* UMASS/AMHERST * 1 ill '111 # 1 1 ill III III 1 312066 0333 3091 2 | LIBRARY nnu'/w ): / GARDENP THE FRUIT FARM POULTRY WOODLAND Vol. LXXXV.— No. 2563. Entered as Second-class Matter at the New Yorh. N.Y., Post Office Saturday, January 1, 1921 RECrSTKRED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AS A NEWSPAPER AND FOR CANADIAN MAGAZINE POST. Price THREEPENCE Yearly Subscription Inland. 17/4; Foreign. 17/4 It is safe to prophesy that the New Year will be specially noted for its great revival in the cultivation of annuals by means ol which the garden can be restored quickly to its full glory. Every home-owner should seek to make his garden attractive and beautiful. The use of annuals provides full opportunity. This issue contains authoritative advice for present use and future reference CURRANTS AND GOOSEBERRIES All intending planting the above should make early application to us. We hold excellent stocks of all the leading varieties, andean guarantee satisfaction. Fruit growers should not miss planting. CURRANT SOUTHWELL RED It flowers very late, and so resists late frosts. Long bunches of bright shining red berries are formed, the individual berries being very large and uniform in size. When gathered it has a very fine appearance and commands the top price in the market. Full particulars on Application. H. MERRYWEATHER & SONS, LTD., Garden Specialists, SOUTHWELL, NOTTS. BEAUTIFUL POPPIES for 1921 SHIRLEY POPPY, Selected Strain, of light graceful habit, with beautiful satiny flowers ranging in colour from delicate shades of rose, apricot, salmon-pink and blush to glowing crimson, all with white centres, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, 6d. and 1/- NEW DOUBLE QUEEN POPPIES, a lovely new double strain of Shirley Poppy type, flowers double and semi-double of the most delicate and brilliant colours — white with salmon, pink, or crimson margin, orange- salmon shaded white, fiery rose-scarlet shading down to white, cherry-red shading to white, brilliant scarlet with white centre, &c., all showing yellow anthers, hardy annual, 2ft Per packet, 1/-. POPPY "IRRESISTIBLE," a lovely strain, producing large double fringed flowers, brilliant rose to blush-rose and salmon-rose with large white centre, hardy annual, 2Jft. Per packet, 6d and 1/- Descriptive Catalogue of other choice Flower Seeds free nn application. Ea A D D JL ^ <^ l\l Q '■1' 12 & 13, KINQ STREET, *-^ f"^ r\ r\- Ot «iJ V^ 1^ «^, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, W.C.2 CARNATIONS ^^^ '^ny and W/^ni^#%ll\/ni9 EVERY PURPOSE LARGE FLOWERrNG PLANTS in 6in. pots for GrceDhmise cultiv.-vtlon, from 35,- doz. BORDER CARNATIONS, supt-rb stocks for immediate planliiip, from 15/- do?,. PERPETUAL BORDER CARNATIONS, The Now Hybrid, for immediate planting, from 27/6 doz. ALLWOODII The New Hardy Plant, half Pink and half Carnation, grows and flowers anywhere from Spring to Autumn. 6 Standard varieties 16 6 doz. 6 Novelties, prices 3 6 * 5/. per plant CULTURAL BOOKLET, POST FREE, 6d. Our fully illustrated descriptive Catalogue of Plants and CAH NATION HEQUlSITES will be gladly sent, post free, on request. When you think of Carnations you thinic of The leading Carnation Raisers and Specialists in the World. Dept. 4, HAVWAROS HEATH. SUSSEX. HARKNESS'S WONDERFUL POPPIES CRIMSON VELVET, matchless blood-red, new, 2/6. EISIE VAUGHAN, silvery salmon, 1/3. JOAN PVBUS, salmon pink, distinctly spotted, 1/3. JOYCE, rose, shaded mauve, distinct, 1/-. Perry's LORD LAMBOURNE, new, grand fringed scarlet, 2/6. MAHONY, peculiar mahogany colour, 1/, Mrs. JOHN HARKNESS, magnificent apricot - scarlet, 1/-. Mrs PERRY, lovely orange-apricot, 1/-. PRINCESS ENA, orange salmon, very dainty, 1/-. PERRY'S WHITE, pure white with black blotch, 1/-. REMBRANDT, red with 6 attractive blotches, 1/-. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, brilliant scarlet, without blotch grand novelty, 2/6. ONE STRONG PLANT EACH ABOVE, 15'-, CARRIAGE PA>D. Thoseat 2/6 are 27/6 doz. ; 1/3, 12/- doz.; 1/, 10/6 doz. CARRIAGE PAID. HARKNESS'S 6IANT CELAND POPPIES, orange, white and yellow, flowers of great size on strong stems, 4/3 doz , 23/- 100. CARRIAGE PAID. CORRESPONDENCE INVITED. CATALOGUES FREE HARKNESS & SONS, F.R.H.S., Nurserymen, &c., BEDALE, YORKSHIRE THL (,ARDKN, JaNL'AK\- I. lyjl Barr's Gold Medal Vegetable Seeds OF FINEST SELECTED STRAINS AND TESTED GROWTH. | Awarded at the R.H.S. London Shows 1913 to 1920 Six Gold Medals and Four Silver Gilt Medals ()m; ok km;i (i(i|,l) MKnAL EXHIBITIOX OROTPS OF VEGETABLES. Barr's strains of Vegetable Seeds have received exceptional recognition for high quality by the judges at the R.H.S. Wisley Trials, many having been highly commended and several given First-class Certificates and Awards of Merit. A FEW SPECIALTIES IN VEGETABLE SEEDS : DWARF FRENCH BEAN, BARR'S EXCELSIOR, > .1. bearing a great erop of very large fleshy pods, boiling tender and of delieate Havour. The dried Beans make a rtelieious Winter dish. Award of Merit, R.H.S. Per pint 3 0 DWARF PERFECTION BUTTER BEAN, one of the bept of the Haricots Mangetout, bearing a great abundance of bright yellow pods 6iins. long it furnishes a delicious dish. Per pint 3 6 BEET, DEWINQS BLOOD RED, a handsome Turnip- shaped variety with short top, flesh dark erimson of delieate flavour Award of Merit R.H.S., 1917. Per pkt. 6d., per oz. 1 6 BORECOLE, JERUSALEM PURPLE, a purple-leaved variety ot tlie Asparaffus Kide, producing in early Spring succulent shoots which are delicious when boiled young. Highly Commended R.H.S., 1919. Per pkt. 6d., per oz. 1 6 BROCCOLI, BARR'S WINTER QUEEN, it sown in March, produces in the following January large, firm, snowy white heads, of fine texture. Per pkt. 2 6 BROCCOLI, BARR'S WHITE EMPEROR, the finest of all May-cutting Broccolis, ha\ing large, firm, deep, heads, of a beautiful white, and well protected. Per pkt. 1 /6 and 2 6 BRUSSELS SPROUTS, " DUNDEE," a splendid new variety ot medium height and compact growth, with large solid sprouts of finest quality, and keeping well Award of Merit R.H.S., 1918. Per pkt. 1/6, p< r oz. 3 6 CABBAQE, BARR'S AUTUMN EXHIBITION, a splendid medium-sized variety, forming handsome solid conical heads ready to use in September. Award of Merit R.H.S. Per pkt. 6d. and 1 -.per oz. 2 6 CARROT, BARR'S EARLY QUEEN, a fine little s. d. early variety with shapi-iy roots, iiimost corelesf , fleshy, sweet and tender, an excellent forcer. Per pkt. 6d. and 1 /-. p^ ATERERS' RHODODENDRONS, Azaleas, , shriih-. .lapHliosc rhcrii.s, Miii'l.'^. hiuI niincsc Bubjn;ts, ,„N WATKREB. SONS & CRISP, l.TB., Tho Nars.r..^, ^hot, Surrey. ATERERS' VEGETABLE AND FLOWER ;iis, Scotch grown seed Potatoi>. ATERERS' ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS VNTS, in tin- new and leadMlB varii-ties of Delpllinnnns, oxes. Irises. ATERERS' FRUIT TREES. — Magni- it stock of 250,000 trees. Prospective purcliascrs are ted to select personally at Twyford Nurseries. ATERERS' ROSES. — Superb Stock. n' Waterer, Sons * Crisp, I.tu., 'I'wyford, Berks. REENHOUSE PAINTING AND GLAZING VITROLITU " superior to White Lead Taint, 25s. per Cans extra ■' Plastine," supersedes Putty, 44s. pel —Full particulars from Walter Carson & Sons, Grove rks, Battersca. Agent.s throughout the Country. JELLS' CHRYSANTHEMUM CATALOGUE ■ ready Post free ,.ii application.— W. WELLS iV Co., ysanthcniuiu Nurseries, Jlersthaiu, Surrey. ,VRE SHRUBS, including Himalayan and iiese Rhododendrons, .\lplnes (pot grown). Herbaceous nts. Bulbs, etc. Write for Catalogues, G, Reuthe, Kcston, It. ' OME MADE PICKLES. By Anne Amateur. ■ second edition of lliis popular booklet is now on sale, net, by post lid. — " COUNTRY Life," Offices, a), Tavistock eet, Covent Garden, W.C.2. IE ROCK GARDEN.— Now Ready, the 1 Edition of this popular book by B. H. Jenkins, 7s. 6d. by post 8s. Beautifully illustrated. Published at the .■s"of "CorNTRY LIFE," LTD., 20, Tavistock Street, .ent Garden. W.C.2. DDKS ON GARDENING, BOTANY, liiral Historv, Travel, Sport, etc., for Sale at reduced i-es. Lists free.— F. G. Lawson, 20. The Crescent, Truro. AKELEY'S PATENTED HOP MANURE. I'he only reliable and complete substitute for Stable nure. Sec ad\t. on p. vi. HE GARDEN DOCTOR : Plants in Health 1 Dlsca.se, by F. J. Chittenden, V.M.H., freely illustrated, Sd. net, by post 8s. A Prospectus of this practical book I be sent post free on application to The Manager, 'otTNTRY Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent rden, W.C.2. URBAGE ROSES on Pedigree Stocks.— nil! varieties grown. Li«t of "The Hundred Best Eoses," st free.— THE BURBAGE NORSERIES, Nr. Hinckley, stershirc. Established 1773. (Manager, G. Geary, I!. U.S.) UCKS, GEESE AND TURKEYS, by ill Hooley, F.Z.S.. F.B.S.A,— A copy of this helpful booklet the breeding, feeding and fattening of Ducks, Geese and irkevs, will be sent post free on receipt of lid. addres.sed Tiie Manager, " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock reet, Covent Garden, W.C.2. PLENDID YELLOW FIBROUS LOAM irr Leaf Mould, Coai-M' Sand, rarli 5s. pi-r sack. Prepared mpnst, 6s.6d ; Cocoanut Fibre, 6s. 6d. per sack. Kainit, 141b. 9d. — W. yERBERT A" CO., Hop Exchange, London, S.E. BARR'S CASH CLEARANCE SALE of BULBS. WINTER and SPRING- I'LOWBRING, including Hyacinths, DaffrMiils, Tulips, irises. Polyanthus, Narcissi, etc., for pots and outiloors. All selected bulbs in fine condition at greatly reiliieed prices. List on application. — Barr & Sons, King Street, aivent Garden, W.C.2. THE DOUGLAS CLOVES.— Our wonderful new strain of Hardv Border Clove Carnation has been the sensation of the 1920 shows. Rigid stems, perfect of calyx, "lorious scent 1 They do grandly in any part of (Jreat I'.ritain. Catalogue free to intending purchasers. Seed 2s. tkl. and 5s.-^J. DOPOLAS, Great Bookham. FRUIT GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.— Bv F. W. Harvey. 140 pages. 40 illustrations. 2s. 6d. net ; cloth :)s 6d. net ; postage 4d. extra.— Published at the offices of " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. STORING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS : with chaptei-s on " Drying in the Oven and by the Kitchen Fire " Bv Herbert Cowley (Editor of The burden). 9d. net. by post, ild.— Published at the Offic.'s of " Country Life," [,'td., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. JAMES GRAY, LTD., Builders of Conser- vatorii's. Greenlioii.ses, itc, and Heating Engineers, Daiiveis Street, Chelsea, London, S.W.3. Wire: Gray, Kensington 90. Telephone: Kensington 90 & 91. SEWAGE DISPOSAL FOR COUNTRY HOUSES.- No emptying of cess[iools ; a perfect fertiliser; no solids ; no open 'filters ; perfectly automatic ; everything underground. Static particulars.- WILLIAM BEATTIE, 8, Lower Grosvi'iior Place, Westminster. IRON AND WIRE FENCING for gardens, tree guards, gat<'s. arches, espaliers, rose stakes, and orna- mental garden iron and wire work of every description. Send tor illustrated catalogue. Also kennel railing and poultry fencing. Ask for separate lists.— BoPLTON & PAUL, Ltd., Manufacturers. Norwich. CHOICE NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS.- Our New Catalogue, including splendid novelties for 1921 ; also New Pelargoniums, Dahlias, etc., is now ready. Post free on application.— J. W. COLE & SON, Chrysanthemum Nurseries. Peterborough. ROCK and in \Vha lovtrs, with Alpine Nurs GARDEN PLANTS.- . Soils to Plant Them. A useful guide catalogue, 48 pages, post free.— G. B •ry, Barnham, Bognor. -Where to [III rden Phipps. RIVERS' FRUIT TREES, ROSES, VINES, Figs, Oranges and Orchard House trees are of flrst-class quality, and a largi^ and select stock is always on view. Iiispe(-tion invited. Price list post frc on application.— Thos. Rivkrs & SON, The Nurseries, Sawbridgeworth, Herts. WM. DUNCAN TUCKER & SONS, LTD., Lawrence Rejad, South Tottenham, N.13.— Coiiservatorigs, Winter Gardens, Vineriis, Peach Houses, Portable Build- ings, etc. LAXTONS' FRUIT TREES, SMALL FRUITS AND STRAWBERRIES. New catalogue, containing novelties, gratis. Hints on planting and pruning, 2d. — I,axton Brothers, Bedford. THE DOG : MAN'S FIRMEST FRIEND— How to choose and care for him, by A. Croxton Smith. A copy of this helpful booklet on the housing, breeding, feeding, and care of dogs will be sent post free on receipt of lid. addressed to The Manager, " Country Liff, " Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. CULTIVATION WITH MOVABLE FRAMES. — A calendar of operations showing how to increase vour garden produce, by Herbert Cowley (Editor of The 'Harden), 9d. net ; bv post lid. — Published at the Offices of " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. FURS, extremely handsome, £5 15s. set; genuine undved, skunk shade, real skins, large wrap stole, pillow muff ; recently new, guaranteed perfect. .Accept £4 17s. 6d. Splendid bargain ; approval willingly.— Write, Box 6, e/o The Garden, 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. SUTTON'S GARDEN SEED CATALOGUE for 1921 is now ready and will he forwarded un application. Seed Orders are n^iw being daily rec(-ivcd in lart.'i- numbers and immediately dispatched by rail or post, IntrndinK customers arc respectfully reminded that by sendint; in th'ir r-s late frosts. Long bunch- s of briglit shilling red bj-rrii's are formed, the individual bt^rrit-s being very large and niiitorm in size. When gathered it has a very fine appearance and commands tlie top price in tin- market. Price 1/-, stronger bushes 1,6 and 2/- each. LET US HELP YOU. Advice and quotations free. Send- for Catalogue, post free on appiicaiiun. H. MERRYWEATHER & SONS, Ltd., Southwell, Notts. - THE SHELLEY SWEET PEAS /ENDER.-Austin Lavender. 1/6. Frederick Imp, 16; Hawlmarlt JISE — Brilliant. 1/6: Doris (12). 6d.; Royal Salute. 1 6. \RLET CERISE. ^Royal Scot,1/6; A.Malcolm (18). 6d. OTEE WHITE. -Annie Ireland (IL'). 6d. ; Elsie Herbert. iRCHIDS, Clean, well-grown and cheap ; also Many Rare and Choice Varietie?. STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS OF ALL KINDS. Kindly send for Catalogue. mis CYPHER & SONS, otic Nurseries - CHELTENHAM. PERPETUAL CARNATIONS. 'e have, for prompt delivery, well-grown healthy stock. Catalogue free. OUNG & Co., Hatherley, Cheltenham. Gold Medallists. Estd. 1890. MICHAELIiHAS DAISIES, Beauty of Ronsdorf, 1 /- King George, 2/- Antwerp, 2/6 King of the Belgians, 2/6 Mons, 3/6 Wells' White, 2/6 Robinson, V.C, 2/6 Etc., etc. DELPHINIUKIIS. IMrs. W. Wells, 3/6 Mrs. H. Kaye, 7/6 King of Delphiniums, 2/- Rev. E. Lascelles, 3/- Merstham Glory, 3/6 Etc., etc. SEND FOR DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE, POST FREE. W. WELLS, Jun., Hardy Plant Nurseries, Merstham, Surrey, Stronghold Seeds for Lawns. Famed throughout the United Kingdom 55/- 50/- PER BUSHEL ON LIGHT SOILS PER BUSHEL ON HEAVY SOILS. CARRIAGE PAID. STEWART & CO., Seedsmen & Turf Experts, 13, South St. Andrew Street, EDINBURGH. Am ■*• •^i* *^m fjU «sjk «jt« #*• «A» •*» »*• ^f> «A» ^JU «A» «A» A f*y **^ ^N •*• A *?* ^ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. New Japanese Varieties for 1921. Ready 1st week in February, ex 2k inch pots. Mrs. John Balmer. Indian red. gold reverse. F.C.C . N.C.S. Norman Chittenden. Largest white to date. FCC N C.S., A.M., R,H,S. Helena Margerison. Large pearl pink. F.C.C. N.C.S. Nadine. Extra large golden bronze. F.C.C. N.C.S. The above four varieties should be in every exhibitor's stand this year, price 7/6 each. the set for 25I-. two of each for 47|6 New Decorative Varieties. Teresa. Lovely bronze apricot. F.C.C. N.C.S., .4.M., R.H.S. 5/- each. Estelle. Large single variety ; colour, pale yellow. 3/6 each. Catriona. A very fine exhibition single, rich old rose, with white zone. 3/6 each. General Catalogue «ow' ready. iVovf//y List reaily e.irly January, post free from KEITH LUXFORD & CO.. Sheering Nurseries, HARLOW, ESSEX. J- I- + ■* THE GARDEN. [January i, iq2I i THOUSANDS OF USERS YEARLY testify to its excellence for all purposes AWARDED DIPLOMA AND MEDAL AT THE ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION, 1912. HOP MANURE ( PATENTED.) V The Most Perfect VEGETABLES, in season and out of season, all the year round, no matter tvhether it is a wet year, dry year, or anx kind of year. If you INVEST in an efficient Heater and a simple system of Pipes, these possibilities are very greatly multiplied. Apart front the growing of Blooms there ts the opportunity of RAISING SEEDLINGS for the VEGETABLE GARDEN outside as well as bringing to perfection GRAPES, CUCUMBERS, TOMATOES or FRUIT ON DWARF TREES, &c.,all a source of nutritious Food, and a splendid DIVIDEND on your investment in that Heating .apparatus. THE HORSESHOE" BOILER is used by thousands of satisfied Amateur and Professional Gardeners as the best investment possible for securing a uniform temperature without trouble in all weathers. BURNS 12 to 20 HOURS without attention. It is worUing in the Botanic and Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, &c., &c. Send a Postcard with tlte size of your Greenhouse and ask for List 42, C. p. KINNELL & Co., Ltd. Southwark St., LONDON, S.E.I BATH S Medal SWEET PEAS We are not merely dealers in and advertisers o SWEET PEAS, but grow many ac! es for seed, and supply most o£ the large wholesale houses in the trade. In buying from us, you are buying from ihe grower, and not the dealer. The following CoUecti ns con' ain the best varieties in cultivation. All seeds are har.d-picked and of first class germ- inating quality. Collection A. Price 2 3. 1 2 Splendid waved varieties. F.ach parket contains t\\cnt\' seed*. If purchased separatelv 3d. per packet. Edrom Beauty. — Bright orange scarlet. Elfrida Pearson. — Pale pink, suffused salmon. Elsie Herbert. — White, edged and suffused rosy pink. King White. — Pure white, "beautifuUv frilled. Margaret Atlee. — Cream, suffused piiik. Marks Tev. — Standard ros\' mauve, wings bluish mauve Mauri Holmes. — The best crimson waved variety. Mrs. J. Balmer. — Deep cream, suffused -bright scarlet- New Margaret Madison. — .\ clear wa\ed pure lavender. Queen of Norway. — Rosy mauve. Rosabelle. — Rich bright rose self. Thomas Stevenson. — Orange scarlet. Collection B. Price 3/9. 12 Very fine waved varieties. The number of seeds and price per packet are indicated after each variety. Debbie's Cream. — The richest cream extant (15). 3d. Elegance. — Soft silverv pink on cream ground {10). 6(1. Hilda.— Orange scarlet (15). 3d. Margaret Fife.. — Bright .A^ubrietia blue (10). 3d. Market Pink. — Richpink, base of st.andard and wings cream do). 6d. Mascott's White. — The finest and most solid of all whites (lu). 6(1. Mavis. — Standards blush jvith rose centre, blush edged wings (is). 4d. Mrs. C. P. Tomlin. — Scarlet, with a tint of fiery red do). M. Orchid. — Lilac wings, standard tinted violet-mauve ds)- 3d. Royalty. — Dark blue (12). 4d. Tangerine. — Bright glowing orange (10). 6d. Warrior. — Very large maroon (is). 4d. Collections .■\ and B together for 5|9. with one packet of Mrs, R. Hallam. soft salmon, flushed primrose (i.'i) 3d. gratis. Collection C. Price 4/- 12 Extra fine varieties. Every variety in this Collection is starred by the IToral Committee of the National Sweet Pea Society as being the best of its colour. The number of seeds and price per packet are indicated after each variety. Barbara. — Deep shrimp pink (15). 3d. Charity. — The best waved crimson (i_i). 4d. Constance Hinton. — Large pure white {25). 4d. Daisybud. — .\ soft but rich rose pink on a white ground (i::). 6d. Hawlmark Pink. — Rich right rose pink, deeply flushed and shaded salmon (10). 6d. Jean Ireland.— Creamv buff, standards shaded carmme (i.it. 4d. King Mauve. — A giant mauve self (15). ia. Mrs. Arnold Hitchcock.— Pale pink flushed with salmon on cream ground (12). 6d. Mrs. Tom Jones. — Deep amethyst blue of very tine form (12I- 6d. R. F. Felton. — Very fine lavender (20). 40. Royal Salute. — Bright salmon red with a touch of orange (lu). 6d. The President. — Rich orange scarlet (13) 4a. toUections B and C together for 7/6, with one packet of I.oyaltv, white, flaked roval blue (.'o) 3d.; and one packet of Brocade, a pleasing salmon rose tmt, shaded mauve (I i) 6d. gratis. The three complete roUections and three gratis packets for 9(6. Customers may select from the Collcctious packets priced separatelv to the value of 3s. and over, and deduct '2d. in the is. from reniittanee. BATHS SELECT VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. Full Illustrated Catalogue post free on application. R. H. BATH, LTD., THE FLORAL FARMS, WISBECH. vm. THE GARDEN. HUNDREDS OF PREMIER HONOURS Awarded to the PRODUCE OF WEBBS' SEEDS, including in 1920 Silver Cups at London, National Sweet Pea Show, and H.M. The King's £21 Cup. Large Gold Medals at Shrewsbury ; National Potato Show : National Sweet Pea Show : Wolverhampton ; Biimingham, Oxford- Walsill, etc. P I ^ > ^jtm.&xj!!^,si^m . WBBBS' CATALOGUE of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Lawn Seeds, Potatoes, Bulbs, Fertilisers, etc., for 1921, Now Ready. Post Free on request. WEBB & SONS, LTD. (Tbe King s Seedsmen) STOURBRIDGE i^l; mill nil Fine Pyramids and Standards of COX'S ORANGE and ALL THE BEST APPLES PEARS, PLUMS, Etc. FRUITTREES'"^ «"*'^^ BEST VARIETIES TRUE TO NAME. COX'S ORANGE, the finest of all Dessert Apples APPLES, PEARS, PLUMS, CHERRIES standards, Pyramids, Bushes, Dwarf Trained, etc. APRICOTS. Dwarf trained, in variety. BLACKBERRIES. Parsley-leaved and Wilson Junior, the best. ^nADC Standards, John Downie, Dartmouth, etc., free bearing; ^■■'*^^' ornamental, and fruit splendid for Jellies, etc. CURRANTS. Black, Red and White, fine bushes. GOOSEBERRIES. Good trees of all the best. LOGANBERRY. E.xtra fine canes of the true thing. NUTS & FILBERTS, strong bushes ofleading kinds. •J ;| P EACH ES& NECTARINES. Dwarf trained, for walls RASPBERRIES. Good transplanted, well-rooted canes. Special Quotations for above, also Flowering Shrubs, etc., on application. WOOD & INGRAM HUNTINGDON .illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll llllllll! ^?7:^£!!X No. 2563.— Vol.' LXXXV. RESTORING THE [J.A.NUARY li I92I. GARDEN WITH ANNUALS HAPPILY this New Year provides a definite turning point in the affairs of the flower garden. There are not wanting signs of a great restoration,, and it is safe to prophesy that this year will be specially noted for the revival in the cultivation of annuals. It becomes the duty of everj' home ownier to make the garden as pleasant as it can well be made, and there is nothing to equal annual iJowers to restore the garden to its full glory in the shortest space of time. Happy is the man who can point his friends to a lovely garden and say, " I have done it." The garden that some- body else has made for us is never so appreciated as the one into which we have put our own ideas and worked ^\^tll our own hands. Annuals for Everybody's Garden. — Certain annuals are indispensable. Foremost among them is the Shirley Poppy, appropriately chosen as the subject of the front cover of this issue. The flowers from which the coloured illus- tration was prepared were grown from the selected strain sent out by Messrs. Sutton and Sons. Then there are Asters, Stocks, Clarkias, Cornflowers, Coreopsis, Eschscholzias (better kno^vn as Californian IPoppies), Gypsophilas and Phlox Drummondii, to men- tion only a few, for there are many others, including Sweet Peas, the only annual to have a National Society all to itself. The reader who is seeking to grow the most up- to-date Sweet Peas should consult the selection on page 6. There are well known flowers not strictly annuals that might well be included here, viz., Antirrhinums, or Snap- dragons, Aquilegias and Wall- flowers, all of which are best grown from seed. Certain annuals, once they are intro- duced into a garden, never fail to put in an appearance each year. We have in mind Pot Marigolds, now so very popular m Scottish gardens, Candytuft and the ubiquitous Nasturtiums. One of the charms of flower gardening is that it grows upon one, but the novice must be cautioned about the over-anxiety to get the seeds into the ground early. The severe weather, coupled with the snow- storm which raged over the British Isles quite recently, serves to remind one very forcibly of the evils of early sowing in the open. .-Vnnuals are often sown too soon in the open, and the result is premature blooming and a poor display. IN A GARDEN OF ANNUALS. Sowing under Glass. — Whatever the weather may be J does not interfere with the sowing of seeds under glass. They can be sown in pots, pans or boxes ; a very convenient size box is 14 inches long, 9 inches wide and 3 inches deep. The box must be w-ell drained with crocks and rough leaf-soil. A suitable compost for sowing consists of two parts of loamy soil and one of leaf-mould, with one part of coarse sand. Pass this through a fine mesh sieve, leaving the rough stuff re- maining in the sieve for putting in the bottom of the box for drainage. Fill the box Ughtly with soil, then press down moderately firm with a flat board. With many seeds it is a great advantage to sow under glass, afterwards prick- ing off the seedhngs and trans- planting outside. A n t i r- rhinums are best grown this way, the simplest course being to treat them as half-hard\' , annuals, sowing the seed from January to March, pricking off the, seedlings into pans or boxes and then planting out after the Wallflowers and other spring bedders have been removed. By this means the Snapdragon vnW flower freely from the beginning of July till the end of Septem- ber. The tall varieties are very beautiful for mixed borders, but for general bed- ding purposes the intermediate section is the most striking, and at the same time the flowers are of great value for cutting. Quite a number of beautiful Snapdragons have been introduced during recent years, a few of the best being Sunset, Melrose, Crimson King, Cottage Maid and Moonlight. Larkspurs are among the most popular of all blue flowers. They are perfectly hardy, and the fine spikes o'f bloom are most graceful for room decoration, while very deUghtful effects can be ob- tained by putting these annuals in beds by them- selves. H. C. THE CxARDEN. [January i, 1921. CORRESPONDENCE {The Editor is not responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) RUDBECKIA AUTUMN SUN ? /^NE is almost ashamed to show any acquaint- ance with German nowadays, but surely Rudbeckia Kerbstone, mentioned in The Garden. December i8, 1920, on page 622, should be Herbst- sonne (Autumn Sun). — Charles E. Pearso.s'. CLIANTHUS PUNICEUS. VOU may be interested to see the enclosed blossoms of Clianthus puniceus. The shrub is growing against a south wall of my house, but so far this winter it has had no protection. It flowered well in the spring, but I have not known it before to have blossoms again in the winter. There have been about eight or ten. — John E. William?, Hillside, Llandaff, Cardiff. LIFTING BULBS OF LILIUM HENRYl. \X^E have been lifting the bulbs of Lilium Henryi here after leaving them in the same place for three years, and I have found a large number of bulbs weighing 2lb. 30ZS. each. I should be very glad to hear from some of your readers whether this is an ordinary or an extraordinary size. During their sojourn in this particular bed the stems — crowded with their wonderful golden heads of flower — ranged from 6 feet to 9 feet in height.— E. Bvxn of Vimv, Thorpe-le-Soken, Esse.x. STERNBERGIA LUTEA. TN The Garden. December iS, 1920, page 624, it is prescribed that •' no rock garden should be without a group of this beautiful plant." It may save some amateurs from disappointment if I enter a caveat. Unhappily, it requires more eun than we can give it in the north-west to induce it to flower. Often has my cupidity been fired by its freedom and brilliancy, both in England and in the vineyards of the Medoc ; but repeated attempts to get it to behave nicely here have all been brought to naught, although Zephyranthes Candida is quite happy with us.— Herbert Ma.xwell, Monrcitli. BORONIA. "A COSTER" in The Garden might extend the interest of his already very interesting note by giving more range to his vocabulan,'. How are Boronias selling and other plants out of the usual market run ? Hard-wooded greenhouse plants have gone up in price beyond anything popular, yet some, such as Heaths and Azaleas, will keep their place at almost any figure. Boronia, too, has a place of its own ; no plant surpasses it in scenting a house, not merely a room. An Australian lady has just told me the pink Boronia is only scrub where she comes from, and the brown one only found in Western Australia. By brown she means no doubt megastigma, the most power- fully scented. Some dictionaries describe its flowers as purple and lemon, but they are so tiny that the purple has a brown aspect. By the other or scrub Boronias this lady probably means rosea, elatior or serrulata — Australians are rather weak on botany. All were formerly much grown for the London florist trade. Perhaps " A. Coster " can tell if his barrow is ever graced with these examples of Australian flora. — Hurstcot. THE CARNATION. T AM utterly at variance with the opinion of P. S. Hayward in his article on " The Car- nation " (December 4, 1920, page 596) that the old Carnations outclass the newer varieties. I have never seen an Harlowarden to equal British Triumph yet in form, colour, habit of growth or fragrance. I will admit it has its good points — the calyx does not split and it has a good stiif stem — but compared with Triumph it is absolutely out of the picture. The, blooms of Harlowarden here average 2i inches across, while Triumph averages 3i inches, and we often get them 4 inches, which is all that can be desired. Another good \ariety of recent introduction is Mrs. Edward Douty, but I do not remember much about it, only havuig seen it at Wisley during the trial. Then, again, there is Mikado. It is very nice certainly, but its cropping value is nil. To every bloom of Mikado you will get six of Cinderella. For abundance of bloom (during the winter at any rate) the latter stands unequalled. There is one fault with it. It is rather chameleon- like as regards its colour. Here we have the usual mauve and pink, another is a combination of the two colours and looks perfectly hideous, and a third a lovely scarlet. Circe is also good. Mr. Hayward asks " where is there a rose-coloured Carnation to outclass Mrs. C. W. Ward and Mrs. Lawson ? " I suggest, if he has not already done so, he should procure Destiny, which will answer the question he asks. — F. A, Dench, Dunorlan Gardens, Tunbridge Wells. PURPLE VERSUS COPPER BEECH. T TRUST that my friend Professor Somerville in his note on the Copper Beech (December iS, 1920. page 618) had in view the Purple Beech, which is worthy of all praise, and not the Copper Beech, which is so inferior to it. In spring it is not possible to distinguish between the two varie- ties, the young leaves of each being of a delicate- roseate hue, like those of Cercidiphyllum japonicum at a similar stage of growth. But the foliage of the Copper Beech never assumes at midsummer the deep, rich maroon of the Purple variety, but remains of a hot, rusty metallic hue, which seems to me the reverse of attractive. No doubt both varieties, as well as intermediate forms, occur in plants raised from the seed of a single tree, and that a Purple one. They are well described by Messrs. Elwes and Henry in their great work on British and Irish trees (Vol. I, pages 7 and 8), wherein is also mentioned the grim legend of their origin on the Irchel mountain in Zurichgan. In Scheuzer's work on Swiss natural history, published in 1709, it is stated that the local tradition affirms that three Beeches with red leaves sprang up on the spot where five brothers fought and killed each other. Of the Purple Beeches which I have seen, and enjoyed seeing, two remain in memory as richest and finest. One stands at the west end of Lord Jersey's house of Osterley. the other at a bend of the river Test just below Lord Palmerston's old home (now Colonel Wilfrid Ashley's) of Broadlands. Tenny- son, his sense of beauty in Nature notwithstanding, seems not to have shared my love for the Purple Beech. It is mentioned but once in his poems with implied dispraise. " I have, I think — Heaven knows — as much within ; Have, or should ha\-e, but for a thought or two. That, like a Purple Beech among the greens. Looks out of place." — (Edwin Morris, or the Lake.) Perhaps the poet had a Copper Beech in mind. — Herbert Maxwell, Monreith. POLYGALA CHAM.«BUXUS. TT was one of the late Mr. Farrer's regrets that he could not grow this pretty Milkwort. " I swear I love her whole-heartedly, the little creeping Box that one finds on the lower Alps, with butterfly shaped flowers of cream and yellow and white and orange," but none of the family would do in his garden. Here, on the other hand, several forms of P. Chanuebuxus will prosper anywhere, in sun or thin woodland shade, revelling in our light, lime-free, shaley loam and flowering in spring and autunm with unfailing regularity. The variety purpurea, with its magenta-purple wings and yellow centre, is the prettiest of its species, and it appears to be the most robust, especially the form with rounder, thicker leaves than that which more nearly resembles the type. P. Chams- buxus enjoys leaf-mould, and an annual top- dressing of that material and sandy loam in equal parts improves the colour and size of both foliage and flowei-s. — N. Wales. ARE NUTS FRUIT ? AT the recent autunm exhibition of the Bourne- mouth Horticultural Society prizes were offered in Class 9 (open division) for a collection of fruity six distinct varieties. There were two entries. One contained excellent examples of Black and White Grapes, Apples, Pears, Melon and a dish of Cob Nuts, for the inclusion of which the exhibitor was disqualified, the first prize being awarded to a much inferior exhibit. In the Royal Horticultural Society's code of rules for judging I notice that in stating the number of fruits to a dish ilb. of Nuts is specified. There being no rule in the local society's schedule pro- hibiting Nuts, were the judges right in disqualify- ing ? I have no personal interest in the matter, but being frequently called on to judge at local exhibitions and, therefore, rather a keen critic of the work of others, it would be interesting to learn through the columns of The Garden the views of some of your readers on the point in question. — C. Rippard, Ashton Court Gardens, Bournemouth . [In all instances where the wording of the schedule may come into question a copy of the schedule ought to be sent. If our correspondent is correct in saying that there was " no rule in the local society's schedule prohibiting Nuts," the judges were undeniably in error. Nuts are fruit in every sense of the word, and in the absence of a governing clause excluding them — which it is, of course, in the pdwer of any society to create — to disqualify an exhibit of fruits simply because it contained Nuts was contrary to the wording of the schedule. The disqualified exhibitor should have entered a formal protest, which proper investigation could not have done other than uphold. — Ed.] A GARDEN OF BERRIES. nPHE suggestion of A. L. Darrah (page 598) is an excellent one and would furnish food for thought all the days of the year, if anything like adequate space were available to display only a few of the species of each genus he has mentioned. This would imply the proper arrangement of each to give it adequate space, sun and shade, as each requires it; cultivation, and judicious pruning if planted in limited space. Standards of some would eke out the space as only the head would need to be exposed to light. Economy would urge a commence- ment with Gooseberries, Currants, Raspberries, Strawberries and Loganberries,. Cotoneaster microphylla and C. Simonsii take kindly to walls, but C. horizontalis is most at home when planted as shown on page 599. C. thymifolia makes a little bush, but C. frigida grows 10 feet to 20 feet high or more, and carries its berries well through the winter if the place is not too much frequented by blackbirds and thrushes. The'space at command January i, 192 i.] THE GARDEN. in a particular case may urge consideration of the dwarfer species, unless fancy determines that certain shrubs must be included. The best fruiting Skimniias in my experience are S. japonica (oblata), S. j. Foremani and S. Fortune!, but the latter is considered somewhat tender. S. j. fragrantissima is only a male form and does not fruit. Male and female .Aucubas, Hollies and Hippophs must be planted, otherwise no berries will result. Of the ever.?reen Thorns, Pyracantha coccinea Lalandei, P. Gibbsii, P. crenulata Rogersiana, and P. c. R. flava are very fruitful and handsome. Where Viburnum Lantana takes kindly to the soil and fruits well, the changes of colour in the fruit are a revelation. At first it is pale green, then becomes edged with pink or red. changing wholly to red and finally black. If I were limited to one fruiting Crab of moderate dimensions it would be John Downie. Gaultheria Shallon fruits profusely at 12 inches to rS inches high. The various coloured fruits of the Pernettyas should also find a place. — Hortul.^nus. POT MARIGOLDS. T WAS much interested in 'Anne Amateur's" reference to this old- fashioned flower and the compli- mentary way in which she spoke of my firm's strain of it. My daughter, who returned recently from a visit to California, tells me Calendula is very popular there for house and table decorations. It is displayed lavishly in all big florist's shops. I asked if the flowers represented a good strain and she said " Yes," they ?re quite as fine and double as big as yours at home. I was comforted by the reflec- tion that a few years ago we sent out 6lb. of our best seed for stock to an American house ! " Most can raise the flower now, For all have got the seed." 1 enclose a good photograph of Calen- dula oflicinalis fl. p!.. otherwise Scotch or I'ot Marigold. — W. Citiibeki-on. MICHAELMAS DAISIES. TN his, to me, most interesting article on Michaelmas Daisies which appeared in The Garden for December II, Mr. Jacob makes one's mouth water at the goodly company of this magnificent autumn flower, which he so charmingly portrays. Evidently they are a goodly heritage and worthy of inclusion in all gardens where thought and consideration are given to flowers that come in all their beauty in the closing weeks of the year. Raised in a garden which has such a wide reputation as Aldenham, one can understand what pleasure the opening of new Michaelmas Daisies would excite. I share with Mr. Jacob his preference for single varieties. To my mind the simplicity of the singles undoubtedly constitutes one of their greatest charms. .■Although one would like ■ to find out where some of the gems the writer has brought into the limelight for our delecta- tion can be procured, it must not be forgotten that in some of the older sorts we have flowers of wondrous beauty that, unlike some subjects, call for no special culture to come in prodigal perfection in the autumn days. Such are varieties like Thomas Hemming (rosy lilac). Chastity (pure white), Andromeda (rosy mauve), Praecox (deep purple), Fanny (lilac) and Rosalind (rose with brown disc). It is always a puzzle to me why, comparatively speaking, so few people give Michaelmas Daisies much consideration, and I can only surmise that with many they are wholly in the dark concerning present-day sorts ; and the confession of an old friend of mine who was shown a collection last October confirms this, as he said, " I had no idea that Michaelmas Daisies were so varied and beautiful ; I must certaiijy have some." For my own part I look upon them as indispensable in a border of hardy- plants, as they give us lavishly of their beauty at a time of the year when every bit of colour is most welcome, and to a town gardener they are a veritable asset. — W. Linders Le.-v. LAURUSTINUS. ""PHE Laurustinus appears to be quite hardy in districts much nearer London than that mentioned in a recent issue of The Garden. SCOTCH OR POT MARIGOLDS. In several south-western suburbs isolated bushes of this lovely evergreen are to be met with, and at Thornton Heath in a small plantation facing south two handsome bushes have been flowering beautifully for .some time past. We need to plant more of this evergreen and other flowering and berried shrubs in these newer suburbs, so much overplanted with close-shaven Privet and Euonymous. The Mock Orange, Pyrus japonica, Pyracantha, Rosa rugosa. Clematis for fronts of houses. Climbing Roses other than ramblers are occasionally seen in thriving condition, but there are very few things so beautiful as the Laurustinus at this dull season. A few cut flower-sprays arc very welcome for indoor decoration. Another old climbing plant, the Winter Jasmine, is very handsome on the fronts of several small villas hereabouts. — G. A. Champion, Tlionitoii Hcaih. FLOWERS ATTRACTIVE TO BUTTERFLIES. TN that restful half hour which follows upon one's evening meal I was turning over some loose back numbers of The Garden when my eye caught an item of news which comes as an inter- esting footnote to a matter touched on in the December ii issue. The Rev. Joseph Jacob, in writing upon his trial of some of the newer Aldenham Michaelmas Daisies, made the happy discovery that they stand high in the list of flowers attractive to butterflies. This pleasing attribute in a flower is generally completely overlooked so far as butterflies are concerned, though not so as regards bees, which do have their wants catered for in some flower catalogues and no doubt in some gardens. Indeed, on reflection, is there not a much added enjoyment to a border of flowers in full sunshine when it is vocal and vibrant from the busy company of happy insects at work among the flowers ? I suppose it is that a feeling of companionship comes over one, as sharing a pleasure w'ith others. I enclose a note which appeared in your issue of October 12, 1907, on " Butterflies in a Garden." which confirms Mr. Jacob in his observations on Sedum spectabile and on the sudden appearance of the gay visitors from nowhere. But he will surely be able to list for us a more generally popular selection of garden subjects than your correspondent of 1907. Does Mr. Jacob confirm the toxic effects of Sedum nectar, and on what evidence is the assertion made as to the cause of the partial stupefaction of the inserts ? — Samuel Pope. ■Butterflies in a Garden. — It may interest your correspondent to learn that some years ago I tried a series of e.^tperiments on naturalising not only some of the showier butteiiiies but moths also. I tried obtaining eggs and trans- ferring the resultant caterpillars to their natural food plants, and alsc releasing the perfect insects that had been bred in captivity. My experi- ments were limited to the showier British species, but all, I must confess, resulted in failure. After this, the only course open to me seemed to be to plant freely of flowers most attractive to butterflies, and iu this way better results were obtained. Far and away the most attractive plant to these insects is Sedum spectabile, which does not, however, bloom till the month of .\ugust. .At that time in bright weather the several showy species of the genus Atalanta may be seen hovering over the large flattened heads of pink flowers, and imbibing the nectar until they became partially- stupefied. This will happen even if before the flowering of the Sedum scarcely a butterfly of this section is to be seen. A shrub nearly as attractive to the same butterflies is Itea virginica, a native of North .America, which forms a compact, freely branched bush, as a rule from 3 feet to 5 feet in height. The flowers are small, whitish, and dis- posed in dense spikes a good deal in the way of some of the shrubby Veronicas. It needs a cool, moist peaty soil. Other subjects that may be mentioned as very attractive to the showier butterflies are single Dahlias, Scabious, Sun- flowers, Marigolds and the British Ragwort. — H. p." THE GARDEN. [January r, 1921. RE-MAKING LAWNS FROM SEED Bv \y. DALLIMORK. M: ANY areas of ground that were under grass either as lawns, lawn tennis grounds and cricket grounds in pre-war days were ploughed or dug ^ over during the lean years succeeding I9r4 and cropped with Potatoes and other vege- tables, and have remained as vegetable gardens until the present time. Now, however, the owners wish to restore the ground to its original purpose, and the question arises as to how this may be most easily accomplished, and that is undoubtedly by sowing seed. The deep digging and manuring that have gone on during the last few years have all been in favour of future lawns, for deep cultivation has broken up hard subsoil and the ground has become well aerated to a considerable depth, thus improving its general fertility' Where the ground is well drained further cultivation will be unnecessary, except in such places where hard paths have been left between borders, and corners have been unworked. In such places the ground should be dug up as deeply as the rest of the ground, and if poor it should be manured. The whole area should then be well trodden, taking particular care to make the parts that have been newly dug really firm. Levelling pegs must then be inserted about 6 feet apart throughout the ground. These may be inserted by means of a spirit level or with boning rods. For an ordinary lawn boning rods are usually quite satisfactory, but for lawn tennis grounds, croquet lawns and cricket pitches it is better to use a spirit level. Care must be taken to arrange the general level so that there will be sufficient soil for the purpose on the ground, while none will need to be carted away. After the insertion of the pegs it will probably be found that several inches need to be removed from some places and holes filled elsewhere. This will mean barrow work, and for that planks or scaffold boards should be provided, for it is imwise to seed in and either leave it unrolled or pass a light roller over the surface. If wet. a roller will do more harm than good, and as a rule it is wise to leave the surface open. Steps must be taken to keep birds away until the young grass appeai-s. Nothing is gained by sowing seed before March unless it can be sown during early auttimn. In the case of heavy ground that is not well drained it is a wise plan to lay agricultural drains down before any levelling is done, while the addition of grit or cinders to the surface soil will be attended by good results. This work should Ix' done at once so that the ground may become settled, anil advantage may be taken of fine weather in March for final preparatory work and seed sowing. Upon no account dig loose or long manure into land that is to be sown down with grass at this period, for it will continue to decay for some time and cause uneven sinkage. All such manuring ought to have been done while the land was cropped with vegetables, and if an\- manure is applied now let it be bone manure. In the e\ent of soil being required to make up a deficiency, care must be taken to use only such as is reasonably clean from weed seeds. Upon no account use that from garden refuse heaps unless it can be covered l)y a substantial layer of good soil. If soil containing weed seeds is used it will cause a great deal of future annoyance. Where lawns are formed upon slighth- rolling ground it is a mistake to try to make them a dead level unless they are required for games. Rather let the lawns follow the natural contour of the land, taking care to smooth down any ugly little humps or fill up holes. The most satisfactory Grasses for lawns arc Fine-leaved Sheep's Fescue (Festuca ovina var. tenuifolia). Hard Fescue (Festuca duriuscula). Crested Dog's Tail (Cynosurus cristatus). Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) and Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis). If a very fin<- on newly sown lawns during the first year, although this will depend entirely upon the condition of the grass and the amount of play that is required. An odd game now and then would do no harm, whereas regular play would perhaps ruin the turf. During the first year it is probable that hand-weeding may be necessary on one or two occasions. Annuals for Colour Effect There is often an opportunity of having a whole border of annuals and biennials, and it is well worth while to arrange it carefully for colour, so that the whole border may be a picture of harmonious plant beauty instead of a haphazard assemblage of flowers placed without thought or any definite intention. The plan shows a border of annuals arranged for good colour, with blue and white and pale yellow at one end, passing to stronger yellow, orange and red in the middle and then on to pink and purple at the fm^ther end. It is only a slight suggestion, but is enough for an indication of what may be done in larger and possibly better ways. We have a bit of ground that had become badly infested with Couch ; a pest that cannot be entirely eradicated at one digging. It was first carefully forked over to get out as much of the grass root as possible, but some small pieces are sure to have escaped observation. We shall sow it with annuals, to await a final cleaning in the late autumn. G. J. Annuals for an Unheated Greenhouse SOME of the hardy amruals are grand subjects when grown under glass. Spring sown, they will flower during the summer and autumn, and another sowing can be made in August to raise plants which will flower during the following spring. ^^<^ 30 HO So bo JO A BORDER OF ANNUALS ARRANGED FOR COLOUR EFFECT. 80 cjo Teet allow wheeling on the bare ground. During this work care must be taken not to interfere with the levelling pegs, and so that they may be easily seen it is a good plan to place a small stick 6 inches or 9 inches high to each one. After the levelling has been roughly carried out test the levels to find out whether any have been moved, then start at one end and fork the whole ground over about 3 inches or 4 inches deep, being very careful to keep the ground level during the work. When the surface of the ground is moderately dry, on a date as early as possible in March, tread it o\'er again, test the levels, and then commence at one end with a wooden rake and rake the whole over, extracting the levelling pegs and filling up the holes firmly at the same time. During the raking as many stones as possible must be removed. After this raking seed may be sown, taking advan- tage of a calm, fine day. The seed must not be sown very thickly, but sufficient must be used to ensure a good crop. After sowing, rake the Grass only is wanted, the first named should be selected. The best means of obtaining seed. however, is to apply to a seedsman of repute, giving him particulars of the soil and whether heavy or light and the size of the area to be sown. He will then be able to provide the best possible mixture for the position and know what quantity of seed is required. Upon no account sow seed from a hayloft. If this is done unsuitable Grasses and many weeds will be introduced. When the young Grass is 2 inches high take advantage of a day when the surface is dry anil roll it with a light roller. This operation may be repeated at intervals, using more weight as the \igour of the Grass increases. It should be allowed to become fairly strong before it is mown, and the first mowing should be done with a scythe. Afterwards regular mowing may be carried on. By the end of summer a good turf should be formed, and after-management will be the same as for old lawns. As a rule it is not wise to play The seedlings must ne\er be allowed to become overcrowded in the seed-pans before being potted off singly ; they must also be given a light position and abundance of fresh air on all suitable occasions. During the winter great care must be given to the application of water. Too much water will cause the young plants to " damp off " at the collar. Among the best are the Annual Chrysanthemum, both double' and single varieties. Clarkias make handsome specimens 3 feet and 4 feet in height. They have a pleasing pjTamidal habit of growth. Good varieties are Salmon Queen, Scarlet Queen and Vesuvius. Dimorphotheca am-antiaca, new hybrids of this annual continue in flower for a long period, and are very effective. Mignonette — too well known to need description. There are giant flowering varieties, especially suitable for pots. Nemesia, very showy in scarlet, carmhie, orange, white and blue. January i, 1921.] THE GARDEN. Nicotiana (Tobacco). — The many now hybrids of Nicotiana Sandera^ may be obtainet! in several colours. Schizanthus (Butterfly Flower). — These iiuist be included in e\'ery collection. They are most beautiful for spring flowering. Viscarias have, during recent years, become very popular, and are largely grown for Co\'ent Garden and other markets. Plants of .Asters and Stocks are very attractive. They may be grown in the open border and dug up with a ball of soil attached to their roots when showing their flower buds and placed in clean pots. Passing on to perennial plants for the un- heated greenhouse, we have Helleborus niger (the Christmas Rose), producing its large snow white flowers from December to March. It should be included in every collection. Sweet Violets are always welcome : tliey are interesting growing in pots, but demand a light position and abundance of fresh air. Polyanthus and Primroses, including the new blue, are very charming when grown in small pans ; as are many of the hardy Primulas. Auriculas, which rank among the oldest of garden flowers, are most effective during the spring. The Alpine Auricula is likely to give more satisfac- tion than the show varieties, unless the latter are treated by an expert. The Hepaticas are remarkable for the way in which they flower, and also for their very simple ■culture. The (Ladies Locket) Dicentra spectabilis is also a plant of simple requirements which is very graceful. Flowering in the autumn the beautiful blue Plumbago Larpent* is always much admired. The combination of its coppery foliage and abundance of light blue flowers is very pretty. ANTIRRHIXUMS FROM SEED SOWN IN' J.\NUARV. Pans filled with Saxifragas are always delightful. Saxifragas comprise one of the largest and most varied groups of plants in cultivation. Many of the dwarf species and varieties are most suitable for growing in pots and pans, and present a charm- ing effect in early spring. They require an open, gritty compost, and good drainage. Colin Ruse. Fully Farm Gardens. SuUiamstead. near Reading. Antirr^jrhxiims for Bedding Purposes A LTHOUGH^ the homely Snapdragon /% is really 4, hard>- perennial, it is often / % employed ^ an aimual with excellent ^""^^ results. Foi'_ bedding purposes few * ^ annuals give strch a gorgeous display, while for brilliancy the Snapdragons are in the front rank. Furthermore, they are of easy culture, and any position except dense shade will suit them, while for natnralismg among old buildings, ruins and rocky places they are ideal. It is, howe\er, intended in the present note to recommend them for filling some of the beds and borders after such subjects as Wallflowers and Polyanthus are removed. To secure the best results and to get them to flower fairly early it is essential to make an early beginning. Seed may be sown at any time from January to March, but about the end of January is a suitable period to make the principal sowing. If a quantity is needed boxes will prove the most convenient ; these should be filled with light soil and the surface made level, then the seeds sown thinly and evenly, just covering them with fine soil. Place the boxes in a warm greenhouse or where the temperature is about 50° to 55°, iind cover them with sheets of newspaper until germination takes place. When this stage is reached a slightly cooler temperature is advised, and the seedlings must be kept as near the roof glass as possible: Cool treatment should be the rule for all amiuals if raised under glass, then nice stocky plants will be obtained that will give a good account of themselves in the beds. When the seedlings ha\'e made three or four leaves they must be pricked oif cither into boxes filled with ordinary potting soil, or in cold frames. If the latter are chosen, stand the frames on a hard bottom, then place a thin layer of decayed manure, o\er which lay 2 inches or 3 inches of loam and leaf-mould. Make it firm and then prick out thr seedlings a few inches apart. By the time thev are ready for planting out the roots will have reached the manure, and in consequence the plants can be removed to their permanent quarters with a good ball of soil. If the weather is cold and frosty the lights may be covered with mats, but during the day when it is mild and bright the lights can be drawn back, thereby gradually hardening the plants off and at the same time preventing them becoming weak and spindly. Where the seedlings are placed in boxes the treatment is the same. Directh- the Polyanthus and Wallflowers are past, replace them with the Antirrhinums, arranging them about a foot apart. It is not necessary to wait until there is no fear of frosts, providing the plants have been inured to outside conditions. Where a quantity of bedding plants are put out, including Pelargoniums and other tender subjects, a few beds or borders of Antir- rhinums relieve the pressure somewhat during May, as the latter arc put out, as a rule, the end of April or early in ^lay. If the soil is dry, gi\e it a good soaking of water a day or so prior to planting. There are three sections of Antirrhiimms — tall. dwarf or Tom Thumb varieties, and intermediate. the latter being most adaptable for bedding The finest Snapdragon that we grew last year was Sutton's Orange King, a glowing orange scarlet which at a distance was a most vivid and striking colour. Altogether there were five hundred plants ill a border about 4 feet wide, and no bed looked finer than these beautiful Antirrhinums. Other good kinds were Bonfire (rich apricot). Carmine Pink, Bright Crimson and Fire King, while Dobbie's Maize Queen was ver\' pleasing and distinct. When planting out the Antirrhinums it is a good plan to arrange a few groups in other parts of the garden where they can remain. After flowering, cut off all the old flower stems and seed vessels, then the majority will live through the winter and produce a fine display in advance of the seedlings raised in January of the same year. Chcps:o-d\ T. W. B. BOX EDGINGS Whv is it that so many people when laying out Rose gardens and other more or less formal places, including vegetable patches, edge them with Box ? That this is an error must be manifest to anyone who gives the subject any thought, unless, of course, the object is to represent some particular type or historical phase of gardening. The objections to Bo.x are well known. It involves an enormous amount of labour, it harbours snails and other pests, it is as bad as Pri\et for exhausting the soil within several feet of its base, and there comes a time when, despite the everlasting clipping, the plants get too big and must be rooted out and replaced with smaller ones. Then there is one other grave objection to Box. yet one not often noted. I refer to its smell. Go into a Rose garden on a warm summer day, and if the beds are edged with this shrub it will not be the perfume of Roses that will greet you. but the strong, green odour of Box. Though not an unpleasant smell, this is sometimes so powerful that it pervades the whole atmosphere, entirely obliterating the fragrance of the Roses. \crlh Wales. A. T. Johnson. THE GARDEN. A Selection of Sweet Peas for 1921 IN looking over some back numbers of The Garden I came across •• A Sweet Pea Selec- tion for 1920 " that I gave in a February issue (No. 2518), and it occtirred to me that the names of a few " plums " for the coming season might be welcome to Sweet Pea enthusiasts. The select dozen for 1920 was as follows : Edna May Improved, Hawlmark Pink, Jean Ireland, R. F. Felton, Warrior, Maud Holmes, Valentine, Edrom Beauty, Cecih, Annie Ireland, Agricola and Mrs. Tom Jones. Then the Rev. Joseph Jacob gave the following set as his choice : Royal Purple, Hawlmark Pink, Mrs. Tom Jones, Mother- o'-Pearl, Tangerine, .Moneymaker, Daisybud, Commander Godsal. R. F. Felton, Valentine. Gladys and Dobbie's Cream. Mr. Cecil M. Bailey, from the " Emerald Isle," followed with a select dozen as follows : Cecily, Charity, Valen- tine, Edward Cowdy, King Manoel, Jean Ireland, Hawlmark Pink, Royal Purple, Sincerity, Ivorine, Dora and Hilda. That there are many favourites in all three selections few readers will disagree. Some have more firmly established their claims, others have disappointed. My selection for 1921 shall be a dozen placed" in order of merit and chosen on the following basis : They are to be vigorous growers ; they are to be sunproof so that their value for garden decoration may not be marred by any unsightly shading materials, and they are to have no tendency to produce coarse, gappy blooms. Where possible I shall select a variety that gives a good proportion of four-bloomtd sprays. I do not claim that this selection is an ideal exhibitor's twelve, but all the varieties can be grown large enough for the show boards, and, moreover, there is a wide range of colour, sufficient to give plenty of varietv to a stand. My first choice is Cecily, the finest pale cream pink ever raised. It is lit up by a soft salmon glow and is charming for table decoration. It is a rampant grower, yet it has not the coarseness that is so often found in these ultra-vigorous types. If grown for exhibition I would cither take it up on three stems or leave a few laterals if grown on a single stem. When well grown it has been known to give five, six and even seven flowers on long stems. Most readers will be satislied with well-placed fours. I generally let c:ecily have its " fling." In the height of the flowering season there are very few sprays that are not " fours," and when the plants are at the top of the netting I can still find the four-bloomed 5pra>-3 and the long stems. If you have not included Cecily in your 1931 set, do so by all means, if you are not too late, for I understand there has been a tremendous demand for it. No. 2 is Constance Hinton, with a coviplc of faults that it will perhaps always retain. It is a brown seeded white, therefore you will find a few blush-tinted blooms in every dozen or so plants. Then as the season advances the stems alwavs begin to get short. I find this fault with Constance year after year. For purity of colour and length of stem, other whites, such as Edna May Impro\eil and Anglian White Improved (both fine varieties) beat it. But no white has the density of petal that Constance has, none the big breadth of standard. There are fours innumerable and the blooms are perfectly placed on the stem. If you c:an grow Constance Hinton as it can be grown, and if the Clerk of the Weather will give us a good old English summer for 1921. you will agree that this is the white. I take a novelty for No. 3. It is one of the latest of Mr. Alexander Malcolm's creations, and [January i, 192 i. 1 think his best. Royal Scot is about the last word in dazzling shades. It is likened to the scarlet of a soldier's tunic. Most of us have for- gotten what the true colour of one of these is like, and I think the person who wrote this colour description has, too. I call Royal Scot an orange scarlet, more vivid than Thomas Stevenson, The President or Edward Cowdy, more fiery than the Sweet Pea that bears Mr. Alexander Malcolm's name. In the sunshine it is particularly brilliant, all the lustrous orange seems to be displayed when it catches the rays. I cannot conceive of a more telling variety for a clump or for the middle row in a set of twelve, flanked by a cream and a purple. The cream 1 would put near it would be Majestic Cream, my fourth choice. It has five strong points to recommend it, and on these five points I think it beats all others. It has vigour (some autumn sown seedlings were the strongest of anything I have seen). It has extreme waviness, a true Spencer character, and this I consider is its strongest qualification. The blooms are well placed on the stem and they are mostly " fours." There is length of stem and finally, densitv of colour. Next comes Doris, a lovely cherry pink that has quickly won its way into the first rank. It has all the characteristics of an ideal Pea. Its colour is bright in the garden and even more beautiful under lamplight. There is a touch of salmon underlying the cerise and this provides the radiant glow it assumes in artificial light, but the deep pink is so overlaid that it is quite sunproof. The big broad standard looks you full in the face. You cannot miss it on the stands. You should not miss it from your selection for next season, for it has assuredly come to stay. No. 6 must be Royal Purple. It is so distinct, it is such an easy variety to grow, it gives so many fine big blooms and nearly all fours in the height STOCK-FLOWERED LARKSPURS. THESE ANNUAL DELPHINIUMS SHOULD FIND A PLACE IN EVERY GARDEN. January i, 1921.] THE GARDEN. of the season, that its claims are justified. Ami yet I cannot say that the colour is a special favourite of mine. I like the richer tone of Royalty better, but it cannot come up to Royal Puiple on other points. I am inclined to think that Royal Purple is a trifle harsh in tone. It spots badly in wet weather, and, of course, it is a bad lamplight colour, but in spite of these draw- barks it is a popular variety. That is my first half dozen. If you have only room for this little set I do not think you will have many disappointments. But to continue. Valentine is my seventh choice. I hesitate between this and Daisybud, and also feel that I have ousted another good pink in Unwin's Pink. But each season Valentine seems to be as good as ever. It has a little more uniform colouring than Daisybud. the latter showing the white ground more distinctly. I should describe \'alentine as a rich blush pink, the best of anything we have had in this section since the days of the old favourite, Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes. There are fours in plenty, strong stems, and beautifully placed blooms. It is a charming flower for decorative purposes. " Where is the lavender ? " you will ask. Here it is — Gladys. Two other fine lavenders that have claims to first choice are Victory and Austin Frederick Improved. The former is a very vigorous grower, with huge stems and plenty of fours, but the blooms are somewhat coarse and the petal is rather thin in te.\- ture. Austin Frederick Improved is d fine bold-flowered silvery lavenoler that is an ideal exhibition flower, but it is not quite the same warm shade of lavender that Gladys is. I am disappointed with R. F. Felton. Too often it is very coarse, many times the leading shoot; end in a blind point, and the standard falls back like a butterfly's wings. Gladys has the warm rosy tint of R. F. Felton suffused with the lavender, making it a lilac self. It has a beautifully formed bloom, and what is its greatest asset, practically every spike is perfectly placed. For these reasons I choose it as an irli-al lavender for all purposes. Mrs. Tom Jones is my ninth choice, and is without doubt the best blue Pea we have. It is particularly fine when we have a hot, dry surmuer, as the rain so soon spoils its beauty. I feel sure it is seen at its best in the garden. Under canvas it is not quite the same rich shade of blue. AH the same it gives a bright bit of colour to any stand. The dark navy blues, such as Jack Corawell, V.C. • and Commander Godsal are distinct and rich in the garden, but they do not blend so well with the pinks and they are too heavy for indoor work. I would choose Mrs. Tom J^es in a select dozen for any purpose. The Picotee-edged varieties must have a repre- sentative. Both Jean Ireland and .Annie Ireland are exquisite, and it is difficult to know which to choose. I think Jean is the most consistently beautiful. She seems to defy all weathers, while .Atmie shows the efiect of the rain and becomes pittc-pes, the richer and deeper being the true one, the other, a pale Hercules. There is an improved stock of this variety, but it is not yet on the market. When it appears in the catalogues I will give you Hawlmark Pink Improved in the first dozen, perhaps in the first six. Till then I leave it among the coming iiovrlties. Norman L.\mbert. Winter-Flowering Stocks THE GIA.NT WHITE BROMTTON OR WINTER FLOWERING STOCK out the bloom it is a deep crimson self. For exhibition purposes it is very useful, supplying that bright touch of red that finishes off a stand, and until we have a really first-class scarlet, the crimson "will remain unchallenged. 1 like .Maud Holmes for garden decoration. It is bright in colour and very free. There are plenty of fours and the stems retain their length throughout the season. Each year I grow a batch of it. The plants come direct from .Mr. Holmes. They are the real thing. To be sure of sec-ing Maud Holmes at its best you must have a true stock. There is not the same risk with Charity, as it can be distinguished from other crimsons. The necessity in many quarter of a strict oversight in the consumption of fuel has forced a number of people to winter in the greenhouse plants tliat need but a minimum of heat to bring them into bloom. In this connection it is pleasuig to note that Stocks are being growai indoors nmch more than was formerly the case. Brompton Stocks used to be much in vogue thirty or fortj- years ago, and seed sown in the open ground in June could generally be ilepended upon for furnishing enough plants for potting up in October ; but the race of Brompton's as we knew it has long since been superseded by more beautiful strains. that give finer and richer scented spikes, which are at their best from November to March. We mention Beauty of Nice, valuable, too, as a summer tenant of tin- borders, in various shades of colour, among which rosi. salmon pink, mauve, primrose yellow and white are to be found. Three of the best for winter work are Sutton's All the Year Round, a most fragrant white ; Giant Wliitc (illustrated) ; and Christmas Pink, which is valuable on account of its branching spikes of 8 THE GARDEN. [January i, 192X. - guns for the other Triandus. In yellow Incomparabilis twelve competed. Home Truth, grown at Lawrence, securing first place. In the Poetaz and doubles a Lawrence exhibitor secured first with Ruby Light and Golden Rose respectively. The Tulip in all its glory is now consoling us for the loss of our Daffodils. Our Narcissi hybridising for the year is practically finished and shrubs are now claiming our poetic attention. Our rock gardens arc blossoming in all their glory, and though you in England are to-day preparing to meet the winter, we are looking forward to our delightful summer days. Before this reaches you Christmas with all its festivities will have arrived, and our wishes are that you might have a real old English Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Reillv's Central Produce Mart. (E. Oswald Reilly, Managing Ditrclor). Queen's Warehouse, Moray Place, Dunedin, \eie Zealand, October :;o. igao. Cropping a Ten-Rod Plot, 90 by 30 feet By a. E. burgess, M.B.E. [Horticultural Superintendent to the Surrey County Council.) THERE never was a time in the history of our Island when food production for home consumption was more important than now. The high charges for transport render it necessary that food should be growTi in or near the locality in which it will be consumed, and home-grown produce eases W Esr A. C. o "n HARROW BED. SEED BED. RHUBARB. AUTUMH SOWN ONIONS. On.-row. SPRING SOWN ONIONS (GLASS RAISED FOR PREFERENCE). Three rows . MAINCROP CARROT. Three rows. MAINCROP BEET. Two rous. CELERY TRENCH WITH DWARF BEANS, LETTUCE AND RADISHES ON RIDGES. MAINCROP POTATOES. Fourteen rows SECOND EARLY POTATOES. four rows. FIRST EARLY POTATOES. Two rows. SHALLOTS. One row. ROUND BEET FOR SUMMER SALAD. Half-row. LETTUCE. Half-row. EARLY TURNIP. One row. SHORT-HORN CARROT FOR SUMMER USE. One row. EARLY CAULIFLOWER. One row. DWARF FIRST EARLY PEA. One row. DWARF MID-SEASON PEA. One row. BROAD BEAN. One row. RUNNER BEAN. One row. the markets and greatly benefits the allotment worker. Even in commercial horticulture there is a great need for reform in this respect, and it is high time market growers tackled the question and saved nmch of the useless cartage to central markets and back again, as often happens, for consumption in the place of origin. During the war we were urged to grow every possible ounce of food ; to-day it is of equal importance, and although the allotment holder is unable to increase the aiea of his holding, he can, by adopting a definite system of intensive cropping, increase his food crops very considerably. The cropping plan given below does not fulfil the requirement of every household, and indeed it is impossible to produce such a plan, but it is hoped that allotment holders will adopt the scheme in the main and make such modifications as are necessary. It will be seen that the plot is divided into four sections, marked ,\, B, C and D. Section A is self-explanatory. Section B is planted in the main with permanent' crops and does not admit of interciopping, except that spring Cabbage, late Turnips and winter Spinach can be planted or sown in September after Onions, and Dwarf Beans, Lettuce and Radishes can be grown on the ridges of the Celery trench. The whole of this section can be cleared in October, and the ground can be trenched and the soil thoroughly " weathered " during winter. Section C will also for the most part carry a permanent crop, and can be treated in the autumn in the same way as Section B. The portion devoted to first early Potatoes can be cleared in late July and planted with winter Greens ; or, if preferred, these can be planted in advance between the rows after the Potatoes are earthed up. Section D will require more careful consideration, for it is on this part of the plot that a more inteusi\-e system of cropping than is generally practised can be carried out. With the exception of the Runner Beans, all the crops can be cleared in June and July, and the land should be immediately prepared and planted with such crops as Brussels Sprouts. Leeks, Savoy and Christmas Drumhead Cabbages, autumn Cauliflowers, Broccoli, Kales and Colewort. A number of other crops can also be planted or sov\ii in July or August, such as Turnips for winter use. Carrots and round Beet, the Celery Cabbage and Endive. In early July a second planting of Celery might be made when one of the early crops is removed, and although this mav not be so profitable as the earh- Celer\-. it will be found very useful. In addition to succession cropping there is still the questijn of intercropping to consider. V'jr instance, when sowing Peas and Broad Beans the summer Spinach could be sown midway between the drills, thus pro\iding an additional crop which will be ready for use in a few weeks from sowing, and can be cleared out of the way before the Peas or Beans get very high. Radishi^ can be grown in the sanii- vvav 10 THE GARDEN. GARDENING OF THE WEEK [January i, 1921. FOR SOUTHERN GARDENS. Preliminary.— Readers of this column are asked to use their discretion with regard to any operations mentioned, remembering that the difference between warm and cold localities may mean a variation of some days in the doing of any work. With the advent o'f the New Year no time should be lost in arriving at a decision as to the seed requirements for the coming year. One consideration in making a selection of seeds should be to ascertain the likes and dislikes of the owners of the gardens, and while it is desirable to rely upon old and proved varieties of seed for main supplies, it is well to keep an open mind upon new introductions and if possible to give a trial to a few each year. It is a good plan to oUow up the Royal Horticultural Society's trials of new plants and seeds at Wisley. Sundries. — If it is the practice to renew all general requirements under this heading at the beginning of the year, note should be taken of stocks in hand and all deficiencies made good. Tlie Flower Garden. Appearance. — Hake a constant aim to keep a well ordered appearance by frequent sweepings of the lawns and pathways. The roller also may be used when weather permits. Should the edges of any beds or borders be still untrimmed, thev should be seen to Planting. — Should weather be favourable, make the best use of it to get this work finished as early as possible. The treatment of the soil must depend to a great extent upon the subjects to be planted. A little extra attention to the soil at tiine of planting is always amply repaid afterwards. With so many beautiful flowering shrubs to choose from it is possible to have something of interest at all seasons of the year ; but it may be necessary in meeting the i'eq\iirements of ' the place to plant more extensively of those shrubs which will afford a display at one particular season. If possible, roohi should be found for some of the Cistus. Genistas or Cytisus family, and mention here must be made of the beautiful pink Broom, Notospartium Carmichaelia?. which is probablv one of the most beautiful July shrubs. By planting various Berberis we get a twofold pleasure by their flowers in spring and their berries in autumn. Standarcl trees of Cherries, Almonds and Pyrus planted in well chosen positions give us colour in the spring. After the Buddleias and other late summer-flowering shrubs are over — among which may be mentioned Olearias, late shrubby Spirajas and some of the Veronicas — we look forward to those shrubs which we treasure for their foliage, as. for instance, Liquidambar. Tlie Kitchen Garden. Preparations.— The chief work in this depart- ment just now is to push ahead as quickly as possible with the digging or the trenching, as the case may be. Frosty periods should be used for various wheehng operations, getting manure and burnt refuse on to the plots of ground where digging IS in progress. Nothing is gained by allowing the men to work on the ground when it IS in a ■' sticky" condition immediately following a thaw. Another most useful and necessary job IS the collecting together of fermenting materials, strawy manure and leaves, preferably Beech and Oak, for the formation of hot-beds By an occasional turning the whole is soon sweet and ill a condition for future use. Plants Under Glass. Propagation. — Where Chrysanthemums are grown for exhibition probablv the major portion of the cuttings will already be in, but the first week in the New Year is time enough for general purposes, while varieties of the single and decorative kinds will do any time up till the middle of Februarv Whether cuttings are inserted in pots or boxes let the soil be light and open and a free sprinkling of sharp silver sand added. A most suitable place for the cuttings is a shallow frame placed m a Peach-house or vinery just closed and having a temperature of about 50^ A good batch of Perpetual Carnation cuttings may now be got in .Select healthy, short-jointed cuttings from the lower portions of the flower-spikes. It is best to remove them with a heel if possible, and with very little trimming at the base they mav be dibbled in. The soil mav consist of 'two parts sifted loam and one part of well rotted leaf-soil with enough sand added to keep the compost sweet and porous. A frame or pit having a temperature of about 58° or 60° I-ahr. will suit them. The Hardy Fruit Garden. Planting.— It is probable that most of this work is done, theie having been such an exceptional autumn for the work. Where delay has been caused through extensive alterations or for other reasons, take the first opportunity of favourable Aveather, providing the ground is in suitable condition, to finish it. Plant firmly and stake where necessary. When planting Apples. Pears and Plums trench the ground thoroughly to a depth of about 3 feet. If vi;rv stiff, some burnt refuse and a little rubble may be worked in. .^s stone fruits need a fair proportion of lime use rubble more freely for the Plums. It is a good plan to avoid using any manure at the time of planting in the soil, a good mulch being preferable. H. Turner, (Gardener to the Duke of Northumberland), Alhtiyy Park, Guildford, Surrey. MR. H. TURNER. FOR NORTHERN G.4RDENS. Opening RemarlJS.— Looking back on the season we have passed through, we find that for gardeners, as for other people, it has been one of surprises and disappointments, failures and successes, and a finish, generally speaking, better than we anticipated. Hope is surelv the sheet anchor of the gardener, and without it he would be a sorry creature. It might truly be said of him that man proposes but (iod disposes, because m his sowings and plantings and, in fact, his work in general, he can onlv make the start and leave the completion in the hands of Nature. Happily, she rarely fails him, and though at times the climatic conditions of the past season have been enough to make the most cheerful gardener despondent, things worked themselves round again, and one realised at the end that worry availeth naught and that no gardener ought ever to be a pessimist. The Kitchen Garden. The Onion Crop more especially delights in a piece of ground which has been well manured and deeply dug. Onions, unlike the majority of garden crops, take it as no hardship to be grown on the same plot for a number of years. Spring Cabbages.— Recent storms have had a bad effect on these, many having been blown and loosened. See that all are made firm, while the hoe may be used with advantage when the ground is dry. Jerusalem Artichokes.— If not already done, .1 quantity of these should be lifted and stored in a cool cellar for use during rough weather. Celery. — A few Spruce branches or straw litter should be kept at hand for covering the trenches during frosty weather. Unfortunately, the Celery maggot has caused havoc this season, many crops MR. J.4MES MCGRAN. 1 have seen being utter failures. This pest is difficult to deal with when protected under the skin of the leaf. The Fruit Garden. Replanting.— Where any replanting is taking place It IS well to bear in mind that at times it is an advantage to rejuvenate the soil, more especially if the ground has been previously occupied by a similar crop. A mixtiu-e of roughly chopped loam with a fair sprinkling of lime rubble and wood-ashes is a suitable compost. Plants Under Glass. Chrysanthemums. — Strong cuttings mav now be obtained from plants which have been cut over some time ago. The best results are obtained when the cuttings are struck in a nice brisk tempera- ture, the single-stemmed varieties in 2 1-inch pots and the tush varieties in ordinary cutting boxes. When dibbled into a nice mixture of leaf-mould and sand they root quickly, and after repotting are gradually removed to cooler quarters. When troubled with leaf-mining maggot it is well to spray with Quassia some days before taking off the cuttings, as this makes' the foliage dis- tasteful to the pest. Primula Obconica. — Where these have been in flower for some time an application of liquid manure will be of much benefit, including occasional waterings of soot-water. This encourages fine dark green foliage and strong flower-stems. One finds that owing to the increased cost of bulbs many establishments are growing extra batches of this useful winter-flowering subject. Chenies Giant Hybrids have proved to be very fine ia size and colour. Cinerarias. — Early batches of these will now be coming into flower, and it is well to fumigate or spray before moving to the conservatory, as this plant is most susceptible to attacks of aphis during the early part of the year. Keep a sharp look-out for the leaf-miner, and get it destroyed in its early stages. The Pleasure Grounds. General Work. — Most of the leaves having been swept up before now and lawns made tidy, walks in want of gravel or cinders should now be attended to. Turf edgings in need of repair may also be done at this time and so relieve pressure of work at a later date. Shrubs. — Hardy shrubs which have made a lot of growth this year should now be pruned. Many of our finest flowering shrubs never get a chance owing to the want of a little discreet pruning. By all means avoid overcrowding in the shrubbery, unless perhaps where a dense screen is required. Be careful to study the sorts which flower on the previous season's growth. In this case thin judiciously, so that not only mav one keep the plant trim, but the growths that are left ripen ever so much better. James McGr.w. (Gardener to Sir Henry H. Houldsworth, Bart.) Coodham, Kilmarnock. January i, ic)2i.] ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS THK (iKEENHOUSE. CARNATIONS ATTACKED (E. J.).— Tli.- Carnations arc jittuckiMl by nxi spiti.T. and the atmosphciT has probahly boen kept too hnt ami thy. On suitable occasions try damping down, and dust the plants with tlowers ot sulphur. Free ventilation with an atmosphere ueitlur moist nor very dry will keep both rust and red spider at bay. TREATMENT OF CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE (Mrs. F. E. v.). — The soil I'nr this Cypnpediuni sliould consist of two parts fibrous loam, one part each of peat, leaf- mould and chopped sphagnum moss, adding plenty of coarse sand, with pieces of crock and charcoal the size of Teas to keep the material open. The pots must be very well drained. I-turing the growing season a little weak hquid cow-manure and soot-water will be beneficial. It is not too late e\ea yet for the plants to flower this winter, though the buds should certainly be showing now. Try Messrs. Pulham and .Son, 71. Newman Street, W.l, tor stone va^es. PALIURUS AUSTRALIS(Tr. E. 3/.).— Pahurus aus^tralis is a small tree in Southern Europe and Asia Minor which sometimes grows 3U feet to 40 feet high. Here it rarely exceeds 20 feet in height with a trunk up to 9 inches in diameter. The branchlets are usually numerous and slender, and they are well armed with slender but rather strong spines, which are ofti-n less than an inch long, although sometimes much longer, produced in pairs, one pointing upwards and one downwards from each joint. The flowers are small, a.xillary and greenish yellow. They are followed by rather curious circular fruits, the central seeds being surrounded by a membranous margin. It is perfectly hardy \\\ the British Isles. We are interested to learn of your success with cuttings of Prunus Pissardi. THE GARDEN. FRUIT GARDEN. AN OLD MOLBERRY TREE AND ITS MANACLED BRANCHES (D. H. s. .S.). — uur CDiicspoiKipnfs lotter and sketch make the matter clear (this is not an uncommon condition for old Mulberry trees to be in). Seeing that ttie throttled branches are sliowing signs of early decay b>" prematurely shedding their leaves, the probability is that they win not live for many more years. We suggest that the most satisfactory way of dealing with them will be to forestall their decease by cutting them off now, mmediately under the ring pressure. Young shoots would spring up from the stumps and help in time to furnish the tree again in that part with branches. We think that the cutting and the mauling of the tree necessary before the rings could be cut out would do more harm' than their absence would do good. The question seems, then, to resolve itself into leavmg the tree alone orcutting off the decaying branches now. APPLES FOR EXAMINATION.— I am forwarding you two .\pples from liramley's Seedling. Can you inform me what is the cause of the green, frozen-like condition of the fruit ? Only a small proportion of the crop was affected like these, and some were quite in the centre of the tree ; besides we had no frost to affect them. I gave the trees a fair dusting of flue dust in spring. Lane's Prince Albert, Grosvenor and Lord Derby are not affected. I have been growing fruit for many years. but never saw this condition before. I saw a box 01 imported fruit opened a month ago, and they were all in this condition. — T. O. Walker. (The Apples sent are affected with the phenomenon called " glassiness." The exact cause of this trouble is not known, but it is apparently due to severe pressure of water upon the interior walls of the cells during a critical period of their growth, causing the sap to transfuse into the spaces tisually filled with air. It is not often that very many Apples on a tree are affected in this way. — Ed.] KITCHEN GARDEN. SPLIT ONIONS (J. C'.).— The splitting is generally due to excess of rain coming after a dry period early in summer wieii i^rowth is most active. Planting in rich, too loose >;r(.imd is also conducive to the trouble NEGLECTED ASPARAGUS BED (T. i.).— One ought to be able to see by the stubble of the grass left (after being cut) where the roots of the Asparagus are. In any case one cannot mistake the roots of Asparagus as compared to those ot weeds. The roots of the former are fleshy and thick. One must go cautiously to work in clearing away the grass, for fear of injuring the crowns or centre of the roots. This is the part which will furnish the grass of next year; it is the part from which the stubble springs. The best way to proceed will be to loosen the grass roots by placing a hand fork carefully under them, not deeper than necessary for this purpose, and then to pull them up by hand. Having cleared the bed of all weeds as early as possible, give the bed a surface tlressing of well-dec;iyed farm or stable-yard manure, laying it down 3 inches deep. Towards the end of March cover the manure over with a slight covering of soil say, 2 inches or 3 inches — and then sprinkle over the surface a scattering of salt — or, what is better, nitrate of soda — a good handful to the square yard. Watch for the young grass coming m> tlu-ough the soil early in April, and where there are blanks sow two or three Asparagus seeds in each of the blank spaces, and the bed, with careful after-treatment for a few years, will again become well established and profitable. MISCELLANEOUS. A SUBSTITUTE FOR STABLE MANnRE(fl. G.. Brum).— In these days when stable manure is comparatively scarce we have to rely on substitutes. Our corresiiondent will find Wakeley's Hop Manure excellent for flowers, fruits and vegetables. It is sent out in a form that is clean to handle, has no offensive suu'll, and may be used for all purposes in place of stable manure. For top-dressing Eose beds, fruit trees, and use in the kitchen garden, it is I'xeeptionally useful and safe to handle. APPLE SHED ROOF CREOSOTED : TAINTING THE APPLES (ir. R. C'.).— Nothing is easier tainted by an impure atmosphere than fruit of all kinds (Apples, perhaps, more especially). Oive the roof two coats of fresh lime whitewash. That, we think, will take the taint away. If the colour is objeet'-d to add a little soot. THE DESTRUCTION OF GROUND ELDER (.1/. «.).— Tile best method of removing the ground Elder from the land is by digging the ground over and picking out every bit of the weed one can see. Next year bits of the weed will be sure to appear, which should be hoed otf or pulled out immediately they are seen. We do not know of anything that can be applied to the ground that will be likely to kill the weed without being detrimental to the soil. FOWL MANURE FOR LAWNS (C. C'.).— Fowl manure can be used successfully on lawns. The best method of application is to mix the manure with sand, turn it a few times at intervals of two or three days, and then spread it. By doing] this it wi'l be found tliat it can be distri- buted more easily than when used in a fresh state. CLEARING WEED FROM A LAKE.— From time to time I ha\e noticed in your correspondence columns letti Is enquiring the best manner of clearing weed from a lake. Prior to the war I had a large experience in this class of work and obtained some very good results both from cleaning out and also by addition of siUphate of copper (blue copperas). The method of adding the chemical was to dissolve the material in hot water in a tub on the side of the reservoir and to allow it to flow into it in proportion to the volume of water entering the reservoir. The proportion was one part of the solution to 100,000 parts of water, and it usually took two or three weeks to obtain any results in the diminution ot the weed. Tliis method, however, only kills the weed and sends it to the bottom. We did not find that this method had any detrimental effect upon the fish, and as the water in the reservoirs concerned was used for the purpose of calico printing, bleaching and dyeing, we had t<^ make very careful experiments before treating on anything like a large scale in case the chemical so affected the water that it would in turn affect the colours and dyes. It was found, however, that all traces were lost within three or tour days of completing the process, therefore we could only carry out the work during the period when there was plent\"ot water in the reservoir. — A. f. THE DESTRUCTION OF MOSS ON PATHS (JJ. B. R.). — Moss on paths can be destroyed by using any of the arsenical weed-killers to be obtained from chemists or seedsmen with direotions for use. It can also be killed bv applying sulphate of copper at the rate of lib. to four gallons of water. NAMES OF PLANTS.— .■) L. D.. il/a/^/*.— Ardisia crenulata, L, B., Stonehaven. — Cotoneaster frigida. T. .S'.— 1. Sahia leucantha ; 2. Chsenostoma hispida. GOOSEBERRIES GOOSEBERRIES are among the most I \aluable of bush fruits grown in this . country, and deserve more attention I than they usually get in private and market gardens. To be successful in tlieir cultivation it is liighly important to select a well-drained, unshaded site, where there is a free circulation of air. Gooseberries prefer a deep, cool loam. Soils of a liglit nature must be freely assisted with a liberal supply of organic manures. The land should be thoroughly culti- vated to a depth of at least i8 inches or s feet, if possible. The best crops to take prior to planting are Potatoes, Carrots or soiue other useful root crop, which permit of the land being thoroughly cleaned of all perennial weeds — this is extremely important. If the land has not previously been well manured it should be given a good dressing of well-decayed stable manure (if obtainable) at the rate of ra tons to the acre, or an equivalent dressing of some other suitable organic manure, otherwise a mixture of three parts superphosphate of lime, two parts Kainit, and one part of sulphate of aimuonia at the rate of 3 ozs. per square yard, applied in early spring, on light soils, or basic slag on heavy soils will be found suitable. Gooseberries may be planted in the autunrn, winter or spring if the land is in good friable condition. I prefer planting in November at a dis tance of 6 feet square for strong varieties ; or though 11 5 feet square for weak or upright growers is generally sufficient. In any case, overcrowding must be avoided at all times to allow a free circulation of air, as close, humid conditions are favourable to fungoid disease, especially American Gooseberry mildew. All broken or straggling roots should be trimmed off before planting ; the bottom of the holes should be made convex ; the roots well spread out and the soil firmly trodden as it is put back, keeping the plants at the same depth as they have been growing in the nursery. The main shoots ought to be cut back at the same time, two-thirds or so according to their strength, to an outside terminal bud. In order to conserve moisture during the growmg season hoeing every three weeks will be found very beneficial. On light soil manure should be spread thickly over the roots in the spring and left there to rot. At the end of the first season pruning should be carefully done, selecting six or seven of the strongest shoots, well spaced, to lay the foundation of the bush. These should be cut back at least to half their length, and all side growths to within I inch of the base to form spurs. The pruning must be governed by the vigour of the bush -^1 : GOOSEBERRY KEEPSAKE. Valuable for early market. and habit of the particular variety, taking care that the terminal bud that is left is pointing out- wards, and increasing the number of leaders annu- ally without overcrowding. Gooseberries may also be grown on the cordon system if size and flavour are the main objects in view ; if on single stems plant I foot apart against a wire trellis 6 feet high, ruiming north and south. Summer pinching of the side growths to four or five leaves is essential in this case, allowing the leading growth to extend, and prune back in the winter as advised for the bush plants. Select varieties with a strong, upright habit for this particular system. In choosing varieties fo^ftlanting due regard must be paid to the locality as well as the diiiterent soils, but the following sorts arc not likely to fail in most parts of the country. Crown Bobs, Couscn's Seedling. Howard's Lancer (as mentioned in The Garden on November 27), Keepsake, Whinliam's Industry (this is one of the best all round varieties in cultivation), and WTxite Lion (a late variety similar to Howard's Lancer). Pen Moel Gardens, Chepstow. J, Adamson. 12 THE GARDEN. [January i, 192 i. William Turner, Divine and Herbalist ITS AX ILL WIND''— THE FATHER OF BRITISH BOTANY— HIS PRIVATE GARDENS— HIS INFLUENCE ON HORTICLTLTURE. WILLIAM TURNER was a fiery, fighting Protestant clergyman, who in the latter part of his life became a decided thorn in the fiesh of his ecclesiastical superior, the Bishop of " Bathe and Welles," on account nf his very pronounced and outspoken opinions. He was born at Morpeth in NortlmmberJand about 1510 to T515. To finish his education, through the good offices of a wealthy patron he became a member of Pembroke Hall (now Pem- broke College), Cambridge, where he had as tutors Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, both of whom ever after were his lifelong friends and from whom he imbibed a double portion of the 'spirit of the Reformation, which in after years was to exercise such a strong and remarkable influence on his life. Twice he was obliged to leave England on account of his religious opinions — first, during the reign of Henry VHI, and again when Mary succeeded Edward VI. These enforced residences abroad gave him the oppor- tunities of his life, for he was there able to pursue what I cannot but call his inner bent or inclination — the study of natural science, and more especially plants. He lived, on tlie first occasion of his leaving England, for a long time in Italy ; at Bologna, where he studied botany under the famous Luca Ghini and where he found a botanic garden ; at Ferrara, where, most likely, he took the degree of Doctor of Medicine ; at Milan ; at Venice, and other towns ; then for a short period in Switzerland, where at Zurich he visited Conrad Gesner ; and, lastly, in Cologne, where he published a good many of his small religious books ; and other parts of Germany. While at college as a very young man he " went in " for the study of " simples." but could get no help about their nomenclature from the doctors of the university. He had to worry things out for jiim.self, and as a result of his labours, and because he wanted to improve matters, he gave the world his " Libellus de re herbaria novus "- in 1538. This is a very rare little book, and is famous as being the first English botanical work ever printed. Accordingly, its publication helped to earn fur its author the proud title of " The Father of British Botany." After the lapse of a good many years, during which time he was accumulating, as far as possible, first- hand knowledge, in 1551, when he was " Phisicion unto the Duke of Somersettes Grace," he published the first edition of his Herbal, of which the accom- panying ilhistration is what I may call a Gran- gerised title page, inasmuch as it is never, I believe, found au naturel in such a perfect state, but it is always cut into by the binder to fit in with the letterpress, the truth being that Steven Mierdman had used the woodcut border in 1530 as the title A|e of a translation of Thucy- dides, and it did nc^R^actly fit the printed pages of William Turner's Herbal. A second part of the Herbal followed in 1562, and a third, to which were- joined both the first and second parts, and also the " Booke of the Bath of Baeth in England," in 1568. Finally, the whole was reissued by tlS son, Peter Turner, after his father's death, with a table of errata and a quaint introduction asking the " gentle re.ider to beare a little with the Printer that never was accustomed to the printing of Englishc." This is the most complete edition of all. Doubtless because he found the botanic garden at Bologna very useful. Turner made similar gardens for himself at Cologne, then at Kew, and afterwards at Wells when he settled there as Dean. It is primarily because of these gardens that Johnson accords him a place in his " History of English Gardening." " Private gardens per- formed no trivial part in encouraging the spirit of discovering new plants and improving their culture." There was undoubtedly room for both. Gardens, in the days of Henry VH and Henry VHI were very drab affairs as regards their contents compared with the gardens of our I fancy in William Turner's days the most conspicuous flower in English gardens would be the rich-coloured Carnation, which, according to writings of the period, gained its scent from cloves being planted at its roots ! Tales like these and those of the human form of the roots of the Mandrake received scant mercy at our divine's hando. So, beyond creating a desire for new varieties of plants, it may also be said that to some extent he was a pioneer in saner methods of cultivation, inasmuch as he had the courage to contradict many of the stupid myths and practices of a hoary antiquity. Joseph Jacob. NONSUCH PALACE. Henry VIII's super-magnificent creation. Note the flower beds and the animals on the pillars. twentieth century. This dulness may have been one reason for the coloured railings round the beds and the tall pillars or posts with curiously fashioned beasts upon them which were such prominent features of the flower garden at Non- such Palace (c. 1538-40) The Jerusalem Artichoke With the lengthening days and brigliter weather the time is once again with us when work in field, garden and allotment should be pushed forward with all speed, or, to quote the words of Mr. Lloyd George : " Every available square yard of _ ground must be made to produce food." Now, most soils will produce something, and by all means grow Potatoes, wherever pos- sible ; but to those with a piece of land where Potatoes, Carrots or winter Turnips would fail, the writer's advice is to try Jerusalem Artichokes, by tliis means securing a good crop of delicious food from ground which might otherwise be wasted. Few diseases or insect pests attack the Artichoke, which, unlike the Potato, will stand many degrees of frost ; thus the tubers may be left in the ground till wanted for use, this being a consideration where storage space is limited. Planting may take place any time during the spring, weather conditions being favourable. The ground having been pre- viously dug, heavy manuring is not neces- sary, but a sufficient quantity of potash salts should be present in the soil. This may be applied in the form of muriate of potash or sulphate of potash in spring at the rate of I Jib. to the square rod, if Kainit has not been used in the autumn. Plant with a spade or trowel in rows at least 2J feet apart, Cinches deep, with 18 inches between the sets. During growth keep the ground free from weeds by frequent hoeings, and earth up the plants when a few inches in height. While growing, the plants form a good boundary fence or wind screen, and the tops when cut down and burnt leave a fine ash of considerable value to put on ground where root crops are to be grown. ■ F. Marshall. " Which no equal has in art or fame ; Britons deservedly do Nonesuch name." It is remarkable, too, that Hentzner, as far as I can remember, when he was "doing" the sights of London and the Home Cotmties (?) with his young pupil in Oueen Elizabeth's reign never once, as far as I can remember, records any blaze of colour. At Theobalds it was the wonderful summer-house, " built semi-circularly," with the twelve Roman Emperors in white marble in the lower room (?) and lead cisterns with water and fish in them on the top. At Hampton Court it was the Rosemary nailed to the walls. .At Windsor " a walk of incredible beauty, three hundred and eighty paces in length, set round on every side with supporters of wood wliich sustain a balcony from whence the nobility and persons of distinc- tion can take the pleasure of seeing hunting and hawking on a lawn of sufficient space." BROWN BETSY Peel, core and slice six large cooking Apples and stew them gently with a very little water and some sugar until soft. Grease a pie-dish and place a layer of the cooked Apple in the bottom thereof, sprinkle with a pinch of ground cinnamon, spread a little golden syrup over and sprinkle with bread- crumbs soaked in sherry ; then add more Apple, cinnamon, golden syrup and breadcrumbs in this order until the pie-dish is full. Place tiny bits of butter on last layer of breadcrumbs and bake in a moderate oven until browned (about half an hour). If a sweet Apple is used, omit sugar. General Work. — Advantage must be taken of all open weather so that digging and trenching may be forwarded with all possible speed. If the soil is heavy it may still be thrown up in rough ridges, so that it may be exposed to the good offices of frost and sunshine. January i. 1921. THE GARDEN. IIZALEAS for WOODLAND AND GARDEN EFFECT ■WHEN in flower they will present such a colour picture that you will derive the utmost satis- faction from having planted them. We have a grand stock of unsurpassed quality, and offer Grand Budded Plants in named varieties in ail sections at 42/-, 60/-, 84/- per dozen. Try the following collect ion, comprising tlie finest types in each section: — fOCCINEA SPECIOSA (Ghent), flaming orange ANTHONY KOSTER (mollis), yeUow COMPTE DE PAPAnOPOLI (raoUis), orange rose EL TASSO (Husfiea), double red FRANS VAN de BOM (mollis), orange yellow FKEYA (Rustica), double rose FLORADORA (mollis), orange red GLORIA JUNDI (Ghent), .apricot, spotted red J. C. VAN IHOL (mollis), scarlet NANCY WATERER (Ghent), golden yellow OCCIDENTALIS, hybrid rose pink ' UNIQUE (Ghent), nankeen and orange The above dozen in strong; plants, for forcing or planting one of each for 63/- ; extra fine, 90/- ; three of each for IfiS/-. extra fine, 265/-. For large plantings for colour effects -sve offer strong Ijlants in colour ranges : — Pinks and Roses Pale Yellows Deep Yellows Orange Red iRAND NEW VARIETY. Dr. Oosthoek, t the R.H.S. last May, and received an award of merit. THE GARDEN, MAY 22nd, 1920— "Azalea Dr. Oosthock. glorious variety affording rich masses of bloom, the plants all but hidden therewith. The colour, a brilliant fiery red with coppery touches, would in the sunlight prove most dazzling." Strong Plants, 12/6 each. Each colour group, 30/- per dcz. and 55/- Extra strong. "■■ ' ' titalogue of the above, ijicluding a grand collection of RHODODENDRONS AND OF FORCING PLANTS An inspection of our stocks of the above and other plants would interest all garden lovers, and convince them of the fact that better and healthier plants do not exist. R. WALLACE & Co , Ltd. . . the LATE OF COLCHESTER. Tel. No. 718. OLD GARDENS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS. PEARSON'S SELECTED ANTIRRHINUMS ANTIRRHINUMS are one of the best bedding subjects which can be raised from seed. The following is our extra select List. Per pkt. — s Antirrhinum majus. Beautiful mixed colours 2ft. to 3ft. 0 best crimson. . . . . . , . . . 0 — — best white . . . . . . . . . . 0 best yellow . . . . . . . . 0 — nanum. In heipht between Majus and Tom Thumb. Mixed colours. . . 18 in. Amber Queen. Canary yellow overlaid chamois pink Black Prince. Intensely dark crim.*on, . Carmine Queen. Deep rich carmine, quite distinct Pale pink, with white 0 3 Cottage Maid. tliroat Crimson King. of colour Flame. Lovely 0 6 The best of this class 13in. brilliant orange scarh^t - Pink Gem (New). Clear rose pink, whiti- throat . . . . . . . . 15 in. — Rose Dore. Beautiful salmon rose, tin- best pink — The Bride. The finest white semi-dwarf variity ... ., ,. . . 18 in. — Yellow Qem (New). Rich deep golden yellow — Yellow Queen. One of the very best yellows 20 in. Tom Thumb. Dwarf strain, finest mixed 9 to 12 in — — best crimson best white best yellow 0 6 0 6 J. R. PEARSON & SONS, Eatab 1782. LOWDHAM, NOTTS. THE CLOCHE CLIP PATENTED IN THE U.K. & ABROAD. THE CLIP THAT HOLDS pOR making continuous and other Cloches for the protection of seeds nliiits flowers, etc. STRAWBERRIES may be had two or three weeks earlier by their use. Glass of any size may be used, also old photographic plates. The Clip will make a rigid Cloche which can be handled without f jlling apart. Price7(-doz. Pastage:9d. 1 doz.. 1/-2doz. ; over 2 doz. Carriage Paid. Cash with order Particulars and ilcxien^ :'f Cl,,chcx in various ex uill he sent on a/ifli' ation THE CLOCHE CLIP CO., 94, Woodbridge Road, Quildford, Surrey The New Delphinium MILLICENT BLACKMORE. . A most lovely Delphinium. The long spikes are of perfect form, broad at the base, pips very large and splendijiy placed. Colour, a soft combination of blue and mauye. with larte black centre ; .sft. 6in. Each JSl 10b. A.,M.. R.H.S.. 1919 j DtuUlllAw Incomparably Superb. U tLrtl I NIU Ills Stately and magnificent. ULUAIIllAO Rich and charming, are illustrated and described in our new Catalogue which we will gladly post to any reader of " The Garden." The Twerton Hill Begonias are World-FamOUS, and, bear in mind, the very best are as easy to grow as those of indifferent strain and mediocre quality. Plants and seeds are offered to suit all purposes. The Twerton Hill Delphiniums embrace the finest varieties e.xtant, remark- able for size, vigour j^i range of delightful tints. Spring is th^est time to plant. Wc make Special I-eatures of Gioxillias, Cyclamen, Violets, Carnations, choice Aquilegias, Blue Primroses, etc. Your enquiries will receive prompt attention. 'BLACKMORE & LANGDON Tv^erton Hill Nurseries BATH X. THE GARDEN. [January i, ic)2r. TO increase production and reduce expenditure, sciencej Avith practice has taught us '' That the form in ^vhic]ri Hme is used is the thing that matters." WHAT IS LIMBUX ? The Purest and Whitest (scientifically treated) Lime in existence. LIME YOUR SOIL NOW. " Procrastination is the thief of time." (Registered) LIMBUX is an essential fertilizer and a soil ener- gizer of marked value, and may be used to great advantage in soil and among all crops all the year round. Used in the soil it creates an alkali media which soil insect pests do not like, and it is a preventive against most fungoid diseases. As a preventive against cater- pillars on plants or fruit trees it is ideal. It is very important that the under side of the leaves be dusted. Dusted on any trees or plants at any period it will remove most insect pests and at the same time create perfect health and stamina among all plant life. Used on the tenderest foliage on the hottest days of summer it will not burn nor harm the plant, foliage or root hairs. QUANTITIES TO USE. It you economical. Firstly, retain its value by applying it to the land throughout the year. Secondly, you only need use about 8 to 10 cwts. to the acre for constant use throughout the whole season, therefore assisting valuable plant foods at regular intervals, and crops two-fold. mcreasmg LIMBUX should be used at the rate of z cwts. per rood, which is the equivalent of I acre, or 1,210 square yards ; Sjlb. per square rod, which equals 30J square yards ; 3 ounces per square yard (about) throughout the season in the form of dusting or sprinkling in and on the soil, also between the rows of growing crops, as previously mentioned. Beware of fakes and " Lime just as good." If any difficulty is experienced in obtaining any one of these Star Specialities send direct to J. L. EDGINTON, Ecclesall, Sheffield, Yorks. "LIMBUX," sold in Bags, 2/6, 4/6 and 8/3 each. Special quotations for ^ larger quantities. Sold by all leading Nurserymen, Seedsmen and Sundriesmen throughout the United Kingdom, am all Members of the Horticultural Trades Association. ^ I THIS ADVERT. WILL BE WITHDRAWN AFTER THIS ISSUE-SO KEEP THIS PAGE FOR REFERENCE. | Nothing can take the place of these " STARS," they cannot be imitated or substituted. They are the only FouiJ ALLIED Horticultural Specialities of their kind in commerce. j January i, 1921.] THE GARDEN. IB HOW TO APPLY LIME By C. a. JARDINE. GARDENS all over the kingdom after the war were in a deplorable condition, due to neglect and shortage of laboiu'. consequently they were rampant with disease and choked with weeds. This state of affairs no longer obtains, thanks to determined efforts, though there remains a lot to be done still in most gardens. The really urgent and crying need this winter is liming. The necessity is recognised by all good gardeners, but sometimes even good men do not know the proper use of lime and forget the fart that only the purest forms of lime are required, especially in disease. It is not intended to give a lecture on the subject in this article. A digest of lime in "The Soil" and in " Fertilisers and Manures," written by Sir Daniel Hall, who gives all the details better than will be found in any other work, is strongly advocated to all horticulturists. I want to im- press the very great importance of how to apply lime, and what sort of lime to use. To take limestone, I do not remember having seen such quantities of harmful lime used in all my experience as in the last two years — builder's lime with from 4 per cent, to 40 per cent, of magnesia, grey lias lime, some with the last salt in excess, but others with as little as 0.40 per cent, of magnesia, yet containing as much as 8 per cent, of oxides of iron and alumina ; dolomitic lime with large percentages of mag- nesium carbonate (substances injurious to growing active plants, especially when the lime has sunk into the soil) and various other substitutes (all constituting lime) in place of the pre-war quality of lime. Such limes applied in the winter lose most of their injurious properties by spring owing to being washed out into the drainage waters by rain. These limes fail to wipe out fungoid diseases, whereas pure limes would not fail to exterminate them. The demand by the Govern- ment for pure limes was prodigious ; indeed, only the finest quality limes could be employed in the manufacture of war materials, and this forced gardeners to use any and every sort of lime, bringing baneful results in their train. The purest form of hydrated lime in existence is known by the trade name of " Limbux," manufactured from Buxton limestone but scientifically treated and hydrated by special machinery so that it is free from all injurious impurities. Mr. J. L. Edginton of Eccltsall, Sheffield, who has agents every- where, is the distributor of Limbux. The Buxton lump liraes and limestones, when in the finest state of division or dust, are most reliable, and constitute real permanent amelioration in the garden. Lime is not a fertiliser in itself, but a potential liberator of all the unavailable soil con- stituents directly or indirectly through the action of the useful soil bacteria. The possible exceptions to the action of lime as a fertiliser are those in the cases of plants that are not of the mycotrophic group and who store calcium oxalate in their leaves, as do most garden bulbs, especially Daffodils, which store them in the scales of their bulbs. Some species of Narcissus resent lime. It is always a puzzle to remember what plants like and what do not like lime. Here is the key to the solution, an infallible microscopic test made known, I believe, for the first time. If the leaf or bulb shows calcium oxalate (a shiny iridescent or glistening body, usually a thin, long, comet-like streak), then lime is indicated ; but if absent, the subject under investigation belongs to the mycotrophic section, lime being hurtful. Lime, or dust-ground limestone should be applied only as a fine powder to the sitriace of the soil, and should never be dug in. An even sowing is particularly desirable, and it must be thoroughly worked into the top inch or two of the soil. The rake is the sole tool to do this satis- factorily. The action of lime is downwards, so that the rains will carry it evenly through the soil, making the earth salts evenly available and replacing the moulds and fungi which have been competing with the plants for soil constituents with the useful soil bacteria (among them azoto- bacter), and thus augmenting the nitric contents of the soil. The time to apply lime is now, without delay, and to follow it up in spring and sum- mer with lime free from injurious impurities especially to all stone fruits. In conclusion I would draw the attention of rock garden owners to limestone chippings for lime-loving alpines in place of the much-abused granite chippings, especially where certain Saxifrages arc concerned. SQUILLS AS A RAT POISON THE sudden rise into popularity of the plant Urginea Scilla, the Squills of the druggist, as a rat poison in conjunction with barium carbonate, has directed attention to a plant which has long been growing in the Economic House at the Gardens. As " Syrup of Squills " it has long beeu a popular remedy in children's ailments. One could not but notice the sudden interest evinced by a class of school children who were being taken through the house. Olives, Guavas, Lychees left them cold, but " squills " was to them a household word, familiarised by its use in their own case and those of infant brothers and sisters. The Squill plant grows wild throughout the Mediterranean region. It has a bulb and leaves like those of the Hyacinth, and a tall spike of whitish green flowers. The Pharmaceutical Journal of September i8th contains a very good account of the method followed in preparing the bulbs for market, from which we extract the following : " The bulbs sometimes reach a weight of lalb. to 141b., but are usually much smaller. There arc two varieties, white and red ; the white variety is that used in medicine, the red is the one preferred for rat poison. The Squills of the London market is always white and comes from Malta. In the spring the bulbs are dug up and cut transversely into very thin slices, which are placed upon clean canvas and dried for days in the sun. Great care has to be taken that the fingers are never allowed to touch them, as if touched when moist the strips lose their whiteness. No rarn must fall upon them, as this discolours the strips and reduces the market value. The dried product is afterwards packed in bags for shipment." About its effectiveness as a rat poison there seems to be no doubt, and it has an advantage over phosphorous paste and other poisons in being less harmful to domestic animals. It is said that doe rats, when breeding, are especially attracted by it, because of the fat with which it is combined. It would be interesting to know how the use of squills for this pui-pose was fii'st discovered. — The Journal of the Royal Hotanic Society^ London. Around the Markets THOSE who bought their Holly branches last week aud even earlier are tlie lucky ones, for then there was enough on the rnarkel lor all demands ; but now the general shortage of berried sprays is felt, and many wouJd-be buyers have to go empty away. This shortagi- of berries has led many wiseacres to propound all sorts of theories, but the real and true explanation is the same cause that resulted in our short fruit crop; that is, uuseasonable weather during the flowering period. The scarcity of berried Holly contrasts curiously with the record quantity of Mistletoe, which is the commonest commodity on the streets at tlie moment, even including the many and varied mechanical toys. Mistletoe is so plentiful and cheap that a goodly sprig, bearing a dozen berries, may be bought for a humble penny— cheaper than a short oiunibus ride. Most of this AListletoe. ol course, comes from Norruandy and elsewhere across the English Channel. Generally, "the Holly is home grown. Other evergreens are in great demand and these include a great variety of exotics, but it is interesting to note that nearly the whole ot our very few hardy indigfimu^. evergreens are in the greatest and most general denuuiti. Graceful trails of Ivy. particularly when the leaves have that fascinating bronzy, winter sheen, are eagerly bought. The sombre Yew and grey-green Scots Pine branches are also great favourites. Our remaining evergreen, the Butcher's Broom (Kuscus aculeatus), is also sold in enormous quantities tor Yutetide decorations; but in this case one does not at first sight recognise it as a nat ive. for the stems are dyed a bright vermilion. Before tlie war a great business was done with the Germans, win) were past masters in the art and craft of dyeing, and they produced a good dry article of vivid colour witlioul the use of gelatine, which makes the shoots sticky under certain conditions of temperature aud humidity' Much of the dyed Ruscus seen during past years has been thi' product of Italy. A great clearance has been made in the pot i)lant department. Azaleas, Cinerarias and Cyclamen an- now present in only limited quantities. Roman Hyacinths, both in trays ot a couple of dozen or so and five or six bulbs in a 5-inch pot, are pretty plentitul, but, owing to the relative sliortage of other flowering plants, are dearer than just recently. Chrysanthemums, of fair quality in 6-inch pots, white Marguerites and Solanums make up the toll of plants in quantity. Cut flowers of quality continue their upward tendency, Chrysantlienmms. which are fiuishiug, being the uidy exception, aud these, principally "spray stuff" of so-so merit, are quite cheap. The best lines are Carnations. Tiiliums, Arums and Ro^es. Violets are sliort. but. even so, are equal to the ilemand. The scarce flowers include Lilac (white and coloured), Bouvardia, white Pelargonium aud white Azalea. In the vegetable markets there is enough and to spare of practically everything. Brussels Sproiits, of immense size and great firmness, are quite cheap — too cheap considering the quality and the length of time it takes to grow flrst-rate Sprouts. TJiat being so. Cabbage is, of course, very cheap. Root vegetables are in better demand, and. perhaps because of their greater food value, people are buying more Parsnips than formerly. Jerusalem Artichokes are not so much wanted as was the case a couple of years ago. and the same remark applies, though even more so. to Chicory ; and. i n fact, salads of all kinds are not wanted over nmch, though Parsley has soared in price, but this herb is always greatly in request at this season for garnishing, and the hard weather has stopped growth. Englisli Cucumbers and Tomatoes are practically non-existent, Devonshire Asparagus and Seakale. making a first appearance for the season, forced Beans and Mushrooms are the only really expensive goods in the vegetable line. The fruit trade is ju-etty much as before, except that Oranges are cheaper; quite good fruits are retailed at a penny and three-halfpence each. Apples continue in great plenty and so do Grapes, which will probably be unusually cheap in a week's time, it not before. Nuts of most kinds are rather dearer, but this rise will be of only short duration. Dt'ceirUfer 21. A. Coster. SOCIETIES THE GARDENERS' PROVIDENT SOCIETY, The monthly meeting of the United Horticidtural Benefit aud Provident Society was held at the Royal Jlnrli- cultural Society's Hall on Monday. December l:i, Mr. A. Bedford in tiie chair. Four new members were ele<-ted. The sum of £6 6s. 8d, (interest on three members' deposits) was passed for payment. The sick pay for the muntli on the private side amounted to £40 lis, *8d. State section £45. and maternity claims £14. The trustees were empowered to invest a further £800. Mr. ,\, Turner was co-opted a meniber of the conuuittee. in j)lace of Mr, A. C. Bartlett. who has resigned. The new rules were received from the registrar for minor alterations, and the eonimittee hope to let the members have e((i)ies early this year. PUBLICATION RECEIVED. "The Royal H«irtieultural Society Gardener's Diary." A pocket book fur 19i:i, convenient aud invaluable to'all interested in gardening, I^iblished by Mes>rs, Charles Letts and Co., Southwark liridge Building?*, Londim, S.K. 1. Priee2s. 14 THE GARDEN. [January i, 1921. A HANDBOOK OF FRUITS IN a recent number of The Garden, the writer of a note upon Cotoneaster bullata referred to the confusion which not infrequently arises in gardens through the application of a name to a plant which is rightly linown by another one. No owner of a garden will, we are sure, dissent from the conclusion one may draw from this complaint, viz., that it is desirable that every dis- tinct plant should have a name and that each name should be confined to one distinct plant only. It is by no means always easy, as another matter that has recently been ventilated in these columns shows, to say which existing name actually belongs to a particular plant. It is not always easy where wild species are concerned, still less is it easy with garden varieties of a species between which the differences are often much smaller. There are five ways of attempting to preserve the connection of a particular name with the thing it was coined to designate. Memory, written descriptions. pictures or models, dried or otherwise preserved specimens, and a living museum properly labelled. No one of these alone is ideal, and all are open to some risk of confusion. Labels, even in the best regulated gardens, become illegible or detached from the thing to which they belong (and often with the best intentions in the world attached to something else to which they do not belong), and in any case the living specimens are unlikely to show at all seasons all the characters that distinguish them ; preserved specimens are often too bulky to store satisfactorily and not seldom lose in the process of preparation the finer distinguishing features that are so im- portant to recognise ; pictures, even when excellent portraits, cannot represent a variety in all its varying moods ; descriptions are liable to mis- interpretation unless the author is fertile in coining apt terms, precise in defining them and rigid in their application, while the interpreter must be quick to apprehend the author's meaning and to com- prehend the whole of it ; memory, even the memory of the oldest inhabitant, is not always to be relied upon. Memory, tempered with discretion of judgment arising from experience of the limits of variation, is perhaps the commonest prop to depend upon when we arc asked to name a variety. But too often some little detail has escaped our recollection and our verdict is at fault. Or it is faulty because the keenness of those perceptions which start the machinery which opens the cells of memory is dimmed. The " Ribston Pippin " of to-day is not the ", Ribston Pippin " of our youth. That had a sweet crispness which our teeth delighted to challenge — this is tough and difficult now teeth are few ; that, perhaps, had all the flavour of stolen fruit — this is but cloying to our pampered palate. Who has not watched the learned in fruits when they sit in solemn conclave and discuss the demerits and identity of a variety brought before them ? Who has not listened while one gives this name and another that, until the most learned of them all assures his fellows that the Apple cannot be anything but a local seedling ? One though, diffident because wise, but still bold enough to doubt, is not so sure. Trusting less his memory, he reaches out for Hogg (his " Fruit Manuel ") and from the pages of that great volume he refutes his colleagues one by one until only the most learned one is left. And him he tries to make to bite the dust by searching the " key " (which he finds therein), to discover a proof that, though once a " local seedling," in truth the fruit before him has really spread far beyond the bounds of its birthplace and become renowtU"d over the face of the land. And perhaps he succeeds, if he be skilled in the application of the terms which describe the cells of the core and if in their endeavours to discover all there is to know about the fruit, his enterprising colleagues have left him even the core to investigate. But perhaps he goes astray and the most learned is left to say in triumph ; " There, I told you so." Then they pass to another fruit and discuss it, to be assured by the most learned that this, too, is a local seedling, differing thus and thus and thus from the former, and quite distinct, being indeed an altogether superior fruit. This time, there being no more spirit left in him, the diffident one lets the matter go by default. One there is who chuckles, for yesterday evening he plucked both fruits off the same branch of the great tree of Allington Pippin planted by his father in i8g6, on the day of his birth (for he is young who would dare such a thing). He knows and will quietly tell (yet not so quietly but all shall hear), how little is the alleged omnis- science of the learned one to be trusted — his is but a bubble reputation and he has dared to prick it and lo ! it is burst. Listen. " And the diffident one ? " " Oh he is not as bad, but he, poor fellow, like Hogg, isn't up-to-date. Why Hogg" (he is, of course, not old-fashioned enough to be courteous and say Dr. Hogg's " Fruit Manual"). "Hogg was published in 1884 and Allington Pippin, Newton Wonder, Monarch, Ellison's Orange, Rival, Rev. W. Wilks and topping Apples like those never opened their hearts to him. Poor old Doubting Diffidence, he thinks there's nothing later than Bramley's Seedling, and so he went wrong, he ought, of course, to have reached out for 'Bunyard' instead. Haven't you seen ' Bunyard' either? Why, my dear man, it's the latest thing in descriptions of Apples and Pears and the old buffer who was discoursing so lengthily just now about ' methods of preserving connexion between name and thing,' wrote to me the other day because he knows I like to be up-to-the- minute in all that concerns fruit and said all sorts of nice things about it. Here, you'd better read his letter. ' Perhaps the most satisfactory way of ensuring the constant attachment of the correct name to any variety of fruit and of that name to the fruit to which it exclusively belongs, is the publication in an accessible form of accurate, lucid, complete in essentials, but not too lengthy descrip- tions. This Mr. E. A. Bunyard has given us in " A Handbook of Fruits"* of which the first volume on Apples and Pears has just reached me, and in the perusal of which I have spent a pleasant hour or two. He certainly uses some uncommon, and as some may consider, uncouth terms, such as " up-cupped," " outheld" and the like, but they are clearly explained and it would be difficult to find more euphonious epithets which would indicate the essential characters which they are intended to describe. I am glad to see Mr. Bunyard has discarded the system of classification based upon the characters of the core which Dr. Hogg made such a feature of his " Manual," and which the tyro found so puzzling, and has given a different classi- fication, easier to use, and which, though doubtless susceptible of improvement, will serve well as a preliminary guide. 1 hope to see the day when the position will be even more secure than such descriptions majce it, for the ideal will be to have the varieties growing together for any enquirer to see and compare them. The Royal Horticultural Society has made a good start towards this at Wisley and if the planting there can be continued, and I hope funds sufficient will be forthcommg to permit this to be done, and this planting be supple- mented by accurate records and the help that good * A Handbook of Fruits : Ajyplps and Pears. By E. A. Bunvard, F.L.S. 206 pp. sni. 8vo. (John Murray, LonJuu, 1920). 7s. eJ. iK-t. illustrations such as those to which Mr. Bunyard refers in his descriptions and which can be con- suited in the R.H.S. Library at 'Vincent Square, we shall be weU on the way to a better knowledge of fruit and to avoiding the annoyance of re- naming of fruits causes. A feature of Mr. Bunyard's book is the attention he gives to the habit of the tree, a matter of great importance to the market fruit grower, as well of value as a diagnostic character ; and another feature in the care he takes to accredit the variety to its. real source ; sometimes, indeed, he is so engrossed in his interest in this courteous and historically desirable aim that he forgets to give us his candid opinion upon the merits of a particular variety as for instance on " King of the Pippins," an excellent Apple in many ways, but a little too dry for my palate, wherein Dr. Hogg's estimate and my own are at variance. I am telling you these things, my dear fellow, as though you could not discover them for yourself, and indeed, it is probable that you have already done so, but 1 like to praise the best when I see it. I could wish, however, although I daresay you will put it down to an old man's fastidiousness, that Mr. Bunyard had got some one to read the proofs of his admirable book for him, for there are a good many slips in the spelling of names and if I may judge from the interesting notes upon nomenclature which I have seen from his pen from time to time, I feel sure they will annoy him as much as they do me. The correction of these is generally largely in the hands of the printer's reader and it is somewhat of a pity that he has been caught nodding so often,' ■\'ou see, old bean, the old buffer thinks a lot of it and — you'd better buy it. Ta ! Ta ! " Apple King of the Pippins This old favourite and ever-sought-after variety has proved a come-to-stay Apple, although critics have claimed it as the once Golden Winter Pearmain, and it was noticed by Ray in 1688 ; but whether it is so or not, I am convinced there is more than one variety of the above sort and am well aware that stock influence may accoiuit for the fact. The King of the Pippins is known and grown in every part of the British Isles and is as consistent a bearer as an Apple can be. No forms or systems ever adversely affect its cropping propensities, and for town gardens it is im- mensely satisfactory. In season from November to March, the fruits are crisp and of good flavour. George Lovelock. A Novel Way of Training Peaches and Nectarines It was my good fortune to be able to spend a few hours in the noted gardens of Mr. Clu-istie at Framingham Manor, near Norwich, recently, and although the beauty of the flowering trees and shrubs was over, the Magnolias, Rhodo- dendrons, Philadelphus and many other choice subjects were pictures of health and gave evidence of a great treat for 1921. But it is of the training of the Peaches and Nectarines on the front of the fruit house that I want to make a special remark. It appears tliat the ordinary fan-trained trees on the front and part of the roof of the house were a deterrent to good sets of fruit on the back wall, so it occtu-red to the ingenious gardener, Mr. Samuel High, that to construct a span trellis in front of each main stem and then tie the branches to this would let in light and give more space. They form practically little fruit bowers. It is a great success in every way. H. Perry. J.\NUARY I, I92I.] THE GARDEN. XI. BENTLEY'S Concentrated Alkali (WINTER WASH) A highlj' effective and most popular Winter Wash for Fruit and Forest Trees of every kind. In tins sufficient to )iiakc 22 galls, of Wash. 1 to 5 tins, 3/7 each. 8 tins, 3/5 each. 12 tins, 3/3 each. 20 tins 3/1 each. 40 tins, 2/1 1 each. Carriage paid on 7j6 orders and upwards. WEED DESTROYERS DAISY KILLER (LAWN SAND) INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES FUMIGANTS FERTILIZERS Catalogue on Application. Sole Manufacturers : JOSEPH BENTLEY, Ltd. CHEMICAL WORKS, BARROW-ON-HUMBER, HULL. A GIFT Valuable to your friend far beyond its cost to you is obtainable in "Modern Fruit Growing" (By W. P. SEABROOK) A very practical work on the cultivation of HARDY FRUITS. Recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture and adopted as a Standard Text Book by Horticultural Institutions all over the Country. 5/- POST FREE. Vt/. SEABROOK & SONS, LTD., Fruit Specialists, CHELMSFORD. AUCTION SALES OF BULBS, ROSES, HERBACEOUS AND ROCK PLANTS RHODODENDRONS, AZALEAS, FRUIT TREES, PALMS CARNATIONS, Etc. EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY, by PROTHEROE & MORRIS, at tlior CVntral Sale Rooms, 67 & 68, CHEAPSIDE, E.C.2 CataloRii's oil Application. ^m^ ^^ecvN.Ag»Nr*,^^ - ' APPOINTMENT TOH M OUEEN ALEXANDRA- HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY THE KING BY APPOINTMENT TO fHE LATE KING EDWARD vit ARE THE BEST AND CHEAPEST They aie the standard by which all other flower pots are judged. for Chrysanthemums, Roses, Vines, Clematis, Orchids, etc. SPECIAL POTS ARTISTIC FERN PANS AND BULB BOWLS al slightly more than ordinary pols. State quantity of each size required and have carriage Said quotation (carnage is sometimes as much as 50 per cent, of value of pots), or write for Price List, Free Only Address: RICHARD SANKEY & SON, LTD., ROYAL POTTERIES, Bulwell, NOTTINGHAM. »E CORRY'S CELEBRATED CONCENTRATED <\O\-P0IS(J\OUS) WINTER DRESSING FOR FRUIT AND OTHER TREES. . ^i"i- 0"^«- 5-g.ill. IGall. :u;.TlI. SGall. lOCall h 23 3 9 6'- 11/. 25 6 40/. 76/ SOLD IIV THE TR.iDE GENERALLY. Vlanufactured by CORRY & CO., Ltd., London. Awarded 143 Gold Medals at the Leading Shows BOLTON'S;;r„t^ EUREKA WEED KILLER NOVELTIES FOR 1921. The joUomng Novelties I can recommend mth every eonfiiaice. They are quite dintinct from anything already on the market. All are extra vigorous j growers and absolutely fixed. PICTURE. Award of Merit, R.H.S. Award of Merit, N.S.P.S. First Class Certiflcate, Stirewsbury. In the opinion of practically all the e.\perts and leadinj; exhiBitOK, Picture marks the highest development and greatest advance up to date. Its form is superb, the outline of standards, wings and keel being in every respect that of the very finest Sweet Peas in existence. Four blooms are the mini- mum, sixes being frequent, and occasionally as many as eight perfect blooms have been carried on one stem. The colour may be described as flesh pink \vith a rosy flush, the whole being fascinatingly suf- fused and shaded creamy apricot, a most delightful and altogether enchanting combination of colours. Fragrance is pronounced and very sweet. Picture is the nearest approach to perfection yet obtained. This novelty should be included in every collection, either for exhibition, garden, decoration or cutting Per packet, 10 seeds, 1(6. MYRTLE. A very charming novelty. The halt-open buds are the nearest to yellow yet seen. In the early stages the flowers are creamy yellow. As the flowers develop there appears a bright band of violet-rose, resembling a rainbow. The large wavy flowers when cut make a very effective and telling bunch. Per packet, 10 seeds, 1/- GLORY. A particularly bright glowing salmon cerise. The flowers are of enormous size, with great substance and far ahead of all other cerise-coloured Sweet Peas. An abundance of four and flve-flowerert sprays are produced, and this gem is sure to be in great demand for exhibition. As a cut flower it lasts a long time in good condition, and does not lose colour. Per packet, 10 seeds, 1/-. ROBERT BOLTON The Sweet Pea Specialist BAVTHORNEND, Near HALSTEAD, ESSEX. CLEARANCE OFFER Anchusa Dropmore and Opal Artemisia Lactiflora Delphinium Lizzie Galegea Hantlandii ,, Duchess of Bedford Phlox Elizabeth Campbell ,, Afrique ,, September Glow ,, Arendsii Vars Irises in variety, including Lohengrin, King of Irises, Her Majesty and other good vaneiies all at 1 0/6 per dozen cash with order, £1 orders and over carriage paid. J. KELLEY, Garden Architect and Specialist, CRIEFF, N.B. IRISH LINEN SALE Throughout January Robinson & Cleaver are offering many of their real Irish Linen Goods at reduced prices. The thriftv housewife will not let this unique opportunity pass by. BED LINEN BARGAIN SALE LIST. No. 46 S sent post free. We guarantee delivery of all parcels to customer's address. TABLE LINEN Piece Linen Damask by the yard. Any length cut. 45 ins. wide. 9/3 per yard ; 5( ins. wide, 1 0/11 per yard. TOWELS Hemstitched Union Diaper Towels, with Damask border. Size 'i.S X 42 inches. Price per half-dozen - 37,'9 SPECIAL OFFER. Plain Linen Pillow Cases. 20 X 30 ins. Doz. 55/- 22 X 32 ins. .. 69/- ROBINSON 6? CLEAVER, Linen Manufacturers, BELFAST. ^"^^ DOBBIE'S CATALOGUE And Guide to Gardening. Spring 1921 A FREE COPY Will be sent to anyone interested in Giirdenin; tcho makes aftfili- cation and mentions The Garoin Our House is noted for HIGH- GRADE VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, and SCOTCH SEED POTATOES, and PLANTS. IN SWEET PEAS WE ARE PREEMINENT. DOBBIE & Co. Ltd. ""^Tf^lK"'" EDINBURGH. xu. THE GARDEN. [January i, 1921. POULTRY NOTES By W. POWELL-OWEN, F.B.S.A. I HAVE alwaj's recommended poultry-keepers to keep strict accounts. Everything that is paid out on behalf of the fowls should be booked up against them even to the stamped envelope when you write me for advice. In like manner everything that comes in by way of produce should be credited to them. Poultry Guano for Gardens.— A reader asks me to tell her what guano from fowls should be worth. She keeps about sixty fowls, and gives all the guano to the gardener, who finds it extra- ordinarily valuable for every sort of vegetable, fruit and flower. In fact, to quote from my reader's letter, " the gardener attributes a great deal of his success in Perpetual Carnation and Chrysanthemum growing to having such a fine supply of poultry guano." My correspondent wishes to know the monetary value of the poultry droppings, as she keeps strict accounts of her little " chicken farm,'' feeding and tending her fowls persorially. I aiu glad to publish the above facts, and especially to note that my querist intends to credit the value of the droppings to the fowls. Poultry and Market-gardening.— it is a sur- prising fact that there is not a regular channel for the sale of poultry guano, since all are agreed that it is of extraordinary value. That is why I think poultry-keeping and market-gardening or fruit culture go so nicely hand in hand. 1 receive hundreds of letters each season from poultry farmers asking if there is a market for the droppings. Cirowcrs of Tomatoes and owners of greenhouses used to be glad to buy the guano in certain seasons, but often it is wasted for want of a regular channel of demand. At one time a friend of mine intended to buy up poultry guano from both small and large poultry- keepers and to advertise his preparation extensively, but his scheme did not mature. Meanwhile instead of selling the droppings at give-away prices, the poultry-keeper should interest himself in growing such crops that can use up the guano and bring in increased returns. A Question of Storing. — The droppings should be kept pure, and should not be mixed with earth or ashes. When collected each day they can be ■ placed in a barrel or be stored in an outhouse. A good plan is to use a good-sized barrel as the receptacle. Place wood on top of the guano and over this several sacks. Many store it on the floor of a dry outhouse. First of all sacks arc placed on the floor and a deep layer of droppings is put on top ; sacks are then put over the layer of droppings. In this order the supply is built up, sacks being uppermost as each further layer of droppings is added to the mound. Instead of sacks some use earth or straw, but in storing the guano must be kept dry. Many when they collect the guano throw it on to a heap in the yard, but such is useless, as the droppings are robbed of their value. Adopt dry storing and, if you prefer, have a large mound in an outhouse and a barrel as the intermediate or temporary receptacle for droppings as they are collected daily. Poultry in Orchards. — Those who have orchards can reap the dual benefits from poultry and fruit, which represent a splendid combination. The fruit trees provide shade for the fowls, and the latter eat up all the undesirable pests that are harmful to the trees. The owner must choose whether he puts his young stock in the orchard or devotes the latter to the breeding birds. A grass orchard or paddock makes an ideal place for the breeders because it is sheltered, thereby aiding egg production and breeding condition. It provides shade, too, while the surroundings are such as to provide quietude and seclusion, which all birds appreciate during the breeding season. In such cases permanent houses and runs can be planned for the breeding stock. If the paddock is large and is grazed by other stock, it should be handed over to young birds, which can enjoy free range during the growing stages. Feeding for Egg-production. — As I have often pointed out, it is dangerous to keep strictly to quantities when feeding fowls for egg-production. It is harmful to fatten them, because overfat hens are useless for either laying or breeding. To underfeed is equally disastrous, because it means that one will not get all the eggs the fowls should lay. The best feeder is the poultry- keeper who observes closely the condition of his flocks, because he can tell if he is overfeeding or not giving enough. When pullets or hens are out of lay and resting they will not eat so much food as when they begin to come into condition and lay. It is at the latter stage that they need more food. The best plan is to feed the fowls liberally always, and let them have all they will eat up eagerly. To counteract fattening, the mashes should be so planned that they fill but do not fatten. Overfat Condition of layers. — When poultry are in an overfat condition the owner is often deceived because they lay so well. He considers in consequence that his all-fattening diet is the right one to get eggs. The fact is that the internal fat builds up the yolks but directly the bird gets really fat all the internal organs become coated and interfered with, aU the crevices get filled with fat, and trouble then starts. The first symptom may be the laying of one or two soft-shelled or odd-shaped eggs. Then the egg supply drops and the flock falls to pieces, taking weeks if not months, to get fit again. The moral is that. pre- vention is always better than cure, and one should avoid the fattening of layers all the time. In the winter months a little kibbled Maize will be helpful ; but one must not give Maize-meal, Potatoes and Barley-meal as well, or else trouble will commence. The Breeding Hens. — When the winter egg season comes round the poultry-keeper often forgets the adult hens. It is the pullets that he is apt to think of because of the winter eggs they return. As a consequence the hens often get neglected and do not get over the moult properly, manycatching chills through exposure and dropping out. To finish the moult and to obtain full growth of the new plumage a liberal diet is very essential One should also keep the hens confined when the weather is bad so that they will receive ample protection from the bitter elements. That is where the value of the scratching shed comes in, although I am afraid many do not make full use of it. The adult stock must have attention because hatching results will be poor if they are not fit and in lay by the time eggs are needed for incubation. Mating-up the Pens. — I am a firm believer in early mating and in heavy breeds like to have the breeding birds fit and mated up in December, the light varieties, like the Leghorns, following in January. This gives one every chance of securing fertile eggs when needed and strong robust chicks therefrom. Also one can check each mating and try another if one fails. Often a cockerel will prove useless, necessitating a change of males ; if mating is early such shortcomings can be dis- covered in time to rectify them. There is a strong section of poultry-keepers, too, jwho believe that early mating helps the sex problem and prevents the males being in the majority. The fancier did not care much whether he bred males or females because all he was after was a bird of either sex that was ideal for colour, type and markings. The utility man, naturally, would rather have pullets. While, then, the fancier often set eggs within fourteen days of mating, the utility poultry- keeper can allow a longer period. j Males and Breeding. — When mating up the pens the males should be in fit condition, like the females. When the latter are in full flush of lay j and doing their three or four eggs weekly per bird, fertility should be strong. But adult males , should be well over the moult and in nice plumage j before they are mated, even if they are brought j to that happy stage by artificial management j and liberal feeding. They should, ivhen through | the moult, have a plentiful supply of grain to make them hard and fit. In the case of 1920 j males these should be early hatched ; if late, one i should mate up later and incubate for March j ejiicks in heavy breed; and April broods in light ' varieties. The moral is : When mating-up see J that all buds used are in fit breeding condition, t Poultry-keepers in the main ha\e one great | failing in that they will not bestow sufficient care ( upon the male birds. The male is nine-tenths of the mated pen in more senses than one. If he fails then hatching results are ruined, whereas, if only one hen fails, there are eitht or nine others to carry on. With the approach of the breeding season, therefore, take steps to see that all males are liberally fed and are brought into ideal condition. ADVICE ON POULTRY MATTERS. Mr. W. PowcU-Owcn, The Garden Poultry Expert, will be pleased to answer, free of charge, any I question dealing with poultry -keeping. A stamped [ and addressed envelope should be enclosed, when a \ lengthy and detailed reply will be posted promptly. \ Communications should be sent to Mr. W. Powell- 1 Owen, care 0/ The Garden, 20, Tavistock Street, j Strand, W.C.2. Samples 0/ foods {report thereon and suggested tise), is. 6d. ; post-mortems, 2S. 6d. each. \ Send samples and dead fowls (latter by rail and letters 1 under separate cover) direct to W. Powell-Owen, , " Powell-Owen" Poultry Bureau, 47A, High Street, Hampstead, N.W.3. January i. ii)-.'i. THi: GARDKX. A BEAUTIFUL EDITION Pennelis' Garden Guide Is now ready, and will be sent post tree upon request. SPECIALITIES; Unusual Quality Certain Germination Low Prices PENNELL & SONS, Lincoln. ESTABLISHED 1780. GOOSEBERRIES Single, Double and Triplet Cordons, also Standards, RED and WHITE CURRANTS Single and Double Cordons. Price on application. S. SPOONER & SONS, The Nupseries, KSTD. ituo Hounslo>v, Middlesex. Guaranteed Garden Supplies When you need a Real Good Thing for your Garden, Lawn, Allotment OP games let us knov/. Every Enquiry Welcomed. Practical advice given FREE. IF WE DO NOT GROW STOCK or Manufacture it WE WILL FIND IT FOR YOU GARDEN SUPPLIES Ld. Cpanmep St. LIVERPOOL. HEAVY WINTER EGG PRODUCTION cannot be avoided so long as ''GORDON GRAY" LIGHT SUSSEX are reRularly kept in YOUR YARDS. EaaS FOR HATCH INQ NOW READY. particulars apply Deansbrook Poultry Farm, Q.OORDONQRAY.Ltd. THAXTED ESSEX. DUX AND DRAKES II Grand lot of 1919 and 1920 White Runner Ducks and Drakes, and a f(w Drakes from my 1919 Dairy Show, etc., winning Buff Orpington Ducke. Also Golden, Silver, White Wyandotteg, Rhode Island Reds, White Leghorns and Black Wyandotte Bantams. Over 600 prizes won. Moderate prices, SYDNEY HILLER, F.B.S.A. CLEVELAND POULTRY FARM, STANDON, HERTS FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR GARDEN- 'S t4\^^ On the market for over 40 years, they still hold first place in estimation of Horticulturists the world tor QUALITY the all over and RESULTS. The direct result of many year's practical experience in Rardening, they stand unrlv lied at the present day for every description of Fruit-bearing, Flowering and FoliatJe Plants. Vegetables. Lawns etc etc Plant and Vegetable Manure, lcwt..36/.:' 561b., 19/.; 281b.. 10/6: 141b., 6/.; 71b.. 3/6; Tins. 1/6. Special Top-Drossing Manure, S61b., 19/-: 28 b., 10/6; 141b., 6/- ; 71b.. 3/6. ■"Off" WRITE FOR OUR BOOKLF.T-POST FREE ON REQUEST. ■•« SOLD BY NURSERYMEN AND SEEDSMEN Vine, EVERYWHERE. Sole Makers : WM. THOMSON & SONS, LTD., CLOVENFORDS. SCOTLAND. PATTISSON'S HORSE (LAWN) BOOTS You will need bools for next season. Why nol have your old ones repaired or new ones made NOW, AND BE READY tor the Mowing Season ? Orders now despatched by return. Price Lists from the Manufacturers : H. PATTISSON & CO., Streatham Common, S.W.16 M«MMIM«MM| WORTH HAVING CAUSTIC ALKALI— The most pene- trative liquid Insecticide. The winter wash. KILLS mealy bug and all aphides, spiders and mites. REMOVES loose bark, lichen ; and all fungoid growths. One tin makes 1 1 gallons, ready for use. 40 tins 90 -; 20 tins 45/-; 10 tins 24/-; 5 tins 14/6 CARRIAGE PAID. Wm. WOOD & SON, Ltd. TAPLOW, BUCKS. SEABROOK'S FRUIT TREES & ROSES THE HARDIEST OBTAINABLE PROMPT DISPATCH CATALOGUES FREE. Dept. G, W. SEABROOK & SONS, Ltd. CHELMSFORD YOUR LAWNS & PLAYING FIELDS ^ IMPI LET US HELP YOU TO IMPROVE THEIR CONDITION "CLIMAX" Lawn Sand Kills DAISIES. PLANTAINS. ^^^^ MOSS, and other shallow-rooted ■^^^ weeds, and Fertilizes Grass. 281b. tin to dress 100 square yards, 10/- : li cwt. cask 35/-, carriage paid. "WIKEHAM " Weed Eradicator The Tool that KILLS Dandelions, and other large weeds. As recom- mendecl by N. Stephney Rawson. 12/6 each, or with sufficient poison to kill 10.000 weeds 17/6 post free Garden Supplies, Ltd. Boundary Chemical C.) . Cranmer St., Liverpool. Seu>e SCaJcitS 1 o keep your trees clean and healthy during the winter ; to ensure healthy, vigorous growth and good crops next season, SPRAY YOUR FRUIT TREES ■witK COOPER S •WITJTER FLUID Kills mo5s and lichen ; removes loose rough bark. Non-poisonous. Easy to use. Economical. :: Of agents everywhere. Sole Manufacturers : WM. COOPER & NEPHEWS. Ltd., Berkhamsted cts there |4 I and makes the Garden t«!JI£k gay all the year round. r^:^l:£i;^tp. Sold everywheie iti TINS ai ed. *. 1 9. . and in BRANDED* SEALED BAGS: 7 lbs.. 2s. Sd. . U lbs., 4s. ed. ; 28 lb<...7s. Sd. . 66lb<;..ias. 6d. 112 lb«. 20s. Ur direct from ibe Works. Carriafe paid in the United Kingdom for Cash with Order (except Sd. Tl."^ S| CLAY & SON. Manure Mfrs & Bone Crushers, STRATrORD.LONDON.E. w THE GARDEN. [January i, 1921 M [— T I— r i^t 3—1: 1—!! I— E i^i 3 — i^r i^>r i— 1 1— 1 3^1 3— r i— r i— i M M n M M H M rt H d! THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN SPECIALLY NOTED FOR THE REVIVAL OF THE CULTIVATION OF ANNUALS. AND MANY GARDEN LOVERS HAVE BEEN SURPRISED TO FIND HOW NUMEROUS WERE THE NEW VARIETIES, AS WELL AS THE OLDER AND FOR- GOTTEN BEAUTIES, THAT COULD GIVE A FRESH CHARM TO THE GARDEN. SCOTSMEN SEEM TO HAVE REALISED THIS EVEN MORE THAN THE SOUTHERNER, AND IT ASTONISHES THE VISITOR FRO.M THE SOUTH TO SEE THE EXTENT TO WHICH ANNUALS ARE GROWN IN THE NORTH AND THE EXTRAORDINARY VIGOUR OF PLANTS THAT PRODUCE FLOWERS IN ABUNDANCE TILL LATE IN AUTUMN. THE NUMEROUS DELIGHTFUL ANNUALS— SUCH AS CANDYTUFT, COREOPSIS, CLARKIA, CHRYSAN- THEMUM, ESCHSCHOLTZIA, GODETIA, LARKSPUR, LAVATERA, LINARIA, NEMESIA. NIGELLA, POPPY. SALPIGLOSSIS, SWAN RIVER DAISY, SWEET SULTAN, CHINA ASTERS, STOCKS, ANCHUSA VISCARIA, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS (NOTABLY ANTIRRHINUMS), WHICH, THOUGH NOT STRICTLY ANNUALS, CAN BE GROWN IN THE SAME MANNER— WILL PRODUCE MOST EFFECTIVE DISPLAYS IN BEDS AND BORDERS .AT A MUCH SMALLER OUTLAY, AND IN MUCH LESS TIME THAN CAN BE OBTAINED BY OTHER MEANS. Full descriptive lists of all these ai d main' otlier choice Flowers will be found in the pages of SUTTON'S GARDEN SEED CATALOGUE FOR 1921 MiMj^K/tScico I'eedsmen reading •Hi •H- •E5 ill! 51^ 5EIJ M in M M M M hi M r^i J— 1 1— I T— T I— r i—ir i— rr^if— r 3— e i— r 1— r i^r 3— r i— t i-j^ Printed by The Avenue Press, 55 & 57. Drury Lane, London. \V.C.2, and Published by "Country Life." LiMtTED, at 20, Tavistock Street. Strand. W.C.:^. nnd hv fipnRfiF: Nrwnks. I-imitfii. fi-11. Soiithamntfin Street. Strand. \V.C'2. \ THE rloultBral IHE FRUIT FARM POULTRY WOODLAND .1. LXXXV.— No. 2564. ered as Second-class Matter at the New York. N.Y.. Po'it Office Saturday, January 8, 1921 HKGISTERED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AS A NEWSPAPE1 AND FOR CANADIAN MAGAZINE POST. Price THREEPENCE Yearly Subscription In'and, 17/4: Foreign, 17/4 A BEAUTIFUL MOCK ORANGE PHILADELPHUS MERE DE GLACE MERRYWEATHER'S FRUIT TREES Do not fail to plant the following, unquestionably two of the finest fruits in oultivation : APPLE — BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING, the finest proHtable apple in cultivation ; fruit wonderful si?e, skin lively green, changing to yellow, with bright red cheek; Hesh ' firm, crisp, sub-acid, very juicy, and flavour when cooked without equal. Will keep till -May or June. DAMSON— MERRYWEATHER. This has caused a revolution in Damsongrow- ing. the growth is very s inilar, and as vigorous as Victoria plum. Unlike all Damsons it commences to fruit on two or three year old trees. The fruit is of wonderful size, and true Damson flavour. Could readily be taken for a late Plum, until tasted. Send for Particulars. H. MERRYWEATHER & SONS, LTD., Garden Specialists, SOUTHWELL, NOTTS. BEAUTIFUL POPPIES for 1921 SHIRLEY POPPY, Selected Strain, of light graceful tiabit, with beautiful satiny flowers ranging in colour from delicate shades of rose, apricot, salmon-pink and blush to glowing crimson, all with white centres, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, 6d. and 1/- NEW DOUBLE QUEEN POPPIES, a lovely new double strain of Shirley Poppy type, flowers double and semi-double of the most delicate and brilliant colours — white with salmon, pink, or crimson margin, orange- salmon shaded white, fiery rose-scarlet shading down to white, cherry-red shading to white, brilliant scarlet with white centre, &c., all showing yellow anthers, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, ]/-. POPPY "IRRESISTIBLE," a lovely strain, producing large double fringed flowers, brilliant rose to blush-rose and salmon-rose with targe white centre, hardy annual, 2ift. Per packet, 6d. and 1/- Descripfive Catalogue of other choice Flower Seeds free on application. R A R 19 iL ^r>l\l^ 11, 12 & 13, KINQ STREET, '^t^r^r^ ex ^\^t^^, COVENT PARPEN, LONDON, W.C.2 ORCHIDS of vigorous habit and superior constitution. A visit to our Establishment is cordially invited to inspect our immense and interesting STOCK RAISED BY THE PURE CULTURE SYSTEM Choice Species, Rare Botanical Specimens, Albinos in Tvarm and coot sections also a speciality. Expert advice given and all requisites supplied for the good culture of Orchids. HAYWARDS HEATH. GHARLESWORTH & CO.. HARKNESS'S WONDERFUL POPPIES CRiMSON VELVET, matchless blood red, new, 2 6. ELSIE VAUGHftN, silvery salmon, 13. JOAN PVBUS, salmon-pink, distincth spotted, 1,3. JOYCE, rose, shaded mauve, distinct, 1/-. Perry's LORD LAMBOURNE, new, grand fringed scarlet, 2/6. MAHONV, peculiar mahogany colour, I -, Mrs. JOHN HARKNESS, magnificent apricot - scarlet, 1/-. Mrs PERRY, lovely oranj^c-apricot, ]/-. PRINCESS ENA, orange salmon, very dainty, 1/-. PERRY'S WHITE, pure white with black blotch, 1 -. REMBRANDT, red with 6 attractive blotches, 1 -. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG, brilliant scarlet, without blotch, grand novelty, 2'6 ONE STRONG PLANT EACH ABOVE, IS -. CARRIAGE PAID. Those at 2/6 are 27/6 doz ■ 13, 12- doz. ; 1/-, 10 6 doz. CARRIAGE PAID. HARKNESS'S BIANT ICELAND POPPIES, orange, white and yellow, flowers of great size on strong stems, 4 3 doz., 2.5 - 100. CARRIAGE PAID. CORRESPONDENCE INVITED. CATALOGUES FREE HARKNESS & SONS, F.R.H.S., Nurserymen, &c., BEDALE, YORKSHIRE THE GARDEN. [January cS, io-'i. "THE GARDEN" CATALOGUE GUIDE NOTICE TO OUR READERS IN order to avoid waste in the printing of catalogues, readers are advised to apply to the following firms for the catalogues they require. We therefore beg to point out that the undermentioned firms will be very pleased to send their useful catalogues to our readers free of charge, on receipt of a post card Rose Specialists ELISHA J. HICKS, M.C., N.R.S., etc. HURST, BERKS The Champ'on Decorative Rose Grower of England Fruit Trees and Plants KELWAY & SON Retail Plant Department LANGPORT, SOMERSET Hardy Plants Colour Borders Gladioli ERNEST HILLS The Rhydd Nurseries Hanley Castle WORCESTERSHIRE Herbaceous Plants otall kinds. Send for Descript ve Cata- Ic£u9. Antirrhinums a Spec'ality. J. CHEAL & SONS, Ltd. Nurseries CRAWLEY Landscape Qardeners Trees and Shrubs, etc. HARDY AZALEAS AND FLOWERING SHRUBS R. &. G. CUTHBERT SOUTHGATE MIDDLESEX Established 1797 For planting and Conservatory decoration. Catalogue of our new and beautiful varieties post free LAXTON BROS. Nurseries BEDFORD Strawberries and Fruit Trees PERRY'S Hardy Plant Farms ENFIELD, MIDDX. New Alpines and Perennials Complete Collection PULHAM & SON NlTRSERIES ELSENHAM, ESSEX Gardei Craftsmen Rockvorkcs Rock, Alpine and Herbaceous Plan'.s J. JEFFERIES & SON, Ltd. Royal Nurseries CIRENCESTER Roses, Fruit and Ornamental Trees Seeds and Bulbs R. H. BATH Ltd. The Floral Farms WISBECH Home-Grown Bu. A M Helena Margerison. N (\S. Nadine. E^tru large golden bronze- N C.S. The above four varieties should he ip every exhibitor's stand this year, price 7,6 each, the set for 25,'-, two of each lor 47,6 New Decorative Varieties. Teresa. Lovely bronze apricot. F.C.C. N.C.S., A.M.. K.HS. 5/- each. . Estelle. Larg; sing'e variety ; colour, pale yellow. 3 6 each. Catriona. A very fine exhibition single, rich old ro-e. with white zone. 3/6 each. General Caialogji • noiv ready. Novelty List ready e rly January, post free from KEITH LUXFORD & CO.. ; Sheering Nurseries, HARLOW, ESSEX. »<^ ^w *w^ ti^ ««<« mjSt «i£* iiy* WM MS* Mpi ^<« *i(w tiijf* «^v «y« «y) «i^M tijft liiii^ ty* «y* • . ■ THE SHELLEY SWEET PEAS LAVENDER.— Austin Frederick Imp. 16: Hawlmai. CER'iSE.-Iv ll.an^ 1,6: Doris ( Ti'. 6d. ; Royal Salute. 1|ii SCARLET CERISE.— Royal Scot, 1/6; A M.Tlcolm (IS). 6i: PICOTEE WHITE — Annie Ireland (U). 6d. ; Elsie Herber ('(II. 6d. FANCY.-B'ocade (12). 6d. PINK.— H.iwlmarit Pinli (Bl. 6d. ; Daisybud (12). 6d F. l>eT-sr,n (25). 6d. CREAM PINK.-Cecily ('20). 6d. ; Mrs. A Hitchcock (IS). 611 BLUE. -Mrs. T. Jones (18). ed. ; (dark) J. C jrnwell, V.( HXl. 6d. CRIMSON. -Charity ( 0). 6d. ; Mrs. C. P. Tomlin (2(1) 6d. WHITE. -Edna May Imp. (2,=i).6d. ; C. Hint 'n (2.'5), 6d. Full list with Collections (2 -, 3 - and 5 -) post free. T. H. DIPNALL, F.R.H.S., The Shelley Sweet Pea Farm, nr. HADLEIQH, SUFFOLf , January 8, 1921. ^^r^— • GARDEN. ^p=^\ >:^s:^ WEBB'S VEGETABLE SPECIALITIES.— A.v-ir.Uil PriiuUr Hoiioms cvirywhirc. Wi-bbs' IListorpioci- iiiijon, 1/- A- 1;6 pkt.; Wi^bbs' Selected Ailsa Craig Ouiou, 1 - A- 116 pkt. : Webbs' Miirrowfat Parsnip, lOd. loz. ; Webbs' Mammoth Loiigpod Broad Bean. 2/3 pint ; Webbs' Champion Prize Leok, 1/-& 1/6 pkt. ; Webbs' Conqueror Tomato, 1/6 pkt. ; Webte' Everbearins Cucumber, 1/6 pkt.; Webbs' Stourbridge Marrow Pea, 2/Q pint. Post free. Catalogue on request. — Webb A- Sons, Limited, The King's Seedsmen, Stourbridge. WATERERS' RHODODENDRONS, Azaleas, Rare -ihrub*. Japanese Cherries, Maples, and Chinese subjects, — JOHS Waieker, So.ns a- Ckisp, Ltd., The Nurseries. Bag^hot, Surrey. WATERERS' VEGETABLE AND FLOWER J>EEDS. Scotch growu seed Potatoes. WATERERS' ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS I'L-XN'TS, in the new and leading varieties of Delphiniums, Phloxes, Irises. WATERERS' FRUIT TREES. — Magni- fiot^nt stock of 250,000 trees. Prospective purchasers are tuvitf^d to select personally at Twyford Nurseries. WATERERS' ROSES. — Superb Stock. JOBS Waterer, Sons & Crisp, Ltd., Twyford, Berks. GREENHOUSE PAINTING AND GLAZING — ■• VITROLITE " superior to White Lead Paint, 233. per gall. Cans extra. " Plastine," supersedes Putty, 40s. pei ewt. Kegs extra. — Full particulars from Walter Carson & SONS. Grove Works, Battersea. Agents throughout the Country WELLS' CHRYSANTHEMUM CATALOGUE \i-}\v ready. Post free ou application. — \V. Wells & Co. Chrysanthemum Nurseries, Merstham, Surrey. RARE SHRUBS, including Himalayan and Chine-e liliododendrons, Alpines (pot grown). Herbaceous Plants, Bulbs, etc. Write for Catalogues, G. REtlTHE, Keston, Kent. BOOKS ON GARDENING, BOTANY, Natural History, Travel, Sport, etc., for Sale at reduced prices. Lists free. — F. G. LiwsoN, 20, The Crescent, Truro. WAKELEY'S PATENTED HOP MANURE, — The only reliable and complete substitute for Stabli mxiiiure. See advl. on p. viii. THE GARDEN DOCTOR : Plants in Health d Disease, by F. J. Chittenden, V.M.H., freely illustrated, 6d. net, by post 8s. A Prospectus of this practical book »ill b« sent post free on application to The JIanager, ■ COUNTRY Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covcnt i>arden, W.C.2, BURBAGE ROSES.— Established 1773. New Descriptive List of over one thousand \arieties with handsome .oloured plate, 6d., post free. — The Bciibaqe Nurseries Xc. Hinckley, Leicestershire. DUCKS, GEESE AND TURKEYS, by Will Hooley, F.Z.S., F.B.S.A.— A copy of this helpful booklet m the breeding, feeding and fattening of Ducks, Geese and Turkeys, will be sent post free on receipt of lid. addressed -'} The Manager, " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock itrect, Covent Garden, W.C.2. 3PLENDID YELLOW FIBROUS LOAM Pure L«af .Mould, Coarse Sand, each 5s. per sack. Prepared -impost, 6s. 6ct • Cocoanut Fibre, 5s. 6d. per sack. Kalnit, 141b. "d.— W. llEEBERI & Co., Hop Exchange, London, S.E. BARRS' SEED GUIDE, now ready, free. For a Select List of the best v. getal le and Flcwi r Sei ds of finest Selected Strains and Tfst.d Growth. At the H.H.S. Wisley Trials our Strains of Vegetable Seeds have rteeived exceptional recognition for high quality, many having been HiglJy Commended and several given First-class Certificates and Awards of Merit.— B,»kk & Sons, 11, 12 d- 13, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. THE DOUGLAS CLOVES.— Our wonderful new strain of Hardy Border Clove Carnation has been the sensation of tlie 1920 shows. Rigid stems, perfect of calyx, glorious scent 1 They do grandly in any part of Great Britain. Catalogue free to intending purchasers. Seed 2s. Od. and 3s.— J. DOUGLAS, Great Bookham. FRUIT GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.— By F. W. Harvey. 140 pages. 40 illustrations. 2s. 6d. net ; cloth 3s. 6d. net ; postage 4d. extra. — Published at the offices of '• Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. STORING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS : with chapters on " Drying in the Oven and by the KitchiMi Fire." By Herbert Cowley (Editor of The Garden). 9d. net, by po.st, lid. — Published at the Offices of "Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden. W.C.2. SUTTON'S GARDEN SEED CATALOGUE for 1921 is now ready and will be forward.-d on application. Seed Orders are now being daily received in large numbers and immediately dispatched by raU or post. Intending customers are respectfully reminded that by sending in their requirements as early as possible they wiU materially assist in maintaining the steady dispatch of orders throughout the busy months of January and February. — SDTTON & SONS. THE KING'S SEEDSMEN, READING. ivi-iu 3 KELWAY'S P,ffiONIES. — NOW IS THE TIME TO PLANT. AS BEAUTIFUL AS ROSES BUT AS HARDY AS THE DOCK. HAVE YOU TRIED THEM'' As one walks through a border of KELWAY'S PEONIES one can easily imagine that they are roses — giant roses — their delicious scent, their creamy-tinted petals flushed with pink, and their bright dark foliage are exceptionally delightful WRITE TO KELWAY'S NOW, and procure strong named plants for immediate planting, then you will be rewarded with good clumps and beautiful blossoms in early summer. KELWAY & SON, THE ROYAL HORTICULTURISTS, LANGPORT, SOMERSET. JAMES GRAY, LTD., Builders of Conser- vatories. Greenhouses, etc., and Heating Engineers, Danvers Street, Chelsea, I.rf)ndon, S.W.3. Wire : Gray, Kensington 90. Telephone : Kensington 90 & 91. SEWAGE DISPOSAL FOR COUNTRY HOUSES. — No emptying of cesspools ; a perfect fertiliser ; no solids ; no open filters ; perfectly automatic ; everything underground. State particulars. — WiLLLAM BeatTIE, 8, Lower Grosvt'uor Place, M'<-stminster. IRON AND WIRE FENCING for gardens, tree guards, gates, archf^^. espaliers, rose stake.-^, and orna- mental garden iron and wire work of every description. Send for illustrated catalogue. Also kennel railing and poultry fencing. Ask for separate lists. — BOFLTON & Paul, Ltd., Slanufacturers, Norwich. CHOICE NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS.— Our New Catalogue, including splendid novelties for 1921 ; also New Pelargoniums, Dahlias, etc.. is now ready. Post free on application.— J. W. Cole & SON, Chrysanthemum Nurseries, Peterborough. ROCK GARDEN PLANTS.- -V^^here and in What Soils to Plant Them . A useful guide to garden lovers. with catalogue, 48 pages, post free.— G. R Phipps, Alpine Nursery, Barnham, Boguor RIVERS' FRUIT TREES, ROSES, VINES, Fig's, Oranges and Orchard House trees are of first-class quality, and a large and select stock is always on view. Inspection invited. Price list po.sc free on application — Thos. Rivers & Son, The Nurseries. Sawbridgeworth, H{je^ you ^ a ''-^: Ryders Seeds foi* 1921 RYDERS are poatinji their Catalogue for 1921 on the 1st January, and all regular cus- tomers will receive a copy by January 15th. The issue is a very large on*', and it takes a fortnight to post it. If by any chance you have not received your copy by the middle of January, please send for one. Th best C:. talc .'u.-i hat Kydera have ever issued, t'ull ot useful informa- tion, handsomely illustrated with well over 100 pictures in colour and black and white and containing the fullest possible list of seeds for both flower and kitchen garden. All s t^ds guaranteed to be of tlie hi:;liest Ryder pn'-war standard— ttt«T'' can be nothing better. All seeds at Ryders Popular Prices. A post Lard will do, but write and post it to-dav. RYDERS Acfd Di-partment No. 11 ST. ALBANS. (Eydcr& Son (1920), Ltd.) [January 8, 1921. JANUARY ^'. A LL gardeners should now '4; "^ set busy with Canary :'.^< Guano, which is a food for :.*- all plant life. The soil J between Strawberry Beds should be dressed with Canary Guano. It does not " burn." Atten- tion should also be given to Cabbages. Onions. Rhubarb, all Herbaceous Plants. Ornamental Shrubs and the Lawn. Cana-y Guano is the ideal f rrilizer for renovating worn lawns and it will have the effect of im- proving the quality of the grasses and produc- ing a healthy growth for the coming season. Cuano Obtainable from all Seed men in Cartons, 1/- each. Bans 7 lb.. 3/6 ; 4 lb.. 6/ • ; 28 lb.. 11/- ; 56 lb. 19/-: 1 cwt., 35/-, or direct from the makers. Wrfte^io-day foT^FREE " liOOfiLET No. 11 containing full Particulars of Canary (Itiiinn. ivith Ga dun Diary for year, fiostfree on appiicat. HUNDREDS OF PREMIER HONOURS Awarded to the PRODUCE OF WEBBs' SEEDS, including in 1920 Silver Cups at London, National Sweet Pea Show, and H.M. The King's £21 Cup. Large Gold Medals at Shrewsbury ; National Potato Show ; National Sweet Pea Show ; Wolverhampton ; Birmingham ; Oxford ; Walsall, etc. WEBBS' CATALOGUE of Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Lawn Seeds, Potatoes, Bulbs, Fertilisers, etc., for 1921, Now Ready. Post Free on request. WEBB & SONS, LTD. (The Kings Seedsmen) STOURBRIDGE PEARSON'S SELECTED ANTIRRHINUMS ANTIRRHINUrvIS are one of the best bedding subjects which can be raised from seed. The following is our extra select List. I'.T pkt,- Antirrhinum majus. Beautiful mixed colours 2ft. to 3ft. — — best crinisou , . best white — — best yellow . , — nanum. In height between Majus and Tom Thumb. Mixid colours. . . 18 in. — — Amber Queen. Canary yellow overlaid ehamoi?^ pink — — Black Prince. Intensely dark crimson . . Carmine Queen. Deep rich carmine, qu te distinct ~ — Cottage Maid. Pale pink, with white throat — — Crimson King. The best of this class of colour . . 18 ni. — — Flame. Lovely brilliant orange scarlet — - - Pink Qem (.Vew). CItar rose pink, white throat " 15 in. — — Rose Dore. Beautiful salmon rose, the b''st pink — — The Bride. The finest white semi-dwarf variety 18 in. — — Yellow Qem (New). Rich deep golden yellow — — Yellow Queen. One of the very best yellows . . . . , . . . 20 in. — Tom Thumb. Dwarf strain, finest ni-xed 9 to 12 in — — — best crimson best white — best yellow J. R. PEARSON & SONS, Estab. 1782. LOWDH AM, NOTTS. ^»^ No. 2564.— Vol. LXXXV. NOTES OF THE WEEK [Janu.ary 8, 1921. n" week our issue was specially devoted to the revival in the cultivation of annuals and the restoration of the flower garden, fn no hobby or profession is it so necessary to look well ahead and make plans for the future as in gardening, and the wise gardener knows better than to neglect this important task. With this thought in mind our next issue will be chiefly devoted to plans for the right use of annuals. Recognising as we do the necessity for the cultivators of flowers, fruits and '^vegetables, to have the best information possible, we shall publish from time to time special articles by uxiters of wide practical experience. Every department of horticulture is represented in The Garden, and the Editor invites readers to express their views on gardening matters and send in questions upon whicli they wish advice from acknowledged authorities. Gardening, of all arts and hobbies, lends itself to mutual co-opera- tion. We hope, therefore, that reader.'i also will give enquirers the benefit of their knowledge and experience. Philadelphus Mere de Glace. — The spray. illustrated on the front cover of this issue, was cut from a beautiful Mock Orange with large doubli white fiowers. borne on long slender shoots of gi'aceful arching habit. For cut-flower work it is most valuable, but should be of sufficient length so as to retain their naturalness. With fresh open flowers and a fair proportion of buds it makes a lovely vase study and, like all the double \'arieties. lasts longer than the singles, which droop quickly Houle de N'eige is a similar variety, but has much larger flowers, though less numerous. Among the- many kinds of Philadelphus growing at Grayswond are one or two very tine varieties of grandiflorus, one has blooms of very large size in trusses ; another though large flowered, his fewer on the shoots. There is also a fine bush of P. hirsutus, the llowcr solitary and very pretty, but of no value for indoor decoration. The name M4re de Glace was taken from the garden register kept by the late Mr. Chambers, who was most particular in recording the names and interesting matter concerning the many rare and beautiful trees and shrubs planted by himself in the gardens at Grayswood. Haslemere. Hypericum repens. — Between H. repens and H. reptans there is apt to be confusion, and the species which bears the latter distinguish- ing title, being the better known and the finer plant of the two, is liable not only to outshine the subject of this note but to supplant it. Thus, if one asks a" do/.en aver.ige amateur rock gardener-; if they have got H. repens, nine or ten of them will assuredly point out H. reptans ! The former is a fine-leaved, Heath-like creeper with green foliage, without a shade of glaucous hue visible to the ordinary eye. It is a moderately vigorous grower in warm, free soil, sprawling about much like an alpine Phlox, but instead of bearing its flowers on these prostrate, woody trailers, it shoots up erect flower-spikes to a height of 8 inches or 9 inches. The flowers, which open in succession, several at a time, are about i inch or more in diameter and of a rich yellow. H. repens is easily propa- gated, all that is necessary being to snap off a few of the creeping branches in the later summer and lay them in on a cool, shady border. They will strike like Willow. — A. T. J. ^ i| A Flower that Likes Shade.— The Rose of Sharon or Hypericum is one of the few flowering plants that will thrive under the A NEW ROSE OF SHARON (HYPERICUM PATULUM HENRY I). sliade of trees. It will make a dense crop of greenery over the ground right up to the tree trunks. In recent years a number of new shrubby ftypericums have been introduced, one of the very best being H. patulum Henryi, named after Professor Henry, who introduced it into this country from China. It is an excellent subject for English gardens, being perfectly hardy and flowering well in half-shady places. The flowers are bright yellow 3 inches or + inches across. The first flowers in my garden opened last July, and the plants have only just finished blossoming after being beautifully in flower for quite ten weeks. One of the charms of the shrubby Hypericums is that they flower when comparatively few shrubs are in bloom. In order to increase these plants cuttings should be taken now and dibbled into pots of sandy soil in gentle heat — H. C. Rose Dorothy Perkins. — This charming pink Rambler Rose will spread its branches over a trellis or fence or grow as a weeping standard, and in either form it provides a picture of beauty. The illustration oji page If) demonstrates in a remarkable manner the decorative and free-growing properties of this Rose, and at the same time proves its suitability for covering a house. The general system of pruning the Wichm-aiana Roses, to which gioup Dorothy Perkins belongs, is to, each year, as soon ,is the blooms have faded, cut out the old flowering rods and retain those young ones that are always produced from the base of a healthy plant ; but 'vidently this may be modified, as much of the iild wood has been retained in the plants shown m the illustration. A Useful Berried Siirub.— .At this season of the year any berry-bearing plant is very useful lither for decoration in the house or garden. Ruscus aculeatus, the common Butcher' s Broom, is one of the most useful for this purpose ; its large red berries are very conspicuous. It will thrive in almost any position and is an excellent -ubject for planting imder trees ; being doeicious, it is essential that one or two male plants should be mixed with the berry-bearing one. Action Against GJasgow Corporation.— .\ case of considerable importance to corporations and other public bodies owning botanic gardens is at present before the Scottish Courts. Some children were in the playground of the Glasgow- Botanic Garden, which adjoins the enclosure for plants for botany students They picked some berries from a plant in this enclosure which proved to be Atropa Belladonna, and several became sick, one dying next morning The father of the boy who died brought an action for £500 against the Corporation of Glasgow, but the Judge in the Outer House dismissed the action. The Inner Division has recalled his decision and approved of the issue for a trial by jury. Lord Salveen was of opinion that the Judge in the Outer House was right, but the other three Judges took the view that the case should go before a jury. FORTHCOMING EVENT. January 11. — ^The Royal Horticultural Society's Show at Westminster. 16 THE Gx\RDEN. [January 8, 1921. CORRESPONDENCE The Editor is not responsible for Ihe opinions expressed by correspondents.) lONOPSIDIUM ACAULE. T HAVE lately been struck by the attractive- ness of this little plant in the rock garden at Wisley. The clear, violet tinged blue of its numerous flowers is particularly effective at a time when there is little to break the monotony of the season. On a misty December morning two plants stand out pre-eminently — Cheiranthus Allionii, glowing like a beacon from a prominent rock, and a group of the Violet Cress lighting up a quiet corner with a constellation of little stars. Two other points in its favour are its hardiness and the ease with which it can be moved. We recently had 53° of frost in three days (two of 20° and one of r3°). but when it was over the stars were still shining. A plant in full flower may, if desired, be moved to a more effective position and it will not notice the difference. — A. E. S BOTAN\" FROM A CHAR-A-BANCS. T AM interested in " Somers' " " Botany from a Char-i-Bancs " in your issue of Decem- ber 25, 1920. West Cornwall is not the best part of the Duchy for wild flowers until you g,el to St. Erth, where wild Columbines abound in the railway cuttings and Cowslips star the fields to St. Ives. Between Truro and Newquay the flowers are wonderful. I know a wood where Orchis and other native flowers follow one another through the year in profusion, and where Osraunda and other Ferns luxuriate. The hedges between Truro and Newquay on the quieter parish roads are covered with wild Roses. In East Cornwall the Primroses grow in profusion, and on the slopes below Boskenna, not far from Lamorna, they cover the ground. Wood Anemones grow on bleak Castleandinas, above Gulval, Penzance — much as the Sea Pinks do on the Scottish moun- tains— without rhyme or reason. I should like •" Somers " to see the Burnet Roses on the cliffs at Watergate, near Newquay ; but as I am writing entirely about spring and summer flowers and he about autumn, I feel I must not further trespass an your time. — -Frances Bolitho, Trewidden, Buryas Bridge, Cormmll. TULIP TREES. T^HE note on the Tulip Tree at Sidholme, Sidmouth, in The Garden, December 11, 1920, page 608, did not give a fair idea of the size of this remarkable specimen. There are two at Cobham Hall, Kent, which, if not the largest, are among the largest in Britain. They were planted late in the eighteenth century or about 1780. They are approximately 70 feet high, but are not equal to the Sidholme example in spread of branches or so floriferous. It is quite hardy in the north, given a slieltered site. One at Linnburn Gareloch on the Clyde, planted about i860, is now, I understand (though some years since I saw it), approximately 40 feet high and very healthy. Another remarkable example still survives at the Friary, Aylesford, but is decaying. Its age is said to be quite 200 years. There were some remarkable Tulip Trees in Windsor Park, near Cumberland Lodge, but have just been informed by a native that one of the finest has disappeared. The Liriodendron is somewhat difficult to transplant ; nursery examples often fail through inadequate preparation when planting. Its timber is valuably and is commonly known as American White Wood. — Hurstcot. BLUE LEGS. XSrHILE Mushrooms generally have been very scarce this autumn, in Gloucestershire the crop of the Mushroom locally known as Blue Legs (Agaricus personatus) has been enormous. The shops which deal in them have had their windows full for months past. These Mushrooms are very popular with the working classes, and are consumed in great quantities. There is certainly a prejudice against the Blue Leg, and plenty of people will not eat them, but its somewhat peculiar flavour has a great charm for others. One man's meat is often another man's dinner, and a great admirer of this particular delicacy told me he could get nothing else that so nearly resembled fried kidney. This Mushroom has an attractive appearance when young and fr sh. Its cup is like a white kid glove, the gills pale brown and the thick stems stained with violet. This colouring is much more pronoimced in some specimens than others, sometimes developing into regular violet purple stems. As it grovre older it becomes of a uniform pale brown colour not very appetising to look on. It is largely used for making ketchup. — J. P. THE GOLDEN CHANTARELLE. You like the Mushroom passing well. But I, with daimtless courage cry " Give me the Golden Chantarelle ! " When, summoned by the breakfast bell. Most fragrant odours wander nigh. You like the Mushroom passing well. I plead, although you strive to quell This passion of my tongue and eye, " Give me the Golden Chantarelle." You can the fruiterer compel Your small requirements to supply — You like the Mushroom passing well. Though tempting fruits he hath to sell, He cannot help me when I sigh " Give me the Golden Chantarelle ! " So I, and hence this vilanelle, Must gather fungi while you buy. You like the Mushroom passing well — Give me the Golden Chantarelle .' Gladys Echlin. THE HARDINESS OF BUDDLELV ASIATICA T SEE that enquiries are made as to the hardiness of Buddleia Asiatica. The Riviera has just been visited by a very sudden and severe frost, as much as 7° and even 9'^ below freezing. In consequence untold damage has been done and nothing survives that is not hardy. Buddleia auriculata is untouched, but B. asiatica is killed to the ground, as is the case with nearly every- thing, so clearly B. asiatica cannot be recom- mended to planters in England. Of all the host of beautiful winter-blooming Salvias the old Salvia coccinea is alone untouched, and S. Cham^edrifolia which clothes the stem of a Pritchardia Palm has the ends of its shoots killed, but the flowering shoots most in shelter have escaped. Travellers who come out this winter wiU find the gardens bare, and the Eucalyptus, Orange and Lemon trees all more or less injured or the foliage destroyed. It is sad to see the wreck of the market gardens, which must cause much suffering to the growers. What almost makes the visitation more annoying is that the cold wave hardly lasted twenty-four hours!— E. H. W. THE EPLMEDIUMS IN WINTER. 'T'HE Epimediums, or Barrenworts, have numerous charms in spring, when their prettily formed and coloured flowers adorn the plants, but they are not devoid of ch?rm in winter when the beautifully shaped and arranged leaves are so finely tinted with bronze. At this time they come in well for mingling with cut flowers, and even later, when the Snowdrops are in flower, a few of these arranged among the Epimedium leaves make a pretty table decoration when many other things are unobtainable. All the Barrenworts are valuable for this, but the large leaved species, such as the yellow-flowered E. pinnatum and E. perralderianum are specially valuable because of their more robust growth and larger leaves. It is only fair to say, however, that the culling of the old foliage is rather detrimental to the flowering of the plants in spring and that the tender young leaves at that season run greater risks of being injured by spring frosts than when the old foliage is left on as a natural protection. But we cannot have every- thing and we must balance the question of winter leaves and spring bloom. We may have plants enough for both. By the way, the Epimediums are good shade-loving plants and do well under deciduous trees. — S. A. SPARTIUM JUNf:EUM. 'T'HE useful cultural notes on the Spanish Broom, or Switch Plant, by Mr. Leslie Greening (page 609) prompt a remark or two from one who has so often seen it growing in its native arid home on the Mediterranean seaboard and foothills adjoining. A very widely spread Southern European shrub, it extends in France as far north as Lyons, and is found in Western Asia, in North Africa and as far west as the Canary Isles. But what I want to emphasise is its strange time of flowering in cultivation in the South of England. Mr. Greening mentions that it remains in bloom for a very long period from July " almost until autumn." I have sometimes seen it blooming until well after Christmas in Sussex, Somerset and elsewhere. A week ago a bush was in full bloom in the boys' gardens at Sidcot School, Somerset, and another at Clifton. But in the South of France and in Italy its time of flowering is from May to July. Why is this ? It reminds one of other plants imported into England which blossom e-Mlier than in their warmer and drier native land. But in the case of Spartium the flowering is late, very late. I can offer no explana- tion, but should like to know if the curious structure of this plant is not the cause ? On the French and Italian Riviera its almost naked. Rush-like branches have a few small, simple, deciduous leaves which persist only a short period in the spring. Later and during the remainder of the year the twigs are bare, and the cylindrical shoots look like the leaves of a big Rush (hence its Latin name junceum). It is one of many plants of hot, dry countries which substitute for the tender tissue of a leaf some tougher organ supplied with chlorophyll which is better able to resist the sun. Among such plants may be mentioned the Butcher's Broom (Ruscus), which has flattened branches, or cladodes, instead of leaves ; the Opuntias and Cacti ; many Acacias, which have only phyllodes ; and the beautiful blue Aphyllanthes. The tendency in dry, hot countries is for the leaves of most plants to be small and narrow, and especially are those of the woody ones often reduced to mere spines or needles. The leaf of a typical Mediter- ranean shrub caimot do as much work for the plant as an ordinary English shrub during the same period ; but this is compensated for by the fact that it is able to work during the whole year January S, 1921.] THE GARDEN. 17 instead oi during the summer months only. The leaves of many Southern European plants are evergreen and of close texture, with a thick water- tight covering which protects them from too great loss of water by evaporation. But Spartium and Calycotome, a very spiny leguminous shrub often growing with the former in the maquis (dense thickets of shrubs, mostly everpreen, well known in Corsica and Provence) have green stems which do the work of leaves during the winter. I have never noticed if the small linear eaves of Spartium are more developed in England and whether they remain longer before falling. The large yellow Bowers are curious in their mechanism for fertilisation. The lower petals, united into a keel, are furnished with a special spring, which is such that under vertical pressure, e.g., the weight of a bee, the keel suddenly drops and the pollen is thrown into the air In Italy, at Pentecost and certain other feasts, newly gathered flowering shoots of S. junccum are sometimes strewn on the pavement where the j^rocessions pass, — H. Sti'art Thompso.v. YELLOW SPANISH BROOM .4ND A HYBRID CLEMATIS. A NOTE of well deserN'ed praise of the Yellow Spanish Broom was lately given in The Garden (page 609) but there is no mention of the size of the most fully grown specimens, A plant here (South-west Surrey) has shot up to a surprising height among some Hollies, and every year, as it grows older and taller, appears to be fuller of bloom. It has now attained a height of 19 feet. .\ plant of the hybrid Clematis (Vitalba X Davidiana), that seems to come sponta- neously in other gardens as well as in mine, runs up into it, and the masses of whitish bloom, some of them wreathing the Broom and some the Holly, put the whole thing together into a charming picture, — G, J. GENTIANA PNEUJIONANTHE. T HAVE been much interested in the correspondence relating to this, one of our most conspicuous wild flowers. It is some years since I found it throwing up its lovely blue flowers above the Heather at the back of Bournemouth and on visiting the same spot a year or two later still found it there. My dried specimens mostly have single flowers, but one has two flowers on the stem. Although so close, I cannot hear of any plant being found in the Isle of Wight. It is interesting to learn that it is found in so many counties on the mainland. — C. Orchard, Smoglaitds Collage, Bcmhridge, Isle 0/ Wight. COTONEASTER MICROPHYLLA GL.\CIALIS. y^PROPOS of the notes on the Cotoneasters, 1 have here a rockwork mound practically covered with this one. Unfortunately although it flowers well here, it never fruits, and this is a great disappointment. The mound presents every variety of exposure, but neither in sun nor shade, nor even in partial shade does this species fruit. C. hori- zontalis beside it always fruits very freely. Yet I would not like to be without C. congesta (for such I prefer to call it rather than by the cumbrous name which is its correct designation), which is pretty at every season by reason of its habit and small leaves, but is especially pleasing when it is freely starred with its myriads of 1 ittle flowers, which, in my form are white, not pink, as on some plants It is then particularly pleasing. It is a good plant for covering a mound as its prostrate branches soon root as they grow along. — S. Arxott. Diim'iii<. PETASITES ALBUS. \A7HEN the flower heads of Petasites albus are favoured in the early part of the year with somewhat open weather their expanded white flowers make a fine show. I knew one place where a large number of spikes adorned a sloping bank bordering the woodland. Snowdrops also found a place on the bank, and the combination was quite good, as both were in bloom together. One year a fine start was made by the Petasites in January with every promise for a good display of flowers ; but, alas ! the weather conditions in the following month rather upset these early THE HYBRID CLEMATIS (VITALBA X DAVIDIANA) expectations, many of the flowers being spoiled. Petasites albus, the white-flowered Butter Binr. is evidently not a native, but the Rev. C. A. Johns in his " 1-Towers of the Field " points out that it has become naturalised in shrubberies in Scotland. — D. .\rmstroxg. WATER LILIES AND TABLE DECORATION. /~)F late there has been a vogue for pulling the heads of flowers off their stalks and floating them in bowls placed on the table. It is a practice that strikes one as more infantile than Bolshevist. It may be fashionable, but is, nevertheless, in- artistic, and it can never appeal to any true lover of plants, for there is great be.auty not only in the flowers thenxselves, but also in the stenvs, branches and leaves ; further, the natural poise of the blossom and its surroundings adil much to its loveliness and grace. A short time ago an illustrated description appeared showing how Dahlia flowers were to be decapitated and floated in a bowl, when, it was stated, they would resemble Water Lilies. It is strange that there should be people who desire to make a Dahlia resemble a Water Lily ; but, then, there are those who clip a dog's coat to make it resemble a lion, or carry a monogram on its back, and whose one slave is fashion. The mention of the Water Lily brings me to the point. In a little cement tank that I made, is the Nymphxa pygma;a, and this was a pretty feature of the garden last year. The flowers are only about il inches over, and the petals are as white as driven snow, with a rich orange centre. The leaves are only about 2 inches across, and the whole plant, which flourishes in a small pot standing in water 4 inches in depth, is but i foot in diameter. This pigmy Water Lily could well be placed in one of the inexpensive black lustre Sussex ware bowls, or in a Chinese one, the latter being most appropriate, as China is the little plant's native home. It is also found in Siberia and is one of the hardiest of all the Nympha;as and one of the first and last to bloom. Mr. William Robinson points out in " The English Flower Garden " that they have strango ways as to opening and shutting. With me the blossoms of N. Pygmjea hav& sometimes opened in the evening and have remained open whether the day tas been bright or dull. These small Nymph^as could be grown outside, or in the conservatory, in pots plunged in water, and placed in a suitable bowl for the table when in full flower ; the beauty of the plant as a whole could then be seen and enjoyed, and it would grace any feast, — H, H, Warner. EARLY' POTATOES. T CAN confirm " J. J." (page jjj) that baked Potatoes were a very old, if not the original English way of eating them. John Gerard in his herbal (r597) describes Potatoes of Virginia as " a food, as also a meate for pleasure, equall in goodncsse and wholesomenesse unto the same [Sweet Potatoes], being either rosted in the embers, or boylcd and eaten with oyle, \'ineger, and pepper, or dressed any other way by the hand of some cunning in cookerie." If the people of Cornwall do not grow " two crops of Potatoes on the same ground in one year," they could very easily do so ; but I think it would pay them better to plant their Broccoli after Potatoes, and supply our markets in winter at a time when we cannot compete with them. Two crops of Potatoes on the same ground have been repeatedly grown by Mr. Sands in Ireland. On July 16, 191S, I planted old sets of Midlothian Early and King Edward VII on ground from which I had dug Witch Hill, and this second crop was more than twice as heavy as the first. The reason for this was due to severe drought in May and June. I planted some on .August 12, but an early frost cut down the haulm, and the tubers were rather small. In the course of two short chaptei-s on Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes of Virginia John Gerard used such spellings as Potato, Potato's. Potatoes, Potatus and Potadcs. The word is a variant upon the phonetics of Batata, Battata and Batatas. The Spanish rendering was Potato. HORTL'I.ANt'S. 18 THE GARDEN. THE SWEET BRIAR OR EGLANTINE THIS PRETTY WILD ROSE MAKES ONE OF THE BEST INFORMAL HEDGES FOR THE G.\RDEN. OWING to the courtesy of Mr. Nevv- , man Blowers, the Literary Director of Cassell and Co., Limited, I am able to quote largely from Professor Hulme, F.L.S., F.S.A., on this delight- ful subject. Rosa rubiginosa is common all over Britain in bushy places, on a dry, gravelly soil ; from its extensive diffusion it has been subjected to many changes in external character and, as a consequence of this, has received a great variety of names. The Austrian Briar is very closely allied to it, and from this the most brilliant yellow Roses are produced. They require a moist soil and dry, pure air, and not severe pruning. Few of our wild plants are more enduringly attrac- tive, for it not only possesses all the beauty of form, fragrance and colour, that gives so great a SWEET BRIAR OR EGLANTINE IN FRUIT. charm to the other species of wild Roses that grace and form our hedgerows, but adds to these a fragrance of foliage that is all its own. It makes a very beautiful hedge and, planted with alternate plants of Privet and kept closely rut. forms one of the best hedges for gardens anld. The fruits are as large as Plums, with the true Damson flavour. It is a sure croppex, and for bottling it is all that could be desuxel. So many Damsons are more than half stones — not so the Merryweather, the fruits of which, by virtue of their size, could easily be mistaken for Plums. BuUace Plums are not sufficiently grown — they extend the Plum season well into the autumn and do well as hedgerow trees, or as a protection to the orchard on its bleakest aide. The Langley is the pick of the Bullaces, though it is sometimes a few years bcfeire it comes into full bearing. H. C. What Can be Done with Movable Frames THE production of the best early flowers and vegetables ought to be considered not merely a pleasure, but a necessity, in every garden. Every garden, whether small or large, should possess several frames ; and they are especially useful to those who wish to produce their own vegetables. Let us suppose, then, that the gardener has had a frame constructed. In February, in the warmest position at his disposal, he will dig a pit, three feet deep, of the same length and width as the frame. The pit must be filled with barrow- loads of manure and the same of leaves, over this must be spread the soil excavated, then rover the whole with the frame, and around it pack lea\'es and manure. Eight days after seeds, as desired, may be sown — early and Roman Lettuce. Cabbage .Milan, a few Leeks for use in May and June, and Cauliflowers for planting out in .April. .\ little Radish seed may also be sown as a supple- mentary crop. .As soon as the seedlings appear above the soil air must be admitted every day. In .\pril the frame may be taken away and the seed- lings exposed to the open air. The frame should then be placed over the spot in the garden pre- pared for the sowing of such annuals as Petunias, Zinnias, .Amaranthuses, Balsams and Ten-week Stocks, which need shelter for their development. In May the frame can again be taken away, and placed either over the first hot-bed or over a fresh one, where some Melon seed may be sown ; two roots may remain in each frame, the others being planted on a slope or on the level. In July the Melons being uncovered the frame can be placed in the shade, where it will serve for striking cuttings from Pinks, or for sowing Pansies, Myosotis, and other spring flowers. In September, if some of the January S. 1921.] THE GARDEN. 25 Melons are backward, the frame can be replaced over them, and this will soon bring them to maturity. In October, on the old hot-bed. some Lettuce rtay be planted, which will be fit for use in December, or the frames can be placed over early Carrots sown in August, and which will then be good for the whole winter. Radishes may also be sown in October, and if covered by a frame in November will be lit for use until January ; or, again, there may be a small plot of Sorrel, which, if covered up in autumn, can be preserved throughout the winter. Endive and Chicory can also be kept under a frame until March. If \'iolets are planted under a frame in October they will blossom during part of the winter. If a frame is placed over a bed of Straw- berries fruit may be gathered in the beginning of May. If dwarf Peas are sown under a frame in January they will bear by the end of April. If Haricot Beans arc sown under glass in the early days of April a gathering may be had at the end of May. Thus the frame is useful everywhere, and all the year round, and what has been said of one will apply to more. Our climate is subject to short spells of very cold weather, and in one night we may lose the work of several months, yet the protection of a sheet or frame will safeguard young plants, and advance growth by several weeks. .\ little book just issued* has been speciallv written to show readers how the\- can increase the produce of their gardens by the use of movable frames. It is full of practical suggestions, and shows how the same frames with the minimum amount of labour can be used for successive crops in different parts of the garden the whole year round. It may be objected that the management of hot-beds demands a certain amount of knowledge and skill ; but with a little practice and observation this will be easil\- acquired. F. B. The Late Henry F. C. Sander, V.M.H. HEXRV F. C. SANDER was born in 1847. When quite a boy he exhibited that love for plants which later found its outlet in the famous nurseries he established at St. Albans, England, and at Bruges. Belgium. In 1867 he entered the Nurseries of Messrs. Carter, then at Forest Hill, where he gained an insight into the varied branches of their business. It was there that he formed his first connection with Orchids, for he met Benedict Roezl, the famous explorer and plant collector. The two collaborated — Roezl to collect Capsicum and Chili These are interesting and orna- mental plants. Ornamental Capsi- cums are all adapted for pot culture and make good conservatory or table plants. Both Chilis and Capsicums can be used as pickle ingredients, flavouring condiments, and non pungent varieties may be boiled and used as vegetables. Seeds of Capsicums should be sown on a hot-bed within the next few mjuths, using light and rich soil. Pot off the plants as they develop, first keeping them on a mild hot-bed, and then passing to a warm house, conservatory or vinery. Pots of 5 inches to 8 inches are the most suitable. The treatment for Chili (Bird Pepper) is that required for tender annuals, the seed^being sown at the end of March, on a mild hot -bed or in a sunny frame. It is then necessary to nurse the plants carefully until the beginning of June, when they may be planted out under a hot wall or fence. In favour- able situations in the South seed may be sown in the open about the middle of May. L. M. M. • "Cultivation with Movable Frames," by Herbert Cowloy. Published by Country Life. Ltd. Price, 9d. THE GIANT OF THE ORCHID FAMILY. and send Orchids, Cacti, &c., to Mr. Sander w-ho, establishing himself soon after in George Street, St. Albans as a seed merchant, received and disposed of the plants to their mutual advantage. In 1873 Mr. Sander built his first greenhouse almost entirely with his own hands. Still the business grew, and when Roezl retired, his nephews confined the work of collecting Orchids for Mr. Sander. The demand for Orchids grew, and for several years Mr Sander had regular Orchid sales in London on four days in the week. By sending his collectors to then unexplored countries and districts he was able to obtain a stream of fine novelties — among others Vanda Sanderiana. .^irides Sanderiana, Cattleya gigas Sanderiuna, Cypripedium insigne Sandera-, Cymbidium Sanderi Acalypha Dracaena and Nicotiana Sanderiana are commemorative of his enterprise. These and the introduction in quantity of Dendrobium phatenopsis Schroederianum, Cattleya labiata vera and the discovery of Cattleya Schroderae gained him renown in the horticultural world. He would not be disheartened, and when the first consignment of the then so valuable Dendrobium was burnt up in the sailing vessel chartered for their carriage he immediately cabled the collector to go back and get more. During those years also the hybridisation of Orchids was begun and very successfully carried on at St. .Albans under his supervision. In 18S6 he published the " Reichenbachia," a large descriptive book on Orchids, in which life-sized illustrations were the main feature. The majority of the paintings were drawn and the lithographs supervised by the late Mr. H. G. Moon, his son-in-law. who first met him in connection with his work. In 1894 Mr. Sander started a new venture and he founded the nursery at St. Andre, just outside the gate of the ancient City of Bruges in Belgium. The war brought to Mr. Sander intense anxiety ; not only because of the members of his family out in France, but because the nursery he bad founded and built with such infinite care and labour quickly passed into the enemy's hands, and he never knew from dav to day whether it was destroyed or whether the property had been sequestered, but he had the satisfac- tion of returning there after the war to find a good deal saved, thanks to the efforts of his manager, Mr. June Mellstrom. who staved off the sale of the nurser.\- after its sequestration until just too late, in September, 1917, to carry it through. He passed away on December 23, 1920, in a nursing home at Bruges, peacefully during a sudden relapse ^ Grammatophyllum speciosum The fine example of this gigantic Orchid represented in the accom- panying illustration was one of the many \aluable gifts made to the Royal Gardens. Kew, by the late Mr. Sander in 1893. It was the largest plant known in the Malay Peninsular, and at considerable " ' ti', '^°^' ^^ secured it with the inten- .. tion of exhibiting it at the Great Chicago Exhibition. Owing to an accident on the voyage home the plant was somewhat damaged, and Mr. Sander presented it to Kew, where for many years it has been a conspicuous object in the Victoria Regia House and has flowered se\eral times. It is now much reduced in size. Before it was removed from the Penang Forest it measured 40 feet in circumference and had seventy-three pseudobulbs. When it first flowered at Kew the pseudobulbs were 10 feet high, thick as a man's wrist, and very strong. Wild plants have been known to bear thirty spikes of flowers, each flower measuring 6 inches across, the colour being tawny yellow with brown purple blotches. It is the giant of the Orchid family. 26 THE GARDEN. [January 8, 1921. POULTRY NOTES By W. POWELL-OWEN, F.B.S.A. NHW is the time to be planning for the 1 9:: I hatching season. To be always early means success in poultry-keeping, and yet so many are content to be late with their arrangements year after year without taking steps to profit by the previous season's mistakes. Adopt Progressive Methods.^The general farmer is a good example in that he hatches late and, in fact, is always late with all things affecting his poultry. Consequently, he is denied the legitimate profits from his fowls and is content to declare beforehand just as his father and grand- father before him did : " Every hen dies in debt." If he would only get out of the groove and profit by past mistakes he would find poultry more profitable than any other crop or stock on the farm. One of the secrets of success in poultry-keeping is to hatch early and to be in time with all schedules ; in a nutshell, it means adopting progressive methods. Considering, however, that one can. as a reward, treble one's hen profits, it is well worth the trouble. Early Chickens Pav. — The early chicken is the one that brings in maximum profit and that should be the first lesson whether 60 or 600 head of stock is kept. When hatched out from January to April your early cockerels come into the market when there is a great demand for spring table chickens and at top prices. Your late cockerels merely come to market when there is a glut and prices are low. But it needs the same amount of time, labour, food and housing accommodation for the late as for the early broods, so why not be early and increase your profits ? The very early pullets will all be in lay by late summer and will fill the egg-baskets while the adult birds are resting in the moult and at a time when eggs are not so plentiful, ^'oii catch a rising market with these eggs and, consequently, must benefit. Mate Up the Pens.- — Drive home the first nail therefore by mating up all your heavy-breed pens now and the light breeds a few weeks later. The best mating is undoubtedly hens to a vigorous early hatched cockerel of the current year. Hens are more experienced than pullets and, conse- quently, give stronger chicks, while the eggs are more fertile and also hatch better in incubators The chicks, too, will grow better and make larger birds than those hatched from pullet matings. If you must use pullets let them be hatched nice and early, and let the cockerels used be fully matured and vigorous. To use May pullets mated with a Jime cockerel is not at all sound ; there must be age in the mating because with age go- maturity and ripeness for breeding. Selecting the Breeders. — One needs to select carefully the birds that are to be the breeders •. many fail in not being able to select a tip-top male bird. The main thing is to select from several so that one can be sure of having ample choice. Never use a cockerel just because he happens to be handy and is the only one, unless his qualities pass the test. The male bud is nine- tenths of the mating, and yet we find poultry-keepers who think that " any old male will do." I am always keen on having a male that is built on fine textured lines — a racehorse and not a carthorse — because that is the type that will breed heavy-laying progeny. Avoid big, coarse males with abnormally large combs and wattles ; the head points should be of fine texture and not beefy. You may guess what is my ideal when I say that I prefer to be able to grasp the wattles with my fingers and not with my open hand. Choosing the Male Bird. — The poultry- keeper who owns graded stocks will always reap a better harvest than the one who keeps ungiaded flocks. Practise grading from the start, setting only selected eggs and avoiding any that are of abnormal size or shape, thin-shelled, and so on. Mark all chickens that ail during the growing stages by placing a special coloured ring on the left leg of each. At a later date refrain from using such bitds in the breeding pen ; that plan will help to ensure stamina in your strain. In like manner when you need eighty pullets rear a hundred so that you can cull out the twenty that are inferior to the others ; and when you need a cockerel select him from several. I prefer to set aside a few of the best male birds and to examine theoi closely month by month to make sure of usin^ the best. A male bird that is of nice appearance at four months may turn out to be a low-grade bird at six months ; , that is why one should keep several up to maturitv in order to provide a better selection. Signs of Stamina. — For breeding select a male that is keen and business-like, and one that takes an interest in his hens and in things in general. Let him be very broad across the back and wide between the legs. Let him, too, stand and run firmly on' his pins and not be knock-kneed or flat-chested. ,^uch is the male bird that wii: breed robust chicks and give little trouble by way of infertility. It is quite easy to test the breeding value of a male after he has been mated. In his presence pick up a hen and make her " cackle" ; if he takes notice and resents it he will be a likely breeder. I often apply the -same test inside the poultry house and with the male well down the run ; if he hastens up the run into the house he passes the test. The best breeding male is generally spiteful to the owner during the hatching season, a point that is often overlooked by the poultry-keeper who is too eager to say. " What a spiteful beast." But if the male is spiteful to the hens that is not a good point of merit. Condition of Breeders. — it is very important that breeding stock should be kept in good con- dition if the best fertility and hatching results are to be achieved. If the breeding birds are over- fed one must not expect either strong fertility or robust chicks ; the same will happen if the birds are under-fed. An over-fat hen is never of much use to the owner, whether as layer or breeder. Some males are bad feeders, letting the hens feed before they themselves take any food. In such cases they must be fed daily by themselves or they will soon fall out of condition. During the breeding season it is a safe rule now and then to visit the roosts at night and to examine the crops of the male birds. If a cockerel has a fuU crop continuously the owner will know that he is feeding well ; if a bird, how- ever, has an empty crop he must be marked so that he can be led by himself daily and can be watched closely for condition. Scratching Exercise for Hens. — When mating up the pens do not include any hens that are internally over fat. Also be sure that the breeding, hens are provided with ample scratching exercise during the hatching season to ensure fitness. Bury all grain deeply in the litter. See also that the birds are provided with ample green food, while now and then they will be all the better for an aperient. Once a week, for instance, a teaspoonful of Glauber's salt can be added to the hot water over the mash for each six adult birds. An occasional meal of raw minced onions will act as a useful tonic. To Tell Condition. — When mating up the pens be sure to handle every female for condition. Place the thumb and finger of the right hand well into the abdomen (the thumb on one side and the finger on the other) and withdraw under gentle pressure. The abdomen should not have the " bladder-of-lard" feel about it, but should be silky and pliable. .\s one passes beyond the organs and reaches the skin, hold the latter to see that there is not a thick layer of fat underneath. Whether for laying or breeding, condition plays a very important part in achieving maximum results ; every poultry-keeper should get to know- by observation what condition his flocks are in. When a hen becomes fat the internal organs are enclosed in a bag of fat which readily interferes with their functioning, .l.s a result the organs get sluggish and are pressed into small compass. What is more, the gizzard is pushed up against the oviduct to interfere with the passage of the eggs. Cause of Overfat Condition. — it may generally be considered that something is wrong with feeding or management when a flock of fowls become overfat. It may be due to the owner supplying an excess of fattening foodstuffs, such as barley, maize, barley- meal, maize-meal, potatoes, potato - peelings and the like. The remedy lies in com- pletely altering the menu, but it is not an easy matter to get overfat birds fit again quickly, so that the soundest plan is to prevent overfat con- dition by feeding the fowls judiciously. Often in a flock an odd bird will get overfat, but this may be traced to greediness or low-grade quality. Being a greedy feeder the bird gorges, and being a poor layer there are few- eggs to use up the food eaten. The first symptom of overfat condition is very often the laying of soft-sheUed or badly shaped eggs, and that is why egg-eating can readily foUo-n- as the result of tasting the yolks. ADVICE ON POULTRY MATTERS. Mr. W. Powell-Owen, The Garden Poultry Expert, will be pleased to answer, tree of charge, any question dealing with poultry-keeping. A stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed, when a lengthy and detailed reply will be posted promptly. Communications should be sent to Mr. W. Powell- Owen, care of The Garden, 20, Tavistock Street. Strand, W.C.2. Samples of foods {report thereon and suggested use), is. 6d. : post-mortems, 2S. 6d. each. Send samples and dead fowls (latter by rail and letters under separate cover) direct to W. Powell-Owen. " Powell-Owen " Poultry Bureau, 47A, High Street, Hampstead, .V.W.3. January 8. iqzi. THE GARDEN. T Awarded 143 Gold Medals at the leading *l^ Shows. I BOLTON'S + THE LEADING HOUSE FOB i Sweet Peas + •J 4^ BOLTON'S POPULAR COLLECTIONS OF GIANT-FLOWERED SWEET PEAS. All Seeds are carefully hand-picJccd, and all small, poor or doubtful Seeds are taken out. No. 1 COLLECTION. Includes the finest noveltUs of recent years. Picture, Glory, Annie Ire-land. Hawlmark Pink, Mrs. Tom Jones, Mrs. Arnold Hitchcock, Felton's Cream, Edith Cavell, Tangerine Improved, Valentine, King Alfred, Charity, Constance Hinton, Jean Ireland, R. F. Felton, Gold Medal, Commander Godsal, Alexander Malcolm, Market Pink, Splendour, iLigic. The above choice, up-to-date varieties, 15 seeds ..f each. 106 posl tree. No. 2 COLLECTION. ^ Picture, Hawlmark Pink, Mrs. Tom Jones, Annie Ireland, Felton's Cream, Orange Perfection, R. F. Felton, Charity, Valentine, The Lady Evelyn. Barbara, Royal Purple. The above choice varieties, 15 seeds of each. 5 - post free. No. 3 COLLECTION. Glory, Hawlmark Pink. Annie Ireland, R. F. Felton,' Charity, Market Pink, Felton's Cream. The above seven exhibition varieties, 2^6 post free. Catalogue post free on request. ROBERT BOLTON, The Sweet Pea Specialist. BAYTHORNEND (halIteV) ESSEX. The llnufr for true stocks of English Grown Seeds. > > ^j>«y iM»iM>^ KING'S Acre 75 Gold Medals and 18 Silver Cups Awarded to our Exhibits during Seasons 1909-1920. 160 ACRES INCLUDING FRUIT VINI 3 FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS, ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS. New Catalogues, containing much use- ful information, free upon application. I King's Acre Nurseries I I HEREFORD. Ltd. | A BEAUTIFUL EDITION Pennells Garden Guide Is now ready, and will be sent post free upon request. SPECIALITIES: Unusual Quality Certain Germination Low Prices PENNELL & SONS, Lincoln. ESTABLISHED I 780. J Send your order now joi THE NEW RASPBERRY LLOYD GEORGE PERPETUAL FRUiTING 13/- per doz. Also my new Violet, 20;- per doz., carriage paid. J. J. KETTLE, Violet Farm, Corfe Mullen, Dorset CARNATIONS FOR ANY AND EVERY PURPOSE LARGE FLOWERING PLANTS in 6 in. Pots for Green- house or G.irden cultivjtion. trom 35/- per dozen, carrijfit e.\:ra. ImmeJiite or deferred delivery. ALLWOODII. The new hardy Garden Plant. H jlf Pink and half Carnation it needs no culture, but srows by itself anywhere, and Hewers perpetually from Spri i^ to Winter. We can give immediate delivery, and offer the undermentioned collection > : — Coll. No. lb.— 6 distinct varieties, 11/- Coll.No.2b,— 9 distinct varieties (mcluding 3 novel ties),23/6 Coll. ^o. 3b. — 12 dis'inct varieties (inclu iln^ all h novelties), 40- Carriage and packing free for cash. CULTURAL BOOKLET. Od. post free. HARDY BORDER CARNATIONS. We have simply magnificent stocks of all the hest varieties The undermpn' ioned collections are available: - Coll. No. Ic -6 d s inct varieties. 121- Coll No 2).— 12 disiDCI variclies, 24;- Coll. No. 3c. 100 Flints in the twelve bi st slacdard varieties, 1 0/- Carriage and packing free for cash. Fully Illustrate ' mil tlesc-iptiz^ Latalonue will /)f /oi warded f>ost free on request. } When yua itainh of Carnalions yoD think of The leading Camaiio Raiders nd Specialists in the World. Dept. 4. HAYWARDS HEATH. SUSSEX. USE CORRV'S CELEBRATED G0J4CE/«TRATED (NON-POISONOUS) WINTER DRESSING FOR FRUIT AND OTHER TREES. Pint. Ouart. S-G;ill. 1 Gull. 3 GaH. .■; Call. lOCall. each 2/3 3 9 6. 11/- 25,6 40/- 76;. .SOLO BY THE TRADE CENERALLY. Manufactured by CORRY & CO., Ltd., London. I Wv GIANT ^ SWEET PEAS Only genuine direct from WEM. Are the mammoths of the Sweet Pt-a World. In spite of their large size, ihe blooms are perfectly formed and posse-^s a choice delicacy of colour not to be found in other varieties. Every grower of this charming flower shou'd send direct for one of the following collections, which will give a long display of finest fljwers of the most exquisite colours. 12 Varieties separate and named 5/6 18 „ .. .. 8- 24 .. 106 30 „ .. 12 6 •10 .. .. „ 17/6 SO ., .. 22 ,'6 POST FREE FOR CASH WITH ORDER. AH the above are of the finest Exhibition quality, m tgnificent for all purposes, containing a wonderful r mge of the most gorgeous cclours; all strong gmwers giving splendid flower stems with giant flowers. WRITE FOR A CATALOGUE of all the Finest Sweet Peas. HENRY ECKFORD.FRHs The Sweet Pea House, (Dept. 61), WEM, Shropshire Also (he finest Flower Seeds, Vegetable Seeds, Potatoes, etc. tMMA«^«ttM%JkMWMII WATERERS' SUPER SEEDS for VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDENS. Descriptive Catalogue and Garden Guide Free on application. SCOTCH GROWN SEED POTATOES are quoted at extremely advantageous rates. Our stock is of the finest qual- ity we have ever handled. PROMPT DESPA TCH. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED — JOHN WATERER, SONS & CRISP, LTD., SEED MERCHANTS, TWYFORD. BERKS. nniinmiiii i »i i iiniimiw^jt . VI. THE GARDEN. [January 8, 1921. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS FLOWER GARDEN. GLADIOLUS BRENCHLEYENSIS (C. B. M., Cumber- (Hid), — III ordinary circumstances, i.e., planted normally at 4 inches deep, this good hybrid, despite a robust con- stitution, would probably have disappeared long ago. hence we imagine that its length of stay, with the evidences of increase to which our correspondent refers, are due to something quite unusual. If tested, probably it would be found that the corms are somewhat deeply buried in the soil and, if so, they would be at once removed from the direct influence of frost, manures and the salt applica- tion'^ which are afforded to the Asparagus from time to time, though receiving indirect help from both. It is the only rational explanation that we can give of the matter.* Planted at moderate depth, the top-dressing of manure — the benefit of which would bo gradual and lasting, rather than spontaneous — would do good, though the applications of salt, quickly soluble as it is and direct in its action, might prove disastrous, if not even fatal. Exceptional vigour and flower freedom are the natural outcome of deeply buried bulbs — even those of the smallest size, Snowdrop and Chionodoxa, for example — and in this instance it was tlie complete and continued success of the Gladiolus which has constituted a peg to hang our present theory upon. GARDEN PLAN (H. B. L., Epsom).— It is always difficult to say exactly what is right from a plan alone, so much depending on environment and other things. The garden does not appear to be too much shut off from the house and if the whole of it where our correspondent proposes having the Rose garden and Lily pool is sunk, it would hardly be so. We should certainly not plant Privet near the house. Yew would be more appropriatr and this should enclose that portion if possible. Tin- pergola is too narrow ; planted it would be in the nature of an entry. Some of the paths err also on the side of narrowness. If the slirubbery planting at north side of tennis court is to constitute a divisional fence between the two properties, there would be nothing to surpass Holly, though, even so. something additional would be needed till it became a fence. Trees there would sooner or latei upset the tennis court, unless they were rigidly suppressed, root and branch. The proximity of the kitchen garden and the pergola are a little incongruous ; an evergreen hedge might well be set there dividing the former off. In all the circumstances we think our correspondent would be well advised to have a little expert advice on the spot before commencing operations. TREES AND SHRUBS. IVY SEEDS (P. .S.. Cornwall). — Ivy seeds have no economic importance. They are. however, greedily eaten by birds and might be useful for fowls but it would be wise to oxperiment on a single bird before using them in quantity. SCOTS PINE EXUDING TURPENTINE (Felsted, Essex). — It is unlikely that our correspondent's Scots Pine will suffer from the exudation of turpentine, providing the tree is otherwise healthy. There is nothing that can be done to check such a flow. PROPAGATION OF WISTARIA SINENSIS (H. A. G., yorivich). — Wistaria sinensis can he increased by cuttings of ripened wood 12 inches long inserted out of doors at the present time. It can also be increased by grafting small sections of shoots 3 inches or 4 inches long upon sections of root. This work must be done indoors during early spring. Hoot cuttings should bo made in March. Sections about the thickness of an ordinary lead pencil and about 4 inches in length should be inserted singly In small pots indoors. FRUIT GARDEN. APPLE D'ARCY SPICE (Felsted. Essex).— Synonyms Spring Ribston, Essex Spice and Baddow Pippin. This is a well known Essex Apple, originating according to Dr. Hogg's " Fruit Manual" in the garden of Mr. John Harris of Broomfleld, near Chelmsford, about 1848. The Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society recognised its merits as a useful late variety of the aromatic class by giving it an award of merit. Itsflavour is rich, partaking of that of the Ribston. The tree succeeds very well as a bush on the Paradise stock in ordinary garden soil. It should not be planted too deep, and the tree should be helped when in fruit by surface mulchings of short manure. It is of exotic slow growth. The best way to obtain an early return no doubt is to graft on to a healthy estab- lished tree. The Apple is comparatively small in size, and its appearance is nothing to enthuse about. All the same, in the opinion of many, the Apple is a little gem. THE GREENHOUSE. SOLANUM WENDLANDII (C. (?., CormvalL— It is usual to cut tlic ]irrvious season's shoots of this beautiful climber hard back in January each year. The only exception is when space permits the develoijment of more growths. In our correspondent's case it would be best to reduce the 12-feet shoot to 6 feet, and the two side shoots to within 3 inches of the main stem. |» TUBEROUS BEGONIAS (R. R., Australia).— Tht; empty seed-pods suggest lack of pollination. This is done by picking the male flowers when the pollen is ripe and dusting the anthers over the centres of the female blooms. As a rule cross-pollination is preferable, i.e., male flowers from one plant used to pollinate female flowers of another plant. CYANIDING A VINERY (G. 3'.. E. ror^s).— Cyaniding should not beattemptcd-unless there are means of opening the house treated without entering it and of dropping the cyanide into acid after quitting the house. If this can be done, the cyaniding of dormant Vines in the absence of other plants may be safely undertaken. The house should be closed, and all ventilators made airtight ; the air should be dry, and the work done at dusk. The cubic capacity of our correspondent's house being about 3,000 cubic feet, 3ozs. potassium cyanide, 4ozs. sulphuric acid, and 9oz3. water is needed. The cyanide should be suspended over the acid in an open basin and dropped in after the house has been closed and locked and every- body outside. The house should remain closed over- night, and in the morning it should be opened with a through draught for at least two hours before anyone enters it. Remember the fumes as well as the cyanide itself are very deadly to all animal life. MISCELLANEOUS. FUNGUS FOR IDENTIFICATION (W. B., Hants).— The fungus, though allied to Stereum purpureum, is not that species, but one common on dead wood of many kinds, namely, Pol^iorus versicolor. ARTIFICIAL MANURES AND LEAVES (Waruick).^ Our correspondent may mix the artificials with the fallen leaves, but jirohably less loss would result, and the work APPLE D ARCV SPICE. A well-known Essex Apple of rich aromatic flavour. could be more easily done, by using these chemical fertilisers as a top-dressing to be hoed in in spring, substituting sulphate of potash for Kainit. The quantities would be, for an acre (160 square rods), 2cwts. sulphate of ammonia, 5cwts. superphosphate, and 2cwts. sulphate of potash. NAMES OF PLANTS.— r. W.. Abergavenny. Snthev- landia frutesccns. E. R., Doncaster. — Colchicum autumnale. Imported Seed Potatoes from Scotland THE Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries lias recently issued an Order, under the title, " Wart Disease of Potatoes (Imported Scottish Seed Potatoes) Order of 1920," which is of importance to all Potato-growers and merchants who obtain seed Potatoes from Scotland. The main provision of the Order is that any importer who receives from Scotland " seed " Potatoes which are not accompanied by the necessary declaration (as set out below) shall report the fact to the Ministry within seven days of the receipt of the Potatoes. The declaration required is : (i) In every case of a consignment of any seed Potatoes other than certified stocks of inmiune varieties a declaration correctly stating the reference number of the certificate issued by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland to the effect that wart disease has not existed on, nor within one mile of the place in which the Potatoes were grown. (2) In the case of certified stocks of approved immtme varieties, a declaration stating correctly the serial number of the certificate of piu^ity issued in respect of the growing crop. Official List of Immune V.\rietie5 of POT.\TOES. ■\s a result of the Ormskirk Trials 1919-20, the following varieties have been added to the official list of immune varieties of Potatoes : Early Pink Champion (Findlay). — Second early. Description of tubers : Round, pebble-shaped ; eyes medium-large ; skin pink ; flesh white. Colour of sprout : Deep rose. Haulm and foliage : Medium to spreading ; leaves small ; medium green, leathery appearance. Flowers : None observed. Katie Glover (Findlay). — Second early. Descrip- tion eif tubers: Round to oval, thick; eyes medium ; skin white, deep pink in eyes ; flesh white. Colour of sprout : White, tinged pink. Haulm and foliage : Regular, dwarf, spreading ; leaves medium, medium green. Flowers : None observed. Catriona (Findlay).— (Tested as seedling PU i, No. I.) Early maincrop. Description of tubers : Kidney ; eyes shallow ; skin white, splashed purple round the eyes and at base end ; flesh. pale yellow. Colour of sprout : Violet. Haulm and foliage : Dwarf, spreading ; leaves medium, dark green, glossy. Flowers : None observed. K. of K. (Findlay). — Early Maincrop. Descrip- tion of tubers : Oval ; eyes shallow ; skin white, splashed crimson, more pronounced round the eyes, especially at rose end ; flesh pale yellow. Colour of sprout : Rose. Haulm and foliage : upright ; leaves small, corrugated, light greets Flowers : None observed. Captain Cook (Aircy). — Late. Description of tubers : Rotmd ; eyes deep ; flesh white ; skin white. Colour of sprout : Purple. Haulm and foliage : Compact, vigorous ; leaves medium, medium green. Flowers : White. Crusader (Wilson). — (Tested as seedling 339/3.) Late. Description of tubers : Kidney ; eyes shallow ; skin white ; flesh white. Haulm and foliage : Tall, upright, vigorous ; leaves large, dark green, corrugated. Flowers : Dropping bud. Seedlings Purple Eyed No. 3 (Findlay) ; 449 (a) 1 (Wilson) ; 142/6 (Wilson).— Were found immime, but are not added to the list, as they have not been named. Edzell Blue and Nithsdale. — Should now be regarded as second early varieties. Trials at Wisley. — in addition to the trial of blue and lavender Sweet Peas already announced, the Royal Horticultural Society will carry out in their garden at Wisley during the coming year trials of Candytufts, Annual Chrysanthemums, Marigolds, new Dahlias, Herbaceous Lobelias and Perpetual flowering Carnations ; and among vegetables, Cabbage for spring sowing, Savoys, Celery, Celeriac, maincrop and late Potatoes, mid-season Peas and Tomatoes for growing under glass. Seeds and plants for these trials are invited, and the Director, Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Wisley, Ripley, Siurey, will be pleased to send the necessary entry forms on request. All seeds should reach him by January 31, 1021. Kew Gardens. — The Ministry of Agriculture has given orders that from January i Kew Gardens shall be open to the public every day throughout the year, except Christmas Day, from 10 a.m. Hitherto the gardens have not been open until noon in the winter, while on Sundays the public have not been admitted until i p.m. lANlAKV 8. I<|21. THE GARDEN. Vll. DOBBIE'S CATALOGUE And Guide to Gardening. Spring 1921 -y A FREE COPY r^C^TALocur Im Will be sent to anyone inferestett '^M^ Sttai^Pij^ffrifm ill Gjrdeiiin i u-h'i makes opfjli' Srfi,-^i. ' *Ml caiion ami ineiitiotis The Gard;-n Our House ii noted for HIGH- GRADE VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, and SCOTCH SEED POTATOES, and PLANTS. IN SWEET PEAS WE ARE PRE-EMINENT. OOBBIE & Co. Ltd. EDINBURGH. Seedsmen end Florists to H.M. tha King DON'T FORGET TO WASH Your Fruit Trees and Bushes with XL ALL WINTER WASH In 1-lb. and 28-lb. Tins From the Horticultural Trade Everywhere. Mamtfactwer : G. H. RICHARDS 234, Borough High St., London, S.E.1 HEAVY WINTER EGG PRODUCTION cannot litj avoided so lonji as "GORDON GrtAY" LIGHT SUSSEX are reftularly Kept in YOUR YAH[)S. EQQS FOR HATCH INQ NOW READY. Full particulars apply Deansbrook Poultry Farm, Q. GORDON QRAY, Ltd. THAXTED - ESSEX. ^«MW«NMM«MW^M«Mil«W«WM««MMMA«m« »mr^mm00t0i0mfm0^n HORSE SHOE BOILER MADE IN 5 S ZES FOR GREENHOUSES VARYING FROM 12 TO 50 FEET LONG. IT HAS AN ESTABLISHED REPUTATION AMONG5T GARDENERS FOR SAVING FUEL. MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE AND BURNING 12 TO 20 HOURS WITH- OUT ATTENTION 33.000 SOLD CAN BE ERECTED AND SET WORKING IN A FEW HOURS Used in the R H.S. and Botanic Gardens and by thousands of sa'isfieJ Amateurs everywhere LIST 42 POST FREE CHAS. P. KINNELL & CO., LTD. 65, 65a, Southwark St. LONDON, S E. 1 PATENTED l.V THE U.K. j & ABROAD. I THE CLOCHE CLIP THE CLIP THAT HOLDS pOR making continuous and other Cloches for the protection of seeds, plants. ' 1 flowers, etc. STRAWBERRIES m.'iy be had two or three weeks earlier by their ' use. GUissof any size may be used, also old photographic plates. The Clip wilL make '^ rigid Cloche which can be handled without falling apart. i Price? doz. Postage: 9d Idoz.. 1-2d02 ; over 2 d02. Carrie ge Paid. Cash with order. ' Par/ cnfilr^ atui itcniniif; of Cloclic^ ill i\iiioiis sluifiL-s u-ilt be /.ciil on iJ/ifiti tilioii. THE CLOCHE CLIP CO., 94, Woodbridge Road, Ouildford, Surrey. Oup CATALOGUE contains 600 Illustrations from life of Hardy Flowcrins Shrubs. Tn-rs, C'limbi r.s. Plants for the Waterside, Shrubbery, Avenue, Woodland, Bog, Bamboo, Dell and Rock Garden, Willi disoriptinn ami uiitir* a^ to plantin^^ Copies gratis on application. , Ltd., V. N. GAUNTLETT * Co- Japanese NursiTies, CHIDDIXGFOLD, Surrey. (Carriage Paid.) AUCTION SALES OF BUIiBS, ROSES, HERBACEOUS AND ROCK PLANTS, RHODODEN'DRONS, AZALEAS, FRUIT TREES, PALMS, CARNATIONS, Etc. EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY, by PROTHEROE & MORRIS, ;it tliLir Central Sale Rooms, 67 & 68, CHEAPSIDE, E C.2 C;italogu'S on Application, Guaranteed Garden Supplies When you need a Real Good Thing for your Garden, Lawn, Allotment or games let us knovtf. Every Enquiry Welcomed. Practical advice given FREE. IF WE DO NOT GROW STOCK or Manufacture it WE WILL FIND IT FOR YOU GARDEN SUPPLIESLd. Cranmer St. LIVERPOOL. SAND SUITABLE FOR GOLF COURSES BOWLING GREENS, Etc. Supplied in full truck loads to any G.E.R. Goods Station at 1 2/- per Ton. For Sample apply to the Commercial Super- intendent (C.W.), Liverpool Street Station, London, R C 2. H. W. THORNTON, Genera! Miiiiai^er. PLANTING SEASON GEO. JAGKMAN & SON WOKING NURSERIES SURREY {Esfablislu'd over a Ceittnry) Invite inspectinn of their large and varied fitock of I ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS.! ROSES, CLIMBERS. i FRUIT AND FOREST TREES. HERBACEOUS AND ALPINE PLANTS.! 200 Acres of Stock to select from. Catalogues free on Application. Advice given on all matters appertaining to LANDSCAPE GARDENING; and Estate Improvements. Send a Post Card for a copy ^ of our beautifully Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of c^0.. Scotch Seed Potatoes and other Vegetable and Flower Seeds. No keen gardener shoud be wiihout this most interesting Guide, which gives comparative results of a cropping trial of about 30 of the most popular varietes of Potatoes. Write to-day mentioning this paper. Special quotations to large buyers, also to Allotuient Associations. THYNE & SON J»r„ DUNDEE WORTH HAVING CAUSTIC ALKALI— The most pene- trative liquid liisecticiile. The winter wash. KILLS mealy bug and all aphides, spiders and mites. REMOVES loose bark, lichen and all fungoid growths. One tin makes 11 gallons, ready for use. 40 tins 90 -; 20 tins 45/-; 10 tins 24 -; 5 tins 14/6 CARRIAGE PAID. Wm. WOOD & SON, Ltd. TAPLOW, BUCKS. Stimul-itcstliosoil, .insists tin- fun. ■li.ni.* i>r soil iKn-toriu and corrects acidity. Ask yiiur S. t-dsni-in, ctr write to STONEHOUSE Hon. Dept.. WEST BIOMWICH vni. THE (iARDEN. JANTAin' 8, I()_'I. He breed in loose bark and lichens PROFITS S bop him! To destroy mo s and lichen, lo remove loose rough bark, and ensure healthy vigoroufi growth and good crops next season, SPRAY YOUR FRUIT TREES COOPER'S WINTER FLUID Does not burn the bark. animals. Easy lo use. Harmless to Effective and Economical. :: Of agents everywhere. Sole Miinii/.tctitrcrs: WM. COOPER & NEPHEWS. LTD., BERKHAMSTED EUREKA WEED KILLER WINTER WASH. c.ulV,?'!^.., THE MOST EFFECTIVE WASH FOR FRUIT TREES *c. \ IN 1'6 TINS FOR lO TO 16 GALLS OF WASH. WORM KILLER. LAWN SANO S. Gf.PrEN SUNDRiES OnlrAddrKS: IbMLINSON k Hatwakd Lt> Limcoln. Work in Comfort with warm feet You can defy the damp if you wear a pair of CALOR CLOGS. They're just as comfoi table and warm as boots, but they're much cheaper. With a pair of Calor Clogs you can w rk in the worst weather and still have dry feet at the end of the day. Calor Clogs are made of good grain leather, lined with felt. Soles are of wood. Well finished and useful. For men and women. Price 8/1 1, post paid. No.C529. Also in lacing Style C524. Sizes 2 to 5 ... 711 | Sizes 6 to II ... 8(6 Men's and Women's Watertight Derby Clogs, at 9/6. 12/6. 1416; Children's Clogs from 411 ; \\'ellington Clogs, felt lined and unlined. 1616 and 22/6; Rubber Wellingtons, Men's sizes. 18/6 and 21/-. Women's sizes, 17/6 and 19/11, Children's, from 12/6; Men's Long Rubber Thigh Boots. 21/-. All post paid. Send '<-klct KiviuK fiiH f>articiil(irs; attd tcsfimnniiils scut on rcccipt'of posicani. jm- BEWARE OF IMITATIONS; GENUINE ONLY IN OUR MARKED BAGS, CONTAINING GUARANTEED ANALYSIS. -Wt I'liLes, iiKhuliiiK Kijis, I bushel 3/3, 4 bushels 6/-, 5-4 bushels SB 9, 10-4 bushels 66/-. 'J(l.4 bushels 100/- Carriajie forward for cash w th ordei-. WAKELEV'S GROUND GARDEN LIME (Caustic or Quick Lime), 3/6 bushel bag, carriage forward. WAKELEY'S Empire FERTILISER A valuable I^Iant Food for Allotment and General Garden use, simple to apply. Particulars and Guaran- teed Analvsis f ree. Price, including bags 14 lb. bag, 3/3 ; 56 lbs., 11/6; 1 cwt., 22/- Best Yellow Fibrous Loam, 4/., and Leaf .Mould, 4'/6. Coarse Silver Sand, 5/6, and Brown Fibrous Peat, 5/6 per sack. Basic Slag, 9/6. Superphosphates, 1 3/6. Bone .Meal, 24/", Kainit, 1 1 '6 per cwt. Bulb Fibre, 3/6 per bushel. Si-f Fr,,- Hofihht its .7?>t SONS. LTD.. CLOVENFORDS. SCOTL.4ND. ets there A I and makes the Garden ^t^^^^^ gay all the year round r,^~;f£rs/.i Sold everywhere for Horticultural purposes in PACKETS lOd. Si 1/6, and in BRANDED* SEALED BAGS: 7 lbs.. 4/-; 14 lbs. 7/-: :;h lbs.. 12/- ; 56 lbs.. 22/. : 112 lbs., 40/-: or direct from the Works. Carriage Paid in the United Kinndom for Cash with Order (except PACKETS). CLAY & SON. Manure Mf^s & Bone Crushers, STRATFORD. LONDON.E. Printed by Thb Avenue PresSi 55 & 57. Drury Lane, London. \V.C.2, and Published by Country Life.' Limited, at 20, Tavistock Street, Strand, W.C.?, -A W7 r o THE THE FRUIT FARM POULTRY WOODLAND Vol. LXXXV.— No. 2565. Kntered as Second-class Matter at the New York. N'.Y., Post Office Saturday, January 15, 1921 KKGISTERED AT THE GENERAL POST OIFICE AS A NEWSPAPER AND FOR CANADIAN .MAGAZINE POST. Price THREEPENCE Yearly Subscription Inland. 17,4: Foreign. I7'4 I THE RIGHT USE OF ANNUALS. Hardy and Half-Hardy Annuals should enter into the colour arrangements of our gardens far more than they often do. Happy is the man who can point his friends to a lovely garden whiclj expresses his own individuality. In this issue the reader is told how to plan and sow for the best effects. Selections of Annuals for various soils and situations are given. BEAUTIFUL POPPIES for 1921 SHIRLEY POPPY, Selected Strain, of light graceful habit, with beautiful satiny flowers ranging in colour from delicate shades of rose, apricot, salmon-pink and blush to glowing crimson, all with white centres, i hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet 6d. and 1 - NEW DOUBLE QUEEN POPPIES, a lovely new double strain of Shirley Poppy type, flowers double and semi-double of the most delicate and brilliant colours — white with salmon, pink, or crimson margin, orange- I salmon shaded white, fiery rose-scarlet shading down to white, cherry-red , shading to white, brilliant scarlet with white centre, &c., all showing yellow I anthers, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, 1/-. | POPPY "IRRESISTIBLE," a lovely strain, producing large double i fringed flowers, brilliant rose to blush-rose and salmon-rose with large white | centre, hardy annual, 2ift. Per packet, 6d and 1/- I Descriptive Catiilogtie of oilier choice Flower Seeds free on application. | BA ^ ^ A. C f> N C ll' 12 & 13, KINQ STREET,! r\T^r\ at ^Vi/i^^, coventqarden, london, w.c.2 MERRYWEATHER'S FRUIT TREES RASPBERRIES. We can strongly recommend the following varieties; order at once to avoid disappointment. " THE DEVON." An enormous cropper, the fruit is large, roundly conical, i firm, very juicy and of sweet and refreshing flavour, excellent colour and an ideal bottling variety. " HAILSHAM." One of the best autumn fruiting raspberries. The fruit is ' very large, rich crimson colour and excellent flavour ; a strong grower and heavy bearer. ^ciid ] Orders now despatched by return. j Price Lists from the Manufacturers : H. PATTISSON & CO., Streatham Common, S.W.16 GOOSEBERRIES Single, Double and Triplet Cordons, also Standards, RED and WHITE CURRANTS Single and Double Cordons. Price on application. S. SPOONER & SONS, The Nurseries, ESTD. 1820 Hounslow, Middlesex. Jani'arv 15 GARDEN. z:^^i^4^s^ "^' WEBB'S VEGETABLE SPECIALITIES. Awarded Prt-mitT Honours t'vorywhere. Webbs' llasterpiecc Onion, 1/- A 1/6 pkt. ; "Webbs' Selected Ailsa Craig Onion, 1/- & 1,6 pkt. : Webbs' Marrowfat Parsnip, lOd. loz. ; Webbs' JIammotli Longpod Broad Bean. 2/3 pint ; Webbs' Champion Prize Leek, 1/- & 1/6 pkt. ; Webbs' Conqueror Tomato, 1/6 pkt. ; Webbs' Everbearing Cucumber, 1/6 pkt.; Webbs' Stourbridge Marrow Pea, 2/6 pint. Post free. Catalogue on request. — Webb & Sons, Limited, The King's Seedsmen, Stourbridge. WATERERS' RHODODENDRONS, Azaleas, Rare Shrubs, Japanese Cherries, Maples, and Chinese subjects, — John Waterek, sons a Cp.isp, Ltd., The Nurseries, Bagshot, Surrey. WATERERS' VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS, Scotcli grown seed Potatoes. WATERERS' ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS, in the new and leading varieties of Delphiniums, Phloxes, Irises. WATERERS' FRUIT TREES. — Magni- ficent stock of 250,000 trees. Prospective purchasers are invited to select personally at Twyford Nurseries. WATERERS' ROSES. — Superb Stock. John Waterer, Sons & Crisp, Ltd., Twyford, Berks. GREENHOUSE PAINTING AND GLAZING — " VIXKOLITE •■ superior to White Lead Paint, 23s. per gall. Cans extra. ** Plastine," supersedes Putty, 40s. pei cwt. Kegs extra. — Full particulars from Walteu CarSON & Sons, Grove Works, Battersea. Agents throughout the Country. WELLS' CHRYSANTHEMUM CATALOGUE now ready. Post free on application. — W. Wells & Co., Chrysanthemum Nurseries, Merstham, Surrey. RARE SHRUBS, including Himalayan and Chinese llhododendrons, Alpines (pot grown). Herbaceous Plants, Bulbs, etc. Write for Catalogues, G. Reuthe, Keston Kent. BARRS' SEED GUIDE, now ready, free. For a Select List of the best vegetable and Flowrr Seeds of finest Selrcted Strains and Tested Growth. At the B..H.S. Wisley Trials our Strains of Vegetable Se-cds have received exceptional recognition for high quality, many having been Highly Commended and several givin First-class Certificates and Awards of Merit.-B.iRR & Sons, 11, 12 & 13, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. THE DOUGLAS CLOVES.— Our wonderful new strain of Hardy Border Clove Carnation has been the sensation of the 1920 shows. Rigid stems, perfect of calyx, glorious scent I They do grandly In any part of Great Britain. Catalogue free to intending purchasers. Seed 2s. 6d. and 5s. — J. Douglas, Great Bookham. FRUIT GROWING FOR BEGINNERS.— By F. W. Harvey. 140 pages. 40 illustrations. 2s. 6d. net ; cloth 8s. 6d. net; postage 4d. extra. — Published at the offices of " ConNTRY Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. STORING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS : with chapters on " Dr>ing in the Gven and by the Kitchen Fire." By Herbert Cowley (Editor of The Garden). 9d. net, by post, lid. — Published at the Offices of " Country Lite," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. JAMES GRAY, LTD., Builders of Conser- vatories. Greenhouses, etc., and Heating Engineers, Danvers Street, Chelsea, London, 8.W.3. Wire ; Gray, Kensington 90. Telephone : Kensington 90 & 91. SUTTON'S GARDEN SEED CATALOGUE: for 1921 is now ready and will be forwirji-d on application. ; Seed Orders are now being daily received in Ijrge numbers and ' immediately dispatched by rail or post. Intending customers ' are respectfully reminded that by sending in their requirements '■ as early .as possible they will miteriallv assist m miintaining , the steady dispatch of orders throujhovit the busy raontlis of 1 January and February. — SUTTOX A- SOXS THE KI\0'3 SEEDSMEN, READING. " ' SUTTON'S VEGETABLE SEEDS. — Byj constant selection and re-seliction year bv year our choicai strains are maintained at the highest standard of excellence.: Our speciality for the week. SUTTON'S PIONEER PEA.' The finest early dwarf ; per pint 2/9 quart 5/-. — SniTON &. Sons, The King's Seedsmen, Reading. NOW IS THE TI.ME TO PL.\NT KELWAY COLOUR BORDERS. — Are you content with your herbaceous border, or have you. blank, unnecessary gaps, or colours that clash? If so, wTite to KELWAY'S. They will plan a border of any' shape or size. There is a special fascination about their' colour schemes that charms with each successive month — a flaming blaze of colour from gold through red and russet to purple, touched here and there with silverv blue and white.; — Kelway & Son, The Royal Horticulturists, Langport, ' Somerset. I SEWAGE DISPOSAL FOR COUNTRY HOUSES. — No emptying of cesspools ; a perfect fertiliser ; no solids ; no open filters ; perfectly automatic ; ever>lhing underground. State particulars. — WiLLUM Beattie, 8, Lower Grosvenor Place, Westminster. IRON AND WIRE FENCING for gardens, tree guards, gates, arches, espaliers, rose stakes, and orna- mental garden iron and wire work of every description. Send for illustrated catalogue. Also kennel railing and poultry fencing. Ask for separate lists. — BouLTON & PAUL, Ltd., Manufacturers, Norwich. BOOKS ON GARDENING, BOTANY, Natural History, Travel, Sport, etc., for Sale at reduced prices. Lists free.— F. G. LiWSON, 20, The Crescent, Truro. WAKELEY'S PATENTED HOP MANURE, — The only reliable and complete i-ubi;titute for Stable manure. See ad\l. on p. iv. THE GARDEN DOCTOR : Plants in Health and Disease, by F. J. CHITTENDEN, V.JI.H., freely illustrated, 7s. 6d. net, by post Ss. A Prospectus of this practical book will be sent post free on application to The Manager, " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. BURBAGE ROSES.— Established 1773. New Descriptive List of over one thousand \arietie3 with handsome coloured plate, 6d., post free. — The Burbaoe Nurseries, Nr. Hinckley, Leicestershire. DUCKS, GEESE AND TURKEYS, by Will Hooley, F.Z.S., F.B.S.A.— A copy of this helpful booklet on the breeding, feeding and fattening of Ducks, Geese and Turkeys, will be sent post free on receipt of lid. addressed to The Manager, " Country Life," Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. SPLENDID YELLOW FIBROUS LOAM Pure Leaf Mould, Coarse Sand, each 5s. per sack. Prepared Compost, 6s. 6f'. Cocoanut Fibre, 5s. 6d. per sack. Kainit, 14Ib. 3s. 9d. — W. Herbert e SCaJcTuf To keep your trees clean and healthy during the winter ; to ensure healthy, vigorous growth and good crops next season, SPRAY YOUR FRUIT TREES ■with COOPER S •WITSTTER FLTJEID Kills mo.'s and lichen ; removes loose rough bark. Non-poisonous. Easy to use. Economical. :: Of agents everywhere. Sole MoiiHfcicfurcrs : WM. COOPER & NEPHEWS, Ltd., Berkhamsted GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES FREE FROM DISEASE WITH GREENHOUSES. GARDENS. LAWNS. O'. COMPLETE SUBSTITUTE for STABLE MANURE SCIENTIFICALLY AND CHEMICALLY PREPARED. In the fnrm of a Icif- mould, re-itly for use at .iny time, in the same way. and for all purposes that stahle manure is put. (lOes further (4 bushels equal linjj I5c\vts.), tlives better result, is clean to handle, sweet smelling, and free from weeds, worms, ete. R«port of Royal Hortlcultaral Society. "Your Patented Hop Manure has been i-sed in the Society'*; Gardens at Wislej . and I am pleased to report that it has proved excellent for the Hower borders, fruit and vegetables grown lioth under jil-i'.s and out in the open air." (Signed) W, Wri.KS, Secretarv. A Bciititifiil Frvc Booklet giving full fxtrticiilars atiii lestinimiials sent on receipt rf Postcartt. ^ir* CEWARE OF IMITATIONS; GENUINE ONLY IN OUR MARKED BAGS. CONTAINING GUARANTEED ANALYSIS. -WE Prices, including hags, I bushel 2'3. 4 bushels » /-. .S-4 bushels 28/9, 10-4 bushels 5S/-. 'JO-4 bushels 100/- WAKELEY'S GROUND GARDEN lIMETcaustlc or Q"uick'Eime)r3/6 bushel bng. carriage forward. WAKELEY BROS. &. CO., LTD., 75a, BANKSIDE. LONDON, S.E.I. THE CLOCHE CLIP PATENTED IN THE U.K. * ABROAD. THE CLIP THAT HOLDS CrOR making continuous and other Cloches for the ri'otection of seeds, plants, * flowers, etc. STRAWBERRIES m.iy be had two or three weeksearlier by their use. Glass of any size may be used, also old photographic plates. The Clip will , ni:ike a rigid Cloche which can be handled without falling apart. Price 7i- doz. Postage: 9d. 1d02_ II- 2 dot. ; over 2 doz. Carrie ge Paid. Cash with order Part'Ciilars and ilesigita of Clnchct in WJrioiif: shiipfs ii'ill l>c .vi'ii/ on tJppliLiition. i THE CLOCHE CLIP CO., 94, Woodbrldge Road, Quildtord, Surrey i IRISH LINEN SALE Throughout January Robinson & Cleaver are offering many of their real Irish Linen Goods at reduced prices. The thrifty housewife will not let this unique opportunity pass by. TABLE LINEN TOWELS BED LINEN BARGAIN SALE LIST, No. 46 S sent p' st free. We Suurantee delivery of all parcels to customer's addr. $s. Piece Linen Damaslc by the yard. Any length cut. 45 ins. wide, 9/3 per yard ; 51 ins. wide, 10/11 per yard. Hemstitched Union Diaper Towels, with DamasU border. Size 25 X 42 inches. Price per half-dozen - 37/9 SPECIAL OFFER. Plain Linen Pillow Cases. 20 X 30 ins. Doz. 55/- 22 X 32 ins. .. 69/- ROBINSON 6? CLEAVER, Linen Manufacturers, BELFAST. LTD. lets there P^ I and makes the Garden T^2«\i gay all the year round r,r^.vi3 IN, BAG & SEAL BEARSTHIS TRADE MARK. Sold evenwhere for Horticultural purposes in PACKKTS lOd. & 1/6, and in BRANDED* SEALED BAGS: 7 lbs. 4/-: 14 lbs. 7/- : 28 lbs. 12- ; 56 lbs.. 22/-; 112 lbs., 40/-: or d ire. t from the Works. Carriage Paid in the United Kingdom for Cash with Order (except PACKETS) CLAY & SON. Manure Mfrs & Bone Crushers, STRATFORD, LONDON.E. January 15, iq^i. THE GARDEN. NOW is the time to plant MERRYWEATHER'S FRUIT TREES SPECIAL ATTENTION QIVEN TO ALL FRUIT GROWERS. DON'T FAIL TO PLANT Bramley's Seedling The Most Satisfactory Apple Grown. The Merryweather Damson AN EXCELLENT CROPPER. The fruit is of enormous size, with the true Damson flavour. BRAMLEY'S SEEDLING. Currant Southwell Red It flowers very Ute, and so escapes lato frosts. Long bunches of bright shiniug red bfrrirs are formed, the individual berries being very large and uniform in size. Wtien gathered it has a very fine appearance and commands the top price in the market. Price 1/-, stronger bushes 1,,'6 and 2/- each. LET US HELP YOU. Advice and quotations free. Send for Catalogue, post free ~o*i apfylicaiion. | H. MERRYWEATHER & SONS, Ltd., Southwell, Notts. - BENTLEY'S Concentrated Alkali (WINTER WASH) A highly effective and most popular Winter Wash for Fruit and Forest Trees of every kind. In tins sufficient to make 22 galls, of Wash. 1 t3 5 tins, 3/7 each. 8 tins, 3/5 each. 12 tins, 3/3 each. 20 tins 3/1 each. 40 tins, 2/11 each. Carriage paid on 201' orders and upwards. WEED DESTROYERS DAISY KILLER (LAWN SAND) INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES FUMIGANTS FERTILIZERS Catalogue on Application. Sole Manufacturers : JOSEPH BENTLEY, Ltd. CHEMICAL WORKS, BARROW-ON-HUMBER, HULL. PERPETUAL CARNATIONS. We have, for prompt delivery, well-grown healthy stock. Catalogue free. YOUNG & Co., Hatherley, Cheltenham. Gold Medallists. Estd. 1890. ■^ Largest Manufacturers of Flower Pots in the World. J? »? jf iHE BEST AND CHEAPEST. SPECIAL POTS for Roses, Vines. Clematis, Orchids, and Chrysanthemums. Fancy Fern Pans Bulb Bowls, from 4d. each. and % No Waiting ! All Orders executed the same day as received. State quantity of each size required, and have Carriage Paid quotation, or write for llustrated Price List. RICHARD SANKEY & SON, LTD., Royal Potteries. BULWELL. NOTTINGHAM. KING'S Acre JOSEPH BENTLEY LTD., having acquired the Goodwill of the old- established business formerly carried on by Messrs. B. Eddy & Sons at Torleven Works, Porthleven, Cornwall, are now supplying all the goods (Netting, Shadings, Strings, etc.) hitherto supplied by Me srs. Eddy's. All orders should be sent direct to J. Bentley Ltd., Barrow-onHumber, Hull. Complete Catalogue furnished on application m 75 Gold Medals and 18 Silver |i Cups Awarded to our Exhibits M during Seasons 1909-1920. M 160 ACRES I I.\CLUDI.\G ^: FRUIT TREES, | VIN FOREST AND ORNAMENTAL | ■ TREES AND SHRUBS, ALPINE m'' AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 1 New Catalogues, containing much use- ful information, free upon application. King's Acre Nurseries HEREFORD. ^'^■ THE GARDEN. 'January 15, 1921. WEBilEEDS Awarded PREMIER HONOURS Everywhere. Six Specialities. Webbs' Emperor Tomato, i,'- k 1/6 pkt. Webbs' New Everbearing Cucumber, 1/6 -p^t Webbs' Little I«arvel Pea (Early), 2/6 pt.4/6 qt. Webbs' New Marrowfat Parsnip, lOd. ounce. Webbs' Mammoth Longpod Broad Bean, 2/3 pt. Webbs' Selected Ailsa Craig Onion, 1/-& 1/6 pi^-t. All who have Gardens should obtain WEBBS' GARDEN CATALOGUE. Beautifally lUnstratad. POST FREE. EDWARD WEBB & SONS (STOURBRIDCD LTD., The King's SeeAsmen, BTOURBRIOGE. A BEAUTIFUL EDITION OF Penneils' Garden Guide is now ready, and will be sent post free upon request. SPECIALITIES : Unusual Quality Certain Germination Low Prices PENNELL & SONS, Lincoln ESTABLISHED 1780. Ryder s invite you to send for a Compli- I mentary Copy of their I Superb Seed &" Plant | Catalogue for 1921. I St. Albans. R.S.V.P. j l^ i^.i Ryders Seeds for 1921 RYDERS are postins their Gitalogue tor 1921 on the Ist January, and all regular cus- tomers wiUreci-ive a copy by January 15th. The issue Is a very large one, and it takes a fortnight to post it. If by any chance you have not received your copy by the middle of January, please send for one. Th ■ bc3tC,.talo:!ue ihat Kyders have ever isaurd, Full of useful informa- tion, handsomely Illustrated with well over 100 pictures In colour and bLaclt and white and containing the iullist possible list of seeds for both flower and l'ear to year. It attains a height of i8 inches and is very sweet, either the white or lilac variety being equally good in this respect. Little grown are the annual Daturas, the perfume of many varieties of which is well nigh overpowering, but they are of easy management and most attractive. D. ceratoeaula, pure white, very showy and fragrant, and D. cornucopea, with flowers deep purple on the outside and white within, can both be confidently recommended for the greenhouse, the latter frequently proving a success outdoors in good seasons. Martynia fragrans, the wonderful Unicorn Plant, is more peculiar than pleasant, but well worth growing for its imique flowers and seed pods. The flowers are buff, somewhat like a Mimulus in shape and beautifully spotted on the throat, followed by huge seed pods shaped like the unicorn's horn. The Night Scented Stock should be sown outside in April, covering the seed but lightly with soil. It is a good plan to use this as a groundwork between some brilliant flower, as its only value lies in its fragrance, but by combination we may have the two together. Mignonette will occur to all in search of pleasant odour and let me put in a special word for the variety Parson's White, an attractive form that is more than usually powerful. Nothing excels the common white Tobacco at dusk, when the flowers expand, a bold mass of several dozens of these perfuming the air far and wide. An entrancinglittle plant, smelling strongly of Almonds, is the Lace Flower, Schizopetalon Walkeri. which should not be sowi until the latter half of April, as it is only half hardy and is impossible to trans- plant. The roots are so delicate that they promptly die if this is attempted, so sow thinly and then if '^^^Kt^'Muj. Y SucitPt4. iMec ''.::^^u^:piWTur^^ C^unm^u^ fuJpl )W* S\jfCiJt- Y^-tA. ixJ~ CJjuury JhiUvtki^ttvK* /"**■ ^«: '^, yj. ^'^fX^ ■"S^^^-^k^ ''"S^S^ Jo UO -S'O A BORDER OF ANNUALS FOR HEAVY SOIL. 10 January 15, 1921.] THE GARDEN. 31 too thick, thin out to 6 inches apart. During the dav the flowers remain tightly closed, but about six o'clock commence to unfold into delicate, finely cut squares, just like lace. Sweet Peas, of course, are grand and need no more than a mention as they are so indispensable from every point of view. Sweet Sultans, too, are superb, particularly for cutting, their delicate shades appearing especially well under artificial light. These should be sown early to ensure the best results for, like the Cornflowers, they are never better than where self sown. This means that they germinate at the ea r 1 i e s t moment and thrust their roots deeply before the heat of summer comes. H. W. C. W. GROUPING HARDY ANNUALS FOR COLOUR EFFECT By JAMES HUDSON, V.M.H. VERY pleasing effects may be made with annuals alone, or in conjunction with other hardy plants, from the standpoint of colour simply. I have seen in two distinctly different gardens very beautiful effects made with varied shades of blue in one case, and that near to the sea ; and in another with varied shades of pink and mauve, these latter being kept quite apart, although they might have been blended together. To enumerate what might be done in this way in full would take more space than can be afforded ; but the suggestion made may be the means of setting garden- lovers thinking of what may suit their individual tastes, and with a careful selection be suitable to the situation or locality. Blue-flowered Annuals. — -i will enumerate a few blue-flowering annuals that may be so used. \'iscaria coerulea, a rather uncommon plant, pale blue in colour and one that lasts well ; Anagallis linifolia coerulea, a Gentian blue, dwarf in growth, thriving better in poor soil ; Linum perenne, a lovely shade of blue, flowering for a long period, an annual well dese r V i n g of ex- tended culture ; Kemesia h y b r i d a Blue Gem, which I have recently heard well spoken of ; and Nemophila insignis, bright blue with white eye. Pink Flowers.— In shades of pink there is also a good choice, but probably not quite so many dwarf-growing plants. Here Sweet Peas will provide a wide range of colour. I have seen these used with a lovely effect in conjunction vith Clarkia elegans, C. pulcherrima and C. integri- petala. These, if well cared for, will last a long time in flower. The pink shades of the Candytuft will supply an excellent variation of rather dwarf plants, also lasting well if not grown too thickly. The pink forms of Aster sinensis will serve a useful purpose, especially late in the season. There are also varied shades of pink to be found in the Godetias, bordering somewhat on to rose, no doubt, but still admissible. Lavatera splendens rosea is a distinctly useful annual of robust growth. CHINA ASTERS UNDER TREES. growing and somewhat prostrate Zinnia Haageana, in three or more shades, are valuable, not only from the point of effect, but also for their enduring character. The dwarf-growing Marigolds, also the Tagetes, are very effective and last a long time in flower. In Dimorphotheca aurantiaca we have an extremely useful yellow annual, and one that rather enjoys a dry situation. Of this annual and D. pluvialis we have also a selection of hybrids, all of which will, 1 think, blend with the yellows. Any reliable catalogue will supply a further choice. Crimson-Coloured Annuals could easily be found in a seed catalogue. Among these the Coreopsis will be found most enduring, likewise Linum grandiflorum coccineum and \'iscaria cardinalis. In using these, however, I should, personally, be disposed to tone down the colour by using other annuals with white flowers. For fences where rapid growth is needed, nothing surpasses the Tropa-olums, from the yellow T. canariense to the T. Lobbianum, in great variety. ANTIRRHINUMS IN A BORDER OF HARDY FLOWERS. wants support ; Linaria maroccana, in the blue shades of colour and varied ; Asperula azurea setosa, light blue and fragrant ; Aster sinensis, in the blue shades only ; Sweet Peas, the pale blue, lavender, hel.iotrope and dark blue shades ; Brachy- come iberidifolia, the blue shades, suitable alike for beds and rockwork ; Centaurea Cyanus, in the blue ■shades ; Eutoca viscida, a beautiful shade of blue and of compact growth ; Phacelia campanularia. better in a poor soil than otherwise. The'shades of pink in Phlox Drummondii further enhance the list. Viscaria elegans picta, as a somewhat dwarf plant, is useful and distinct ; Silene com- pacta varieties, as prostrate-growing annuals, are very effective. Yellow and Orange Flowers. — In varied shades of yellow and orange there is a wide choice, notably among the Calliopsis (or Coreopsis). The dwarf ANNUALS AS BEE FLOWERS In making out the seed list for the coming season, the bee-keeper should always include some annuals which are sought after by bees, either for the sake of their nectar (remember no flower contains honey), or for their supply of pollen which is such an essential food for the young larvae. The following is a short list of hardy annuals belo\-ed of the honey bee. Any or all are worthy of a place in the flower garden. Alyssum niariti- mum ; Centaurea Cyanus, common blue Corn- flower; ClarUia pulchella ; Coreopsis tinctoria; Cynoglossum Wallichii. a little known annual, about 9 inches high, with deep blue flowers similar to a Forget-Me-Not. it blooms best in a poor soil ; Eschscholzia californica and its many varieties ; Gilia tricolor ; Iberis umbellata, the common Candytuft ; Limnanthes Douglasii ; Nemophila insignis and N. maculata ; Nigella damascena Phacelia campanularia, P. tanacetifolia, P. viscida and P. Whitlavia ; Reseda odorata. the common Mignonette, thrives best if plenty of fine mortar rubble is mixed with the soil before sowing ; Saponaria calabrica ; Schizopetalon Walkeri ; Silene pendula. All the annual species of Poppies are niuoli sought after by bees for the sake of their pollen. I.. BiGG-WlTIlER. 32 THE GARDEN [January 15, 1921. ANNUALS SUITABLE FOR POTS A variety of Annuals tnay be grown in pots in a greenhouse to bring into conservatory or dwelling-room for indoor decoration when in flower. DURING the last few years many stoves and greenhouses have lost much of I their former glory, plants having ' died owing to the lack of fuel or they have been discarded in consequence of the labour shortage. Now we are getting back to something like the normal, many of these houses will be re-stocked with flowering subjects, and during what is known as the transition stage we cannot do better than employ various annuals to furnish a display. They are of easy culture and very little fire heat will be needed. Among the best for this purpose will be found the Clarkias of the elegans class ; they embrace Scarlet Beauty, a really fine salmon scarlet with double flowers ; Salmon Queen is fine ; Firefly a vivid rose crimson, and several others of equal merit. They make ideal pot plants, excellent for cutting, and grow about 3 feet high. Antirrhinums are always admired and great improvements have been made during recent years, both in regard to colour and the general habit of the plants. Nelrose should be selected if only one kind is grown, but any catalogue will give sufficient variety to satisfy the most fastidious taste. Sweet Peas of the winter flowering group are also excellent subjects, and with a little extra care and attention when admitting air and giving water they may be had in flower soon after Christmas. They are offered in several colours, such as pale mauve, dark blue, crimson, white and pink, and they are a great improvement on the Cupid type. Milde%v is their chief enemy, but I have found an occasional spray with a weak solution of Cyllin Soap a most effectual remedy. Sow several seeds in small pots at once, and when these are fairly full of roots transfer to their flowering size, viz., pots 7 inches to 8 inches in diameter. Grow in a cold frame till the begin- jHE bea ning of October, then remove them to the cool greenhouse where they will flower. Mignonette is usually a favourite on account of its delightful fragrance, but only the dwarf forms should be chosen. It is best sown in 5-inch or 6-inch pots and then thinned out to about three plants. Make the soil rather firm. The Schizanthus are well known, being beautiful free-flowering half-hardy annuals, particularly the grandiflora hybrids and some of the dwarfer kinds. For a spring display seeds should be sown from August to October, and they make fine plants for dwelling house decoration. The seeds may be sown in pans, and the seedlings potted off when large enough, or several seeds can be placed in small pots and then thinned out, leaving three of the largest plants. Scabious and Salpiglossis are also useful for pot work, while many others will occur to the thoughtful cultivator. Among the half-hardy annuals Salpiglossis smuata is one of the very finest for growing in pots. It readily responds to good cultivation, when it grows to a height of 4 feet, and gives a grand display of its charming bloom. No doubt many readers remember the wonderful display of Salpiglossis shown by Messrs. Sutton and Sons at the last Chelsea Show. The flowers are trumpet- shaped, and it is one of the annuals that it is safe to grow with the colours mixed, for though Careful watering is also essential or some will damp off, especially among the Clarkias. A light airy position such as a shelf in the Peach house is an ideal spot for these plants, and during their growing period it is advisable to pinch out the centre of the strong growths to encourage side shoots. This is done in the early stages. Green- fly must be held in check by occasiona fumigations. T. VV. Briscoe. UTirUL SALPIGLOSSIS ARE EASILY GROWN the colom-s range through many shades of yellow, red and purple, they are all of a harmonious quahty, and the richness of the tinting is increas( d by a deeper veining. Salpiglossis should be sown in heat at the end of February. The seed is minute, and sfiould only be just covered. As stated above, there is nothing difficult regarding the successful cultivation of these plants ; for general purposes seeds should be sown in August and each plant should be given a separate existence as early as possible, excepting the Sweet Peas and Mignonette. Ordinary potting compost, such as a mixture of loam, leaf-mould and sand, ivill suffice, with ample drainage material in the base of the pots. Most of the plants will flower in 6-inch and 7-inch pots, but during the winter months all the light possible is needed and air must be admitted on all favourable occasions. Annuals to Sow in Heat A CERTAIN number of annual plants whose native place is a much warmer climate than ours would only move very slowly, perhaps not at all, if sown in the open. They are those that we class as half hardy and are sown in pots, pans or boxes in a frame or greenhouse, to be pricked off into other boxes when they are large enough to handle and are finally planted out at the end of May or quite early in June for summer display. Some of them are, in fact, perennials, but have been found to give a good show in their first year and are, therefore, suitable for our use as annuals. Pentstemons and Antir- rhinums are examples of such plants. The Snapdragons will jbe among the first to be sown, in February, so that they may be pushed on and get to flowering strength as early as may be. Lobelias and Ageratums will also be sown early, and some of the large things of fine effect that arc so often forgotten, such as the large Solanums and Daturas. The latter are really peremiials, but used as annuals with us — grand subtropical • plants of American origin. Thunbergia alata, a trail- ing plant with buff or orange flowers and a black eye, is more often grown for the greenhouse than the open garden, but will do well on a warm, sunny bank. Torenia Fournieri, another old favourite, is also raised in heat as a greenhouse pot plant it should be more generally grown. The beautiful Ipomcea rubro- ccerulea (Heavenly Blue) must also be sown in heat and pushed on fori planting out in early June IN POTS. with other tender climbing plants such as Mina lobata, Maurandia Barclayana, Cobasa scandens and the blue Passion Flower. Lobelia and Ageratum may be sown early to be followed by Petunia, Dimorphotheca, Phlox Drummondii, Dianthus Heddewigii and Sphenog>aie. Among the latest to be sown should be Sunflowers and the French and African Marigolds, for they germinate quickly and soon get drawn. G. J. Pentstemons. — Where wintering these most valuable plants in cold frames, they must be well aired upon all suitable occasions ; also such subjects as Antirrhinums and Calceolarias, always remembering dampness is a greater enemy than frost to many such subjects. The same remark apphes also to the Brompton Stocks, another most useful batch of plants ; where these are growing in shallow beds in cold frames, a number could be potted up now, if required, to augment the supply for the conservatory later. January 15, 1921.] THE GARDEN. 33 THE BEST ANNUALS FOR LATE DISTRICTS Varieties that will Succeed in any Cold Situation. THE time has now arrived for the ordering of the different seeds for the garden, and as many amateurs, and not a few professional gardeners, are sometimes at a loss to know just what is likely to succeed in their districts, a few notes on annuals, hardy and half-hardy, may, 1 hope, be of service to some of the readers of this journal who are in any doubt on the subject. My notes are based on an experience of seventeen years in one locality, so the information may be relied on. Several of the kinds mentioned are really peren- nials, but invariably give the best results when treated as annual plants. Antirrhinums. — Few plants have come more to the front for bedding purposes during the last six or seven years than the homely Snapdragons. That they have been wonderfully improved goes without saying. While all sections are useful in their way, I much prefer the intermediate, as they flower profusely and are less formal than the dwarf kinds, while they require no staking. Th'.- shades of colour are now so varied that all tastes may well be satisfied. Particularly good are Barr's Queen of the North (white), Barr's Yellow, Barr's Scarlet, Sutton's Deep Crimson, Sutton's Fire King, Sutton'^ Carmine Pink and Sutton ^ Bright Crimson. Sow the seeds in heat about the end of February. Nemesias. — I have grown these gorgeous flowers for about fifteen years, and consider them the finest of all dwarf annuals They succeed in all kinds of seasons, and in this district, at all events, no other plant can give such a display in beds or borders. The large-flowered, or Suttoni section, is the more brilliant, but Sutton's dwarf hybrids are much pre- ferred for bedding, as the plants are more floriferous and branch out beautifully. Many fail with these fine flowers by sowing too early and in too high a temperature. Give only very moderate heat to germinate the seeds ; never more than 60°. The seedlings are rather tender at first, but as soon as they are pricked off they manage to gain strength, Dimorphotheca aurantiaca.— I have grown this for three successive seasons, and it gives a very fine display. Sow the seeds during the first half of March and treat just like China Asters. Double-flowered Pot Marigold. — This I find gives a great display in large beds. Treated like a half-hardy annual, the blooms are much larger and more double. Sutton's Orange King is very fine. StOClss. — ^The East Lothian Stocks, if sown in heat not later than the middle of February, give much more satisfaction than the Ten-week kinds. Forbes' or Methven's strains are probably the best to be had anywhere. Mimulus. — Sutton s Giant Mimulus, treated as a half-hardy annual, gives a wonderful display on a damp north border. Sow in March and treat just like Asters. Nigella.— A grand hardy annual, the variety Miss Jekyll being the best, both as regards size and colour. 1 1 is best sown thinly during the last half of April where it is to bloom. Candytuft. — The large white Spiral Candytuft makes a very fine bed, and blooms for a much longer season than the older varieties. Lupines.' — Sutton's atrococcmeus is by far the best of the annual Lupines here. Sow where they are to flower towards the end of AprD. Thin out well. 1 1 is a mistake to sow hardy annuals too early in late, cold gardens, as slugs do so much harm when growth is slow. The last half of April and the first week in May I have proved to be best suited for this locality. C. Blair, Preston House, Linlithgow. Hydrangeas in Tubs The value of the large-flowered Hydrangeas for culture in pots or tubs is now generally recognised by all good gardeners, but it cannot be said that they are used for this purpose so extensively as they might be. As will be seen in the accom- panying illustration, the use of a few well-grown specimens will often transform a bare and com- paratively ugly place into a home of beauty. As the flowers are produced during several months of late summer, and the plants need little attention beyond watering and an occasional application HYDRANGEAS IN TUBS ARE USEFUL FOR HIDING BARE PLACES. Shirley Poppy. — A good strain — we grow Barr's — makes a very effective bed and blooms for a long season. Nemophila.' — -This homely little annual flower is much admired when sown in a large mass. Must be well thinned while still in a small state. Eschscholzia. — One of the best flowers for dinner-table decoration in small vases if picked when only half open. Carter's Carmine King and The Mikado are fine, as is Mandarin. Sow on poor sou. Mignonette.— -Barr's Covent Garden Favourite is a giant Mignonette with a delicious scent. It blooms for a long period if sown on good soil in which some Ume rubbish has been mixed Thin to 9 inches apart. Malope. — This annual is very effective in large beds or as clumps, 'and is excellent for cutting. of a recognised fertiliser, these Hydrangeas may be regarded as plants giving an abundance of blossom for the minimum amoimt of labour. These may be had with creamy white, pink and blue flowers. Although hardy in many districts when planted out, those in tubs should be given the protection of a cold greenhouse or outhouse for the winter months, when they wi 1 n turally be in a dormant stble. Rock and Water Garden. — Should alterations be in hand, speed them up upon all favourable o' ^asions so as to allow time for the settlement of materials before planting is done. In carrying out entirely new work, endeavour to do so in sympathy with the established features of the- garden or woodland, and avoid, if possible, creating artificial hills and other features where hopelessly out of place. 34 THE GARDEN. [January 15, 192 1. SOWING-TIME WHAT TO DO NOW AND HOW TO DO IT By the editor. HAVE you ordered your Sweet Peas and other annuals — -your Peas, Broad Beans, and the general run of kitchen garden crops? If not. let me advise you to delay no longer. It was a pity to have missed , opportunities at sowing-time last year. Do not neglect to sow this spring. Sowing under Glass. — With many seeds it is best to sow in frames, afterwards pricking off the seedlings and transplanting outside. It is a great advantage to sow in pans or boxes. A very convenient sized box is 14 inches long. 9 inches wide and 3 inches deep. Old kipper boxes are very suitable for the purpose. If there are only a few seeds of a particular plant to sow, then the box may be divided by placing a stick or sticks across. The box must be well drained -with crocks and rough leaf soil. -A suitable com- post for seed sowing consists of two parts of loamy soil and one of leaf mould, with one part of coarse sand. Pass this through a quarter-inch mesh sieve, using the rough stuff remaining in the sieve to put in the bottom of the box for drainage. Fill the box lightly with the soil, then press down moderately firm with a flat board. How to Sow. — If there is one thing more than another that the beginner needs to be warned against, it is thick sowing. No matter how often should be sown next month are : Asters, especially those of the beautiful Comet section ; annual Larkspurs — among the most popular of all blue flowers; Stocks; and Love-In-a-Mist. Snap- dragons, although not strictly annuals, are best sown early in the year in boxes, and hardened off for planting out about the second or third week in April- Quite a number of beautiful Snap- dragons have been introduced during recent years, a few of the best being : Sunset, Crimson King, Moonlight, Cottage Maid and Nelrose. Sowing Seeds Outside. — Xo frame or green- house is necessary to raise t h i- W a 1 Iflower from seed. Sow them on a spare piece of ground dur- ing .April or May. Per- haps the best method is to sow Wallflo w e r in shallow There is no excuse for sowing as thick as Mustard and Cress. It is advisable, however, to sow twice as thick as the plants are to remain — that is to say, the seedlings should be about i i inches apart, and each shallow trench should contain a double row Protect the seedlings in their early stages from birds either by pea guards or by placing strands of black thread criss-cross over the rows. This should be done immediately after sowing. For an early gathering on a sunny border. Pilot is one of the very best. For succession, Duke of .Albany, Quite Content, Gradus and Discovery are reliable, while Rearguard, Gladstone and .\utocrat are hard to beat as late varieties. Annuals for Poor Soils Nasturtiums if grown on rich soil become masses of foliage with but few flowers, or if flowers PRICKING OFF THE SEEDLINGS WHE.N JUST BIG ENOUGH TO H.\XDLE. SPRINKLING SEEDS ON FINELY SIFTED SOIL IN A SEED BO.K. ft his warning is given it is seldom fully accepted, and thousands of seedlings are wasted every spring because they are too thickly sown. Large seeds like those of Peas and Beans can be placed separately an inch or so apart. For smaller seeds the following method, which has been adopted t)y a reader of The Garden, may be followed; " Take an ordinary flour dredger made of tin and sow your seeds from it, or, if very fine seed, a common pepper pot is best. And the seeds should ' t)e mixed with fine sand or soil." Some Annual Flowers for Spring Sowing.— It should be observed that annuals do not need the same amount of stimulating food as perennials. Indeed, to get the best results from most annuals a soil that errs on the poor side is essential (an exception to this is the Sweet Pea, but even with this charming flower, when needed only for decora- tive purposes, many growers attach too much importance to manure). .Among the annuals that drills, as shown by the illus- tration on the oppo- site page. The drUls should be I foot apart The surface of the soil is raked to a fine tilth, and the seeds are covered to a depth of i inch to :j inches. .A sprinkling of lime or soot over the ground will assist in keeping away slugs and snails from the tiny seedlings. The following annuals may be sown in .April where they are to flower : Poppy, Mignonette, Miss Jekyll s Love-In-a-Mist and Larkspur. The sowing may be broadcast, i.e., thinly all over the surface, or they may be sown in shallow drills as recommended for the Wallflowers Sowing Peas. — Before sowing it is essential that the ground should be trenched and enriched with well rotted manure Let the manure be thoroughly incorporated with the soil as the ground is turned over. Sow this month in shallow trenches, as these offer protection for the seedlings. It is just as well to take the precaution of coating the seeds with red lead before sowing, and, where mice abound, traps should be set. The seedlings should be thirmed out to about 3 inches apart are produced they are hidden by the taller-growing foliage. The soil should be deeply dug early in the year, leaving the surface in a rough condition until the time for sowing the seed. .Aeration of the soil is most important. Alyssum minimum makes an effective edging, growing close to the ground with small white flowers which are most freely produced until late in the autumn. Cornflowers. — One of the hardiest of annuals, in many shades. The pink is a charming colour, and all are most useful for cutting. Coreopsis. — Often seen growing in town gardens under conditions far from suitable for the culti- vation of many plants Eschscholzia.— Many new varieties have been introduced during recent years. One of the most notable is the Geisha, the outer side of the flower being orange crimson and the inside golden yellow. Eutoca viscida. — Profuse blooming, with bright blue flowers suitable for bees. Linum grandiflorum rubrum is an elegant free-flowering hardy annual with brilliant scarlet flowers. Linaria. — Annual Linarias are very hardy ; they produce varied coloured flowers resembling miniature .Antirrhinums and are very suitable for the supply of cut flowers. lUatthiola bicornis (Night-scented stock). — Should be grown in every garden for the exquisite perfume which it so freely exhales during the evening. Nemophila. — Well known and largely grown, there are white and spotted varieties, in addition January 15, 1921.1 THE GARDEN. 35 to the better known blue, which are very attractive. Phacelia campanularia. — A very early-flower- ing annual with bright bell-shaped blue flowers which last a long time. Annual Poppies.— Many of these will grow well on a poor soil. Although the flowers could not be compared in size with those recently described in The Garde.v, Shirlev Poppies have been grown on a poor gravel soil. The Peacock Poppy (Papaver pavoniumi and the Tulip Poppy (P glaucum) are also good varieties for this purpose. Salvia Blue Beard.— Self-sown plants of this annual have often appeared on a brick-paved path, the rooting medium being pure red sand in which the bricks were set. Colin Ruse. GARDENING OF THE WEEK FOR SOUTHERN GARDENS. The Flower Garden. Bedding Plants. — Where there 15 a great demand for such plants as Geraniums. Iresiue, Coleus. Salvias and Heliotropes, propagation will now call for serious effort. By introducing the old plants which were potted up in autumn intj a warm, moist atmosphere an abundance of suitable cuttings win soon be available. The Kitchen Garden. Onions. — -Where large bulbs are appreciated. •or required for exhibition, seed may now be sown in boxes or pans of light rich soil and placed in a Vinery or Peach-house with a night temperature of about 50° Fahr. Plants thus raised are practi- cally immune from the Onion maggot, a Vu.luable point where this pest is frequently troublesome. Broad Beans. — -As soon as weather permits and soil is in suitable condition, another sowing may be made to follow those sown in autumn. Should frames be available, or sufficient space for growing in pots or boxes for early work, the outdoor sowing may be postponed for a whUe. It is a good plan to sow in boxes and transplant. Peas. — It is almost impossible to get this much appreciated vegetable too early and. if possible some frame room or portion of a cold house should be devoted to them. Sow also in boxes for transplanting on warm outside borders as soon as conditions permit. Carrots. — If not already done, a sowing of a quick maturing variety on a gentle hotbed will be found most useful. Radishes may also be sown, and a sowing of an early Cabbage Lettuce will soon come along, if encouraged, and ^vlll be much more appreciated than the autumn-sown batch. Potatoes.— These may be grown in pots, boxes or narrow borders in cool houses to furnish the first supply. If grown with other subjects see that plenty of light and air reach the plants. Probably the best results are obtained when they are grown in frames on a gentle hotbed, taking care to weU cover the frames on cold nights as soon as growth is through the soil. If the frames are heated less importance is attached to this operation. The Hardy Fruit Garden. Black Currants.— Where big bud is very bad the trees should be grubbed up and burnt, but in some cases hand picking of the offending buds may be sufficient. The method of culture adopted by some market growers of this fruit appears to me an excellent plan for combating this pest When making a new plantation, so plant that every other bush may be cut down to the ground each season. There is thus always a young and ^■igorous plantation to rely upon. Loganberries. — This is one of the best fruits for bottling, and where the demand is keen for fruit so preserved it can be thoroughlv recom- mended. It is also a commendable jeUy fruit. The culture is of the simplest, merely removing old canes and weakly or superfluous voung ones during winter months and regulating those retained. It is' not a bit fastidious as to soil, and I have seen good fruit gathered from plants grown in almost any aspect. Outdoor Vines.— Pruning may now be carried out. cutting back to one or two good eyes, unless required for extension, when the deciding factor must be the ripeness of the voung canes. If this is satisfactory 3 feet to 5 feet is not too much to leave. Plants Under Glass. Herbaceous Calceolarias.— A batch of these certainly make a gay display when in flower, but whether of much decorative beautv is open to question. .\void a dry or high temperature, and watering must always be carefully attended to An occasional fumigating should be given to help keep them clean. H. Turner. (Gardener to the Duke of Northumberland.) Albtiry Park, Guildford, Surrey. FOR NORTHERN G.\RDENS. The Kitchen Garden. Cauliflowers in Frames. — Where these are wintered in frames for planting out early, care should be taken that they are grown as sturdilv as possible ; giving an open exposure on all good Forcing Shrubs and Bulbs.— Azaleas Rhodo- dendrons and a few plants of Staph ylea colchica should now be put into heat to keep up the display later ; both Spira;a oonfusa and Spiriea arguta multiflora are also excellent for forcing. Hyacinths and Tulips promise well and a nurnber of these should be lifted from the forcing boxes before flowering fully and placed in bowls, with the addition of a few Ferns for drawing-room decoration. Cold Frames.— Cuttings of Violas, Pentstemons and other subjects should be looked over occasion- ally and the frames always kept well aired during open weather. Pick out all decayed leaves and encourage hardy growth. Fruit Under Glass. Vines. — Where there may only be two Vineries in the establishment a very suitable time to close down the early house is about the middle of this month ; keep a nice regular temperature, graduallv increasing it as the buds break. Differences of opinion arise as to the temperature of early Vineries, but rather err on the cool side than have it too hot. In excessive heat the conse- quences generally are weak wood and foliage that can ill resist the attacks of insect pests, with which we are all more or less familiar. Peaches. — The second Peach-house may now be closed, but it is not advisable to have much fire-heat for the first week or so. When a little artificial heat is admitted, syringing may be commenced ; but discretion must be used, and DRILLS MADE READY FpR SOWING WALLFLOWER SEED. They sliutihi be 1 foot apart, and, after solving, the ground should be sprinkled ziith soot to keep slugs and snails azaay. days, and eaving a chink of air on the frames at night unless the weather is very severe. Tomatoes. — A sowing should now be made so that an early crop may be obtained ; a nice warm pit is necessary for this sowing, otherwise there is much trouble through damping during dull weather. Carter's Sunrise and Ailsa Craig are two fine varieties for early work, being free setting, of good flavour and niedium size. Cucumbers. — .A first sowing should now be made, a good plan being to sow singly in 3-inch pots and grow on in the stove : they can after- wards be transferred to a suitable ' forcing pit or a good hotbed. Sutton's Improved Telegraph is an excellent sort for early cropping. Plants Under Glass. Carnations. — The second lot of newl -struck cuttings of Tree Carnations should now be potted up. using 3- inch pots for this purpose; a fine compost should be given the plants to work in. If in a fairly warm temperature spray occasionallv until rcxit action begins, then place on a shelf as near the glass as possible. CalceDlaria Clitrani.— This elegant and useful subject is now throwing out strong shoots, so should be staked with .(-feet tapering canes ; care must be taken, as the growths at first are most brittle and easily broken. Where two year old plants are grown, it is not unusual to see specimens ,s feet in height. For conservatorv decoration during April it is unsurpassed. during dull weather the damping of the paths will suffice. When the sun-heat causes the temperature to rise to about 65° air should be admitted, but care must be taken to close down the house as soon as any falling of the mercurv takes place. The Pleasure Grounds. General Work. — Many shrubs transplant well at this time, and if any ha\'e outgrown their bounds and are still suitable for transplanting they may be used with advantage for filling any vacant spots, while many an unsightly part may be made beautiful by the judicious arrangment of a few of these large shrubs. Pruning may also be done ; strong growing subjects, like Laurels and Rhododendrons, may be cut hard back if necessary, but many of the rarer or weaker growing sorts should just be lightly trimmed into shape and any dead wood cut out. Plants suitable for autumn colouring should not be missed out when planting takes place. Pyrus ?rbutifolia is not often used, but is beautiful, as are also Rhus cotinoides (Chittam Wood) and Euonymus atro- purpureus. Coloured bark should also be thought of when planting, few things being more attractive than Dogwood and coloured WUlows, especially against a snowy landscape : while as a tree the Silver Birch is always a distinct feature in the pleasure grounds. James McGran. (Gardener to Sir Henry H. Houldsworth, Bart.) Coodham. Kilmarnock. A.ii. 36 THE GARDEN. [January 15, 1921. CHINA ASTER5 and HOW to GROW THEM No Garden is Complete Without these Old-world Flowers THE China Aster is at liome in every English garden, from the largest to the small cottage garden. They are old- fasliioned flowers of happy associations, and no garden is complete without them. Their cultivation is quite simple. A child may grow them. The earliest plants are raised under glass, either in a warm frame or greenhouse, and the present is quite early enough for the first sowing. Another batch should be sown towards the end of March, and for this a cold frame answers well. Out- door sowings may be made, where the plants are to flower, from the middle of April until the second week in May. Sown at different times as suggested, Asters may be had in flower over a considerable period. For sowing under glass, use boxes or pans about 3 inches deep, and see to it that they are well drained. Good loam two parts, decayed manure or leaf-soil one part, and sharp sand one part, the whole passed through a half-inch- meshed seive and thoroughly mixed, makes a good soil for seed-sowing. After the boxes or pans have been well drained and some rough soil placed over the drainage, fill the receptacles with the sifted soil, so that when it is pressed moderately firm it is rather more than half an inch from the top. Scatter the seeds thinly and cover with sharp, clean sand. This is better than soil, as it keeps the collars of the seedlings com- paratively dry, and so prevents decay, usually known as damping off. Seedling Asters should always be grown as sturdily as possible, and with that object in view afford them all the ventilation that is reasonably possible from the outset. It is safe to assert that many tliousands of plants are annually ruined through being subjected to too much artificial heat ; those sown at tlie end of March and grown on in an entirely cold frame are usually the best. When the seedlings are about iJ inches high, they must be pricked off 3 inches apart into other boxes or pans filled with soil similar to that advised for seed-sowing, except that it need not be so fijely sifted. Shade from sunshine for a day or two after pricking off, and then grow on as near the glass as possible so as to keep the plants sturdy. Towards the end of April and during the first week of May remove the frame- light altogether during the daytime, and about the third week in May the plants may be safely planted out in the open. Chinese Asters appreciate a rich and rather cool soil, hence where they are to be grown should be deeply dug and rather heavily manured, using manure that is fairly short and well decayed, and see that it is thoroughly mixed with the soil. About a foot apart each way is a good distance to plant .\sters. The accompanying illustration, which aptly portrays the flowering capabilities of Asters when well grown, is from a photograph taken in the gardens at The Old Hall, Fritton, near Great Yarmouth. Norfolk. Orchard House. — ^The thorough cleaning of the trees and structure being completed, the house may be closed. Artificial heat must at all times be sparingly used. Air freely when outside conditions are favourable, and always aim at creating cool and natural conditions, as undue hastening of the flowering period will almost inevitably spell disaster, or at any rate unsatisfactory returns. Where the trees are growing in the borders, it may be necessary to apply a top-dressing, the chief portion of which should be good fibrous loam made thoroughly firm, .\void all mulching until the sun has warmed the soil. CHINA ASTERS IN A NORFOLK GARDEN. January 15, 1921.] THE GARDEN. 37 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. — The Editor endeavours to make The Garden helpful to all remlers who desire assistance, no inatter what the branch uf gardening may be and ivith that object makes a special feature of the "Answers to Correspondents " columns. AH communications should be clearly and concisely written on one side of *he paper only, and addressed to the Editor of The Garden, 20, 2'amstock Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. The name and address of the sender are required in addition to any designation he may desire to he used in the paper. When more than one query is sent, each should be on a separate piece of paper. Plants for naming sliould be clearly numbered and securely packed in damp grass or moss, not cotton-wool, and floiveritig shoots, u-here possible, should be sent. It is useless to send small scraps that are not characteristic of the plant. Letters on business should be sent to the Publisher. TREES AND SHRUBS. PRUNING THUYAS (Joe B., Sussex).— U the Thuyas planted as a hedge appear to be sufferiug from the trans- planting, it would be wise to prune them a little at once If, however, they appear to be all right, leave them alone until spring. One must be guided by the condition of the plants as to the amount of pruning necessary. PROPAGATION OF ILEX AQUIFOLIUM FRUCTO- LUTEO {Essex). — Ilex Aquifolium var. fructo-luteo or fructo-auraatiaca can be increased by inserting cuttings of young shoots, about i inches long, in sandy soil in a cold frame or under a hand-light in July. Seeds can be sown, but the seedlings will vary a good deal in the colour of the berries, a large percentage of them probably being red. It is therefore necessary to fruit the plants before placing them in permanent positions. Another method of propagation is to bud or graft the variety upon stocks of the common Holly. This, however, is an objectionable practice, for there is a distinct tendency for suckers to appear from the stock and interfere with the development of the «cion. THE GREENHOUSE. BEGONIA GLOIRE DE LORRAINE FAILING (./. S. C, Ayr). — Something has been amiss with the watering or the ventilation of the house in which the Begonia is growing. So long as the affected parts of the plant are not used for purposes of propagation, cuttings may be taken without fear. HOW TO COMBAT THE CHRYSANTHEMUM MAGGOT (Y or kshi reman, Doncaster). — The pupa of the Chrysanthe- mum maggot is often in the soil and the fly is therefore able to attack plants in spite of the old plants being burned. There are two ways of combating it. The plants may be sprayed with paraffin emulsion. The smell of the paraffin is obnoxious to thefly, wliich is thus deterred from laying its eggs. After the maggots hatch out and begin to burrow, spraying with a nicotine wash will do much to lessen their number. The wash may be made by dissolving a quarter of an ounce of nicotine and 5 oz. soft soap in tliree and a half gallons of water. If only a few plants are involved the maggots contained in the burrows may be killed by pinching the leaves between finger and tliumb. FRUIT GARDEN. DAMAGE TO MAIN STEM OF AN APPLE TREE trong plants to start with. If they are in 5-inrh pots, pinch oft the tops of the plants, leaving stems about - inches long — above the surface of the soil. If only the point be removed, probably only two or three new shoots will grow again ; but by taking off I inch or 2 inches of stem, five or six side shoots will grow, and fairly even in strength. After stopping, do not water too frequently, but keep the soil rather drier than usual for a week or ten days. When the side shoots have grow-n about 2 inches in length and the pots are well filled with roots, repot the plants in 6J-inch pots. Pot moderately firmly and use a really good compost consisting of fibrous loam, leaf-soil, rotted manure and a 6-inch potful of bone-meal to two bushels of the above combined parts. Frame Treatment. — A wise plan is to grow as many plants as there is ample room for, so as to avoid overcrowding at all stages. Place each pot on a tile on a bed of ashes in the cold frame Give a thorough watering when necessary. Never give driblets, which merely wet the surface soil and leave the bottom portion too dry. Ventilate freely after the plants are established in the new soil and when the weather is mild, but avoid cold draughts, as every plant must be well furnished with healthy leaves. The foundation of the bush plant is now laid, and it must be strengthened by the judicious use of manures. When the plants have filled the pots with roots, give a stimulant in the form of nitrate of soda, dissolving loz. in two gallons of water, and with this water once only. The effect is to increase the size of the leaves and stems, and to cause a very free break of new shoots u hen the next stopping takes place at the end of April. Shift the plants to 7j-inch pots directly they are sufficiently rooted, and when duly recovered from the effects of the shift, remove the frame lights altogether during fine weather and so prepare them for a position on a bed of ashes in the open air. Naturally late-fiowering varieties will not need stopping again ; they will now possess from twelve' to eighteen branches, and the latter will bear fine blooms in November from crown buds. But these and other late varieties may be taken on to terminal buds, when the number of blooms will be doubled and the flowering take place in December. Earlier-flowering sorts must be again stopped at the end of June, with the result that each plant will possess from twenty-four to thirty-six shoots, and if terminal buds are selected, the fifty or more blooms per plant will be obtained during the latter part of October and in November and December, according to the varieties grown. Do not use too many sialics, but have neat ones . and keep the branches well spread out. Place the plants in an open but sheltered position after the final potting has been done in lo-inch and ii-inch_ pots. Good Varieties for Bushes. — Source d'Or, orange and gold ; Lizzie Adcock, yellow ; Mary Richardson, salmon, a single ; White Countess ; , Kathleen Thompson, chestnut crmison ; Embleme - Poitevin, rich yellow ; W. Turner, white ; A. J. Balfour, pink ; Caprice du Printemps, deep pink ; Mrs. W. Buckbee, white; Pink Pearl; Baldock's- Crimson ; Mrs. Rundle, white ; Mme. R. Oberthur, white; Heston White; Cheshunt White, very late ; and Thorpe's Apricot. Avon. Spraying Gooseberries with Lime Sulphur Fluid Lime sulphur spray fluid is prepared by mixing one gallon of concentrated lime sulphur (specific gravity, 113) with thirty gallons of water. On certain varieties, i.e., Keepsake, Lancashire Lad, Crown Bob and Freedom, the spray fluid at this strength is liable to cause leaf scorching and, in consequence, the fluid should be applied at half strength, namely, one gallon of concentrated lime sulphur (specific gravity, 113) to sixty gallons of water. Attacks of Gooseberry sawfly are also to be expected, and should be dealt with on the first signs of attack, and not two or three weeks . later when partial defoliation has taken place. This pest may be kept in check by adding 61b. of Hellebore powder to every thirty gallons of the dilute lime sulphur solution. JANUAKY 13, IQ2I.] THE GARDEN. vu. GIANT SWEET PEAS Only genuine direct front WEM. Are the mammoths of the Sweet Pea World. In spite of their large size, the blooms are perfectly formed and possess a choice deiic'cy of colour not to be found in other varieties. Every grower 6f this charming flower should send direct for one of the following collections, which will give a long display ot finest fl'jwers of the most exquisite colours. 12 Varieties separate and named 5/6 18 „ .. .. 8- 24 30 ■10 50 106 126 176 22 6 POST FREE FOR CA^H WITH ORDER. All the above are of the finest Exhibition quality, magnificent for all purposes. containing a wonderful r^inge of the most gorgeous colours ; all strong growers giving splendid flower stems with giant flowers. WRITE FOR A CATALOGUE of all the Finest Svfeet Peas. HENRY ECKFORD.PRHs The Sweet Pea. House, (Dept. 61), WEM, Shropshire. A/so {he finest Flower Seeds. Vegetable Seeds. Potatoes, etc. ^IMW^MMMAMWMMMkMMMRMWMMMMIM^MMMMWMWMaafkfVWWVM^ WATERERS' SUPER SEEDS for VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDENS. Descriptive Catalogue and Garden Guide Free on application. SCOTCH GROWN SEED POTATOES are quoted at extremely advantageous rates. Our stock is of the finest qual- ity we have ever handled. PROMPT DESPATCH. SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. JOHN WATERER, SONS & CRISP, LTD., SEED MERCHANTS, TWYFORD. BERKS. POPPY, Ryburgh Hybrid Rc-sclcctcd Hardy Annual. One of the most gorgeous and beautifully Hardy Annuals of recent years. Double flowers in grand mixture of colours. Flesh, pink, rose, bronze, orange, and salmon. Strong plants for planting now till March. 2/6 doz., 16/6 100. Seed, 1/2 packet ; cultural directions. NASTURTIUMS "Rybupgh Perfection." Leaves variegated silver and gold ; bright scarlet flowers, true stock. These make a gorgeous bed. Packets, 8d. and 1/2. SWEET PEAS A real good Exhibition 12, 5/-. Edna May Imp., 20 ; Hercules, 30 ; Mrs. C. P. Tomlin, 20 ; King Manoel, 30 ; Lavender (King's), 12 ; May Day, 20 ; Dobbie's Cream, 20 ; Royal Purple, 20 ; Charity, 15 ; Doris, 15 ; John Ingman, 30 ; Mrs. A. Hitchcock, 15. General Catalogue on application. G. STARK & SON. Gt. Ryburgh, Norfolk Stronghold Seeds for Lawns. Famed throughout the United Kingdom 55/- 50/- PEE BUSHEL ON LIGHT SOILS PER BUSHEL ON HEAVY SOILS. CARRIAGE PAID. STEWART & CO., Seedsmen & Turf Experts, 13, South St. Andrew Street, EDINBURGH. CARNATIONS FOR ANY AND EVERY PURPOSE LARGE FLOWERING PLANTS in 6 in. Pots for Green- house or Garden cultivation, from 35(- per dozen, carriage extra. Immediate or deferred delivery. HARDY BORDER CARNATIONS. We have simply magnificent stocks of all the best varieties. The undermentioned collections are available: — Coll. No. Ic— 6 d-slinct varieties. 12'- Coll. No. 2c.— 12 disiiDCt varieties. 24'- Coll. No. 3c.— 100 Plants in llie twelve b(st standard varieties, 110- Carriage and packing free for cash. ALLWOODII. The new hardy Garden Plant. Half Pinlc and half Carnation, it needs no culture, but grows by itself anywhere, and flowers perpetually from Spring to Winter. We can give immediate delivery, and offer the undermentioned collections : — Coll. No. lb.— 6 distinct varieties. 11'- Coll.No.2b.— 9 distinct varieties (including 3 novelties),23|6 Coll. ho. 3b.— 12 distinct varieties (including all 6 novelties). 40/- Carriage and packing free for cash. CULTURAL BOOKLET. 6d. post free. Fully Illustrated and descriptiv? Catalogue will be forwarded post free on request. } WbcD yoD ibink of Cernalions yoo Ibink of The leading Carnation Raisers i-nd Specialists in the World, Dept. 4, HAYWARDS HEATH. SUSSEX LETHORION IMPROVED VAPOUR CONE Introduced 1885. NOTHING yet intro- duced has surpassed this valuable method of Fumigating Greenhouses. It combines economy with efficiency in every way, and is certain death to all pests, without any injury to vegetation 1 Only a match required for starting it ! Full directions Retistered Trade .Mark 62°5 fOr USC On CaCh ConC. Nicotine is the effective agent in this Fumisator! Prices.— No. 1> for Frames and "Lean-io's" up to 1.000 cubic ft.. 10J. each ; No. 2. for Small Greenhouses up to l..iOO cubic ft.. 1 3 each : No. 3. for general use in Large Greenhouses from 2 000 to 2.500 cubic ft., 1/9 each. Sold by the Trade generally. Important to Gardeners and Fruit Grow/ers. "NIQUAS" (IMPROVED) Regd. THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NON ■ POISONOUS INSECTICIDE OF THE DAY. It has the advantage of a small addition of Nicotine, thus rendering its effects more deadly to all insect pests. No possible injury to the most delicate Plant, Flower, or Foliage. One pint makes 10 to 12 gallons for Thrip, Black and Green Fly, etc.. whilst RED SPIDER. Mealy Bug and Scale can be t'h roughly eradicated by using " NIQUAS " about double The str,.pgth required for Fli'. PR ICES.- Half-pint, 1;4; Pint, 2 3 ; Quart, 3 9 ; Half- gal., 6-; Qallon, 11-; Drums, each, Five Qalls.,. 361- ; 10 Qalls., 62f6; 20 Qalls., 120 -. To be had from the Trade generally. .Manufacturers : CORRY & CO., Ltd. LONDON, S.E.1. vni. THE GARDEN. [January 15, 1921. POULTRY NOTES By W. POWELL-OWEN, F.B.S.A. SEVERAL jurther egg records have come to hand from readers, and it is quite clear from them that my correspondents Know how to obtain the elusive winter egg. Laying of White Wyandottes.— Captain F. W. Brooke of Fenstanton, Hunts, writes: "On August 28 you published in The Garden my letter to you about the laying of five White Wyandotte 1919 pullets, and I think you might like to know the twelve months' results. As I then stated, the first egg was laid on Novem- ber 17, and the first bird to start was the last to leave off, and she ceased laying on November 11. The five birds laid 1,007 eggs, which is an average of just over 201 each. They cost in food £4 7s. 5 Jd-. and the value of their eggs was £15 5s. 4d., so that they earned as near as possible £2 3s. 7d. each. The hens are not in lay again yet, but one or two of them look as if they should be soon." Laying of Pullets. — 1 have received several egg-cards from readers giving the laying of puUets from October. It is very dangerous to endeavour to pass judgment on pullets when bearing in mind their winter output only. Among puUets we have plodders, sprinters and supers, and the bird putting up the best winter total is not always the one that will finish the year with the highest total. She may lay weU to March and then slow down, being overtaken by the "plodder" which has just a good winter record, and will go on to put up a nice fuU-year total of eggs. The ideal plan is to select each year a given number of pullets and to trap-nest them for their whole first season of lay ; in their second year the best can be bred from. If one intends to breed from pullets and is relying on winter output only, select birds that are above the average as well as the super layers, and weed out of the breeding pens only the duds. Marking tlie Chicks.- — Supposing we decide to breed from all pullets that have averaged twelve eggs or over per month from October up to hatching- time, our next plan will be to carry on the good work of trap-nesting and to toepunch the chicks so that the latter can be distinguished. When the chicks are well grown we can compare the laying records of the various dams and decide then which of the progeny to keep or sell and which are the more valuable. While trap-nesting is strongly advocated, 1 think this little warning is necessary, because so many poultry-keepers think they have a super in every bird that lays 28 eggs in as many days in any winter mouth. The yearly totals are what we should rely upon for greater accuracy. Yearly Records. — -Often at a show of utility poultry an exhibitor cannot understand why his bird failed to win when it has laid 60 eggs in 61 days. That, unfortunately, may only mean that the bird is a sprinter. 1 had a case last year where a White Leghorn pullet laid 119 eggs in the six winter months and yet only totalled 211 for the twelve months. She was on the coarse side, and six months of semi-intensive management saw her fat by Jlarch, when egg production slowed down and broodiness took place, and later on there was the early moult. Longevity of laying is one very important factor in trap-nesting, and it always pays to trap-nest hens in even their second and third seasons in order not to waste valuable breeding material. A hen is good enough for breeding for four or five years, and where trap-nesting is carried out over many years one can always be keeping the very best hens on and getting quality in the progeny. Second-Season Laying.— As a general rule hens lay fewer eggs in their second than in their first year of lay. But I have known cases where by the judicious use in the breeding pens of hens that laid a greater number of eggs in their second season this factor has been worked into the strain. The same applies to colour. One Rhode Island Red pullet will moult out into a second- year hen that is patchy all over ; another will remain a grand colour for seasons. The latter is the one to select for breeding purposes in an endeavour to maintain the factor within the strain. In short, the balance is always in favour of the poultry-keeper who possesses the power of obser- vation and knows something about breeding No poultry-keeper can expect a ready-made article, whether in males or females. I can tell you what is ideal in both, but it is up to each poultry-keeper to strive to obtain that ideal. Advantages Held by Fanciers. — There are to-day many old-time fanciers who, having taken up the breeding of utility fowls, find themselves at the top of the laying tests and among the premier awards at utility shows. Their knowledge of breeding has helped them to a remarkable degree. I have often explained in my notes the ideal utility male with his fine- textured head- points, fine pelvic bones and nice-textured abdominal flesh. But you cannot pick up such birds every day, or here, there and every^vhere. When you buy an odd cockerel he may be very wide of the ideal, but you must breed a nice flock of youngsters and from them select that bird which is nearest the ideal. And you do this year after year until the fruits of selection give you the reward. In other words, you must breed quantity to get quality, and then must practise very strictly the art of grading in eggs, growing stock and matured birds. Shows and Showing. — My record at Tottenham Show has been broken, but fortimately 1 have broken it myself by setting up a new record. At Tottenham 1 had 500 utility exhibits to judge on my score-card system. Recently at the N.U.P.S. Show, where the birds were judged on my score- carding plan, over 1,000 utility birds competed, and that represents the greatest entry any utiUty show has obtained to date. Of that number over 600 birds came into my classes, and some of the classes had tremendous entries. For instance, there were 66 White Leghorn males in one class, 84 White Leghorn pullets, 72 White Wyandotte pullets and no less than 67 breeding trios (over 200 birds in one class) to produce layers. A Lancashire poultry farmer whose name was a household one in fancy circles a few years ago won with six entries, three firsts, three cups, third and fifth, and the same man won the Northern Laying Test just concluded. Apart from showing that his exhibits, scored by me on my card system, could win red tickets and cups as well as laying tests, it interests me to think that fanciers who know all about breeding are concentrating on the production of utility fowls. Condition of Breeders. — -The use of second- season hens as breeders when mated with a young, vigorous cockerel may be regarded as the ideal, but this has its drawbacks. For instance, the best laying puUets are invariably those which lay throughout the usual moulting period of August onwards. By the time egg production ceases and they start to moult the bad weather is with us, and such hens are not always in fit condition for mating up by December. In such cases I prefer to mate them up later and to rely upon other pens for early hatching eggs. After a full year's lay and the strain due to the moulting season one must allow such hens time to get fit before they are expected to commence egg production again and to produce robust chicks. Break away from the old idea that mating-up merely means dropping any sort of male bird into a pen of hens. When you mate up your poultry pens you must reap a harvest that is according to yom' own sowing. Early Hatching.— Many readers intend to hatch out early broods, and a few helpfiJ bints will not be out of place. Remember first of all that it is not the natural hatching season. If you set a broody hen, make sure that she is well fleshed, fit and fluffy. And give her nine or ten eggs and not more than she can keep warm. Make her a far cosier nest than you would in the spring or summer, and use plenty of nesting material. Let her have a grain feed morning and night to ensure fit condition, and on bitterly cold days cover the eggs with flannel when she is off them. Collect the eggs regularly and often, because in cold or frosty weather the germs are affected and the shells are often broken if the eggs are left in the nest-boxes too long. When collected store them in a drawer in a reasonably warm place in plenty of bran and hay with flannel or felt at top and bottom, turning the eggs daUy and using them when as fresh as possible. Test every pen early for fertility and hatchability before you sell any sittings, thereby preventing disappointment, replacement of infertiles and loss. ADVICE ON POULTRY MATTERS. Mr. W. Powell-Owen, The Garden Poultry Expert, will be pleased to answer, free of charge, any question dealing with poultry-keeping. A stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed, when a lengthy and detailed reply will be posted promptly. Communications should be sent to Mr. W. Powell- Owen, care of The Garden, 20, Tavistock Street, Strand, W.C.2. Samples of foods {report thereon and suggested use), is. bd. ; post-mortems, 2S. bd. each. Send samples and dead fowls (latter by rail and letters under separate cover) direct to W. Powell-Owen, " Powell-Owen " Poultry Bureau, 47A. High Street, Hampstead. N.W.z. January 15, 192 i.l THE GARDEN. IX. WATERERS' SUPER FRUIT TREES PER DOZ. 12/- EACH Standard Plums - 7 6 Bush Apples - - 5 - to 7,6 Bush Pears - - 5 - to 7/6 Bush Plums - - 5/- to 7 6 Bush Cherries - S/- to 7 6 IMMACULATE TREES, CLEAN AND STURDY. Currants, Black Red White Extra fine fruiting bushes. PER DOZ. Loganberry - - 18- Phenomenal Berry 18 - EACH. King's Acre Berry 5/- Inspection of our MAGNIFICENT STOCKS at TWYFORD NURSERIES iswelcomed and solicited. Descrif}tivc Cafiilofitie cind Guide frt:e on application. CQ JOHN WATERER, SONS & CRISP, Ltd., The Nurseries, TWYFORD, Berks. Guaranteed Garden Supplies 1^ Mr a Rea I for yo ■ Lawn, When you need Real Good Thing youp Garden, Allotment or games let us know. Every Enquiry Welcomed. Practical advice given FREE. IF WE DO NOT GROW STOCK or Manufacture it WE WILL FIND IT FOR YOU GARDEN SUPPLIESLd. Cranmer St. LIVERPOOL. DOBBIE'S CATALOGUE And Guide to Gardening. Spring 1921 A FREE COPY Will be sent to anyone iitterestetl in Gardeninii u-ho makes appli- cation and mentions The Garde.n" eur House ii noted for HIGH. GRADE VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, and SCOTCH SEED POTATOES, and PLANTS. IN SWEET PEAS WE ARE PRE-EMINENT. DOBBIE & Co. Ltd. EDINBURGH. Seedsmen and Florists to H.M. the King, Seasonable Wants WILLIS BROS.' Garden Fertilizer NOT A SUBSTITL'TE. BUT A REAL MANURE for digging in or as top dressing. NO STABLE MANURE REQUIRED. 1 cwt. 17 6; * cwt. 10/-; ■>»\b. 5/6 £16 10s. per ton. Carriage Paid. VINE MANURE and Vine Border Compound, Coarse or Fine. 30,- per cwt. : 16- i cwt. RUSSIAN MATS New, just arrived. Size about 7 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in. Limited supply, 42- per doz., carriage paid. WILLIS BROS.' WINTER WASH For spraying Fruit Trees, prepared from recipe of celebrated Canadian Apple Grower, who is noted for his clean fruit and orchards. 10;6 per gal. ; 50 -.i gals. Carriage Paid. Tins included. WILLIS BROS. Horticultural Manure Manufacturer. HASPENDEN, HERTS. THE DOG : MAN'S FIRMEST FRIEND— How to choo.*e .111(1 care tor mm, by A. Croxton .Smith. A lop.v of this helpful booklet on the housing, breeding, feeding, :ind care of dogs will be sent post free on receipt of lid. addressed to The Jlanager, " Country Life " Ltd., 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, W.C.2. Work in Comfort with warm feet You can defy the damp if you wear a pair of CALOR CLOGS They're just ascomfot table and warm as boots, but they're much cheaper. With a pair of Calor Clogs you can w rk in the worst weather and still have dry feet at the end of the day. Calor Clogs are made of good grain leather, lined with felt. Soles are of wood. Well finished and useful. For men and wcmen. Price 8/1 1, post paid. No.C5i!9. Also in lacing Style C524, Sizes 2 to 5 ... 7i 1 1 I Sizes 6 to II ... 8 6 Men's and Women's Watertight Derby Clogs, at 9/6. 12/6, 14/6; Children's Clogs from 4/11; Wellington Clogs, felt lined and unlined, 16/6 and 22/6; Rubber Wellingtons. Men's sizes, 18/6 and 2 1/-, Women's sizes, 17/6 and 19/11. Children's, from 12/6; Men's Long Rubber Thigh Boots. 21/-. All post paid. Send for our free Illtistrnied Catalogue. WM. PATTERSON & SONS B89 OVERGATE DUNDEE *5Z5e PRICE (Free on Rail) TYPE k.^S ngle Frame. Size : 4k. by 5(t by I5in.. by 9in. £2 9 6 TYPE A. — Double Frame. Size : 8fl. by ift. by I Sin. by 9n. £4 13 O SECrrONAL GARDEN FRAME (~\N all points the Slade Frame scores — in value and price il's unbeaten. It does the same work as the clumsy brick built frame but It can be moved about, taken to pieces, and reassembled at will. It's perfectly proof against draught, damp, vermin, etc., and conserves maximum quantity of natural heat. In Booklet B you will find further interesting part.culars — why not write for it ? The SLADE SYNDICATE Ltd. (DIretors : E. J. W. Slade and M. W. Slade). 35, Surrey St., Strand W.C.Z GET THIS BOOK " CULTIVATION BY MOVABLE FRAMES" By H. C. Cowley, Editor of '■ The Garden ' 1 - Post Free. THE GARDEN. [January 15, 1921. THE WRINKLE IS TO SPRINKLE ^LEANSU TTIMMY is always happy when he is ^ assisting in the work of the home and making the household tasks easier. Use Vim for washing-up after meals. Sprinkle a little over greasy plates, pots and pans, and the grease is cleaned off instantly. Vim is splendid for cleaning cooking dishes. It con- tains no grease. VIM also cleans Steel, Iron, Brass, Paint, Marble, Tilework, Windows, Floors, Oil- cloth, Linoleum, Glassware, Earthenware, Enamelware, etc. Don't apply VIM dry. IN SPRINKLER-TOP CANISTERS, AND PACKETS Of all Grocers, Stores, Oilmen, Chandlers, etc. LEVER BROTHERS LIMITED, PORT SUNLIGHT. January 15, 1921.] thf: garden. XI. No. 49a. Small Greenhouse. Size I ft. by 8(t. (other sizes made). Painted two coats. Glazed with 15 oz. glass. PRICES ON APPLICATION. Ready for immediate delivery. Carriage Paid to station ; in England and Wales. You can erect this Green- house in 90 minutes. This splendid Greenhouse for Amateurs comes to you in sections — glazed, painted, and complete in every detail — everything so accurately fitted (even bolt holes ready drilled) that in about 90 minutes you can erect and have it ready for occupation. The parts fit together almost as easily as a sectional bookcase. The illustrations show : (I) No. 49a, Greenhouse in actual use. (2) The Sections of one half of the house put together. (3) The constructional units of the other half of the house, forming one side, half of roof, and one end. It IS advisable to set the House on a 4^- inch brick footing, or we can supply tarred sleepers at extra cost. This Greenhouse has the characteristics of all B. & P. Structures — sturdy strength and splendid finish — given by the best of sound selected materials, built up by skilled craftsmen — the only kind of buildings which give convincing value for money in lasting usefulness. Enquiries invited for Heating Systems, Conservatories, Vinery Ranges, Peach Houses, Carnation Houses, Garden Frames, etc., of all descriptions, u-ith requisite accessories. WRITE FOR LIST OF GARDEN FRAMES AND SMALL GREENHOUSES. ouiton emu 1^ TELEGRAMS . LONDON OFFICE > BOULTON. NORWICH ! Chlcf OffJCC & Works : "5 7, QUEEN VICTORIA ST. ^ Q J? ^^ I C H • ■Ol'T'Q"^ CENTRAL LONDON CLrPHONE > NORWICH asi T«'«phon.. CENTRAL 4649 THE PROFIT & PLEASURE OF A WARM GREENHOUSE Fruit Trees in Bloom in Greenhouse. THE Greenhouse is an INDOOR GARDEN tmth manx times the possibilities and pleasures oj the one outside. A Garden from which you can have CHOICE FLOWERS, FRUIT, and VEGETABLES, in season and out of season, all the year round, no matter whether it is a wet year, dry year, or any kind of year. If you INVEST in an efficient Heater and a simple system of Pipes, these possibilities are verv greatly multiplied. Apart from the grozmng of Blooms there is the opportunity of RAISING SEEDLINGS for the VEGETABLE G/IRDEN outside, as well as brimming to perfection GRAPES, CUCUMBERS, TOMATOES, or FRUIT ON DWARF TREES, &c., all a source of nutritious Food, and a splendid DIVIDEND on your investment in that Heating Apparatus. THE "HORSESHOE BOILER is used by thousands of satisfied Amateur and Professional Gardeners as the best investment possible for securing a uniform temperature without trouble in all weathers. BURNS 12 to 20 HOURS without attention. It is working in the Botanic and Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, &c.. &c. Send a Postcard with the size of your Greenhouse and ask for List 42, C. P. KINNELL & Co., Ltd. Southwark St., LONDON, S.E.1 NATIONAL SWEET PEA SOCIETY 21st Exhibition 1921. £25 for Three Bunches If our 3 novelties Gladys, Giant Attraction, Sensation are in the 1st Prize Exhibit Class 1 1 GO Guinea " Daily iVIaii " Cup we will give winner £25. If only 1 bunch £5, if 2 £15, if 3 £25. Our Novelties can be obtained from most seedsmen, 12 seeds 1 /6 or direct : E. W. KING & Co., Ltd., Sweet Pea Raisers, Coggeshall, Essex. The largest English Sweet Pea Growers. Send your order now foi j THE NEW raspberry! LLOYD GEORGE PERPETUAL FRUITING 13 - per doz. Also my new Violet, 20- per doz.. carriage paid. J. J. KETTLE, Violet Farm, Corfe Mullen, Dorset Send a Post Card for a copy of our beautifully Illustrated and Descriptive Catalogue of ^0^ Scotch Seed Potatoes and otht:r Vegetable and Flower Seeds. \o keen gardener should be without this most interesting Guide, which gives comparative results of a cropping trial of about 30 of the most popular varieties of Potatoes. Write to-day mentioning this paper. St>ecial quotations to lar/ie buyers, also to Allotment Associations. THYNE & SON Potato Merchants DUNDEE xn THE GARDEN. [January 13, 1921 n^33! ♦CID+CD* ^M—f3— 13—1—13^11— ii—»ii—r3—ri^»n^^c M M hi THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN SPECIALLY NOTED FOR THE REVIVAL OF THE CULTIVATION OF ANNUALS, AND MANY GARDEN LOVERS HAVE BEEN SURPRISED TO FIND HOW NUMEROUS WERE THE NEW VARIETIES, AS WELL AS THE OLDER AND FOR- GOTTEN BEAUTIES. THAT COULD GIVE A FRESH CHARM TO THE GARDEN. SCOTSMEN SEEM TO HAVE REALISED THIS EVEN MORE THAN THE SOUTHERNER, AND IT ASTONISHES THE VISITOR FROM THE SOUTH TO SEE THE EXTENT TO WHICH ANNUALS ARE GROWN IN THE NORTH AND THE EXTRAORDINARY VIGOUR OF PLANTS THAT PRODUCE FLOWERS IN ABUNDANCE TILL LATE IN AUTUMN. THE NU.MEROUS DELIGHTFUL ANNUALS-SUCH AS CANDYTUFT, COREOPSIS. CLARKIA, CHRYSAN- THEMUM, ESCHSCHOLTZIA. GODETIA, LARKSPUR LAVATERA, LINARIA, NEMESIA, NIGELLA POPPY. SALPIGLOSSIS. SWAN RIVER DAISY, SWEET SULTAN, CHINA ASTERS, STOCKS. ANCHUSA VISCARIA, AND OTHER BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS (NOTABLY ANTIRRHINU.MS), WHICH. THOUGH NOT STRICTLY ANNUALS, CAN BE GROWN IN THE SAME MANNER-WILL PRODUCE MOST EFFECTIVE DISPLAYS IN BEDS AND BORDERS AT A MUCH SMALLER OUTLAY, AND IN MUCH LESS TI.ME THAN CAN BE OBTAINED BV OTHER MEANS. Full descriptive lists of all these and many other choice Flowers will be found in the pages of SUTTON'S GARDEN SEED CATALOGUE FOR 1 92 1 ,MXrtcx/Kf< THE KING'S OICO SEEDSMEN READING M M tt W rt M Hri^T 7— r s— r 3— g 3— r i— r i— r i— -r— 1 1— I i^j^naji^ri^n— r I— 1 2—: Printtd by The Avenue Pkess, 55 & 57, Drury Lane, London, W.C.2, and Published by "Country Life." L MIXED. Mt 20, Tavistock Street. Strand, W.C.2. THE THE FRUIT FARM POULTRY WOODLAND Vol. JLXXXV.— ^o. 2566. entered r s Second-class Matter At the New V'ork. N.Y., Post Oftice Saturday, January 22, 1921 REGISTERED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AS A NEWSPAPER AND FOR CANADIAN MAGAZINE POST. Price THREEPENCE Yearly SLibscription Inland. 17:4: Foreign. 17/4 CLEMATIS FARGESII. A useful Climber for Arbours and Verandas (see page 43). MERRYWEATHER'S ROSES FOR THE GARDEN! FOR EXHIBITION! FOR BEDS! FOR EVERYWHERE! Also Fruit Trees, Shrubs. Ornamental Trees. Please state your wants. H. MERRYWEATHER & SONS, LTD. Garden Specialists, SOUTHWELL, NOTTS. BEAUTIFUL POPPIES for 1921 SHIRLEY POPPY, Selected Strain, of light graceful habit, with beautiful satiny flowers ranging in colour from delicate shades of rose, apricot, salmon-pink and blush to glowing crimson, all with white centres, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, 6d. and I /- NEW DOUBLE QUEEN POPPIES, a lovely new double strain of Shirley Poppy type, flowers double and semi-double of the most delicate and brilliant colours — white with salmon, pink, or crimson margin, orange- salmon shaded white, fiery rose-scarlet shading down to white, cherry-red shading to white, brilliant scarlet with white centre, &c., all showing yellow anthers, hardy annual, 2ft. Per packet, I/-. POPPY "IRRESISTIBLE," a lovely strain, producing large double fringed flowers, brilliant rose to blush-rose and salmon-rose with large white centre, hardy annual, 2Jft. Per packet, 6d. and I/- Descriptive Catulngue of other choice Flower Seeds free on appUcntion. BARR & SONS, 11, 12 & 13, KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON, W.C.2 ORCHIDS of vigorous habit and superior coDstitution. A visit to our Establisbmeot is cordially invited to inspect our immense and interesting STOCK RAISED BY THE PURE CULTURE SYSTEM Choice Species, Rare Botanical Specimens, Albinos in warm and cool sections also a speciality. Expert advice given and all requisites supplied for the goo I culture of Orchids. CtiARLESWORTH & CO., "^h\^tS°^ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 1921. NEW JAPANESE VARIETIES FOR Ready 1st week in February, ex 2h inch pots. Mrs. John Balmer. Indian red, gold reverse. F.C.C.. N.C.S. Norman Chittenden. Largest white to date. F.C.C.. N.C.S., A.M.. R.H.S. Belena Ma gerison. Large pearl pink. F.C.C.. N.C.S. Nadine. Extra large golden bronze. F.C.C., N.C^. The above four varieties should be in every exhibitor's stand this year, price 7/8 each, the set for 25/-. two of each for 47 6 NEW DECORATIVE VARIETIES. Teresa. Lovely bronze apricot. F.C.C.. N.C.S.. A.M.. R.H.S. 5 • each. Estelle. Large single variety : colour, pale yellow. 3i6 each. Catriona. A very fine exhibition single, rich old rose, with white zone. 3/6 each. Qciicral Ca'alotiuc now ready. \oveIfy List ready early Jautiarv, post free from KEITH LUXFORD & CO., SHEERING NURSERIES, HARLOW, ESSEX. THE GARDEN. I January 22, 1Q21. i< THE GARDEN" CATALOGUE GUIDE NOTICE TO OUR READERS IN order to avoid waste in the printing of catalogues, readers are advised to apply to the following firms for the citalogues they require. We therefore beg to point out that the undermentioned lirms w ill be very pleased to send their useful catalogues to our readers free of charge, on receipt of a post card. Garden Sundries Rose Specialists ELISHA J. HICKS, M.C., N.R.S., etc. HURST, BERKS The Champion Decorative Rose Grower of England Fruit Trees and Plants KELWAY & SON Retail Plant Department LANGPORT, SOMERSET Hardy Plants Colour Borders Gladioli ERNEST HILLS The Rhvdd Nurseries Hanley Castle WORCESTERSHIRE Herbaceous Plants orall kinds. Sendfor Descriptive Cata- loguB. Antirrhinums a Speciality. HARDY AZALEAS AND FLOWER INQ R. &. G. CUTHBERT SOUTHGATE MIDDLESEX Established 1797 SHRUBS For planting and Conservatory decoration. Catalogue of our new and beautiful varieties post free LAXTON BROS. Nurseries BEDFORD Strawberries and Fruit Trees PERRY'S Hardy Plant Farms ENFIELD, MIDDX. New Alpines and Perennials Complete Collection PULHAM & SON Nurseries ELSENHAM, ESSEX Garden Craftsmen Rockworkers Rock, Alpine and Herbaceous Plants Seeds and Bulbs R. H. BATH Ltd. The Floral Farms WISBECH Home-Grown Bulbs and Seeds BLACKMORE & LANGDON TwERTON Hill Nitosery BATH HENRY ECKFORD Wem SHROPSHIRE DAWKINS 408, King's Road CHELSEA, S.W. Begonias Delphiniums Gloxinias Cyclamen, etc. Swaet Peas and Garden Seeds Fertilizers Seed Catalogue or Allotment List Post Free on application J. JEFFERIES & SON, Royal Nurseries CIRENCESTER Ltd. Cotswold grown Vegetable^ Flower Seeds, the finest strains obtainable G. H. RICHARDS 234, Borough LONDON, S.E.I Trade only. XL ALL Insecticides Fumigants and GARDEN SUPPLIES, Limited (Boundary Chem. Co.) Cranmer Street LIVERPOOL All Garden Estate and Sport Requirements YOU WANT Really Good Seeds AT MODERATE si;.\ji T(i PRICES CORRY & CO., Ltd. Shad Thames, S.E.r and Bedford Chambers CovENT Garden, W.C.2 Merchants and Manufacturers of Horticultural Sundries Fertilizers and Insecticides, etc. J. BENTLEY, Ltd. Barro\v-on-Humber HULL Weed Destroyers Lawn Sand Insecticides Fertilizers G. H. RICHARDS 234. Borough LONDON, S.E.i Trade only. XL ALL Fertilizers and Agricultural Manures The New CO., Ltd. Station Road DESTRUCTOR PERSHORE Rubbish Destructors BARNARDS, Ltd. NORWICH Garden Espaliers <& Trainers. Par- ticulars of our Stock on applica' tion. ROBERT SYDENHAM LIMITED 99, TENBY STREET, BIRMINGHAM No one will serve you better. A FEW PRICES FOR 1921. BEET. Cheltenham Qreen Leaf, i>i&t for fiavnur Dell's Black Leaved, -iiiuctli. Tii'-.liuni-sii'.ia runts Early Model Qlobe, li.^t rdiiiul Viuicty BORECOLE. Cottager's, on.' of til.- Iiardi'st Dwarf Qreen Curled Scotch, tlir best Dwart Asparagus, il''Iiriuus ti;ivoiir BROCCOLI. Veitch's Self-Protecting Autumn Snow's Winter White Spring White, vrrv hardy Late Queen, tlir h.st life Purple Sprouting, most usrful hardy Sort White Sprouting, (lilkious flavour Landscape Gardening WHITELEGG & CHISLEHURST WRITE US CO. Landscape and Garden Archi- tects, specialise in Rock, Water and Formal Gardens, etc. Heating Apparatus C. p. KINNELL & CO., Ltd. Greenhouse Heating Southwark St. .London, S.E.i Boiler List No. 42 Post Free R. WALLACE & CO., The Old Gardens TUNBRIDGE WELLS Ltd. Landscape & Oarden Arctiitects. Oueen Alexandra'.s Cup for Best Rock and Water Garden. International Sho«, I91J. HODSON'S, Ltd. s8,Castlegate NOTTINGHAM H3.SQ several good men available, and can carry out any work promptly. Rocks, Water Stone Paved Gardens and General Landscape Work or J. CHEAL & SONS, Ltd. Landscape Nurseries Gardeners CRAWLEY Shrubs, etc. GOLD MEDAL PERENNIAL PHLOX: 12 Grand New Varieties - - - 20/- 12 Very Fine New Varieties - - 15/- 12 Very Best Older Varieties 10/- NEW IVilCHAELIVlAS DAISIES 12 Grand New Varieties - - - 20/- 12 Very Fine New Varieties- - 15/- 12 Very Best Older Varieties - 10/- The above are good plants and delivered package and carriage free for cash with order. H. J. JONES, Ryecroft Nurseries, Lewisham, S.E.I 3. BRUSSELS The Wroxton, tin vry ihst Darlington, ilw.nf lul.iist. SPROUTS. 6y^ HAND-PICKED SEED POTATOES, SCOTCH GROWN. Send for our Illustrated List. It will interest you. A COMPLETE GUIDE TO POTATO CROWING. TOM E. KING, LTD., SEED POrATO GROWER, SOMERSHAM, ST. IVES, HUNTS. Conti\iclor to His Majesty's Guvcrniiicnt. t. \-fl y JToilllrt ivi' CABBAGE. Ellam's Early Dwarf Spring First and Best, l«>t for Auluinu mowing Blood Red Pickling, larsir solid heads Drumhead (Suvoy), tust lor general croi) CARROT. Early Nantes, fur rarly ciup James Scarlet, lir^-t ^rlcetcd Scarlet Intermediate, b<^st foi exhibition CAULIFLOWER. Dean's Early Snowball, -cl-cftd Atiain AM the Year Round, v- ly iii>tinrt, latu*- ht-ail-^ Early London, 1"-I ftn u<"iicral u^c Veitch's Autumn Qiant, htst for u-se in Autumn CELERY. AM Leading Varieties LEEK. The Lyon, Iiot ami larjzt-l Musselburgh, fur cini nil u-^f LETTUCE. AM the Year Round, oxct-H*'nt and rciiabli' Unique, p'l'tty flrllrp-; tend* r a lonj; timo Qiant Paris White (Cos), best for sumnn-.r Balloon (Co^), largest of all . ONION. Excelsior (trm), packots 750 soods 6d. . . Ailsa Craig, packet^ 750 seeds 6d. White Spanish or Reading Bedfordshire Champion . . ... Qiant Zittau, iiin- of thr tirst ki'pprrs Qiant White Tripoli, \n>x fWit wliitr onion PARSNIP. Hollow Crown, ^prcjuliy Mlrcfd. . SPINACH. Summer or Winter . SHALLOTS. Best Selected Roots ... TURNIP. Model White Stone Extra Early Milan Purple-top .. Qolden Ball 'T OZ. 9d. 9d. 90, 8d: lOdi^ lOd^ * 8di.1 1/- 1/21 lOd.l 1'-' 9d;i ■t 8di(; 8d., 8d.. er pkt., 6d.1 6d. I 6d. . per oz. 1;6 I 3dji per oz. 16. 1|4I 8d. I 8d. 9d. ! 8d.J 9d| B 1/6 : 1/8 i 16 I 1" per oz. 4do 4d. per lb. 6d. 6d. 9d. 6d. PEAS, liolli 1 6 per piiil SCOTCH AND SEED BEANS, from 1/- per pint POTATOES. ALL THE LEAOINa VARIETIES AT MODERATE PRICES. See Catalogue. .\LL OTHKK SKKllS Eta ALLV CHE.\r .A\D GOOD. SWEET PEAS A SPECIALITY. LISTS THEIR UNIQUE Post Free on appMcation. ROBERT SYDENHAM LIMITED January 22, 1921. GARDEN. -^=^^^S^ WEBBS' GOLD MEDAL SWEET PEAS.— Awarded Silver Cup and Gold Medal for flne^t display in the show at the National Sweet Pea Society's and the Birmingham Horticultural Society's (combined) Show, 1920. Twelve named varieties for exhibition, 6/- ; smaller packet, 37-. Eighteen named Vurieties for exhibition, 10/-. Webbs* Selected Larpe- flowering, mixed, 8d. per packet ; Is. per oz. Post free. Webbs' garden catalogue post free. — WEBB &. Sons, Limited, The King's Seedsmen, Stoctrbridge. WATERERS' RHODODENDRONS, Azaleas, Rare Shrubs, Japanese Cherries, Maples, and Chinese subjects, — John Waterer, Soss & Crisp, Ltd., The Nurseries, Bagihot, Surrey. WATERERS' VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS. Scotch grown seed Potatoes. WATERERS' ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS, In the new and loading varieties of Delphiniums Phloxes, Irises. WATERERS' FRUIT TREES. — Magni- flcent stock of 250,000 trees. Prospective purchasers are invited to select personally at Twyford Nurseries. WATERERS' ROSES. — Superb Stock. ToHS "Waterer. Sons <& Crisp, Ltd., Twyford, Berks. GREENHOUSE PAINTING AND GLAZING — " VITEOLITE " superior to White Lead Paint, 233. per gall. Cans extra. " Plastine," supersedes Putty, 40s. per cwt. Kegs extra. — Full particulars from Walter Cakson ® m tV.: ~^:S'i Sccils for early Sowing under Glass. BEST TOMATOES (BIDES RECRUIT).— We have grown this alongside other varieties for market work, and consider it the heaviest bearer of all, ■while the quality is first rate. 6d. and 1 -per pkt. CARTERS SUNRISE, a fine variety carrying long regular bunches of medium-sized fruit, colour and flavour not sur- passed hy any variety. 3d. and Gd. per pkt. KONDINE RED. A fairly large tomato of good shape, colour and quality, and a tre- mendous cropper. Much grown in Guernsey. A M R .H .S . \Q\6 UP-TO-DA TE, a very heavy cropper, plant robust but short- jointed, good quality. 3d. and Gd. per pkt. ONION AILSA CRAIG.— For exhibition and general use. Per pkt ed.,peroz.3l-. CUCUMBERS. — Every Day, Lochie's Perfection, Selected Telegraph, Matchless, Sensa- tion. All 6d. and Ij- per pkt. Please send postage for amounts under 2/- Catalogue free on application. J. R. Pearson &Sons, Lowdham. Estab. 1782. Notts. 4VJp5 Notes From Maidstone. PEACH LEAF CURL. The fungus causing blister and curl of the leaves of the Peach, Nectarine and allied trees tvill be familiar to all gardeners. For this disease it is necessary to spray before the buds open, and the succ.ss of Medela as a specific for preventing attack has been its OTvn recommendation, and it is only necessary to remind those interested to obtain Medela NOW, before the opportunity for spraying has passed. Medela should be diluted I part to i6 parts soft water, and is obtainable only from us in i quart cam, 3/- ; i gallon, 4/6 ; i gallon, yl6 ; 2 gallons, 126 ; cans free. George Bunyard & Co., Ltd., The Royal Nurseries, Maidstone. RYDERS SWEET PEAS FOR EXHIBITION Ryders Catalogue for 1921 includes the largest and most complete list of varieties yet offered. They are true to name and type and are seeds that will grow. FOR THE GARDEN Besides the latest novelties and the best of the older sorts Ryders offer 24 varieties of Early-flowering Spencer Peas which come into flower before the others and are most decorative FOR CUT BLOOM The Catalogue also contains many interesting flower and vegetable seed novelties not sold elsewhere. Spores of a number of valuable Ferns. Seeds of rare Trees and Shrubs. CATALOGUE FREE If you have not received a copy of Ryders 1921 Catalogue send post card to-day to Ryders, Seed Dept. 11, St. Albans. (Ryder S Son 0920) Ltd.) c:Ml'H^^ ^t No. 2566.— Vol. LXXXV] NOTES OF THE WEEK [January 22, 1921. M [ ANY and varied are the articles appearing in this week's issue. The subjects range from the pruning of Apple trees to the planting of Clematises — from a northern grower's experience in Chrysan- themum growing to the raising of early vegetables — from the sun-loving Cistuses to plants that will thrive in a shady garden. It is our intention that every department of horticulture shall be repre- sented in The Garden. We take this opportunity of inviting readers to express their views on gardening matters and to send in questions upon which they wish advice from recognised authorities. Among the features of next week's issue will be special articles on Sweety Peas, " Cultivation of Irises in Pans, " "Beautiful Greenhouse Plants from Seed," " Annuals to Fill the Gaps," and the " Distances to Planf Out Annuals." Garden- ing, of all arts and hobbies, lends itself to mutual co- operation. We hope, there- fore, that readers will give enquirers the benefit of their knowledge and e x - perience. Luculia gratissima. — ^There is a fairly large specimen of this beauti- ful evergreen shrub from the Hima- layas now'fiowering in a bed in the conservatory at Kew. The flowers are rose coloured, and delightfully fragrant. This plant is adaptable for pot culture, but thrives best in a bed or border in the greenhouse. in a compost of loam, peat and sand. During the summer months it should be afforded plenty of water, but between December the time of pruning, and April, the season of starting, water should be withheld. Old plants may be pruned severely after flowering, as the new growths bear flowers at their extremities the following autumn. Propaga- tion is effected, though not without failures, by cuttings of the young shoots taken in midsummer, inserted under a bell glass and placed in bottom heat for a week or so, or by sowing im- ported seeds in soil on the sandy side and placing them in heat during spring or summer. A FRAGRANT A Useful Greenhouse Plant.— When half light prevails, as it often does during the dull days of winter, the orange-tinted flowers of Reinwardtia trigyna seem to stand out most conspicuously. 1 1 has long been known in gardens under the name of Linum trigynum. Another species, R. tetragyna, has primrose yellow flowers with yellow centre and four styles instead of three as in R. trigyna. Which is the most beautiful is a matter of opinion, but as they require little space and their cultural requirements are not at all exacting, a place should be found for both. Cuttings should be struck early in the year. Hamamelis mollis. — Visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, should make a point of seeing this shrub, which, at the present time, mid- January, is a mass of colour, every branch being laden with fragrant golden blossoms, the fragrance being noticeable from a considerable distance. There are plants near the main entrance, others near King William's Temple and others among the collection of Buxus near the back of the Temperate House. The last are the most attrac- tive of all, for the plants are very vigorous and last year's wood is laden with blossoms from end to end. This is by far the best of the Hamamelis and its value is fast becoraii>g appreciated, although for many years after its original introduction it was confined to a comer in the Coombe Wood Nursery and almost escaped notice. It is a native of Western China and there grows 30 feet high. It succeeds in good, well drained, loamy soU. The Alpine House at Kew. — This house has recently been opened to the public, and here are to be found some interesting plants now flowering in pots and pans. The rock garden is interesting at all seasons of the year, but at the pre- sent time, when there is a scarcity of bloom in this deparment, the Alpine House fiUs the somewhat vacant gap. Among the plants now in flower are Iris Danfordiap, whose bright golden yellow flowers spotted with brown are very attractive ; Iris histrioides, I. h. major ; Galanthus Elwesi, a charming Snowdrop ; Crocus I mperati, Ulac purple inside with three dark purple stripes on the outer segments, fragrant ; C. Sieberi, lilac and gold with bright yellow stamens ; C. Fleischer!, yellow and purple ; C. chrysanthus and its many varieties ; C. biflorus, the Scotch Crocus, and several varieties ; C. susianus, orange ; Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose, the beauty of whose flowers are much enhanced when given the protection of glass ; Adonis amu- rensis. Pheasant's Eye, flowers bright yellow ; Bulbocodium ver- num, rosy purple ; and the Winter Heliotrope Petasites fragrans, whos^ fragrant pale lilac flowers are exceedingly charming. GREENHOUSE SHRUB (LUCULIA GRATISSIMA). FORTHCOMING EVENTS. January 25. — Royal Horticul- tural Society's Fortnightly Meeting. January 26. — Irish Gardeners' Association Meeting. 40 THE GARDEN. [January 22, 1921. CORRESPONDENCE {The Editor is not responsible ^or the opinions expressed by correspondents!) HOME-MADE PLANT LABELS. r^UITE useful labels can be made by taking off a slice of tlie bark and wood with a knife from shoots of Hazel, Ash, Birch, Wych Elm, Larch and any such that grow in woods and hedgerows to the required size. These labels pre- sent quite a smooth surface, easy to write upon, and, even in the open, last quite a long time, as they are of the full thickness of the stake employed, less a shaving on one side to allow of easy pressure into the soil. — E. M. THE FRUITING OF AKEBIA QUINATA. T ENCLOSE a fruit of Akebia qui.iata, thinking a description of it may interest some of your readers wlio, like myself, have not seen or heard of its fruiting. The creeper is growing in a cool conservatory and the fruits hanging down from the roof give it a very ornamental appearance. The plant has been in its present position about ten years and this is the first time of its fruiting. It has flowered freely each year and the fragrance of its fleshy claret coloured flowers fills the house. Is the fruit edible ?■ — James Hopkins, The Gardens, High Cross, Framfield, Sks^cx. [Akebia qtiinata is a vigorous evergreen climber, a native of China, Japan and Corea. It appears to be perfectly hardy, at least on a wall in most parts of Britain, though stripped of its evergreen leaves during severe frosts. Plants are sometimes heard of fruiting outside in the South and \^'est, but as the flowers are produced in early spring they are often spoilt by frosts. It has distinct male and female blossoms, but both are produced on one raceme, the females much larger than the males. The fruits are thick, sausage shape, purplish in colour and about 3 inches long. The numerous seeds it contains debars, or at least detracts, from its value, if it has any, as an edible fruit.— Ed.] THE POHUTUKAWA OR CHRISTMAS BUSH OF NEW ZEALAND. T^HE exceedingly interesting and acceptable note which appeared in the Christmas Number of The Garden from " W, S. C." on the subject of the Australian Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum) has reminded me that the sister Dominion of New Zealand also has its Christ- mas Bush, an exceedingly beautiful sub- arboreal member of the extensive and various Metro- sideros or " Rata " family, though I cannot now remember the specific name of the tree. Possibly it is M. speciosa. The Maori name is Pohutukawa. Anyhow, it is an exceedingly beautiful thing, confined, I think, as a native plant to the North Island (though it survives a Southern winter) and, as far as I remember, to the more northern parts of the Nortli Island. It is abundant on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf, at the extremity of which Auckland is situated, and nowhere more plentiful and beautiful than in the little island of Kawan, at one time, during the recluse period of his life, the property and residence of Sir George Grey. The tree furnishes a tough timber and is rematkable for its habit of forming sharp-angled elbow joints, so that it used to be, in early Colonist days, much in request for the skeleton part of boat-building, and, consequently, considerable inroads were made upon the tree. In Sir George Grey's Island, however, tlie Pohutukawas were sacred. No one might touch them. Consequently the trees were larger and finer than those on the mainland opposite. This Rata is strictly littoral in its habitat, loving especially to anchor itself on a sea-blufi and to stretch its gnarled branches over the tidal rocks, so that in Kawan you may feast on rock-oysters in the shadow of the trees. The foliage of tlie New Zealand Christmas Bush, as I remember it, somewhat resembles that of the Olive, and its crimson Myrtle blooms are arranged in clusters of the bottle-brush order. If the tree of which I speak is Metrosideros speciosa (though I fear it is not), it is in cultivation in this country and is listed in the exceptionally fine shrub catalogue of V. N. Gauntlett and Co., Limited. — A. W. [The Maori name, " Pohutukawa," is applied to Metrosideros tomentosa, a stout, much-branched tree. 30 feet to .(o feet high, which, according to " The Flora of New Zealand," by Hooker, is common on rocky shores of the Northern Island. To the Colonists it is known as Fire Tree on account of the brilliancy of its flowers, but we do not remem- ber the name " Clu'istmas Bush " in connection with it. Several species of Metrosideros are known under the name Rata. The genus belongs to the Myrtle order, and. farther, the tree in question is under cultivation at Kew. being included in the list of Tender Dicotyledons. — Ed.1 T WAS so interested in the Australian Cliristmas Bush article, familiar as it is to me as long as I can remember. Christmas was never Christmas without it. and it is such a jolly bright mass of colour, sort of rosy cherry in a star-shaped pointed flower about as big as a sixpence, but growing thickly in masses and very decorative, with a long, thin pointed leaf. I loved it always. I wonder if it could not be grown at Kew ? — Lucy. (The Australian Christmas Bush, Ceratopetalum gummiferum, is grown at Kew. — -Ed.] STERNBERGIA LUTEA. T RATHER infer from Sir Herbert .Maxwell's note on page 2, issue January i, that he never has any flowers on his Sternbergias. I am surprised at this, as until this last autumn my bulbs have given me a fair sprinkling of bloom ever since they came from Colesboume, some four or five years ago. and I should have thought what was possible here in Maelor would have been possible at Monreith. Last autumn, how- ever, I had not a single flower, and, what to me was far more aggravating, I had ordy a very few indeed on my Nerines, which hitherto have given me any quantity of bloom, and whose cultivation I did think we had mastered. I am inclined to put down my blanlc autumn in both cases to the damp, sunless summer, which I presume interfered with the proper ripening of the bulbs. As I write I am on the tiptoe of expectation about my Freesias. Will they, too, follow suit ? What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander, and both Nerines and Freesias are Cape bulbs. I ought to say that the Sternbergias grow in a 4 foot border at the bottom of a south wall and among tlie roots of a Jefferson Plum. I think reports from other Nerine and Freesia growers would be of interest. — Joseph Jacob. TT is well that Sir Herbert Maxwell should have given a warning to those who attempt to grow the above-named plant that they may meet with disappointment (page 2). My grandfather flowered it well on a dry south border, and my father grew and flowered it every year for thirty years in a similar position about two miles distant. The clumps were never disturbed, and although a summer-house was erected which shaded one of them, the flowers were produced as freely as before. They grew in a light gritty soil such as is used for Carnations. During the last twenty- five years I have from time to time obtained the bulbs from various nurserymen, and have planted them under similar conditions and have never had even a solitary flower. I have come to the conflusion they have been collected from the wrong place at the wrong time. Mr. William Robinson wri.es in " The Eng.lisli Flower Garden " that " the bulbs must be large before they will flower freely, and imported bulbs are generally small." S. lutea is a native of Palestine, and grows in the valleys where the bulbs get a thorough baking. S. colchidflora, which was cultivated by Parkinson, .trows in dry and exposed positions in the Crimea and is far more likely to succeed here than a variety removed from a warmer climate. The type has sulphur flowers, but those of the varieties known as S. dalmatica and pulchella are rich yellow. Mr. Robinson also mentions a variety of S. lutea named angustifolia, which he describes as " X'ery free flowering." This very desirable variety may have been the one obtained and grown at Hoddesdon by my grandfather for so many years, but it has not been my good fortune to meet with it. The Sternbergias are so beautiful that I would suggest growing them in a deep pan in a sunny greenhouse where they could be left undisturbed. If the bulbs then developed the flowering habit, the pan could be sunk in a south border, and after they had in this way been acclimatised the clump might be carefully turned out. If some could be imported from Medoc when the bulbs were at rest and quickly planted again, they would, I think, be far more likely to succeed than any sent from the Far East. The bulbs appear to like being rather overcrowded, and should not be given a rich soil. I should be grateful to any reader who has bulbs which have flowered if he will kindly inform me where the bulbs were obtained. — H. H. Warner, Hoddesdon, Herts. APPLES. TN your issue of January 8. page 24. " H. C' has a note lieaded " Dessert Apples " ; but. as is well known, I am of the same mind as Mr. W. Robinson that if an Apple is not good to eat raw it is not good cooked. There is not a finer cooking Apple in existence than Blenheim Orange, and how good it is in its natural state ! As regards Ellison's Orange, which he thinks well of, I have not yet seen the fruit ; but I have grafted some trees with it which grow strongly enough so far. Of this Apple Mr. E. A. Bunyard says ; " Of fair flavour ... is of good flavour for a short period," which seems to me not exactly a high opinion of this variety, and hence growers would evidently do well to be cautious before planting to a great extent. What do other readers think of this Apple ? James Grieve is an Apple that I have praised on the strength of some extra well ripened specimens ; but I must confess that on the whole it is disappointing. In an extra warm year or locality it may develop its really fine quality, but on the average it is an inferior fruit and, as Mr. E. A. Bunyard points out in " A Handbook of Fruits," it is liable, at any rate in the south, to fall prematurely, as I know from experience to be the case. Gravenstein is an Apple that I think most highly of ; it beats most competitors in its pleasant texture and flavour, and it is a strong grower. I am not yet able to speak from experience of its cropping qualities, but if it bore even only a quarter crop it is indis- pensable to any lover of a really good Apple. The mention of Mr. Bunyard's useful little book reminds me that he distinctly proves that Blenheim Orange is not the same Apple as Wood- stock Pippin, or as Beauty of Hants, a point January 22, 1921.] THE GARDEN. 41 which I have always insisted on, though once or twice severely handled or " pendled," if I may coin a word, for doing so. Woodstock Pippin is not as good an Apple, but is worth having. People should be very careful to know all that can be said both for or against a fruit before planting it, and I think Mr. Bunyard is on the whole very reliable in his descriptions in this respect, though I hope tliat in future editions he may in some cases find room to amplify. It is to some e.\tent remarkable that, without any knowledge of what others had done in this respect, I have myself observed the distinguishing charac- teristics of the leaves of different varieties of Apples, such as I find given in iMr. Bunyard's book. The large Crabs which masquerade as cooking Apples are to me only of interest as freaks : an Apple that does not provide its own sugar is of poor value as food from a health point of view. I should like to warn people who love quality against growing that usually much praised fraud Ben's Red ; I find it worthless for quality. The Sops in Wine described by Mr. Bunyard is not the variety known as such in Cornwall. The Cornish Apple may be the real " Sops in Wine," as it corresponds in worth to an Apple fit to be specially mentioned by Shakespeare. It resembles St. Edmund's Russet, though I think St. Edmund's is the best of the two. I am surprised that St. Edmund's is not grown for market ; it is a good and regular bearer, of first-class quality, of good medium size and attractive appearance, and not subject to diseases and pests, so far as I have tested it. Rosemary Russet is fine for late use. People in the North of England think that the Coniish climate should produce finer fruit than in their vicinity ; but Cornwall is on the average cooler in summer, at any rate on the uplands and north coast, than the Midlands of England, and fruits ripen rather late where I live and not fully in some seasons of limited sunshine. " Light and invigorating " is the truest description of our atmospliere in the summer-time — very different to the Midlands.— W. J. Farmer, Redruth. SHORTAGE OF BERRIES ON HOLLY. " A COSTER " is wrong so far as this district is concerned (page 13), we had plenty of berries before the snowstorm last month, but before the snow had disappeared tlie birds had eaten all the berries. — G. C, Alverstoke, Hants. BOTANY FROM A CHAR-A-BANCS. TV/TY acquaintance with The Garden cannot be termed a long one, extending as it does, as yet, only for one year. If, however, I am not an old reader, I can claim at least to be an ardent and an interested one and look forward week by week to the arrival of my copy. Of the many interesting articles which have appeared from time to time none has given me more delight than the one, " Botany from a Char-4-bancs." I appreciate, as only a true Comishman can do. much of what " Somers " has vvritten, but I am bound to point out in justice to the flora of Cornwall a few errors respecting the sanie contained in that contribution. Having lived at Penzance for upwards of twenty years I think I can claim to have taken more " extensive plant-hunts on foot " than " Somers," and can assure him that within a distance of less than two miles east, west or north of Penzance I can locate many places where, in season, Primroses are as the stars in the heavens. And as for Wild Roses, what fairy poured a mystic juice on " Somers' " eyes to hide these from view ; or, perhaps, a surplus of Cornish cream and Black- berry jam somewhat blurred his vision. Did these " plant-hunts on foot " ever lead to Trevayler Bottoms, near Gulval, or to the lanes around Heamoor, Madron or Newlyn ? There is one lane that I have in mind particularly where I have seen gorgeous and profuse displays of the Dog Sweet Briar Rose. It is situated between Gwinear Road Station and the village of Camhell Green. Concerning the entire Ivy leaf, which bears flower and fruit, " Somers " states : " This latter phase of growth is not often seen in the Ivies of the Cornish Coast." The correctness of this remark lies to a great extent in the interpretation of the word " coast." If the " coast line " is meant I agree, but if roads traversed on a char-S- bancs ride are meant, tlien I cannot agree. Since reading this article I have cycled from here (near the Lizard) to Penzance, have ridden in one of these chars-4-bancs from Penzance to Gurwards Head and St. Ives, thence to Penzance again; have ridden a cycle from Penzance to Hayle and back to my starting point, and the instances where I noted this particular form of Ivy leaf were much too numerous to count. I can well imagine " Somers" not finding Wahlenbergia hederacea near the sea. On reference to my John's " Flowers of the Field " I find a note that I had picked this delightful but extremely dehcate plant at Boligey Moor, about six miles from Helston, ofl the road from course, small and out of character, so much so that I am uncertain as to the variety, but think it is Gesueriana lutea pallida. The bulbs were planted in 1919 and left undisturbed last summer. I see several other buds in various stages of develop- ment in this patch, and am quite at a loss to account for their precocity. Our summer was quite exceptionally sunless, cool and wet, so that the bulbs would not have been more than usually well ripened. October was the only mouth in which we enjoyed good weather above the average, but it is difficult to assign the cause to weather conditions of any kind, as the case seems isolated ; Daffodils, Snowdrops and other things being in no case more advanced than is usual at this date here. — Guy L. Wilson, Broughshane, County A nirim. TULIPA SAXATILIS. T) LADING about Tulipa saxatilis lately in The Garden, perhaps some of your readers would like to know how it does in this part of the world. A few years ago I imported half a dozen bulbs from Messrs. Barr and Sons. As soon as the bulbs got established they grew most vigorously. I am sending you a photograph A BED OF THE RARE TULIPA SAXATILIS. there to Falmouth, in July, 1914. Since then I have not seen it. — G. Matthews, Carrabone, Mawgan, Cornwall. A PRECOCIOUS TULIP. T HAVE been much interested by the recent notes from Mrs. Williams of Scorrier, Cornwall, and Mr. W. A. Watts of St. Asaph, North Wales, recording the extraordinarily precocious flowering of Narcissi ; indeed, when Mrs. Williams' note appeared I was so much astonished that I took the liberty of writing to her to ask what the variety was. She most kindly sent me a bunch of the flowers to see ; they proved to be a Tazetta variety with white perianth and orange yellow crown. I found a case of precociousness in our own garden here on December 31, which I think equally remarkable. In this instance it is a May- flowering Tulip ! Some time ago I had been much surprised to see a very advanced flower bud in a small patch at one end of a long bed of different varieties ; I thought it would succumb to the first sharp frost, but on the date stated, despite the fact that we had had several fairly keen frosts since I first noticed the bud, I found a yellow Tulip some 15 inches or so in height. The flower is, of of a bed of Tulipa saxatilis showing hundreds of flowers and buds ; many of the stems have several flowers, from three to five. It is the first Tulip to appear above the ground after the autumn rains in May. The foliage is quite distinct from any other Tulip, being of a bright green, shining and glossy ; the flowers are pink, with a yellow base and chocolate-coloured anthers and are greatly admired by everyone who sees them. It flowers about the end of September. The Tulips are grown in the full sunlight and are not lifted except to transplant. The soil in my garden is chocolate coloured, with uonstone gravel subsoil ; but the beds have been enriched and made lighter by the addition of cow manure, path scrapings and sand. Dry weather con- ditions appear to suit this plant, because the spring of 1919 was very dry, and this was followed by one of the severest droughts known in Australia. In this district, with the exception of about fifty points of rain on Easter Saturday, 1920, there was no rain to speak of from Christmas, 191 9, to May 10, 1920, when the drought broke; yet 1 have never seen Tulipa saxatilis flower so profusely as it did this spring. — F. FoY, Laiicefield, Victoria, Australia. 42 THE GARDEN. [January 22, 1921. CLEMATISES tkat Other Plants of Some Hybrid Clematises THERE was an illustration in The Garden of January 8 of a natural hybrid between Clematis Vitalba and C. Davidiana. Is this plant in com- merce ? [Not so far as we know. — Ed.] It looks most attractive in the illustration. It is surprising how seldom one sees Lemoine's beautiful hybrids of C. Davidiana. Some of them are most valuable in the border or in association with shrubs, having at once rare and subtle colour and delightful scent. The newest sorts, Campanile and Oiseau bleu, which are derived from C. stans. do not seem to me to be as good as some of the older sorts, such as Cj^ris ; during the three or four seasons in which I have grown them they have never made anything like such a fine effect as one had e.xpected from an illustration in Lemoine's catalogue. Perhaps the plants want a rather different treatment from what I have given them ; they are evidently semi- scandent in habit. CjTpris, on the other hand, is sufficiently erect to need little or no staking. The flowers are mucli more beautiful in shape and have a smell something like that of Cowslips. The silvered blue of the flower clusters is too subtle a colour for association witli violent yellow, such as that of the Helianthuses, but with the pale, clean yellow of a good hybrid of Gladiolus primulinus it is very happy. (Other plants belonging to the same colour sequence are Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles, skoulJ te MORE FREELY PLANTED the same Colour Sequence and Two Clematises that Flower in Winter Clematises Pcrle d'azur and Lady Northcliffe, and the magnificent aconite which I have had from Messrs. Smith, of Newry, under the name of volubile — a perfectly erect sort, flowering in July and August and running up to 9 feet. This is a more beautiful plant than Aconitum Wilsonii ; you will not find a more perfect harmony of related colours in all your garden than that provided by this plant towering up through the Ceanothus and festooned with Clematis Perle d'azur.) But to return to Clematis Cj-pris and its fellows. Would some readers who have grown all the other sorts — such as Adonis — give us their experience of them. I have only tried four or five, besides those named. I see tliat Vilmoriu's new list includes Clematis Spooneri rosea, a plant which I have been looking forward to getting ever since seeing it in flower at Verrifercs in May, 1919. C. Spooneri itself is a lovely thing — more substantial and regular in form than C. montana. C. Spooneri rosea is the hybrid which M. Mottet has raised between this and C. montana rubens and, to judge by what I saw of it, is the finest in flower of any of the pink forms of montana. After seeing C. montana rubens and Lemoine's hybrid, lilacina, this newcomer seemed notably more perfect in form, with its four large, rounded petals. But indeed, C. montana rubens is a plant which can never be " superseded " ; with its purpled leaves it is alwaj-s beautiful, whether on old brick, or grey stone, or dark evergreens, or trailing over a bush of Weigela rosea (or ? Weigela rosea fol. purpureis). I see that Vilmorin's are also offering a new, large- flowered form of Clematis Armandi, which ought to be a valuable plant ; it is said to be very free- flowering, which win be advantage. (Am I right in thinking that the type is shy in flowering ? Or is it merely that it has to be establislied for rather a long time ?) W. E. Arnold-Forster. Winter- Flowering Clematises Plants which naturally flower in mid-winter are not too numerous even in gardens in Southern England, so it is surprising to find the two winter- blooming species of Clematis so little planted. They are by no means new introductions, for Clematis cirrhosa was first imported from Spain late in the sixteenth century, and C. calycina arrived in 1783 from Corsica. Although neither species is at all a showy plant compared with the summer-flowering Clematises, both have dainty beU-shaped flowers and very handsome evergreen glossy foliage. The two species have been much confused in gardens where they not infrequently appear labelled " C. balearica." In reality they are quite distinct and cannot be confused once they have been seen growing together. C. cirrhosa is a rampant climber in mild districts, though in cold situations it apparently does not make much headway ; the glossy leaves vary much in shape according to the age of the shoot, but are usually broadly lobed and coarsely toothed. The flowers, which droop from the axils of the leaves, are cream colour or greenish white, and are CLEMATIS MRS. CHOLMONDELEY AND LUPINUS POLYPHYLLUS. CLEMATIS REHDERIANA, WITH NODDING BELL-SHAPED FLOWERS January 22, 1921.] about the size of those of C. montana. They appear in small numbers during mild weather over a long period. C. calycina has been aptly named " Fern-leaved Clematis," the foUage being very finely divided and deeply lobed. It is not so vigorous nor so hardy as C. cirrhosa, but in warm gardens it will ramble over high walls and through tall shrubs. It is quite worth a place for its beautiful foUage alone, which turns bronzy purple in winter, and then forms a charming setting for the pendent greenish white flowers, daintily streaked and spotted inside with reddish purple markings. Neither species appears to be par- ticular as to soil, both thriving in a rich moist loam, though the addition of some lime rubble to soils deficient in lime will probably be appreciated. Like most species of Clematis they are readily propagated by cuttings of half-ripe wood if these are severed midway between the nodes, not immediately below the node as with most shrub cuttings. With the help of C. calycina and C. cirrhosa it should be possible to have Clematises in flower throughout the year. Norman G. Hadden. THE GARDEN. 43 PRUNING APPLE TREES And the Most Fruitful Varieties Pruning Apples. — Generally speaking, the shortening of the current season's growth by one-third or one-half of their length is sufficient, to an eye pointing outwards in the direction in which it is desired the new shoot shall go. While, at the same time, an experienced man may be trusted to thin out overcrowding wood in the centre of the free. Such sorts as Irish Peach and those which fruit on the ends of their growths should have this pruning mostly confined to the leading growths, which go to form the future build Clematis Rehderiana Of the late-flowering Clematis C. Rehderiana is one of the most desirable, with its nodding, bell-shaped, soft primrose yellow flowers, with the fragrance of the Cowslip, which are borne very freely from August to October, and on this account it is worthy of cultivation. It is a decidu- ous climber with large pinnate leaves and seven or nine coarsely-toothed leaflets. A nati\'e of Western China, it was first introduced into France under the name of C. Buch- aniana ; later it was identified with C. nutans. Both of these species are Himalayan and probably not in cultivation. It has also been confused with C. Veitchiana, but its leaflets are larger and not so numerous as the latter species, although its flowers are the same shape and colour, but rather larger. In the accompanying illustration Clematis Rehderiana is shown growing up the side of a house in the garden of Mr. Charles P. Musgrave, Hascombe Place, Godalming. F. G. Presto-v. Clematis Fargesii This Chinese Clematis belongs to the Vitalba group. A native of Western Szec- huan, the spray illustrated on the front cover ■was cut from a plant raised from seeds sent home fcy Mr. E. H. WUson, No. 4iL'iW. The flowering season extends from June to September. Produced usually in a one or two flowered axillary peduncle, the individual flowers are large, 2 mches to z| inches across, and a pure satiny white. C. Fargesii is of vigorous habit, promising to be a useful climber for arbours and verandas. Seeds ripen freely on the plants, while if these are not available cuttings and layering provide alternative methods of propagation. CLEM.MIS OVLiJ A GARDEN ARCH. of the tree. There is no doubt that more fruit is lost in amateurs' gardens through overpruning than through leaving the trees alone. A good plan to test this in cases of unproductive trees (if they cannot be root pruned), is to leave them nnpruned for a season and only thinning out by removing altogether the superfluous shoots which grow in clusters together (as the result of over pruning), and leaving the one leader to carry on in the direction in which the tree is desired to grow. The Most Productive Apples are, in kitchen varietic-s. Lane's Prince Albert, wliich I place first on the list because it scarcely ever fails to fruit. It keeps weU until Christmas or after if stored in a cool, not too dry a shed or cellar (one with an earth floor is best). The same remarks apply to Golden Spire and Stirling Castle. These varieties, not being vigorous in growth, should have the leading shoots pruned each year to induce more growth. Rev. W. Wilks, a large pre- cocious to fruit variety, which, although not a strong grower, is most productive. Then, too, Braraley's Seedling is an excaUent Apple because it may be allowed to run wild and unpruned after once the general build of the young tree has been secured. The above are all good Apples to keep excepting I Stirling Castle. For earlier culin- ary purposes Early Victoria, Lord Suffitld and Lord Grosvenor are reliable Apples of a soft Codlin nature, and EcklinviUe Seedling, Bismarck and The Queen fruitful mid-season Apples. The most regular cropping Apples for dessert purposes m the order of their ripening season are : Early. — Mr. Gladstone, Langley Pippin (excellent but little known). Beauty of Bath, Irish Peach (for gardens) and Worcester Pearmain. Mid-season. — James Grieve (not a vigorous grower so requires pruning), Chas. Ross, Cellini Pippin (poor quality). Herring's Pippin (a very healthy grower and fruitful .Apple of excellent flavour which should be in every collection), and .Allingtou Pippin (one of the most reliable). Then, too, although not so reliable, but because of its flavour and keeping qualities, Cox's Orange Pippin should be in every garden and, failing this, the old Blenheim Orange, because it makes a good tree if neglected and left unpruned. This, however, should not be one of the first choice for one's garden as it is somewhat slow in coming into growth. Bamack Beauty is a productive late variety, but not of high quality. Of course fruit trees are scarce this year, and many people are planting them. A popular fallacy is that trees must be planted before Christmas. The planting season extends imtil the end of February and even until March. Planters shoudd therefore have reasonable patience, and having made up their minds to plant, not expect to See the trees in their places the following week. Nurserymen have been booking orders since the spring and open the season with a lot of orders which cannot all be executed at once. Correctly speaking, the condition of the soil is of more importance than the inmiediate date at which trees are planted. Pears do well in many districts. Plums in most, and many an improductivc north wall might be made to produce excellent Morello Cherries. Bush Hill Park. Laurence J. Cook. 44 THE GARDEN. 'January 22, 1921. SOME SHADE-LOVING PLANTS A Shady Garden made Bright with Flowers THERE are many whose gardens call for some consideration in planting because of tiie fact that they are shaded either by trees or walls, and there are few places indeed where there is not some portion of the garden away from the beneficent rays of the sun. To the owners of Astrantias present themselves as attractive, tliough not showy flowers for our purpose. A. major and A. camiolica may be indicated as good and suitable. Aquilegias mostly do well, but the varieties of the common Columbine, A. vulgaris, are the best for what we require. Aconitums, or Monl