown, as they possess a quiet and distinct character. The best kinds are C. den- tatus, C. floribundus, ( '. rigidus, and C. Veitchianus. ( . americanus is a dwarf kind with white flowers, and C. Gloire de Versailles is a very handsome garden seedling of a pale lavender hue. Layered plants are best, and they grow best in good rich loamy soil. Cobcea scandens. — A well-known, quick-growing perennial, easily reared from spring-sown seed and treated as an animal. There are three or four kinds, all natives of Mexico, but C. scandens and its pale-flowered ally, C. maerostemma, are the best, growing 10 feet to 20 feet in a season, and flower- ing freely until frost cuts them down. The yellowish variegated form of C. scandens is increased by cuttings, but is not so effective as the normal green-leaved kinds. I)i nfiiiitiiiiini spinosa. — This evergreen shrub is singularly like a small-leaved prickly Holly in growth, but its vivid, orange-red. yellow-tipped flowers remind one of the old-fashioned Australian Correas, now far too rarely seen. It grows 3 feet to 10 feet in height, and comes from the Andes of Chili and New (irenada (1S53). We grow it on a wall, but in Co. Wicklow I have seen bushes li feet to 8 feet high and as much through, a glossy mass of glistening foliage, and thickly set with its pen- dent flowers during July, August and September every year. As seen at its best, it gives one a distinct impression not readily effaced. Both this plant and the sweet-scented Osmanthus ilicifolius might easily be mistaken for Hollies by the uninitiated when not in bloom. Fabiana imbricata. — This is a pretty and rather uncommon Chilian shrub, so nearly resembling a white-flowered Heath in habit of growth and flower, that few seeing it for the first time would hesitate to call it an Erica. It really is more nearly related to the homely Potato (Solanacese). It is a very pretty shrub, and well worth a deep rich border and the shelter of a wall. Cuttings or layers root freely, and the plant grows 4 feet to 0 feet in height. Forst/lhiu suspensa.- — This is a favourite plant of mine, and does well in any soil or aspect ; topping a wall, its branches toss up against the blue skv in March or April covered with pendent yellow blossoms. A lady who saw it here in full flower, said it reminded her of a swarm of golden bees. It conies into flower just after the Golden Winter Jasmine, and ordinary people often mistake it for that plant. It is so easily increased by layers or cuttings, that it ought to be generally grown over walls, pergolas, and dead trees 10 feet high or so. There are two or three other kinds, such as F. Fortunei, F. intermedia, and F. viridissima, all worth growing, but F. suspensa is the most free and graceful of all. Hypericum triflorum. — This is a large and dis- tinct species, growing .5 feet to 10 feet in height, and bearing its great, solid, golden flowers in clusters of three at the tips of its shoots and branches. The flowers are as large as those of H. calycinum, but with the texture of the blooms of H. oblongifolium. A compost of turfy loam and leaf-mould suits its wants, and it should be planted 290 THE GARDEN. April 21, 1900. in a sheltered nook or corner. The plant is said to be wild on mountains in Java at 8000 feet to 9000 feet, where Primula imperiahs is found. lUicinm vi rum.— This species and I. anisatum are considered sacred by the Japanese, who use the flowers in their temples. The plant is not showy, having pale green. Laurel-like leaves and axillarj incurved flowers of a pale yellow or ivory colour, with the smell or fragrance of aniseed. The plants are related to the Magnolias, and succeed under conditions favourable to the Winter Sweet, or Chimonanthus fragrans. Larmai ''" rosea. — This distinct shrubby Lih , s.metimes called the Chilian Bell-flower, is now and then verv handsome on a sheltered north wall. I have seen it in Co. W'icklow, also in Devon and in Cornwall, where it luxuriates and flowers freely even as late as Christmas Day. Io begin with' a border of good loam and peat should be prepared on a bed of clinkers or scon* Plant in May or June, and protect the crowns from slugs and snails, or they eat off every young shoot as it *VVL?vto8perm,um scoparium.— This is often called the Mav Tree of New Zealand. L. lamgerum is another kind from Australia, with hoary leaves and white flowers. They botli grow well in peaty soil at the foot of a sheltered wall and flower very freely, their Hawthorn-like blossoms being slightly scented. , , , Magnolia grandifiora. —One of the best and noblest of all evergreen trees for walls and court- yards, no other kind of plant having quite its beauty of leafage in sun or shade. The Exmouth variety with red tomentura underneath its leaves', 'is one of the best to grow, as it flowers freelv. One of the finest old trees of M. grandifiora I have ever seen in Ireland is growing on the walls at Corn-town House. Co. Wexford, and in the grounds there is the finest specimen of an old evergreen Oak (Ilex) I remember noting anywhere. All the best of the deciduous kinds also should be grown as they do well south of London. The Rev Mr. Ewbank lias beautiful specimens in his Isle of Wight garden, where I have admired them in Wil when gorgeously in flower on the iraUs. Even M. Campbelli, which so Ear lias flowered in the open air at Lakelands, Cork, and in Devon- shire might be tried in sheltered plaoes ; but as it becomes 30 feet to 50 feet in height, it requires plentv of room. Mutisia decurrem. This is a beautiful ( Inlian climbing shruh rather capricious in its likings, but does well in deep rich soil where its rhizomes can run freelv. The late Mr. John Ball tells us that the Mutisias grow oxer bushes of Colletia in their native wilds, and that might beonewaj of -rowing them iii our gardens. I first savi the brilliant Marigold-like flowers of tins plant at the d i« of Glendinning's old nursery at Turnham Green, where it grew splendidly amongst the variegated Japan Honeysuckle. Its glaucous winged stem- remind of Uthvrus; the great Daisy like flowers an 1 inches' or .i inches across and of a 6er\ orange. It is worth any trouble to succeed with this unique plant. NtUtallia cerasiformi*. This is an erect-growing lalifornian shrub, but not at all of a showj haracter. Its bright green leafage and spikes ,f almond - scented blossoms are produced verj early, often in January, and form a fresh green contrast to the winter Jasmine and the red- blossomed Cydonias. Small plants in pots bloom very early, say at Christmas, in a greenhouse or conservatorv, where then- perfume is verv grate- ful. It is a shrub rarely seen except in old-time gardens. . Plumbago capenxii. Thisexquisite blue-flowered trailing shrub has long been known in our gardens a greenhouse plant, having been introduced from South America in 1826. Of late years it ha, been used as a sub-tropical plant in the London and other parks and gardens, being plunged outside in Mayor June. It is hardy in warm and sheltered Beaside looaliti' -. .Hid flowers freely during the summer aid autumn season. We ea ivi i ex| sol th ■ sheets of pun- soft azure it yields in Spain and Moroi e i '''■ w B- (To I" continued. ) GARDENING OF THE WEEK. ROSE GARDEN. Planting. NO one who has the choice will substitute spring for autumn planting of Roses, but as circumstances often hinder the earlier planting, one is obliged to wait until spring-time. At this time Roses may be successfully planted if a few simple rules are observed, the two most important relating to the condition of the soil and the quality of the "plants. Whenever practicable the ground should be ridged or trenched some few weeks before planting in order to bring it into a workable condition. In planting carefully spread out the roots, and tread firmly after shaking some soil among the roots. It is most important just now to moisten the roots prior to planting: in fact, I prefer to soak the whole plant in water for an hour or two and then dip the roots in some thin mud. Round each plant leave a saucer-like hollow to facilitate the application of water, which is essential if we should have a spell of dry weather. When the plants appear to have laid hold of the soil, this hollow should be filled up with some fine soil and the ground well hoed or lightly forked over. The plants should be dormant. Most growers at this time of year have bushes and standards that have been heeled in. and consequently remain longer dormant than those not moved. It is a good practice to prune such plants fairly hard before planting, cutting the shoots back to five or six ,\es. In the case of Teas I have transplanted as late as April 20, and they grew and flowered abundantly the same year much later than plants earlier planted, thus prolonging the flowering season. If anv very prominent Lips require tilling up, it is |„-t to procure plants in pots. Those known as extra-sized, although they may cost a little more, are well worth it. and if very carefully transplanted they thrive remarkably well, and are soon upon an equality with. bushes planted in the autumn. Do „ot harbour decrepit, unsightly plants, thinking that they will become healthier. One mav often observe miserable sticks that pass for standard Roses spoiling the effect of those that an- healthy. It is belter to have their places vacant than that this should occur. Dw u:t Stocks fob Budding tins summer mav now be planted. As one cannot obtain gooil Roses w ithoiit careful prepaniti f the soil, neither can one expect good, healthy maiden plants if the stocks are planted carelessly. \ few rowsof Manetti or seedlwg Briar planted across the kitchen garden, whit h is generally in a good fertile condition, if budded with one or two leading kinds. such as Caroline Testout, Mrs. John Laing, Ulrich Brunner, La France. &c, would provide some fine plants, from w Inch grand blossoms with long stems could be CUt fOT house decoration a week or two later than the permanent Roses. Cuttings inserted list September must be looked over at ,. Push down those that appear to be raised in the fiost and tread the soil up to the cuttings, then give the surface a good hoeing and see that a nice tilth is maintained. Layers of old fashioned Roses, rooted cuttings or seedlings of R. rugosaj Sweet Briar, and others may now be transplanted to their permanent quarters. Bl'IiUKl' Stocks mi,, I nou receive attention. The dwarfs should ere tin- have had all the "wild" growth cut away above the inserted bud and the ground lightly dug oVer. Char the soil away from the bud to expose grubs should I here be any. The Pruning ok Tea Roses should now be taken ill hand. Where the yu» ths are sound, with white pith, they may be left a good length if a quantity of blossom is desired. If. however, the recent frosts have damaged the uond, cut back hard. Very often a promising growth has a large brown blotch on it. which betokens injury from frost or other cause, and it is always best to cut past such blemishes. Although I do no't advocate hard pruning of Tea Roses as a general rule, I have proved the beneficial effect oi severe pruning every three or four years. Many could affirm that they never had such tine Teas as followed a severe cutting back occasioned by a sharp winter. Suckers upon Rose plants must be removed with a spud as close to the root as possible. If well done now a great deal of future trouble is saved. Hoe the surface of the beds and borders, never allowing a bard, baked condition of the soil. I'uil.OMK.l.. INDOOR GARDEN. Propagating. Cuttings of many things which have been put in early, such as Crotons and the general run of mixed stove plants, will by this time have been potted off and re-established in small pots, thus relieving the propagating boxes and making room for those things which have to be grown in large batches. EUPHORBI A .1 Ai !QU1 N I .KKI.i >RA wdll be one of the first of these to lie worked up. and as fast as the new growths reach a length of about -2A inches they should be cut off' close to the old wood and inserted in small pots of peaty soil containing a considerable amount of silver sand. Water well in, plunge at once in bottom-heat, and cover with bell-glasses or hand-lights, which will need keeping clo'se, except for a few minutes daily, until they strike. The method of growing this plant generally adopted is to grow on the cuttings for a while, potting them singly, and then pinching them to induce several shoots to form ou each plant. The weaker cuttings, on the other hand, are best grown on without stopping, and in this case it is best to pot up three or more in a pot. The latest cuttings make nice little plants if put in thicker still : these will not run up tall, but will flower with tolerable freedom. The present is a good time to start a batch of Poinsettias for early cuttings. I prefer to begin now by putting the cut back stools into an intermediate temperature rather than to wait till later and then force them on in more heat. Just at first very little water will be needed by these plants : indeed, what tin -v receive from frequent syringing will be quite sufficient to begin w ith. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. (liftings of this Begonia put in during this month make the very best plants, and are not so liable to become stunted in growth as are those put in earlier. To give them the best possible chance of making headway, all flowers should he picked off as they develop. Keep the cuttings in a humid, close atmosphere, hut do not give much water, as an excess of this would be sure to cause damping off. I have seen it stated lately that leaf cuttings of this Begonia arc the best, and am giving them a trial, hut I do not see how it is possible to beat the results obtained from April- struck cuttings which are properly treated and not allowed to bl me infested by thrips. BOUVARDIAS. Boot cuttings of these are better than stem cuttings, especially when the old p'ants have been heavily fed with artificial manures last year, for stem cuttings of such plants frequently refuse to grow away well. To obtain the roots for props cation, the old stools should be shaken out. and The thickest of the roots should be cut lipinto short lengths* These should be inserted in pans of light sandy soil and placed in the propagating box. where they will soon begin I develop new growl hs. General Worn- gt | he tunc these notes appear the weal her should have become finer and more gcmal, so that freer ventilation in each department will be advisable, most plants deriving much benefit from ., I circulation of air during the earlier part of the day, followed in the afternoon by fairly heavy syringing at the time the ventilators are closed. and the temperature allowed to run up with sun April 1900.] THE GARDEN. 291 heat. Of course it will be necessary to be cautious in ventilating Roses and other subjects liable to mildew through the lower ventilators, or in creating draughts in any way when the air is cold. Keep down insects among young and old stock of all plants, especially with the former, as young plants are so easily crippled if neglected for a few days. With such 'things as Carnations it is not wise to wait till the insects are seen, as they frequently do their worst work out of sight. J. C. Tallaok. Shipley Hall Gardens, Derby. KITCHEN GARDEN. The Forcing House. For some time there will be a great demand for forced vegetables, the principal thing needed being such things as French Beans, Cucumbers and Tomatoes, and these will require glass protection well into June. The season being a late one, I fear there will be a scarcity of hardy green vege- tables. In addition to the things noted above there are various other vegetables that well repay a start under glass, and, of course, in all gardens Celery is an important crop. This plant for early supplies should now be making free growth, and it is a common failing to crowd the seedlings in their early stages. This should be avoided, and if possible prick off the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle. I find it a good plan to prepare a frame with a little warmth from manure, and the seed- lings when grown thus near the glass are much sturdier than in hothouses. These plants when placed in their permanent quarters will then give room for Vegetable Marrows, or even a later lot, of Celery, as then bottom-heat will not be necessary. It is well to make the trenches for the early Celery at this date in readiness for the plants. There is now no necessity to place Seakale indoors for forcing, as a late supply may be had by covering it in the open, but sufficient cover must be given to thoroughly blanch the growths. French Beans should be sown for the May supply, larger pots being used, and I would advise frame culture in preference to shelves in fruit houses, as at the time these mature, red spider will be troublesome. I find it a ' good plan to sow in 8-inch pots, to place in a warm place to germinate, and when li inches high transfer to the frames, half plunging the pots in the soil to save water- ing. If there is convenience to plant out in a warm bed the return is greater, as by feeding, two crops may be obtained from the same plants if, after the first crop is gathered, they are top-dressed, picked over, and kept close and moist for a short time. Canadian Wonder and Progress are excel- lent for this crop, making strong growth in the spring. Tomatoes. I briefly referred to these earlier, and now is an important time, as the plants will need ample attention in such matters as setting and topping, or regulating growth. In warm houses in bright weather, with plants in bloom, it will be well to give air more freely, and should there be any tendency to weakness, a little top ventilation at night will be beneficial. Plants so far have set very badly, but with more sun and light there will be more success. Succession plants should be potted on or planted out, and those who require late supplies will do well to make another sowing for this purpose. It is best to sow in frames, as the sturdier the plants the better they crop, and to do these plants justice they must have ample light and a free circulation of air. Plants being prepared for walls or planting in the open should be treated as advised for those for succession, and these being required to make their growth in a short time should be as strong as possible when planted. It is well, if sown early, to give another shift, as if root-bound thev lose colour and become stunted. Mushrooms. I out ; but it will often be found when Melons In many gardens there is a demand for these all are exhibited that a medium-sized fruit is much the year 'round, and the greatest difficulty is to | superior to a large one. The fruit illustrated supply them when they are grown in heated Mush- is a scarlet-fleshed variety, the Beauty of Syon, room houses. For a summer supply beds should j and, unless restricted at the root, is a very now be made in the open, and if manure is plentiful free grower. Any variety may be grown thus, I would advise their being made ridge-shaped and ] and I will briefly mention the chief points of a good width, say 3 feet to 4 feet at the base and culture. half that space at the top. This is a convenient , Tne best se.^on for pot Melons is from April shape, and such beds are more readily protected. to September. I have grown them much later, Those who have a cool cellar can grow a good crop faut £ QQt ^ . « q . I if n^nZi V'aU cXe * tain nawu>' in the winter, even when a good made it manure is at all scarce. . , , , . . > . . . f> set has been obtained, as without sun-heat, no HERBSr matter how well grown, Melons have often a The herb border should be given attention at , poor flavour. Though a fruit may be handsome this time. Mint and Thyme should be divided, or anci wen finished; it is not certain that the new beds prepared for Mint I prefer the latter 'ality will be equal to its appearance. A takn.g cuttings when 4 inches to b inches growth I t deal d ^ th fi££ ripening 0f is made, and dibbling b inches apart in rows ?i p.,,:*, -t ,. K i ±i -n i t 12 inches apart. Sage" and other strong growers the frflmts> as li ffl* *°0 early they will be of should be out down to get a new growth from the P00r. flavour, and if _ left too long in a damp, base. Sweet Basil or any other herbs grown from hot house they are insipid. With pot culture seed should be sown in frames. Parslev sown now more attention can lie paid to these details: will be valuable next autumn and winter. G. Wythes. Syon Hoiist Gardens, Brentford. MELON BEAUTY OF SYON URoWN IX A POT. THE FRUIT GARDEN. MELONS IN POTS. water can be withheld and more air given ; indeed, I have removed the plants bodily to a dry, warm house if any later fruits in the house needed different treatment. Of course, to do this smaller pots are necessary, but two or three excellent fruits, weigh- ing two to three pounds each, may be grown on a plant in a 14-inch or 16-inch pot. To get good pot plants in summer, seed may be sown in April, and these plants should mature fruit early in July if grown under favourable conditions ; but a hard-and-fast rule cannot be laid down as to time, as so much depends upon the house and temperatures given. As with Cucumbers, the treatment as regards heat and moisture must be generous, though the Melon needs more sun and a freer circulation of air from the flowering stage. I advise sowing the seed in small pots, one or two seeds in each, growing near the glass from the time of, germination, and thinning to the strongest plant if more than one seed germinates. At the time of sowing it is well to prepare the fruiting pots, as these will be needed for planting in a short time. As regards the size of the pots, a great deal depends upon the house in which the plants are to be grown, and if the space permits the use of 16-inch or 18-inch pots. I prefer this size for some varieties. I have found the excellent Hero of Lockinge do grandly in even larger pots ; but these were plunged, and of course were stationary from the first. Many growers prefer to pot on the seedlings from the seed pots into 5- inch or 6-inch pots In ■tore planting out, and it is a good practice, but so much depends how the seedlings are grown. I have adopted both plans, that is, potting on and planting out direct, and M \.XY persons do not grow Melons think the latter a saving of time. Whichever on account of previous failures either from non-setting or gross growth. I advise such to try pot culture, as the Melon grown in pots rarely fails if given good culture, as with the roots confined the plants course is adopted, if a little bottom-heat can be given the plants, there is no fear of failure. If bottom-heat cannot be given — and it is not a necessity — I prefer to pot on the seedlings so as to obtain strong plants before planting out. For my part, I frequently stand may be fed freely and the growth is less the pots on bricks placed over some return robust, and in my experience every shoot, if Pipes in a forcing house, tins keeping the soil allowed, will bear a fruit. Pot Melons can be 'just warm without drying it excessively. matured earlier than those planted out ; they give less trouble, need less soil, and more plants may be grown in a restricted space. The plant illustrated will show how pot culture tends to fertility and also restricts growth, though the fruits do not attain the weight of those planted The compost used for pot culture may with advantage be richer than that for beds, though it must not be too porous or light. A suitable soil is a heavy loam, with some bone-meal added, and ample drainage, and as growth is made, feeding freely will keep the plants 292 THE GARDEN. [April 21, 1900. healthy. Firm potting is necessary, no matter what soil or sized pots are used. It is important to secure the first fruits that show, and not to aim at too many on a plant, in all cases leaving the fruit on the strongest shoots, and nut stopping these too close beyond the fruit. From the first tie in healthy shoots at regular distances over the plants, removing weak or useless spray. With the roots in a limited space, much more food may l>e given in the shape of liquid manure and top-dressing after the fruits are set. The latter may be done by building up rough turf round the sides of the pots and filling in with a rich and finer compost. G. Wythes. GAGE PLUMS. 1 do not think Oage Plums receive as much attention as formerly, though they are unequalled for dessert, tarts and jam. Of course most varieties require a warm wall or orchard house, but the old Green Gage, Jefferson's Gage, Oullin's Golden Gage, and Bonne Bouche Gage succeed as standards in warm soils and situations. Unfortunately, birds are so partial to the buds of the old Green Gage that they take all the best of them in winter, and on this account one seldom sees a really good crop of fruit on standard trees. Probably if the trees were syringed a few times during winter with quassia extract, birds would not in- terfere with them. I think the two richest flavoured Gages are the old Green Gage and Denniston's Superb. The latter is not so well known as it should he ; the fruit is rath e r small, but all w h o ha ve tasted it will admit that it is n u s ii i passed for quality, and the tree bears prodigiously, seldom re- quiring root pruning. The f r u i t will hang a long time, and when partly shrivelled becomes a perfect sweet- meat. Bryanston's Gage is indis- pensable, being a capital cropper and the fruit large, rich, and juicy. McLaughlin's Gage is a grand variety, though seldom met with. Young trees of this variety hear freely, the fruit being large, round. handsomely coloured and freckled, and the flavoui wonderfully good. It does well in tin- midlands. Oullin's Golden Gage should be grown in everj garden, whether in the north or south, as it possesses every good quality that may be expected in a 1 " 1 is an ear'\ in. I abundant cropper. Transparent Gage, although a fine, richly flavoured Plum, is a very strong and awk- ward grower, and requires careful culture and a soil free from manure. It forms its fruiting spurs a long way from the wall, and must occasionally be hard pruned, piecemeal, to keep growth within bounds. It often gums badly in strong soils. I consider Early Trans- parent Gage a more reli- able variety and quite as richly flavoured, though not so large. Jefferson's < iage is a general favour- ite, and deservedly so, as it succeeds admirably under wall culture, even in the north, and as standards and pyramids in warm districts. No fault can be found either with its appearance or flavour. Of Purple Gages, Angelina Burdett and Blue Oage are the best, the latter being handsome and delicious, and one of the best for pot culture. The Gage Plums are so agreeably flavoured, that it is well for those in- tending to grow this class sull.AX ASPERA, SHOWING VARIABILITY or FORM. (From a drawing by //. G. M""u.) of Plum to make a very careful selec- tion of the best. It is to be hoped that this class will be more grown in the future, as it deserves good cultivation over a wide area. For growing in the north it will be neces- sary to select the hardiest varieties, and to plant the trees in sheltered positions if they are to succeed. J. Crawford. AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. SMILAX ASPERA. LL who have lived or travelled in the region of the Mediterranean 1 iasin must be familiar with this graceful climbing plant, for its distribution is wide throughout that region, and its habit is so distinct, that, except for one small Algerian Aristolochia which somewhat reso»tbles it, it is hardly likely to be con- founded with any other plant. It climbs mainly by the aid of the prickles on the stems, but the backs and edges of the leaves are also prickly, helping to sustain the plant as it scrambles over rucks and bushy growths. The form of the leaf, though usually that of a broad lance-head, with distinct shoulders, is extremely variable both in size and shape, for though usually of the broad lance-head pattern, it is sometimes like a wild Ivy or Convolvulus leaf. We have a drawing from life of one leaf as much as 4A inches long by 4 inches wide, another where the breadth of 3 inches taken across the wide round shoulders exceeds by 1 inch its length of -1 inches, hi this leaf, tin nigh the shoulders are so round and wide, the point of the leaf forms a nearly exactly equilateral triangle for the last three- quarters of an inch. On this point Mr. Daniel Hanbury says in his " Phariiiacographia": "The common Smila.x aspera, L., of Southern Europe is a plant which presents such diversity of foliage, that if, like its congeners of tropical America, it were known only i>> a few leaf y scraps preserved in herbaria, it would assuredly have been referred to several species." This pretty plant bears an axillary spike of small fragrant whitish flowers which are followed by a bunch of Red ( 'urrant-like fruit. The leaves are sometimes marbled or spotted with dull white mark- ings. It is a plant that, though April 21, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 293 common, is always interesting and pleasant to see, and we may enjoy it in our home gardens against a warm wall in the southern counties. Its near relations of the tropical regions of Central America and the West Indian [slands yield the sarsaparilla of medicine. Smilax aspera, which is a true Smilax. is not to be confounded with the plant so- called in flower shops. This is not Smilax at all. but Myrsiphyllum as- paragoides. The popular name Smilax for this plant originated in the United States, no doubt on account of some likeness of growth and habit. The name, though misleading and only of recent origin, seems to have become fixed in the language, and is another example, of which a few exist already, of the botanical name of one plant being used as the popular name of another. CRESTED OK FRINGED CYCLAMENS. The group of crested or fringed Persian Cyclamens from the St. George's Nursery Company, Han well, at the last March meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society was of unusual interest. We have long known of this curious departure from the normal form, and, as we have already expressed in our leader on page 269, can only regard these novel forms with mixed feelings. In many cases the colour is crude and the fringing scarcely pretty, but by careful selection of the more simple varia- tions a new race of much charm will be given to our gardens. In our former remarks we mentioned that "it is a pleasure to be able to give unstinted praise where it is due, and the firm had among its smooth plants, justly placed in a central position of honour, a Cyclamen of a colour hitherto rare, but of incomparable beauty a soft shade of salmon-pink, a colour new to the race.'' The Persian Cyclamens of the St. George's Nursery Company are renowned for their beauty, and it is interesting indeed to sec this new break away, not merely in the cresting of the flower, but of the leaf also. We illustrate one of the most simple of the Papilio forms, in which the clear outline of the finer varieties of the older type is preserved, the cresting adding quite a dainty finish. We hope this firm will endeavour to obtain as many varieties of the same kind as represented in our illus- tration, clear and beautiful in colour, and margined with a pretty fringe. The Papilio race, which was first sent out by M. Delange, of Brussels, is likely in the near future to compete in popularity with the forms familiar to us in all good greenhouses in the late winter and early spring. looked the picture of robust health. When in full growth, the hushes, which were some 4 feet in height, are given cow manure in liquid form about three times a week and a sprinkling of some good quick-acting artificial manure about every three weeks. In order to keep the plants free from mildew a temperature of about 58° should be care- THE ROSE GARDEN. SAFRANO AS AN INDOOR ROSE. PROBABLY there is no more useful Rose of its colour than this old favourite. Not even Madame Falcot or Madame ( hailes can compete with it from the florist's point of view. If grown as a garden hush the flowers of Safrano are pretty, no doubt; they are. however, thin and quickly fall, hut seen under glass where the plants are nourished and well cared for one would hardly recognise it as the same kind. Recently I saw some thousands of this variety in a noted florist's establishment. Most of the plants had been in the same pots (12-inch) for four or five years, and they CYCLAMEN PAPILIO, OK Till-. CKESTEH CYCLAMENS (LIFE SIZE), (From a drawing '"/ //. G. ffioonfrojnjlowers *>„t hit .1/ . Melange, Brussels. > fully maintained, and the more regular the tempera- ture can he kept, the more successful will In- the culture. The plants will require to be looked over every morning and water given to such as need it, and about 10a.m. the syringe should be used freely. If the day be a bright one. afternoon syringing is necessary, but not otherwise. The blooms should be cut in the evening in a very young state and placed in pots of water in a cup- board. One or more of such cupboards, situated in a cool store-room or adjoining the potting shed, should be found in every good garden. One of out- largest florists has his store-room for cut bloom built over a brook, so that under the lattice-work pathway the water of the brook is seen. Ordinal \ pots, cast without holes for drainage, make excel- lent receptacles for the cut blooms where they are produced on a very large scale. Flowers, especially Roses, take up a lot of water during the night, and consequently last much longer the next day. They are really better in such cupboards when they have reached a certain stage than they would be upon the plant, and some varieties, notably Madame Hoste, improve in colour and substance under these conditions. When the flowers are cut the shoot is separated within 1 inch of the old wood. This not only gives a good long stem to the flower, but it also conduces to a stronger new growth breaking out to keep up the supply. P. AMONG THE ROSES IN APRIL. April is always a busy month among the Roses, whether in the open or under glass. Only those who are growing quantities, both indoors and out, and in different stages, can realise how much atten- tion Roses require at this season. In the Open. To-day (April 4) we have been planting several hundreds of what trade growers call " culling maidens." i.e., plants budded in 1898, and not of sufficient strength for the private grower's plant ing during this season. Often enough it is later than this before the trade grower can secure suitable weather for his own planting, and it is most interesting to note the differences between plants moved late and those lifted in November. I mention this late planting because it is often the case that ama- teurs fear to shift their plants after the early part of Feb- ruary. Providing one takes due care to avoid the drying effects of wind and sun at this season and prunes the plants back closely, very good results are often ob- tained from late April plant ings. One very important point is to cut back the plants to the lower eyes at the time of transplanting. This gives them a much better chance, and prevents the wind and sun from drawing the whole of the conserved moisture from the roots to support wood that will soon be cut away. In the meantime the roots start into new growth with remarkable rapidity now that the ground is warmer and all conditions more congenial than during winter. There are very few of us who have not noticed how quickly a newly-lifted Rose plant makes fresh roots wheu laid in for a time after being received from the nursery, especially when placed in light soil. Then why not take advantage of this, and afford our late - planted Roses a little prepared soil ? There are only a few plants to till in here and there, and the trouble is well spent. When pruning, and also when laying out new grounds, we often find a few more Roses wanted long after the usual season for planting is past. By this time all budded stocks should be cut back close to the Rose-bud. I am aware that many do not cut their stocks back close, preferring to leave a few inches of the stock beyond the bud, but if we think a little we find that it is best only to cut once, as there is then only one wound to heal over. Besides this. in the majority of cases the wood beyond the Rose- hud dies. If it does not die it produces suckers, and this necessitates a second wound in removing them. With standard Roses I always take the trouble to cover the wTound wdth some form of mastic. A ;; 294 THE GAliDEN [April 21, 1900. capital mastic can be made by warming up half a pound of pitch, a quarter of a pound of tallow, and two ounces each of resin and wax. I have also found that half a pound of pitch and half a pound of cheap "composite" or wax candles answer the purpose admirably. Either can be easily applied with a stiff brush and in a lukewarm condition. Briars, and Roses generally, are affected in some districts by the larva^ of the stem-boring saw-fly, which eats through the pith and often buries itself so low as to kill several inches of the main stem of our standard Roses. The above mastic is used to prevent this enemy, and the labour is well spent. I have never noticed this pest upon the Manetti stock in alarming quantities, but upon the hedge Brier, and especially upon the Hybrid Sweet Briars, it is a terrible nuisance in some localities. When the stocks have been cut back and Rose plants pruned, we naturally turn towards cleansing and cultivating the ground between them. Do not make the mistake of leaving several small pieces of old primings and dead wood upon the ground. A considerable number of fungoid diseases, as well as insect pests, are often harboured in such primings, and it is better to burn them as soon as possible. Mulching can be done to advantage now. I do not care to see too much manure lying upon the surface of my Rose beds. To my mind we lose much of the fertilising properties in the drying atmo- sphere, and the roots do not benefit nearly so much as when the fertilising juices are washed down to them. While strongly against digging between Roses in the ordinary way, I believe we can do much good by very shallow forking in of the manure without injuring the surface roots. Not onh' do we preserve the whole food supplied by the manures, but we loosen the soil just sufficiently to help the hoe later on. Do not allow any long shoots upon dwarfs or standards to sway to anil fro in the wind. When a plant sways about, a hole is formed which collects water and is liable to be frozen, to the great detri- ment of the plant. Swaying also breaks and wrenches off a large number of the most valuable new roots, and a little time spent in staking early in the season will never be regretted. Indoors. Bright sunshine accompanied by keen winds is most living to Ruses under glass. We do not want to lose tin- influence of the sun, and yet to leave the glass clear necessitates more air ami ven- tilation than can be given with safety during the prevalence of keen winds. Only a very slight shade is needed : in fact, just sufficient to break the burning glare of a bright mid-day sun. The intensely bright days towards the end of March will account for much loss of young foliage, and from several correspondents I hear that their Roses have lost young, half-matured leaves in great quantities. It is the same with ours, and I .mi certain, from close observation in the past as well as during this season, that the strong sunlight has a great deal to do with their falling. A slight shade allows of more moisture being afforded over- lieail. while one can regulate the temperature much better. Only a few minutes' sunshine causes so much higher a temperature, that one is tempted to open the ventilators, and as soon as this is done we maj Look for mildew, while green-fly seems to increase faster than ever. Plenty of moisture in lie atmosphere will help growing Roses during such times, and when a slight shade is afforded at the same lime 1 would prefer a temperature of even so' in the risk of ever so slight a current of cold air from the outside. Insect pests are numerous, and the different in lecticides recommended almost equally so. Having tried a large number, I have come to the conclu- sion that soft soap and quassia chips are the safest and most effectual. The XL All is excellent for fumigating, but 1 would by no means depend upon tli.it alone. Syringing anil fumigation combined have proved far the most successful here, and when used together there is no necessity for risk from trong solutions, while we kill and cleanse at the same time. There is little good in killing the aphides alone and not washing them off. Nor do I find anything in the way of fumigation thoroughly effective with red spider and thrips. Our plan is to use both, to use them freely, and to use them weak. Established plants in pots may well have a bi-weekly watering with liquid manure. I find none better than the drainings from a cow-stall. It puts colour into both flowers and foliage, while the ammonia rising from it is a great help in itself. It is not wise to water with a strong solution, nor to give stimulants to plants while over-dry at the roots. Keep stale leaves picked oft' and occa- sionally loosen the surface soil. Ridgewood. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. CAPSICUMS AND CHILLIES. THESE are not only extremely useful from a culinary point of view, but when well cultivated are highly attractive, and much appreciated for decorative pur- poses. During the last few years many new varieties have been introduced which are a distinct improvement on the older kinds. They require generous treatment. The seed should be sown in heat from the end of February till the first week in April, and immediately the seed leaf has fully developed they should be potted off into .'1-inch pots in a light compost, and grown on near the glass on a shelf in the forcing house. After the pots become rilled with roots, pot on into well-drained 6-inoh pots in a compost of three parts good fibrous loam and one part of finely sifted horse manure, using sufficient coarse silver sand to keep the. mixture porous. The soil should be made quite firm about the roots. Continue to grow on in heat near the ;glass, syringe the growth thoroughly twice daily, and fumigate often to keep down green and black fly, both of which are especially troublesome. The plants should never suffer for want of water at the roots, and after sufficient fruits are set, manure water should be given at every other watering, and the plants will be much benefited by a surface-dressing of half-decayed cow manure. The plants should be neatly staked, and during the summer months may be removed and grown in a cold pit or frame, but on the approach of cold nights they should again be returned to a warm house, when they will last in great beauty during the greater part of the winter. They make excellent table plants, and prove highly attractive at our autumn and winter exhibitions when presented in good condition and shown as berried plants. Among the best and most distinct kinds to grow are Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Golden Dawn, Little Gem, Mammoth Long Red, Red Giant, Long Yellow, Long Red, Coral Red, Black Prince. Pigmy anil East India Cayenne. E. Beckett. IRIS RETICULATA. 1 \m indeed pleased to see that your readers arc taking an interest in that lovely hardy bulb Ins reticulata and its still handsomer relative the major form. This interest presumes an extended knowledge of them, which shows that they are being more largely grown than has hitherto been the case. But there appears to be some misappre hension as to whether theaaajor form isdistinctornot. I purchased I. r. major from Hcrr Max Leichtlin at a high price about six or eight years ago (one dozen bulbs). We have now many thousands, which are an annually recurring delight and surprise. They grow here quite as freely as ordinary Croci, and carry flowers nearly double the size of those of the Iris reticulata which we have grown at Lang- port for very many years. I remember how the late Frank Miles used to admire the type, going down on his knees to take his fill of its earl}' beauty. How this new form would gladden his heart ! I think someone questions the fact of its being as sweet as the old smaller kind. It is quite as fragrant ; but it, and for the matter of that the older kind as well, will not waste its sweetness on the frosty air. Pluck it, cherish it, take it into a warm room, and it will repay the attention in a few moments with a flood of fragrance, the sweetest scent, I think, that I know. But one has no impartial eye or nose in cold February or colder March. Iris reticulata major is queen in the hardy border at that season of the year, robed, as is fitting, in regal purple and crowned with gold. I do not see why it should not do well in nearly any garden border, given sound bulbs devoid of fungus to begin with. Our soil is fairly heavy, not sandy, and certainly not peaty, as recommended in your columns, yet the bulbs thrive as I have said. I see that a portion of my letter answers a question of Mr. Engleheart's : "Is there a major variety?" Distinctly, yes; of the same colour and markings as the type, but nearly twice the size. We have them growing in beds side by side, so there is no doubt about the matter. Langporl, Somerset. J. Kelwav. It is to be regretted that this Iris is not more grown, as no spring-blooming plant in the open more deserves extensive cultivation. Having grown it more or less extensively for more than twenty years, and that in different parts of the country, I can endorse all that Mr. Jenkins says in its favour, and also with regard to its requirements as to soil, &c. Nowhere have I seen it grow more luxuriantly than in the gardens at Didlington Hall, Norfolk. Here the soil is of a light sandy nature, deep, and with a moist bottom. In the borders in the kitchen garden and elsewhere it thrives wonder- fully, even the smallest bulbs soon coming to blooming size. So freely do they grow, that the bulbs soon become massed together, and have to lie taken up and divided. The large clumps give an abundance of fine flowers for gathering for vases, && Some years ago I obtained bulbs from this garden and planted them in large groups in our hardy plant border, which is well drained and faces south. The only attention the}' receive con- sists in clearing off the old foliage in autumn, fork- ing off the top soil, and adding some old potting material. Last month in a clump 2 feet across I counted sixty to seventy blooms either open or opening, and many more to follow. The foliage with us attains a height of 2 feet, and the blooms are strong in proportion. It has often puzzled me why gardeners who need a lot of cut flowers do not grow it considering the amount of lovely blooms to be had from good plants. John Crook. Two correspondents draw attention on page 2&2 to the losses sustained through Iris reticulata being attacked by disease. The failure of this charming spring flower is probably more often attributable to fungoid infection than to unsuit- ability of soil, though an adhesive loam unlightencd by any addition of road grit or sand to increase its porosity is not conducive to successful results. Recently a case came under my notice where the disease was imported into a garden in which several hundreds of these Irises were growing in the most robust health by the introduction of a few dozen fresh bulbs. These bulbs evidently brought with them germs of the fungus, as they all died and quickly communicated the disease to the original occupants of the border, which succumbed in like manner. Luckily, as in Mr. Engleheart's case, where the kitchen garden proved beyond the zone of infection, there was in this instance an uncon- taminated spot where these Irises were immune from the disease and have remained until the present day the picture of health. This sanctuary was a bed only a couple of yards or so from the ruined border from which it is divided by a gravel path, so that it would appear that the interposition of a barrier of closely-packed stone and gravel between two patches of cultivated ground was sufficient to check the spread of the disease from one to the other. Mr. Engleheart asks if a true major form really exists. Certainly flowers of the form designated major are no larger than those of many bulbs held to be merely typical, but some years ago I grew a batch of bulbs that might, from the small size of their flowers, have well merited April 21, 1900. J THE GARDEN. 295 the descriptive appellation of minor, for they were scarcely more than half the size of the ordinary form. After reading the description by "South Hants" (p. 229) of the garden where two bulbs were planted, one of which died, while the other became the progenitor of countless descendants, one can but recognise that had the surviving bulb been possessed of no greater vitality than was the portion of the one that died, the failure of the plants would have been probably attributed to unsuitability of the soil ; whereas that this was specially adapted to their culture was subsequently amply proved by the vast^army of descendants claiming the sur- viving bulb as" an ancestor, the moral of this being I came here ten years ago I brought several hundred bulbs in window boxes, and having planted out all I could find in the mould, I threw the latter, as a reminiscence of my old home, on a bed just dug for Daffodils. Irises soon came up, and when five years later I replanted the Daffodils I found 4n(J Iris bulbs among them. I am certain they come freely from seed, out though the beds will soon be full of seed-pods, I never can find the ripe seed later on. Neither Histrio, crerulea, nor Bakeriana increase, or even thrive. Perhaps Bakeriana may in time. Iris sindjarensis is now out, very lovely, and alongside (very late) Iris stvlosa. Surrey. J. R. 1». TREES AND SHRUBS. PTEROCARYA CAUCASICA. N page 127 Mr. Burrell gives some interesting particulars of the above beautiful tree at Claremont, and though I have never had the pleasure of seeing the specimen referred to, 1 am sure all tree lovers will thank him for his note on such a splendid specimen. Recently at Syon House, Brentford, I saw sunn beautiful specimens of this tree, and though, o MIXED HiiKDKK i it" HARI'V FLOWEBS AT BDXWICK. I that it is not by a single, but by repeated experi- ments I hat the suitability of soils to the culture of certain bulbs can be assured, since failure may often be due to inherent defects in the bulbs them- selves and not to the composition of the soil. S. W. F. About 1H7< » I bought half a dozen bulbs of Iris reticulata, and from these bulbs I have had many thousands, and never once the smallest trace of disease. I have long been able to give to friends all bulbs of presentable size, and only replant the smaller — some smaller than peas. To show how fast they increase, last July I took up 350 bulbs planted in ISP.4. and found linOofallsiz.es. When HARDV FLOWERS AT BULWICK. The accompanying illustration needs no descrip- tion. It tells its own tale of the beauty of hardy flowers in the mixed border — masses of one kind, not scraps of many things distributed here, there, and everywhere without a thought of their fitness for the position they occupy. The beautiful grass walk adds to the charm of these borders of hardy flowers backed by well-kept hedges As we have previously mentioned in writing of this place, the charm of the garden results not from having any one spot for the flower garden, but a variety of situations in which flowers are grown. unfortunately, the largest tree with an immense spread had a year ago been much injured by a huge common Elm backing on to it, it is still a lm< h object, and so distinct from all other trees that it is well worth planting for effect alone. At Syon House the tree hangs over the lake at the foot of a bridge, and is certainly at home in such a posit ion, its roots being near the water. It bears splendid catkins and has borne fruit, and its long, deeply cut leaves are most ornamental. It is a very fast growing tree. A small tree planted ten years ago I iy Mr. Wythes somewhat near the water, but in an open position, is now 15 feet to 2(1 feet high, and promises to make a beautiful tree in the future. It is sad to see many choice trees in our gardens 296 THE GARDEN. [April 21. 1900. ruined by common things crowding them out, which may have originally been planted for shelter, but are often left to injure the better things. Visitor. THE WHITE MEZEKEO.V I [in not remember seeing any large plants of the white Mezereon in the London district, or indeed anywhere in the south, and when I have seen plants exhibited at the Drill Hall they have mostly been puny specimens. Consequently it comes as a sur- prise to me to find it so common in quite large plants as it is in Derbyshire. In the cottage gar- dens around here it is the rule rather than the exception to find one or more really good specimens, and the red or rose-coloured variety does not seem nearly so common. To-day I have seen quite the largest specimen which I ever saw. It must be many years old. as it is at least 5 feet high and as many through -quite a model bush, and perfectly smothered with flowers. Specimens about 3 feet high are very plentiful in the district. Of course, it is very late in the year to find the Mezereon in full beauty, hut everything is back ward this spring here, as elsewhere, and the district is a lateone, the soil being of a cold nature. During the past fortnight we have registered 15 of fro-i. and nightly frosts of from 7 to 111 have been the rule lately. Returning to the Me/.erenn. I presume that this white form comes true, or nearly so. from seed, as I saw small plants of. it last year in plenty in Mr. Barron's nursery at Borrowash. and t licic was not a coloured form among them. ^. C. Tai.i.a. K. Shipley Hall Garden*, Derby. THE PRIVETS The meanest of all mean shrubs, we think. Imt popular beyond all others, its weed-like facility of increase making it dear to those to whom something growing with a weed-like rapidity is a treasure. It is not only that Privets are poor in themselves, and. as a rule, without beauty of leaf or flower, but it is the numbers of beautiful shrubs they shut out. millions being annually sold to take tic places of better things, ami helping to kill the few g 1 niics thai are planted near them. The commoner sorts ha\e no charm whatccr. and they all have the same vile odour in summer days when 'iie\ flower. Happy in the possession of the finest hedging and fencing-plants of tin- northern world i.hiiek. Holly. Box, Yew, and Sw eet Briar nursery- men ;niil jobbing gardeners make hedges and fences with these wretched Privets, fences which have the one i r quality of rapid growth, but which a man. lei alone a beast, could walk through without effort. We even see whole towns like Leicester with miles of these poor hedges, and they are also to lie seen in pretentious show places where one would expect people in know what ,i real fence meant. Huh in native and other coverl plants, we line seen the Privet recoi tided L\ So Ralph Payne Ualhvey for this purpose, for which it is useless beside the beautiful things we have Furze, Sloe, Sweet Briar, Juniper, wild Briars, and wild hoses Above all, we have seen it recommended as a covert plant near water, for whicb Nature has given us the must fitting of all in tin- spir\ leaved trees of the Willow and Dogwood order, of which there are many kinds. As to beauty, the wildest Briars that vex our ]'■",- 1mm- tai on hi- beauty, whether of leaf, form, flower, or fruit. The land which ha! given I" lis so main -_r. ■• .f 1 md shrubs and flowers, America, has nothing to 'I" with He Privets, which are inhabitants of Asia and Europe, including China and Japan. -"ii" '■! the species are evergreen, some summer- leafing, 1 1 " I .a In i in our mild climate hang between thetwo, ami keep their leaves, except in verysevere winters. They are all too quickly propagated by cuttings, and there are tropical species not hardy i ii country. Tbegaininthe rapiditj "t growth ■ if the Privet is mine apparent than real, as it leads to equally quick decay, whether used as a fence plant or in any other way. The true fence plants, when fairly treated and put in open, airy situations in good condition, as all fence plants should be, are not by any means of slow growth. Holly in good soil will grow 2 feet in a year, Quick is a rapid grower after the first year or two. and neither is the Yew by any means of slow growth, but this is a plant we should never use for a fence where animals could by any chance come, as it has killed thousands of valuable animals. — Field. THE FLOWER GARDEN. VIOLETS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER. WHEN different plants, such as Violets.! larnatioDS, or zonal Pelar- goniums, are expected to give a succession of bloom throughout the winter and fail to do so. it is generally attributed to the bad weather. Sunless days. fog. damp, and frosts arc certainly drawbacks, but when we find that in some gardens, in spite of these unfavourable con- ditions, there is always an abundance of bloom, then I think the cultural details must have been wrongly carried out by those who are less fortunate. Any plant that is required to flower freely at mid- winter must be properly grown or prepared for the purpose and an early start made, and it is even ssary to see about the young stock of Violets at once. The usual practice, I believe, is to pull the old plants which have occupied the frames during the winter to pieces and merely to dibble in the divisions without further trouble. This is. at least, a quick and easy way of getting through the work, but it does not pay in the end. In the first place, many of the offsets have hard or woody stems, and though they may have a fair amount of roots attached, they do not grow so freely as quite young stock. Our method with both double and single varieties is to dibble in plenty of runners in a shall' i« frame during September several inches apart. These make capital plants for putting out the following April, and as each is well furnished with roots and lifted with a nice ball, thev commence grow ing away at :e, while the old plants which have been s, , ruthlessly torn to pieces are often withered up by the check of dividing mutilated rooDs and the action of wind and sun on the leaves. Those who have not a store of autumn-raised plants si Id. however, adopt the next best plan. W lllell |s as follow s : I k over flu- old plants still in flower anil it will be noticed that there are numerous side shunts. which, though perhaps small and unsuited to planting in tin- open at 'line, will nevertheless make l"i Hi plants by autumn if properlj managed than those formed by splitting the old plants up. Prepare a shallow frame anil place several inches of sandv s,,i| in the bottom over a la\ er "t half decayed leaves made firm bj tread- ing, Then take oil the young runners with a pair of scissors, securing, if possible, a few small routs with each. These should be- lli tcked 'ill t inches apart in i he in ■ prepared, watered, kepi close tin a few days, and shaded at midday if the leaves flag under the sun. Carefully watered and gradually hardened off, a clean, In alt hy lot iif plants will be read} tor placing in their summer quar- ters h\ t he beginning of Ma\ , and the old plants may be destroyed or planted in shrubberies or wood lamh. During dry summers the plants arc liable to receive serious checks through the attacks of red spider, and to avoid these as far as possible a suitable site should be selected in the gar- den, such as an east or north border, where it is cool, and where the plants are least likely to suffer from drought. It is also important that a deep rich rootruu be provided, the value of which will lie noticed later on by the size and colour of the foliage, a striking contrast to that on plants growing on shallow , poor soil and in the blazing sun. Each plant should be ntade to form a separate clump by pinching off the runners as they appear. If these were allowed to grow on unchecked it would be difficult to tell in the autumn which were the parent plants, as in all probability they would have become interlaced, and it would be impossible to lift them with a suitable ball. In addition to this, if the plants can be watered overhead after hot days, so much the better. Managed in this way up to September, large single clumps will be the result, and when planted carefully in pits or frames and freely ventilated afterwards, the weather must indeed be bad to prevent the mass of flower-buds already formed round the crown from pushing up and opening freely. Managed as I have advised, the ever-welcome flowers may be forthcoming in large quantities almost daily throughout the winter. This has been my experience now for many years, and certainly it seems strange to hear others complain of their plants not flowering at that season s, . 1 freely as they would wish. The varieties grown are Marie Louise, Lady Hume Campbell, and Neapolitan, all of which arc doubles, and Victoria I like best among the single varieties. Single-handed. SOME TRUMPET DAFFODILS. First in season and first in their original right tn the name of Daffodil, the trumpets demand a certain precedence among their kindred. No doubt Canon Ellacombe is right in saying that the Daffodil of Shakespeare, the Daffodil which DAFFODILS MIMil: \M> MIMWIs. April _'l, 1900 ] THE GARDEN. 297 anticipates the swallow I dare not make the hackneyed quotation— is the wild trumpet of our meadows and coppices. This was com- moner in Shakespeare's time, when as yet no ruthless bulb-dealers offered it at so much the thousand, and cheaper by the ten thousand. The doyen of scholar-plantsmen, old Carolus ( llusius, who visited England in 1571 and again ten years later, records in his graceful Latin the great abundance of the Lent Lily round London, and how in the month of Match it was hawked in immense quantities by country- women in Cheapside, and decorated every shop window. It is a charming flower, and though outshone by our finer modern kinds, has qualities which should ensure it against contempt. A Mower which comes "of itself six weeks before the swallow is precious, anil is no doubt a survival of the fittest in England. We do not yet know which oj whether any of its more magnificent brethren will stand the ordeal of the centuries when left to shift for themselves in grass or woodland. An instruc- tive instance of the persistence of its blood even in dilution, so to speak, may be seen in my neighbourhood. Some fifty years ago the half- bare ground under old Lime trees in a park was planted with clumps of the Lent Lily, the old double yellow and one or two large single forms, apparently princeps and major. These last have long since died out, but innumerable seedlings between them, the doubles and the Lent Lilies, have occupied the vacant spaces with every appearance of permanence. In our modern garden parlance we have come to 'all any Narcissus a Daffodil, but in the days of my childhood the name meant to most uf us mie of twn flowers only, either the Lent Lily or the old double yellow, Ajax Telamonius plenus, according to the elephantine classical conceit of Haworth seventy years ago. I fear familiarity has blunted our appreciation of this tine plant ; it is one of the truly noble double flowers. A mass of its bloom need fear no rival in the rich yellow of its lights and the warm orange of its shadows. The worthy Parkinson says he raised it from seed in the year sixteen hundred and something, but I could never bring myself to believe him. It is one of those flowers which is too good to have been raised by anyone, and, like the white Lily, must have existed "always," especially in Tuscany, where it may be seen semi-wild in almost any vineyard along the Arno. The com- monest Italian single trumpet is not so pretty as our Lent Lily, though larger. It is the kind sold as King Omberto, a Flower of uniform dullish yellow, with the detect of a darker bar nr stripe mi each petal. May we not, by the way, in talking of 1 (affodils, transgress botanical accuracy and use "petal" instead of the cum- bersome terms " perianth " and " perianth segment"? That exceedingly free and useful Daffodil princeps, which in London is often palmed off on the inexpert for the superior Elorsfieldi, is probably an Italian wild plant. I have seen it in abundance in the ninth Italian markets, and have been assured it was gathered, sui iiKniti, mi the hillsides. One March in the great Piazza at Bologna I came upon a stall heaped with a Daffodil strange to me and very beautiful -Tenby-like in symmetry of form, but larger and of a deeper, purer yellow. The eontadina in charge said it grew wild a few miles away, and undertook to send me bulbs fur a consideration. They came in due season : but, alas! flat disappointment followed my keen expectancy ; they bloomed, one and all, into the aforesaid undesirable King Umberto. Self-coloured trumpets of this pure, rich yellow are still much wanted. It is curious that while our garden whites, bicolors, and lighter yellows such as Emperor are all great improvements on their wild types, maxinius, a wild Daffodil from the foot of the French Pyre- nees, is scarcely surpassed by any garden kind for stateliness of habit and golden refulgence of bloom. The one possible exception is Mr. Kendall's King Alfred, a recent seedling of maximus-like aspect, but differing in its colour, a full chrome-yellow. As exhibited this is a magnificent flnwer, but must run the gauntlet of OUT gardens before winning its final rank. The next best Daffodil in this class is, perhaps, M. .1. Berkeley, one of Backhouse's seedlings from maxinius, absolutely robust and freer in bloom than its parent, though a little paler in colour. This should be in every garden. Golden Spur is a very fine, high- coloured trumpet, but on many soils is short- lived. Another wild kind which is still unique in its own colour or range of colour is pallidns praecox. A varying combination of the words cream, straw, ivory is, perhaps, the nearest to it that our limited vocabulary can get. To j those who would feast their eyes with a quite exquisite association of colours 1 recommend a handful of pallidns prajcox and Iris reticulata. Daffodils of this same tone, but larger, longer in stem, and more amenable to cultivation, would be a very great gain. To the question lately asked in The GARDEN how to grow pallidns praecox, I can give an answer with confidence and in few words : Grow it from seed. The flowers of hardly any two cultivated bulbs are alike ; the bulb-increase is small, but the yield of seed very large. These are indica- tions that its natural mode of reproduction is from seed. The increase by bulb offsets is only Nature's " second string " to ensure enough flowers for a seed crop. This is also true of the lovely little white moschatus, of minimus, triandrus, and other wild Daffodils, of the Chionodoxas, and indeed of very many bulbous plants. Crocus Imperati multiplies fast from the conn, but I have to-day been admiring seedling colonies, self-sown among the stones edging a border, which are vastly stronger and more beautiful than any result of planted conns. The desired race of giant pallidns praecox might be obtained by seed selection, for I have once or twice seen imported flowers almost as large as Hnrstieldi. Seed should be sown every summer in boxes and left undis- turbed for three years, then planted out. The preliminary wait of four or five years is a deterrent to a hurrying generation, but the reward of the annual batches of bloom is pro- portionately great. The white trumpets, most desirable and most difficult of Daffodils, grow with singular vigour from seed until tlicx have flowered, when they mostly "go back." This would be a small disappointment to the gar- dener with a thousand fresh blooming bulbs to plant out every year, a matter demanding only a very moderate stock of patience and deal boxes, both of a fairly stout quality. George Engleheart. HYBRID PRIMROSES. Some years back at Dorking, where the soil suited Primroses very well, I fancied the idea of getting a pure Primrose bloom with the attractive Polyan- thus hahit of growth. It is noticeable that occa- sionally the Primrose grown in a garden shows a little of this tendency, but not enough to make any special character. My idea was to use the very heavy-blooming class of light yellow (German, I believe) Polyanthus to give habit to the plant. I took the pollen from one of these growing in a neighbouring railway station garden, and struck with it one of the Primroses in my garden. I observed the old rule of using a full-pollened flower TRUMPET DAFFODIL MAXIMUS. or " full eye," and fur seed I chose a " pin-eyed ' Primrose, on which subject very learned and inte- resting investigations have been made by Darwin. But the object I aimed at must not be confused with scientific work ; it was plain horticulture, and nothing mure. In a few weeks I was pleased to End a pod or two of seed, which on sowing yielded a dozen plants which varied a good deal in strength, but my great joy was to find that practically all of them had acquired the habit desired and that they yet were real Primroses, with the pure simply modelled flower of Nature ; well, not exactly like wild Primroses, but very near. The chief want was in colour. My pollen parent was nearly white, and so my hybrids were a little too pallid. Some were too weak to be worth keeping, but others, two in particular, were so very healthy, that they grow in London suburbs better than the wild ones. My favourite is one that rises high, but has a soft, languid stem just like the wild one and a pure Primrose flower, of which the original seedling plant grew into quite a tree or bush before I broke it up. Another I have a good stock of has a large flat, well-filled, disc-like flower, which keeps ten days in water after being cut. I forward a plant to judge by. I would suggest some work being done in this interesting line now that the season is just coming on. A. Dawson. AN AMERICAN NOTE. Renewing the American Forests. It is interesting to read in American Garden- ing that " the treeless States have been quickest to avail themselves of the assistance offered by the Division of Forestry, the number of applications being as follows: Kansas, 38; Oklahoma, 19; Nebraska, 12 ; North Dakota, 9 ; Iowa, 6 ; In- diana, 5; Texas, 5; Minnesota, 4; Colorado, 3; Washington, 3 ; South Dakota, 2; California, 2 ; Illinois, 2; New York, 2 ; Ohio, 1 ; Missouri. ] ; Delaware, 1. The majority of plans are for tracts of 5 acres to 1(1 acres, intended by prairie farmers to afford wind-breaks and fuel supplies. A few plantings of loilll acres and 2000 acres are being made as experiments in raising forest crops for market in regions where such material is scarce. After considering these applications in order, the Division of Forestry has sent experts to study the conditions of as many as possible of localities which offered the best opportunities for object-lessons." 298 THE GARDEN. [April 21, 1900. CORRESPONDENCE. ( Tkt Editors art not responsible for the opinion* expn ??i '/ by tin ir com spondentx. ) POINCIANA GILLIES! [To the Editok of "The Garden."] SIR,— -Mi. Ewbank's description of this Poineiana will make many of us regret that we have not the Isle of Wight climate. Unfortunately, even no further north than London we cannot hope for such results as recorded on page 154, though last autumn this Poineiana flowered on a wall at Kew. As far as my knowledge extends, this was the first time it had flowered there out of doors, and this happy result was doubtless owing to the very hot weather of which we had so large a share. The flowers were at their best during the first half of October, hence they stood almost alone among plants of a shrubby character out of doors. The specimen m question is trained to the front of the museum overlooking the lake and in close proximity to Mutisia decurrens, which formed the subject of a recent note in The Garden. H. P. HELENIU.M STRIATUM. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — I also have noticed the change of colour in the striped Helenium which Mr. B. D. Webster has commented upon in a recent issue. The flowers of the plants which I bought a year ago were originally a pale washy yellow, with crimson streaks. In my garden they have turned for the most part a dark crimson, with a few yellow streaks. Mr. Webster suggests that the latter colouring is due to poverty of soil. Now my soil is particularly rich and nearly 4 feet deep where the Heleniums are. Tin- lied, however, might he described as " a dry bank." as it is situated on a hill and slopes very sharply, ('an it be that the variation in colour is due more to the absence of moist ere than to the poorness of the soil ? R. M. [The colouring of this plant is extremely vari- able. We hope other correspondents will give theii experience. Ii i- capable of being a very poor flower or a very handsome one. It certainly dislikes drought, and enjoys a good loamy soil. Eds.] GUMMING ON FRUIT TKKES. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, In your issue of the Kith nit. there is a most interesting article on ''Gumming on Fruit Trees," but could yon not mention also some of the best remedies against this terrible disease, which has wrought such havoc among my Plum trees (pyramids) ! B. P. .V' a- lln rin I. |lt is often difficult to account for the appearance oi tins dis.a-,. even with trees growing under one's own notice. 5Tou will, therefore, understand how much more so it is to Bay definitely what has caused gumming to attack your trees and to juggesl a remedy from the briei details j ou sen, I. There arc some soils and localities in w hi, h Plums fail to prove satisfactory, and when the growth of i he i ices is stunted, gumming is as likely to follow as it is with those which produce long shoots annually which never become properly matured. My remarks on this subject recently in these pages i,t, n,d chiefly to trained trees against walls, and 1 endeavoured to explain some of the sources from which the evil originated. In your •■' e it is different. Pyramid trees are not so likely to have the bark or branches bruised; therefore, undoubtedly the mischief must arise from the roots being cither situated 111 uncongenial soil or too far from the surface. At Pershore, in Worcestershire, hundreds of acres of Plums are grown most satisfactorily, the strong loam appearing to nit the tree admirably, ami gumming, I believe, is |ira, t k ally unknown. In Other counties it would be risky to plant Plums so freely, which is a clear proof that soil and situation have to be studied with this fruit more than is the case with Apples or Peats. If the main stems of your trees arc badly affected, I fear you will hardly succeed in bringing them again into a healthy condition, if they ever were so. If the disease, however, is located on the branches, there will be less trouble in combating it. I would advise in the latter case to cut out such branches, but not now. The end of September is the best time, as then the sap is receding and the wound is more likely to heal satisfactorily. At the same time you should attend to the roots, and afford some dressing likely to ensure their healthy action near the surface. Farmyard manure should be avoided and in its place use good sound loam, to which add say one-sixth of old mortar. If the trees are growing on grass land, lift the turf for "> feet or 6 feet round each, fork out a little of the old soil, and replace this with the fresh compost. If some bone-meal could be added, so much the better. The advantage of removing the old soil is to allow the new to come in proximity with the roots at once, and if the work were done in September, new fibres would probably form the same autumn, and so help to give the trees a good start the following spring. .Should your trees he young and too gross, 1 should recommend liftingtbe roots next autumn, 1, ringing them nearer the surface (do not cut them off), and surrounding them with the compost advised above. If the ground is porous and hungry, the loam rammed firmly will greatly improve it. On the other hand, if the situation is low and wet, some means should be taken to drain oft' excess of surface water. As regards curing the wounds already present, those on fairly large branches might be pared away with a sharp knife until (lean wood and under bark are found, and then coated over with a thick pad of clay and cow manure, keeping this moist, and renewing it if required. I have followed this plan most successfully with (anker on Apple trees, hut the latter will stand the knife better than the Plum. There would be no harm in practising on a few trees first. Gumming is one of the most serious troubles the fruit grower has to contend with, yet il is one seldom discussed in horticultural papers. The editors of The Garden would, no doubt, be pleased to receive further particulars of your ease. If we could get at the cause it might not be difficult to supply a remedy. RlCHARD PARKER. ] YELLOW-FLOWERED ARUMS. [To the Editor or "Tin: Garden."] Sir, If Mr. Roberts contemplates a further trial of the yellow-flowered Arums, I would suggest that a chance be given to Riehardia Elliottiana, for it is more robust than K. I'entlandi. and will thrive in a somewhat lower temperature. My remarks apply only to plants grown under glass. ,>t which I have handled considerable numbers oi late years, but of their behaviour out of doors I have had no experience. It is not to be expected that they will prove s,. hardy as the comi Arum Lily, which grows wild in the ditches and on the margins of streams in Southern ('ape Colony, whereas these yellow forms occur much further north, where the climate is much warmer. More- over, thej are not. as is so often said, counterparts except in colour of the common Arum Lily, which is an evergreen, while these latter become totally dormant in the autumn and pass the winter in that slat'. We winter them in boxes of dry soil in a minimum temperature of 50°. About February the soil is slightly moistened, and as soon as the tubers commence to start they are potted. In a maximum temporature of 65° the plants of II. Elliottiana are now developing rapidly, whereas those of I:. I'eill landl, which Lave been treated exactlj t lie same, are only just starting. Tl,e\ die down about the same time in the autumn, but when dormant and shaken .leal of the soil the difference between the two is considerable, for the tubers of R, Elliottiana increase in size dining a single season much more than those of R. I'entlandi. Both are grown here in a cool greenhouse during t he summer. T OX THE SO-CALLED ORANGE XYMI'II.EAS. [To thi; Editor or "The Harden."] Sir, — On the faith of a great enthusiasm I procured all the new Lilies advertised as possessing orange or yellow tints, namely. Seignouroti, fulva. Robin- soniana, and Aurora. As they opened in succession I watched the process with increasing amazement. Take fulva or Seignoureti as an instance. These are supposed to he orange, stained or tipped with vermilion. I can only say that I stood before the open flowers, and thus I communed with myself: - " Allowing for all the influence of disappoint- ments, is it possible for a rational and colour com- petent being to see any yellow tint at all in these flowers anywhere ? " The answer was, " Not a trace. The tint is one of cold pale brown paper, stained here and there with red." I met a friend who had gone through precisely the same experience. We agreed that the washed- out pink of crushed strawberry was the true description. But there seems to be little doubt that further south the plants are true to their reputed colour, at any rate in France. A correspondent noted in your paper that in Scotland the yellow tint was absent. Is this a matter of climate or of age? My plants have not been established very long. It would he interest ing to hear the experience of other growers further south, and where there is more sun and warmth than here in Westmoreland, and I hope that some- thing may be said to re-establish the tints in favour. Still, even at the worst, the plants fulva and Seignoureti ate not to be despised if only as oddities, and Robinsoniana has a peculiar beauty of its own. But to compare all these pale washed-out varieties with gloriosa, ignea. fulgens, the (rue queens of the tribe, is absurd. By washed-out I do not mean the lovely pinks, but such as Laydekeri purpurea, &c. Net tins and all have advantages of one sort or another such as eailiucss. profusion of flower, variety of tint, as in Laydekeri rosea, or exquisite delicacy, as in Laydekeri violacea. lam curious to sec what Gladstone will do this year ; so far it looks promising for its reputation. AmbUvide. H. B. EAST LOTHIAN STOCKS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, I quite agree with all that can be said in favour of this line strain of Stocks. I do not know the history or date of its origin, but it must be fully thirty years ago that they hist came under my notice. They then took the place of those known as Intermediate Stocks, and were sup plied in three colours, viz.. white, scarlet, and purple, and since then we have the blood-red or crimson, which is, perhaps, the prettiest of all. It is as pot plants that I have had most e.xpc l ience with tlicin. and for early spring flowering they have no rivals if well cultivated. The tew growers who make them a speciality for market work rarely find any difficulty in disposing of them. They are used extensively for window boxes and for early bedding in London and its suburbs; they are also valuable for the conser- vatory, but as window plants they are a little disappointing, as they like more light and air than is usually obtained in such positions. In respect to the time of sowing the seed, I have tried various dates, and have always been most successful when sowing the first week in August. 1 may mention that, being desirous of getting them in earlier in the spring, one season I sowed a month earlier, and this proved most disastrous, tor the plants made their flower-spikes prematurely and failed to develop properly. I have also found that late sowings fail through the plants not getting strong enough to go through the winter success- fully. The se,,l should be sown thinly in a frame under a north wall, or some position where they arc not exposed lo the direct lays of the sun and can get all the light possible. They will be ready for potting into 3-inch pots the second week in September, and as at this period they grow rapidly I hey must not be neglected. The compost for potting should consist of good loam with a liberal April 21, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 299 addition of stable manure. The pots should lie ciuite clean inside, and in potling the soil may he pressed firmly round the stems. After potting, the best position is a shallow frame with a southern aspect, where they may lie kept close and shaded for tin- Hist few days, hut as soon as the roots have taken hold of the new soil the lights should he taken off, and only used in ease of heavy rains, or later on in ease of frost at night. If they can he properly protected from severe frost they may he grown in unheated frames, though where a little heat ran In- given in ease of severe weather it is an advantage, as there is then no necessity of obscuring any daylight. The plants will he ready for potting into 5-inch pots early in January. Before potting care should be taken that they arc in a good condition with regard to moisture, for it will he difficult to turn them out without losing some routs, which are liable to stick to the pots if the soil is dry. After potting into 5-inch pots they may be returned to the frames, and will not require moving again until far enough advanced to pick out the singles, of which there is sure to be a certain per- centage. After removing these the doubles may be thinned out and manure given freely. It is important to give plenty of air on all suitable occasions and to be careful in watering. Mildew is sometimes troublesome, but if dusted over with soot and sulphur during the earlier stages it will keep the mildew from spreading and will benefit the plants. Stocks cannot be forced into flower; the only thing to advance them is to give all the sunlight and air possible. A little artificial heat with plenty of daylight may advance them a little, but warmth is sure to cause them to run up thin. Later in the spring, when the sun gets more powerful, the flowers will open better under the shade of a north wall. A cool bottom, with plenty of day- light and air. and careful attention to watering are the main points to secure success in the culture of East Lothian Stocks. Over or under-watering is fatal. A. Hehsi.ev. THUXBERGIA ALATA AND ITS VAGARIES. [To the Editor of "The Garden." | Sir, — Mr. B. I). Webster's note (page 21!l of The Garden) is most interesting. It will recall to many cultivators certain peculiarities of these weakly, pliable annual climbers, plants whose ways often baffle their growers. For example, few plants are more easily kept clean or free from red spider, tlnips, &c, in the shade, while none prove readier victims to the same or other insects in full sunshine. I have grown the different varie- ties of the species, alata, &c. , among them being a pure white without the dark e3'e of the normal alata aurantiaca, also others, in the stove, conserva- tory, and the open air, the latter to a limited extent and chiefly as edgings to vases rilled with scarlet Geraniums. They hardly took kindly to the duty of forming a drooping fringe of foliage and flowers in striking contrast of colour and form to the Pelargoniums. On the other hand, in a cool plant stove the effects of some fine plants of the scarlet Passion Flower (Passiflora raeemosa) and the more elegant P. Loudoni were greatly enhanced by allowing groups of the annual Thunbergias to scramble up around them and to run freely among the contrast- ing flowers and fine foliage of the Passion Flower. The site of a fine group of Gloriosa superba was also furnished and greatly enriched through the addition of the Thunbergia alata scrambling freely over its roots and round the stems. These Thun- hergias were also pretty freely used as mixed tangles for hiding pots and forming an irregular covering for the soil. I have been much interested in the anti-tumble demonstrations of these pretty annuals. Hanging baskets were formerly more used in conservatories and corridors than now. Rich collections and large quantities of Aehimenes and other striking flowering and foliage plants were grown to large size and great perfection. These were often intermixed with the so-called Strawberry plant and other creepers, with . an occasional basketful of annual Thunbergias. Where the baskets hung pretty close to the Aehimenes the latter were sometimes partly invaded by the Thunbergias, but these, being far from the light and the plants raised in stove temperature and stopped several times before basketing, produced numbers of weakly shoots, which were securely fixed with stout hairpins in the way they were expected to go, namely, to droop towards the path. This proved satisfactory, and formed a striking contrast to the Aehimenes, while they also invaded the territory of the latter at various points by their vagaries so vividly portrayed by Mr. Webster, ways which add so deep an interest to their adap- tability to artistic effects' and to the observation of their botanical structure These and other Thunbergias used also to he very generally grown on balloons and semi-circular and pyramidal trellises. When skilfully managed and carefully trained, they formed very effective plants for the decoration of the cool plant stove and warm conservatory. I). T. F. PEACH LEAF BLISTER. [To the Editor of " The Garden. " | Sir, — The inferences drawn from the evidences of fungoid life found on leaves and wood of Peach trees in the spring, when blister is prevalent, by your able contributor '• ( i. S. S." are, so far, doubt- less correct, but it is but right it should be under- stood in support of the common theory respecting cold creating the blister that the trouble is rarely seen in Peach houses, even if they be cool ones ; hence the natural inference that the chief cause is the exposure of the young tender leafage to very varying temperatures early in the spring. Peach and Nectarine trees produce leaves very early, but because thus early exposed oh sunny tlaj-s to great warmth, and on frosty nights to considerable cold, it has been natural to infer that such varying con- ditions of temperature tend to cause the bursting of the leaf-cells, and thus open the door as it were to fungoid aggression. Whilst it is advised to spray with the Bordeaux mixture after the fruit has set, yet is there any proof furnished that the trees have been in that way protected Irom attacks ? Indeed, by the time fruits are set the leafage has begun to develop. The gardener's customary method of dealing with the blister, which seems to have always afflicted Peach trees in this country, is to gather the blistered leaves. If this he done the diseased leaves should alwavs be burnt. A. D. XVMPH.EAS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — Your interesting leader on water gardens (p. 253) conies just at the right time. I should like to elicit the experiences of those who have grown these plants in small tanks, with special reference to restricted versnq unlimited root space. I have seen in many places Marliaeea hybrids — especially Chromatella — which had free root room. They had run all to leaies, which grew above the surface like Cabbages and lost their beautiful marbling, while the flowers were few and far between, though of large size. In my own tank circumstances require the plants to be in boxes. Here with restricted root accommodation they bloom with great freedom, the foliage never being excessive and the blossoms a fair size, though not so large as they come when planted out, a circum- stance which is largely discounted by the facility of getting close to them, which is not generally practicable when they are in large ponds. Would some of your readers give their views on this point ? Greenwood Pim. NEW AND RARE PLANTS. CATTLEYA SCHR(EDER.E (PITT'S VARIETY). This wonderful variety has recently flowered in a batch of imported plants introduced by Mr. H. A. Tracey. The sepals and petals are of good form and substance and of the same colour as the type. The lip has a bright rose margin, the remaining portion of the front lobe being bright crimson, which becomes deep purple towards the base, the side lobes rose, suffused with orange. The plant carried two racemes of two flowers each ; the flowers are very fragrant and most attractive. From Mr. H. T. Pitt. Rosslyn, Stamford Hill. First-class certificate, Royal Horticultural Society, April 10 CATTLEYA INTERMEDIA (FOWLER'S VARIETY). This distinct and pretty variety previously received an award of merit. The plant has improved wonderfully since it was originally exhibited. The sepals and petals arc white, slightly tinted with rose towards the base, the broad, fine lip wholly of rich crimson-purple on the front lobe, the side lobes white with sonic purple through the base, the column bright rose. The plant carried a five-flowered raceme. It resembles to a great extent some of the varieties of Lselio-Cattleya Schilleriana, the flowers being equally large and deep in colour. It is the finest variety of this species we have seen. It was exhibited by Mr. J. Gurney Fowler. Glebelands, South Woodford (gardener, Mr. J. Davis), at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on April 10 last, Awarded a first-class certificate. ZYGOPETALUM (BATEMANNIA) BURT1 (PITT'S VARIETY). This was exhibited by Mr. H. T. Pitt. Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gardener, Mr. Thin-good), at the Royal Horticultural Society' smeeting on April 10, ami given a first-class certificate. It is a remarkable form for the size, substance, and colouring of the flowers. The broad white area in the centre of the flower is most attractive. The apical portion of the sepals is deep polished brown, becoming mottled with greenish yellow in the centre and white at the base. The petals are similar to the sepals in colour, with the exception that they have each a deep blotch of purple at the base. The lip is deep brown and white, each of the side lobes having about ten prominent bristles encircling the base. The plant carried a single-flowered raceme. This is the third time this species has been certificated- first as Pescatorea Wallisi, from Lord Londesborough's collection in 1871, and secondly, as Batemannia Burti, exhibited by Mr. Hume in 1873. The variety which forms fine subject of this note is far superior to any we have previously seen. ODCXNTOGLOSSUM fiUTEO-PURPUREUM MOSSI. Thisis a desirable variety. The sepals are deep brown, tipped with yellow and having a yellow spotting at the base, the petals brown, tipped and margined with yellow on the apical halves, and mottled with yellow through the centre and base. The broad lip is white, with some brown spotting at the base and a bright yellow crest, the margin fringed and heavily crested in front. The plant carried a three-flowered raceme and came from the collection of Mr. De B. Crawshay, Rosefield, Sevenoaks, Kent. Award of merit. Royal Horti- cultural Society meeting, April 10. CYPRIPEDIFM .1. GURNEY FOWLER. (BARBATUM CROSSI ■ QOVEFROYM.) This is a remarkably rlne hybrid ; the dorsal sepal is white around the margins, and becomes suffused with bright rose, with a small area of green at the base ; there are numerous brown and green bands from the base upwards; the petals are rose, suffused with a darker shade and thickly spotted with purple on the up] er halves; the lip is rich rose, veined with a darker shade. A most desirable addition. Raised by Mr. .T. Seden in the nurseries of Messrs. .1. Veitch & Sons, by whom it was exhibited at the Royal Horti- cultural Society's meeting, April 10, when it received an award of merit. CATTLEYA ROSALIND St'PERHA. This is a pretty variety, raised by crossing Ladio-Cattleya Dominianaand C. Triaiue. The sepals are deep lilac, and the petals, 2J inches across, very similar in colour to the sepals : the lip is" 2 inches across, rich crimson-purple on the front lobe, shading to orange-yellow on the disc. The side lobes are rose-purple, mottled with yellow through the base. . A plant carrying a single flower came from the nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch A Sons. It received an award of merit at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on April in last. EPIDENDRUM CLARISSA. (E. ELEGAXTri,r.M x E. Wallisi.j This is a distinct and pretty secondary hybrid ; the sepals and petals are yellow, mottled and suffused with purple ; the broad lip violet-purple, margined with white. There is some yellow on the white area at the base. The plant carried a five-flowered raceme. Raised by Mr. Seden in Messrs. .T. Veitch & Sons' nurseries, and exhibited by this firm on April 10. Award of merit. PHAL.ENOPSIS LADY ROTHSCHILD. This is a desirable addition derived from crossing P. intermedia Brymeriana and P. Sanderiana. The effect of the last-named especially is most pronounced in the sepals and petals of the offspring ; the segments are broader and the rose suffusion is most effective. The lip suggests strongly thr parentage. The whole of the front lobe is bright purple. tipped with rose, the side lobes being rose, shading to yellow at the base, on which are numerous bright brown spots. It was raised by Mr. G. I' Anson in Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.'s nurseries, by whom it was exhibited at the Royal Horti- cultural Society's meeting on April 10. Award of merit. NEW HIPPEASTKI Ms. TwonewHippeastrums, or Amaryllis, were shown by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons before the Royal Horticultural Society at the last meeting and each given an award of merit. One was named Titan, a flower of beautiful form, white, veined and shaded with red— a very distinct acquisition. Zephyr is also a flower with a white ground, feathered and veined with red, and of symmetrical form. 300 THE GARDEN. [April 21, 1900. RHODODENDRON SHTLSONI. This was singled out for an award of merit at the last meeting: of the Royal Horticultural Society from amongst the many kinds sent by Mr. T». II. Shilson (gardener, Mr. Kill), of Tremough, Cornwall. An illustration and description of this was given in Thk Garden on page 261. It is a noble hybrid, reminding one of R. Thomson! strongly, and in truth this is one of its parents, with IE. bai batum :is tin- other species. This Rhododendron is quite hardy in the south of England and Ireland, hut further north requires the protection of a greenhouse or conservatory. A handsome bush of it has been in bloom for some time past in the temperate house at Kew. The flowers are much like those of R. Thomson] in form and intense crimson in colour. RHODODENDRON H. ELLIOTT. We are pleased to know that so much interest is beiug taken in the beautiful greenhouse Rhododendrons. This is a hybrid of much charm ; the flowers very large, quite 4 inches across, and pure white, with a faint touch of green at the base of the segments, and there is also a sweet Eragrance. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society. April 10. Exhibited bj Mr. Elliott, Hurst pierpoint, Sussex. NEW VARIETIES OF AZALEA MOLLIS. AT the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society two charming new Azaleas were shown by Messrs. R. and <;. Cuthbert, of Southgate, and in each case an award of merit was given. One was named Mrs. A. E. Endtz. a variety of Mi' style of Anthony Coster, with rich gulden -coloured flowers, large, and profusely smothering the shoots. More distinct is Duchess of Wellington, winch is remarkably neat. the pretty flowers gathered in clusters, and in colour very soft rose, with conspicuous crimson markings upon the upper petals. This is one of the most distinct kinds we have seen for 3< une time past. ROSE h INNOCENI E. \ VERY 'harming Rose, with creamy white flowers and sweetly scented. Award of merit, Royal Horticultural Society, April 10. Shown by Messrs Paul A- Son, chohunt. PR1 MS MAEIS ANGUSTIFOLIUS. This is one of those beautiful flowering trees of which too much cannot he known The shoots shown were wreathed with large double flowers fully -\ inches across and soft pink. A tree • -r tin-- upon the lawn must Ik- of extreme beauty. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society. April in. Exhibited by Messrs. Win. Paid & Son. Waltham Truss. POLEMONIVM CONFERTUM MILE'HM, Tins i- a pretty Polemonium of quite dwarf growth, with distinct pinnate leaves and clusters of primrose tinted flowers. Award of merit. Royal Horticultural Society, April in. Shown by Messrs. tl. .Tackinan & Son, Woking. A 1'RIIT TREE 'R<> M TECTOR. It'll lias been written in the garden- ing press both in condemnation and defence of birds. It is not my inten- tion now to describe my experience in order t" prove that some birds are very destructive ami do far more harm than good. Although much lias been said to the contrary, I know practical gardeners generally, especially those who are placed in woodland districts, have had convincing experience of the destruction wrought by some of them, the blackbird, sparrow, bullfinch, and tomtit being amongst tin- worst depredators. In some cases, both in private and market gardens, the injury done to tiint crops alone and tin- loss thereby sustained is considerable; nevertheless, although an avowed enemj to the above birds, I cannot lint sympathise with the student and lover of Nature who deprecates wanton destruction of birds gem rally. A modi.' that lias proved perfectly successful in preventing tin- ravages of birds, and therefore in removing the cause for destroying them, lias been adopted here, and it lias occurred to me, owing to having had repeated inquiries about it, that its des- cription might be suggest he and interesting to some readers oi I'm Garden. Tie' structure is from 8 feet toll trri in height, and consists of a strong framework of galvanised iron, covered with J-inch nised netting. The top is supported by l^-inch t idling placed 12 feet apart, resting on square plates let into the ground and crowned with eaps furnished with four arms, to which bars J inch In I in- h placed on edge are secured. The sich's are formed of a scries of hurdles 6 feet in width, rivetted together and made of IJinch by J-inch bars. The netting is fastened to the frame- work with wire, and a margin of about 1 foot is pegged to the surface of the ground in an outward direction, which completely battles birds, rabbits, and rats in attempting to get inside. Gates formed of similar material are placed opposite the walks of the garden thus protected. The structure encloses Cherries, Pears. Plums, Raspberries, Currants, and Gooseberries, and we find it very advantageous to be able to keep some of these a much longer time upon the bushes than could be done without protection. It has been often asked if insects are not unusually troublesome owing to the exclusion of birds, and whin the covering was erected it was predicted that the trees would be ruined in consequence. It evidently did not occur to the predictors that fruit trees under glass are in this respect placed under identical circumstances, and no difference in this direction has been observed between the trees enclosed and those outside, and as much, or possibly more, benefit is derived in protecting buds in wint.r as fruit in summer and autumn. If there is one thing more gratifying than another about this protector, it is the exclusion of the blue-headed tomtit from Pears. At no time has a fruit of these growing beneath it been damaged by this mis- chievous little pest or by the wasp either — con- clusive evidence. I think, that the latter does not attack the Pear unless its skin is first broken by a tit or by some other means. An important point that should lie considered in making enclosures of this kind is to ensure adequate strength to resist the weight of snow. So far the one here has not been tested in this respect, for it has so happened that since its erection strong winds have accompanied each heavy fall and pre- vented lodgment. It will be gathered from the description that in making a structure of this kind the outlay is some- what heavy, but it is both durable and efficient, and I am not sure hut that in the end, even from a pecuniary point of view, it is more economical than ordinary netting, which, in consequence of its perishable nature, lias to be often renewed, while there is no comparison with regard to efficiency. In private gardens at any rate, where a lengthened daily supply of choice fruits has to be forthcoming, its utility cannot well be over-estimated. To amateur gardeners, many of whom arc enthusiastic and thorough in what they undertake, a protector of this kind would afford much pleasure anil satis faction. < rrowera for market would not. of course, entertain a thought about going to the expense it incurs, lint they have in their own hands the pi i\\ er to lessen the number cf birds, and. moreover, they usually gather their fruit as soon as it is ripe. If one of our enterprising horticultural builders would devise an efficient, durable, and moderately cheap enclosure on the above lines, he would probably find many customers. Tllos. OOOMBER. EXHIBITION OF AGRICUL- TURAL PACKING AT ROME. Tin: exhibition of packing which has been inaugu- rated during the current week by the Agricultural Society of Rome is an undertaking of a novel and instinctive kind, and should present points oi special interest to English horticulturists. It is significant that the opening ceremony was attended by a large number of highly influential members of the government and of the railway and navigation companies, all of whom have given their serious ami heart] co-operation in furtherance of the aims of the society, who gratefully acknowledged that without such generous and substantial aid the reforms and amendments already in progress could not have been carried out or even attempted. The speeches made on the occasion by the presi- dent of the society, the Marchese Cappelli, by the Minister of Agriculture and others all emphasised the great national importance of the art which is practically illustrated by the exhibition. The show is the outcome of an industrial institu- tion of agricultural packing initiated by the society for the promotion and encouragement of inventions and improvements in the art. and its aims are two- fold. First, by means of the most simple, suitable, and inexpensive packings to bring the producer into direct touch with the consumer ; secondly, to provide packing cases of the best form and material to ensure the safe carriage to a distance of perish- able goods, either for export or for home consump- tion, whether liquid or solid, or in large or small quantities. A single example will suffice to illustrate the first of these aims. The contadini of certain districts in Calabria have been employed on a very large scale to make tasteful, cross-handled covered baskets of two sj/.es for the sale of fresh fruit. These can be bought wholesale at a very cheap rate, and most conveniently used in railway stations, on street stalls, or in fruit gardens and vineyards by tlie growers themselves to enhance the attrac- tion of their wares. Everyone knows the conve- nience of buying fruit that can be easily carried away and the double temptation offered by a handy basket for future use. Postal boxes of all descriptions amongst others a "grease-proof" case for the conveyance of butter, cream cheese, or such like commodities— come under the same category, and enable the producer to despatch his goods with ease and confidence to his client. Through failure rallies success. It was in con- sequence of the deplorable waste of the manifold natural products of Italy, owing in no small measure to imperfect packing, that the imperative necessity of reform was pressed home upon the minds of those who had the national welfare at heart. By slow degrees, old ways, so hard to dis- lodge, are giving place to better planned and more practical methods, and though much still remains to be done. Italy to-day takes the initiative in calling the attention of European nations to the enormous economic importance of what the presi- dent aptly termed the " modest art of packing." Wood, straw, rush, metal, cork, glass, and card- board have all been laid under contribution, and the result is a collection of the most admirably designed packing-cases for the conveyance of every description of alimentary and country produce. A large portion of the space is occupied by the damigiam of different styles, now largely used to supersede the small and ill-made wine-barrels, so easily tapped during transit from vineyard to wine-shop, and by various devices for the more cleanly and air-proof carriage of olive oil. Another section, important and interesting to those eon cerned, relates to the transmission of silkworms and silk in a raw state. These are articles of commerce with which we as a nation have nothing to dc . and to English horticulturists the boxes, baskets, and crates designed for the car- riage of plants and flowers, choice vegetables and fruits would present the main features of interest. These are for the most part simple, cheap, and well adapted to their purpose. A handy basket for the carriage of a large plant, with Haps to close dow n over the soil, at the humble cost of lid. ; eases tilled with light trays for Strawberries, most difficult fruit to pack without crushing, and convenient Grape boxes with ventilating holes were noteworthj among other exhibits. We have no wish to do away with the middle- men, who are as a class honourable and indis- pensable members of the community, hut there is an increasing number of small growers w ho wish to turn to the best account the produce of their garden or orchard. To such the middleman, who deals only with large quantities, is of no use: but they can do much to help themselves if simple and cheap means of packing are placed within their reach. It is only those who have tried and failed who know the comfort of finding exactly the right thing at hand when it is wanted. The postal amendments of recent years have opened a wide door to the small grower. Let us hope that both the government and the railway companies, following the good example of Italy, may gener- ously devise more and more help for the larger requirements of the agriculture and the horticulture of the country, for it is undoubtedly the case that a failing interest in the land does not make in the long run for the best welfare and prosperity of any nation. K-. L. D. €fey- GARDEN. 3y^Hzz^ ^*5>— ^?C No. H8-L— Vol. LVIL] [April 2s, 1900. THE ROYAL HORTICUL- TURAL SOCIETY AND ITS POLICY. IT is evidence of strong life when the move- ments of a society determined to repre- sent true horticulture in the British Isles stir up controversy and occasion much anxious thought concerning the future at a time a decided advance forward is in contem- plation. During the past few weeks much has been written in The Garden and other journals as to the wisdom of departing from Chiswick to seek fresh fields for the pur- pose of carrying out those necessary trials of Mowers, fruits, and vegetables which have formed no small part of the society's work during past years. It is unreasonable tosuppose that it is either satisfactory or even fair to the trade and gardeners generally to submit their productions for trial in a smoky suburb. Let there be no sentiment about the matter. Chiswick is not the pretty village it was fifteen years ago, and each year, even each month, some sweet spot disappears, until in the near future not a vestige of its once quiet beauty will exist. The market gardens in the neighbourhood have been pointed to as proving profitable in spite of the far-reaching hand of the speculative builder : but these gardens are disappearing too, until only the Appl ■ Pear tree in the back gardens of the new estates will mark the place of former fruitful orchards. Probably many of our readers have never visited the < Ihiswick garden associated with so many noble botanists, travellers, and gardeners, but it is fast becoming a mere oasi> in a sea of bricks and mortar. Tall factories rise up in one cornel, ami it is an open secret that the estate adjoining, once the arboretum of the society, will go the way of many interesting domains in this historic parish. This will mean that the garden will be practically hemmed in by houses and factories. Under these conditions of course it is need- less to remark that serious gardening is impos- sible, and these trials of new productions must be carefully undertaken if they are to prove of any value We think the council have dis- played a commendable policy in thus earnestly endeavouring to advance the interest of true horticulture in removing their practical work from a London suburb. We know how bitterly the authorities at Kew complain of the develop- ment of building near the Royal Gardens and the way it hampers their good work ; but Chiswick is a mere patch in comparison to those noble gardens — and a patch with no river or surrounding open land to mitigate somewhat the effects of a fast growing district, although it will lie wise to retain, if possible, the present garden for conferences and meetings until the hall of horticulture becomes an accom- plished fact. Trial grounds elsewhere are, how- ever, an immediate necessity. The council, too, are to be commended for their interesting suggestions for establishing a school of horticulture in these isles, not placing the whole burden of responsibility upon the society, but entering into negotiations with County Councils, Board of Agriculture, and similar organisations. It will be a great day for horticulture when a school conducted upon sound principles is established. There is need for it ; and, as we have remarked pre- viously, we look forward to the time when the foundation will be laid, knowing that horti- culture, becoming a greater power in tin' land every year, will by this means receive definite recognition. There are schools of a kind already, muddled-up enterprises of no practical value, fancy gardening scl Is which have failed to impress one with their importance or usefulness. All this only means that there is some reason for promoting this school by co-operation with other bodies of recognised authority as a means of educating young men in the principles of sound horticulture. The Meetino. As we anticipated, the meeting held on Wednesday last in an upper room of the Drill Hall was fully attended by horticul- turists and those who have the welfare of the society at heart, namely, Sir Michael Foster, M.P., Sir \V. Thiselton-Dyer, Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew, Mr. H. J. Elwes, Dr. Masters, and many others. The chair was taken by the president, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., supported by Sir John Llewelyn, Bart., J. T. Bennett- Poe, and others, but as The Garden now goes to press on Wednesday afternoon, we cannot do more than give a general outline of the proceedings. The meeting resulted in no really definite decision. It commenced in mild disorder and finished in harmony. Statements were made by one or two speakers deriding the council and declaring its intentions dishonourable, but, as we have previously remarked, we may surely trust the leaders of the society to act, as in the past few years, in the interests of the great organisation under their direction. They unreservedly placed their opinions in the hands of this meeting, and to attribute to them sinister motives is un-Englishlike and inimical to the welfare of the society to which they have given their loyal and un- biassed support. The first detail was that of the bye-laws, which, after considerable discussion, it was proposed to consider on a future occasion — a wise proceeding — and it was proposed that a copy should be sent to each member, so that everyone should come equipped with the why and wherefore of the new regulations. The question of bye-laws having been disposed of, the president then dealt with the proposed scheme for celebrating the centenary of the society, remarking in the course of his speech that Chiswick was becoming more and more "built up," to the destruction of all good gardening, and referred also to the hall of horticulture as one way of recording the coming historical event. Various speakers commenced then a discus- sion which led to no practical results. Mr. Elwes urged that the recommendations of the council had been vaguely brought forward, and to his knowledge one member had resigned because he was against the proposed site at Limpstield. It was essential not to regard the society as a London organisation, but as a national one, a point upon which we think every horticulturist is agreed. Mr. Elwes, however, mixed up the two .schemes, one for transferring the work of the society elsewhere, and for commencing this school of horticulture. Sir Michael Foster regarded a hall of horti- culture as a fitting way of celebrating the centenary of the society, considering that the sum of £40,00o might be reduced, but Sir Trevor Lawrence pointed out that Baron Schneder had gone into the scheme carefully some years ago, when this sum was considered essential to establish a central hall worthy of horticulture in this country. At this juncture, we are afraid, the serious business of the afternoon ceased. There was much desultory discussion with- out formulating any policy, and the meeting closed by Sir W. Thiselton-Dyer proposing a vote of thanks to the president for the con- ciliatory spirit in which he had conducted the business of the afternoon, in which everyone present heartily concurred. The result of the afternoon's debate was the following motion, proposed ami seconded : — " That this meeting confirms the recommendation of the council made ami adopted unanimously 302 THE GARDEN [Apkil a8, 1900. by the annual meeting of the society, that its centenary be celebrated by removing the gardens from Chiswick subject to the council being able to find a new site which commends itself to the majority of the Fellows." Of the wisdom of removing from Chiswick we have no two opinions. It is essential ; but the whole matter remains in the hands of the Fellows. Nothing has been accomplished, and the future will, we feel assured, if a spirit of good feeling is shown on both sides, bring forth good results for the promotion, as Sir Trevor Lawrence said, of pure horticulture in this land. THE AURICULA SHOW. The show of the National Auricula Society is always one of the most enjoyable of the floral year. Though our sympathies may be mainly with the out-door flower garden, we cannot but see how admirably the Auricula, as a florist's flower, meets the need of expression of their love of flower beauty of the large number of dwellers in town and suburb who may have a little frame or two, but who can- not have a garden, and so the tenderly cared- for plants answer to this need of a thing that can be kept in a small space, and grown into what may be held in the hand and brought close to the eye and enjoyed like a lovely jewel. Thus comes about that close comparison gi\ing rise to the florist's standards of excel- lence that some of us have, perhaps unjustly, thought unworthy of sympathy. In this flower, as in some others, such as Tulips ami Pansies, we have to undoubtedly recognise thai there may be two standards, the show ami the garden, and we have to pointout that tlm two kinds of practice are the same, ami yet different : they are the same in this, in both the motive is the enjoyment of one of the purest forms of human happiness in the beautj of flowers, ami thej are different in that in one case the plant or flower is to be enjoyed as a thing in the hand, and in the other in the manj ways indicated by tin- needs of the garden. We think that much of the want of sympathy, when it has occurred between the avowed florist ami the free gardener, has arisen from not clearly keeping this fact in view, that there are, and in many cases must be. the two standards. They aiv not necessarily always distinct, but they very often are. Thus the florist's gold-laced Polyanthus, so neat ami pretty in the hand, has no effect in a flower border, while the larger toe shaped coloured Primrose ami Polyanthus, used by the thousand will form splendid garden pictures. The good florist's Tulip is but little better in the open border than a humbler brother of equal size, but less good marking. ( >n the other hand, a bed of garden Pansies is , bettei thing in a garden than a bed of the stiti'er show Tansies, and with the show and garden Dahlias this comparison is still more marked. We think it desirable that the evident existence ..I the two standards of excellence Ii-.iM be more noticed by private gardeners, lor we cannot but think that they are sonie- i is misled by the show judgments in that thej accept these judgments as final for all cases, not differentiating between the needs of the -how table and the needs of the garden. No one has done more for the show Auricula than the Rev. I', h. Horner. We are happy to be able to give his porf rait imi page 307, and to publish in his own words an account of his work among the (lowers. A MENACE TO THE BEAUTY OF THE ROYAL GARDENS, KEW. We learn with a regret that borders on dismay that the Government Department that has authority over Kew contemplates the erection of the new physical laboratory in a position that will entirely destroy the beauty of one of its most lovely pieces of woodland scenery. Why this spot should have been fixed upon it is impossible to say, for many another near site on Government land might be chosen that would serve the purpose well. Nothing gives more dignity to a garden than the nearness of a piece of quiet wooded land of wild forest- like character, and here is such a tract at Kew a tract of remarkable woodland beauty, one of the very few (and therefore all the more precious) that are to be found so near London. We earnestly trust that the matter may he reconsidered before it is too late. The Royal Gardens, the gracious gift of the Queen to her people, are loved and prized as such a place deserves to be. Year by year they increase in beauty as well as in scientific efficiency, and there are many among the number who know how to value the gift Who keenly feel that every portion of the beauty of the garden should be. jealously preserved and guarded. The beauty of Kew is a matter of national importance. It is one of the richest treasures, as well as a source of refining education of the highest value. Since it became a garden of beauty as well as a scientific centre it has been the mean-- of widely teaching the receiving of happiness through the beautj of Howers, and hand in hand, as it were, with other sources ot instruction that have this aim alone, it has powerfully fostered that love of Sowers that .seems to be bom in the hearts of English people. Si i out of doors at Kew we see plants carefully and distinctly labelled for the Student, and we see tha same and other plants pictoriallj treated, in rock gardens, in shrubberj clumps, many of these carpeted with spring flowering bulbs. We see rougher, grassy places gemmed and crowded with Howers, anil beyond we see the grand growth of forest trees, ami. for getting tlm nearness of the vast City, we feel the soothing power of the ipiiet w Hand. throughout is perceived the influence of a wise and thoughtful direction that, titter years of labour, has made the Royal Gardens a place that teaches all the best lessons that can be learnt in a garden. Let us hope that it may so remain, and only grow in beauty, unmarred by injudiciously placed erections, or anything that may hinder its good work of teaching one of the best ways of having and holding human happiness. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Anemone Robinsoniana in Ire- land.— I was at Blarney last week, and found Anemone Robinsoniana fairly plentiful by a river- side— possibly a garden escape, but it looked wild. — Greenwood Phi. Royal Horticultural Society's last Show. —We have never seen the Drill Hall more crowded with exhibits and visitors than on Tuesday last. This was partly due to the exhibition of the National Auricula Society held at the same time, but it is evident that the need of some good central hall becomes more necessary every year. We believe that a large number of exhibits were refused simply through the want of space. One almost trampled upon flowers on Tuesday, and of course it is needless to say the effect of many artistic groups was entirely lost. Narcissus Stella Improved. As this new Narcissus has not yet opened in my garden, I was glad to make its acquaintance in the stand of Messrs. Ban- and Sons at the spring show of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society in Edin- burgh. After seeing it, one does not regret its purchase, and I look forward to its blooming in the open here shortly. It is of great size and substance, and appears to be a good grower and bloomer. Other promising Daffodils, also of the incoin- parabilis section, seemed to be coming in the shape of Leedsi Bridesmaid. Sans Peur, Minx, and a selection not j-et named, but which has a highly coloured cup. S. Arnott, X.S. HIGHLY-GLAZED PRINTING PAPER. Since the beginning of our new issue many com plaints have reached us about the discomfort to sight and touch occasioned by the high glaze of the paper. Hitherto the strong glaze has been a mechanical necessity for the satisfactory printing of the illust rations, anil the endeavour to print well on the lower glaze has not met with success. but in deference to the wish generally expressed, such attempts have not been relaxed, and we have pleasure in announcing that, beginning with our next issue, a paper with much less glaze will be used, while every effort will be made to keep the printing of the illustrations up to then present level.- Eds. Spring flowers in the London parks, The London parks arc gay with Hyacinths and many other bulbs which were sup- plied by Messrs. Carter and Co., of High Holborn. Spring1 flowers at Kew.— The Royal Gardens, Kew, are in their spring dress, and at this time they are as well worth a visit as at any season of the year. Daffodils, of course, arc a feature, and arc planted in beds, one kind in each tied, and in the grass, thousands of flowers perfuming the wind, and making brilliant dashes ot colour here, there, and everywhere. The rock garden is full of interesting alpines in bloom and many flowering trees and shrubs in full beauty. Kew increases in interest and charm every year, and. in spite of a cold spring, at this time the whole place seems full of flowers, both in pleasure ground, arboretum, and in the plant houses. The tunc of the species of Tulip is approaching, and at Kew the noble flowers are planted largely. Reid's "Scots' Gard'ner" (1683), first edition. Two copies of this have been for sale during the current book season in Edinburgh. Both realised high prices ; 2J guineas the highest. This edition is seldom offered, and while the earliest work on gardening published in Scotland, it is at the same time one of the quaintest of books. It was brought into a shape more conformable to modern ideas in an edition that appeared in IT'21, when the book was also enlarged in some of its parts, and "The Florist's Vade Mecum" at the same time was included. The improvements were by "An Km incut H and," who, judgingfrom internal evidence, was not only eminent, but also an Englishman. A rude engraving of a (lilliflower, which appears in different copies not always in a like position, was also added. A reprint followed in 17lant culture that most struck my friend was the seeming disregard for time and season shown in the taking up, removing, and replanting of even large growing shrubs and herbaceous plants. When a man leaves his house, he digs up and removes all his plants and flowers as naturally as he takes away his other belongings. " You meet," said my friend, " in the streets and on the road processions of newly-dug trees and shrubs often in full bloom, either going to the market or to a new residence and garden." Not only are the popular flowers in Japan interwoven with all sorts of poetry and senti- ment, or with historical associations, but even their methods of arranging cut flowers are dependent on conventional and traditional rules. A glance at Mr. J. Conder's beautiful illustrated work, or a peep at the end of Mrs. Earle's " Pot-pourri from a Surrey Garden," will show at a glance this simple system of decorative floral arrangement. There are many different kinds of arrangement, of course ; indeed, there are two or three separate schools devoted to the art in Japan, but " the art itself is Nature." A floral composition of let us say Cherry or Winter Sweet (Chimonanthus) must consist of three sprays. The longest spray in the middle is curved like a bow, a second only half its length branches out on one side, and another only a quarter of its length puts forth on the other. In a word, form means a great deal to the floral decorator in Japan, as much or more even than bright colour ; each branch must show its form and natural growth ; form rather than brightness and harmony of colour is the guiding principle. The above thoughts have in the main been suggested by my reading " Things Japanese," by Basil Hall Chamberlain (Murray), a most interesting and instructive little work on the various subjects and people connected with the country, including some account of Kaempfer and Siebold, the two men who first brought Japan and things Japanese to the notice of Europe. In 1883, being then in Leyden, Mr. Peter Barr and myself made a special pilgrimage to what was then left of Siebold's old nursery there, and we were delighted with the old- world place and its contents ; after which we saw in the museum the exquisite old " Things Japanese," with which the ancient university town of Holland had long ago been enriched by those two distinguished travellers, Ksempfer and Siebold. Japanese landscape-gardening has been practised as one of the fine arts since the middle of the fifteenth century ; and different professors belonging to different schools work on different scales, one priding himself on A JAPANESE^GARDEN. 306 THE GARDEN. [April 28, 1900. rocks and trees and lakes spread over a large area, while another inakis a garden in a bronze dish only a foot square, trees, stones, water, stone lanterns and all— a veritable doll's garden. On page 183 of "Things Japanese," Mr. Chamberlain tells as, "The roof ridge of a peasant's dwelling sometimes presents the aspect of a flower garden, for when it is Hat it is apt to be over-grown with Irises or red Lilies. People disagree about the reason. Some say that the flowers are planted in order to avert pestilence, while others no less positively affirm the growth to be accidental. Others again assert that the object is to strengthen the thatch. We incline to this latter view. Bulbs do not fly through the air, neither is it likely that bulbs would be contained in the sods put on the top of all the houses in a village. We have noticed, furthermore, that in the absence of such sods, brackets of strong shingling are employed, so that it is safe to assume that the two methods are intended to serve the same purpose." Again, we are told that " Japanese gardeners are also very skilful in transplanting large trees. A judicious treatment of the accessory roots during a couple of years enables massive aged tree-; to be removed from place to place, so that a Japanese imiiivnii rir/n ran raise up everything — even an ancestral park— on what- ever spot he fancies." Other triumphs of skill are achieved by their ancient system of dwarfing. "Thus you may see a Fine tree, or a Maple, sixty years old and perfect in every part, but not more than a foot high." Thanks to the Japanese Society in London and to other importers, these dwarf trees and tiny landscape gardens are now well known. Those interested may consult "Landscape Gardening in Japan," by Josiah Conder, with its beautiful illustrations. Those who wish to get some knowledge of Japanese art as concerning flowers ami gardens should also read the chapter on "Flowers and Gardens," pages 157 and 180, of Mr. Chamberlain's book: "The Flowers of Japan ami tin- Art of Floral Arrangement," hy Josiah Oonder; and a pie liminary article by same in vol. xvii., part I I, of "Asiatic Transactions." "The Gardens of Japan," by F. T. Piggott, is another charming book on the same subject, as also is Mr. Alfred Parsons' "Notes in Japan," originally pub- lished in /Jiir/irr'x Magazine. F. W. BUEBIDGE. I CORRESPONDENCE. NOTES FROM BADEN- BADEN. [To the Editor or "The Garden."] SIR, — Iris reticulata typica is well figured in Botanical Magazine, t. .V>77. The form majus, if I remember rightly, was raised by Captain C <1. Nelson, of Godalming, ami is certainly distinct enough to deserve the name of majus from its size and superior floral arrangement. The blades are larger and stretched straight out ill a horizontal position, thus showing a greater surface of colour. As to cultivation, I believe it is more a matter of unsuit- able climate than of soil. For man} years I have grown my bulbs in heavy Loam, and in their homes in Asia they grow often in clayey loam, which in summer becomes hot, dry, and hard as a brick. To Anemone blandfl the little A. intermedia will make a nice companion : it has somewhat small sulphur-yellow flowers, and is out at the same time as the former. By selective sowings I have raised a good variety of A, blanda showing flowers over 2| inches across. In consequence of the nasty weather we had, A. blanda scythinica is cautious of showing its beauty. Coming from higher elevations than the type, it is of course later, even to three or four weeks, but its late appearance is compensated for by the lustrous white and the peculiar bright glaucous ultramarine of its perfectly shaped flowers. Baden-Baden. Max Leichtlin. DEEP CULTIVATION. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] I am glad to rind at last that I have made myself more clearly understood by Mr. James R. Hall, and regret my teaching in the first instance was not more explicit. If Mr. Hall prefers to work in a mixture of suitable ingredients into his subsoil before bringing it to the surface, little harm, but I fear not much good, will have been accomplished. My ambition is always to have a really good depth of fertile soil. I maintain the surface is only of a secondary importance, and as long as the bad sub- soil, as I have before stated, is not influenced by the weather this cannot be accomplished. Let me point out that to attempt to make the subsoil anything like a suitable surface soil before bringing it to the top will surely entail more labour and time than bringing a surface soil, if trenched at the right time of the year, into a condition fit to receive the finest seed. I am entirely in accord with Mr. Hall as to the value of burnt garden refuse, but it is quite another thing to burnt clay. I have never found anything, not even weeds, to have a particular liking for this material however mildly it may have been burnt when coal has been used. I do'notforonc moment wish to claim that the practice of boring holes is a new one ; on the contrary, I know it to be very old. I merely mentioned the fact in my last note by way of reply to Mr. Hall as to how we obtained our exhibition specimens. My advice would be to anyone failing with Brussels Sprouts ami Cauli- flowers from the cause mentioned by your corre- spondent to trench 3 feet deep and till up the holes when planted with finely-sifted cinder ashes. F. Beckett. A/di ii/iiim ffowsi Gardens, Elstree, Hertx. [We must now close this correspondence. — Ens.] VICTORIA REGIA YAK. TRICKERI. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, It may interest your correspondent "II" and some other readers of The GARDEN to know that I have heard from Mr. 'Pricker himself that the variety of Victoria Regia which bears his name lias proved absolutely and perfectly hardy in America, as some self-sown seeds which had dropped into the mud at the bottom of a pond at Riverton, near Philadelphia, at the end of the summer of 1898 and remained there without any kind of pro tection throughout the winter, came up of their own accord in the month of June and hi id well during last summer. As fresh seeds of Victoria Trickcri can now be obtained, it is to be hoped that some English horticulturists who are interested in these beautiful plants will try this hardy variety in the open air, whether in heated or unheated tanks or ponds, and communicate the result of their experiment to the columns of The Garden. YV. F. Gumbleton. | We understand that these seeds may be obtained of Mr. Henry Dreer, 714, Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, U.S.A.— Ens.] NUTTALLIA CERASIFORMIS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — In calling attention to this shrub, " B." omits one of its chief recommendations ; I mean its fragrance. I have one in my garden 9 feet or 10 feet in height and about 0 feet or 7 feet in diameter which diffuses its pleasant almond scent over that part of the garden, a scent as powerful as, though very different from, that of Azara microphylla now (April 10) full of bloom, which covers the under surface of every leaf and emits its powerful vanilla perfume. Speaking of this rather unexpected scent reminds me that I have occasionally found precisely the same vanilla scent strongly developed in the bloom of the common Lent Lily (Narcissus pseudo- Narcissus), a most unlikely plant ; but other instances occur to me. One perhaps familiar to gardeners, though new to me, is that the matted roots of one of the Acacias (I forget which) on being taken out of the pot were more offensive than the strongest garlic. But perhaps the most curious anomaly in this line is the strong ivy smell in the crushed leaf of an Ivy-leaved Geranium, suggesting the idea that the scent followed the form of the leaf. T. H. Archer-Hind. Coombefifiihacre. [We have often noticed the curious and very close resemblance between the pleasant smell of the Ivy leaf and that of the Ivy-leaved Geranium, and have frequently pointed it out to gardeners and amateurs. The root of the common Laurustinus has a very strong and offensive smell, which is represented in a less degree by the roots of others of the same family. — Eds.] NARCISSUS PALLIDUS PRECOX. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — A good deal of correspondence having taken place regarding this charming little Daffodil, may I (as a reader of The Garden and as an admirer of Daffodils) be allowed space in your columns to write in a modest way of my own short experience of this early spring flower ? In the latter end of December, 1897, or in January, 1898, I planted one hundred bulbs of N. pallidas pnecox. The place I selected for their home was between Filbert trees, making nine clumps in all. There are two rows of Filbert trees, and behind these a small orchard, and in the front row, with an open aspect facing south-east, I planted the bulbs in clumps already indicated. The soil is lighter and freer here than in the orchard. In the -priii.; (1S9S) I had only a few blooms of this Daffodil — I cannot give the number, as I did not keep any definite record of them — and last year (spring, 1899) I had only one or two flowers here and there ; but I expected this scarcity of bloom to occur the second spring. This spring (1900), however, it is gratifying to record a very much better display, and I have to-day (April 10) counted seventy-four blooms from these hundred bulbs. Is this number considered satisfactory? The Tenby Daffodil (N. obvallaris) was planted at the same time as N. pallidas praecox in the row of Filbert trees behind the one which contains the latter and is doing well. I also planted another hundred N. pallidas praecox in or after November, 1898, and this time the situation was inside the orchard, only a few yards from the other hundred bulbs, planting them ill together in one mass under an Apple tree, where the soil was more moist and stiffer than in the first situation mentioned above, and being a slight open space to the north-east, with fruit trees behind. In the spring of 1899 I had a fine display of flowers from these bulbs — I should think all, or nearly all, of the bulbs having flowered ; and this spiring (1900) 1 have thirty-four blooms in fine condition from this same clump. I take it the second spring you do not get the same amount of bloom as the first spring; the bulbs are making flowers for another season ; and with regard to this latter remark I speak with no authority. In both cases in the planting of N. pallidas priecox the spade was used to lift the turf, and then the soil dug and the bulbs put in by the hand, and not with a dibber, the turf being cut with an edging iron before replacing the same in order to assist the growths through the turf. The Daffodil in question is truly a lovely little flower, and answers justly the description assigned to it in the catalogue, "variable in size and shape." Ed\ a Grove, Carlisle. R. Carrdthers. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — Mr. Arnott asks for further notes on Narcissus pallidas pnecox. A writer in The Garden, April 7 (p. 203), seems to think it is more suited for a cold climate than for a warm one. I should think the April 28, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 305 contrary. In this cold, bleak climate (Co. Cavan) it appears to have died out of all the gardens in my neighbourhood, although in some it was planted in considerable quantities. I myself planted a large clump. This gradually died off, though planted in a bed where other Daffodils do well. At last only one bulb remained. This I took up and put on a rockery facing due south under a large shelving stone, where it was safe from deluges of rain. There it flourished amazingly. This year there are ten blooms on it. It has been in its present quarters about four years. I give it occasionally a little bone-dust and leaf-mould. It is a curious thing that Princeps and Minnie Hume hardly ever give me a blossom, though in luxuriant health and well attended to. Is this a usual experience in cold heavy soils? D. K. Co. Cavan. BUTTER BEANS. [To the Editor of "The Garden."] Sir, — The cause of our failure is certainly not either want of suitable land or want of knowledge as to the treatment. It may be, as we have only tried the Beans sold for cooking, that these have been overdried or treated in some way which causes the plants to be weakly, and if this is the case, the remedy is simple. Thos. Fletcher. Grapp* nkaU, < '}t< shire. VERBENA MISS ELLEN WILLMOTT. [To the Editor of " The Garden."] Sir, — Your notes on the revival of Verbenas should stimulate those who have the accommodation to give attention to this beautiful class of bedding plants, which, by the way, are also suitable for pot culture. My earliest remembrance of them was at the time when prizes were ottered at summer flower shows for pot plants, and very fine examples I have seen. We have observed very few new varieties for some years past, the above-named being an exception. This was sent out by Messrs. Veiteh & Suns, of Chelsea, a year or two ago. It is cer- tainly a most valuable variety for bedding, the large trusses of rosy-pink flowers being produced in great profusion. It is just one of those things which attracts one from a distance, and requires only to be seen to be appreciated. It is quite true that the old varieties still exist. Purple King (which I have known from boyhood) is grown extensively by most nurserymen who supply bei Iding plants, the pure white, Snowflake, being also grown. Seedlings are also cultivated to a great extent, and good results may be obtained if the seed is procured from a reliable source. It is now rather late for sowing seed, but if done at once, seedlings will flower in the autumn in time to select the best to propagate from cuttings. A. Hemsley. WORKERS AMONG THE FLOWERS. Reminiscences of an Old Florist and Horticulturist. IN response to a gracious request for an outline of my life as a "worker among the flowers," 1 gladly give it as sketchily as I can. Perhaps significantly, I was born on a flower-show day (Carnations and Picotees) of the then Hull and East Riding Floricultural Society, and to revert to my earliest recollec- tions of a love for plants will carry me back — through five and fifty years — to those first "rough leaves" of childhood that rise from the mere "cotyledons" — the longclothes — of our infancy. Truly, I feel diffident at having to begin at ;i day of such small things; and yet to be autobiographical I must, in trust that some among our readers may bear to tarry for a short while with a little child. 1 have always loved a seed-leaf, and vividly remember the bitter disappointment that, as a seed, a Walnut gave me. What a great and funny pair of seed leaves there would be, when those curious halves — as revealed under the powers of the nut-cracker — turned into leav es ! Alas ! I knew not then that the cotyledons are sessile in the Walnut, and that 1 should see only a few common Walnut leaves come up instead. It feels like a " happy release," now, that I did not try the Cocoa-nut, and so was spared the misery of finding that this mighty seed does not turn into a pair of elephantine seed-leaves. I was fond of the springing seed ; for, in a way, we were as children together, and out of childish curiosity I must have played but roughly, and have been " a great tease." A niong the earliest pets was a seedling common Vetch, or field Tare, which I trained in the nursery window, and a field Pea (the old " Partridge breast") and a common Horsebean, really a striking window plant if grown in a pot out of doors and brought in when flowering. Perhaps the best of early attempts was a showy THE REV. F. D. HORNER, M.A., V.M.H., F.R.H.S. specimen of Scarlet Runner Bean, I think my first under the dignity of "glass." Being only an annual by compulsion, and perennial if not frozen underground, this plant on an inside border came up early, sending up shoots from subterranean eyes, after the manner of the Hop. It did not pod, but flowered overhead along the roof of a great, but lightsome an d airy, yet inconvenient, conservatory, hardly t be kept above freezing point in any good0 " skating " frost. Very memorable to me still, are the words of an old curator of the then Botanic Gardens of the town when I timidly asked him for a " plant by the whole root." "Bairn," said he, "you are the first one that ever has asked me for a plant ; all the other children come for flowers." At that time my childish income mainly went in pennyworths of seeds and seed-shop bulbs, or was amassed for an ambitious Hyacinth or two. Occasion- ally I dropped a penny on the way, for I have never been able to turn aside from a Blind Man's Dog. (However, let such things pass — to the credit, if it may be, of that Account which we do not keep ourselves.) Next, as if in forecast of a still wider love for the grain grasses, I " vulgarised " the garden with groups of Barley, Wheat, and Oats, and made attempts at Indian Corn. In years long after I had some very interesting results from crosses between the white Barleys and the black, which is of very good effect among the gold in Harvest Decorations, but sadly little known. Ripe ears of cross-bred Barley seedlings showed different densities of blue and slaty greys. Between black and white Oats, I obtained grain of divers brown- paper colours, together with some modification of the ears, where one parent had been an open-headed Oat and the other one-sided, as in the Tartarian type. Triticum and Secale (Wheat and Rye) I did not succeed in crossing — one cannot always put trust in appearances. Farmers in my country parish despised all these Corn mongrels, and said the grain "wasn't of a marketable colour ! " To secure pollen on the ephemeral anthers of "the flower of grass" and purity of the stigmas on ears of the seed- parent, I extracted the anthers of these while immature, and protected the heads under bell- glasses supported on little platforms at the height required. It was almost pathetic to see how the shy waiting pistils grew anxiously and hungrily beyond their shelter in the green :-hafl', until they met with pollen grains col- lected on a camel-hair brush. Of course, through some boyish years, and those of riper youth, I was necessarily much away from home ; and can hardly honestly say that I grew plants then, though I possessed them still, in the faithful keeping of my dear father, Dr. Horner, of Hull. To his nurture, care, and knowledge, I owe more than ever I can express, not only in this one way, but in all other advantages of my life. More or less together we iong grew the old round of florist flowers — the Auricula and Polyanthus (the true and now all but lost type of the real gold laced), the Tulip, Pink, Ranunculus, Carnation, and Picotee. 1 will say that in those days, selfs in the Carnation were banished, as being but base and unprofitable sports, and the single Dahlia was transported for life to the waste-heap, as something outside the pale of civilised cultiva- tion. Call this school "narrow" if you will, but we looked at the intrinsic points of beauty in each separate flower. We followed the lead of Nature,amid vast powers of variability, towards types to be only specialistically evolved. We did not aim at effectives in the mass — at beds, clumps, groups set out for decoration broadly, and perhaps best seen from enhancing distances, since one flower might be just the same as ten thousand more of it close by. Our florist flowers are rather the parallel of the thoroughbred in dogs and horses, cats and feathered fowl. It does not follow that there should be extinction of the barndoor bird, or of the cattle that have no particular pedigree ; but a breeder of blood stock must keep his strains pure. However, "to return," as the boy said when the farmer caught him in the Apple orchard, and asked him where he was going to — to return, the Cape Pelargonium and the Camellia were glories of the past decades, and we had good collections of the Pelargoniums of Beck, of Isleworth, and others, and the beautiful Camellias of famous raisers on the Continent. The Camellias were our special favourites for years, but I can only see mementoes of such flowers now, pictured in the volumes I have of Verschatt'elt's exquisite " Iconographie des Camellias," 1848 and few following years. There were then no Fuchsias of the present pronouncedly reflexed type. 308 THE GARDEN. [April 28, 1900. Indeed, when they began to come, my father held all such to be of an indiscreet and unbecoming dress, subversive of the native grace of the flower. He was laughed at for his prophecy that we should one day see the converse of the white Fuchsia with red corolla, and have sorts with red sepals round a white corolla. But he was right. As time went on with us, there dawned an era of tropical succulents, until we had a certainly rich collection of Cactacese, mostly of the Echinocactus and Mammillaria group. For these we were largely indebted to the labours of the late Mr. Pffersdorf, an eminent specialist. Of almost a fossil status I have some of these plants still, among them the always white-haired, but never bald, Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis). In an intermediate sort of house we had a few Orchids, and there was a solitary plant of Phalrenopsis amabilis in the stove of a suburban friend. I remember none others within many miles. Orchids in those far days seemed esteemed as plants of the gods, even as ambrosia was celestial food. When I had entered upon my first curacy, the dear old home and garden were 100 miles away, and I could only about twice a year revisit it then. It was there, in town street rooms and a back-yard gar- den, that I sank to the lowest ebb, and passed through the narrowest straits 1 have ever come to in horti- culture. Some may wonder at a man attempt- ing a garden in a dismal yard where the soil was a hideous conglomerate of builder's rubble, faced with the skim piest veneer of earth ; and where the very sunshine, with const itution ruined through the smoky air, lay pale and sickly ahiiig my narrow border.as mi a deathbed. .Still, so m i- In nly will under- stand the biting pangs, the gnaw- ing hunger of an unrequited love, those who let apartments object to a "messing about with plants." In common with the cab- man, there is a racial aversion to admit any- thing that is suggestive of " wetting things " or otherwise "dirtying" something. " Cut flowers for decorative purposes," which ■ ^ « ln-i i by I felt must grow something. I could not hope tor much ; I could only try tin- easier and humbler annuals; and these had to struggle through various impediments put down to counteract tin- malignant town Tom Cat and all his works. And yet there have been glories even in a back-yard ! The greatest I ever knew of was where there se was a butcher's place of slaughter. A later tenant had hacked up the paving-stones, dug the soil over, and worked it up for :i Eyacinth lied. In this blood-stained earth he grew spikes of marvellous strength and colour. Possibly a little window gardening with Dutch bulbs was open to me, but not to my knowledge. My fate has been to find that sick bedside. They have. In all the grave illnesses of my life, plants, sometimes in flower and sometimes not, have come, always welcome and restful in the dreary room. Even so have I lain helpless, while across the window wood- work and set in spent medicine bottles, refilled with water, I have watched slips of Nasturtium strike root and grow, and sometimes even flower. Francis D. Horner. ( To be continued. ) AN ARTIST'S NOTE-BOOK. HENDER- is a hateful phrase to me, I never would have. Generally it means an ignominious end for flowers. Largely they are strictly out of place, incongruous, ami all the while practically in a dying state. Vet I will not say in any hard □ess of heart that those who cannot grow flowers should go without them ; and least of all that flowers have no gentle ministry by a ERYTHRONIUM SONI. PERHAPS of the best of the older kinds is the beautiful E. grandittorum,asit was formerly called, now usually sold as E. giganteum. Even to-day both names are retained for two of the best and most worthy of this group, the former being given to the plain- leaved kind, formerly known as E. Xuttallianum, and having golden flowers, while the plant answering to E. gigan- teum is of paler hue altogether and the flowers much larger, often 3 inches across, and frequently with half-a-dozen on a spike of ordinary strength. Then there has been a sort of rearrangement among the forms of Erythronium revolutum rendered necessary by the Messrs. Wallace, of Colchester, who have imported a batch of plants that on the reliable authority of Mr. J. G. Baker, to whom they were submitted, proved to be the E. revolutum as collected over 100 years ago, and only flowered in the spring of 1897 for the first time in this •ountry. This rendered a new name necessary for what had been called E. revolutum, which is now considered identical with E. albiflorum as formerly figured in The Garden. The plant first sold as E. revolutum is now named E r. Watsoni, as it obviously is related to the revolutum group, and named in compliment to Mr. Watson, of Kew. All these are extremely fine forms. Then followed the lovely E. Johnstoni, a clear rose-pink, but the plant does not appear to be very vigorous. In E. Hendersoni, the subject of the illustration, we find the same beautifully mottled foliage as in E. giganteum, sometimes quite of a coppery- bronze colour, and ever showing a good vigorous growth, while the flowers are among the most showy of the whole family. The segments vary in colour from palest rose to purple, and shaded white near the tips and margin, while at the base is a large and conspicuous blotch almost black, lightly encircled again with a yellow ring, which not merely renders the plant distinct from its fellows, but very striking also. The plant, too, is free-flowering anil grows vigorously. It is well adapted for the rockery or for association with the choicest of hardy flowers. I have rather preferred briefly to mention a few of the most worthy kinds, such as cannot fail to satisfy, rather than give a more detailed list even of these very seasonable flowers,, all of which possess a beauty quite their own. The Erythroniums are quite hardy and require a sheltering rock or something akin to preserve their flowers as long as possible, and where this shelter can be afforded them there is no spot that suits them so well as a grassy dell, as they flower while the grass is still April 28, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 309 short and fresh and green. Apart from this, a cool spot is usually a good home for these flowers. E. Jenkins. ZYGOPETALUM (BATEMANNIA) BURTI. The Bollea section of Zygopetalums to which Z. Burti belongs is not frequently met with in good condition, although the plants may be kept in health and flower freely for three or four seasons. They generally, however, begin to decline after that period, but 'there are a few exceptions in which the plants may be kept vigorous for many years. It is difficult in our variable climate to provide the equable temperature so characteristic of the native habitats of the various species belonging to this section, and especially to the Costa Rica group, in which Z. Burti is included. Atmospheric moisture also is very great, for in the mountain regions facing the Atlantic it rains almost every day in the year. On the slopes facing the Pacific there is a dry and rainy season, the latter lasting from May to November, the re- maining part of the year being very dry. The nights are damp in the dry season, owing to the very heavy dews. This species was originally discovered by Endres in 1867. It first flowered in Mr. Hames' garden at Win- tertou, in Norfolk, in 1872, and varies con- siderably in shape and in- tensity of colour. It is, never- theless, an attractive Orchid, and one of the most desirable kinds of the section. The plant exhibited by Mr. Pitt at the Drill Hall on Apri 10 last received a first-class certificate. H. J. Chapman, I make this suggestion to help the editors of The Garden to supply what is certainly wanted, viz., a concise, limited, yet complete table of the best Apples in cultivation. There is a wide field to choose from without even discussing the new introductions which keep appearing, some being first class, and others having no great future before them, and yet the fact remains that there are far more inferior Apples than really good ones. It must also be remembered that Apples do not succeed equally well in all soils and situations. Mr. Tallack points this out on page 215 in refer- ence to Norfolk Beaufin and Wellington, though I have always looked upon the latter as a sure cropper, and certainly its present popularity is due alone to its good qualities. It may not have been generally observed that there are many Apples which are not widely known ; they maj' be good in certain areas and possess local reputations, and there are also others — Welling- ton is one of them — which are grown almost every- where. We may regard these as Apples with which to stock our orchards and plantations. Good qualities alone can make an Apple popular, and the very fact that it has a wide reputa- tion is a proof of its good quality. The Americans have learnt this secret and THE FRUIT GARDEN BEST APPLES BRITAIN. WHEN this important subject was opened on page 173, co-operation of practical readers was asked for to assist in compiling a complete and reliable list of varieties of Apples suitable for sale, and there are certainly many growers to-day in need of such guidance. In conjunction with the publication of the first batch of correspondence on page 214 I observe that the original list of names is augmented by varieties recommended in the various 'contribu- tions. Considering that the names of different varieties of Apples are legion, and that there are people who will say good things of most of them, it has occurred to me that the ultimate list might be made more useful and reliable by confining it to a certain limited number, or there is a danger of it extending till it becomes perplexing to those who want guidance, through sheer force of numbers. FOR 7.VOOPETAM-.M BATEMANNIA) BURTI. [LIFE SIZE. (From a drawing by II. G. Mom.) send us only two sorts, but they are the best they produce, i.e., Baldwin and Newtown Pippin. Among our home supplies we have a few similar instances. Offer Cox"s Orange Pippin or Blenheim Orange at Christmas, and they will sell, because the public know wdmt they are buying, and prefer a really good article to something about which they know little or nothing. "A. D." deplores the introduction of so many new or so-called new sorts, and he may be right in doing so, but without the Apple which gains a first-class certificate or award of merit is above the average, it will never make much headway. Some of them are first-rate. Take Newton Wonder for instance, which is new, yet no one deplores its introduction, for it is excellent in all ways and a valuable addition to our list of long-keeping sorts. An opportunity was given for growers to criticise the original list which appeared on page 173, and there may be something to be said about the additions made since. I think 1 am responsible for a few names appearing on the augmented list, and shall look with interest to see whether my opinions are shared by others or not. It is by interchange of practical growers' opinions that the best results are generally arrived at. I observe that Manks Codlin is recommended by "Fruit Grower," and though I am prepared to admit all the good things he says of it as regards cropping and quality, in my opinion its place is as a low standard in a grass orchard rather than as a bush tree in a plantation. Its heavy cropping is probably responsible for its indifferent growth, as Manks Codlin rarely makes a strong, vigorous tree. The same thing may he noticed with Stirling Castle. It appears that two of the writers on page 214 are agreed as to Norfolk Beaufin not being a sure cropper, and if this is generally true of the variety, it is not the best for a market grow'er. I observe that Ecklinville Seedling is not included in the revised list on page 214, and probably there is a reason for it, though in a ballot I fancj' it would have a place in a select half-dozen of early culinary sorts. Kentish Man. The Apples named in the list at page 214 are all excellent. Of course one might raise objections to particular varieties. For instance, personallv I do not care for Norfolk Beaufin because of its dirty colour when cooked, and as Alfriston is in season quite as late and is a much better flavoured Apple, plant a few more trees of that kind and leave out the Beaufin. Annie Elizabeth is also a good late Apple of good size and appearance. There is an Apple that is being more planted now ; it is not in your list, though I think it ought to be, but that, of course, is only matter of opinion. The Apple I mean is a Russian variety, and is named Duchess of Oldenburg, and it ripens in August and Sep- tember. It is of good colour and fair size. May be eaten off the tree if desired, and it also cooks fairh' well and bears pretty freely. There is a late dessert Apple that I used to grow when in the Peterborough district that I should like to get hold of again. It was named Lord Burghley, and was, I believe, sent out by Mr. John House when in business in Peterborough some years ago, but I do not think its flight was very wide. Possibly some fruit grower in the neighbourhood of Peter- borough or Stamford may have seen something of it. It should come into season in March. It is of medium size for a dessert fruit, oval in shape, with a heavy dark crimson blotch on side next the sun. The flavour is excellent— quite equal, I think, to Cox's Orange Pippin. E. Hobdav. Mkssrs. J. Veitch & Sons write: With refer- ence to the list of Apples, we have pleasure in offering the following suggestions : — Early cooking varieties. — For Manks Codlin substitute Frogmore Prolific, a larger Apple that does well in all soils and situations and is quite equal in quality. Mid -season dessert. — American Mother is of better quality than Worcester Pearmain and does well. Mid-season cooking. — Take out Striped Beaufin, a bad bearer, and put in Sandringham instead. Late dessert varieties. — Lord Burghley and Duke of Devonshire are much better dessert varieties than Fearn's Pippin and Hormead's Pear- main ; the latter is really only a cooking variety, and should go in the late cooking section in place of Sandringham, moved to mid-season. Boston Russet is of better flavour than Barnack Beauty, although the latter is very useful for either purpose. Late cooking. — Royal Late Cooking will super- sede Alfriston, being very hardy and free-bearing. 310 THE GARDEN. [April 28, 1900. Mr. Follwell, who has charge of the gardens of Alnwick Castle, under Mr. Wythes, writes: "1 enclose the list of Apples which appear to succeed best in the north. Good dessert kinds such as Cox's Orange Pippin, Lady Sudeley, and others are grown on walls, thereby getting the fruit earlier and of a much better colour. Lane's Prince Albert succeeds remarkably well here. We have a fine lot of fruit still and as fine as when gathered, also Wellington." The list is — Early dessert. — Lady Sudeley, Mr. Gladstone, Irish Peach, Duchess of Oldenburg. Early cooking. — Manks and Keswick Codlins, Domino, Lord Grosvenor, Ecklinville, New Haw- thornden. Mid-season dessert. — Worcester Pearmain, King of Pippins, Kerry Pippin, Ribston Pippin. Mid-season cooking. — Warner's King, Pott's Seedling, Lady Henniker, Lord Derby, Tower of Glamis, Bismarck, Cell'ni, Yorkshire Greening. Late dessert. — James Grieve, Cox's Orange Pippin , Ribston Pippin, Blenheim Orange, Baumann's Red Winter Reinette, Adam's Pearmain, Reinette du Canada, Court pendu Plat. Late cooking. — Alfriston, Norfolk Beaufin. Lane's Prince Albert, Newton Wonder, Northern Green- ing, Annie Elizabeth, Wellington. Mr. A. H. Pearsox, Lowdham, Notts, writes us to include amongst the early dessert Apples, Devon- shire Quarrenden, and amongst the cooking kinds, Ecklinville. Pott's Seedling. Duchess of Oldenburg, Grenadier, or Golden Spire, excluding Manks Codlin, which drops its fruit. In the mid-season dessert list Gascoigne's Scarlet is substituted for Cockle Pippin, and of cooking varieties of the same season include Frogmore Prolific, Stirling Castle, New Hawthornden, and Golden Noble, removing Lady Henniker. which is neither good for cooking nor eating, and Striped Beaufin, a poor cropper, placing Wellington amongst the late Apples. Of the late dessert Apples, Barnack Beauty, Baumann's Red Winter Reinette, Dutch Mignonne, and Reinette du Canada are poor. Winter Ribston is a poor cropper. Court pendu Plat, Mabbot's Pearmain, Kedleston Pippin, and Lord Burghley are sub- stituted. Of cooking varieties for the same season, Norfolk Beaufin and Sandringham give place to Mere de Menage and New Northern Greening, with Dumelow's Seedling, which is usually regarded as a synonym of Wellington, but the true variety of this is a soft, early, striped Apple. Mr. H. Meui;y« 'eatiiek. Southwell, writes: "As a whole, the original list is a remarkably good one, and open to very little criticism." Domino is sub- stituted fur Keswick Codlin, ami Grenadier fur Manks Codlin ; New Northern Greening for Striped Beaufin, and Royal Jubilee is added to the mid- season cooking kinds. Claygate Pearmain gives way to Brownlee's Russet, and Winter Ribston to Wvkcn l'ippin. A note from Somersetshire. — No more im- portant question could have been brought forward, and at no better season, than the one that has been advanced under this heading in The Garden, Naturally many opinions will be expressed, and I think it would be wise to give this question as free a discussion as possible. It is to lie hoped culti- vators from all parts that have had experience will give us their views, so that a wider knowledge of Apple culture may lie diffused. I reside in a western district known as a big Apple-growing locality, when- some of the best Apples could be profitably grown. Still, strange to say, we get in.niN of mil Apples for use from early in' February onward from America ami elsewhere, nut because no Apples are grown, but simply from the fait they are either cider kinds, or the growers do not know the best kinds and how to store and gather the fruits. I am convinced that in many orchards if tin- tin-. I,., given attention, there are kinds that would pay fur gathering and keeping, but at present the Apples go to the cider mill. In proof of this then- is an orchard close to me containing I fees of Ada ins Pearmain that give fruits nf average size. These go for cider. Last year I obtained some of them and kept them beside fruit grown in our orchard, and they were equal to them in every way. In February the public does not object to pay 3d. per pound in the town for fruit from America not so good in flavour. Some may think it would be easy to get these growers to see how they may obtain good prices for fruits by gathering and storing. I recently gave a lecture in our village for the benefit of the lovers of fruit and flowers. I made Apple culture a strong point, and to prove the differences in prices and flavour in foreign and home-grown specimens I obtained three samples, two American and Newtown Pippins from California, giving the price wholesale in Covent Garden in the middle of March, and then compared them to eight kinds grown in our garden. Every- one agreed that the home-grown fruits were the best. It could not be said that home-grown Apples received special culture, as the trees are in a grass orchard. Recently Mr. Turton, the gardener at Sherborne Castle, and myself tried Newtown Pippin from California with Claygate Pearmain, and we agreed that the latter was the better flavoured. Fordi Abbey. J. Crook. Mk. J. Cairns, The Hersel Gardens, Coldstream, Berwick, writes: "I have scored out those kinds that I do not think suitable for our district and substituted those which succeed well here. Some of the late dessert varieties must be omitted, and I am not able to replace them, as so few reliable late kinds are a success here. I am taking much interest in hardy fruit culture, believing that no foreign Apples can compete with well-grown home cooking kinds. Unfortunately, too many kinds have been grown in the past, but during the last few years things have changed for the better." Mr. Cairns substitutes Pott's Seedling for Cellini Pippin, Ecklinville for Keswick Codlin, Cox's Pomona (not strictly a dessert Apple, but very useful all the same) for Cockle Pippin, Gascoigne's Scarlet for Margil, Saltmarsh's Queen for Lady Henniker : and amongst the late dessert varieties Calville Rouge I'recuce is put in place of Claygate Pearmain, and Blue Pearmain for Dutch Mignonne, but, as our correspondent says, " few late kinds are a success here" The more one knows of Apples the less is the desire to approach the subject of a choice of varieties in anything like a spirit of dogmatism. Equally as capricious as the Strawberry, perhaps mure so, it is only after a trial extending in some instances over years that it is possible to speak with certainty whether or no a variety is suited to a garden, its climate and its soil. Even such generally esteemed suits as Stirling Castle, Wellington, and Ribston Pippin cannot be depended on always. Everywhere th uf the Tweed the last-named asa rule requires a wall to bring it to that perfect condition fur' which it is so justly esteemed. I am afraid, too, that varieties are not infrequently condemned because they do not lend themselves to the routine manage- ment to which all sorts are alike subjected. Those varieties that succeed with the least expenditure of labour orr root-pruning, that exhibit a facility in producing fruit under a system of pruning that calls for little thought, and that do not loo often resent inattention to fruit-thinning are the "ins that most strongly appeal to popularity ; nor is it unreasonable that this should be so. There is little to find fault with in " Best Apples for Britain," including, as the list does, the pick of well-known varieties. Must Scotch growers would, however, like to include a few sorts not very well known in the south, and, perhaps, also exclude otheis that are too tender- in constitution for any but the must favoured localities or for wall culture. Thus, in the early section, that highly-esteemed little dessert Apple known as Thorle Pippin or Lady Derby would find many anxious to give it a place, while James Grieve, a comparatively new suit, is rapidly making way as a standard variety. Then of'the cooking sorts, Cellini, on account of the tendency uf the tree to canker, has lust favour asa sort tu be depended on, and Manks Codlin irr many districts is too small a fruit. Personally, I lather like it, but the fruit must be well thinned to secure it of good sb.e and quality. Ecklinville Seedling is very highly esteemed, and few, if any, Scotch gardens are without some trees, more or less. Duchess of Oldenburg of late years has become very popular'. On light, warm soils it is one of our handsomest Apples, never fails to crop, and is largely eaten raw. However, I would not by any means call it a first-rate Apple. Of the later sorts, Cambusnethan Pippin, widely known also as Winter Redstreak, is one of the most popular of northern Apples. It is particularly suitable for cold soils and late districts, where it seldom fails to afford its quota of fruit in all but the worst seasons. Equally valuable is Galloway Pippin of the west of Scotland, Croft Angry of the east, one of the most certain croppers and the best of keeping sorts. I should also be inclined to include Mere de Menage, which generally does well and keeps till late in spring. Northern Greening, again, is so reliable and otherwise so valuable, that in my opinion it ought to be in the most select list. Among late dessert varieties, though some cultivators do not fancy it, I should include Duke of Devon- shire, and from the list I would strike out Clay- gate Pearmain as too tender, Dutch Mignonne as deficient in quality, and perhaps Hormead's Pearmain for the same reason, though I have discarded it for its unreliability as a cropper. There are a few sorts besides Cellini which are so subject to canker, that on some soils it is practically impossible to keep them in a fruitful condition. Stirling Castle is such an one, but where Warner's King does well, the loss of the former is not much felt. Reinette du Canada is also fearfully subject to canker, and Wellington occasionally as much so. Newton Wonder or Brantley's Seedling afford good substitutes for the last named. Moreover, some varieties are not treated with the thoughtfulness they deserve. Thus Keswick Codlin is generally overcropped, anil the same remark applies to Adam's Pearmain. King of the Pippins requires a longer season to finish on the tree than many growers allow it, and in the same way Alfriston, which should be left ungathered till November, is, I am afraid, judging from the way the fruit shrivels early irr winter, too often harvested long before it has attained maturity. Moreover, all late Apples should be lightly cropped. This is perhaps more desirable in Scotland than in England, but no one who has studied Apple culture intelligently but must, be forced to the conclusion that the fruit from an under - cropped tree is of better quality ami keeps better than that off a tree I will nut say over-cropped, but cropped to its fullest capacity. Further, it is the only certain method of preserving healthy, trees in an annually fruitful condition. At the Edinburgh spring show I noted the following varieties as being specially good. The names are selected from the whole of the collec- tions, and these were derived from districts as widely apart as Perthshire, Galloway, Roxburgh, Midlothian, and Ayr. The best dessert varieties were Blenheim Pippin, Reinette du Canada, Scarlet Nonpareil, Baumann's Red Winter Reinette, and Blue Pearmain (from wall). The best cooking varieties included Gloria Mundi (too shy to be generally recommended), Wellington, Striped Beau- fin, Waltham Abbey Seedling, Galloway Pippin, Bramley's Seedling, Bismarck (from wall), Mere de Menage, Alfristoll, and Prince Albert. ' One culti- vator informed me that he has been obliged to set apart a portion of a wall in order' to produce the better sorts of Apples, which would include Bleu heim Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Scarlet Nonpareil, &c. With regard to the market value of Apples, it is largely the practice with gardeners when they find the supply likely tu exceed the demand to send the surplus to rmarket in autumn. I have been favoured with the inspection of a sales book, from which it appears that the finest cooking Apples bring in autumn from about lbs. to .Ids. perewt., the latter an exceptional price, 20s. being a fair' average. During winter prices are very low, some- times as low as i'3 to £5 per- ton ; consequently it is the practice to dispose uf Apples previous to the advent on the market of American supplies, which at once effect a fall in prices. At the same time a very good fruiterer can always dispose of high-class April 28, 1900 ] THE GARDEN. 311 fruit at a fair price, because a section of his cus- tomers are prepared to pay a much higher figure for home produce than for foreign. Thus I was shown last year fine-looking Americans at 13s. 6d. per barrel of 1J cwt. , while the vendor was paying 17s. 6d. per cwt. for good home produce. The pity of it is that at the same time fruit of the poorest quality could not be purchased in the less wealthy parts of that city at less than 2d. per lb. B. TREES AND SHRUBS. WISTARIAS. DECIDEDLY the oldest and best of the Wistarias is W. sinensis, which " may truly be considered the most mag- nificent of all our hardy deciduous climbers." These words were used by Loudon about sixty years ago, and they are certainly just as true now as when first written, as, in spite of the number of plants introduced since that time, the Wistaria stands out alone in the massive woody character of its long and flexible stems, besides which its delight- ful blossoms are borne in the greatest profusion during the spring. Besides this, a second crop of flowers often makes its appearance towards the end of the summer or in early autumn, and though by no means equal to the spring display, .yet it is at times sufficiently numerous to entitle the Wistaria to rank high as a flowering climber if only the secondary crop of blooms were taken into consideration. As a climber the Wistaria is suitable for clothing pergolas, arbours, or arches, and it yields a grand display of flowers when trained to a wall if there is ample space for the develop- ment of its cable-like branohes. The protection of a wall is in some seasons an advantage, for in the open the blos- soms are at times cut by late spring frosts. In Mr. Waterer's nursery at Knap Hill the Wistaria has been allowed to take possession of some Laburnum trees, the effect of which is charming. Of late years the Wistaria has been employed for flowering under glass at a lime when the plants out of doors are still dormant. This mode of treatment has led to the growing of standards, as in this way the pendulous clusters of blossoms are seen to great advantage, and furnish a pleasing and uncommon feature in the greenhouse or outdoors. These standards have their heads spurred back after flowering in order to keep them in a compact state. A good illus- tration of the Wistaria as a clothing for arbours may be seen at Kewr, where, near the ferneries, a large specimen, at one time trained to a wall, was, on the latter being demolished, furnished with a large circular trellis, which it now completely envelops. Besides the typical W. sinensis there are several varieties, the best of which is W. alba. This affords a pleasing change, but it cannot be depended upon to flower with the freedom of the common kind. Other varieties are flore-pleno and variegata, both poor sorts. Wistaria multijuga is readily distinguished from W. sinensis by its long, slender racemes and by being a week or two later in flowering. The flowers are of a lilac tint, but they vary a good deal in deptli of colouring. The roots of the Wistaria are very stout, few in number, and descend deep into the soil ; hence, as might be supposed, it does not transplant readily. Owing to this circumstance, stock plants are in most nurseries kept in pots and plunged out of doors, but though this method allows of the plants being moved at any time, it is scarcely to be commended, as the massive roots become permanently cramped if grown in this way for a, lengthened period. T. IMPROVEMENT OF HARDY PLANTS BY HYBRIDISING* By Charles Stuart, M.D. As a rule, very careful selection is required, as even with all the skill of the hybridist many of his seedlings are deficient in some vital point of constitution, however sound the parent may be in that respect. A small minority is all that need be expected to be better than the parent in crossing varieties, and, besides, an accurate knowledge of quality is necessary to ensure " the survival of the fittest." No more delightful satis- faction can be experienced by the amateur florist than to watch the development of the beauties of his seedlings from which he expects an advance- ment in quality. It is not in every season that the elements are propitious for hybridising opera- tions ; and even when successful crosses have been effected, do the results always satisfy the anticipa- tions of the operator '! The month of June, 1899, has been an ideal one to the seedling raiser. There has been more continuous sunshine than for many years. The temperature at the same time has been very high, and the weather on the whole has been house. In the month of May, when they were both in bloom, I removed the stamina in an imper- fect condition from several flowers of Scarborough Defiance, cutting off the remaining flowers on the plant, after examining the stigmas with the glass to see that there was no pollen already there. Waiting till 1 saw that the stigmas had matured, I took the pollen from M. cupreus and dusted over the two lipped stigmas of Scarborough Defiance. They showed an irritability well worthy of obser- vation. On depositing the pollen, the two lamelhe or plates of the stigma clapped together, effectually protecting the pollen and preventing the intrusion of inseets. Tying a piece of scarlet worsted round the stems and footstalks of the fertilised flowers, I waited patiently for the maturation of the seed- pods, which contained a large quantity of minute seeds. The seed, as you all know, is of a dust-like character, and requires careful manipulation to get it to germinate and produce plants. Having pre- pared some seed-pans, filled with vegetable mould and a sprinkling of sand, finely sifted, watered the soil, and allowed it to drain, I sowed the seed, pressing it into the soil with a piece of glass. Placing the seed -pans on a moistened surface in a A STANDARD WISTARIA SINENSIS very suitable for crossing hardy plants as well as exotics. The early spring was the worst on record, and in consequence the Primulacese, from which so much was expecttd, are a miserable failure as regards seed. With this preface I shall now endeavour to give a short statement of work carried out during many years of ray life. Mimulus ticrioides. — More than forty years ago the late Mr. Robert Stark, a well-known Edinburgh botanist and florist, brought me a plant of Mimulus cupreus, a native of Mexico, saying, "There is the very thing for you. Cross the garden Mimulus with the pollen from this plant, and you will get something different from the ordinary forms." At the time I had no plant of Mimulus in the garden, but I speedily got Scarborough Defiance, a good Mimulus in its day, and potted it and M. cupreus, growing them together in a cool green- * Extracts reproduced by kind permission from the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society containing hybrid con- ference report shady situation, a good stock of seedlings appeared, and got past the stage of childhood. In the following spring, upon their flowering, 1 found the whole to lie identical in character. The plants were very dwarf in habit, like the pollen- bearer, short-jointed, and the stems of a reddish- brown colour. The flowers were much smaller than the seed-bearer, yellowish in colour, and covered with minute dots, clearly demonstrating the powerful influence of the pollen of another species, and keeping more to the character of the pollen -bearer, and proving the dwarfest of the tigrioides section of the Mimulus family. This hybrid was sent out by Mr. Cannell, of Swanley, and was a favourite in its day for bedding and for edgings to flower-beds. Tufted Pansies or Violas. — The garden Pansy has been a favourite with all lovers of flowers, and its florist varieties have been brought to a high state of perfection and beaut}'. Its origin is still uncertain, our native Viola tricolor, crossed with 312 THE GARDEN. [April 28, 1900. Viola altaica, having the honour of furnishing the original plants from which all the florist varieties have heen derived. As far back as 1835 the march of improvement in quality of petal, size, and shape commenced ; and the illustrations of the Pansy in the floricultural magazines of that period give some idea of the immense improvement that has been brought about by crossing varieties of the garden Pansy. With its advancement in refinement, how- ever, it was found that its constitution did not improve, and costly varieties had a habit of sud- denly dying in hot weather. This led hybridists to turn their attention to endeavour to secure a hardier race by crossing some of our wild species with the garden Pansy, the result being the plant now popularly known as Viola, but a still better name is Tufted Pansy At present it is a plant with a very dwarf habit, abundance of fibry roots, moderately large flowers, and a compact tufty appearance. The fibry roots enable the plant to withstand the changes of temperature and climate which affect plant life, and which we are all so well acquainted with. In general, one man succeeds in crossing two plants of different species, while another takes up the idea and carries out this fertilising process a step further. In 1873 Mr. B. Williams, of London, succeeded in getting true hybrids between Viola cornuta of the Pyrenees and the garden Pansy. Following up his idea, I fertilised Viola cornuta with pollen from Blue King Pansy (a bedding Pansy), and ripened a pod containing twelve seeds, which were at once sown. Every seed germinated, and in the following spring the plants bloomed, with flowers of identical character, the long spur or horn seen in the under petal of V. cornuta being very con- spicuous. These flowers were quite distinct from anything in the Viola famil}- I have ever seen. Indeed, it is safe to write that the cross had never been made till the plants of Mr. Williams and those above mentioned appeared. I tried to reciprocate the cross by taking pollen from V. cornuta and applying it to the pistil of the same family (Blue King). The produce was a failure, and many failures besides that recorded have occurred to other persons who have en- deavoured to raise Tufted Pansies in that manner, the result being straggling habits in the plants and large Pansy-looking flowers. The next step followed with the seedlings from V. cornuta crossed with Pansy Blue King when in full bloom was to fertilise the blooms with various coloured Pansies, the results being flowers showing almost every colour except yellow. The plants were of true tufted character, with blooms showing the horn or keel of V. cornuta species. Afraid lest these crosses should become too similar to the Pansy. 1 took pollen from the original cornuta hybrids and fertilised some blooms of those above describi-d. "The stocks being sound, this in-and-in breeding does not necessarily impair the vigour of the race." Nor did I find it so in this instance. If any flaw in their constitution existed, there is no doubt that, sooner or later, a similar defect would ulti- mately appear in the progeny ; but this did not happen here, as the produce of the cross proved healthy in every respect. These seedlings had flowers three times larger than V. cornuta and were of various colours, very tufty in habit, some almost proliferous, also most abundant in blooming. As a bedding plant the Viola is peculiarly adapted to our Scottish climate, delighting as it does in cool, moist soil. The flowers are capable of making a continuous display in the flower-beds to compete with it, and by hand-crossing the varieties are numberless. I may mention here that these varieties were all more or less rayed in the centre of the flower. A floral friend remarked, "With regard to a white-rayed self, if you could only get that flower without any rays in the centre, it would, in my opinion, be an improvement." Keep- ing a sharp look-out on the seedling beds, I did not succeed in obtaining what I was searching for till the year 1887, when for the first time I observed a white flower, entirely rayless, dwarf in habit, and with most pronounced almondy per- fume. The plant was removed and propagated, and grown on next season. In the following year, 1891, Violetta was figured in The Garden, and with many florists it still holds a first place as a bedder. With pollen from Violetta, a white- rayed self, still in cultivation, was crossed, which yielded Sylvia, a variety more grown than any Viola yet raised. Of first-rate hardiness, its freedom of flowering is remarkable. By taking Violetta as a seed-bearer and using pollen from rayless flowers, a great many varieties have been raised, chief among them Blue Gown, Florizel, Rosea pallida, Christiana, Coolgardie, &c. By careful selection the rayless strain of Tufted Pansy has been fixed ; and now, if more colours could be got into the flowers, this strain would soon be preferred to the ordinary rayed form. With the fine colours in the Peacock Pansy I was induced to try a cross with the rayless strain. A hundred and fifty plants, the result of the cross, were tested, but the flowers turned out of the most varied character; with one exception, which proved a first-rate departure — a fine reticulated blue, perfectly ray- less, and with a good dwarf habit. It was named Border Witch, and is well known as a show flower, and has been certificated. The fashion of showing Tufted Pansies in sprays done up with wire is open to criticism, but it seems the fashion, and we must submit. In the meantime there is just the question whether or no the Tufted Pansy should ever be shown in sprays at all. As a cut flower the blooms arranged in stalked glasses, garnished with their own foliage, have' a good appearance on the table. The Tufted Pansy, however, looks best treated as a perennial in an open situation out of doors with masses of bloom on dwarf plants, where both habit of plant and quality of bloom can be examined. The dwarfer the plants are. with free - flowering properties, the more desirable they are. Take Blue Gown as a type. If every variety had its habit and free-flowering properties, we would soon possess a race of Tufted Pansies which would supersede all others. In time this desirable end will be attained. (To lif continued. ) THE ROSE GARDEN. OLD GARDEN ROSES. AMONG the old Roses some of the very sweetest kinds in existence are to be found. Even today the common Pro- vence nr Cabbage Rose has no rival as I faras fragrance is concerned. Whilst I desire to put forward a plea for old- fashioned Poses it is not with a view of supplanting modern varieties, Imt rather to augment the exist- ing collection by adding some of these very hardy older kinds. These old sorts are early flowering ; in some seasons there is as much as ten days' differ- iMice I let ween the blooming of these old Puses and the majority of the Hybrid I'ei petuals. Where the space allowed to Roses is of considerable area, one can surely afford a bed or two, or a border upon the outskirts nf the rosarium for a few of the most useful kinds. Wherever possible let them be grown as standards or half-standards. Many readers of The Garden can recall to mind the beautiful effect produced by fine-headed standards of such good kinds as Charles Lawson, I loupe d'Hebe, ( Ihenedole, Blairi No. '-, Juno, Hrennus, Madame Plantier, &c, and I question if their equal is found to-day, from a tine decorative point of view, for the short time they remain in bloom. One kind, Paul Ricaut, yields quantities of very fine crimson blossoms that I have found very useful for early cutting in bud state. Where no space is available for standards, some pillars of the hybrid Chinese kinds mentioned above would be a very fine feature, as they grow so quickly and seem naturally intended for pillars, filling out as they do so well at the base, and they are also extremely hardy. Whatever happens to our modern Roses through the visitation of a hard winter, we may be sure this and kindred tribes are safe. There are also the charming Moss Roses, of which the old common blush, soelegant in everyway, has a formidable rival in its more densely growing companion Gracilis. The purity of the paper- white buds of White Bath are to-day unequalled even by Blanche Moreau, a variety which is supposed to give autumnal flowers, which, however, are very rarely seen. Gloire des Mousseusee is another lovely kind, its flowers being so beautifully mossed, and the Crested Provence should be grown by everyone who has a garden, if only for its curious Fern-like fringe enveloping the buds and blossoms. The true old York Rose, commonly known as the White Provence or Unique, must not be omitted from any representative collection of old Roses, and the pretty early-flowering miniature Provence de Meaux, White de Meaux, and the rather larger flowered and stronger growing Spong are almost indispensable, especially if used, as the two first named should be, as edgings to beds of old- fashioned Roses. The varieties of Rosa alba are distinctly beautiful in their way, the kind known as Maiden's Blush being seen in many a cottage garden against wall or fence. Some years ago I met with a fine lot of this old Rose growing in the pretty cemetery at Harrow, and thought how well adapted it was for the purpose in which it was employed. But there are none of this group so exquisitely lovely as the variety Celestial, which is of a much warmer pink than Maiden's Blush and the tiny buds are more beautifully moulded. Another pretty gem is Felieite (Parmentier), its flowers being most perfectly formed and of a very warm shell-pink colour. Two almost pure white kinds of this same tribe often found in cottage gardens are Madame Legras and Blanche Belgique. Of the Damask tribe (Rosa damascena), perhaps none are better known than Madame Hardy. In bud and when half open it is lovely, but when fully developed it usually exhibits a green centre, which detracts somewhat from its beauty, but as an early white this Rose has few equals. Leda or Painted Lady lias curious fluted petals, prettily splashed and edged with pink on an almost white ground. La Ville de Bruxellesof the same tribe is also good. These Damask Roses have a very peculiar bright green foliage which enables one to readily dis- tinguish them from other tribes. In like manner one can pick out the varieties of Rosa alba by their glaucous foliage. The Gallica Roses are not of much value, except the striped forms, of which Rosa Mundi and Dometille Becar are the best. The former is now much grown under the name of York and Lancaster, though I doubt if anyone would care to possess the true York and Lancaster, for it is a very poor sort. There are other groups that one may mention, such as the pretty little Scotch Roses that develop into such dense hushes, the delightful Rosa lutea and its varieties and others. For public parks and open spaces these old Roses, obtained, as doubtless they may lie, upon their own roots, would provide material at once hardy and decorative. In like manner I would recommend them for planting in front of shrubberies, by lakes, upon railway embankments, or other positions of this kind. If required to remain dwarf, they blossom freely if the branches are pegged down around the parent plant, and in course of time quite a large space may be covered in this way. If the layering be done in June, every branch layered will yield some blossom the following season. Such kinds as Madame Hardy, the old Blush Moss, &c. , are most effective when thus treated. Philomel. SNOWDROPS GROWING AMONGST IVY. In recent issues of The Garden much of interest has been written regarding hedge-bank gardening. Recently, as I was walking in the pleasure grounds here I could not but admire a bank covered with a close-growing Ivy, and overhung by big Yew trees. Among the Ivy are a splendid lot of double and single Snowdrops. These are scattered about in a natural way, rising 3 inches or 4 inches above the Ivy. During the latter half of February and onward they make a charming picture. Some may think they would die out, but this is not so, as these have been in their present position for up- April 28, 1900.] THE GARDEN. 313 wards of twenty years, and they go on increasing every year anil bloom most satisfactorily. I often think as I go over many large pleasure grounds how devoid they are of beauty, and how much could he done at a very little cost by using hardy bulbs and plants in such positions as suit them, and where they would go on from year to vear. Who is there that would not admire Snow- drops planted in this way? They are far more beautiful grown in this way than where their fair heads are dashed with mud and dirt. Forde Ahbey Garth ns, < 'hard. John Ckook. IN THE GARDENS OF KELLY HOUSE, TAVISTOCK. One of the sweetest pictures in the gardens of Mi. Kelly at Kelly House, Tavistock, is "The Retreat" shown in our illustration. The gardens generally are tilled with interesting flowers, many of which succeed here, but further north quickly succumb to a colder climate. Water gardening is a feature of much interest and charm, and many of the most precious of the hybrid Xymplueas have been planted. In " The Retreat" the Water Lilies luxuriate upon the water's surface, and all around are Bamboos, giant Gunneras, and noble plants that appreciate a moist soil. Rock and wild gar- dening find true expression — indeed, this is an interesting and beautiful garden of flowers, and at this bright season of the vear is full of colour. GARDENING OF THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. .Summer Peas. IN order to obtain a supply of these in July the cultivator must sow in April, and there is even more care needed at this period than earlier, as of late years July crops have failed on account of heat and drought unless well done. Thick sowing often ends in a poor crop, as this, with a dry, hot summer, cripples the plants. At the same time, deep cultivation with ample food is a necessity. In our thin soil resting on gravel we find it necessary to make shallow trenches for summer Peas, placing manure in the bottom of the trenches. In sowing, the seeds should not be closer than 3 inches, and a drill the width of a spade should tie allowed to prevent crowding. There arc few better varieties than Autocrat, Perfection Marrow. Sharpe's Queen, a splendid main crop variety, Continuity. Windsor Castle, and Veitch's Main Crop. I prefer strong growers for light soils, and in wet seasons, should they grow too tall, it is an easy matter to stop the plants. For succession crops, Ne Plus Ultra and the newer Goldfinder are excellent, the lasl named being a grand late Pea in any soil. Broad Beans. These are often liked as late as possible, but they do not always thrive unless sown on cool quarters, and for July supplies it is well to grow on a north border and in heavy soil if possible. The (ireen Broad Windsor is a good type for July and August supplies, and if grown as advised the plants are less subject to the attack of fly. which is so troublesome and which often ruins the crop. m "THf RETREAT" at KELLY HOUSE, TAVISTOCK. 314 THE GARDEN. April 28, 1900. Runner Beans. Though early to advise sowing in the ordinary way, a crop may be had much quicker by sowing in a cool frame in pots or boxes and then planting out in the open. Of course large quantities are not needed, and a row or two of plants grown thus will suffice. If sown in heat, the plants suffer if not thoroughly hardened previous to planting out ; but if sown a little earlier in a cool frame, the latter being kept close till the seed germinates, better plants are secured. The new type of climbing French Beans, such as Tender and True, Earliest of All, and Excelsior, are most valuable for early supplies, as they are reliable, being earlier and dwai-fer than the old runner and of splendid quality, and they may be grown in gardens where space is very limited, needing less room. If a sowing of these be made in the open at the end of the month, they will be useful for succession. French Beans. It is now safe in the southern parts of the country to sow these in the open ground, choosing warm, well-drained borders, and sowing where the soil is in a workable condition. In cold, heavy soils little progress is made, and often serious losses occur if sown too early, and it well repays the cultivator to cover the seed with some lighter soil, placing a portion under- the seed. For early use such varieties as Ne Plus Ultra, Syon House, and Progress are advised, and should severe weather follow the sowing, a little loug litter or dry bracken shaken lightly over the plants as they come through the soil will be useful, as few vegetables suffer so quickly as dwarf Beans. Plants raised in cold frames as advised may now be planted out if pro* i id ion is given, and after the planting, very little moisture is needed till growth is active. Any spare sash-lights, hand-glasses, or even mats or thatched hurdles will be valuable for covering, as these plants will not be safe for a time. Should there be difficulty in providing shelter, it will hi' tar better to defer planting and to expose the plants as much as possible during tine weather. Tender Seeds raised under glass, such as early Cauliflowers and Brussels Sprouts, should not be left too long in the seed beds, but should !»■ pricked out early cither on a bed with a little warmth or on a warm border that can be sheltered at night. This also applies in Vegetable Mairowsand other tender things. ( !. Wvthes. Syon Hohju Garden*, Brentford. 1 X DOOB GARDEN; Winter Carnations. The earliest batches will have been potted on from tin cutting pots, stopped, and by this time will have their pots sufficiently full ot roots to require another shift. It is a mistake to allow the plants to become pot-bound before taking this work in band or to allow them to root through into the materia] on which they are standing, which, when sea-shell is used, they arc very prone to do quickly. The soil used for potting should consist chief!} "I fibrous loam which has been Btacked f<»r a consider- able time, and I like to reserve a portion of the two-year-old loam heap for the purpose. With this, a judicious mixture of broken shell, mortar rubbish, and burnt soil from the fire-heap, we shall have siii-li a soil as the plants enjoy. Have the balls of soil in a fairly moist condition, so tli.it the plants will keep up for a few days without having more water given to them than they gel through i lir daily syringings. lllITi: VSTRl MS. The latest of these will now be passing out of Sower, and this will prove the best time of the year tin growers who do not grow them on the plunging bed system to pot those which need it. They arc not plants which require annual potting ; still. I think there is a tendency with those who do not make a speciality of these plants to leave them too long in the same soil, so that they become starved and do not give such tine spike- or flowers. Good loam freely mixed with sand. broken oyster shell, and dried COM manure rubbed through a fine-meshed sieve will suit them well. Pot firmly, and cover rather more than half the bulb with soil, so that it is held stationary. Grow on in an intermediate temperature as long as the plants show signs of growth, after which the water supply may be gradually lessened and cooler treat- ment given. Gesneras and Tydjsas. Those who grow these plants in great numbers usually make two or three batches for successional flowering, potting these up from March to June as required, but where only one hatch is needed the present is a good time to start with them. A light peaty soil with plenty of sand will be requi- site, well-drained ti-ineh pots being filled with this to within 2 inches of the top, and on this from three to five of the best selected tubers should be placed, covering them with another inch of soil. Very little water should be given until the growths appear, and even then it will be necessary to increase the supply very gradually. A temperature of b"5u as a minimum will be the best that can be given, and as the leaves are most susceptible to injury from bright sunshine, shade should never be neglected. The leaves, too, are very liable to attacks from thrips, and become much disfigured and stunted if these are allowed to molest them. The plants have the peculiarity of liking a very humid atmosphere, while being at the same time averse to the use of the syringe overhead, so that the humidity must be supplied by frequent damp- ing down of all available surfaces except those of the hot-water pipes, steam from hot pipes being also injurious. Crassvi.as. These are usually grown in very poor soil with a view to getting firm growth, and as the flower heads are now showing, they will be assisted in developing by giving supplies of manure water up to the time they show colour. J. ( '. TallacK. Shipley Hall Garden*, Derby. FRUIT GARDEN. Cucumbers. Plants from seed sown now will be ready for planting in about a month, a time when frames on hotbeds that have been used for propagating bedding plants and growing early vegetables are no longer required for these purposes, and may be advantageously used for growing Cucumbers during the summer months. The heat from hotbeds, if properly made at the beginning, will continue sufficient for the second purpose. Plants in bearing should from now onwards be frequently looked over for the purpose of tying in and stopping sufficient young shoots at the second joint to cover the trellis without crowding, and to take out the surplus, old leaves, and w I that has borne fruit. They will bear few fruits if crowded, whether grown in a house anil trained on a trellis, or in a frame with the bine mi the soil. Give more moisture in the atmosphere and at the roots, and on fine days Syringing maybe done twice, in the morning and at closing time, which should be early in the afternoon, so that the temperature rises to 90°. The demand on the soil for moisture ,s great : therefore water should be given as often as necessary. /.*. , before the soil is quite dry, occasion- ally adding manure, drainage from farmyard manure, alternated with artificial. Add a top- iliessjiie of soil when the previous one gels full of roots, which takes but a short time. The system I follow and recommend is to plant in a limited quantity of soil, afterwards adding more as the roots require it. This results in an abun- dance of fruit over a long season. The time to cut Cucumbers is when they arc of the right size for the table. Tlic practice of leaving them until old is merely waste of the plants' energies. To guard against this I look over them twice a week and cut all that are ready, besides cutting daily for immediate use. Strawberries. The sun has now great power, and the soil in pots standing on shelves gets dry quickly , entailing a large amount of labour in watering. On shelves near the glass is the only position given to them throughout the forcing season in many private places, but I think the market grower's system might be followed with advantage for later supplies. This is to grow the plants in low houses near the glass and standing on a damp bottom, which would la- the means of saving much labour at this busy season. Plants on dry shelves must now be attended to every day, and twice a day when the sun shines from morning until night. " The only time the soil may become at all dry is when the fruit is ripe. Feeding with manure water is of great assistance. This should be given from the setting stage until the fruit begins to colour, as the feeding period is short. It is advisable to give manure in small quan- tities and often, say at alternate waterings, giving farmyard drainage and artificial stimulants alter nately. Syringing moistens the at mosphereand keeps red spider in check. For the latter purpose it should be directed to the under side of the leaves, and it can be done before and after the flowering— indeed, until the colouring of fruit begins. I prefer a thorough syringing once on fine days only. Man} fruits rot through syringing too often and in dull weather : water fills the cavity of the reflexed calyx and the fruit decays, particularly large ones. Thin out the fruit early on plants in later stages of growth. I do this as earl}- as possible, leaving eight to twelve to each plant, according to the variety, whether of large or second size when ripe. Plants for succession must be taken indoors if a supply of fruit is required until the}' are ripe outside. They will be invaluable if the season is late, and if earl}- they will not be wasted. Surpl 's plants still in the winter quarters must be watered when required ; if they are not required indoors. the fruit from them, if ripened outside, will pay for this attention. G. Norman. The Gardens, Hatfield House, Herts. NOTES FROM NURSERY GARDENS. DAFFODILS AT SURBITON, SPRINC has burst upon us and bidden the Daffodils open in profusion, and we welcome this glad season when park and garden display the beauty of the season. This is one of the times of the year when we visit the Daffodil grounds of Messrs. Barr & Sons at Surbiton and revel for a few hours in that wonderful collection got together by the firm during many years, and representing a beauti- ful series of hybrids and vaiieties. It was a bright, almost summer day when we went through the collections. The cold weather of the past few- weeks has left its mark upon the Daffodils, but the display is worth many miles' journey to visit. From now onwards these interesting grounds are a storehouse of rare bulbs and plants in flower, and soon the noble Tulip species and the Darwin kinds will he in bloom. At present we are con- cerned with Daffodils only. Among the yellow trumpet section were maximus; M. J. Berkeley, larger and paler than maximus: Santa Maria, rather similar to maximus, but smaller ; a lovely show of the well-known Emperor, and Queen ot Spain, with rather pale yellow flowers and reflexed perianth. Tin- white trumpet Daffodils were represented by William Goldring, or Swan's-neck, with droop ing primrose trumpet, covered by the white perianth : Apricot, having a white perianth with a slightly apricot-tinted trumpet, the nearest approach to red of any Daffodil ; Princess Ida. a silver} coloured (lower; W. P. Milncr. a very pretty free- flowering pale-coloured variety ; and pallidus pra - cox, an excellent variety for growing in the grass. and about which we have had an interesting discussion. In the bicolor section were J. B. M. Cainm, a beautifully formed large flower with a soft yellow trumpet and white perianth ; Victoria, a large flower with a bright golden trumpet, the earliest Al'RIL 28, 1900. THE GARDEN. 315 of the section : Horsfieldi, also a large early flower ; and Proserpine, suitable for grass culture, and having a large, open trumpet. The varieties of X. incomparabilis included Sir Watkin. C. J. Backhouse, a very pretty form with a rich orange cup : Gloria Mundi, having a large orange cup and clear yellow perianth : and (Stella superba. a very pretty new sort superior to Stella, having a large white spreading perianth and rich yellow cup. Among the representatives of X. Leedsi were Mrs. Langtry, a tine large variety with white perianth and yellow and white cup; Duchess of Westminster, also a very fine variety with yellow cup and white perianth ; and Grand Duchess, which has a rich-coloured spreading cup anil a white perianth. There were many other fine sorts, among which we would mention Burbidgei John Bain, a valu- able kind with a large white perianth and citron- yellow cup ; Yellow Hoop Petticoat (N. Corhularia citrina), Barri Flora Wilson, and Nelsoni aurantius. Under glass there were several fine varieties in flower. The new sorts included Maggie May, a lovely pale Daffodil of the Leedsi section, and Duke of Bedford, the largest trumpet Daffodil yet introduced. Other kinds were Weardale Perfec- tion, a very fine large primrose flower : Mine. Plemp. having a large white perianth and a golden trumpet : Mrs. Morland Crossfield, a lovely flower of the bicolor section, nearly new: Glory of Ley- den, a handsome yellow trumpet Daffodil ; and Monarch, a new large yellow trumpet variety. We shall refer again to these newer kinds, but cannot do more now than say that at this time the Surbiton nurseries are enveloped in blossom. THE EDITORS' TABLE. At til's season the flowers of the garden are coining forth abundantly, and we invite our readers to send us anything of special beauty and interest for our table, as by this means many rare and interesting plants become more widely known. We hope, too, that a short cultural note will accompany the flower so as to make a notice of it more instructive to those who may wish to grow it. We welcome anything from the garden, whether fruit, tree, shrub, orchid, or hardy flower, and they may lie addressed either to Miss .lekyll, Munstead Wood, Godahning, or to Mr. E. T. Cook, -Id, Tavistock Street, Uovent Garden, London. Flowers for Illustration. — We shall be pleased if readers will send any rare or good garden flowers worthy of illustration to Mr. ft. G. Moon, Herbert Lodge, St. Albans. This will assist us greatly in maintaining an inter- esting series of flower sketches. Daffodh King Alfred. IIi.oom.s of the magnificent trumpet Daffodil King Alfred reach us from Mr. Kendall, in Devonshire. They are remarkably fine speci- mens, on strong stalks 22 inches high. The colour is a full middle yellow, slightly stronger in the trumpet. The flower measures 4] inches across the perianth, whose three wider divisions are each \\ inches broad, a breadth that pro- duces that deep imbrication that gives so much quality to a flower. The large, firm trumpet has a bold lip, handsomely recurved, with a diameter of 2 inches. We hope that others are succeeding as well with this grand Daffodil, which last year gained a Royal Horticultural Society's first class certificate. five petals is abnormally large and wide, and it is only their close folding that gives the double appearance. But this folding or plaiting is not irregular, as in the case of most full flowers of this form, but makes a symmetrical pattern by being, as it were, pinched up at almost exactly the same three points in each petal. Mr. Pim found the plant last year and has some seed- lings not yet bloomed which it is hoped may retain the same character. The other flower is a Daffodil that Mr. Pim found in a Welsh garden. We may describe it as having a Sir Watkin trumpet, a Tenby perianth and a Telamonius smell. A Seedling Fumitory. From Mr. .lames Allen, who has done so much tor Snowdrops and other good spring flowers, come blooms of a seedling Fumitory, yellowish- white tinged with purple at the lip, and with rather large bracts. It looks as if it might lie Corydalis solida influenced by ( '. nobilis. Erratum.— In our issue of April ■2\, Miss Jekyll's address was given in error as Mun stead House, Godahning. It should have been Munstead Wood, ' ■odalming. Flowers from Ireland. Two extremely interesting flowers come from Mr. Ureenwood Pim, in County Dublin. One is a wild Primrose that at the first glance appears to be fully double. On closer exami- nation it is seen to be single, but each of the IRIS FCETID- ISSIMA. This isone of the native plants that well de- serves a place in our gardens, for though the flower is modest in size and colour, the sheaves of deep green leaves are handsome throughout the year, and in late autumn and early win- ter the gaping pod of scarlet berries is ex- tremely ornamental. GRENADIN CARNATIONS. Of these there arc three forms at present in cultivation, the single ((Fillet a ratifia of the French), the double scarlet, and double white. The single variety is perhaps seldom cultivated in gardens, though as an economic plant it is the most valuable; I have, however, grown it one or two years and it forms when massed a fairly good hardy- border plant, its perpetual flowering being greatly in its favour. Both the double varieties are comparatively dwarf, sweet scented, and pretty. The flowers are small, and perhaps represent in a direct line the (Fillets des rosettes of the French gardens of the sixteenth century. These, like the singles, possess the remontant habit in a degree pleasant to those who like a late autumn Carnation bloom. They are best treated as biennials, and the seeds should be sown in drills out-of-doors from April to June, treating the seedlings afterwards IKIS FOSTID1S81 VIA. exactly like Sweet Williams or Wallflowers. If the plants, in addition to being pricked out of the seedling beds, can also be transplanted in autumn, they may when coming into bloom in July or August lie transferred with absolute safety to any place in borders which at the moment may requireafew plants to makeg 1 the failure of others. It, Pace. THE NEW CHISWICK. Judging by what one reads in various garden- ing papers, the subject of the proposed new gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society seems to lie arousing great interest amongst the Fellows. But there does seem also run siderable disposition to distrust the council, which so far had entirely enjoyed the confidence of the Fellows, and it may have been imagined was fully entitled to possess' that confidence still. The council is as much the legal governing body of the society as the Government or Cabinet is the governing body of the nation. Yet does there appear to be great indisposition to place confidence in the wisdom or judgment of the council in rela- tion to the proposed new Chiswick ; and its acts, supposititious or actual, are severely discussed already and somewhat harshly prejudged, without any grounds for such criticism being furnished. Surely in a matter of such exceeding importance the council should lie allowed to prepare any scheme and conduct needful negotiations without being hampered by hard criticism, up to such point as that the scheme lie fully developed and negotiations completed, all subject to the council's proceedings being ratified or otherwise by the Fellows. To elect a governing body with entire unanimity that the council is. and then to pro- nounce distrust iu that body without reason, is most unjust. What gentleman would care to serve the society under such conditions? The position is a grave one, and a time of exceeding anxiety for the council. That position is not of the council's creation. It lias been produced by circumstances over which that bodv has no control. Not onlv docs the old Chiswick lease soon expire, but, lease or no lease, atmospheric and structural environ- ment has made the continuance of the society's gardens at Chiswick almost impossible. Then if it is found that, besides securing a fine site fur the new garden, tin- council has been enabled to make a first-rate bargain with various county councils, all in the interests of national horticulture, should not all rejoice'.' F. P.. H. S. SOCIETIES. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. Lkctores on Soils, M un res, am- Seed Testing. The course of lectures and demonstrations on "Seed Testing given lust season by Mr. D. Finlayson having met with much success, the council decided to carry out more fully the idea with which they were commenced, namely, that of dealing with the preliminary operations of gardening; and horticulture from a scientific point of view. With this object a series of twelve lectures on Soils, Manures, and Methods of Testing the Purity and Germi- nating Powers of Garden and other Seeds," will be given in the museum at the gardens at 4 o'clock on Friday after- noons, commencing April 27, by Mr. D. Fin I ay son. F.L.S., the well-known analyst and seed expert. Fellows and their friends are invited, and a ticket admitting to the course can he obtained upon application to the secretary at the gardens. At first intended as pail of the ordinary curriculum of the society's practical gardening school, the importance of the subject at the present time has led the council to believe that there are many others who would be glad to participate in its advantages. It has long been a reproach to this country that the teachings of science in gardening and agriculture and the application of scientific methods should have met with partial an appreciation. In every other country than our own, governments not only encourage and supervise instruc- tion of this kind, but in most rural districts they have established seed-testing stations, where all that appertains to the genera] and particular branches of agriculture prac- tised there is made the subject of experiment and investiga- tion, and the results attained published and circulated among all those connected with it. Soils are analysed, their good and bad qualities pointed out, and methods for their improvement suggested; the composition and values of manures and their application to different soils and crops made the subject of experiment ; the best means of com- 316 THE GARDEN. [April 28, 1900. bating plant diseases and insect pests studied and taught, and special attention is given to the adulteration and detec- tion of impurities in seeds. As to this last, it is difficult to understand the lethargy and indifference evinced by fanners and growers, yet it is one of the most important points affecting cultivation at the present time, and is likely to be -till mi ire so in the future, what with the increasing range of countries from which we draw our seed supplies and the lower commercial morality caused by the rage for cheapness. It is a matter of common knowledge that a great deal of bad seed is brought into this country from abroad. Some- times through age or bad storing it has lost the power of germination : at other times it contains the spores of deleterious fungi, such as rust and smut ; or. again, it may be mixed with the seeds of noxious weeds. The farmer or gardener sows it and finds all too late that his crops are thin. or diseased, or that he has been made the unconscious instrument in introducing and disseminating weeds suffi- cient to give himself and his neighbours work for a long time. Theoretically he has his remedy against the seller, but the difficulty of proving damage after seed has been sown for perhaps months is 30 urreat, that practically he has none. Were seed - testing; station- of the continental or American type to be established in this country, growers would need only to forward samples of suspected seeds, and the analysts report would be equivalent to legal proof, nnly a month or two ago an influential deputation waited upon the President of the Hoard of Agriculture to ask him to deal with the matter, and a promise was given that some- thing of the kind should lie attempted. It is to the credit of this society that they should thus have been the first to attack this subject from a practical point of view by initiating these lectures and demonstrations in L899, and bj instituting an incubator for seed-testing. the royal horticultural society. Floral Committee. THERE were many exhibits before this c mnuittee. A fine group of Hippe.istruros was shown by Mr. Wilbcr- force Bryant (gardener, Mr. D. Kemp), Stuke Park, Slouch. The plants were remark. iU> tine, being grown from seed sown in March, 1894. A sil v«_-i Banksian medal was awarded. A collection of cut Camellia Mowers gathered from out- doors was sent by Sii' Francis Barry, Bart., M. P. (gardener, Mr. I;. Brown), St. Leonard's Bill, Windsor. This also obtained a silver Banksian medal. A pretty slant] of scented-leaved Pelargoniums was sent ii\ .Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, Gnnnersbury Bouse, Acton (gardener, Mr James Hudson). It contained g i blooms "f Mr-. Kingsbury, quercifolin variegata, Scarlet Unique, Ac A group of Cineraria Lady Thistleton-Dyei was sent by the director of the Royal Gardens, Kew. it i> a putty flower and graceful plant. A group principally composed ..1" Roses, l)elongiiig t<> Messrs. Paul .V Son, Cheshunt, was awarded a silver-gilt Flora medal. It was a charming exhibit, and contained among other kinds Ma Capucine, Clara Watson Belli Siebrecht, Mme. Victor Verdier, and also Gillenia brifolfata, pans of Adonis vernal is, Primula denticulata, x< . A handsome collection of cut Roses was sent bj Mi'. W. Rumsey, of Waltham Cross, and obtained a silver Flora medal. In it were tine blooms of 1 Ideal. MarechaJ Niel. Celine Forestier. Niphetos, The Queen, and others, A tine group of Roses jtl pots was Staged bj Messrs. Frank Cant .v Co., Colchester, it consisted of such sorts as Muriel. Mrs. K. G. Sharman Crawford, ami The Bride, and also Bome small plants of Polyantlia Roses. This was also awarded a silver Flora medal. A tine exhihit of Tea Rose Sunrise in vases was sent by Mr. G. W. Piper, of Uckfleld, Sussex. Messrs. Carter, Bigh Bolborn, showed a group of both double and single Cinerarias, the latter being specially fine both in the colour ami size of the blooms. The group obtained a silver Banksian medal. Messrs. J. Veitoh & s.ms. Chelsea, also showed a pretty group of Cineraria polyantha in a variety of colours rhe same Arm also had a group of Bydrangeas ami one of hilars and Magnolias, for which they obtained a Bilver Banksian medal. A group consisting chiefly "t Begonias ami Nepeta Glechoma variegata was exhibited by Messrs. 11 Cannell and >"iis, Swanley. The Begonias were Count Zepplin, a large double brilliant vermilion variety, Trioraphe de Lorraine, Boule de Nelge, and Glolre de Uontet. I collection of the curious dwarfed Japauese conifers was sent by Messrs Barr a- Sons, Kin- Street, Covent Garden. Mi John Russell Richmond, Surrey, Btaged a pretty srroup of Acers, which obtained a silver Banksian medal, and Included among others palmatum, p. i-oeeiu arginatum, and [aponicum flHcifolium, \ splendid group of flowering plants shown bj Mr. II. 11. May. 1 ppei Edmonton, was awarded a Bilver*gilt Flora medal, it consisted of Buch plants as the Crimson Rambler B isi > lematis Nellie Moser, Hydrangea hortensis, Hydrangea Thomas Hogg, and various Caladiums. Messrs. J Laing a Sons, Forest Hill, obtained a silver ian medal t"i a group of plants, Buch as Clfvias, Heaths Crotont Dracaenas, Ac. This Ann also won a silver an medal with a tine collection of forced hardy shrubs, including Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Frunus triloba, and the Crimson Rambler Rose, An interesting group oi flowering plants exhibited by Messrs. W, Cutoush a Son. High gate, obtained a bronze Flora medal it consisted largely of Ghent am] other Lzaleas, Viburnum Opulus, "alia EUIotttana, Staphylea colchica, a c. Messrs. J Peed a Sons Norw I, S. E . Btaged a group <>t ng shrubs and Olivias, whic 1 was awarded a bronze Banksian medal, \mong the flowering shrubs were Dentzia gracilis, Main- florihunda, \ iburnura Opulus sterile Prom Messrs. i: a g. Cuthbert, Southgate, Middlesex, h tion ->i Gh< nl A/aleas. A collection of alpine plants, very naturally displayed, was sent from the Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery. In this group various sections of Auriculas were represented. There were also Atragene alpina alba, Androsace pyrenaica, A. coronifolia, and Primrose Miss Massey. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, sent a small collec- tion of choice plants, such as Erythronium Johnsoni. E. revolutum, Fritillaria pluritiora, F. pudica, F. Meleagris, Tulipa saxatilis. and a delightful exhibit of Daffodils. A group of hardy flowers, shown by Messrs. G. Jackman tt Son. Woking, obtained a bronze Banksian medal. It con- tained various Narcissi, Gentiana verna. Phlox canadensis, Auricula Golden Queen, Tiillium grandiflorum, &c. Mr. Rogers. River Hill, Sevenoaks, sent a stand of cut blooms of Himalayan Rhododendrons. • A very handsome collection of Tulips came from Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, and was awarded a silver Banksian medal. The group included Rachel Ruisch. Thomas More, Pink Beauty. Couleur de Cardinal, Prince of Austria. Admiral Reyneirse, Pottebakker, and many others. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, sent plants of a fine pink Pelargonium, Emmanuel Lias. From Messrs. Barr & Sons came Orobus vermis alhus plenus. Plants of Azalea mollis altaclarense were sent by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. A peculiar green-edged, double Petunia, Swanley Gem. came from Messrs. Cannell A- Sons. This firm also sent a plant of Canna Secretaire Chabanne. Messrs. R. A' G. Cuthbert, Southgate, exhibited plants of Ghent Azalea Lady Piggott, ami also of Azalea Yodogama (Japanese variety). Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, showed a plant of Hybrid Tea Rise Mme. Jules Grolez, a very beautiful kind, which the com- mittee wished to see again. From Perry's Hardy Plant Farm. Winchmore Hill, X., were sent Mertensia virginica, Trillium sessile album, T. s. californicum, and T. s atro- purpureum. A cultural commendation was voted to blooms of Nym- phaea stellata, shown by Mr. L. de Rothschild (gardener. Mr. J. Hudson), Gunnersbury House, W. Mr. Xohhs, the Royal Gardens, Osborne, showed a Richardia seedling, rather similar to Little Gem. A fine light-coloured Hippeastnini, Phoebe, was exhibited by Mrs. Burns. North Mymms Park, Hatfield; and a plant of Carnation Grand Duchess Olga came from Mr. J. Column, Gatton Park, Reigate. Narcissi s Committee. An excellent group of Narcissi shown by Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd . Wisbech, obtained a silver Flora medal. Some of the best varieties contained in it were Weardale Perfection, J. B. M. Camra, Glory of Leyden, double Jonquil Qiteen Anne, Flora Wilson, and Mine. Plemp. There were many kinds well staged, hut want of space prevents further refer- ence t<> them now. Messrs, Barr .v s..ns, Messrs. J. Veitch <8 Sons, and Mr. H. J. Jones obtained silver Banksian medals for very fine Collections Of Daffodils. Other g 1 groups were alsn show 11 b) Messrs. R. Wallace <$ Co. and Mr. Robert Sydenham, who had Daffodils in howls. We shall refer to this method 'if culture again at greater length than is possible now. The Rev. i;. Knu'leheart. Appleshaw, Andover, had another brilliant display of his Beedling Daffodils, of which Virgil, Diana, and Chancellor obtained awards of merit. These seedlings we shall describe, we hope, next week. M Van Waveren, Hillegora, Holland, obtained a first-class certificate h.r Van Waveren s Giant, and awards of merit for Olympia and Minnie. J. der Groot .v Sons, Nfoordwyk, Holland, were awarded an award of merit for Wilhelmina. Dorothj KiiiL'stnill. shown bj Mr. A. Eingsmill, Harrow Weald, obtained a first class certificate. Miss Willraott, Warley Place. Esse\. Obtained first-class certificates for Countess Ore} and Mrs Berkeley, and awards of merit for Elcaimr Berkeley and Charles Wolley-Dod. It is imp 'ssihie on this occasion t«> refer at greater length to these beautiful seedling Narcissi. but it is our intention to give each kind careful consideration as soon as possible. Orchid Committee. Mi u . \ Bilney, Fir Grange, Weybridge (gardener, Mr, »'. Whittock), sent a group consisting principally of finely- grown and beautifully -flowered Dendrobiums, the forms of D. Waidiannm in the back row being most remarkable. Among the numerous varieties of D. nobile were sonic go. id dark forms, tin- most prominent being D. n. nobilius, D. Ainsuurlhi, and D. I >' in n 'l.i.i a large plant "f i '. Lawrenceana with five racemes of flowers, some good forms of C. Trlanse, and a beautiful variety of C Srhilleriaua with a distinct bright purple label hi in. Among the numerous Odontoglossums were excellent varieties ,,f 0, crispura, 0. Pescatorei, 0. \ 1 n 1 1 1 '-nniaiiuin, and 0. U'ilckeaiiiun Pittas (previously certificated) with a fifteen -flowered raceme of its deep brown and yellow flowers. Dendn ibjum Devonianum, D. thyrsi- tl'.riiin, D atro-violaceum, and uther species were included also Sfiltonia Roezli. Among the numerous Cypripediums were tine varieties of C. bellatuliim, finely-flowered Mas devallias, and Cochliodas. A silver Floi*a medal was aw :n ded Sii 1 Wjgan, Bart., Clare Lawn, Fast Sheen (gardener, Mr. w. 11. Young), sent a small but choice group, among which were s e grand forms "f Cattleya intermedia, the most beautiful beinu'C. i. alba, with a four-flowered raceme nl absolutely pure white Sowers : C. Mendeli, C. Sehrcederas, and C. Schill.nana C. William Murray (Mendeli ■ Law- renceana), with two racemes of four Mowers each, showing the intermediate characters of the parents used in its pro- duction ; C. intetinedio superha, derived from the parents indicated in the name, and 1 '. Aelandia' were alsn included. Amongst other exhibits were l.a-ii'i-iatt leva highburyensis (cinnabarina - Lawrenceana), which with its purple and orange flowers whs in striking contrast to Laslia Latona (cinnabarina purpurata), which has brighter yellow seg- ments. L. Jongheana, several good Odontoglossums, and other interesting Orchids wer also exhibited. A silver Flora medal was awarded. Mr. W. Thompson, Stone (gardener, Mr. Stevens), sent some remarkahle forms of O. crispum, O. c. Victoria Regina, a beautiful rose-tinted form, finely spotted, the lip white, with brown markings; O. c. The Earl, with deep reddish- brown blotches on a white ground, and a good variety of O. triumphans. Mr. De B. Crawshay, Rosefield, Sevenoaks, sent several finely-flowered Odontoglossums, the forrhs of 0. crispum being all of excellent substance and comprising many finely- spotted forms. Vote of thanks. Mr. J. Coleman, Gatton Park (gardener, Mr. Brand), sent a finely-spotted Odontoglossum Andersonianum. Mr. H. Little, The Barrens, Twickenham, had Laelia purpurata Traceyana. a beautiful white variety with pink lines and suffusion through the throat. Mr. W. Cobb, Dulcote, Tuuhridge Wells, sent the small, densely-spotted Odontoglossum nsevium, two good forms of 0. triumphans, and a good Cattleya Selmedera?. Mr. Vanner, Camden Wood, Chislehurst, exhibited a pretty variety of Cypripedium Charles Rickman. Sir J. Miller, Blanderston, showed a form of La?lia Hippolyta. Sir T. Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking, sent a delicate form of Cattleya Schroederse, Dendrobium teretifolium. D. macrostachyum, with green and purple-veined flowers (botanical certificate), and Cirrhopetalum timbriatum, with clusters of brown ami green flowers, which also received a botanical certificate. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill, Enfield, exhibited a g 1 group consisting of finely-flowered plants of Cattleya Schroederse, C Mendeli. and C. Lawrenceana, and some dark forms of Cypripedium Lawrenceanum. Several good forms of Odontoglossum, a fine form of Oncidium Papilio and the lovely Phalaenopsis Lady Rothschild, certificated at the last meeting, were also exhibited. A silver Banksian medal was awarded. Messrs. J. Veitch A" Sons sent Cypripedium .Toeasta (C. Haynaldianum - C. insigne Chantini), Lselio-Cattleya Wellsi- ana, and some hybrid Dendrobiums. Mr. H. A. Tracy, Aniyand Park Road, Twickenham, sent a pretty form of Cattleya Schroederse with a blotch in the centre of the lip. Fruit Commute p. There was a m-\\ small number of exhibits before this committee, and no special awards made. From the Royal Gardens, Kew, came interesting fruits of Citrus medica var. Limonum, very large fruits, the outer rind being much softer than the ordinary Citron. Lemons were sent by Mr. .1. T. Bennett-Poe i (gardener, Mr. J. Downes), Ashley Place. Very fine Royal Sovereign Strawberries came from Messrs. Hammond ami Johnstone, Brentwood, receiving a cultural commendation. Pear Winter ' Grange, an excellent late stewing variety, was sent by Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, Suffolk. Mr. Markham, Wrotliam Park Gardens, Barnet.sent a mw seedling Cucumber, the result of crossing Veitch's Perfection with Lockie s, and it appeared an excellent selection, hut the fruits sent were a little past their best. the auricula show. Show Auriculas. THESE were in larger quantities and in decidedly better quality than was at one time anticipated, the warmth of the past few days bringing them on and assisting a more perfect development, much to the delight of those who attended at the Drill Hall to inspect them, for, after all, there is a peculiar fascination about the beaded flowers of the show varieties with their jewelled surfaces and striking contrasts. Mr. James Douglas, of Great Bookham, still retains the premiership as a grower and exhibitor, as his collection of twelve show varieties stood out from all the rest competing with them for their vigorous growth and massive trusses. Chief among them was a bold and striking green-edged variety with twelve expanded pips, which recalls to memory the interest taken in the (lower by the late Mr. Shirley Hibherd, whose name it hears, other green edges were Mrs. Henwood and Abbe Liszt ; grey edges, Marmion, Per- severance, Sanders, a pleasing variety; Olympus (Douglas), probably a seedling from George Ligntbody, which it some- what resembles; Acme and Magpie, two very pleasing white edges ; Raven and Cleopatra, selfs. Mr. W. Smith. Bishop's Stortford, who has strenuously tried during the past three or four years to come near to the top as an exhibitor, improved upon his position of last year by coming in second. He had of green edges, Mrs. Hen- w.i.nl and Abbe Liszt. George Lighthody and Rachel were In- grej edges. He had also Mrs. Dudwell. while edge, and 1 lleopatra, self. Missis Phillips (ft Taylor, Bracknell, Berks, were third, but came tn the front with six show varieties. Mrs. Henwood and the Rev. F. I> Homer represented the select and diffi- cult green-edued section; grey-edged George Rudd ; white- edged. Acme . and Miss Barnett and Mrs. Phillips, two tine selfs raised by Mr. Phillips, shone in this section. Mr. W. Smith had again to be content with second place ; he had John Hannaford (green), a red self named Ruby, and a dark one. Black Ress, one of the most constant. Mr. A. R. Brown, Handsworth, Birmingham, was third. In the class for fifty Auriculas not necessarily distinct, Mr. J. Douglas was again to the fore. He had of sireen edges Abbe* Liszt, one of his own Beedlings, Rev. K. D. Horner, Greenfinch, Shirley Hibherd with eleven very tine pips, and Lancashire Ilen». generally a grey f\ Glass, Andrew Miller, and Black Bess. \1 <-s>i -. Phillips A Taylor, Bracknell, were second, this collection including one or two yellow selfs, which are some- what scarce. -Mr. Purnell-Purnell, Streatham. was third. GARDEN. "%s= -yg$>= %^m$ No. 1485.— Vol. LVII.] [May 5, 1900. THE WORK OF THE HYBRIDIST. THE Hybrid Conference Report which forms the twenty-fourth volume of the Journal of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, just issued, is a collec- tion of valuable papers contributed tn the famous conference held in the Chiswick Garden last year, and is worthy of more than passing notice. It is an index in a large degree of the great work accomplished for horticul- ture by the hybridist, whose labours are written large in the gardens of the world, and this work proceeds with greater energy as the love of flowers grows amongst us. The fort- nightly meetings in the Drill Hall teach us one lesson, that the raising of new plants is an industry of increasing importance, not maybe directed always in the right channel, but gene- rally for the improvement of the groups of flowers, fruits, or vegetables upon which es] lecial attention is bestowed. It is not our intention to enter into a lengthy disquisition concerning plant hybridisation in this land. That is embodied in this journal, and a glance through its pages shows how universal is this desire to people the world of flowers with new inhabitants. Many of the leading raisers of new productions in France and Germany record their labours, and we are thankful that this knowledge and love of flowers is characteristic of many nations. Whether we enter the humble garden of the cottager or the domain of the wealthy, glance through the trade lists or visit the exhibitions, we meet flowers not native of any land, but born into the world through the means of hybridisation. It is, perhaps, hardly pleasant to reflect that, as in th3 animal kingdom, so in that concerning the flora of the world, the genera] scouring by naturalist and botanist that goes on year by year diminishes in no uncertain way natural species and hybrids new to our gardens. Not many years have flown since the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society were made interesting by the acquisi- tion of plants from other lands unknown to us before ; but this interest is at present main- tained largely by hybrids and selection — novel- ties not confined to flowers alone, but repre- sented by new fruits and new vegetables. There is no limit to the productions of the hybridist, and without his labours our gardens would lie shorn of much of their present interest and beauty. I n his introductory address to the conference, Dr. Masters quotes from a work of Richard Bradley, called " New Improvements of Planting and 'Gardening, both Philosophical and Practical." This was published in 1717, and in this book is the record of the first garden hybrid, produced by Mr. Thomas Fair- child, an ardent gardener of Hoxton. Bradley, after writing of fertilisation, says : — " By this knowledge we may alter the property and taste of any fruit by impregnating the one with the farina of another of the same class ; as, for example, a Codlin with a Pearmain, which will occasion the Codlin so impregnated to last a longer time than usual, and be of a sharper taste ; or if the winter fruits should be fecundated with the dust of the summer kinds they will decay before their usual time ; and it is from this accidental coupling of the farina of one with the other that in an orchard where there is variety of Apples even the fruits gathered from the same tree differ in their flavour and times of ripening ; and, more- over, the seeds of those Apples so generated, being changed by that means from their natural qualities, will produce different kinds of fruit if they are sown. " 'Tis from this accidental coupling that proceeds the numberless varieties of fruits and flowers which are raised every day from seed . " Moreover, a curious person may by this know- ledge produce such rare kinds of plants as have not yet been heard of by making choice of two plants for his purpose, as are near alike in their parts, but chiefly in their flowers or seed vessels ; for example, the Carnation and Sweet William are in some respects alike : the farina of the one will impregnate the other, and the seed so enlivened will produce a plant differing from either, as may now be seen in the garden of Mr. Thomas Fairchild, of Hoxton, a plant neither Sweet William nor Carnation, but resembling both equally, which was raised from lin- seed of a Carnation that had heen impregnated by the farina of the Sweet William." "Fairchild is mentioned," says Johnson in his "History of English Gardening," "throughout Bradley's works as a man of general information and fond of scientific research. He was a com- mercial gardener at Hoxton, carrying on one of the largest trades as a nurseryman and florist that were then established. He was one of the largest English cultivators of a vineyard, of which he had one at Hoxton as late as 1722. He died in 1729, leaving funds for insuring the delivery of a sermon annually in the Church of St. Leonard's, Shore- ditch, on Whit Tuesday, ' On the wonderful works of < tod in the Creation ; or, On the certainty of the resurrection of the dead proved by the certain changes of the animal and vegetable parts of the Creation.'" From this simple beginning have arisen beautiful groups of plants, the pride of our hothouses and flower beds, and this industry, if we may so call selecting and cross-breeding to obtain new departures of existing types, is developing in a way that would have astonished the earlier workers in this interesting field of scientific horticulture. As we look around, Roses, Chrysanthemums, Anthuriums, Begonias, Nymphteas, Orchids, Fuchsias, Azaleas, Daffo- dils, Lilacs, Chinese Primulas, Clematises, Ferns, and other plants remind us of the rich results accomplished by the hybridist for the beautifying of the garden, orchard, and park. SPRING FLOWERING BULBS. One of the most puzzling problems that presents itself for solution in a general collec- tion of hardy plants is to determine how best to use the numerous bulbs that comprise the greater number of our spring flowers. One way of meeting the difficulty is easy and most effective, but can only be employed by those who have rough ground adjoining the garden, where the bulbs can be planted in grassy or woody places. Few people care to give up a space of ground for bulbs only that shall be bare in summer, though if such space can be given, it is not only desirable as a means of growing the bulbs to their best strength, but also makes a useful reserve to draw upon for other plantings ; while even those who prefer free ways of gardening cannot but see how pretty bulbs are in even the stillest and most Dutch-garden-like beds. There is a method of compromise that is not a bad way out of the difficulty, which is to have long bull i beds of the convenient width of 4 feet or at most .") feet, and to plant the bulbs in transverse strips about a foot in width acr< iss the lied, leaving a space of a foot between each strip, to be planted later with Verbenas or Heliotrope, or anything else that will fill its own space and partly or entirely cover the ground left bare by the bulbs. The weak point in this arrangement is that when one has to raise any bulbs, which happens generally about the end of June or early in July, there will be some disturbance of the things planted in the spaces between them which will then be making strong growth. Sometimes there occurs in a garden a low bank or bed of hardy Ferns. The space between these offers excellent places for bulbs, such as the smaller Scillas, Chionodoxas and Pusch- kinias. This is well worth noting in preparing a Fern garden — a kind of garden that seems to have fallen into disuse, but that is capable of being mode extremely beautiful, though not by planting the Ferns among heaped-up stumps, as was formerly so often done. When the little bulbs are blooming the Ferns are not yet thinking about unfolding their fronds ; but after the bloom is over and the foliage has grown full and tall, as it begins to turn colour after completing its life's work, the Fern fronds are unfurling and spreading over the ground. To avoid the monotony that might be felt if the space showed nothing but flowering bulbs and brown tufts of undeveloped Fern, it would be well to introduce just a few early-leafing plants such as Dentaria, Woodruff, Virginian Cowslip, and the pretty feathery Myrrhis odorata. Now while some of the early bulbs are still 318 THE GARDEN. [May 5, 1900. in bloom, anyone who, like the writer, has the preparation of such a bit of garden in contem- plation will do well to watch the little flowers before they are gone and see how best they would combine or follow one another. First there are the splendid blues of the Chionodoxas and early Sciflas ; then there is a range of colourings that must be kept apart from these, but will do well among themselves as near neighbours. These will comprise the old garden Dog's-tooth Violet and its varieties, and an oldcottage garden plant that is not showy, but is full of a certain quiet modest charm, namely, the purple Fumitory (( lorydalisbulbosa). These should be intergrouped, as they forma .piite delightful colour harmony. Following these and keeping within the same colouring will be the purple Fritillary and some of the white variety, and this white kind will also be near a good planting of the beautiful Scilla italica alba, a plant not common in gardens. Further back will be patches of the tall Snow- flake (Leucojum aestivum), while its earlier relative, Leucojum vernum, will be in connec- tion with the patch, or rather long straggle, of Scilla sibinca. Winter Aconites and Snowdrops are too early for this bit of garden, so their homes are else- where : and as the space is somewhat shaded, possibly neither the brilliancy of Anemone tub-ens' nor the splendour of Iris reticulata can be depended on, but this condition will make it all the better for Anemone apennina and the best of the wood Anemones. The Ferns will be few in number of kinds, and there will be nothing out of common the Male Fern and Lady Fern, dilated Shield Fern, Halt's - tongue ami Polypody; perhaps these, and no others. ( >ther selections could easily be made, but these are the ones that in the present case are at hand and will give the effect desired. They will be ] hinted mostly in long drifts, and there will be a few large stones sunk in the earth, partly for appearance sake and partlj for comforting coolness and moisture to the roots oi tlie Ferns. There will also be some tufts of Iris fietidissima, a plant whose dark green sword-shaped leaves would make a distinct contrast to the feather) light green Fern-frond masses. Doubtless the many matters so ably dealt with by the officers of the Royal Horticultural Society leave small scope for the consideration of details of upholstery, but looking round the show and seeing how in every case without exception all foliage, as well as much of the bloom, was distinctly hurt by .juxtaposition with the pitiless raw green dye, one could not but regret that such a colour should be the normal complexion of new green baize. As texture and nature of material it is all that can be wished, and some of the older pieces pass through stages of ipnet and pleasant colouring, ending in a dingy brown that, though unbeauti- ful, is comparatively harmless. The colour of the foliage of Orchids is rarely brilliant, and, for the most part, is of a rather pale and low tone that harmonises exactly with the delicate tinting of the flowers. But against the garish baize the whole value of the leaf- colouring is lost. We are well aware that it is easier to criticise than to offer at once a distinct solution of the difficulty, though it would be quite easy to fix upon a neutral half-tint of greenish quality that would suit all flowers and foliage. But it might be worth inquiring among the manu- facturers whether a material of approximately the Same price and texture could not he special h dyed when from time to time a new supply was needed. In the usual course manufacturers of woollen goods will dye specially without extra charge any length of thirty or more yards. We should be glad if we could be of service to the society.if they should desire it, by trying patterns of colouring and suggesting one that might be fixed upon and kept as a standard. LESSONS LEARNT AT THE SHOWS. Wandering round a delightful collection of spring flowers, such as that at the Drill Hall on Tuesday, 24th ult.. a critical observer could not but notice how important to the a 1 appearance of the plants is the manner in which they are placed before the public. It is like the good and tasteful dishing-iip and suitable garnishing of viands, which puts a distinct mark on the work of the high-class cook, and presents food in a manner that is acceptable to the most refined taste, rather than merely as go much provender. So, when one lias had a Hist look at the (lowers. ,,n going 10 1 agaii e finds oneself passing soi f the stands almost withoui notice, even though thej maj contain some ol the mosl beautiful blooms, and lingering with a feeling of pleasure before others, because t hese are pleasant Ij arranged. Special!) notice- able was a basket of Auriculas from the Guild- ford Bard) Planl < lompany, the pots hidden by a covering of the grey foliage ol one of the Cudweeds (Ante ria). Flowers so delicate in colour as the ere) or green-edged Auriculas are grateful foi this quiet ground of a grey still « colourless than their ow li. whereas the) are absolutel) killed by the garish green of the baize that drapes the fronts of the stands. MR. ENGLEHEART'S SEEDLING DAFFODILS. Among the man) who are working for the bettering of our garden (lowers no one is more distinguished, either for patient labour or abounding success, than the Rev. George Herbert Engleheart. Following in the steps of his ancestor. Dean Herbert, as a devoted student of Daffodils and as a hybridiser in those of tin- tine northerners, Leeds and Back house, and their more recent followers, Mr. Engleheart has already outstripped them all, and now stands alone as the best living raiser of new forms of these beautiful flowers. The fruits of twenty years of labour are now maturing, and whereas formerly only a few lil s snowing new forms of beauty would come from (hi- Hampshire garden, its yearly exhibit of high-class seedlings may now be numbered by the score. Among the many good things Mr. Engleheart showed on April 23 were some white (lowers oi thai delicate lemon-white that characterises all the so-called whites (other than the poeticus section) whose earlier hybrids resulted in some of (he Leedsi varieties, of which such beautiful (lowers aS Katherilie Spill] oil will lio doubt always hold (heir own. li. the (lowers Mr. Engleheart showed this year these whites are amongst the most re- markable. One named Diana, which maybe described as a large while Leedsi, is a (lower of the highest beauty and refinement. Lilian is a lovely Daffodil of the same class. Another called White Queen is larger and has a half* length trumpet whose edge is richly fringed I plaited. Another, a single (lower not as yel named, has a straight white trumpet, in form resembling that of abscissus, and wide- pread while perianth (hat measures no less than 3| inches across. The strange thing about jome of these large white (lowers is that they are derived from the small Narcissus triandrus, whose descendants, whether of pod or pollen, show this marked tendency to increase in size. Though the fine whites are perhaps the most conspicuous among the new flowers shown by Mr. Engleheart, there were in all sections varieties of high merit, some of the best being inconiparabilis Fiametta, with cup-edge of brilliant scarlet, and Chancellor, a large-cupped Leedsi with lemon-white perianth and clear pale yellow cup. A seedling poeticus named Virgil, though scarcely to be called a distinct variety, was good to see, because it seems to express the most complete beauty of which its kind is capable. It has the wide petal of ornatus of a substance better than usual, the colour- splendour of cup-edge of poetarum, a whiteness of petal enhanced by its unusual substance and a dignity all its own. It possesses every quality of beauty that a poeticus is capable of showing combined in one flower. It is to be hoped that this good plant will increase well, so that we may look forward to it as available as the central type of beauty in its own section. If raisers of other kinds of new flowers would keep in view the value of such standards of ex- cellence and strive for these as well as for well-considered divergences from the type, our gardens would be all the richer. NEW GARDENS FOR THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. We give special place to the following com- munication from the Rev. W. Wilks, for it is an appeal to the Fellows to assist the council in determining the site that shall be chosen for the future practical work of the society : — For the purpose of giving full effect to the decision of the general meeting of the society held recently, requesting the council to examine further sites for the new gardens of the society, the council request any Fellow « ho knows of a suitable position to be so kind as to send at once to the oltice of the society detailed particulars of the acreage, distance from London, nearest railway station, aspect, nature of soil, name of owner or agent, and prioe, A site at Liinpstield had been fixed upon by the council as providing the necessary require- ments for experimental work, but this was apparently not favourably regarded by the meeting held last Wednesday week. Nothing, as we have before said, was accom- plished at this meeting except to pass the foregoing resolution, which was in effect the same as the Fellows agreed upon at the annual meeting in February last, THE CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. It may not be inopportune, when the question of a new < iiisw ick is occupying the attention of the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society, to ask you to Hi nl space in this week's issue of Tin-; Garden for the accompanying notes on the Chis- wick trials. These notes I communicated, with I he consent oi the president, to each member of (lie council in March hist, anil SirTrevor Lawrence then suggested that then; would he objection to my publishing them if I oared to do so, I am conscious that, after many influential persons have expressed the view that a new (inn wiek is necessary, it is perhaps presumptuous on my part to oiler a contrai) opinion, but it may not he loo late even now to ask whether the purchase of a new garden is certainly the hest means of oele brating the centenary of the society. We have still t went) years oi the I biswick lease unexpired. Can we not make the hest of (Jhiswick Mat 1900. THE GARDEN. 319 for at any rate some years to come, and devote our energies to obtaining by some means or other the new horticultural hall which is so sadly needed for the fortnightly shows'/ From the crowded state of the Drill Hall, both as regards the exhibits themselves and the visitors, it must appear to everyone a necessity that some other place be found before long. This is as neces- sary for the work of the various committees as for the shows, and I cannot doubt that if £27,000 was raised or promised several years ago, a much larger sum could now be raised when the society has reached a degree of popularity and success never before known, at least in recent years. Akthi'i; \Y. Sutton. Bucklebury Place, Woolham/ptan, Berks. P.N. — As mentioned by Mr. Elwes at the general meeting on the 25th ult., I have most reluctantly resigned my seat on the council of the society, to which I was elected at the annual meeting in February last, as I was unable to endorse the recommendations of the council embodied in the resolutions which the general meeting was called to consider. [Mr. Sutton also sent notes upon tin Chiswick trials in comparison with other trials, which shall have attention next week. — Eds.] WILD FLOWERS. . . . champs d'anemones semes par Dieu." R-ENAN. Without a cloud the sky is blue. And blue the Violets that strew The copse, as though between the t rees The April sky had fallen through, And stained the ground with azure hue. Anemones, so thick they grow Around the Held, are white like snow ; And in the shelter of the wood Marsh Marigolds begin to glow, And Bluebell buds already show. M. C. 1). THE EDITORS' TABLE. At this season the flowers of the garden are coining birth abundantly, and we invite our readers to semi us anything of special beauty and interest for our table, as by this means many rare and interesting plants become inure widely known. We hope, too, that a short cultural note will accompany the flower so as to make a notice of it more instructive to those who may wish to grow it. We welcome anything from the garden, whether fruit, tree, shrub, orchid, or hardy flower, and they may be addressed either to Miss Jekyll, Munstead Wood, Godalming, or to Mr. E. T. Cook, 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London. Flowers foe Illustration.- -We shall be pleased if readers will send any rare or good garden flowers worthy of illustration to Mr. H. G. Moon, Herbert Lodge, St. Albans. This will assist us greatly in maintaining an inter- esting series of flower sketches. Rose Mme. Beeard from Padstow* A DELIGHTFUL box of flowers is sent by Mr. W. Ilrown, The Gardens, Prideaux Place, Padstow, gathered from "a plant growing in a cool greenhouse with Mareehal Xiel and Niphetos, which form a capital trio. Mine. Berard produces good long shoots with plenty of foliage, which we think, is a point in its favour, especially when used in a cut state." We thank our correspondent for his interesting note about such well-grown flowers of this noble Rose. The Blue Wood Anemones. On p. 284 Mr. F. W. Burbidge asks readers of The Garden to keep a look-out for blue varie- iM of Wood Anemones. 1 am sending a box of a variety which was brought to my notice recently in an old garden on this estate. These were growing in a very shady corner under a large Oak tree, the sun scarcely ever reaching them, and covered the ground for many yards to the exclusion of all else. It was one of the prettiest things 1 have seen at this time of the year, the masses of chaste delicate blossoms standing out from the extremely beautiful foliage, the whole forming a picture one would go a long way to see. Besides covering the whole of this corner of the garden, the roots had spread and established themselves on the other side of the hedge close to the public road. We shall be much interested to know if this is either of the varieties Mr. Burbidge inquires about. — J. (i. Weston, The Garden, Bessborough, Piltown, Ireland. [The blue Wood Anemone received with this note is not a blue variety of A. nemorosa, but is Anemone apennina, the blue flower of the copse and thicket of Northern Italy, and fortunately a willing colonist in our islands. It is one of the loveliest flowers for wild gardening, adapting itself most happily to the companionship of rough grass and wild growths on woodland edges.] Iris orchioides and Orobus vermis. Some interesting flowers come from Mr. ( larrington Ley, near Maidstone. Iris orchi- oides, clear yellow, the fall with a few splashes ot a dull olive-brown, among which rises a keel -like crest with serrated edge. The alternate leaves, long, broad, and of a lively green colour and high polish, clothe the stem handsomely ami give the plant a distinct appearance. The blue variety of Orobus vermis is a pretty plant of remark- able colouring, for the blue is of the greenish turquoise colour so rare among flowers, fading to a brilliant coppery green. The quality of the blue is all the more remarkable because in parts of the flower it joins into the red-purple that forms the chief part of the tinting in the bloom of normal colour. Mr. Ley says that this blue variety is sometimes miscalled ( ). cyanus. which is a Greek plant that he understands on good authority is not blue at all. He also sends the white variety of O. vermis. The flower is white, flushed at the top with rosy pink, a pretty thing, but not \er\ important. Mr. Ley remarks that though the_ name Orobus is now merged in Lathyrus, it is convenient to keep it, as the Orobus branch of the family is so distinct from a garden point of view from the perennial Peas. Double Primroses from South Devon. I am sending you blooms of two double Primroses which I believe are not known or not generally known. The hot sun and a night of sharp frost have spoilt all good flowers, but you may be able to form some idea. Regina is really a Polyanthus, and the colour of Reel Paddy or nearly so. The other is a salmon, as you will see.— H. E. C, Hood Manor, Totnex, S. I), von. [The bunch-flowered bloom is a tine flower of a magenta-crimson colour; the other had evidently lost some of its colour on the journey. Both show that the culture of the double Primrose (so difficult in many gardens) is successful in this favoured district.! The Yellow Rocket Wallflower. Mrs. Edmund Evans sends us from Ventnor blooms of the pretty yellow Rocket Wallflower, a charming early-flowering plant. It grows in compact little bushes that will live for several years. The flowers are neat, double rosettes, not much more than halt an inch across. < lORONILL \ CORONATA. Mrs. Evans also sends flowering branches of Coronilla coronata "from a neighbour's garden, out of doors, but close to a sheltered wall. The bush IS 6 feet high and about 4 feet wide, and had been covered with flowers for sis weeks. The cold east wind of the last few days and the hot weather of a week ago and the very cold nights before that had no effect upon it. In the same garden under the verandah is a scarlet ( icraniuin that has been in constant flower for two years." Rhododendron campanulatum from FlFESHIRE. In reply to your request in The Garden tor flowers for the " Editors' Table" I am sending you a spray of Rhododendron campanulatum cut 14 feet from the ground on a large bush here. The bush grows entirely unprotected in the open air, and receives no treatment to speak of. We consider the freedom with which it flowers every year creditable to the climate of the easl coast of Scotland. The bush was planted certainly before 1852. William Berry, Tayfield, Newport, Fife. [Mr. Berry sends a densely-flowered spray of this handsome Sikkim Rhododendron. The bush must be a fine sight, the large trusses of bloom being borne in close clusters. The flower is white, faintly tinged with lilac ; each upper division is finely spotted with red- purple. The dark green leaves are of moderate size, and have their outline largely waved and their backs thickly coated with a rust-coloured mealiness that much enhances theirappearance.] Purple and crimson Primroses. FROM Mrs. Leslie Williams, near Bath, come some splendid Primrose blooms of purple and crimson colourings measuring fully 1§ inches across. They are so large that it is almost surprising to hear that they are seedlings from some of Mr. Wilson's blue strain, which, though remarkable in colour, is not generally of very great width of bloom. A good blue Wood Anemone. From Mr. James Yiilen, who has done so much in the raising of good kinds and varieties of spring flowers, comes a beautiful form of blue Wood Anemone of fine colour and substantial petal round and white. The blooms are ■l\ inches across and a distinct advance upon the original. The same batch of seedlings gives a pretty white variety with the petals narrower and more in number. This white Anemone is distinguished from other white forms of the Wood Anemone by having the gold-coloured anthers that are so conspicuous in Anemone Robiusoniana, whereas in most of them the anthers are of a paler colour and not nearly so effective. AMERICAN NOTES. i Iolumbines in Pots. One of our representatives eallina at Denver, Col., some time ago found that the native Columbine of that region, Aquilegia curulea, is occasionally grown there in pots for indoor use in the winter and sluing. It is true, of course, that the proper place for Columbines in summer is the flower border or rock garden, and in these locations they are all very charming plants, but they are none the less W'elcome additions to our greenhouse flora on that account. Owing to the rather fleeting character of their flowers, it is doubtful if pot-grown Columbines will ever be extensively used by our floral artists. There may be, however, some small demand for them, and in this connection it should be remem- bered thai the flowers of the double and semi- 320 THE GARDEN. [Mat 5, 1900. double varieties remain perfect much longer than those of the strictly single sorts, although it must be admitted the latter are always the most graceful and beautiful, eclipsing in these attributes many more popular garden flowers. In the long list of species of Aquilegia there is none quite so beautiful as the typical form of A. cierulea. The flowers are of a delightful light blue tint, such a shade indeed as one could fancy clothing the tips of its native Rockies, merging them with the skies beyond to the delusion of the spectator. Hut it is an extremely variable plant and the type is quite rare even in its native wilds. The variation is found chiefly in the flowers, the colour ranging from blue to white with many inter- mediate Mendings. The form shown in the picture had blooms of a lavender shade. We have seen A. canadensis, with orange-scarlet flowers, similarly grown in pots for the adornment of greenhouses and conservatories in winter and spring, and its bright colour renders it very service- able for this purpose. — A >m. riran <: